He is there

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10

I used to worry a lot. I used to be afraid to try new things. I used to be scared. I used to be a woman living her life apart from Christ. Praise God I am no longer any of those things. I rarely worry, I'll try anything new, crazy or seemingly impossible that God calls me to and I am not scared of many things besides snakes and spiders. In all these things, God is there. It's knowing that God is with me at all times and wherever I may travel that gives me this peace. Francis Bacon once said that knowledge is power. How true that statement is.

There is nowhere we can go that His Presence will not follow us. As far North as we can travel, He is there. As far South as we can travel, He is there. As far as the East is to the West, his hand is there to guide us. He is there. In fact, v.5 says, "You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me." Not only is He with us wherever we may go, He goes in front of us to guide us and behind us to protect us. Knowing this, is there anything that should make you worry or make you afraid? Joshua 1:9 reminds us, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Isn't it great to have the knowledge that nothing can separate us from the love and protection of Christ? Whatever worry or struggle that you have today, did you know that God already knows it? He knows it and he cares and he will be with you through it. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in our lives. It is an awesome thing to know that you are with us wherever we go. And it is humbling to realize that you love us enough to be with us when we are at our worst and love us despite our lack of worthiness. Thank you for being such a loving friend and Father to us. We love you and thank you Lord. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.TEAM413.org

Psalm 139 - Mercy Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrYILn0KtXA

Press on

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14

Wow, it's the first day of a new year.... a year full of new beginnings and days to achieve the goals you may be setting for yourself. Setting goals is the first step in achieving them. And then comes the hard part - working toward them. Regardless of what your goal may be, one thing is certain. You will have to "press on" to make it happen. Simpler said, you must take action. Proverbs 13:4 says, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied." If you do nothing, your ambitions are mere words on a page.

Paul knew the importance of reaching "the goal to win the prize" for which he had been called. He also knew that time spent looking back would do nothing but distract or dismay him. He knew that by focusing solely on Christ, "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead", he would "win the prize." Those principles are true today and of our pursuit of what God has called each of us to. Looking back is only beneficial when we are either counting our blessings or learning from our mistakes. The past has passed, the present is now and our future is being determined by the choices we make today.

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, "“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" Amen to new things, new beginnings and the new year. May yours be blessed.

Heavenly Father, thank you for another year. Every day and every breath you give us is an undeserved gift. Although there's nothing we could ever do to repay the kindness. love and mercy you have shown us, may we glorify you in all we do. May our mouths declare your praise and our actions show your love. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. Happy Running!!!

www.TEAM413.org

Press On - Building 429

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pv5wVS7yzk

the Temple

"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

It's no surprise that the leading resolution made is to lose weight and get healthy. The CDC reports that more than one-third (34.9% or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults are obese. And this extra weight and sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc on our bodies causing all kinds of health problems including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 gives us great insight into God's view of how we are to treat our bodies, "do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own. For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."

The bible uses the word temple - not home or residence - to describe our bodies as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Unlike either a home or residence where people live, a temple is a sacred place in which worship takes place. It's the place where God resides and is glorified.  When we begin to view our bodies in this way, it's hard to imagine not treating ourselves with great care. After all, we wouldn't dream of letting our church, the place we worship and where His Presence resides, fall into disrepair would we?

Rather than making resolutions this new year to change habits, why not make the decision to change your life...for good? To live the way God intended you to live? Making the decision to glorify God in your body will lead to better choices and a healthier "temple". 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the chance to make changes to be healthier. May our resolutions to live a better life be focused around our desire to glorify you in our bodies. May we be the temple where your Spirit resides and may we take care of it knowing that it is sacred to you. Help us as we begin this journey and give us the strength and willpower to achieve our goals. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.TEAM413.org

Welcome Holy Spirit

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

Wait on the Lord

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

I've heard it said that faith in God requires faith in his timing. In a world of drive-thru restaurants, high speed internet and online next day shopping, we have grown accustomed to having what we want when we want it. It's no wonder then that so many people have a hard time with patience. But, waiting on the Lord and His timing, gives us so much more than that. We are stronger each time we put our faith in God, trusting that He knows what's best for us - even when we can't imagine why it is taking so long.

