BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Practice Race Day Before Race Day

Hello Runner Friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about an upcoming event that you won't want to miss. Especially if you're planning on running the Bass Pro Marathon or Cohick Half Marathon in a few weeks. It's the Fleet Feet 20 Miler! Don't worry though, there's a 10 mile option for those running the half marathon.

And while the price of the run is only $10, the lessons you can learn by using this long run as a “dress rehearsal” for race day might just be priceless. 

The Long Run Dress Rehearsal: Practice Race Day Before Race Day

So, here's the deal... as race day gets closer for the Bass Pro Marathon and Cohick Half Marathon, one of the most important workouts on your training schedule is your longest training run. This run isn't just about covering miles, but is an opportunity to practice race day before race day. 

And especially if this is your first marathon or half marathon. Because, as someone who’s run countless marathons, there's a lot more to "practice" than simply running when it comes to making race day the best it can be. 

Don't Go It Alone

Long runs can be intimidating. That's one reason I encourage runners to complete their longest run with other runners whenever possible. Hence the reason the Fleet Feet run is such a great idea!

Running with others gives you accountability, encouragement, and someone to talk to when the miles get long. It can also teach you how to run around other people—something you'll definitely experience on race morning.

There's also something special about struggling through a long run together. Everyone will have good miles and difficult miles. You learn to encourage someone else when they're struggling, and you discover how much encouragement can help when you're the one having a tough day.

And did I mention that some of the pacers will be there? This is the time to ask questions as they are more than happy to help! After all, they take their job of getting you to the finish line very seriously. I know this because I'm one of the pacers (5:15 marathon)!!!

Moving on... 

Treat Your Long Run Like a Dress Rehearsal

One of the biggest pieces of advice I give runners is simple:

Nothing new on race day.

Your longest training run should be a dress rehearsal.

Wear the shoes you plan to race in. Wear the socks, shorts or tights, shirt, sports bra, hat, hydration belt, vest, or whatever else you expect to use.

This is when you discover that the socks you thought were comfortable cause a blister after mile 10. It's when you find out that your favorite shirt starts chafing after two hours or that your hydration belt bounces once it's fully loaded.

Those aren't failures. That's exactly what training is for.

Finding a problem during training gives you time to fix it before race morning. This is super important!

Practice Your Nutrition Too

Your stomach needs training just like your legs do.

If you plan to use gels, chews, sports drinks, electrolytes, or other fuel during the Bass Pro Marathon or Cohick Half Marathon, don't wait until race day to try them.

Use your long runs to determine what works, how much you need, and when you need it.

Practice drinking while you're running. Practice opening your fuel packages with sweaty hands. Pay attention to how your stomach responds. Learn how frequently you need calories and fluids.

For first-time marathoners and half marathoners, this can be one of the most overlooked parts of training. You can have perfectly trained legs, but if you don't have a fueling and hydration plan that your body tolerates, the later miles can become much harder than necessary.

Your long run is where you develop that plan.

Practice Your Race Morning

Go even further with your dress rehearsal.

Eat the breakfast you plan to eat on race morning. Get up around the time you'll need to get up. Drink what you expect to drink before the race. Wear your planned clothing and carry your planned gear.

Then run.

Afterward, take notes. What worked? What didn't? Were you hungry? Did you drink enough? Did anything rub? Were your shoes comfortable late in the run? Did your fueling sit well? Is there something you need to change?

Every answer makes you better prepared.

Build Confidence, Not Just Fitness

There is another huge benefit to completing that longest run: confidence.

If this is your first half marathon or marathon, there may still be a little voice asking, “Can I really do this?”  

Your longest training run helps answer that question.

When you finish it, you have proof that your training is working. You have practiced your gear, tested your nutrition, worked through tired legs, and learned that you can keep moving when the run gets difficult.

Make the Long Run Count

So when it's time for your longest run before the Bass Pro Marathon or Cohick Half Marathon, don't look at it as just another workout.

