We are made new in Christ

We are made new in Christ

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

I have regrets, lots of them.  If we are honest, we all do.  Most of my regrets stem from choices made before becoming a Christian.  I'd like to say that life has been "smooth sailing" since I made the change but I can't. Unfortunately, I wasn't made perfect the moment I accepted Christ.  No one was. Instead of having an easier life, life sometimes gets even harder.  But scripture tells us that we are a "new creation" in Christ and old things have passed away.  It doesn't say a "perfect creation" though or that we won't remember those old things and experience guilt.   I've had to remind myself of this on several occasions as I remember the past or do things now that I wouldn't want my own mother to see (she would agree with that). The times I chastise the driver in front of me to get off the road already or when I impatiently tell my children to just hurry up and get in the car or we'll be late for school.  The list could get very long very quickly especially on a Monday.   Anyone feeling me here?  I have every intention to be the person I know I should be but then life happens.  

While the devil would love to have me dwell on my shortcomings, I'm just too busy focusing on Christ for that nonsense. I don't have time for regret when I'm running after righteousness!   I'm not perfect, none of us are.   God knows that and He expects that.   We just need to recognize that we will make mistakes.  We will fall but, what's important is that, we get back up.   It's when we are weak that He makes us strong.  Psalm 46:1 says that, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."  Trouble?  The world sure has enough of that but remember that Jesus said, "take heart! I have overcome the world."  John 16:33. What a reminder that our current situation is not out of God's control or something we must handle alone.  

I've learned (from repeated mistakes) that  I can't change the past but I can shape the future through what I do in the present.  And today, I will praise God for His presence and pray for His strength to get me through the day.  And, most definitely, for His forgiveness when I fail. I'm not perfect but I am forgiven and I am so ok with that.   

How about you?  Are you carrying around past failures and mistakes?  Today's the day to realize that you are a new creation in Christ.  It's the day to forget the past, focus on the present, and change the future.  He has set you free.   You will never be perfect but you are forgiven.  Thank you Jesus for that!

Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving us of our sins.   Thank you for changing us and making us "new".  When we get discouraged, we pray you give us strength and wisdom to realize that we can't change the past but we can shape the future.  Just give us strength for today Lord.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Mercy and Grace

Mercy and Grace

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),".  Ephesians 2:4-5

"Man, God's been good to me" was my first thought this morning as my eyes opened.  Just waking up to a day of endless possibilities is a gift.  Hearing His voice and simply knowing He's there is a cause for celebration-even before the coffee is brewed.  Yes, any day you wake up and know that God is there is bound to be a good day.... a day full of His love, mercy and grace.

Ever wondered about the love, mercy and grace of God?  As sinners, we don't deserve any of it, that's for sure.   2 Timothy 1:9 says, "For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time--to show us his grace through Christ Jesus".   Ephesians 2:4-5 is one of my favorite scriptures because it combines all three:  Paul says that God is rich in mercy, and because of His great love for us, He saves us by grace.

God is love.  1 John 4:16 says, "We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.  God is love and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him."  It's through His love that He gives us grace and mercy. But the love of God never saved a sinner.  Neither did mercy.   It's only by grace that we are saved, "For it is by grace you have been saved" Ephesians 2:8. 

Wow, isn't that a reason to be happy today?  We get a gift every single day that we don't deserve.  Think of it this way, "Grace" is getting what you don't deserve (gift, leniency, forgiveness), while "Mercy" is not getting what you do deserve (punishment).  All a gift undeserved but oh so appreciated.  Thank you Jesus!  Can I get an amen?!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for your gifts of love, grace and mercy.  I pray that we rejoice in those and praise You for giving them to us.  May we remember the grace and mercy You have shown us to be a blessing and show kindness to others as we celebrate the day.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

This one will make you dance-turn it up!!!

He determines our steps

He determines our steps

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."  1 Corinthians 9:24-27

I've run many races in my life and, no matter the distance, cause or location, they all have one thing in common.  Each race has a set course,a course all the runners must follow to the finish. Suppose one of the runners decides to pick his own path?  Suppose he completes the mileage precisely but runs through neighborhoods with fewer hills still ending at the same finish line as everyone else?  Even if that runner came in first, he wouldn't win the prize.  He didn't follow the rules.

