BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Why Hill Work Belongs in Your Training

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about why hill work belongs in your training, even if the race you're training for doesn't have any significant hills.

 

For instance, the Bass Pro Marathon/Half doesn't have a whole lot of hills but the Dogwood Canyon trail runs do, a whole lot of them! As does the upcoming Run the Rock  happening on September 12. 

But this is the deal, no matter what event you're training for, I will tell you that as a runner and running coach, one of the best ways to become a stronger, more efficient, and more confident runner is also one of the simplest: run some hills. 

Hills may not always be your favorite part of training (I know runners who avoid them like the plague), but they have an incredible way of exposing your weaknesses and then helping you turn those weaknesses into strengths. 

Which means, whether you’re training for your first 5K, working toward the Bass Pro Shops Half Marathon or Marathon, or preparing to tackle the trails at Dogwood Canyon, adding regular hill work can make you a better runner from head to toe.

Which brings us to some of the many benefits of running hills…

Hill running is often called "strength training in disguise," and for good reason. Running uphill requires greater involvement from the glutes, hamstrings, calves, quads, and core than running the same pace on flat ground. It also encourages a strong knee drive, good arm movement, and a powerful push off the ground. Instead of simply trying to run faster to increase the intensity of a workout, a hill naturally creates resistance. Over time, that extra resistance can help improve running strength and make your normal running pace on flatter terrain feel easier.

Hill work is also great cardiovascular training. Your heart rate climbs quickly when the road starts going up, even when your pace slows down. That means hills give you an opportunity to work hard without necessarily having to sprint. Short hill repeats (sprinting up and jogging down) can provide a powerful workout, while longer, steady climbs can teach your body to maintain effort when running gets uncomfortable. Both are valuable tools for anyone participating in the Bass Pro Fitness Series, especially as fall race season gets closer.

But the benefits of hills aren't only physical. Hills train your mind. Every runner eventually encounters a moment in a race when the legs are tired and the brain starts suggesting that slowing down or stopping would be much easier. Hill training gives us repeated opportunities to practice staying calm, maintaining effort, and continuing forward when things get difficult. 

There’s something incredibly satisfying about reaching the top of a hill that once intimidated you. Do it often enough and you begin approaching hills with confidence instead of dread.

And there may be no better opportunity to put that hill training into practice than Run the Rock at Top of the Rock in Ridgedale, Missouri. Run the Rock's challenging 3- and 6-mile courses provide exactly the kind of terrain that can push runners outside their comfort zones. The 6-mile course in particular is challenging, with hills and a variety of surfaces along the way, but runners are rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in the Ozarks, including waterfalls, a cave, scenic overlooks, and incredible surroundings. Instead of looking at those hills as something standing between you and the finish line, think of them as part of the training.

Run the Rock also comes at a great time for runners who have their sights set on the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs in November (or any other fall race). Trail running requires a different kind of strength than running on flat pavement. Hills, uneven surfaces, changing terrain, and long climbs can challenge muscles that don't always get enough attention during traditional road training. 

Don't forget about the downhills, either (I can’t stress that one enough). Many runners focus so much on getting to the top that they forget descending is a skill of its own. Downhill running places different demands on the legs and requires balance, control, confidence, and good technique. A runner who has practiced both climbing and descending is going to be much better prepared when race day includes rolling hills or challenging trail terrain.

If hills aren't currently part of your training, you don't need to start by finding the biggest hill in your neighborhood. Begin gradually. Add a few short hills to an easy run, finish a workout with several controlled hill repeats, or choose a rolling route once a week. Focus on effort rather than pace. Your pace will naturally slow going uphill, and that's okay. Keep your posture tall, shorten your stride, use your arms, and concentrate on maintaining a steady effort all the way to the top.

So, there you have it friends. I hope that inspires to seek the hills and seek them often!!! And if you're looking for the perfect place to put that hill strength to the test, get registered for the Run the Rock. Those hills just might be exactly what you need to get stronger today—and to be ready when the trails of Dogwood Canyon come calling in November. You'll also be more than ready for those flat races! Which makes running hills a win-win for every runner.  Happy Running!

The Change Will Happen Fast

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NKJV

In an astonishing story titled “Try And Wrap Your Mind Around Just How Fast Yomif Kejelcha’s Half Marathon World Record Really Is” posted over the weekend, it was reported that Ethiopian long distance runner Yomif Kejelcha didn’t just break the Half Marathon world record on Sunday in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he absolutely obliterated the previous record and shaved 29 seconds of Jacob Kiplimo’s previous record. Kejelcha crossed the finish line with a time of 56:51.

