Where's your fishing hole?

"While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." Matthew 4:18-22

Of all of the people Jesus could have chosen to be his first disciples, did you ever wonder why he chose fishermen? They weren't schooled, wealthy or religious. They certainly weren't the best mannered, dressed or the picture of piety either. In the world's eyes, they really had nothing to offer. But God wasn't looking for any thing they had to offer but what He could offer through them. He was looking for people that knew how to fish. He was looking for those people who were willing to go where the fish are (you can't fish in a dry pond), willing to bait their hook and willing to cast it into a sea that may not accept it. Except these weren't fish Jesus was talking about... they were souls.

The bible says that Simon and Andrew, after being called, "Immediately left their nets and followed Him."  And James and John, after being called, "Immediately left the boat and their father and followed him." What makes a good fisherman and follower is merely a person willing to pursue "the catch" at all costs... even if it means leaving things behind.  Jesus knew that the job would need someone willing to put in long, hard hours with no recognition, very little pay and continue even in bad or dangerous conditions. This is exactly what a good fisherman does. They know that hard work pays off. And a good fisherman knows there are days when you will catch nothing, days you will catch a few and days when your nets won't hold the day's catch. But, they never give up! They sometimes have to change their fishing spot or their bait but they never quit!

God is looking for those people willing to be "fishers of men".   If you are willing, God will use you regardless of who you have been (2 Corinthians 5:17) or where you have been. The fish are biting, are you willing to cast your line? 

Heavenly Father, may we all be willing to be "fishers of men", to go out into a world that may reject us and cast our lines. May we be strong in the face of criticism and bold in the face of obstacles. May we serve you at all costs and go out looking for that perfect "fishing hole" and then the next and the next and the next until your nets overflow. Today we choose to leave our nets and follow You. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Fishers of Men - Newsboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU2N9kWGG-o

Darkest before dawn

"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

Maybe you've heard the saying, "it's always darkest before the dawn"? Contrary to popular belief, the quote is not in the bible. Thomas Fuller, an English theologian and historian in the late mid 1600's was the first person to commit it to print by saying: It is always darkest just before the Day dawneth. It was his way of encouraging people to have hope in the middle of dreadful circumstances. Regardless of its origin, the point is this - just before the light breaks, you will sometimes experience the greatest darkness of your life. This is particularly true when you are serving the Lord. The devil seldom has need of you when you're sitting at home reading the newspaper and minding your own business, but... plan to go evangelize and life as you know it can and will change in an instant.

Sadly, when this happens and trials come, too many Christians simply give up. Before the dawn breaks, before they experience the "great reward" of putting their "confident trust in the Lord." In my personal experiences (yes, many more than one), the harder the devil is trying to keep you away from something, the greater the reason to be there! The greatest reward for pressing on is seeing someone come to  Christ because of something you have said or done. Psalm 34:19 gives us this promise, "The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time." and 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

I have yet to ever receive a golden invitation to spread God's word and neither will you. Unfortunately the world doesn't want us speaking about Christ. It will not always be easy but God's word assures us of this, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." No matter how dark it may get, the light will always shine through!! What a glorious dawn that will be.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us everything we need to serve You. What a privilege it is to do so. You could have chosen anyone and yet You chose us, sinners deserving of nothing less than death. Thank You for your mercy, grace and your gift of forgiveness. Give us strength, boldness and discernment as we go forth to spread the good news of the gospel. May we bring You glory in all we do. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Pushing back the dark - Josh Wilson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wyockRKo6Q

Life's Seasons

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
Ecclesiastes 3:1

I love this time of year. I love the changing of the leaves, the smell of wood burning in fireplaces and the crispness of the air. There's just something special about the Fall season (not to mention that cooler temps are a blessing to runners).  I have daily been watching God's marvelous and changing kaleidoscope of colors, listening to the sounds of the leaves falling to the ground and the sound they release as my running shoes strike them. With every step, I am keenly aware that the seasons are indeed changing. Life is changing - for me, for you and for all of us. Soloman, the writer of Ecclesiastes goes on to write that that there is indeed a time for everything, "A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace." v.2-8.