As believers, we all do the same thing.  We try to decide and run our own course (believing we are in His will) instead of running the race God sets.  By submitting to His will-doing what He says and going where He leads- we remain on the right path (that requires knowing Him-going to Him in prayer every day).  But the moment we take our eyes off Christ, making decisions based on our feelings instead of the Word, we go off course.  Proverbs 16:9 says "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." What a reminder that we are not in control!  We can make the grandest plans and set the highest goals, but God determines the outcome.  How much time is wasted going down the wrong path only to have to turn around and follow His!  

Thankfully, no matter who far we get off course, the Holy Spirit is still present to remind us of the right path. And to give us the power and guidance we need to get back on it and keep running.  The route is set and the choice is clear.  Run the race set before you following God's plan so you may finish well and avoid being disqualified.  

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for giving us the instructions on how to run the race-Your word.  May we follow Your will for our lives avoiding the temptations of taking the easy way.  May all we do bring You glory as You give us strength to persevere.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the 

work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the

Good News about the wonderful grace of God."  Acts 20:24

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

" But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."  James 1:25

Many people shy away from hills.  They make it easy on themselves, but that limits their improvement.  The more you repeat something, the stronger you get. - Joe Catalano, Runners World

Improvement.  We're all striving for it in one way or another. Whether it be in our job, our family or our running, there's always room for improvement somewhere.  And, how do you get better at something?  In the world of running, it's by doing repeats.  Repeats are typically defined as:  a speed workout (consisting of at least a portion of the run going faster than an easy running pace) that is repeated with periods of recovery in between.  For instance, if someone tells you that they are doing 800 meter repeats, it means they are doing 800 meters hard, then taking a recovery and then doing another 800 and continuing for a specified amount.  

You're probably wondering where I'm going with this.  Well, after doing repeats this morning, I thought about the benefits of it in relation to bible study.  So many times I have read a scripture, not truly understood it, and then just moved on (because it was too hard to try and comprehend).  But, what if I treated my bible training like I did my physical training?  When something is hard to understand, why not press in and read harder?  Then take a break to contemplate it and go back again, repeating the process until I achieved understanding?  What a concept!  2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,"  Training in righteousness?  Now, that sounds useful.  1 Timothy 4:8 says, "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."  Whoa, I love benefits, don't you?

What repeats do for physical training, applying that same principle to bible study can do for your spiritual training.  Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires."  The Word is alive!  The more you read it, the deeper your relationship with Christ becomes.  The bible is His message to us.  The more we repeat, repeat and repeat our studies, the better we understand this message. 

By applying the principles we use to train physically to our spiritual training, we can become stronger in our faith and knowledge of God's word.  Sounds great, doesn't it?   Why not start today?  Have fun with those "repeats"!

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your word that teaches us what we need to know to run the good race.  My prayer is that we would hunger and thirst for understanding of the words You have given us in the bible and have a desire to pursue righteousness through You.  In Your precious name we pray, Jesus.  Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Turn it up!!!

The power of friends

The power of friends

"They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus."  Mark 2:4

There were many stories and images posted from Monday's Boston Marathon.  One of the ones that touched me the most was the story of the runner, who, just feet away from the finish line, was getting ready to go down.  Another runner noticed his situation and proceeded to try and help him finish.  When that man also started to go down, another runner came in to help.  And then another and another.  They kept going, all the while hurting themselves, until they had carried him close to the end.  The injured runner then was gently let down to run across the finish line himself as his "new friends" followed.  

What wonderful friends to do this!  "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends".  John 15:13.  The bible also tells a story of some great friends. Mark 2:1-12 tells the story of a paralyzed man in need of healing.  He and his friends had come to hear Jesus speak.  But, because the crowds were so big, there was no room left for them to come in.  That didn't stop them though! They climbed to the roof bringing along their friend.  This could not have been easy since the man was paralyzed and forced to lie on a mat.  I'm sure it was quite a struggle but they loved their friend so much they somehow carried him up.    They then cut a hole in the roof and lowered their friend down.  Their plan worked.  Jesus healed the man saying, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home."  He got up, took his mat, and walked out in full view of them all.  This amazed everyone and they praised God."  Mark 2:11-12.  I'm sure he and his friends were laughing, crying and praising God all they way home!!

