I am a runner striving, as the apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:17, to (joyfully) do everything, whether by words or actions, "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
"And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"". Romans 10:15
Have you ever thought to specifically thank God for your feet? For the ability to walk, stand, dance and run? All because you have feet? Honestly, I really never gave it much thought either except for the occasional times I have to deal with the dreaded runners "black" toenails. Or when I'm choosing my next pair of running shoes.
I have worked for my dad in our family medical practice for the last 12 years. I love our patients and have formed a relationship with most of them. I have never hidden my faith or the love I have for them-not just caring about their physical health. Last night, a patient that I have known for quite some time kind of hobbled in. I knew that he had chronic pain, but I thought it was only lower back and hip pain. When I asked him if he was ok, he replied, "You know I broke my feet several years ago. I fell off a barn roof. Have you ever looked at your feet? I sure look at mine differently now. They just don't want to take me where I need to go anymore. And, if they do, it's always painful." We talked more about it and how he would have new feet someday and no more pain. Wow, had to choke back the tears.
As he limped out, I looked down at my feet. Praise God, thanks to running, they are not the most beautiful feet you would ever want to look at, but they work! They are beautiful in God's eyes because they allow me to bring the message of "good news" to others. Isn't that awesome? So what if I don't have all 10 toenails to paint? What I do have is a love for Christ and an overwhelming need to share it.
How about you? Are you using your feet to "bring good news"? No matter what you think they look like, God thinks they are beautiful when you are using them for the purpose He designed them for. What are you waiting for? Get moving!
Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that we are wonderfully made right down to our feet and our toes. We pray that you protect us and keep us ready and able to "bring good news" wherever it may need to be preached. Praise you for your choosing us to be the ones to share it. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
"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
As I was paying for gas yesterday, the cashier (it's a small town) remarked that I sure had "been running a lot lately." I laughed and confirmed what he already suspected-no one should run that much in one day, much less a lifetime. He said, "You must be in pretty good shape then." To which I replied, "Physically, probably yes. Mentally, that one is questionable." He kind of looked at me as I paid and smiled. Told him that I'd be happy to help him start running if he ever felt the urge. Oh my, he looked at me as if I said I was going to rob the store. "I don't think so" he said, "it looks painful."
While I will admit it, running is sometimes painful. Heck, life is painful at times. It's the hard things in life that make us into who we are. They are the moments that define us and make us stronger. You see, discipline is not an easy thing to grasp. It forms from a need to reach a goal. It comes from the moments when you stay focused on the prize, not looking forward or back pushing through the pain and the obstacles in your way. It's formed as you continue pressing on using the hurdles as stepping stones.
God disciplines us just as an athletes discipline themselves and their bodies to be the best they can be. 1 Corinthians 9:25 says,"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." It's not pleasant at the time but, after being trained by it, discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. Isn't that awesome? A crown will not last but righteousness and peace can never be taken away so long as you stay in the game with your eyes, heart and body focused on Christ-continuing to run the race until that final destination is reached. That's when the hard work and discipline will pay off. That' s when you know that you have won! So stay focused, endure discipline knowing God is making you better because of it. As a matter of fact, thank Him for it "because the Lord disciplines the one he loves," Hebrews 12:6. Isn't that amazing?!! The God of the universe loves us. He cares so deeply and intimately about us that "God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness." Hebrews 12:10. Have a blessed day my friends. Heavenly Father, thank you for disciplining us for our good so that we may share in your holiness. Thank you for being a Father that loves us so much that you care about every part of our lives. You are not an unreachable God but a God that is so intimate that we can feel you in our hearts and in our souls. Oh, thank you Jesus for Your presence. In your precious name we pray Lord, Amen. Happy Running!!! www.team413.org
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
While running this beautiful spring morning, I was listening to the song "Miracle" by Third Day. While singing along, I remembered hearing that the song was based on a true story. I love stories of God's saving grace and mercy! Hearing stories of how someone was saved through the actions of another is what inspires me to live each day for Jesus. It's a reminder that, by remaining faithful and focused on doing good, others will benefit from our actions... whether we know it this side of heaven or not, should not be our motivation-our love for others should. So, I decided to look it up.
