Say the words

"Better is open rebuke than hidden love."  Proverbs 27:5

When I was first married many years ago, I found it strange that my husband and his father never said the words, "I love you".  My husband explained to me that he really had never given it much thought and that, by their actions, it was just assumed.  Well, not one to be stopped from speaking my mind or sharing my feelings, I told my father-in-law that I loved him often. Especially before leaving from visiting or hanging up the phone.  I will admit that it was awkward at first for both of us.  I was used to hearing it back and he didn't know how to respond.  My husband would just look at me and shake his head.  After several years, my husband's father began to reply "you too" after my outpouring of affection.  I knew God was working so I kept on saying it.  Many years later, my father-in-law told my husband that he loved him before hanging up the phone.  I remember the look in my husband's eyes as he fought back emotion and told me that his father had just told him that he loved him.  It was true...people do long to hear the words out loud.  I'm happy to say that those words are spoken very often now and my children benefit from hearing their grandfather say, "I love you".

Jesus displayed the ultimate action (John 10:17-18) love commanded when He died on the cross, “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again.  No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” not because He had to but because He wanted to.   Showing love to others is a requirement and the most important thing we can do as Christians, "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13.
But it should be something we want to do not feel we have to do simply because God commands it, "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you."  John 15:12

Showing someone that you love them is indeed a wonderful thing.  But, we still need to tell them. There's just something about hearing those words that conveys to people that you think they are special and worthy of your time and effort.   Is there something stopping you from telling someone that today? Don't miss a chance to say the words, "I love you."  

Heavenly Father, thank you for being the ultimate example of love.  I pray that we all strive to make Your love known to others around us and remember to say "I love you" every day.  Thank you for dying on the cross-the ultimate display of love.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

Solomon once wrote "Better is open rebuke, than hidden love".  So say the words-DC Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QexZ4zuRlYc 

Lift up your face

Lift up your face

"The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever. “I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if anyone can number the dust of the earth, then your descendants can also be numbered. “Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you.” Genesis 13:14-16

Do you pray for big things?  Or are you afraid to ask God for what you need- afraid of what you might hear?   Maybe you think  miracles happen only for those lucky enough to have caught God's attention?   Do you not realize how powerful or caring He is?   In the book of Acts, we find the story of a beggar who was lame from birth. Every day, the Bible says,  he was brought to the temple gate called Beautiful to beg.  The bible doesn't tell us how long he had been doing this but it was probably quite a long period.  At that time, the Jews observed three times of daily prayer.  The devout Jews and Gentiles would go there, to the temple called Beautiful,  to pray.  I'm sure he had been told about Jesus by at least one of them (and experienced His mercy as they daily fulfilled his needs by the money they gave)... If he had only known what Jesus could really do, would he have settled for the coins he was tossed? 

"When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.  Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.  He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. " Acts 3:6-8  

God isn't limited to small things.  We sometimes ask him to solve little problems but we forget that He can handle the big ones too.  When God told Abram of all He was going to give him, He said "lift up your eyes from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward".  In other words, lift up your face and expect great things!  The beggar simply wanted money, but God gave him instant and total healing-so much so that he jumped to his feet and began to walk!  What are you settling for?

Heavenly Father, help us to remember that there's nothing You cannot do.  Help us to pray in faith that You will do great things with us and through us.   Most of all, help us to remember that you are working all things for the good of those who love You and sometimes we have to be patient and trust this promise.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

Lift up your face.  Salvation is calling your name-Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v1TQNNReiI

Practice good habits

Practice good habits

"This is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  So whoever has God's son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life.  I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may have eternal life." 1 John 5:11-13

In a report by the Huffington Post entitled "5 Habits Science Proves Will Help You Live Longer," there were listed 5 habits they say a person should form to add years to their life and the reasons why:

1.  Step away from the remote-a study found a correlation between the amount of time spent sitting in front of the TV and the risk of premature death and heart disease (the more TV the higher the risk).