Gather some running friends. Put on your race-day gear. Pack your race-day nutrition. Practice your hydration. Test your breakfast. Run your planned pace.

Make mistakes now. Fix them now. Learn what works now.

Then, when you stand at the starting line, there will be fewer unknowns. You'll have already practiced the plan.

Race day shouldn't be the day you figure everything out. I can’t stress that enough!

Race day should be the day you put everything you've practiced into action.

And there you have it friends. Those are some solid reasons to show up at the start line of Saturday's Fleet Feet 20 mile/10 mile run. Not to mention that there will be food at the end! And runners love food almost as much as they love running, right? So, I hope to see you there! It's guaranteed fun for everyone!

Happy Running!

Let Jesus Set the Pace

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:11 NIV

In a story titled “Twin Cities Marathon pacers do the math, carry the flag and help runners reach their goals” posted yesterday, the writer said:

Thousands of runners hit the Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday chasing personal goals.

Some were trying for their fastest time. Others were running their first. And some were just trying to make it to the finish line.

But 30 runners winding the 26.2 miles from downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul weren’t focused on setting their own records. They were there to help other runners reach their own goals, volunteering as part runner, part coach and part human metronome.

They’re called pacers, and they carefully keep track of each mile, making sure they’re running an even split. As the name implies, they help runners keep pace…

Before pacers can convince anyone else to keep going, they have to make sure they're going the right speed themselves.

That means a lot of math and regularly checking their paceband — a printed wristband with the mile splits they need to hit — against their actual time. Some pacers even note on their paceband changes in elevation and bathroom locations, which can prove helpful for runners.

Erin Manthey, a math professor from Apple Valley, said like most pacers, she constantly compares her pace with mile markers and her watch. If she gets too far ahead or falls behind, she makes tiny adjustments during the following mile.

And, you know, in the same way experienced runners serve as pacers to help less experienced or new runners make it to the finish line, it's the job of every believer to live in such a way to be able to say, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” and, in doing so, serve as spiritual pacers.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

This was something Paul was confident in declaring because Paul had made it a daily practice to crucify his flesh and to "live by faith in the Son of God" whom, he was certain, loved him and gave himself for him.

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:25

Because of this, Paul knew that he wasn't the one setting the pace. Jesus was. And Paul wanted to be so "in step with the Spirit" that he considered himself dead to his own desires and living only to please the Father--something that included being a spiritual pacer intent on leading as many people as he could along the path to the final finish line…

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8

Helping them to run in such a way that they would receive "the crown of righteousness" which the Lord would give to Paul "on that day" he successfully completed his race. But not only to Paul, "but also to all who have longed for his glorious appearing.”

So, check your pace consistently and check it often to ensure that you're in step with the Spirit my friend. This will allow you to make immediate adjustments when needed so that you will not only stay on pace with Jesus, but will be able to say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” and lead others to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Bible that serves as our paceband. Help us to read it and to commit it to memory so we can check each of our steps against it and not only avoid going off course but helping others avoid it as well. Lord, help us to follow the example of Jesus (the ultimate Pacer) so close that we can say "Follow me as I follow Christ" and won't have to worry whether our example will disqualify those who look to us as pace setters. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Believers Should be Known for Giving Back

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 NIV 

In a Facebook post titled, "SLAM GIVES BACK" posted Saturday afternoon by the Fort Leonard Wood Sweat Like A Mother group, Tessa Phillips said this about the photos she shared:

Some of our SLAM mamas spent this beautiful morning volunteering at the 10K turnaround mark for the Froghill 10K & Half Marathon!

And let me tell you, this was SO amazing! Even our kiddos got involved, handing out water, Gatorade, and snacks to all the runners and walkers! 

What a beautiful morning, an amazing community, and such a great cause!
We are so glad SLAM FLW could be a part of today and give back alongside so many amazing people!

This is what community is all about! 