Third Day's Bassist, Tai Anderson told this story: It's a collection of three or four different stories we've heard over the last year. But the one that definitely prompted the writing of the song came from a couple we met just earlier in the summer in New Jersey. They told us the story about their son that had struggled through depression (several years ago) and had gotten to the place where he wanted-well, not that he wanted to, but he had purposed to end his life, and really took tangible steps to do that. He drove his car into the woods, had the hose, hooked it up to the exhaust, had it piped into his window and was waiting to die. In those moments, he turned on the radio and one of our songs, "Cry out out to Jesus," was being played by the local Christian radio station. That just happened to be the station that was on. In that moment, the words of that song just ministered to him. He did what the song said, and cried out to Jesus, and decided not to end his life. It was the turning point for him, so much that his parents were relaying that, "Wow, man, he would have really loved to be here tonight. He's overseas, actually, serving the Lord on a mission trip right now, so he can't be here at the concert." http://www.cbn.com/cbnmusic/interviews/third-day-tai-anderson-miracle-goodwyn.aspx
I love how he said "that just happened to be the station that was on." The band pursued "doing good" and by doing so, God used their song at "just the right moment". While not all of us have the gift of sharing the gospel in such a way, we can all "do good if we do not give up." And, in doing so, "will reap a harvest." Oh my, how great that will be if even one person "cries out to Jesus" because of something we have done or said and is saved!! And on that night they found a miracle-Third Day.
Heavenly Father, thank you for our Christian friends that inspire us and help us in our walk. May we bring others to you through our words, actions and deeds, never tiring of doing good. In your precious name we pray, Jesus, Amen.
"Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear." Isaiah 65:24
How many times have you made a deal with God? Maybe you've said, "God, if you just get me out of trouble this time, I won't do it again." Or, "Oh God, I did it again. I promise I'll stop tomorrow if you can just make this problem go away". If we're honest, we would all say yes to these statements. While I don't think God is into the deal making business, I know He answers prayers. Every time we go to Him with a need, He hears it. In fact, He knows our needs before we even voice them... even when they are in the form of our imitation of "let's make a deal."
I did just this thing Monday as we were driving home from Texas from a race. As I was talking to my son on the phone who had stayed home, I was questioning him as to whether he got the yard mowed. Boy was I beginning to get a little annoyed when he told me that he was doing it as we were speaking. Are you kidding? I thought. You've had all weekend to get this done. I'm sure my frustration could be heard through the phone as I responded with a "Well good, I'll see you soon. I love you." And then the rain hit. And it kept coming the whole way home-rain so hard that my NASCAR capable husband actually put on his hazards through some points of the storms we drove through. As you can expect I prayed. And made a deal, "Lord please get us home safely and I won't worry so much about yard work. If you get me home, I'll hug my son and remember that he is more important than any job that didn't get done."
Praise God we made it home. When I walked in the door, I took my son by surprise as I held him in a hug and shed a few tears. As he tried to apologize for not finishing mowing (the rain hit at home too), I laughed and told him that the lawn could wait, I was busy learning some very important lessons. I love it when God puts life into perspective. The grass will always grow and the house will always need cleaning. To my knowledge, tall grass and a little dust never killed anyone. So, as I put away my running shoes from the trip, I thanked God for my children, my family and my lawn that needs to be mowed. It will get done...eventually.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of perspective. Thank you for bringing us experiences in life that might seem scary but make us turn to you. I pray that we remember that life is about loving those around us more than the things that surround us. We adore you Lord and praise You for the lessons in the storm. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. Happy Running!!! www.team413.org
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
On Friday March 22, a group of 16 TEAM 413 members gathered at the home of Kent and Becky Adams in Celina, TX to glorify God in an attempt to run 413 miles in 72 hours as part of a relay.
From left to right-back row - John McClung, Jamey Johnston, Kent Adams, Eric Bissonnette, Chuck Jones, Bob Sadler
Middle row-Clifford Walker, Ashley Gillespie Brinkley, Kiki Gillespie, Chris Gillespie, Kim Bissonnette, Robin Chevalier, Laura Murrieta, Brian Joslin
Front row-Sheri Sadler, Melissa Martinez, Penny Koller (and our squirrel mascot pictured in the very front) www.team413.org
We knew from the start that it was going to be tough. Like TEAM 413 as a whole, all of us pictured here have different paces, running abilities and endurance levels. We were counting on Chris Gillespie to find a way to combine them all proving that "We can do all things through Christ" who strengthens us. 1 Peter 4:10 says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." So... that was the plan. Take the gifts God gave each of us, use them to the best of our individual ability and glorify God through it inspiring others along the way to do the same. With that goal in mind, we were set to begin at 8:00 am Friday morning and finish by 8:00 am Monday morning. There was no if we would finish, only a when we would finish.