2.  Eat a handful of nuts every day-experts point to nuts' cholesterol-balancing qualities

3.  Ease up on the red meat-swapping them out for other proteins like fish can lower your mortality risk

4.  Go for a jog- jogging one to two and a half hours weekly can increase the life expectancy of men by over six years and over five years for women.

5.  Find your Zen-meditation is an excellent way to manage stress and blood pressure.

www.//m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5007992

In the bible, there are also 5 habits listed that will help you live longer.  And not only live longer but have eternal life:

1.  Run from distractions-"But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.  Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness."  1 Timothy 6:11

2.  Feast on scripture to grow-"Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death." Proverbs 19:16

3.  Enjoy more fruit-"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

4.  Train for godliness-"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8

5.  Meditate on the Word-"I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways."  Psalm 119:15

No matter how many miles we run a week or the amount of healthy things we eat or do, our physical bodies will die, we won't live forever.  Isn't it great to know that there is life after this though? Meanwhile, it's important to keep our bodies healthy so we can serve the Lord and be prepared for whatever He calls us to.  Focus on the finish line remembering that we are only as healthy as our relationship with Christ.  He's what truly matters.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings You have given us.  I realize that we are all sinners deserving of death and yet You love us.  You love us enough to give us Your word to navigate this life until we reach our final finish line-Heaven.   May we serve and love with all we have for as long as You will grant us breath.  And may we then enjoy everlasting life in Your presence.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

I come running to You, there my soul finds rest in You-Sovereign Grace Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hK_aV1Aj9E

Live for today

Live for today

"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone." Colossians 4:5-6

Make the most of every opportunity.  You've probably heard that one a time or two.  While we sometimes take our lives for granted, would that sentence take on new meaning if you were told you only had three weeks to live?  Or just been diagnosed with a disease that would eventually rob you of your ability to do the simplest of tasks?  I thought about this all day yesterday after hearing the news from a friend of her recent diagnosis.  And, just last week, learning of another friend being diagnosed with cancer.  It's one more reminder of how life can change instantly.  Proverbs 27:1 says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.".  While it is certainly true that we don't know what tomorrow will bring, we do have today.  And today, you have a choice.  You can live for yourself or you can live for Christ.

What does it mean to live for Christ?  Galatians 2:20 describes it this way, "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  Living for Christ simply means saying, "Lord I give you my life.  I give you every part of me.  Use me.  I will go where you lead me and I will love others as You love me.  I will live for You today and every day and make the most of every opportunity You have given me to share the gospel."  That's it.  

I don't know what you're going through today or what hurdles you are facing.  What I do know is that God can and will use you where you are with what you have-TODAY.  You simply have to be willing to live for Him.  We don't know what tomorrow will bring or even if we will have a new sunrise so make the most of today and every opportunity.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for this day and the many blessings you have given us.  We know that today is a gift and we should spend it being thankful and helping others.  May we love like there's no tomorrow and live like we only have today.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

You told me not to worry about what lies ahead, so I am gonna focus on today instead....
Making every moment count and counting every single blessing-Natalie Grant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuG0L37zulg

Don't believe the lies

Don't believe the lies

"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

The devil is such a deceiver!  John 8:44 says, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."  He is the father of lies and there is absolutely no truth in him-NONE.   So why do so many people believe the junk he whispers into their ear or proclaims loudly through another person?   He likes to remind people of their faults and their past sins and tell them Jesus could never forgive them.  He loves telling people that they're ugly, fat, worthless and that no one could ever possibly love them.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  Psalm 139:14 tells us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" and 1 John 3:1 says, "See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!".  Could it be that so many people believe these lies because they don't know the truth?  The truth is only found in one place-the bible.

