Make the Choice to Belong

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:” John 1:12 NKJV

In a story titled “Nike Removes Controversial Sign in Boston That Read, ‘Runners Welcome. Walkers Tolerated’” published last week, it was reported that after online backlash, the brand took down the sign on Newbury Street that was put up ahead of the Boston Marathon.

The sign, which has since been taken down, was up at Nike’s Newbury Street location ahead of Boston Marathon weekend, and it’s been criticized online for being exclusionary.

On Friday, Nike released a statement about the sign: “We want more people to feel welcome in running—no matter their pace, experience, or the distance. During race week in Boston, we put up a series of signs to encourage runners. One of them missed the mark. We took it down, and we’ll use this moment to do better and continue showing up for all runners…”

As expected, the internet reacted to Nike’s ad verbiage accordingly. One guy made his own poster that said: “No matter the speed, forward is a pace,” noting they’re immensely proud of their very own 6-hour finish time and of having raised more than $21,000 for Dana-Farber.

So many people seem to forget that when they talk about Boston’s exclusivity. Some runners are there to race. Some runners are there to finish. Some runners are there to raise life-changing money. All of them belong on the course.

And, you know, when it comes to belonging, there’s no greater thing that a person could ever belong to than the family of God—an exclusive benefit bestowed on all be those who make the choice to receive Him and believe in His name.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

“For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’” Romans 10:13

But, unlike the Boston Marathon that has more than one way to gain entry onto the course (running a qualifying time, running for an official charity, using an international tour operator, or through specific, limited partnership programs), the Bible is clear that there is ONLY ONE way to the Father and that’s through faith in Jesus Christ. This is an offer that, you can be sure, is open to everyone regardless of their pace.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,not of works, lest anyone should boast.'" Ephesians 2:8-9

This means there’s absolutely nothing that a person can do to qualify for entry into heaven outside of accepting Jesus as their savior. You see, salvation is a gift of God. There’s no work we could ever do to earn it, no work we could ever do to repay it, and no work we could ever do to make us worthy of receiving it. Hence the reason we can never boast in anything we have done but only in what Christ has done for us.

Is that amazing or what?

So, if you have not trusted Jesus as your Savior, I urge you to do it today my friend. It will be the best decision that you ever make in your life. It will not only ensure that you are on the exclusive course that leads to eternal life, but will ensure that you will reach the finish line and hear those words “Well done good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it clear that there is only ONE way to heaven. Thank You, Lord, that we don’t have to be good enough to get there on our own, but that we get there by the gift of grace that was freely given to us through the death, burial and resurrection of your son Jesus Christ. Help us to understand that there’s nothing we could do to earn it so we cannot boast about anything, except for your grace and your goodness. Help us to live our lives so on fire for You in thankfulness for that that we inspire others to join us in this race. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Prevent Spiritual Dehydration

“A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 NKJV

In a story titled “Runner rescued from Western States Trail after reporting dehydration” published Tuesday, it was reported that a runner was rescued from the Western States Trail after reporting to Placer County Sheriff’s Office that he was dehydrated, cramping and unable to continue.

PCSO said that dispatch received a text-to-911 message from a runner who said he was on the Western States Trail, east of Michigan Bluff and needed help.

CAL FIRE NEU responded and hiked almost two miles before locating him.

The difficult and rugged terrain resulted in a request for aerial assistance, PCSO said.

A hoist operation was conducted with a rescue specialist being lowered to the runner. He was secured, hoisted from the trail and then flown to Foresthill.

PCSO said he was taken to a local hospital.

“As we head into the warmer months, it’s important to stay prepared on the trails. Bring plenty of water, know your limits, and always have a reliable way to call for help,” officials said.

And, you know, while dehydration can certainly render a person unable to continue their physical race, spiritual dehydration can have the same effect on a believer. Which is the very reason, believers must “stay prepared” and address thirst early and frequently.