Friday morning began with Chris, the founder of TEAM 413, taking the first shift. He had back surgery five weeks ago and been hesitantly cleared to run by his doctor. He was going to push through the pain to begin the first mile of every round (7 of them). I was blessed to be the one to follow him with a 8:15-9:15 am running shift that first day. The shifts changed every day. Seems easy enough right? Well, this wasn't to be a casual run for any of us. We had to run as hard and fast as we could for every shift we had battling the Texas heat and humidity and changing schedules meant little sleep.
Passing off the "baton"
And here I go
The running would continue throughout the night with some runners doing 15 minute shifts, some 30 and the lucky ones an hour shift. I must say the house looked like a war zone by midnight. There were runners everywhere either getting ready to run, recovering from a run, rolling out muscles, eating or sleeping. We quickly settled into a routine though. One thing was constant, prayer and praise. We all knew that, to complete this goal, we had to keep our eyes, hearts and minds focused on Christ. Praise music was playing 24/7 and there was always someone awake and praying.
After the 2nd round
By the morning of day 2, everyone had run at least two shifts and we were more determined than ever as we watched the time decrease as our miles increased. While many of us had run together before, there were a few members I was running with for the first time. I have learned there are no strangers in Christ. When someone truly loves the Lord, you love them immediately because God shines through them. So it was with my new friends. It seemed we had known each other for a very long time and we wasted no time in having fun, dancing, praising and telling jokes. This day was amazing!!!! Everyone ran really well and we knew victory was in sight.
The morning of day 2 with Bob Sadler and Chris Gillespie
By day 3, we were feeling the effects of very little sleep, a whole bunch of excitement and some sore muscles and upset bellies. None of us was used to the schedule we were keeping but, praise God, there was no complaining and no doubting. We knew that God was going to pull us all through. By this time, hundreds of other TEAM 413 members around the US were posting their miles on the virtual page and we were stoked!!! It was amazing how many other runners were lifting us up in prayer as they sacrificed their time to glorify God logging the miles along with us. Wow! That really got us going. This day, God provided us with a rain storm and a display of His mighty works (lightning). Kiki was caught out in it as it was her shift. After rescuing her, we had a 30 minute rest as we waited for the storm to pass. Would you believe that God sent us a rainbow?!!!!! We knew that we would finish after seeing that. I love it when God shows off!!!
Isn't this amazing? This appeared and the race resumed.
At 3:00 am on Monday morning (5 hours ahead of schedule) we hit 413 miles. As we all hugged, cried and praised the Lord, we took a victory lap-all of us, including Kent and Becky who worked around the clock feeding us and keeping us "in the race."
As we all walked this victory lap, I couldn't help but tell Chuck Jones, "Hey Chuck, when I ran by myself these last few nights, my light was so dim I couldn't see well. Notice how well we see when everyone is together shining their light?" He looked at me and we both knew, this was the lesson to be learned. Praise you Jesus for friends to get us through the darkest nights and to help us on our journey. May we never forget that true friends are a gift to be treasured and a treasure to be cherished.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the lessons we learned this weekend. I pray that, through this journey, we led someone to you. May our lights shine brighter each day as we yearn to know you more and be a light to others in the darkness. Thank you, Father, most of all, for friends. They make this life a brighter place and as you remind us in Proverbs 27:17, "iron sharpens iron, as one person sharpens another.". May You always be the center of our friendships, our families and our lives. We praise you Jesus for all you have done and everything You are doing in our lives now. You are worthy to be praised. In your most precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. Happy Running!!!
"Be still and know that I am God.; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
What does it mean to be still? Merriam Webster defines still as: to become motionless or silent. In the world we live in today, it's rare to have real silence. There are so many distractions and sounds that a lot of us have never experienced real quiet. I've come to learn that it's in the times of this silence that God speaks the loudest. Sometimes it's through His Word, sometimes through the Holy Spirit and sometimes it's through His creations.
I had the pleasure of having the 4:15 am running slot yesterday in our Gracerunner Journey (3 days, 413 miles, 16 runner relay). We have a beautiful route to run in Celina, TX...out in the country with no street lamps, city noises or car lights. It's lined with trees, wild flowers, wild life and the occasional house. The night was completely overcast so there were no stars or moon to provide divine illumination. To be able to continue our relay into the night, head lamps were required to light each runners path. Let me tell you, in the complete darkness, this provides only enough light to navigate the immediate way, requiring complete concentration. As I was carefully letting my footsteps fall, I immediately thanked God for His presence and fell into a comfortable conversation with my Creator. I could feel Him in the rustle of the trees and the utter stillness of the night praying silently for continued protection as I navigated the pavement. In the darkness, all senses are heightened as they try to compensate for what the eyes can no longer do easily. And, that is when God is near, speaking and guiding you along the way. Funny thing though, He is, was and will always be there. We just don't take the time to really listen to Him sometimes. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." and Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Being still and listening for His voice is a reminder that, even in the darkness, He is there-lighting your path, guiding your steps and making the way straight. All you have to do is listen for His voice.
