True Independence is Dependence on Jesus

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17

Like many people around our country today, you’re probably making preparations to celebrate Independence Day with a run, barbecue, float trip, fireworks, or all of the above. But, like many other people around our country today, you might not fully understand what it is you’re celebrating. 

Luckily, the Encyclopedia Brittanica gives us the scoop on the 4th of July: It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This document announced the separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain. In 1870 the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal workers, and in 1938 it became a paid federal holiday. Also called the Fourth of July, the holiday is celebrated across the United States with parades, fireworks, shows, picnics, concerts, and other festivities. Independence Day is also notable for its displays of patriotism, as many Americans commemorate the day by flying the American flag and dressing in the flag’s colors of red, white, and blue.

And, you know, while I was thinking about how grateful I was to live in the greatest country on earth where I have the freedom to openly worship my Creator yesterday, I remembered a Church billboard I once read that said, "TRUE INDEPENDENCE IS DEPENDENCE ON JESUS." Hmmm, I thought then and I thought now. What does that really mean?

Well, if independence can be defined as the state of showing a desire for freedom, and freedom defined as liberation from slavery, I'd say it means that true independence can only result from being released from the chains of the bondage of sin. And that release can only come from our dependence on--or our putting our complete reliance, confidence and trust in--Jesus. 
You see, it's only when we accept Jesus as our Savior and truly believe that God loves, accepts and forgives us, that we are free from the burden of sin and free to live for Him knowing that, "the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

So let us celebrate our true independence today by singing praises to the Lord my friend. And let us never forget, as William Barclay said, that "Christian freedom does not mean being free to do as we like: it means being free to do as we ought." That's true independence from sin. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that true independence and freedom comes from knowing who we are in You and knowing that You have released us from the chains of sin and condemnation to live as sons and daughters of the King. May this knowledge refresh our hearts today as we celebrate what it truly means to be free. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Pride Goes Before Destruction

“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 NKJV

In a timely story (given the heat wave that we’re in), published by Runner’s World yesterday, it was reported that a major track meet in Paris (a place that’s also experiencing a deadly heat wave) moved forward last weekend only after organizers added extra heat precautions, offering a reminder that even at the highest levels of the sport, athletes are still negotiating what it means to compete safely in dangerous temperatures.

France has been dealing with a historic heat wave, and according to The Washington Post, police authorities had asked organizers to cancel several events, including the Paris Diamond League meet at Stade Charléty. The French athletics federation later confirmed the competition would continue in an adjusted format, with added medical and emergency support, more drinking water stations, shaded areas, and a delayed opening for spectators.

The writer went on to say “Heat changes the math for everyone: marathoners, run clubs, and people who think being fit means they can handle whatever the forecast throws at them. The sport has better systems now, but the risk isn’t new at all. Unfortunately, Francisco Lázaro is one of the earliest reminders of that.

Lázaro was 21 when he started the marathon at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, with the official International Olympic Committee reporting that he was representing Portugal in the country’s first Olympic appearance (he’d already cemented his place in history as the winner of the 1910 Lisbon Marathon).

He never made it to the finish in Sweden, collapsing after running just over 19 miles and dying the next day in a Stockholm hospital from what was said to be combined sunstroke and heart trouble. He was identified as the first athlete to die during a modern Olympic competition setting..."

Sadly, Lazaro isn’t the only runner who ever pushed himself or herself to the point of collapsing or even death. Runners are known for their stubbornness and their fear of missing out by dropping out, even when it’s warranted and wise to do it. So they ignore the signs and the advice of experts.

This is the very reason the writer ended the story by saying, “Lázaro’s death belongs to Olympic history, but the warning remains very much current. Running will always celebrate toughness, and it should, but heat is not a normal obstacle to push through. It’s a condition that has to be managed before pride, momentum, or group energy makes the decision for you.”

And, you know, the Bible has a lot to say about pride which can be defined as an attitude of self-sufficiency, arrogance, and rebellion against God. It is condemned as the root of all other sins because it elevates human desires above God's will. This is the exact reason King Solomon wrote “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”

This famous proverb written by the wisest man to have ever lived warns that excessive arrogance blinds people to their own weaknesses. By inflating the ego, pride causes people to take unnecessary risks, ignore warnings, and make poor judgments, ultimately triggering their own undoing.