To really put into context how fast that is I thought we could break down his half marathon times and splits into chunks that the rest of us mortals can comprehend.

As everyone knows, the half marathon distance is 13.1 miles. That breaks down to 21.0975 kilometers or 23,072.5 yards.

That means Yomif Kejelcha was running 6.18 meters per second or 6.76 yards per second. Over the course of the entire 1/2 marathon, he averaged a 5.913 40-yard dash time. For context, Tom Brady ran a 5.28-second 40-yard dash in his NFL Combine and that was his all out sprint effort for only 40 yards. He didn’t then have to do that 577 consecutive times in a row over the course of a half marathon.

Wow, right? 

And, you know, as hard as it is for a person to wrap their mind around how a human could run as fast as Yomif, it’s even more mind-blowing to consider how quickly living and dead believers will be instantly transformed from mortal, decaying bodies into permanent, immortal, and glorified bodies upon the return of Jesus—a sudden shift that marks the final defeat of death

This is why Paul calls it a mystery (something strange, unknown, or hard to explain that has not yet been understood ) saying, “we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these word" 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Did you get that “in the twinkling of an eye” part? That's how quickly this will all happen when the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God! "And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."

This will be a fraction of time so blindingly fast that it will defy human comprehension--so fast that those left behind won't be able to wrap their minds around it. This is not the slow duration of a deliberate blink, but rather the instantaneous, micro-second reflection of light off the human iris.

The transformation will happen at an atomic, reality-altering speed that no human mind can fathom. In that single, indivisible micro-moment, the barrier between earth and heaven will be shattered, instantly giving both resurrected and living believers the imperishable bodies required to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever.

Wow, right?

Which means that if a person isn't ready, they will miss it!

On that note, let me ask you this.... if the Lord were to come back at this very moment (and He very well could), would you be counted among the "we?" The "we" who are the faithful followers of Jesus Christ who will be caught up and immediately ushered into the presence of the King?

If the answer is no, I urge you to make the choice to accept Jesus as your Savior right now my friend. It will ensure that when the change happens that you won't miss it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the encouragement found in the Bible that assures us that You not only walk us through this life but will walk with us in the next. Lord, cause us to be so focused on your glorious appearing that we live each day as if it could be the day of Your return. And help us to inspire others to do the same. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Chapters End but Your Story Does Not

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

In a bittersweet story titled “That Chapter Has Ended’: Olympian Jenny Simpson Says Her Running Career Is Over After Cardiac Arrest,” published last week, Simpson revealed she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition after her heart stopped during a community mile race. She says recovery is going well.

After detailing her near death experience and her miraculous improvement, the 39-year old called her current situation the “best-case scenario.”

My future is an incredible gift,” Simpson wrote following her major health scare. “It’s hopeful, and it will continue to have great purpose.”

But she added that her diagnosis makes returning to running dangerous.

“That chapter has ended,” she wrote. “Thankfully, my story hasn’t.”

And, you know, as this “story” clearly shows, you and I can carefully map out our lives and make our goals, but ultimately we have no control over whether those plans will come to pass.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Thankfully though, as believers, we can trust that God is not only in complete control in directing our steps, but will cause “all things” in our life (the tests, the trials, the disappointments, delays, and the detours) to “work together” for our good. That means, when one chapter in our lifes closes, we can be sure that God will open up another one—an even better one—that will be better than anything that we could ever imagine.

“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 4:7-8

In this way, we can be confident in saying that our story isn’t over until we finish the race, God closes the final chapter, we lay hold of the “crown of righteousness” and enter into His rest. 

So, if you have not chosen to trust Jesus as your Savior, I hope you will do so today my friend, as these promises are only for believers. Not only will you inherit eternal life by doing so, but you can rest in the knowledge that the Lord will direct your steps until the day He brings you home.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the confidence believers can have that You are ultimately in control of our steps. Lord, cause us to undertand that Your ways are higher than ours and so are Your plans for our lives. Help us to trust You when a chapter in our lives closes and to joyfully look to the future, viewing it as the incredible gift that it is. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Jesus Died to Solve the Problem

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23 NKJV

In an article titled “How to Get Rid of Smelly Shoes—and the Best Deodorizers That Actually Work” shared by Runner’s World yesterday, the writer gave tips and insights for solving a problem that most runners have or have had at one point or another… stubborn shoe funk odor. 

They started by saying… There is a big difference between running shoes that merely smell “a little used” and shoes that have survived double sessions on the track, bus rides home, and an 18‑year‑old who wears the same pair to school, work, practice, and everywhere in between. Sweat, heat, and friction create a warm, moist microclimate inside the sneaker, which is perfect for odor‑producing bacteria to thrive. Once those bacteria have colonized the foam and lining, the smell does not wash out easily, and it can come roaring back within a single hard workout.

