Pray for those who have wronged you

“If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.” Ephesians 4:28

Like most of my runner friends, I was deeply saddened by the news my friend, Eric, owner of the Springfield Fleet Feet running store, where many running events happen and the place runners go when they want that perfect pair of shoes, posted Saturday night. “We had a break-in at Fleet Feet at 11:20 pm tonight. The thief was a male with dark hair, maybe 5’7”-5’9” and 180-220lbs. He had a white box truck with a side opening door that he parked to conceal himself drilling out the door lock. He stole all of our Garmin and Coros watches. If you see any new Garmin and Coros watches advertised locally on FB marketplace, Craigslist, etc, please let me know. The police said FB Marketplace is the hot place for stolen items these days. Tip-offs may he surprisingly good pricing or more than one unit for sale at once. Thanks everyone.” Sadly the chances of Eric recovering any of these items is pretty slim. But there’s always hope right?

And you know, while it’s natural for you and me to feel anger towards the person that committed these crimes, we would do well to remember that we were once lost in our sin and in need of redirection too. Which should cause us to not only pray for this person to get caught but to pray that he would accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. You see, it’s never too late for a person to be saved and turn from their old ways. Can you just imagine if this person “quit stealing” and used his “hands for good hard work instead?” His life would not only be changed but so would the lives of those watching and witnessing the transformation that only Jesus can provide.

So remember to pray for all those who have wronged you my friend. After all, forgiving those the world deems unworthy of pardon has the power to inspire the lost to seek this Jesus who can cause us to love in such a sacrificial way.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to pray for those who have wronged us, something we can do only by the power of Jesus in us. Lord we pray that the person who robbed this store would come to know You, to repent of their sins, to become a new creation and to “then give generously to those in need” inspiring those around him to seek You too. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Allow the Spirit to guide you

"And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?'" Acts 8:29-30 ESV

“There I was in a new city looking for a running group having no luck. One random day a few weeks ago I went to Wal Mart to buy some things and I happened to park next to a van that had all the classic “I’m a runner” starter pack. You know the 26.2, 13.1 and other running stickers, and in the corner of the window was a sticker with FFG and a frog. I immediately knew that had to be a running group. So as I sat in the parking lot I googled it and bam! As if God guided me to the light I found my group. I requested to join online and the rest is history! I met a few people online and did my first run with the team today. I don’t understand everything God does for me or us in life, but I know he had me park next to that van for a reason, I know he gave me the courage to reach out to strangers and know God put them in my path and theirs in mine for a reason.” Do you just love this or what? Those were the words written by new friend, Nate Nolan, who allowed the Lord to guide him the to the right parking spot which put him in the right spot to enjoy a Saturday run with the group he had been looking for.

And you know, if there's one thing I've learned about being led by the Holy Spirit, it's this... The Spirit will always guide us to the exact place we need to be at the exact time we need to be there. That is, if we will listen and obey. Consider the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunich. Philip, who arrived in Gaza after being told to go there by an angel, heard the Spirit say, "Go over and join this chariot." His reaction? "Philip ran" to the place he was told to go and did the exact thing he was told to do. The result? The eunuch believed and was baptized. Is that a great story or what?

So knowing that the Holy Spirit is still guiding the steps of believers today, let us be ever conscious of that still small voice that says, "Go this way or that way" and follow it. We might just find a great running group or, even better, witness to a person in need of hearing the Good News.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we, as believers, are always to be ready to "go this way or that way" when the Spirit prompts us. Cause us to not only be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit but to be immediately obedient to the Spirit's instruction. Cause us to, like Peter, run to the place we are told to go and to do the exact thing we are told to do. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Discipline your body

“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

In an article posted by Runners World magazine last month, the following was reported: Alberto Salazar, the former coach of the Nike Oregon Project, has lost his appeal of a ban by the U.S. Center for SafeSport for sexual misconduct. He remains permanently ineligible to coach athletes across the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movement. Salazar did not return an email from Runner’s World seeking comment. A Nike spokesperson wrote in an email: “Alberto is no longer a contracted coach and we shuttered the Oregon project over 2 years ago. In August 2021, we changed the Alberto Salazar building name to Next% following SafeSport’s decision to permanently ban Alberto from coaching.” Pretty sad ending to his career isn’t it? Especially when you consider his potential. Until his anti-doping ban in 2019, Salazar coached several Olympic medalists and top runners, including Americans Galen Rupp and Matthew Centrowitz and Mo Farah of Great Britain. Under Salazar, American marathoner Jordan Hasay ran the 2017 Chicago Marathon in 2:20:57, at the time placing her second on the list of fastest American women marathoners.

And you know, when it comes to being banned from doing what you love, the apostle Paul said this, “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” Knowing the depravity of man and how easily a person could be lured to follow their fleshly desires (even the most upright of believers), Paul trained himself daily to follow God’s commands; something you can be sure took constant effort and the utmost attention. You see, Paul knew that he could easily fall into temptation and be banned from preaching the Gospel, the thing he loved to do the most, if he ever sinned in a way that would disqualify or make himself ineligible or unsuitable from holding the title of teacher.