Furthermore, when a person thinks they’re always right (something pride convinces them of), they stop listening to instruction from the Lord and from wiser people, setting themselves up for a severe fall.

So, knowing that pride leads to destruction, refuse to give into it my friend. Remain humble and allow the Lord to direct all your decisions. Remain coachable and teachable, and you will not only avoid disaster but will be counted among the wise yourself. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that excessive arrogance has no place in the life of a believer. Help us to remain humble that we might not fall into the trap of thinking that we don’t need You, that we know better than You or people smarter than us, or that there will be no consequences for our sin. Help us to remember that pride comes in many different forms that we might be on guard against all forms of it. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Celebrate Freedom with a 5k

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog

Now let's get started by talking about celebrating your Independence Day the Runner's Way. And of course that's with a 5k. Why the 5k? Well... there are some traditions that simply go together. Thanksgiving has the Turkey Trot. New Year's Day has the first run of the year. And when it comes to America's birthday, the Fourth of July 5K stands proudly as the second greatest running tradition in the country—second only to the legendary Turkey Trot. And just like the Turkey Trot, the Fourth of July 5k inspires family fitness and togetherness. That's why the number of participants at July 4th 3.1 mile runs surpass those of every other holiday except Thanksgiving. 

Speaking of thanksgiving, this year the tradition means even more because it’s the semiquincentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. That's why we need to celebrate even more! And what better way to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States than by running a 3.1 mile race with family and friends. This is one of the best ways to begin Independence Day in a way that honors freedom, faith, health, community, and gratitude. Before the fireworks light up the sky, before the backyard barbecues begin, and before the watermelon, homemade ice cream, and apple pie find their way onto our plates, we should make plans to start the party off right by lacing up our running shoes and getting out there early to beat the heat. 
If you're feeling especially motivated this Independence Day, you could always stretch your celebration from 3.1 miles into 17.76 miles as a tribute to 1776.

The good news? That's less than six 5Ks.

The bad news? Somewhere around mile 15, you'll probably start questioning your life choices, your math skills, and whether George Washington intended for anyone to celebrate quite this enthusiastically!

Still, if you finish, you'll certainly have earned that second helping of potato salad.

Speaking of second helpings of potato salad, let's talk about another reason that you should plan on running over the 4th of July long weekend. And I say over the long weekend because you'll need to put in a lot of miles over the three days of celebrating to compensate for the extra calories consumed. With that being said, let's look at the numbers and stats. 

People attending a 4th of July cookout typically consume between 3,000 and 4,400+ calories in a single day, which is up to 3 times the recommended daily caloric allowance. Depending on your normal intake, this can result in a surplus of 1,500 to 3,000 extra calories.

The breakdown below highlights how these extra calories add up across a single holiday cookout:

• Grilled Meats: A single cheeseburger with all the toppings averages 700 calories, while three hot dogs on buns can equal about 945 calories.
• Sides & Snacks: Just a 6-ounce serving of potato chips adds about 900 calories, and a standard cup of potato salad adds 250 to 440 calories.
• Alcohol & Drinks: A single traditional blended margarita can pack 500 calories, and a standard 12 oz can of soda adds 150 to 180 calories.

To burn off the extra calories consumed during a 4th of July cookout, a person weighing 160 pounds (73 kg) would need to run between 15 to 30 miles. That's five to ten 5k runs!!!!!!

For the purpose of this article, keep in mind that running burns roughly 100 calories per mile for an average-weight adult. 

So now let's look at the miles that need to be run to burn off those holiday favorites:

• Three Hot Dogs + Buns (945 cal): Run 9.5 miles.
• One Loaded Cheeseburger (700 cal): Run 7.0 miles.
• One Blended Margarita (500 cal): Run 5.0 miles.
• One Cup Potato Salad (350 cal): Run 3.5 miles.
• One Can of Soda (150 cal): Run 1.5 miles.