How can waiting on God's timing make us stronger? A mother, waiting for the birth of her child, has the time to learn to love the life within her. Her love grows stronger day by day as she trusts God to keep the baby safe within her womb. Training for a marathon can't be done in a week, it requires time, patience and trust in God. Each day developing the strength needed to run the race. Ever faced an injury or illness, every day spent trusting God and having patience with his timing, is a day that strengthens your faith. We certainly do renew our strength when we hope in the Lord. Psalm 27:14 reminds us to, "Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

As you are preparing to welcome in the new year and make that set of resolutions, why not resolve to strengthen your faith? To trust in his plan and seek his will for your life? Trusting and hoping in the Lord is the best way to start the new year... and every day. God gives us this promise, I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Psalm 32;8. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for caring so much for us that you would guide our steps to keep us from stumbling. May today be the day that we choose to trust your timing and purpose for our lives. May we have patience when life is impatient and may we have faith in you when the world says to do your own thing. Only You are worthy of our praise, our hope and our love. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.TEAM413.org

Wait on the Lord - Fred Hammond

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7_rse8HZIQ

Spiritual training

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8

I was blessed to have been able to run another marathon Saturday. Although the temperatures were in the lower 30s with a moderate sleet/snow mix, the day was actually quite enjoyable. There were several distances offered including a half marathon and marathon with the distance each particular runner had chosen to complete noted by the color of his/her running bib. How nice to know the length of your race... makes it easier to train and be prepared doesn't it? It certainly makes it easier to endure the added hardship of running in less than ideal conditions. Somehow knowing how long a trial will last makes it less arduous.

In the race of life, wouldn't it be great to actually choose your race distance? It would certainly be helpful to select the conditions in which you ran it in too, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, we are in charge of neither. The bible reminds us that our "life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone."James 4:14. And 2 Timothy 3:12 tells us that, "everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.". It only makes sense then that we should be prepared at all times to travel the course God has prepared for us. And, to not only run the race, but to run it well regardless of the trials, troubles and storms that will come.

Training begins with simply opening the training manual - the Bible - which has everything you need to persevere. After all, as 1 Timothy 4:8 reminds us, ""Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." Bodily training requires repetition to gain strength and endurance. Our spiritual training requires the same..."meditate on it day and night... and then you will have good success."

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us everything we need to prepare ourselves to run the race with endurance. May we strive to be spiritually ready at all times to persevere through any trial, tribulation or challenge as we strive to show Christ to the world through our actions. May we never give up, back down or shy away from any "job" you would call us to but rely on your strength to complete it.  When the victory is won, may we know full well that it was by You, through You and for You and may your name be praised! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Misty Edwards - I will Run

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

Run for the Ranch 2014

"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:14

What a day for a race! The 10 am race time was a welcome change from the usual 7 am marathon race starts. Not only did it allow for warmer temps, it also gave me a few hours to sleep in. I had come down with strep throat and was on day 2 of antibiotics so the extra rest was a blessing. Against all advice, I chose to run the race. I did, however, wear a face mask, something I never do in temps above 30 and it was the key to finishing.The race offered a marathon relay and a half marathon, marathon and 6 hour endurance run. The course consisted of a 3.3 ish loop that was to be repeated as many times as necessary to achieve the mileage to complete each runners chosen event. The marathon would require 8 loops. By the end of the first loop, I felt I had made a huge mistake in even starting the race. As I prayed for God's guidance though, I soon started feeling better with each additional lap. I knew from experience that if it was His will, the "gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18. And, so in the words of Forrest Gump, "I ran."

A drizzle/snow/sleet mixture was present throughout the race. No one complained about it though. It was just "one of those things" when you choose to run a race in December. Kinda like with Christmas presents, you get what you get. And, so we all ran...together. The loops created a camaraderie of sorts as we passed each other several times in the course of the race. The volunteers were very encouraging, especially considering they were out in the cold and rain for at least 6 hours. Some of the young men from the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch (one of the charities this race supports) were at the main aid station and were a blessing to all the runners. With cold and smiling faces, they offered water, gatorade, bananas and gels and picked up the cups without complaint. What a great day it was!

Many runners completed their first races this day and it was humbling to witness it. The medals were worthy of the effort by all as was the post race food. God willing, this is a race I would love to do every year. What a great way to continue the celebration of the birth of Christ, not by spending it in a mall but, by running a few loops with friends and supporting some fabulous charities.

TEAM 413 member Cheryl Shores

The boys from the "ranch"

These guys were completing their first half after training really hard. They were so encouraging to others. 

A fellow TEAM 413 member, Timothy Durk

My new "ninja" running look - praise God I was even running!!

My friend, Nii, leading a blind runner in the Marathon

The stone

"The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:22-24 (NLT)

This is the day the LORD has made. Could there be any day better described as such than Christmas? After all, without the birth of Jesus, there would be no cause for gladness, joy or celebration right? Surrounded by family and friends yesterday, I couldn't help but think of the many people I have met over the years, people even within my own family, that have rejected Christ -and those who claim to know Him but haven't built their lives upon His foundation. 

In Old Testament times, the cornerstone was the main stone placed at the corner of the structure. It was usually the largest, most solid and always the most carefully constructed stone of any in the edifice. What's most important is that it had to be the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones were set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. The building could not be built or stand without the cornerstone. Jesus came to give us this firm foundation, to be that cornerstone - the reference to how our lives should be built.