So recognizing how easily we could all be enticed by sin, especially when we let our guards down, let us consistently train and discipline our minds and bodies to stand firm by staying rooted in the Word and keeping our eyes on Jesus. There’s absolutely no other way to avoid being disqualified.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us how quickly we can fall into temptation. Paul knew it as did Peter, a man who walked with Jesus. Cause us to always be on guard against sin that we might always remain qualified to preach the Good News and worthy of the title follower of Jesus Christ. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Wear the right gear

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 NASB

I had to laugh after posting a video on social media midway through my run early yesterday morning. “When you freeze, don't come looking to me for help... LOLOL” my dear friend Jim, the most fair-weathered runner I know, commented. And while the wind chill was in the single digits, I actually wasn't cold at all. And I certainly wasn't freezing because I had the right gear. But having the right gear to be able to withstand the bitter winds of winter required sacrifice on my part, the sacrifice of both my time and my money. You see, like most everyone I know, I have to work for a living. And while there are many things I could spend my hard-earned cash on, I know the importance of having the right armor to battle the elements. Without it, I certainly would not be able to venture out in frigid temperatures to be able to do what I love. That being said, I will say this... working to have the right gear and to then put it on is well with the time. 

And you know, the same is true about “the full armor of God.” It's absolutely crucial that we not only have it but that we put it on.... something that costs us our time. You see, you and I will never acquire this protective gear that enables us to “be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” unless we spend time in the Word. In fact the Bible is the “belt of truth” and the foundation on which all of the other pieces of the armor hinge. Which is the very reason we must study and meditate on it daily if we are to be fully protected. And if you don’t think it’s necessary to put on the armor every day, think again. The devil never takes a day, hour, or even one minute off. 

So knowing that people make time for the things that are important to them, let us make time to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ my friend. This will ensure that we aren’t left “in the cold” without the proper gear. It’s that important. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us everything we need to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Give us the passion and discipline Lord to make reading and studying the Word a part of our daily routine that we might always be dressed in the full armor of God. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Have no fear

 

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Happy New Year! Now let's get started by talking about something that can completely zap a person's motivation and keep them from being the best runner they can be.... FEAR. But first, let's look at the definition of fear which, as defined by Cambridge Dictionary, is an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful, or bad that is happening or might happen. Did you get that MIGHT happen part? That's the part that keeps runners from getting out the door and stepping up to the start line. 

So let's look at the top five things that runners are afraid of and ways they can overcome those fears.... 

1. Ridicule or Rejection. This is probably one of the top fears runners have, especially those who are just starting off. But this is what every newbie needs to know... every runner was that newbie at one time and started off at mile one. Every runner knows the feeling of doubt, pain and "I can't do this!" Every runner appreciates movement no matter who fast or slow that movement is. Runners love their sport and want other people to love it too. Runners respect the person who overcomes this fear and laces up their shoes. There is no reason to fear ridicule or rejection because runners are family who genuinely enjoy helping other runners reach their goals. Runners are full of encouragement and advice. There is absolutely NO reason to fear ridicule or rejection especially when you find a group of runners to join.

2. Failure. Now this one has kept so many runners from stepping out. And if failure is defined as a lack of success, the only thing that can cause you to fail is to stay in one place. You see, as I said before, movement of any kind is celebrated. And when you are moving forward in any way, you are achieving bits of success that add up. And if you're afraid of a DNF (Did Not Finish), don't be. A DNF means you stepped up to the start line. A DNF means you tried! What you should fear more than anything is a DNT (Did Not Try) which is a truer definition of failure than lack of success in my opinion. As one of my running friends who is training for the same 100 mile race that ended in a DNF before said, "My results don’t dictate who I am. My efforts do! So with all that being said, I have zero intentions of not succeeding but I will be 100% prepared for the opportunity when they say go." Do you understand that fully? As someone who has also has had a few DNF's (that's me) will tell you, lack of success in reaching the finish line is not the ultimate failure, giving up in that pursuit is. Never be afraid to try, or to try again, and again, and again, and again!

3. Running alone or in the dark. This is definitely a legitimate fear for many runners these days, especially as reports of unprovoked attacks have escalated in the last decade. And not just attacks from people but from animals as well. Many years ago I was cornered by two aggressive dogs while running alone on one of the country roads in my small town. It was only by God's grace that I managed to get away but I had panic attacks for more than a year before taking my life back by purchasing some protection. I now carry a weapon that I'm fully trained to use and licensed to carry; something that allows me to run at night and alone with no fear. This is a great option as is finding a group to run with. On days when the group can't meet, you might consider hopping on the treadmill or bringing along some type of protection. Whatever you need to do for peace of mind, do it. Don't let anything keep you from going after your goals. 