This was something David wrote about in Psalm 63 while in the Judean wilderness, likely while fleeing from his son Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15–17), or possibly earlier while being pursued by King Saul. Whatever the cause, we know that David was physically exhausted, lonely, in danger, and experiencing a "dry and thirsty" period—as can be gleaned by his words, “My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.”

But we can see that David was prepared. In fact, before stating his problem (overwhelming thirst), David said, “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You.”

As every runner knows, the time to drink in water is not after they’re thirsty but before. A good runner anticipates the conditions of the race and prepares accordingly beforehand so they can prevent dehydration from occurring 

And you can see this is exactly what David was set on doing. He knew the road before him would be difficult and seemingly devoid of any refreshing. Hence the reason he sought God early and would continue seeking Him—so much so that his spiritual thirst manifested in a physical thirst that demanded quenching.

So, if you’re in a day or season of  “wilderness” when life is exceptionally hard, be sure to prevent becoming spiritually dehydrated by seeking God (through prayer, Bible study, and meditation) early and seeking Him often my friend. This is the only way to ensure that you will be able to finish the race set before you. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are the living water that’s overflowing in every situation that we could ever find ourselves in. Help us to seek You early and often Lord that we might avoid becoming spiritually dehydrated and finish the race set before us. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 
Happy Running!

Believers are Called to Pray

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV

In another all too familiar story titled “Avid runner stabbed and shot in string of random attacks allegedly carried out by repeat offender,” published Tuesday, it was reported that a 40-year-old avid runner was stabbed and shot during a string of attacks in Georgia.

Lauren Bullis, 40, was identified as one of the victims in Monday's string of attacks in DeKalb County, Georgia. Police arrested 26-year-old Olaolukitan Adon Abel on Monday following the back-to-back incidents.

"It is apparent to us that this was a completely random attack," Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley said Monday.

The timeline of the terror began at approximately 12:50 a.m. Monday, when DeKalb County Police discovered a woman shot multiple times on Wesley Chapel Road. She later died from her injuries, police said. Authorities have not identified her.

The violence then shifted to Brookhaven, where a man was ambushed and shot several times while sleeping outside a business center on Peachtree Road. He remains in critical condition.

The spree reached a horrific conclusion around 6:50 a.m. on Battle Forest Drive. There, 40-year-old Bullis was found both shot and stabbed in a vicious attack. Witnesses, police said, reported seeing a man standing over her before he fled the scene. Bullis did not survive her injuries.

Bullis' social media accounts showed that the 40-year-old Georgia woman was an avid runner, posting photos of participating in recent races.

In a Facebook post, her cousin, Lee Renfroe, wrote that Bullis was "such a special person."

"My cousin Lauren Bullis was brutally murdered in a series of violent attacks in the Decatur GA area," he wrote. "We love you and miss you Lauren. Please say a prayer for our families as well as the families of the other victims. I don’t even know how to completely put my thoughts together right now."

And, you know, although we should definitely pray for the families of the victims, we should also commit (as the Bible commands us) to praying daily for “all men, for kings and all who are in authority" that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives “in all godliness and reverence.” We are not merely to pray though. We are to make supplications and intercessions, with the “giving of thanks”

To understand what that means exactly, we must first understand that supplication and intercession are intense, earnest forms of prayer to God Almighty. Supplication, as defined, is a humble, desperate petition often for one's own urgent needs or the needs of believers, while intercession is standing in the gap to plead on behalf of others, particularly for the unsaved or to reverse the effects of sin. Both are considered powerful spiritual acts and are our greatest spiritual weapons.

You see, at its core, the fight before us is a spiritual one and can’t be fought with carnal weapons. This is the very reason that the people of God are called and commanded to fervently pray for those in authority. You can be sure that winning this spiritual battle is crucial if we are to ever see this trend of lawlessness and senseless crimes change—because change starts with those in authority making biblical laws, biblically enforcing those laws, and then extending the full punishment that comes from breaking those laws. There is no other way.