Isn't it amazing how much you can accomplish when you have a friend?  Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."  And Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need."  Do you have friends like this?  If you do, count them as blessings. Today is a great time to tell them how much you love and appreciate them.  And, it's also a good time to ask yourself what kind of friend you are.  Are you willing to step out and help a friend in need in the face of an obstacle?  Be a blessing to someone today.  To all my friends, you know who you are, thank you for being in my life and for loving me!!!!  I certainly love you!

“I think if I've learned anything about friendship, it's to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don't walk away, don't be distracted, don't be too busy or tired, don't take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.” 

― Jon Katz  

Heavenly Father, thank you for the friends in my life.  Thank you for loving us enough to give us people to help us along this journey.  May we be the friend to others that we would like for ourselves, humbly serving them with a Christlike spirit.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

This ones for you my friends!!!!!

The benefits of stretching

"The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there." Genesis 12:1-4

Every athlete knows that stretching is vital to performance. Not only does it prevent injury, it has been shown to increase circulation, flexibility and range of motion. While in theory this is a great idea, in practice it can be quite unpleasant. Stretching out a tight muscle is usually painful and requires time, patience and persistence. It doesn't happen overnight but it reaps great rewards when it's time to put those muscles to work.

It's the same with our walk with God. To become the person we need to be to claim victory through Christ, we may need to be stretched. In Genesis 12:1-4, God promised to make Abram (he would soon become Abraham) great, but God had one condition. He had to do what God wanted him to do. That meant leaving the comfort and security of his home and his friends to travel to a new land. A place where God had promised him that he would have greater blessings. Talk about stretching a person! I'm sure it had to be painful to leave everything he knew behind. But, Abram trusted God to fulfill His promise to make him into a great nation, bless him and make his name great.

God may be trying to stretch you too, leading you to a place of greater service to Him. Don't let the comfort of your present position make you miss the opportunity God has to make your life better. Make the decision today to allow God to stretch your faith so that you will follow Him wherever that path may lead.

Heavenly Father, thank you for stretching me and making me into the person I need to be to claim victory through you. May I be as trusting and faithful as Abram as you lead me through life. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Discipline

Discipline

Here's where it pays off...the finish line-Boston

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."  Hebrews 12:11

Slowly woke up yesterday morning glad to be alive after running the Boston Marathon Monday.   I say slowly because I was moving at a turtle's pace...a sick, injured turtle.   It seems that I wasn't the only one.  Upon arriving at the airport, I saw hundreds of other runners doing the "marathon shuffle" as they navigated security and looked for their gates.   What a sight!    When anyone commented on my new "strut", I said, "You should have seen me yesterday, I was on fire.  Now I'm barely sending up smoke signals."

All athletes know that it takes discipline to achieve a goal.  And it is not always pleasant.  There is pain and sacrifice in training.  Some of that may be physical and some mental.  Regardless, an athlete must push through it and stay focused.  So I guess you could say that discipline is painful.  But, if you persist and don't give up, you'll find that the victory was worth the pain.

How true that is with our relationship with Christ too.  He loves us enough to correct and discipline us when we have strayed from the "training" program-His will for our lives.  When that happens, He will correct us in order to teach us.  Just as a loving Father corrects His children, God does the same for us.  And, if you've ever been "set straight" by your dad, you know it usually isn't pleasant.  God, as our Heavenly Father, knows what we require.   His discipline forms us into the person we need to be to claim victory through Him.  So, rejoice, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4,  when you are being disciplined.  It means that He loves you and that you are moving forward in your "training", pressing on "toward the goal to win the prize" Philippians 3:14 ,  for which God has called you heavenward in Christ Jesus-the finish line.    