Have you placed Jesus as your cornerstone? In your life, is He first with all other things set in reference to your relationship with him? If not, it's not too late to rebuild. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." and Colossians 2:6 says, "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him". Through Christ, we can have a fresh start... and a new day to build a life centered on Him. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for not giving up on us when we have built our lives on things other than you. Forgive us and cleanse us. Help us to rebuild our lives with you as the cornerstone, the foundation of what we should be so that every day we can declare blessed is the day the Lord has made and rejoice and be glad in it. 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=zKHRfCHUFOk

Mary, did you know?

"and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." Luke 2:7

Over 16 years ago, my firstborn, a son, came into this world. I don't recall ever having felt a love that strong for anyone or anything before the day they placed him in my arms. Life changed the moment I held him... and so it must have been for Mary more than 2.000 years ago when "she gave birth to her firstborn, a son." Only 10 months earlier, she was a young virgin engaged to be married - probably busying herself with wedding plans and dreams of the future. And then Gabriel came to visit, "The angel told her,“Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God.You will become pregnant, give birth to a son,and name him Jesus. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. Your son will be king of Jacob’s people forever,and his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:26-38

Can you imagine all the plans she had for Him? The dreams of who he would be, what he would be like, the color of his eyes? Yes... she knew he was special and that he would be the "Son of the Most High" but for now he was her son, her precious baby. With a mother's love, she would allow herself to think only pleasant thoughts. Luke 2:19 tells us that, "Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Could she have possibly known how her son, the Son of God, the beautiful baby that rested in her arms that first Christmas morning, would one day die a sinners death on a cross to save you and me from our sins?

This Christmas, take the time to treasure up all these things and ponder them in your heart. Jesus left his throne to be born in a stable and placed in a manger made of wood. He would later be placed on a cross made of wood to fulfill the purpose for which he was born. Mary, did you know?

Heavenly Father, thank you for this glorious Christmas day. Thank you for the gift of salvation and eternal life provided through the baby Jesus born in a stable over 2,000 years ago. There could be no greater love or greater King that would leave his throne to endure the suffering and hardship required to be the ultimate sacrifice. May we ponder these things in our heart today and the whole year through as we celebrate the greatest birth day of all time. Merry Christmas and may God bless each of you. It's in your most precious name we pray these things King Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Mary did you know? - Pentatonix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE

Naughty or nice?

"All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left." Matthew 25:32-33

Santa has two lists, the naughty and the nice. It's pretty simple really. If you're on the nice list, you get gifts. If you're on the naughty list, you don't. This type of thinking implies that if your good outweighs your bad, or if you're basically a "good person", you will go to heaven. That's simply not true. There's nothing we can do or not do that will make us good enough. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

God has two lists too- the sheep (nice) and the goats (naughty).  To those on the nice list, "Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." (v.34) and to those on the naughty list, "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me,you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." (v.41). You can be sure we will all receive the gift due to us as told in Matthew 25:46, " “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." The "naughty" will receive a gift far worse than coal but the "nice" will receive the precious gift of eternal life. Could there be any better present? 

The choice is yours. What better time of year to accept the greatest present ever offered? The best part is, no matter what you have done or where you have been, Jesus is offering this priceless gift of salvation to you today. Through faith, you can open your hands and your heart to receive it. Simply say this prayer:

Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God. I believe that you died to save me from my sins. I believe that there is no salvation apart from you. I give myself to you today. Come into my heart and live in me that I might have eternal life. Thank you for the gift of salvation and for dying on the cross for me. I pray this in your holy name Lord, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

When Love was born - Mark Schultz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKSU9Dbxvrw

The best gifts

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:10-11

When looking for gifts to give others, most of us try to get appropriate ones - things a person can use or articles we feel they would like. I'm sure glad my family feels this way. I can always count on a new pair of Brooks and some other running gear for Christmas and I know these gifts come with a lot of thought from the giver and are more than merely presents, they are displays of my family's love for me. Much in the same way that the wise men brought gifts to our infant Savior more than 2,000 years ago. While the items may not seem like much... only three gifts for a king? They were perfectly picked and lovingly given... three gifts for a King.

What was the meaning of these three gifts? It was certainly no accident that gold, frankincense and myrrh were presented to the baby Jesus. But why? Gold was a gift worthy for a king of which Jesus would be the King of all kings, "On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords." Revelation 19:16. Frankincense was a very expensive gift with a wonderful fragrance. It was typically burned by priests as an offering to the Lord (Leviticus 2:16). Jesus was the Great High Priest and the ultimate sacrifice, "our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time..."Hebrews 4:14. Myrrh had many uses including being used as a perfume, an anesthetic, an ingredient in anointing oil, and for burial embalming... death. John 19:40 says, "Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs."