When you don't know the Truth, it's impossible to recognize lies.  The devil is counting on this-he's betting on people staying in the dark.  Bibles were not meant to be put on a shelf.  It's time to fight back!  God gives us many defensive weapons (to defend against attacks) but only one offensive weapon (to fight attacks) and that is the Sword of the Spirit-the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 says, "Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

It's time to stop believing the lies and time to live in the power of Jesus-with the peace He designed us all to have.  Don't spend the rest of your life believing the things Satan is telling you.  John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much, "that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." and Romans 5:8 says, "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us".  And here's the best part, "The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17.  Now does this sound like a God who doesn't love us, who didn't make you special with something to offer or would condemn us to a life of misery?  He loves us... he loves you.  He wants to show you that love through His Word.  Open up your bible and get to know Him.  Get to know His truth so you can stop believing the lies and be the person He designed you to be.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us in spite of our lack of faith.  Help us to fight back when the devil tries telling us that we are worthless.  Remind us of Your truth and give us strength. Give us a determination to learn the Word and give us discernment to identify the lies of Satan.  May we rest in your Presence and find shelter in You.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

There could never be a more beautiful you-Johnny Diaz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5LPc9jXk80

There is power in the name of Jesus

There is power in the name of Jesus

"For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11

Have you ever felt hopeless, helpless or so defeated that you felt you didn't have the strength to make it even one more day?  While the world is so nonchalant about the use of His name, carelessly saying "oh my God" as often as they might say the name of their brand of clothing, there is amazing power in His name.  Infinite, unlimited, and uncontainable power.... the power to change our hopelessness into hope and our defeat into victory.  In fact, at the very mention of It, "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord".  Now that is power!

Several years ago, I woke with a terrible case of food poisoning the day before I was to run the Bass Pro marathon for the first time.  My husband urged me to stay home but I insisted that God would provide.  As he reluctantly drove me and the kids to Springfield for the race, I began to grow more uncertain myself as the nausea and stomach cramps became worse.  The day before a race, it's very important to eat and hydrate well.   I was unable to do much of either aside from keeping down a powerade and a portion of a protein bar before going to bed.  I woke early on Sunday morning (still queasy and weak) before the race to attend the church service they offered (love this race for that very reason).  As it was ending, I sat in my chair sobbing and silently calling out to Jesus.  The pastor, also a runner in the marathon, prayed with me and then we set off to get into the starting line.

Many times that day, I called out the name "Jesus" and many times He answered.  I found that merely speaking his name out loud gave me the strength I needed to go one more step.  Step by step and mile after mile, I praised Him out loud calling out His name.  I finished with a respectable time and was overwhelmed by His presence.  You see, when you call Him, He listens.  When you invite Him into your life, He comes.  And when you need Him, He is always there.  If you trust Him, just the mention of His name will give you the strength you need to face whatever you are going through. "The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:7

Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing us when we cry out to You.  Thank you for being our refuge and strength in times of trouble.  Thank you also for those times of trouble.  It's through them that we learn of Your saving grace and the power of Your Name.  May we be ever conscious of your Holiness and never speak your name in vain-but with reverence, awe and expectation dare to utter the name Jesus.  In Your precious name we pray Lord, Amen.

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

There is power in the name of Jesus-Jesus Culture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOyjD5Zw2ew

Running in the Sun

Running in the Sun

"For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right."  Psalm 84:11

With summer on us in full force, running in the sun is almost unavoidable.  We all know that overexposure can be bad for us-age spots, burns, wrinkles, skin cancer, cataracts.  But, in the right doses and with using protection, running outdoors can boost our heart and bone health.  I would like to add mental health to that list too!  

Consider these facts:  Recent research from Edinburgh University in the U.K. reports that the skin houses large amounts of nitric oxide, a compound that dilates blood vessels to reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Sunlight activates those nitric oxide supplies and releases them into circulation, says Richard Weller, M.D., a senior lecturer in dermatology who conducted the research.

Combine the health benefits of vitamin D and nitric oxide, and it's easy to see why one long-term study of the entire Danish population over the age of 40 found that people who had been diagnosed with skin cancer were less likely to suffer from a heart attack or hip fracture or die from any cause–period. That's no endorsement for skin cancer, of course, but it might be one for the sun.