Discipline, for the Christian, begins with the body. We have only one. It is this body that is the primary material given to us for sacrifice. We cannot give our hearts to God and keep our bodies for ourselves.

   - Author:  Elisabeth Elliott

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us enough to discipline us when we stray off course.  May it make us better, stronger and more ready to pursue the goal of heaven and a life spent serving you.  We praise you for this and all you do.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

*This one's a great addition to your playlist-enjoy

Running Boston

Running Boston

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:21

Yesterday was the running of the 118th Boston Marathon.  It was a truly blessed day.  Started off with a 5am alarm.  A little coffee and a lot of prayer while getting dressed and ready for the day.  What a day it was going to be!!!!  Down to the lobby to catch the 6am shuttle to get us to Boylston Street to catch the bus to Hopkinton for the start of the race.  Waited in the cold for a couple of hours while the elite runners got bussed first.  It was a great time to gather my thoughts and make some new friends.   What a relief it was to finally get on a nice warm bus (about 2 hours later) for the hour trip to Athletes Village.  Just enough time to eat a protein bar and relax with some friends, some new some old.

We got into our corrals about 1030 and started at 1100.  There was a record 36000 runners (11000 more than normal) so it was impossible to get a fast start, there was just no room to navigate.  No problem though, I knew God would put me where He needed me.  The entire race course was lined with spectators, bands, parties and the kissing coeds at Wellesly College.  It was a festive and happy occasion even with the extra security and helicopters flying overhead.

I must admit that there were many points in the race where I cried as I saw reminders of the tragedy of last year's race,  From the screams of "Boston Strong" to the shirts with pictures of the four that lost their lives, it was a reminder that every day is a gift.  Sometimes it takes a tragedy to appreciate it.  For a moment in Boston though, it seemed most everyone was reminded of that.

The day got a little warm and many runners were falling out (either walking, puking or doing both).  I have to admit I was feeling the effects of the climbing mercury as well.  Took a little extra time and drank extra water and made it to the finish line feeling I had done all I could do.  I was so grateful to finish.  Tears immediately flowed as I remembered those that didnt finish last year and the people still recovering from injuries.  I couldn't help but praise God for His mercy and grace as they placed the medal around my neck.  Thank you Jesus was all I could keep saying to keep the tears from taking my breath away.  I was done, I was tired and I was blessed.

There are many stories that I will share later.  I started the race with 10 bracelets and they were all gone by mile 17.  Each one I gave away has its own story.  God is good.  God is faithful.  And He is worthy to be praised.

Waiting in the cold to board the busses to the start. 

At Athletes Village passing the time and having fun before heading to the Corral. 

Quick pose before the start. Ready to go!!

And we're off. Slow moving for the first few miles. Sheri and I ran together for 11 miles and felt God calling us to different parts of the course. 

Team Hoyt- This loving father has been pushing his son, born with crippling Cerbral Palsy, in a wheelchair through countless marathons and races for 37 years.  This was to be their last Boston Marathon.

Finish Line pic with my son, Luke.  I was so blessed to share this experience with him.  I absolutely adore my children and I love this kid!

So glad to see him after the race.  This girl was tired.  

Truly inspiring-the man on the left is blind.    He is tethered to the his guides wrist.   They were maintaining a 9 minute pace like this for several miles.   Wow!!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for every day that you give us.  May we appreciate each of them for the undeserved gift they are.  I pray that we spend them helping others and praising Your name. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

Boston Strong

Boston Strong

On this memorial are written the four names of those that lost their lives in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.

Ready to run

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."  Romans 8:37

I've often heard it said that bad things that happen to you in life can make you bitter or make you better.  Boston 2013 could certainly be defined as a "bad thing" that happened.   But, as I had the blessing of walking the streets of Boylston and Hereford today, I was struck at the sense of perseverance that the runners here have, runners gathered here from all over the world.  We share a love for running, a love for pushing oneself and a love for the feeling of achievement.    When that was compromised,  the city of Boston and its people became better.  There was no time for bitterness.  