They then went on to say…The fix is a combination of removing moisture, cleaning away odor-causing buildup, and preventing your shoes from staying damp between runs. 

And, you know, while stinky running shoes have been a problem for a long time, the problem mankind had with sin was present from the time Adam and Eve transgressed in the garden.

This was a problem, you can be sure, that you and I could not “fix” on our own.

You see, sin separated us from a holy and perfect God. Romans 3:23 tells us that we "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No amount of good deeds, religious activity, or personal effort could erase that sin or restore the relationship that had been broken. We needed a Savior—someone who could do for us what we could never do for ourselves.

That's why Jesus came. God loved us so deeply that He sent His Son into the world to live the perfect, sinless life that we could not live. Jesus willingly went to the cross and took upon Himself the punishment our sins deserved. As Romans 5:8 says,“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

The cross demonstrates both the seriousness of our sin and the incredible depth of God's love. Jesus didn't die because He was guilty; He died in our place because we were.

But, thankfully, the story didn't end at the cross. Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave. His resurrection demonstrated His victory over sin and death and confirmed the hope He offers to everyone who believes in Him. The stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty, and death did not have the final word. Because Jesus lives, we can have forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life.

The Gospel is the beautiful truth that Jesus came to fix what sin had broken. We could not work our way back to God, so God came to us. Jesus paid the debt we could not pay and conquered the death we could not defeat. Through repentance and faith in Christ, we are forgiven and given new life. 

As John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The cross paid the price. The empty tomb proved the victory. And Jesus made a way for us to come home to God. Is that amazing or what?

So, if you have not made the decision to accept Jesus as your Savior, what are you waiting for my friend? Jesus made the way but it’s up to you to take it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing the only Solution that could fix our sin-problem. Help us to understand that we were completely unable to save ourselves apart from Your Son so that we would choose to follow Him before it’s too late. Lord, remind us that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed so that we would not put the decision off. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Evidence is in the Eye Witnesses

"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NKJV

In an interesting story titled,"Many Runners—Even Some Pros—Say the Edmonton Half Marathon Was Long. The Race Disagrees," published by Runner's World on Tuesday, it was reported that Rory Linkletter left Edmonton on Sunday with the Canadian Half Marathon Championship win, along with a fairly major question about how far he had actually run.

Linkletter told Canadian Running that he believed the course was too long, enough so that he backed off over the final two kilometers rather than keep chasing the course record.

Olympian Natasha Wodak knew something felt off, too. With less than a kilometer remaining, she glanced at her watch and saw a slower time than expected. She knew she wasn’t having her best day, but the final time still didn’t quite add up.

Afterward, Wodak and other runners concluded the course must have been too long, according to CBC News.

And once runners started looking at their watches, Linkletter and Wodak hardly looked like outliers. Half marathoners reported distances around 21.9 to 22.1 kilometers (a half marathon is 21.1K), while participants on Reddit pointed to strange chip splits, kilometer markers, and even the pacers.

“The pace bunnies were even off time,” one runner wrote. “That should be an indicator right there.”

There was also an obvious place to start looking, as construction had forced a detour along Jasper Avenue.

Race director Tom Keogh said that change added roughly 712 meters to the route, with approximately 690 meters removed near the turnaround to make up the difference. Organizers continue to stand by their word that the adjustment was done correctly....

And, you know, in the same way the eyewitness reports concluded that the course was too long despite the claims that the adjustment was done correctly, there were hundreds of eyewitness reports to the resurrection of Jesus Christ that proved that it happened despite the claims of those who stand by their assertion that it didn’t. 

This is very important to understand, because if Jesus had not risen from the dead, His life and death would not have mattered. 

Thankfully, the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection is indisputable as it’s confirmed through early historical texts, primarily found in the New Testament, which record multiple post-crucifixion appearances to various individuals and large groups. 

A foundational piece of evidence is the early creed recorded by the Apostle Paul in which scholars date to within a few years of Jesus' death. 

This creed explicitly lists appearances to Peter (seen by Cephas), the twelve disciples, and more than 500 people at one time, with Paul noting that most of these witnesses were still alive and available for questioning when he wrote the letter. 

Additionally, all four canonical Gospels document that women, including Mary Magdalene, were the initial witnesses to the empty tomb and the risen Jesus. These accounts (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20) emphasize the physical nature of the encounters, describing Jesus eating food and inviting the disciples to touch his wounds to demonstrate He was not a hallucination or a spirit.