And here's the kicker: Spending time in the sun may lead to faster race times, according to new research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine conference in May. After cyclists spent 20 minutes under a UVA lamp, they completed a 10-mile time trial faster than when they did it without the rays, says Chris Easton, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist at the University of the West of Scotland. "The large stores of nitric oxide released from the skin help more blood and oxygen flow to your muscles," says Easton. "Plus, by reducing the amount of oxygen the muscles use to produce force, the nitric oxide helps you go harder, longer." http://www.runnersworld.com/health/a-bright-outlook-on-running-in-the-sun

That's fabulous news for those of us that hate treadmills and love the outdoors.  Just remember that spending too much time in the sun can have bad side effects but spending time with the Son will reap huge benefits.  There is one side effect though-inexpressible joy!!!!  So put on your sunblock, enjoy the sunlight and spend time with the Son.  

"You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy." 1 Peter 1:8

Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of another day.  Thank you for the sunlight and, most of all, thank you for sending Your Son to die on a cross for forgiveness of our sins.  We deserve none of this Lord and yet you love us anyway.  Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord, You are worthy to be praised.  Be with us today and surround us with your Presence.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible- Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jNJ59o4QgE

Today is your life

Today is your life

"“LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.  Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.  You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.  My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”  We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.  We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it.  And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?  My only hope is in you."  Psalm 39:4-7

Do you ever wonder where the time went? How you got so old?  Maybe your life turned out the way you planned and maybe it didn't. Either way, life didn't pause while you had time to figure it out.  If you're reading this, you still have today. And today is the best day to make a change.   If we knew how long our life would last, it would be easy to wait to be the "right" person or do the "right" things.  But since we don't, we would be wise to be ready.   Job 14:5 reminds us of this, "You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer."   

As I'm watching my parents grow older and more aware of the inevitable, they often reflect back on their lives and  I'm taking notes.   If we're wise, we will learn from others' mistakes while we still have the time to keep from making them ourselves.  

Things I've learned from watching my parents and other adults grow old:

1. Do what you can while you can.

2. If it's not helping you grow closer to God or helping someone else, it's a waste of time.  It won't be remembered and it's not worthy of your time.

3. We will all die

4. If you think you're in control of your life, ask someone who just received "the call" about the results of a test or x-ray who is really in control.

5. Your body will not stay the same-either embrace the changes, praising God for the good things, or fight it and be bitter but know life goes on either way.

6. The party does not end when you leave, you'll be missed for only a moment, but the celebration will go on.

7. If you aren't impacting your children, someone else is-and probably not for the best.

8. It's better to give your children love,discipline and an understanding of the Word than the gifts, toys and treasures this world offers.

9. Love as hard as you can for as long as you're able. Show your children how to love and serve others by being their example.

10. Death is not the end. It's just the closing of one door to the opening of another. Only you can choose where you spend eternity.

Heavenly Father, thank you for every day that you give us.  May we never take for granted each minute, day and hour that You grant us to have.  I pray we realize that our time is not ours and that we are to spend each day serving You and teaching the next generation to do the same.  May we leave a legacy of love to our children and those around us.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

Right before I die, I gotta live-Kirk Franklin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DilC_rxVoPs&list=RDDilC_rxVoPs

Red-letter day

Red-letter day

"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

Have you ever heard the term "red-letter day"?  Wikipedia describes red-letter day as: any day of special significance.  Every day then that Jesus walked the earth would have been a red-letter day... and the words written in red have the most importance of any other words ever spoken.   Come to think of it, couldn't every day be a red-letter day?  If Christ lives in us and we are living for Him, what could stop us from making every day significant?