This truth is made clear when we consider that this crime could have been prevented if Abel, who is a repeat offender, had served his full sentence and gotten the full mental health evaluation and treatment that was merited.  Furthermore, investigators believe the suspect would have continued to kill if he had not been apprehended. Scary right? Now we can only pray that he’s imprisoned for life so that no one else gets hurt.

So, don’t fall into the trap of not praying for “all” those in authority just because your party affiliation or beliefs don't align with theirs my friend. The command to pray for those in authority has nothing to do with the way we "feel" about someone else but everything to do with ensuring that our leaders make choices that lead to safety and justice. "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that each and every believer is called to pray for those in authority from the bottom to the top. This means we are to pray for our local leaders, our state leaders, our federal leaders and our President as well, regardless of their party affiliation. Help us to understand that prayer has the power to change all situations and that prayer is is our greatest weapon. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - The Benefits of Gratitude

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let's get started by talking about gratitude. This was something I was thinking about yesterday before heading out on my normal morning run which was anything but "normal."

You see, before lacing up my shoes, I had to make sure that my dear husband and favorite running partner was all set up for my absence. Just one week post-op from his second knee replacement, I prepared his ice machine and then opened up the windows beside his chair to bring some of the "outside" in to him. "You may not be able to get out there for a while," I told him. “But at least you can feel the breeze, smell the fresh air, and hear the birds chirping as the sun comes up.” We both smiled at that, knowing that only runners would understand the fascination and drive to be in the great outdoors at a time when many people are still sleeping.

As a runner whose had her fair share of injuries throughout the years, I'll tell you that I'm always thankful when those inevitable setbacks don't happen in the spring or fall which, like most runners, are my favorite times of the year to run. Quite honestly though, I've learned to be grateful for every run at this point in my life--even the ones that are ugly and painful. Because this is the deal... I don't HAVE to run (none us do), I GET to run. And for that I choose to practice gratitude each and every day, knowing that being thankful for being able to log a few miles not only makes my mind better but it makes me better.

In fact, believe it or not, science shows that "gratitude can make you a better runner" as laid out in an article published by FLEET FEET. And while this is something I talk about a lot, it's something worth talking about again. There are so many benefits to developing a "practice of gratitude." Running better is just the tip of the iceberg.

But without further ado, check out what the writer had to say (*with my two cents thrown in of course):

The running world is full to bursting with obsessively researched workouts to lower your times, nutrition tips to fuel your body, and recovery methods to help you do it all again tomorrow. In fact, the process of developing faster, stronger athletes has become so exact that training often resembles a science.

Runners can use VO2 Max and training paces to predict race times to the nearest tenth of a second. Shoes are engineered to propel the body forward as efficiently as possible. Nearly every step you take can be carefully calculated to achieve the optimum end result. So why not prioritize and practice mental health training with the same vigor?

Truthfully, the role of the mind in race performance is anything but straightforward. Every season, some of the most talented and dedicated athletes step up to the start line after months of perfect training, only to come up short.

Mentality plays such a crucial role in the ability to compete and perform, but training the mind to assist instead of sabotage is a daunting task. It’s too much to expect that the average runner has the time, funds, or even desire to work with a sports psychologist or mental coach. Luckily, there is a simple process to start exercising the mind to improve your training, and it begins with being grateful.

Gratitude as a personal practice

Gratitude is often reduced to a feeling, as opposed to a practice. There are benefits to feeling thankful, but when gratitude is implemented as a practice it actually has the power to create positive physical change.

A 2010 study conducted by UC Davis found that practicing purposeful gratitude has been shown to trigger a 28 percent reduction in perceived stress, 23 percent lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, 7 percent reduction in inflammation bio-markers, 25 percent reduction in dietary fat intake and 16 percent lower diastolic blood pressure in comparison with not practicing gratitude.

Think about that for a second. All of these physical factors that have the power to boost athletic performance are significantly improved by simply practicing gratitude. In short, gratitude can have the power to boost training and performance.