Now let's look at the miles that would need to be run for food intake scenarios:

• Moderate Splurge (+1,500 cal): Run 15 miles.
• Heavy Grazing (+2,500 cal): Run 25 miles.
• Extreme Indulgence (+3,000 cal): Run 30 miles.

That's a lot of 5k's right? But here's the deal. Since most people don't eat like this every day, the tradition of overindulging over the Fourth of July weekend most likely won't do much harm to our health. 

That being said, the tradition of running with family and friends every year is one that should continue and one that you should start if you haven't already as it’s so good for our mental and social health. After all, it's been shown that children who grow up running with their parents and friends have greater chances of reuniting annually. Which means, what begins as "just another race" becomes a cherished holiday tradition that can be passed down from one generation to another.

So, knowing that there's no better way to honor America's 250th birthday than by taking one step after another in the greatest country on earth, make plans to get out there with a smile on your face and thanksgiving in your heart. You’ll be so glad you did!

Happy Fourth of July—and Happy Running!

Hone Your Craft

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV

In a story posted by The Australian yesterday, it was reputed that “A young middle-distance runner has just made history as Australia’s fastest man over 1500m following a stunning run in France.”

Cameron Myers, 20, beat the Australian record for the 1500m with a time of 3:28.00 during the Paris Diamond League, surpassing Commonwealth champion Oliver Hoare’s record of 3:29.41 set in 2023.

The Aussie champion won the race easily, with the next fastest runner coming in more than 1.8 seconds later.

“Getting the Australian record means so much because obviously Olli (Hoare) and Stewy (McSweyn) were athletes that I looked up to a lot growing up. It’s just mental,” Myers said.

“It’s nice to finally tick it off. I knew I had something good in my legs, so I’m glad I was able to show it.

“Having that exterior pressure on yourself to get a time takes away from the main part of the race, which is winning. It’s going to be huge for me going forward…”

Myers has been honing his craft under legendary coach Dick Telford since 2021 and has earnt several significant accolades in the middle-distance running space.

And, you know, in the same way that God has given everyone unique physical “crafts” or talents to be used to the best of their ability for His glory, He has given every believer unique spiritual gifts to be used in the same way.

 
And you be sure that there are a variety of spiritual gifts (check out this article on spiritual gifts), or divine abilities, given by the Holy Spirit to believers to be used for God’s glory and for the common good and building up of the church. Doing this, as you can imagine though, requires that we hone those gifts in the same way an athlete hones theirs in preparation for a competition. 

 
You see, the gifts we receive from the Lord through the filling of the Holy Spirit are not given to us fully developed but must be strengthened and matured through use. This is the very reason Paul wrote to Timothy and said “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

The gift that Timothy was to "stir up" or “fan into flames” was most likely the gift of pastoral administration or the gift of preaching--something he needed for the bold proclamation of the gospel to a hostile environment. Paul then, knowing Timothy struggled with a timid personality, said “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 

It was as if Paul was saying to the young pastor, "Don't be afraid Timothy. Cowardice and anxiety don't come from God. Always remember that God, through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives inside you, will equip you with the supernatural strength you’ll need to endure hardships and boldly share the gospel. God will also give you a selfless, Christ-like care for others that will prevent your ministry from becoming harsh or self-serving, and God will give you mental clarity, calmness, and the ability to make wise decisions under pressure."

This was such a great reminder to Timothy then and to us now that we aren’t left to grow or sharpen these gifts on our own but have the Holy Spirit to help us keep the flame lit. Our part is to be brave and follow God’s lead as the Head Coach, to boldly do the work He calls us to do, and to remain steadfast in our mission to fully use our gifts for the good of the church and for the glory of God.