I'm sure you'll agree that change can be a wonderful thing when things are changing for the better. But it's how we get through those other times that really define us. When the changes are not so pleasant. Are we willing to trust Him in our times of crying, grieving and tearing (and all the others) so we can then praise Him when it's our time to laugh, dance and mend (and all the others)? God never said that this life would be easy but He did provide us with instructions on getting through it. And, better yet, He promised that He would always be there, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.

We will all go through the seasons of life. The young will grow old, the strong will become weak, the fast will slow down and that's just the way life works. Seasons are constantly changing. Thank God there is One who never changes and neither do His promises. Embrace the time and season you're in. Serve God to the best of your abilities as you look forward to the day when God will welcome you home and say,"Well done, good and faithful servant! " Matthew 25:21

Heavenly Father, help us to accept whatever season in our life we are in. Remind us that things will always change and we have no control over that. I pray that we will serve You now and until our last breath in every season and time we go through.  Thank You for promising to be there with us through it all... guiding our steps, lighting our path and raising us up to "more than I can be" . In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

You raise me up - Selah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DorNUsi5LE

Something in the water

"But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14

When it comes to water, there are two things every runner knows. You need it on long runs and it won't magically appear out of nowhere. It's no wonder then that there are so many water carriers available to fit every preference. From hand held bottles and fuel belts to camelbaks and hydration vests... keeping hydrated is serious business. While we know the importance of a constant supply of water to avoid physical dehydration, the same principle applies to avoiding spiritual dehydration - keep a continuous supply of living water (prayer and the Word of God).

Did you know that weakness and increased thirst are telltale signs that your body needs water? It's true. The same can be said of our hearts and spirits. Too much time away from the Lord leaves us weak and longing for Him. Judges 15:18-19 tells the story of Samson who, after a long and hard battle, became both physically and spiritually exhausted, "Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the Lord...Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he was revived." There must have been something in that water!

Living water has the power to not only keep us strong but to change our lives and it's something He has offered to all of us - "Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds,“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!  Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!" John 7:37. If you're feeling weak or in need of refreshing today, He is waiting with the only water that promises we will "never be thirsty again."

Heavenly Father, thank You for refreshing us when we lose strength and don't feel we can go on. Remind us of all the times You have been there before and that you are faithful through it all. I pray that anyone hurting would turn to You, surrender their lives and let You guide them today and every day. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Something in the Water - Carrie Underwood

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ2kdx4zZUY

Shine before all men

"may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen." Hebrews 13:21

Samuel Kosgei crosses the finish line as the first male finisher in Sunday’s Marine Corps Marathon. (Alex Brandon/AP) 



This was yesterday's headline at the Marine Corps Marathon: Army Spec. Samuel Kosgei took first place with a time of 2:22:12. Even more amazing is to find out that this is only his third marathon. After seeing his finish line photo, I had to find out more about him. Was he merely raising his fingers in acknowledgement that he was the first to cross the finish line? Or was he acknowledging the One who gave him the strength to do so? While there's not a whole lot of information listed about him yet, I do believe there will be. He is originally from Uganda and ran track at Lamar University in Texas. He hopes to compete in the 2016 Olympics and I wish him well. I was more than happy to find that, in every one of his finish photos (see below), he was indeed giving praise to the Lord. Oh, how I love to see a bold Christian!

The bible tells us that, "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32. There's a key word there... publicly. It's not good enough to simply believe and keep it to ourselves. What good is that anyway? Matthew 5:16 instructs us to let our "light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Every "good thing" we have is produced "through the power of Jesus Christ". Plain and simple - God gives us our abilities, gifts and talents (they are different for everyone) and we use them to bring Him glory.What a wonderful arrangement.

Revelation 3:5 gives us this promise, "The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels." Being a follower of Christ is not a "secret club". Are you treating it like one? Make today the day that you boldly proclaim your faith and achieve the triumph through Christ Jesus. Talk about a victory we can all achieve!