What evil meant to destroy, good meant to unite "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust Him."  Nahum 1:7.  As you are reading this today,  by God's grace, I will be running the Boston Marathon (with my good friends Jim McDermott and Sheri Sadler).  My prayer is that we will be a blessing to someone on the course and that the light of Jesus will shine through us.    I ask that you join us in praying healing upon this race and upon our country and that today, and every day, we turn our eyes toward Jesus.

May we run "Boston Strong."

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."  Psalm 46:1-3

The memorial at Boston Marathon finish line.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for making us conquerors over bitterness through You.  Thank you for being our refuge in times of trouble.  We pray that you give us the strength to run the good race tomorrow and that others see Christ through us.  I pray a hedge of protection over the city of Boston tomorrow.  May your name be glorified and your praises be sung!!!  In your precious and holy name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

God will provide the Lamb

God will provide the Lamb

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” 1 Peter 1:18-21

It is through Jesus' death on the cross as God’s perfect sacrifice for sin and His resurrection three days later that we (all of us) can now have eternal life if we believe in Him. What a gift! What love!  The fact that God Himself provided the offering that atones for our sin is part of the glorious good news of the gospel and the reason for the celebration of Easter.  Have a blessed Easter as you celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God.  

What did God do?  A story of Sacrifice

He just asked Abraham to do a very hard thing.

Sometimes it is hard to know why God does the things he does. We may never know. But we know two things.

God loves us.

And God is good.

God loves us more than we will probably ever know. And there is not even the smallest smidge of bad in him. God cannot do anything mean or evil. God could no more do anything evil than a banana could ride a bicycle. It's just impossible!

So it happened that one day God came to Abraham and said, “Abraham!”

“Here I am,” Abraham said.

“Abraham, I want you to take your only son, whom you love, and go to a mountain I will show you. There I want you to sacrifice your son as a burnt offering to me.”

What was God thinking? How could he ask Abraham to do such a thing?

Remember, Abraham had waited a long, long time for his son Isaac. It seemed impossible that he would ever even have a son. But God had promised, and God kept his promise. Now was God going to take his only son away?

But God had also promised that from Abraham would come as many children as there are stars in the sky.

And God always keeps his promises.

That must have been what Abraham kept telling himself early the next morning when he went to gather wood for the sacrifice. “God always keeps his promises,” he must have told himself over and over.

Abraham bundled the wood up and put it on his donkey, and then Abraham, Isaac, and two of Abraham’s servants set out on the way God had directed them.

After walking for three days, Abraham looked up and saw the place where God was leading him.

Abraham said to the two servants, “Wait here with the donkey while Isaac and I go to worship God.” Then he took the wood for the sacrifice and laid it on his son Isaac’s back.

Imagine, Isaac had to carry the wood for his own sacrifice.

Many, many years later, God’s own son would have to carry the wood for his own sacrifice. Then, it would be the wood of the cross.

So Abraham and Isaac walked on together. Abraham couldn’t say a word. After they had been walking a while, Isaac said, “Father?”

“Yes, my son,” Abraham said.

“We have the wood for the sacrifice and the fire, but where is the lamb?”

That question must have nearly broken his father’s heart.

But, God had promised Abraham that through him many people would be blessed. And God always keeps his promises.

“God will provide the lamb,” Abraham said. He probably didn’t even know what he was saying. He didn’t understand, but he trusted God.

The two walked up the mountain in silence. Abraham couldn’t have loved his son more. How hard that walk must have been.

When they got to the top of the mountain, Abraham built an altar. He laid the sticks of wood on the altar, and then he tied his son with rope and laid him on the wood. His heart was breaking. Still, he trusted that God was good. He couldn’t understand why he had to sacrifice his son. He only knew that God had commanded it.

Abraham took out his knife and raised it in the air. Just then the angel of the Lord called out, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Here I am,” Abraham said.

“Do not harm your son Isaac,” the angel said. And Abraham put down the knife.

Then the angel said to Abraham (it was really God speaking), “Now I know you really believe in me.”

Just then Abraham saw a ram tangled by its horns in a nearby bush. Here was the animal for his sacrifice.