And the best part? The amazing moms from SLAM weren't the only individuals that stepped up to help make the 13th Annual Frog Hill Half Marathon/10k/5k  (a race I have the blessing of directing) a success. We had countless volunteers from various age groups and walks of life "give back" by working water stations, helping at the finish line, directing traffic, serving food, providing medical care, passing out medals, and a million other things that go into a two-day event that hosted more than 200 runners. 

Even with the help of the volunteers, though, the event could not have happened without the many sponsors who "gave back" by donating money, food, hotel rooms, resources, and their time as well to our race. To say I was overwhelmed by the kindness of so many community members would be an understatement. 

But, this is the deal. By and large, almost everyone who "gave back" in one way or another is a follower of Jesus Christ. Which should come as no surprise since believers have a lot to be thankful for!

We have so much to be thankful for, in fact, that Paul said, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

And you can be sure that this "therefore" is important. 

You see, Paul is connecting what he is about to tell us to do (offer our bodies as a living sacrifice) with everything he has just explained about what God has already done for us. And believe me, God has done a lot for us!

In Romans 1–11, Paul explains the gospel: we are sinners who cannot save ourselves, but God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to do for us what we could never do on our own. We are saved by grace through faith, not by being good enough or doing enough good works. 

So when Paul says, “Therefore… in view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,” he is essentially saying, Because of everything God has done for you, this is how you should respond… surrendering all you have in service back to Him. 

One of the ways we become a living sacrifice, then, is giving our time, our energy, and our supplies to serve others—remembering that we don’t serve to earn God’s love; we serve because of the love and mercy Jesus has already given us. And we serve to inspire others to seek the One who inspires our service. 

So, be known for "giving back" by looking for opportunities to serve Jesus by serving your community my friend. You'll not only bless others but you, yourself, will be blessed by doing so. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, in light of all that You have done for us, we are to offer up every part of ourselves--our time, our talents, and our treasures--in service to You by serving others. Compel us to look for ways to do this Lord that we might be known for giving back and, in this way, inspire the lost to seek You. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Don’t Lose the Love

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” Revelation 2:4-5 NKJV

In an article published by Runner's World Wednesday, runner Alex Predhome described explained the burnout many other runners experience and detailed how he got his “love of running” back.

After several years of heavy training and chasing ambitious times, I realized that I had lost touch with one of the most important ideas in running: Racing is a game, and running is supposed to be fun. I intuitively understood this as a kid, when I’d play tag, run after a ball, or race kids in school. I wasn’t overthinking it. I was just running and enjoying it.

A few years ago, my motivation was in the tank, and I wasn’t having fun. I was dealing with an odd case of sciatic nerve pain that derailed training. The discomfort caused me to miss workouts, and I was left in an injury purgatory, where I could run—but not really train—and eventually I had to pull out of the upcoming Boston Marathon.

After many doctor visits and strength sessions, the pain subsided. However, so did my enjoyment and fitness. I spent many runs worried about the pain returning and dwelling on lost time and opportunities. I kept thinking about why the pace data I saw on my watch felt so hard. Every run became confirmation that I wasn’t where I wanted to be instead of embracing where I was. I was miserable.

In time, I found a remedy in an unexpected place: a busy highway in Boston. 

And, you know, sadly, runners aren't the only people who gradually lose the love they once had for something. This was something the church at Ephesus had become known for, although they were doing a lot of things right. 

They worked hard, they persevered, and they stood for truth. Nevertheless, Jesus told them, “I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…”

They were still doing the work of God, but somewhere along the way, their relationship with God had lost its priority.

We can unintentionally do the same thing...

We get busy with work, family, ministry, responsibilities, running, and even serving God. Prayer then becomes shorter. Bible reading becomes something we need to “get done,” and worship becomes routine. 

Before long, we can be doing plenty for Jesus while spending very little time with Jesus. And before we know it, we’re miserable, and we may not even know why. 