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising us eternal life if we follow You and proclaim that we are your followers. May we use the gifts you have given us, whatever ours may be, to bring You glory, serve others and be a light to the lost in this dark world. May we be bold in our faith and willing to share the reason for the joy in our hearts. Thank You Lord for equipping us with everything we need to do this. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Shine - Newsboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=givCI1M9Rh0

Run from your problems

"Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68-69

I've often heard it said that you can't run from your problems. While that may be true, I think running from your problems can be a great thing... for at least an hour that is. Sometimes, in the midst of a trial or test, we can get so overwhelmed that we are unable to focus on anything but "the problem". We can't even begin to fix the problem unless, and until, we focus on the "solution". The solution is, and always will be, Jesus. Psalm 121:1-2 says, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Yesterday morning, I was awakened (an hour early) by my husband telling me to hurry and get up. Either the house was on fire or this man has gone crazy I thought! I groggily walked into the kitchen to find a flood of water and a husband desperately trying to clean it up. A water line under the sink had decided to spew water everywhere. Not a great way to start the day! After spending a few hours mopping, sopping and vacuuming up the water, it was time for my hero (after calling in to work) to head to Lowe's for parts. And that meant time for me to go for a run. I needed the time away from the situation to focus on God and reclaim some of the joy this "problem" was stealing from my morning. I spent the hour being grateful for the things that didn't go wrong rather than on the problem itself. Running along, I thanked the Lord for my husband being there when the leak happened, thanked Him that we had a shop-vac, thanked Him that we had enough money to repair the leak, thanked Him for a husband who could do it himself, thanked Him.... and the list went on. In the midst of my gratefulness, the problem really didn't seem to be a problem at all - it was simply an inconvenience that, through the gift of gratitude, reminded me that I got to spend a day with my hero.

By running (or walking) away from your problems for a while to focus on God, recapture your joy and to focus on the Word, you might just return with really no problem at all. Funny how that works isn't it?  In the words of Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Run away from the problem and go to the Solution.

Heavenly Father, thank You for always giving us the answers we need. Help us to remember that problems can sometimes bring us blessings if we refuse to let them steal our joy. May we always be grateful for the good things You have given us rather than being focused on the things we have no control over. I pray we remember that running away from our problems for a while to spend time with You is the key to overcoming them. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I found You - Anthony Evans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAY_qM09-hQ

A friend makes the difference

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

What's the greatest part about having a training partner? Besides companionship, it's accountability. A friend that helps you stick to your goals and training can be the key to crossing the finish line. When running alone, it's easy to succumb to the temptation of running fast on a slow day or running slow on a hard training day. Having one or two running buddies is a blessing - find one fast friend to run speedwork with and one slower friend for recovery or slow days - or better yet, one who will stick with you through it all.

While friends can be beneficial in helping us train for a race, they are crucial for holding us accountable so we don't slip into temptation. 1 Peter 5:8-9 warns us to, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." and reminds us to, "Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are." Every day we are faced with temptation. Eve was tempted in the garden while she was alone, David was alone when tempted into sin by Bathsheba and Jesus was alone when tempted by Satan as well. See the pattern here? We can't help being alone but we can fight back with the help of our friends. "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

The next time you're tempted to skip out on your training, or worse yet, tempted to do, think or say something you know is not God's will, call a friend. A true friend will cry with you, counsel you, pray with you and for you and hold you accountable to stay on the right path. Choose your friends wisely and they will serve you well. It's been said that a true friend is the greatest of all blessings.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of friendship. Thank You for those people in our lives that will pick us up and set us on the right track when we stumble or fall. I pray that those in need of a true friend would find one, and that those capable of being a true friend would look for ways to fill that role. Let us follow your example of friendship and love, listen and serve at all times. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Prayer for a friend - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN3D0Carn3U

Better late than never

"Surrender your heart to God,turn to him in prayer, and give up your sins— even those you do in secret. Then you won’t be ashamed;you will be confident and fearless." Job 11:13-15