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my light in the darkness. Thank you for your protection and guidance in the good times and the bad. May we remember to find time to be still and know that You are God. Speak to us Lord and show us the way. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
Happy Running!!!
*Thank you to Kent and Becky Adams who opened up their home to all 16 runners of TEAM 413, feeding us, praying with us and helping us glorify God through our journey. You are and will always be dearly loved by me and all the members of TEAM 413. "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people." Philemon 1:4-7
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Ecclasiastes 4:9-10
At 8:00 am yesterday morning, we kicked off the 2014 TEAM 413 GRACERUNNER Journey. The goal is to run 413 miles in 72 hours between 16 runners.
Ok, so you might be wondering... why? Why do people participate in sports at all for that matter? Part of it I'm sure is because they enjoy competing against others and the pursuit of a shared dream. There's just something about working together toward a common goal-whether it be a team trophy or winning a state championship that shows a person what kind of inner strength they have and forms bonds. And, as a christian athlete, pushing yourself beyond human limits, shows what kind of strength He has.
To accomplish great things, we all need teammates and friends to pick us up. Nobody climbs Mount Everest alone. Even Jesus had his friends (12 disciples) along with Him as He pursued the goal of giving salvation to all of us by dying on the cross. And along His journey to the cross, He loved, helped and spurred others on to share their blessings to glorify Him! Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deedsand glorifyyour Father in heaven."
Through this journey, we hope to let the light of Christ shine for all to see-glorifying Him with every step and every mile until we cross that finish line. In doing so,we pray that others will choose to serve Him with whatever gifts and abilities they have been given. There are hundreds of runners joining us this weekend glorifying Christ by running or walking the distance they feel called to cover. May He be glorified by the actions of TEAM 413 all around the country.
Runners from Mo, NC and Alabama are just a few of the hundreds joining us
Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to serve you by the gifts and abilities you have blessed us with. Be with us this weekend. Keep us safe and injury free. Help us to reach others through our pursuit of reaching a goal that can only be achieved through Your strength. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11
The story posted in yesterday's media (happened 3 years ago but resurfaced recently) is a touching story of an elite Kenyan runner who traded a temporal victory for an eternal one. Jacqueline Nyetipei was leading in the Zhengk-kai International Marathon when she saw a chinese man calling out for someone to give him some water. She describes how she was at the 10k mark, the weather was hot and humid and even the elite athletes were getting dehydrated. Rather than keep running as the others did, she offered the man the water he so desperately needed. Because of her kindness, she finished the race in second place but said the following of her choice: "You do not have to know someone to help them, Help if you can, because it is a God given gift. Put yourself in the shoes of another person. In my case, I am blessed with both hands and do not claim I had done something to my God to deserve this. The Chinese man had no hands. I do not think I am more special than him." , She went on to say "I have never regretted helping the man To me, he was not a stranger, but someone who needed my help." John 13:35 says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." I don't think I have ever, in the world of sports, seen a better example of living out the Word than this runner showed. She went on to win other marathons but, I would guess, that her second place trophy means more to her than the others. In Matthew 10:42, Jesus gives us this command, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward." Wherever you are today, be a blessing to someone. Love Christ and others more than the things of this world. As Jesus says, you "will certainly not lose your reward." Heavenly Father, thank you for those people in our lives who help us in times of need. I pray that we will be people that help others and, by doing so, lead them to Christ. May we be people that follow you no matter what this world says we may lose knowing our true reward is in heaven. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Happy Running!!! All who are thirsty-come to the well.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1
“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to slide across the finish line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, and shouting GERONIMO!!!” ― Bill McKenna
Here's the group. We all have different speeds and endurance levels but share the love of sharing Christ. Going to be an awesome weekend.