But here's the thing, most of us don't intentionally walk away from our first love. We drift away slowly…one missed Bible study and one prayer at a time.

Thankfully though, Jesus gave us the remedy and the road back in Revelation 2:5:

Remember. Remember when your relationship with Christ was fresh and exciting. Remember what He has done for you and how much you once desired His presence.

Repent. Recognize what has taken His place and turn back toward Him.

Return. “Do the first works.” Pray. Read His Word. Worship. Spend time with Him—not because it is another item on your list, but because you love Him.

The lesson of Ephesus is simple: We mustn’t  confuse working for Jesus with walking with Jesus.

You see, sometimes we don't need another Bible study, another ministry activity, or another Christian obligation, we simply need to come back to Jesus and sit at His feet. We need to remember, repent, and return. 

So, ask yourself this today my friend, "Am I still pursuing Jesus with the same love and passion I once had, or have I allowed the busyness of life—even good things—to slowly take His place?" If something has taken His place, pursue Jesus with the reckless abandon you did the day He changed your life. And keep pursuing Him and putting Him first until the day He calls you home, tenaciously intent on keeping the love alive and growing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who never gives up on us. Lord, if we have lost some of the fervor and fire we once had for You, please convict our hearts of our drifting and spur them to remember how it felt when we first met You. Lord, help us then to repent of our backsliding, and to return to You with our whole hearts. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Stay on the Offensive

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.” Matthew 4:1-2 NKJV

In an astonishing story published by Canadian Running Magazine, it was reported that Ethiopian runner Tigst Assefa took the women’s title in 2:11:04 at the Berlin Marathon over the weekend. It’s said conditions were sunny with little wind, though it was still warm.

Assefa was aiming to beat Ruth Chepngetich’s 2:09:56 world record,..

Assefa had previously held the women’s world record after running 2:11:53 in Berlin in 2023, a time that remained the course record until Sunday. She was still running under world-record pace at 40 km, with an estimated finish time of 2:09:44. In the final two km, Assefa’s pace slowed and she began visibly limping. She ran that last stretch in 8:04, before crossing the line in 2:11:04.

Assefa’s time was 68 seconds outside Chepngetich’s world record, but 49 seconds faster than her previous best. It’s also the third-fastest women’s marathon ever, behind Chepngetich’s 2:09:56 and Ethiopian Fotyen Tesfay’s 2:10:51 from Barcelona earlier this year. Assefa now owns the third- and fourth-fastest marathon times in history. 

Post-race, Assefa skipped the podium ceremony and was flown to Munich for emergency assessment of a suspected Achilles tear, according to PuraVida Sports Africa. Her management team said she will undergo imaging to determine the extent of the injury.

And you know, in the same way this story highlights how quickly a person can go from a mountain top experience (where the conditions are sunny with a little wind) to the valley (where the conditions are less than desirable), the story of the temptation of Jesus confirms just how unexpectedly and rapidly our surrounding circumstances can change. 

In Matthew 3 we are given the story of Jesus’ being publicly baptized by John the Baptist and then being commended by the Father. Talk about a mountain top experience!

Immediately following this, though, circumstances changed and “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.”

“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written,‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Matthew 4:8-10

The devil then attempted to bait and beguile Jesus three different times as we see in the next chapter. But in response to each temptation, Jesus yielded the sword of the Spirit and declared, “It is written” and followed His statement with the exact Scripture that would tear down the individual lies and the overall deception of the enemy. 
In this way, Jesus rejected temptation and was victorious over the devil by using the only offensive weapon God has given each and every believer. 

So, if "staying on the offensive" means "remaining proactive, taking the initiative, and keeping constant forward pressure instead of waiting to react to challenges," let us vow to stay on the offensive by knowing God‘s word, being ready for the schemes of the devil at all times, and being especially vigilant after mountain top experiences. 