4. Injury. This too is also a very legitimate fear for many people, especially if you've been injured in the past. Which is the very reason you should have a plan in place to avoid these afflictions that sideline us. And while you can't totally prevent becoming injured, you can drastically reduce your chances by following the 10-Percent Rule of Running and practicing the 10 Laws of Injury Prevention. 

5. Trying new things. So I have a friend (not naming names) who has been running for more than three decades. The problem is that he's still running in some of the bulky cotton clothing that he started off with. This is a runner who's afraid to try new things and so missing out on running with fewer layers and being more comfortable all around. The point is this... don't be afraid to try new things! Try new routes, try new clothing, try new electronic devices, and new training plans. And most of all, try new distances! Don't let fear of the "new" keep you trapped in the "old." A new year is a great time to try new things! And there are so many benefits from doing so. 

So there you have it friends. Do you see how much fear of what might happen can keep you from making things happen? So make this year the year you say "not this time" to your fears. Do what you need to do to make your goals a reality and you'll soon define yourself as a courageous runner who is trying new things and loving it! 

Happy Running!!!

Celebrate the good stuff

"The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" Proverbs 20:24 NLT

"You did a lot of running this year. What did you check off your 2021 bucket list?" That was the question posed by Runner's World magazine in an article posted on the last day of 2021. The writer went on to say.... There’s no way to sugarcoat it. From quarantine and vaccines to race cancellations and postponements, 2021 was a hard year. But through all the hardships, we still managed to get our miles in. Instead of focusing on the negatives, let’s look back on the good stuff that happened this year. Maybe you joined a new running group. Did you find a new pair of running shoes that you just love? Or perhaps you were lucky enough to race a World Marathon Major this fall. Regardless of how big or small the accomplishment, it’s worth celebrating. I couldn't agree more with celebrating both big and small accomplishments. After all, the "good stuff" that happened in 2021 is worth celebrating right? But what about celebrating things that might not be considered "good stuff." Things like the DNF (Did Not Finish) I added to my belt in April while attempting my fourth 100-mile run?  Ironically though, this spring DNF caused me to appreciate crossing the finish line of the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd in October more than I would have otherwise. I counted both of these events as "good stuff" and celebrated them equally because they reminded me of three things... God is good. God directs my steps. And because God directs my steps, there's no need to "understand everything along the way." 

And you know, when it comes to understanding the things that happen in our lives, Solomon posed the question, "The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" Even Solomon, known as the wisest man to have ever lived, acknowledged that he, like you and me, didn’t always understand God’s ways. But Solomon conceded that he didn’t have to “understand everything along the way" and neither do we if we, like Solomon, recognize that the Lord guides our steps according to His infinite will and unfathomable wisdom. Which means we can trust His plan and walk in the way He leads without fear, anxiety, doubt, or trepidation. 

So as you look back on 2021 my friend, I hope that you, like me, will see how much better the Lord guided your steps along paths you never would have taken yourself; paths that caused you to grow closer to Him or to bring Him greater glory. And I hope you can smile as you realize that the things you may not have understood along the way turned out to be “good stuff” worth celebrating. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who can always be trusted. When we don’t understand the paths our lives have taken Lord, help us to trust that You are leading us to something better than what we had planned. Help us to trust You along our journey. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The most Wonderful Counselor

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 BSB

Like most runners in Missouri, I was NOT ready for the bitter cold that swept in over the weekend. After having run for nearly two weeks in spring-like weather, the burst of winter air that I battled on my run yesterday morning was not for the faint of heart. "I really miss those warmer temperatures," I thought to myself as I pulled my hat down tighter over my ears and smiled. While the thermometer read 12 when I set out on my eight-mile loop before church, I knew that the "feel like" temperature was closer to 0. The frigid conditions didn't stop me from posting a video (which required me to take off my mittens and pull down my facemask) of how beautiful the morning was though. Which prompted Ed, one of my dearest running buddies, to make this comment," I think you need therapy." "That is so funny!" I said out loud as I laughed and shook my head. And if therapy can be defined as a form of treatment aimed at relieving mental health problems (which lead to running in freezing temps), Ed was spot on.

And you know, if we're honest, each and every one of us would admit that having a therapist to help us work through some of our mental or emotional distress would be a great thing. After all, life is full of ups and downs right? Thankfully though there is a "Wonderful Counselor" that you and I can and should turn to with all life's questions. And that Counselor's name is Jesus; the most "Wonderful" therapist we could ever consult because His knowledge is not only incomprehensible, which makes Him qualified in ways no human counselor could ever be, but in Christ is “hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," including the knowledge of all human nature. And you can be sure that since Jesus always knows what we’re going through, He always knows the right course of action.

So if you're like me and in need of a therapist today, look to Jesus my friend. Through prayer, Bible study and meditation, this "Wonderful Counselor" who we call Jesus Christ has all the advice and answers you and I will ever need. Is that amazing or what? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that your wisdom is greater than the wisdom of any person. Help us to continually look to You for the guidance, answers, and advice we need to be spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy. Lord, all that we need is found in You. Cause us to truly understand that. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!