Wow. I love this verse. As a christian runner (check out team413.org), I am passionate about witnessing through the gift God gave me-the ability to run. I am not the fastest or most graceful runner you will ever see but I just might be the most determined. You see, I absolutely love God! I know, you didn't see that coming did you? Seriously though, I love to run and know, beyond a doubt, that I've been blessed with that ability only by Him and only for Him. This weekend, I have the honor of joining many other christian runners(in Celina, TX)-members of TEAM 413, to embark on a journey to run 413 miles in 72 hours as part of a relay. As you may have guessed, the 413 miles is based on Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This looks to be a "great adventure" and I am anxious to see what God has in store. It will not be easy to say the least as we will be nonstop the entire time, taking turns sleeping and running. What a testimony we will have though! God is truly good and worthy to be praised! If we reach only one person, it will be worth it!!
Offering yourself as a living sacrifice doesn't have to be a big endeavor, it is simply giving back to God what God gave to you. While we all have different gifts and abilities, we all have the same hours and minutes in a day to praise, honor and bring glory to His name. What will you do with yours? You may only get one chance to make a difference in someone's life and to share Christ. How can you be a living sacrifice today?
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of life. May we never take it for granted or waste a moment of it. Help us to discover our gifts so that we may be a living sacrifice to You and share the Good News with all we know. Be with us today and guide us to the purpose you have for our lives. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
Happy Running!!!
*Be watching this weekend for updates on the relay-saddle up your horses, we've got a trail to blaze into the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace. * There's still time to sign up for our virtual race too!
"Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:28-29
The following incident was reported on Sunday's Fox News: It's always temping to celebrate a win as the final seconds wind down, but things are never over until they're over.
Spanish cyclist Eloy Teruel learned that lesson the hard way as he led the field to the finish line with one lap to go in the seventh stage of the Tour of California on Saturday. The only issue was that Teruel thought he was on the final lap and that he had just won. Teruel let up on his pace and raised his arms above his head triumphantly.
The announcers and fans tried to signal to Teruel that there was still one lap left, but he didn't notice until he turned around and the rest of the field was rapidly gaining on him.
In an instant, this bicyclist went from 1st place to 56th place. Somewhere in the midst of the race, Eloy lost sight of the finish line and let his emotions get the best of him. Whether he became prideful or just forgetful is not for us to judge. One thing is clear though, he lost his focus. In other words, he took his eyes off the prize. Things can get really bad really fast when we take our eyes off Jesus.
In Matthew chapter 14 the story is told of Jesus, after feeding the five thousand, telling the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him while He dismissed the crowd. Jesus spent the night alone praying and, right before dawn, walked out on the water to the disciples. The disciples were frightened until Jesus said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." At that phrase, Peter looked at Jesus and asked to meet Him on the water. "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink.". For a brief moment, Peter took his eyes off Jesus and immediately began to go down. Life is a serious race that can't be won unless we keep our eyes constantly on our Lord. Hebrews 12:2 as translated in The Message says, "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God."
The key to winning? Staying focused and trusting Jesus. And, when you feel yourself sinking as Peter did, follow His example and let Jesus pull you up. "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him..."Matthew 14:30-31. Amen! What hope that gives us!!
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us enough to come to our rescue when we are drowning. Not because of anything we have done or could ever do, but because of who You are. We love you with everything we have and we give it all to You. May our lives bring You glory each and every day. In your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25-34
How much do you think worry weighs? While it can't be measured in ounces, I guarantee it weighs more than a person should or can carry for any length of time. If you have ever competed in a race, especially a long one like a marathon,you know that extra weight can keep you from finishing. The race can be so difficult that completing it is nearly impossible in the best of circumstances. I can remember running a few races with items I "didn't need" in anticipation of not "having enough." I can tell you that didn't last long. I figured out that if I wanted to finish strong and fast, I would have to trust God to provide for my needs, dump the excess baggage and just run-in other words, trust God to get me from the start to the finish and every mile in between. I think a lot of us do this in our everyday lives. We worry so much about tomorrow that it affects how we live today. We worry about what we will wear, what we will eat, how we will pay our bills...and the list goes on. God isn't telling us that we shouldn't be prepared or sit around and wait for Him to meet our needs. He's simply saying that, if we trust in Him, our needs will be met. He feeds the birds, that is certain, but he doesn't put the food into their mouths. How simple a lesson. Proverbs 35-6 tells us to, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths." The secret to not worrying? Trusting God. It's that simple. Take a lesson from the birds, praise Him with song, work diligently and know God will provide. "Are you not worth much more than they?" So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of itsown. -Jesus Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us enough to meet our needs-for caring for us more than we could ever imagine. Help us to trust you with all our hearts and to seek Your will. Direct our paths Lord, and release us from the weight of worry. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. Happy Running!!! Take off those shackles and praise Him!!