In this way, you and I will be protected from incoming attacks and be ready to confront opposition by following the example of Jesus, saying, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written..." 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

After all, the only way to win at spiritual warfare is to fight it with spiritual weapons--weapons that "are not carnal but mighty in God... "

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the devil is on the attack at all times, but is especially ready to pounce after a mountain top experience. Help us Lord to always be ready for these attacks by always being shod with the full armor of God and knowing the Truth. Help us to train like a good soldier who makes himself battle ready each and every day, no matter the conditions. Help us to be ready so that we will not be caught unaware. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Embrace the 15k Distance

Hello Runner Friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let’s get started by talking about how awesome the Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series is. They have had a lot of great races this year including last weekend‘s Fulbright 15k. 

If you’re like me and didn’t get to run the event here’s a little of what was said about it…

The BPFS recently debuted its highly anticipated, one-time Fulbright 15K on September 26, 2026, to celebrate the organization’s 20th anniversary milestone. This unique 9.3-mile distance is widely considered the ultimate sweet spot for every type of runner. 

Starting and finishing in the scenic Ritter Springs Park, the route treated participants to an immersive Ozark experience featuring towering limestone walls, bridges, and shallow water crossings along the Fulbright Trail. Runner reviews flooded social media platforms praising the impeccable race logistics, enthusiastic volunteer support, and the well-deserved Arris Pizza waiting at the finish line. Finisher remarks highlighted the dynamic terrain, with one runner noting, "The hills in the first and last mile will challenge you, but it’s just a great run!" while others raved that the gorgeous natural views and the diverse, multi-generational community of participants made the physical effort incredibly rewarding.

It’s no wonder then that the medals included the phrase, “The Future is Bright” because it is! After all, Marathon Weekend is almost here and that means the Dogwood Canyon trail runs are almost here too! The future is indeed bright!

But getting back to 15k’s. 

As a longtime runner and running coach, I’ve learned that runners have a funny way of looking at distances. A 5K sounds manageable. A 10K sounds like a challenge. A half marathon sounds serious. And then someone says 15K, and a newer runner might immediately think, Wait...how far is that again?

It’s 9.3 miles.

Before you decide that sounds like a long way, hear me out: a 15K might be one of the most approachable—and most fun—distance goals you can choose. That’s why so many runners stepped up to the start line at Fulbright! And why so many of them finished!

And with the Bass Pro Fitness Series and the Dogwood Canyon trail races coming up, it could be the perfect opportunity to stretch yourself just a little farther.

One of the things I love about the 15K distance is that you don't have to become a high-mileage runner to prepare for it.

If you can already complete a 5K, you have a starting point. If you're comfortable with a 10K, you're even closer than you think.

Training for a 15K can be as simple as gradually extending your weekly long run. You don't have to suddenly start running nine miles every weekend. Add distance a little at a time, stay consistent, and allow your body to adapt.

That might look something like:

3 miles → 4 miles → 5 miles → 6 miles → 7 miles → 8 miles

Suddenly, nine-ish miles doesn't seem nearly as intimidating. 

That's one of the greatest lessons running teaches us: we don't have to be ready for the finish line on the first day of training.

We just have to be ready for today's run.

For runners who have finished a few 5Ks or 10Ks and are wondering, What's next?, the 15K is a fantastic answer.

It's long enough that you get to experience some of the things that make distance running special. You'll learn about pacing, hydration, fueling, patience and what happens when your brain starts negotiating with your legs. But it doesn't require the same training commitment as a half marathon or marathon.

Think of the 15K as the friendly middle child of distance running. It says, “Come on. We're going farther than a 10K, but we're not doing anything crazy.”

Of course, runners have very different definitions of “crazy,” so I'll leave that there

If you've been participating in the Bass Pro Fitness Series and wondering whether you're ready to try something longer, the 15K may be exactly the challenge you're looking for!

And, although the Dogwood 15k is sold out (it goes fast!) for 2026, you can begin training for a 15k so you’ll be ready for next year. 

It's just a great distance for anyone looking for a challenge. 

