Only what we do for the Lord will last

"Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27 CSB

If you're like a small minority of Americans, you’ll be watching the Olympic marathon trials taking place this weekend in Atlanta where nearly 700 runners will be competing for a place on the team. Kellyn Taylor, 33, who is said to be a top-contender for one of those spots, will be one of those runners. But Taylor is a runner to be admired for more than just her speed. You see, over the last year she and her husband, Bruce, have opened up their home to seven foster children (including a toddler and a new-born), something her coach, Ben Rosario, says he finds hard to comprehend due to Kellyn's grueling and time-consuming training schedule and need for sleep. “Some of the decisions she’s made over the years, in regards to her decision to begin fostering, I find it very difficult to understand... It’s frustrating as a coach at times to have someone with her level of talent and ability that chooses to make life harder on herself outside of running,” he continued. Most runners, he points out, are looking for ways to make life easier on themselves outside of running.

And you know, while it may be hard for Kellyn's coach and others to understand why she and her husband would commit to being foster parents at a time when the world says they should be concentrating solely on Kellyn's success, her husband said, “Kellyn has always had the mindset that there’s way more to life than running." And it's this "unstained" mindset that puts others first rather than self that allows them both to see that looking "after orphans... in their time of distress" is way more important, lasting, and life-changing than anything Kellyn could ever accomplish or win.

So in our pursuit of success, let us remember that the things we acquire or accomplish for ourselves today--the medals, a few moments of fame, or our name in a record book--will soon fade away and be forgotten. But those things we have done for the Lord like caring for "orphans and widows" will last for eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that this world will never support or understand our decision to put Your will above our own. Knowing that Lord, give us the wisdom to recognize our calling and the strength to carry it out. In all these things, let us lead others to the foot of the Cross as they see our love for You displayed through our love for others. May we live our lives all for you. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

All for You - MIKESCHAIR

Be a friend to all

“I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts.“ Psalm 119:63 BSB 

Inc. Magazine recently published an article titled "Want to Be Healthy? Make Sure to Do These 7 Things (Most People Don't)". They went on to say that, whether or not you eat right and work out, these important habits will make you healthier. Some of the many obvious habits listed? Getting enough quality sleep, reducing stress and regularly taking time off from work to recharge your mind. Coming in at number six though was a 'thing' most of us wouldn't think of... regularly enjoying the companionship of others because being lonely, they said, is bad. Not only will loneliness harm your health by lessening your happiness, it's bad for you in itself. Surprisingly bad: Research shows that loneliness is as bad for you as smoking. So it's pretty clear that making sure you regularly spend time with your friends, family, and/or significant other should be part of your health maintenance routine.

And you know, when it comes to having a companion, or a person to spend your time with, you and I would do well to follow the example of David who was known for being a man who made companions with "all" who feared the Lord and who kept His precepts. In fact, although David was a wealthy and well-known king, he regularly associated with fellow believers of all walks of life--the rich, the poor, the famous and the obscure--knowing that the most important thing to look for in a friend was not their title or status but a shared love of the Lord.  

So if you are a person with many companions that share your love for Jesus, count your blessings my friend. They will serve to make you a wiser and happier person. But if you aren't, won't you prayerfully seek some out today? Having a few godly friends can truly make all the difference in the world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making us people who not only need You but need one another. Inspire us to seek out friends based solely on their shared love for You that we might be a friend to all. And help us to be that friend who makes the lives of everyone we associate with better. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Friendship Medley - Anthem Lights

Our lies always hurt others

"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV

On February 16, 'Joe Morales' won the 2020 Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon with a time of three hours. But it was soon discovered that 'Joe Morales' was actually 'Ken' who made up the name upon being interviewed following his first place finish. Ken later posted the following on his Facebook page, "Ran my first marathon, and ended up getting 1st place the day after my 32nd birthday…..the bib is in another name since I didn’t register. I may or may not get in trouble for this idk." Ken later said that the registered owner of the bib who was not even named ‘Joe’ couldn’t run the race and that he couldn’t pay for it, so the person registered just gave it to him. "I DIDN’T KNOW HOW SERIOUS THIS WOULD GET…SORRY IF I MADE A MESS OF THIS."

And you now, there's a reason the Lord hates, among other things, "a lying tongue”. It's because deceit always hurts someone else. I mean, consider the second place finisher who rightfully should have broken the tape and gone on to celebrate the win to the cheers of the audience but couldn’t. Consider the reputation of racing that has yet another tarnish mark on it. And consider everyone else involved that had to make adjustments to timing and correct age group awards. Face it. The Lord absolutely detests lying because it is so hurtful to so many. 

And you know, even though the Lord absolutely hates deceit, there is still hope for deceivers - and every other sinner for that matter if they will simply turn to the Lord, confess their sins and ask for forgiveness. They may have to suffer the consequences the world imposes, as Ken and the person who gave their bib to him will (both were issued a permanent ban from ever entering the race), but they can be free from the consequence of death that sin brings. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that deceit is such a harmful action. Help us to remember that when we lie, we not only can tarnish our own reputation but Yours as well. Help us to be honest at all times Lord. And thank You for the mercy and forgiveness You extend when we inevitably mess up.  It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

His mercy is more - Matt Papa

Grit is crucial to our success

"For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matthew 7:14 ESV

"Carrying a charged cell phone and displaying incredible grit and determination to self-rescue likely prevented more serious injury in this case," Jefferson County Search and Rescue said regarding the timely rescue of Joseph Oldendorf who detached his tibia while out running on the Duckabush River Trail in Olympic National Park in Washington on Friday. After suffering the injury around 5 p.m., Oldendorf said he tried lying down to wait but he was too cold and believed that if he didn't keep moving he could die. So he made the choice to crawl several miles on his hands and knees to find help. Thankfully at 12:45 a.m. on Saturday he reached a point where his phone had signal and he was able to dial 911 and be rescued.