God HAD provided the lamb - just like Abraham said he would!

And so Abraham called the place on that mountain “The Lord Will Provide.”

And then God called to Abraham again. “Because you obeyed me, even when I asked you to do a hard thing, I will richly bless you. From you will come a great nation, and all people on earth will ask to be blessed the way I have blessed you, all because you obeyed my command.” 

But, why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice his only son?

It was part of God’s plan.

God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac for us. Because Abraham obeyed God, when we hear this story we can just begin to understand what it must have been like for God when he sent HIS only son Jesus to die on the cross for us. How hard that must have been for God.

God knew that Jesus would be like the ram Abraham found caught in the thorny bushes (remember, Jesus had thorns around his head too, just like the ram in the thicket).

When Jesus died on the cross (the Mercy Tree), he took the punishment for our sins. He took the punishment for all the bad things we will ever do. God sent Jesus to take our place just like he sent the ram to take Isaac’s place. 

And here is the amazing, wonderful thing. Because God was willing to sacrifice his only son for us, and because Jesus was willing to die for us - we are blessed. Everyone who believes in Jesus will live with him forever.

God provided the lamb to save Isaac's life.

Jesus is the lamb God has provided to save our lives!

What at first seems so terrible, turns out to be the most amazing, wonderful thing. 

God HAS provided the lamb!
-Bible stories for kids, http://www.essex1.com/pages/paul/bible20.html

Heavenly Father, thank you for dying on the cross to forgive us of our sins.  Thank you for being the atoning sacrifice for us.  Thank you  for the celebration of Easter, the celebration of your resurrection and your victory over death.  May we worship you with the glory and adoration you are due.  We love you Jesus.  In your precious name we pray, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

God gave us a purpose

God gave us a purpose

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  Psalm 139:13-14

Ever wonder why you are the way you are?  Do you ever wonder if God truly knew what He was doing when He made you?  Maybe you don't feel adequate or worthy?  Not pretty or talented enough?  Maybe you have a personality trait that drives people crazy or a physical defect deemed a handicap?  My mother loves to tell people that, from the moment I was born, I was screaming and laughing.  While I don't scream anymore (well not a lot anyway, just ask my kids),  I continue to laugh and find joy in the smallest of things.  I have been made fun of, called hyper and over the top and been told, on numerous occasions to "calm down."   Then God showed me the purpose for my life and guess what?!!!  Those personality traits that people find annoying were the exact traits I would need to accomplish the purpose He had for me.  Of course I didn't fit in in the world, I wasn't made to!  None of us are.  

I can assure you that none of us is perfect,  or even close,  by the world's standards. No one- not physically, spiritually or mentally.  But, here's where we get it wrong, while we aren't perfect and still sin and "fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23, we are perfect for the purpose God created us for.  We weren't made for the world, we were made for God and by God.  Isaiah 43:7 says, "everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, whom I formed and made."   Psalm 139:14 says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."  Genesis 1:27 says that we were "made in His image."  So, we can surmise that we were made "fearfully and wonderfully",  "in His image" and "for His glory."  Isn't that amazing?  He took care to make us all different and yet to work alongside each other for the same purpose.

Pastor Rick Warren says that, your SHAPE reveals God's purpose for you.  What is SHAPE?  Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences-these are the five things that make you, you.  And there is only one you!

There is a life mission that God has for you that nobody else on this planet can do.  Maybe you've missed that mission.  Maybe you've missed serving God.  I'm saying, "Let's start today.  Let's make the rest of your life the best of your life."  God will never ask you to do anything in life that He hasn't already given you the ability to do. So you look at your abilities and realize, "I'm good at that.  That's what God wants me to do."-Pastor Rick Warren

Heavenly Father, thank you for making me the person You want me to be.  Please open my eyes to the purpose you have for my life so that I may bring You glory through it.  Thank you for your grace, love, kindness and mercy that you've shown me.   Remind me that it is never too late to begin.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

This is a must see-watch to the end.  "We are the clay.  You are the potter.  We are all the work of Your hands." Isaiah 64:8