And, here's something I want newer runners to understand: you don't have to run every step to be a runner or to complete a 15K.
A run/walk strategy can be an excellent way to tackle the distance.

Run four minutes, walk one.

Run three minutes, walk one.

Run 30 seconds, walk 30 seconds. 

Run from one landmark to another and then take a planned walking break.

The daily goal is forward progress. And the ultimate goal is completing a 15K. 

Think about lt this way… there’s something pretty cool about reaching the point in your running journey where you can casually say:

"Yeah, I ran nine miles this morning." And then go eat breakfast like that's a completely normal thing to do.

Training for a 15K gives you enough distance to feel a real sense of accomplishment without taking over your entire life. And it let's you know if you want to tackle an even longer distance, like the half marathon or marathon. 

And there you have it friends. If you’re looking to make your future bright, start by working your way up to being able to run 9.3 miles. It will not only give you a sense of great accomplishment, but will also make the 5K and 10K distances exponentially easier for you to cover.... something that's a win in more ways than one. 

Happy Running!

Be A Willing Witness

“And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Acts 1:8 NKJV

In an astonishing  story posted by Canadian Running yesterday, it was reported that New Zealand ultrarunner Shannon-Leigh Litt finished an ultramarathon every day for 1,000 straight days, completing the streak on Saturday in Whangārei, N.Z., to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR), after running at least 50 kilometres a day since Jan. 1, 2024. Wow, right?

As reported by RNZ, the 47-year-old criminal defence lawyer says she was originally inspired by Australia’s Erchana Murray-Bartlett, who ran a marathon a day for 150 days across Australia in 2022. Litt went through more than 90 pairs of shoes during her run, while navigating challenges such as flooding and extreme temperatures. She also dealt with illness several times, and had to fit the runs around her work.

Litt generally ran 51 km, rather than stopping at the required 50, giving herself a small buffer in case of discrepancies in the GPS measurement she would need to submit for record ratification. Over 1,000 days, that puts her total at more than 51,000 km.

The GWR mark Litt originally set out to break belonged to U.S. ultrarunner Candice Burt, who ran an ultra distance on 200 consecutive days between Nov. 5, 2022 and May 23, 2023 in Boulder, Colo., documenting her journey on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. GWR now lists Litt at 1,000 consecutive days, although its records can take time to be verified.

Simply recording the distance on Strava wasn’t enough. According to RNZ, Litt used two GPS watches, had two witnesses sign off on each run and recorded video at the beginning and end. She also took photos and additional video during the run. In an interview earlier in the streak, Litt said Guinness does not accept Strava files, so her GPS data had to be converted and uploaded separately.

Finding witnesses could be another challenge when she travelled. New Zealand Woman’s Weekly reported that Litt once approached 11 people in Europe before finding someone willing to witness her run.

And, you know, while it might be challenging to find people willing to serve as witnesses to our worldly pursuits, it should never be challenging to find believers who are willing to be witnesses to the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  

You see, when Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He was clear that the timing of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel belonged solely to the Father. Jesus then said, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

With these words, Jesus was giving His followers boldness and a blueprint for spreading the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of relying on their own strength, the disciples were called to be "witnesses"—simply sharing the reality of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection until the day of His return. 

This command served as a geographic and cultural road map that started locally in Jerusalem, expanded regionally into Judea, broke through bitter ethnic and social barriers in Samaria, and ultimately pushed outward to the ends of the earth. For believers today, it remains a timeless reminder that the mission of faith begins right where we are, but it never stops until it reaches everyone.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

So be a willing witness wherever God calls you to go my friend, knowing that you aren't doing it in your own power but by the power of Holy Spirit that indwells every believer. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are called to be witnesses at all times and in all places. Lord, help us to understand that sharing the Good News is a command and not a suggestion. In a world that's growing increasingly hostile to hearing the Gospel, help us to remember that we go and speak in the power of the Holy Spirit and not our own that we might be bold and courageous. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!