Sometimes the only difference between a ho-hum day and an extraordinary one is planning and perspective.  When we fail to plan for the day, we are left with little direction.  When we have no direction, we lose perspective of our purpose  and what we should be trying to accomplish-daily serving Christ in all we do (at work, home or play).   What's the best way to plan then?  That's easy.  Prayer.  James 1:5 says, "If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you.  He will not resent your asking."  And we need look no further for instructions on perspective and attitude than the Word.  1 Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to, "Be joyful always".  

What a game plan to start the day.   Pray before rising, put on a smile (be joyful always even in the morning before coffee!) and get ready to start the day.  Let God be in charge today and every day.  Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that, "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.".  Why not give Him complete control and let this be a red-letter day?

Heavenly Father, thank you for this day that You have made.  May we turn to you before we even rise out of bed requesting guidance for the day.  I pray that we are filled with Your joy to make each day significant.  Be with us today wherever we may be-at work, home, on vacation, on our morning run or across the seas.  Lead us in Your ways and fill us with Your presence.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Every day before the rush gets started
I get down on my knees
And I pray, Lord, I need You here to guide me
Please speak to me
And something happens that I can't explain
His Word starts talking to me and
I'm out to face this world again-Newsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXY707qV1Jw

Take a rest

Take a rest

"And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone."  Matthew 14:23

Wow, ever have one of those days or weeks when it seems there is more to do than there is time to do it? Last week was one of those for me.  Between family and chores, work, church (VBS week), squeezing in runs and planning a race, I was going on very little sleep and a whole lot of joy.   Serving God is such a blessing.  But it can easily turn into a burden if we become overwhelmed with the service and lose sight of the Reason.  We can sometimes be so caught up in doing God's work that we sacrifice the peace of His presence.  Being busy is a good thing but spending time with Him is a necessary thing if we are to be like Christ in our service to others.  As I was talking to a good friend about all the things I was doing, needed to do and wanted to accomplish, I made the remark that "there is still so much to do and there would be time for rest on the other side of the dirt."  He reminded me that even Jesus went up to the mountain to pray.  Thank you my friend for those much needed words.  What an eye opener for me!  

"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed."  Mark 1:35.  Yesterday morning, I was startled to see that I had slept in until 7:00 am.  I knew I had to hurry if I was going to get in a run, make breakfast for everyone, shower and be ready to leave in time for church.  I felt a brief moment of panic and then felt an overwhelming calm.  Okay, I thought, I may not have a mountain to retreat to but I do have this uninterrupted  moment and I choose to stay here and pray.  As I pulled up the covers and smiled, I thanked God for choosing me to be a small part of bringing others to Christ, for loving me and reminding me of what's truly important...His presence.  And there I stayed.  And prayed.  And felt the peace and comfort of Christ.  I made it to church with not a moment to spare, a smile on my face and a refreshed heart, attitude and spirit. 

Are you overwhelmed, tired and in need of rest?  Take some time to follow the example of Jesus.  Retreat to a private place (a closet, your car, on a run) and spend some time in prayer.  "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."  Luke 5:16.  By doing so, you will be ready to joyfully do all that He calls you to.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the strength to do the things You have designed us for and called us to do.  It is a privilege and honor to serve You.  May we not lose sight of the reason we labor and keep our eyes focused on You.  I pray that we remember that we need physical and spiritual rest if we are to continue serving to the best of our abilities.  Help us to know when those times are.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I will rest in You-King of Heaven, in Your presence, I will rest in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nuGmaPyST8