Ellin Grossman started running at the age of 74 and now, at the age of 80, has run over 70 5ks and track races. That may seem like a long time to wait before lacing up those running shoes for the first time, but Ellin Grossman is proving two old adages to a tee: “It’s better late than never” and “Good things come to those who wait.”http://zelle.runnersworld.com/run-matters/she-runs-she-started-running-in-her-70s

Wow, I just love stories of people who realize that it's never too late to make changes for the better. Making the decision to start a new way of "living" takes courage and faith. There is no better story of "better late than never" and faith in the final moment than the story of the penitent thief who was one of the two criminals that hung on the cross next to Jesus. Luke 23:39-43 tells the story, "One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

In the final moments of life, both criminals were with the Savior but only one made the decision to start a new way of "living". With courage and faith, he acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah and was rewarded with everlasting life. How about you? Are you waiting for the right time to make a life changing decision? While good things certainly do come to those who wait, they don't come to those who wait too long. Seriously, what are you waiting for? Great things come to those who decide to follow Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending your Son to die on the cross for our sins. Thank You for second and third chances and for your patience with us. I pray that those who may be waiting for the right time to make a decision to follow you would surrender themselves today. May today be the day that hearts are changed and lives are surrendered. All to you Lord, all to You. In your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Surrender - Lincoln Brewster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oyHpLg32c8

Prepare properly

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:14-17

As I was dressing for a long run Sunday, I was thinking about how much extra time and thought had to go into preparing for a lengthy race. In just going out for a daily short run or short race, preparation doesn't seem to be an issue, until... due to circumstances, you find yourself needing to run longer or farther or conditions change - in which case you may find yourself totally unprepared and unable to complete the race set before you. Preparing for the day and putting on the  full armor of God seems to be the same way. We put on only the bits and pieces we think we may need for our short "race" not knowing what the day might have in store for us. No wonder then, that we are unprepared when Satan (not if but when) throws us a "flaming arrow". 

Life is not a sprint but we so often treat it like one. The truth is, regardless of our plans for the day, we are not in charge. Our best made plans have about as much value as the paper we write them on. Since we never know what's in store, wouldn't it be best that we daily prepare in advance for whatever the day may hold? Ephesians 6:13 tells us to "put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground". Paul reminds us to put on the full armor because he knows that, as a soldier of Christ, we will need every piece if we are to battle "not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms". Every piece is essential!

Don't be fooled, the battle is real - and it's a daily fight. Psalm 60:12 tells us that, "With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." He has given us everything we need to fight the daily battles of this world and claim the victory. He also has given us the choice to do so, "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15. What will you choose? Will you take up the armor and follow Him?

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with readiness, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit to battle Satan's attacks. May we always remember that life is a marathon, not a sprint, and we should be prepared at all times to claim victory in your Name. Help us to trust You in all things and to daily put on "our armor" and choose to follow You. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

King of my Heart - Love and the Outcome

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE8f0OaPSEQ

Dogwood Canyon 2014

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."  Isaiah 55:12

What a glorious day for a trail run. I love 8:00 AM race starts! Drove to the race in a mixture of fog and the sun rising over the Ozark mountains. With the mornings low of 45, it was to be a perfect day for running the Bass Pro Dogwood Canyon trail run held at Dogwood Canyon in Lampe, Mo. It's described as a 10,000 acre paradise - and is it ever!  With their motto, "Protect, Conserve, Preserve", the park is full of wildlife, waterfalls and scenery made by God himself. Amidst the changing leaves, brisk air and the ice cold, clear water crossings, there was no shortage of things to look at as the runners clamored up and down the Ozark mountains in their pursuit of a 25k or 50k medal.

As could be expected when running the Ozark "hills", the ascents were slow going and steep and the descents were a little quicker if you paid careful attention not to trip on a rock. The course was mainly trail but went through parts of the Dogwood Canyon park that were paved for bicyclists, jeep driven tours and pedestrians touring the park. The course was a great chance to see the views from the top of the mountains that you would never see any other way than by running this race. Absolutely spectacular views and scenery.

Runners would cross many of these bridges along the route.