So, no matter what gift(s) you might have, fan it into flames my friend by daily reading the Word and allowing the Lord to stoke the fire. After all, if we are to run the race to the best of our ability as we are called to do, we must each hone our craft! And that takes work!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You have made us all unique with different physical abilities and different spiritual gifts. Help us to find out what our gifts are Lord and to learn to listen to You, our Coach, to instruct us as to how we are to hone those gifts and keep the flames fanned at all times. Thank You for allowing us to be a part of Your plan by using what You have given us. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Believers Must Rebound

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.” 2 Corinthians 4:1 NKJV

In an astonishing story published by Runner’s World yesterday, it was reported that Vincent Bouillard was the surprise winner of the Western States 100 on Saturday, winning the 53rd edition of the iconic ultramarathon in a stunning course-record time of 13:46:15. The 32-year-old Frenchman shattered Jim Walmsley’s 2019 course record (14:09:28) by more than 23 minutes, becoming the fastest runner ever to complete the historic 100.2-mile journey from Olympic Valley, California, to the Sierra Nevada foothills town of Auburn in under 14 hours.

Although Bouillard wasn’t talked about as a leading contender heading into the race, his victory added another milestone to an already impressive résumé. After emerging as one of trail running’s brightest stars with his breakthrough Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) victory in Chamonix, France, in 2024, he rebounded from last year’s disappointment at Western States with a patient, calculated effort that showcased both his physical strength and tactical maturity…

And, you know, when it comes to disappointments, there is one thing that a Christian can always count on… it’s not a matter of if they will experience a setback but when they will experience a setback—especially when it comes to completing the ministry the Lord has entrusted them with.

This is the very reason that Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to not give up when they didn’t see immediate success or were met by pushback, persecution, or problems by saying, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NKJV

This “therefore” takes into account the previous chapter where Paul described the remarkable covenant God made with those who come to Him through faith in Christ—the new covenant that allows human beings to see the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ.

This was important because without Christ, the veil between the sin-hardened minds of humans and the ability to see God's glory would remain. Those forgiven for their sins by God's grace, though, are freed from this veil by God's Spirit. As a result, they can look at God's glory with "unveiled face" and begin to be transformed into the image of Christ as His glory becomes theirs. Is that amazing or what?

What’s even more amazing it is that the mission to carry this priceless message of God was not given to Paul, or to us, because of anything we could do or have done to earn it. It was given by God’s great mercy! This great privilege, then, inspired Paul to press on at all costs. 

So, no matter what happens, refuse to give up my friend. When disappointments and setbacks happen, don't lose heart.  Choose to rebound and get back in the race to share the message that God has entrusted to you and to every other believer. These calculated efforts will showcase the strength of God in the life of a believer.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the awesome privilege of telling the world that there is freedom where the Spirit of the Lord is. Help us to be bold, uncompromising, and steadfast in our mission to sharing this message Lord, that those who do not believe would seek to know You because of our efforts. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

It Starts with one Step

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8 NKJV

“I RAN TWO MILES AND DIDN’T STOP ONCE! Listen, I know I used to run a lot but it’s been three years and 25 lbs ago. I had a 10:07 pace, I’m used to having a Garmin and I didn’t know how to stop my watch so this time is wrong. However I am happy because it all starts with ONE step!!!!”

This was the post written by my dear friend, Tye, on Wednesday who had taken a long hiatus from running. As I read it, I thought to myself, “I don’t remember the exact day that my marathon loving buddy quit running altogether but I do know that it didn’t happen overnight. It started with a missed workout here and another one there until it turned into a slow fade that ended with her running shoes being put away.” 

Which is the very reason I was ecstatic to read (and see the selfie she posted) that Tye had taken “that one step” that lead to getting out the door and running two miles--that one step that I pray will lead to a renewed commitment to the sport that she once loved so much and will have her back enjoying the enormous benefits that come from running.

And, you know, sadly, this type of “slow fade” where a person makes a chain of decisions that leads to a full falling away from something they once loved isn’t only restricted to our physical habits, but to our spiritual ones as well. 

You see, a spiritual “slow fade" is a quiet, subtle drift from God that happens over time. It rarely starts with a sudden rejection of faith; instead, it usually begins with a small compromise here, a missed morning of prayer there, a few days of zero Bible study, and a growing weariness of meditating on the Word. Over time, these subtle adjustments (that seem very small at the time) eventually lead to living out a new routine that replaces the routine genuine intimacy with God that a person loved so much.