The key to using gratitude to improve your training is to write it down. Keeping a training log is a common practice among runners, and the concept of a gratitude journal is largely the same.

Tracking the things that make us feel grateful allows the mind to create a cycle of positive thinking. Having the ability to look back over what creates feelings of thankfulness is not only a good way to reinforce positive habits, it is crucial to using gratitude as a tool to improve training.

Start by keeping a weekly journal of the events and actions that make you feel grateful. Log everything running-related, but also take time to log the little life moments that bring gratitude. Not only will this help foster a more positive mindset, but the process of logging gratitude can help spark progress toward goal achievement.

In the same study by UC Davis, participants who kept gratitude journals over a period of 10 weeks showed significantly more progress towards short-term, performance-based goals in comparison to their counterparts who did not log gratefulness.

For runners, rough training days are inevitable and keeping a positive outlook on progress is not always easy. Having a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the reasons you are grateful for running will make it easier to get back into a positive headspace.

The benefits of sharing gratitude with others

Another tool to put gratitude into practice is, believe it or not, the thank you letter. The relationships we keep have a huge impact on our feelings of happiness and wellbeing, which all contribute to our ability to perform physically.

Leading gratitude researcher, Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman of The University of Pennsylvania, has shown that writing a letter of gratitude to people in our lives who have not yet been properly thanked for their kindness causes a significant uptick in our feelings of happiness.

Using letter writing, in combination with journaling, is a simple yet effective way to harness the power of gratitude and improve our day-to-day training.

Fleet Feet recently interviewed Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University. During a discussion about loneliness during the time of COVID, Dr. Holt-Lunstad explained how fostering the positive relationships in our lives was crucial to maintaining mental health.

“Expressing gratitude [to others] will elicit a more positive response in return,” says Holt-Lunstad. “It creates an upward spiral instead of a downward spiral and can reduce loneliness.”

Essentially, letting the people in our lives know that we are grateful for them not only brings happiness, but it strengthens relationships and helps us break cycles of negative thinking.

Running is what brings us joy. It is an escape at the end of the day, a challenge to constantly pursue, a reward for pushing our limits. How amazing is it that we can help ourselves become better athletes by thanking the people who help us run?

Try making a list of the people who have helped you along your running journey. Think about the first coaches you had, the friend who dragged you out the door for your first jog, the partner who took care of dinner so you could squeeze your miles in. Next time you log your gratitude, write a letter to someone who has made your running possible. Thank them for their impact, no matter how small it may seem...

Take some time, write it down, thank the people around you and let gratitude guide you along the journey to becoming the runner you want to be.

And there you have it friends. Developing a "practice of gratitude can not only make you better in more ways than one, but can elicit feelings of gratitude in others. And, if you ask me, that’s a win in so many ways. So, before you head out the door today, write down a few things you’re grateful for. It will be the start of an upward spiral that will have you smiling all day.

Happy Running!

There is Fullness of Joy

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NKJV

In a story titled “Runners Rock the Parkway in Support of Children’s Mercy Kansas City” published Saturday, it was reported that:

More than six thousand runners hit the pavement Saturday to participate in the 17th annual Burns & McDonnell Rock the Parkway half-marathon and 5K. In partnership with KC Running Company, the race started and finished along Kansas City’s scenic Ward Parkway and benefits Children’s Mercy Kansas City, which provides healthcare, programs and resources to improve the lives of children and their families.

“It’s inspiring to see the Kansas City community come together each year in support of Children’s Mercy,” said Julee Koncak, vice president, community relations at Burns & McDonnell. “Every runner, volunteer and supporter helps strengthen the care Children’s Mercy provides to keep families strong and healthy.”

In 2025, participants raised nearly $38,000 to help bring hope and healing to children like Olivia Robinson, who has received care at Children’s Mercy since being diagnosed with a brain tumor at age three. After surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, she is now nearing two years in remission and recently overcame a rare inflammatory condition — all with remarkable resilience and joy.