The finishers were all given North Face hoodies upon completing the race and treated to a hot meal from Qdoba. This was a fabulous race with plenty of aid stations, smiling volunteers and some great medals. Can't wait to do it again! 

* Tendinitis has plagued me on and off since January. My right tendon flared up two weeks ago and I was very hesitant to attempt this race fearing rupturing  or severely damaging it. After much prayer, taping and worry, I cried out to God to show me His plan. As desperately  as I wanted to have the faith that I would be healed and be able to run, I kept remembering the words of Proverbs 16:9, "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps." and 2 Corinthians 6:4, "In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind." I was determined to be patient, enduring anything necessary while waiting for His plan to be revealed.

In our pursuit to glorify God, I know all too well (from personal experience) that we can sometimes lose sight of Him as the one we are working to glorify (I have done it) and instead use our gifts as a means to glorify our actions (and ourselves) instead. How I praise Him for this finish! When I woke race day morning, I immediately sought Him and when I examined the tendon to see most of the swelling and redness gone, I was humbled and ready to show what a person can accomplish through His power more than ever before. Wiping away my  tears of gratefulness, I taped the ankle while saying Thank You over and over. There were many people on the trail today that needed that same confirmation that I received, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13, and I was blessed to be a person chosen to do that. I am, once again, overwhelmed at his power and love. What a blessing to serve such an awesome God.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for your presence in my life. Thank You for your presence on the race course today, for protecting all the runners, for the glorious works of your Hands that we witnessed as we ran, and for the air in our lungs and strength in our legs. May we never take for granted what a blessing it is to serve You and what a blessing it is to have the health to run. Your creations are beautiful and we thank You for letting us be a witness to them. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Running to you  - Jordan Howerton

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

think about such things

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Have you ever gotten a troublesome or nasty thought in your head that you just can't shake? Has the thought ever been so nagging or constant that it's caused you anxiety? Most of us would have to answer yes to those questions. Face it, there's a lot in this world to be concerned with. With the threat of ISIS, Ebola and natural distasters, there's no shortage of things that might cause a person to be anxious - and that's just thinking about the present things. Many of us have things from our past that we can't seem to rid our mind of as well...things for which we have been forgiven by God but have never forgiven ourselves. And the future? That's another worrisome thought right?

Picture your mind as a crystal clear glass of water. Refreshing right? Now add just a few drops of black food coloring and what do you have? The water isn't so pretty any more is it? This is what happens when sin and evil invade our life and our mind. Unfortunately, none of us are immune to it. A few bad thoughts can really ruin the way we think and cause anxiety, panic and even depression. But, just as you can't remove the food coloring unless you keep adding fresh water over and over, you can't remove those thoughts unless you keep filling your mind over and over with "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable" things. That will take a lot of positive thinking won't it?!! Praise God, there's a place you can find those "excellent or praiseworthy" things you should be filling your mind with... the bible.

Hebrews 13:6 tells us, "So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” and John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." By replacing our negative thoughts with Truth, we can find peace and keep our minds crystal clear. Just keep pouring in the Word and leave no room for anything else. The Psalmist wrote, "You are my refuge and shield; I have put my hope in your word." 119:14. Where your hope is, your thoughts are bound to follow. Where is your hope?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of your Word. May we meditate on it day and night. May your Word be a shield to our minds and may it give us the peace we so desire. When we get anxious Lord, remind us that you have already won the battle. Heaven is ours so long as we continue to follow you. May our minds constantly think about these excellent and praiseworthy things. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Keeping my mind - Fred Hammond

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0asNxUj6yw

Divide and conquer

"It is good to give thanks to the LORD And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning And Your faithfulness by night, " Psalm 92:1-2

"Divide and conquer" is a phrase "referring to a strategy of gaining and maintaining power based on the fact that many smaller opponents are easier to manage than one larger one.The strategy includes:* breaking up power alliances into smaller chunks that are easier to subdue/manage." askville.amazon.com In a marathon, that same strategy is exactly what it takes to overcome "the wall", aka - the dreaded condition near the end of the race when all energy is gone and you don't think you can take another step. By dividing the race into manageable segments (like 1 mile or 5 mile segments), you can focus on one at a time. You can't do anything about mile 24 at mile 3 so focus on getting through mile 3, then 4, then 5, then.... Focus on getting to each checkpoint and avoid thinking about anything beyond that until that goal is reached. Then move on to the next goal and repeat that process over and over until you cross the finish line. 