And while secular scholars will continue to deny the resurrection despite the overwhelming evidence, and thus deny Jesus, it’s impossible to deny how a group of frightened, hiding followers would suddenly became bold proclaimers of the resurrection, willingly facing intense persecution and martyrdom for a claim they could have easily verified as true or false, if they hadn’t seen the risen Christ.

So, if you’re still clinging to the belief that Jesus was merely a teacher and not the risen Lord, I urge you to check out the irrefutable facts my friend. Doing so will prove “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the free gift of salvation that was bought by the precious blood of Jesus. Lord, make us bold in sharing our witness with the world, of what You have done for us, so that the lost would seek You because of it. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Volunteering is a Win-Win for Everyone

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about volunteering. As both a runner and a Race Director, I know firsthand that volunteers can make or break a race and they can most certainly make or break a run.

This was something I saw over the weekend at the 36-hour ultra marathon (with distances from 12 miles to 100 miles)  that I have the blessing of directing. I can't tell you how many of the finishers paid a debt of gratitude to the amazing people who stepped up to work aid stations, assist at packet pickup, and came out to encourage the runners. Volunteering has that power!

But did you know that volunteering is also good for the one doing it? It's true!

Volunteering does far more than just support a good cause—it actively reshapes and protects your brain.

When you give your time to others, your brain enters a rewarding state often called the "helper’s high," triggering a powerful release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.

This chemical cocktail naturally lifts your mood, strengthens social bonds, and lowers cortisol, effectively shielding your nervous system from the damaging effects of chronic stress.

Furthermore, diving into new volunteer environments challenges your mind to build fresh neural pathways, while the deep sense of purpose it provides serves as a psychological anchor.

For older adults, this combination of mental engagement, emotional fulfillment, and consistent social interaction acts as a shield against cognitive decline, significantly preserving memory and reducing the risk of dementia.

With that being said, I will tell you that we had volunteers that stepped up for one or more shifts of 2-4 hours or more and even had volunteers that stayed onsite to help the entire time! At the end, they all agreed that they had tired hands but happy hearts!

So, if this has your interest piqued, I have a great opportunity for you! Run the Rock is coming up at Top of the Rock in Ridgedale, Missouri, on September 12 and this is a perfect opportunity to experience a race from the other side of the course.

To further inspire you to volunteer, check out these other great reasons that volunteering at a race can be just as fun as participating in the race:

You Can be a Part of the Race Without Running the Race

We tend to think participation means putting on a bib and crossing the starting line. It doesn't.

The person handing a runner a cup of water is participating.

The volunteer helping with packet pickup is participating.

The course marshal pointing runners in the right direction is participating.

The person standing along the course yelling, "You've got this!" may be participating more than they realize.

Every one of those people becomes part of a runner's race-day story.

And at a challenging event like Run the Rock, those volunteers can make an enormous difference.

Aid Station Volunteers Are a Welcome Sight

Ask any runner who has struggled through a difficult race what it feels like to see an aid station ahead.

It's a beautiful sight!

Sometimes that cup of water is exactly what you need. Sometimes it's the smile that comes with it.

An aid station volunteer may only interact with a runner for a few seconds, but those few seconds can provide encouragement at exactly the right time. When runners are hot, tired and questioning why they thought this was a good idea, hearing someone say, "You're doing great!" can give them the little mental boost they need to keep moving.

You aren't just handing out water.

You're handing out encouragement.

Packet Pickup Lets You Share in the Excitement

Packet pickup is one of my favorite parts of the pre-race experience because everyone walks in carrying a mixture of excitement and nerves.

For some runners, Run the Rock may be another challenge in a long list of races. For others, it may be completely outside their comfort zone.

The volunteer who greets them, finds their bib and answers a question helps set the tone for their entire experience.

A friendly face can turn nervousness into excitement.

And if you're a runner yourself, packet pickup gives you the opportunity to talk with other runners, hear their stories and share in that wonderful anticipation that happens before a race begins.

Course Marshals Are Cheerleaders With Directions

Run the Rock isn't your average road race.

The course at Top of the Rock challenges runners with hills and a variety of surfaces while rewarding them with incredible scenery, including waterfalls, a cave and beautiful overlooks.

That means course volunteers have an especially important job.

A course marshal helps runners know where they're going, keeps them moving in the right direction and provides encouragement along the way.

You might think you're simply standing at an intersection pointing to the right.

The runner approaching you may see something entirely different:

A friendly face. A sign that they're still on course. And someone who believes they can finish.

Never underestimate the power of cheering for a tired runner.

Volunteering Makes You a Better Runner

One of the greatest benefits of volunteering is gaining a completely different perspective on racing.