the power of a smile

the power of a smile

"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."  Romans 12:16

A friend of mine made the comment yesterday that she tried to purposely look people in the eye so she could smile at them and found it difficult because so many people never make eye contact anymore.  They just seem to go on in their own little world.   As I pondered why that was, it came to mind that people are either too focused on themselves to risk having to socialize with another person or have been rejected so many times that they no longer expose themselves to any opportunity to be hurt.  Last year, after running the St. Louis RNR Marathon, I was walking back to my car along with hundreds of other runners.  We were easy to spot with our mylar running blankets wrapped around our bodies and the medals around our necks (not to mention the post marathon gait we were all displaying).   Runners and their families were happily chatting as they were headed back to their vehicles and reliving all the details of the race.  About that time, I noticed (what appeared to be) a homeless man.  He was as oblivious to the festive runners as they were to him.  He was just sitting there on the concrete bench talking to himself, shaking his head and fiddling with his fingers.  As I watched person after person pass him without so much as a glance in his direction, I felt the need to stop.  I waited until he finally looked up and looked him in the eye.  At that moment, my heart was overcome with love.  I can't explain it but know that it was only through the Holy Spirit that this intense emotion abounded.  I smiled large and said "hi".  He looked at me intently, smiled back (with the few teeth he had remaining) and returned the greeting.  He appeared surprised and yet happy at the same time.  I wished him a most blessed day as we both paused for a moment to acknowledge each other's presence, smiled again, and continued walking to the car with my friend as I silently prayed that he would come to know Jesus.  

I realize that we can't help everybody but we can take the time to acknowledge that we value each person as a creation of Christ, offer them a smile and pray for them.  1 Corinthians 15:10 tells us that, "But by the grace of God I am what I am".  It is by nothing that any of us has done that we are blessed to be where we are... sitting at a computer or smart phone to access the internet, most likely in a home or at a job (thank God for your job) with plenty to eat and a car to drive.  Job 1:21 reminds us of just how dependent we are on God for our circumstances when Job said, "I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!".    

Yes! Praise the Lord in all circumstances and remember the words of Hebrews 13:1-2, "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."  Just smile!!!   I will never understand the good that a simple smile can accomplish-Mother Theresa.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace, kindness and mercy.  Thank you for the blessings of a home, job, car and all the other wonderful things you have allowed us to enjoy in this life. Help us to never take them for granted or be ungrateful for them.  I pray that we never look down on another in a position some might consider lower than ours.  Help us to remember that we are all sinners saved by grace and that we have a responsibility to be kind to others to let Your light shine through us.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I know God is working so I smile-Kirk Franklin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLyokFc_e8c

clothe yourself properly

clothe yourself properly

"Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."  Ephesians 4:21-24

I absolutely love getting new running shoes.  I love the way they look, feel and cushion my feet with their pristine padding.  My new ones arrived yesterday in the mail and I got giddy thinking about this morning's run.  I was surely not disappointed.  The morning temperatures were in the upper 50s, unseasonable for July.  As I watched the sun rise, thanking God for this most glorious day, the ability to run and my new shoes, I looked down to notice that they had already gotten dirty. That sure didn't take long I thought.  Once they were removed from the safety and protection of their box, they would now pick up bits and pieces of road, dirt and debris along whatever route I would take them on.  

Aren't we the same?  The longer we are in the world, the more we pick up the the dirt and debris of the places we've been, the people we associate with and the things we watch.   Unlike shoes, thank God, we have the decision where, when and with who we will journey.  But instead of taking on the characteristics of the world, we are to be set apart, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  Romans 12:2.   Staying "righteous and holy" is a decision that we must make every day.  You put on shoes every day right?  Well the bible tells us that we must put on Christ every day just as we would a garment of clothes, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.".  You wouldn't leave your house naked would you?  You need your clothes to protect you from the cold, heat, wind and all those other things that could harm your flesh.  Then why would you leave your house without putting on Christ?  Without Him, you have nothing to protect your heart, mind and spirit.  

Make a decision every day to take as much care dressing for your spiritual protection as you do your physical.  It's so great to put on new things.  Remember to put on your "new nature" daily so you can run your race to the best of your ability.

Heavenly Father, thank your for your lovingkindness and compassion that is new every morning.  I pray that we put on Christ every day so that we can know what is good and acceptable to You.  May we live every day to serve You and stay set apart from the world, being an example to others that they would come to know and serve You.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

Jesus I stand for You, no matter what You lead me through-Tree 63

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNZ5CRQw3K8