The same can be said of life. So many times we get overwhelmed because we look too far ahead. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus says, "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself." and Luke 11:3 says, "Give us each day our daily bread." It's not that we shouldn't have goals, by all means we should. But we need to live each day - one at a time, trusting God to meet our needs for that day. Lamentations 3:23 tells us that, "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." If we weren't made to live one day at a time, his mercies would be fresh every week or month. How refreshing to know that He is there ready to start every day with us...to give us a fresh beginning each and every morning.

If you're feeling like you're constantly hitting "the wall", maybe it's time to "divide and conquer"? Trusting Jesus and his plan for you, take one day at a time "proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night." What a great strategy for getting to the finish line.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us to live one day at a time. Thank you for giving us everything we need to get through each day and for being there to guide us. May we remember that your grace is sufficient for the day and your mercies new each morning so we don't get overwhelmed with thoughts of the future. What an awesome God you are for loving us enough to provide for our every need. Thank You, thank You, thank You. May we live forever praising You for your unfailing love. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Today is the day - Lincoln Brewster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH09MwYcgfg

Here for a reason

" For we are God’s own handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us…that we should walk in them living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live." Ephesians 2:10 (AMP) 

It's no wonder that so many people are losing hope these days.  We live in a world that tells us that our only purpose in life is to be happy. Live for yourself. Make money to buy things for yourself. You deserve to be happy right? Isn't that the purpose of life? Being happy, having possessions and pleasing ourselves is definitely not the reason we were created and it is certainly not our purpose in life. No wonder there are so many "unhappy" people driving new cars, living in new homes and wearing the latest fashions. 

We were created in the image of our Father to love Christ, be like Christ and serve Christ by serving others. Plain and simple. We were not promised happiness but we can find it in fulfilling the purpose for which we were created - that's true happiness. When we finally come to that realization, we can really begin living... living for Christ.  Josh Smith, songwriter from Ashes Remain, said that "People feel there's no purpose in the world...If it is the last thing I can say, I just want you to know that you're all here for a reason." 

It's true. There is hope. You are here for a reason,  we all are... and we are as unique in our ways of fulfilling that purpose as our fingerprints. Created by Him to serve Him, what a realization. How are you fulfilling your purpose? 

Here is the difference between hope with Jesus and hope without Jesus. Hope without Jesus is waiting for your position or circumstance to change. To be waiting and hoping that someday things aren't how they are now. There is nothing wrong with waiting for a miracle, but some miracles don't always come. Life without Jesus is a life without purpose. -Nick Nujicic (born without limbs)

Heavenly Father, thank You for designing us in your image and for giving us the purpose of knowing You and glorifying You. I pray that we will ignore the lies that tell us differently. Give us strength to accomplish the things You have planned for us in advance to do. May all we do and say bring You glory Lord. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Here for a Reason - Ashes Remain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb9Y_3O2tlQ

Bring the rain

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will," Ephesians 1:11

The lightbulb moment is defined as: A moment of sudden realization, enlightenment, or inspiration. In my walk (run) with Christ, that moment, for me,  came when I finally realized that my desire and prayer to live a life free from pain, trials and obstacles was contrary to God's will for my life. The very things that hurt the most to go through were the very things that allowed me to grow in my faith to do the exact thing God had purposed. Praise God, my prayers for an "easy" life and healing were never answered. Romans 8:28 gives us this promise, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." All things work together for good - that means our life as a whole. What God is doing today in my life and yours may not make sense but it might later when it's "worked out." You may question why God allows a trial in your life, only to endure it and then use it to be a comfort to someone else - opening the door to show the love of Christ. You may wonder why God would allow pain to come to you, not realizing that, through it, He is drawing you closer to Him and making you stronger.