When you're racing, your world becomes pretty small. You're thinking about your pace, breathing, nutrition, legs, watch and finish time.

When you volunteer, you get to watch the entire race unfold.

You see the front runners.

You see the middle of the pack.

You see the person who is struggling but refuses to quit.

You see experienced runners encouraging beginners.

You see people accomplishing something they weren't sure they could do.

Watching those moments can remind you why you started running in the first place.

It can also teach you a lot. You notice how runners approach aid stations, how they handle difficult sections of a course and how different people respond when things get tough.

Sometimes standing on the sidelines makes you a better runner the next time you're on the course.

You Become Part of Someone Else's Finish

As a race director, I've learned that runners remember volunteers.

They remember the person who filled their bottle.

They remember the person who made them laugh.

They remember the course marshal who told them the hard part was almost over.

They remember the stranger who yelled their name when they desperately needed encouragement.

A volunteer may go home thinking, I just handed out water today.

Meanwhile, a runner goes home thinking, That volunteer at the aid station helped me keep going.

That's pretty powerful.

It's a Great Way to Give Back to the Running Community

If you've run very many races, you've benefited from volunteers countless times.

Someone filled your cup.

Someone handed you your bib.

Someone placed your medal around your neck.

Someone directed you through an intersection.

Someone stood outside early in the morning—or late into the day—so you could chase a goal.

Volunteering is our opportunity to return the favor.

Running communities don't become strong because of races alone. They become strong because people show up for one another.

And It's Just Plain Fun

There is also a much simpler reason to volunteer:

Race day is fun!

You get the excitement without worrying about your pace.

You meet runners.

You meet other volunteers.

You laugh.

You cheer.

You watch people accomplish hard things.

And you usually leave feeling like you received every bit as much as you gave.

And there you have it friends. Volunteering from time to time is a win/win for everyone! So help out at Run the Rock if you can. And if you can't, find another opportunity to be a blessing to someone else and go volunteer. You'll be so glad you did!

 Happy Running!

It’s Not Worth the Risk

“In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.’” Genesis 3:19 NKJV

In a harrowing story titled “Pro trail runner attacked by bear in Alaska” posted by Canadian Running Magazine yesterday, it was reported that Alaska trail runner Klaire Rhodes was attacked by a brown bear on Thursday morning while running alone on her home state’s Chugach trails.

In an Instagram post, Rhodes wrote that she came away with what she described as “relatively minor injuries, with the most severe being a deep puncture wound to my left hip and claw and teeth marks on my body.” The North Face athlete used bear spray during the encounter and was able to make it back to the trailhead.

Rhodes didn’t share the full sequence of events, saying she wanted to avoid the “unsolicited opinions” that tend to follow a story like this online. “The moment felt like a nightmare come to life,” she wrote.

The Chugach trails are a major part of Rhodes’s life and training. “Running in the Chugach is where I feel most at home,” she wrote, while acknowledging that the area is also the bear’s home. “Despite all the precautions in the world, it’s just a risk that a lot of us choose to take to live life in the way we love.”

And, you know, as an ultrarunner myself, I’ll tell you that I share Klaire’s sentiments on choosing to  hit the trails despite the dangers associated with it… it’s just a risk I’m willing to take to live life in the way that I love. 

But there’s one risk that people are taking every single day that comes with a danger that is anything but ‘relatively minor.’ And that’s putting off the decision to follow Jesus Christ, thinking they can do it some other time or that it’s of ‘relatively minor’ importance. 

But this is the deal. The Bible is very clear that each and every one of us came from dust and to dust we shall all return. That means no one, and I mean no one, is getting out of this thing alive! A person could take all the precautions in the world and it will not keep them from returning to the ground. 

That’s a fact.

“And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:46

But it’s also a fact that death is not the end for anyone. Our physical bodies will perish and decay. But our spirits will not. And by the choice that we make while we still have breath in our lungs, we choose eternal life or eternal damnation.

You see, there are only two places to go when we die. Period. And that’s heaven or hell. There are no other options regardless of what a person chooses to believe.

And since life is unpredictable, uncertain, and not guaranteed, the biggest risk a person can ever take is not making the decision that will determine where they will spend eternity.

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

So, if you have not made the decision to follow Jesus, what are you waiting for my friend? It’s not worth the risk of putting it off.

And if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, are you sharing the goodness of the Gospel so that none would perish in their sins on account of you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Word that clearly lays out the consequences for not choosing Jesus as our Savior. Help us to understand that there are only two places to go when we die that we might choose Jesus if we haven’t already and urge the lost to seek Him before it’s too late. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!