And, you know, although we live in a fallen world full of disease and disappointment (hence the reason for races like this), every believer can experience a “fullness of joy” that’s not dependent on their circumstances. Why? Because the Lord has promised to lead us along “the path of life.” And while we know this path isn’t free from heartaches, hurts, and hurdles, so long as we are in His presence, joy will always abound.

You see, when David said, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” he was expressing trust in the knowledge that God was always with him—in the good times and in the bad, from his first breath until his final breath, and into eternity.

"For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob." Malachi 3:6

Furthermore, David understood that there was a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is fleeting because it’s dependent on circumstances, but joy is constant because it’s dependent on the One who never changes. Amazing right?

So, knowing that the source of true and endless joy is found in God’s presence, do your part in inspiring others to seek Him my friend. They will surely thank you for doing so!

Heavenly Father, thank you for providing fullness of joy in every circumstance both now and into eternity. Lord, help us to grasp what a huge blessing this is that we might not keep it to ourselves but implore others to seek God for themselves. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

The Win is Making it to the Finish Line

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7 NKJV

Year #2 as a pacer is in the books!

​The weather couldn't have been more perfect, but sometimes the body has its own plan. Calf cramps kicked in at mile 4, and my left foot decided to go completely numb on and off between miles 5 and 9.

​I had to listen to my body and walk a bit to manage the pain. While I finished around 2:17ish—missing that 2:10 pace target—it was still faster than my time last year! I’m counting that as a major win for the foot. I truly felt God’s presence picking me up and guiding me through every mile of that challenging course.

​Sometimes the "win" isn't the number on the clock, but the grit it takes to get to the finish line anyway. This course is super hilly and another one for the books. Come join me next year on April 10, 2027 for the Bridge and Dam.

Those were the words written by my dear friend Erika (pictured above holding the 2:10 pacer stick) yesterday, the day after pacing the annual Bridge and Dam Half Marathon at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Now, if you’re unfamiliar with the world of pacing, that 2:10 on the pacer stick meant that Erika’s job was to get the runners in her group from the start line to the finish line (13.1 miles later) right at or just under 2 hours and 10 minutes. As you can imagine, this meant that Erika would have to keep a consistent pace while encouraging the runners in her group to keep pressing on to the end—something that’s no easy task. As someone who’s run this course before, I’ll attest that it is indeed a challenging one. Running in the Ozarks always includes a multitude of hills. 

And while it’s true that Erika didn’t meet her “pace target,” what’s most important is that she pressed on through the pain, finished strong, and gave God the glory for giving her the “win.” You see, I have no doubt that Erika inspired and will continue to inspire others to trust God and press on when things don’t go as planned by the way she chose to keep the joy and trust God’s plan rather than her own. 

This, in fact, should be the attitude of every believer since God never promised us a life of ease. What He did promise, though, is that all who remain faithful to the end will receive “the crown of righteousness.” This crown isn’t given to a runner for ‘the number on the clock’ but for the fight, grit, and perseverance displayed by remaining faithful until the end. Is that awesome or what? 

This steadfast endurance was something Paul clearly understood when, nearing the end of his race, said “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

“Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:12-28

Paul was acknowledging that a life completely poured out in service to the Lord, as his was, would not be an easy one. Paul had faced many trials and troubles—including false imprisonments, floggings, beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, and a host of other perils—but he never backed down from the fight or slowed down in his spiritual race because he was racing toward the crown!

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—“ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

In fact, there were times in Paul’s life when the race got so hard that he felt as if he would be crushed by the weight of the pain, persecution, and perils he was experiencing…but he never despaired or lost hope. And because of Paul’s perseverance and steadfast devotion to God and fulfilling the mission God had given him, countless believers (including myself) have drawn strength from his grit and chosen to press on until the end.

So, this is the deal friends. It’s easy to praise God and run the race when the course is easy and the conditions are perfect. But that’s not what inspires those who are “struck down” to finish well and keep the faith. Our example in the face of opposition does! Which is the very reason, we must never quit and never give in to the temptation to say “Woe is me, this race is just too hard.”