And you know, by definition, grit is unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger and the ability and resolve to press on in a task despite any obstacles. Grit is also about perseverance and continuing to stick with something even after experiencing difficulty or failure - staying the course day after day, month after month, and year after year. And grit, you can be sure, is not a character trait we are born with but a trait forged in the fires of adversity and absolutely crucial to the success of our christian walk. Why? Because, as the Bible assures us, "the way is hard that leads to life." So hard, in fact, that it will take tremendous grit to follow it.

So let us firmly determine within ourselves today that we will pursue Jesus at all costs - refusing to back down in the face of difficulty, cower in the midst of fear, or waver when confronted with opposition. And let us show 'incredible grit' in our pursuit to the finish line, remembering that the christian race is a marathon and not a sprint.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that navigating the road to eternal life will not be easy. The way is hard. The gate is narrow. And only those who have the grit to continue on in the face of every trial and test will navigate it and pass through it. Give us the strength to never give up Lord. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Run the Race - The faith that endures

Take a stand

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

On February 23, THE GARDNER NEWS posted a story titled, "Runner suing to stop transgender competitors wins on track." They went on to report that Chelsea Mitchell, one of three high school track athletes who filed a federal lawsuit to block a state policy that allows transgender athletes to compete in girls sports, narrowly beat Terry Miller, a male competing as female and undergoing hormone therapy, in the 55-meter dash Saturday at the Connecticut State Open indoor track meet. Mitchell also beat Miller last week in the State Class S championship race. Connecticut, the state in which Mitchell lives, is one of 17 states that allowed transgender high school athletes to compete without restrictions in 2019. Wow! This girl is a winner in more ways than one!

And you know, although Mitchell and her two companions, Alanna Smith and Selina Soule, are young, I love that they are not intimidated to stand up to injustice and fight for what they know to be right - something most adults aren't willing to do anymore in fear of upsetting someone or being seen as intolerant. But setting an example for other "believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" is something every believer, both young and old, should be striving to do. In fact, it's what we should be known for. 

So let me ask you this my friend. Are you setting a godly example for others to follow? Are you standing up for what you know to be right in the midst of opposition or contrary thinking? I sure hope so, because you and I will never change the world by staying silent and doing nothing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for bold believers who will take a stand for what they know is right. Instill within us Lord a resolve to boldly follow You, to speak the truth and to fight for the principles laid out in your Word, unwilling to compromise or be silent. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Stand up - Worship Central

He is with us

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

On January 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency concerning the coronavirus, which was first identified in Wuhan, China. And with the outbreak showing no signs of being even remotely under control, the organizers of the Tokyo Marathon made the decision to limit the amount of participants for the Tokyo Marathon, issuing the following statement Monday, "We have been preparing for the Tokyo Marathon 2020 (Sunday, March 1) while implementing preventive safety measures, however, now that case of COVID-19 has been confirmed within Tokyo, we cannot continue to launch the event within the scale we originally anticipated and we regret to inform you the following: The Tokyo Marathon 2020 will be held only for marathon elites, and wheelchair elites."

And you know, the coronavirus is just another one of those things you and I can add to the growing list of things that are completely out of our control. Things like the weather and the increase in natural disasters, the unrest in our country and in our world, death, disease, and the threat of terrorism. In fact, with so many crazy things happening around us today, most of us would admit to experiencing some type of fear - fear for our children’s future, fear for our families, fear for our financial future, and even fear for our own safety. Thankfully though, when we feel like this world is out of control, we can take heart remembering that "God is living among" us. Which means our mighty Savior is still in control and "with His love" will "calm all" our fears. Did you catch that ALL part?

So as you look at the world around you, remember this my friend... we can’t control any of it. But what you and I can control is whether we keep our eyes on the Lord and feel His peace or keep our eyes on the world and feel disappointment, despair and dread.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are, always have been and always will be in control of this world and of our lives. When we let fear and doubt creep in Lord, cause us to remember that You love us and are walking among us. It’s in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

He is with us - Love & the outcome

Be thankful for discipline

"Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked." Psalm 94:12-13

When one of the participants in the couch to 5k program I'm blessed to teach posted "Got my 26 Intervals in outside!! I even had some slopes or what I would call HILLS when running up them!", I had to gently remind her that her workouts were to be on nonconsecutive days. "Yesterday should have been a rest day" I wrote. "I love your enthusiasm but want to keep you free from injury. Adding too much mileage too quickly can sideline a runner and we don’t want that!!" Thankfully though, she understood I was teaching her to train properly because I cared for her and so said, "Thank you for keeping an eye on me!" 

And you know, when it comes to being trained to avoid doing things that might hurt us, the psalmist was grateful for God's intervention saying, "Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble..." You see, left without Parental supervision, you and I will inevitably stray from God's path and find ‘trouble.’ Which is exactly why the Lord, who cares for us beyond our comprehension, will use discipline to steer us back to the right course and train us to stay there. 

So when you are disciplined, be thankful my friend. Don't fight it and don't resist it. Welcome it and be grateful for it knowing the Lord cares too much for you to leave you as you are. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for always keeping Your eye on us and for disciplining us when we go astray. Help us to graciously accept the correction You give knowing it's done out of love, to keep us safe, and to make us more like You. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

O Sacred King - Matt Redman