This blessed assurance is for "those who love God." Who is that though? John 14:21 says,"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me..." By loving God, following his commands and trusting in his promise, we can find peace that the situation we are in right now, good or bad, is exactly the "thing" He is working together for our good. And not only for our good, but to bring Him glory, "For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen."Romans 11:36

Whether we see God's reasons this side of Heaven or not is not important. Knowing He loves us enough to orchestrate every detail of our lives is. Trust that He is indeed working all things for your good and stop worrying about the why. It's enough to know that He's got it all worked out. What a lightbulb moment!

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would be involved in our lives, working ALL things together for good. I pray that, when we don't understand the reasons behind the things we experience in this life, we would trust your plan and have peace that You are in control. May we give you the praise in and out of the storm and bring glory to your name in every circumstance. In your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Bring the rain - MercyMe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kseRKxkq5iY

Not by works

"Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." Revelation 21:27

To me, the best part about going out of town is running in new places. I love to just lace up and go with no planned destination. Saturday's run found me in the hospital district of Springfield. As I zigzagged through the parking lots and streets of the individual departments and clinics, I couldn't help but notice that most of them were named after or dedicated to someone. It made me think that each of these people must have done something to make their name worth remembering. If someone took the time to put their name on the side of a building, they must have done something good right? Wouldn't it be great if entering God's kingdom was that easy? If our good works could get us there? These people may have done something worthy of the world to remember but would God know them and welcome them into heaven? Would their names be written in "the book"?

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works" and Romans 10:9 tells us, "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." The bible is very clear then that works won't get us into heaven. Its only by His grace, and through our faith in Him that we are saved. Good works and deeds are simply the result of our faith. If you love Christ, it's impossible to live a life not loving, serving and helping others. 

How wonderful it will then be to find our names written in the "Lamb's book of life"! What are you working for today? To have your name on a plaque or building? Or to ensure that your name is written in the only place that really matters? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the way to eternal life. May we remember that it is not by anything we can do that we are saved, but only by your grace and through our faith. May our works be a result of a heart focused on You and a willingness to serve and love others as You have called us to do. We look forward to the day when we will spend eternity in your presence. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Lose my Soul - Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coHKdhAZ9hU

Get up and go

"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 show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6

When you show up at the start of a race, you would expect to get to the finish line by following the course instructions right? By following the arrows or guides, you can navigate your way to the prize waiting for you at the end. Would you expect to get to the finish line though by simply showing up, asking God to direct your steps and then doing nothing? Of course not. You can't drive a parked car and you can't expect God to guide you if you aren't willing to move your feet. 

Asking for direction for your life is just the first part. You then have to be willing to go wherever He calls you and do whatever He calls you to do. Joshua was a man called by God to do amazing things. He was a man faithful to ask God's direction in everything he faced. More importantly though, he was a man faithful to act on that instruction. The book of Joshua records the story of Joshua leading the Israelites into the promised land. But they would first have to cross the Jordan River (described at flood stage v.15), "The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to honor you in the eyes of all of the people of Israel. Then they will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses. Speak to the priests who carry the ark of the covenant. Tell them, ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan River, go into the water and stand there.’ Joshua 3:7. Joshua, trusting God's direction for his life, spoke to the priests as he was told and, "as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing." Joshua 3:15-16. God parted the waters of the Jordan River to let them enter Canaan. But he didn't move them through it! God directed them but they had to move their feet to achieve it!

In other words, put your feet where your faith is. Trust in God, listen for his direction and be ready to move when He calls. As He told Joshua in Joshua 1:2, "“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel.". God gave Joshua the direction he needed and then told him to "arise" and "go over this Jordan." Simply put, God said get up and go! What are you waiting for then? Seek his direction and begin moving towards Him.

Heavenly Father, I pray that we would all seek your direction for our lives. Most importantly though, I pray that we would move in whatever direction You are calling us. With faith in you, I pray we seek your will, follow the path you have laid out and faithfully serve You in the place we are called. May we seek you all the days of our lives. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

He moves, you move - Audio Adrenaline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUXU7ufPfac