But instead we must praise the Lord and press on knowing that “the win” isn’t in reaching our goal but in reaching the goal of finishing well and inspiring others to do the same.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that every believer has the power to influence their brothers and sisters in Christ to either give up or to keep pressing on. Help us to keep our eyes on that final finish line so that we would be, like Paul, an encouragement to those who are struggling to finish. Help us to always keep joy in our hearts and praise on our lips, so that we can one day like Paul say "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

There is Hope after Tragedy

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:11-14 NKJV

In a story titled “Drunk driver sentenced for killing Eugene marathon runner” published Wednesday, it was reported that a man found guilty in the death of a well-known Eugene educator and musician out for a morning run last spring has been sentenced to 75 months in prison.

Scott Stolarczyk was found guilty by a jury last week after a three-day trial of second-degree manslaughter and DUI for Sharon Shuman's death on the Amazon running path. Stolarczyk drove off the roadway and struck Shuman, who had been a professor at the University of Oregon, an accomplished violinist and a marathon runner.

Stolarczyk had claimed he blacked out during a coughing fit while driving. However, his blood alcohol level was more than twice the presumed legal limit at 0.19%.

In addition to more than six years in prison, he will be on post-prison supervision for 45 months after his release. He will lose his driver's license for life.

In an online video, Stolarcyzk shared a quick statement before the sentence was read:

"There are no words I can say to fully apologize for what I have done to Mrs. Schuman and her family and my friends and family. I take full responsibility for my actions and I hope to come out of this a better person."

And, you know, while this story is truly a tragedy, there is hope for Scott to “come out of this a better person” if he chooses to turn from his sin and to turn to God with reverent fear.

You see, God’s mercy is as high as the heavens are above the earth “toward those who fear Him.” This great mercy is the compassionate, unearned, and loving withholding of punishment that humanity deserves due to sin. It is a divine, active, and infinite lovingkindness that forgives mistakes, offers comfort, and restores relationships. Essentially, God’s mercy means not receiving the judgment we deserve. 

Now, while God’s mercy won't eliminate the consequences of a person’s sin in this world, it will eliminate the punishment they are deserving of in the next world. Pretty amazing right?  

And if that’s not enough to understand how good God is, consider that the sins of those who love, trust, and fear Him are removed entirely as far as the east is from the west. That means those who fear God can have their records wiped clean! 

What does this fear look like exactly? Well…this fear of the Lord is not the type of terror, dread, and panic that terrifies and immobilizes a person but a profound, reverent awe and deep respect for God's holiness, authority, and power. It's an attitude of love and obedience, that acknowledges the Lord's greatness and leads to a deep desire to please Him, to honor Him, and to depart from your wrongdoing. 

Furthermore, "as a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." Do you get that? Not only does the Lord grant mercy and forgiveness to all those who fear Him, He acts with fatherly compassion to them as well. 

Why? Because God understands human frailty and grasps man's inherent weakness to sin. Because of that, God doesn't treat us solely according to our sins and failings but understands that we are prone to make messes of our lives (and the lives of others) when we go astray, and yet chooses to care for us anyway. 

I don't know about you, but the realization of how much God loves us reminds me that there is no one beyond redemption who chooses to turn from their wicked ways and turn to God in reverent fear. That means, no matter what a person might have done, there is hope after tragedy. There is hope in the One who extends abundant mercy and completely removes the transgressions from all who fear Him. 

So, if you're in need of hope after tragedy today, turn to the Lord and allow Him to change your life my friend. This forgiveness won't remove the consequences from your wrongdoing, but it will give you a new start and allow you to come out of your trial a better person who’s intent on serving God and obeying His commands. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing to love us the way that You do. We are all sinners gone astray and yet You, like a good Father, always welcome us back. Help the person who needs forgiveness and a new start turn to You today Lord, so they can experience your great love, kindness, and mercy. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!