The good news, though, is this... although it takes time and effort to rebuild running endurance, regaining your relationship with Christ is as simple as taking that "one step" of  “drawing near to God” which leads to God taking a thousand steps to draw near to you. Is that amazing or what? The more you step towards God, the more He steps towards you!

This means that no matter how far you might have drifted away from the Lord, when you make a genuine effort to turn to Him, He will always meet you where you are and immediately restore your fellowship with Him. 

So, if you've taken a hiatus from the Lord, make today the day that you take that one step towards the Lord my friend. Then “cleanse your hands" by turning away from the sinful behaviors that got you off track, and "purify your heart" by addressing the "double-mindedness" of trying to live a life with divided loyalties (attempting to chase both worldly desires and God's will at the same time) so that you can, once again, have that sweet fellowship with the Father. You'll be so happy that you did. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who restores those who have drifted away. Lord, I pray for that person who has gone astray today and wondering if You will accept them back that they will take a step towards You and see that You are running back to them. Thank You for being the God who welcomes those who have lost their way to come back home. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Blessed is the Man who Trusts in the Lord

“‘Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:7 NKJV

In a harrowing story posted by KLRT yesterday, it was reported that what began as a two-mile race turned into a life-or-death emergency for runner Kim Howard on June 13. Howard said he felt normal at the start of the Arkansas Runner 2-mile Road Race in Benton, but less than a mile in, something felt wrong.

“A little over half a mile in, I started having a little bit of trouble breathing, and my legs felt extremely dead,” Howard said.

About three-quarters of a mile into the race, Howard collapsed.

“The last thing I remember is the grass being like six inches from my head whenever I was collapsing,” he said.

Running roughly 30 seconds behind Howard was Haley Hawthorne, a respiratory therapist and fellow runner. When she arrived at the scene, she heard someone say Howard had no pulse.

After confirming Howard had no heartbeat, Hawthorne immediately began performing CPR…

According to Hawthorne, Howard went without a pulse for approximately eight minutes while she continued CPR. A Benton police officer then arrived with a defibrillator, or AED, which helped restore Howard’s heartbeat…

“I told my sister Sunday that she should be planning a funeral,” Howard said. “But luckily enough, I’m still living.”

Howard is scheduled to receive an implanted defibrillator and hopes to learn whether he will be able to return to running. Even if he cannot, he says he’s blessed.

And, you know, this word “blessed” is a word I’ve seen used more and more frequently in our world today, even by nonbelievers who consider themselves “blessed” when they get a new car, buy a new house, receive a promotion, or acquire any other worldly thing they deem as a means to happiness.

But this is the deal… the Bible is very clear that those who are truly blessed are the people who “trust in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.” Not those people who amass material possessions or live a life free from trouble. 

 

“For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8

You see, In the Bible, being "blessed" means experiencing a deep, unshakable inner joy, spiritual well-being, and divine favor because of who God is rather than what He can give you. This state of perfect peace and inner gladness is something that comes from a steadfast relationship with Him. 

Furthermore, rather than just describing temporary happiness or material wealth, it denotes a flourishing state of being rooted in God's grace and presence "like a tree planted by the waters," which remains steady and grounded regardless of a person's outward circumstances.

The person who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in Him “will not fear when heat comes” but will thrive despite the tests and trials of life.  That person “will not be anxious” when times are hard or necessities are scarce but will continue to rejoice in the Lord knowing that God will provide for all their needs, no matter how it might appear.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

King David, a man with great wealth and possessions clearly understood this and declared that true, unchanging, and abundant joy was found only in the presence of God. He was clear that, while the world might hold a few fleeting pleasures, eternal pleasures were found in the Lord and in Him alone.

 
So, don’t consider yourself blessed to have “things” my friend, because as this story shows, the “things” of this world (like our health) won’t last. Consider yourself blessed to know God and to be known by Him instead, as this is where true and eternal happiness lies.

 
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we aren’t blessed because of the things we have, but by our relationship with You. Help us to pursue You above all else, knowing that all these other “things” in our life will fall into place when we do. Help us to understand that true joy both now and for eternity are a gift for all those who trust You as Savior and put their trust in You. It’s in Your precious name we pray. Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!