Oh my. So these gifts were indeed appropriate. Gold for the King of Kings, frankincense for the High Priest and myrrh for our Savior who died to give us all the best Christmas gift we could receive - a gift greater than anything a box could ever hold, the gift of Salvation. What a wonderful display of God's love for us! "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. 

 

Heavenly Father, thank You, thank You, thank You for giving us the best gift ever... your son Jesus who died on the cross to offer us the gift of eternal life. The best part is, it is a gift that can and should be shared! Let us be generous with our time, resources and love as we proclaim with our lips, and show through our actions, the true meaning of Christmas to others. With joy in our hearts, we ask this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

We Three Kings - Building 429

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

Faithful at any age

"So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." Psalm 71:18

"Jesus has a purpose for us all. But I never thought He had a purpose like this for me," she said. "And I'm very happy, and honored, and humble. Jesus, I love You, I thank You, and I praise You all my days. Until the day I come home to You." Those were the words of 95 year old Connie Vitolo who has spent the last year crocheting blankets, one at a time, for orphans in India. "Not long ago, Mrs. Vitolo didn't care whether she lived or died. After a bad fall, she had to leave her New Jersey home and move in with her daughter in Virginia. Before long, depression set in."I would pray, 'Jesus, call me home.' But my daughter says, 'No, He don't want you yet,'" she said." Her daughter simply prayed for her mother to find a renewed purpose... and she did. She has made 12 blankets so far and is not slowing down.  http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/December/Purpose-Finds-95-Yr-Old-Woman-Who-Prayed-to-Die/

In a world where youth is glorified and the aged deemed "beyond their years of usefulness", it's quite easy to understand why seniors may feel a loss of purpose. But God says, "The righteous flourish like the palm tree...They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright" Psalm 92:12-15. Just as our bodies change as we grow old, God's purpose for us does too. But, rest assured, we do have a purpose at every age... and how we serve in our 20's is as important and valuable to Jesus as how we serve in our 80's and 90's (God willing we live that long).

1 Samuel 12:24 says, "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you." Faithful service... that's our purpose at every age. "They've come from the streets, you know? They don't have a parent -- they don't have a mother, they don't have a father,". "That's what I want -- people that don't have anybody. And if just one of these can cover them when they're cold, I'll be happy," she said. "I wish I had one here, I would hug them, kiss them." What is God calling you to do? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us a purpose at every age. Through the example of Connie, you have shown that great things truly come out of despair when we have a calling. I pray that You would reveal that renewed purpose to all those praying for it. May we proclaim the great things you have done for us and praise you with our dying breath. We ask this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Merry Christmas - Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxpBaoh8Tvk

Runner 12 days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A shirt from TEAM four one three

On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans 

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Seven Windproof  Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:

Eight KT Tapestrips

Seven Nike Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the ninth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Nine headlamp lightsets

Eight KT Tapestrips

Seven Windproof Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Ten Garmins beeping

Nine headlamp lightsets

Eight KT Tapestrips

Seven Windproof Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the eleventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eleven Brand new sports bras

Ten Garmins beeping

Nine headlamp lightsets

Eight KT Tapestrips

Seven Windproof Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me
12 hot pink tutus

Eleven Brand new sports bras

Ten Garmins beeping

Nine headlamp lightsets

Eight KT Tapestrips

Seven Windproof Jackets

Six Compression Socks

Five Race Entries

Four Foam Rollers

Three sport beans

Two Roctane Gels

and a A shirt from TEAM Four one three

Who cut in?

"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:14 (NLT)

If you have ever been to a marathon or watched one on TV, you might have seen the winner break the tape as they sprint across the finish line. There are actually two tapes, one for the male winner and one for the female. At last Saturday's Dallas Marathon, the coveted banner (for the female division) was ripped apart by someone other than the winner - something I've never seen before. The women's top finisher, Shitaye Gemechu from Ethiopia, was headed down victory lane ready to break the tape and claim her first place finish when she was passed (at the very last moment) by a relay runner, identified as Janice Moore, who had out-sprinted her (relay runners are typically a 5 person group with each member running 5 to 5.6 miles of the race). Gemechu told the Dallas Morning News, “I was disappointed a little, for a moment, I thought I lost. I didn’t know where she came from." http://running.competitor.com/2014/12/news/dallas-marathon-winner-upstaged-relay-runner_119870

It was later determined that Gemechu was in fact the winner, as Moore was merely the "last leg" of a relay team (which came in 6th in the relay division). Although Moore apologized, the damage was done. Gemechu had lost out on claiming the victory (in the grandest fashion by breaking the tape) she had been running so hard for. The bible warns us how one person's actions can affect those around them. Galatians 5:7-9 (NIV) says, "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” Paul is giving us a reminder to be careful and that, just as a little yeast causes a whole lump of dough to rise, listening to the persuasive words or advice of just one misguided person can spread and infect others. Any teachings contrary to what the Word of God tells us can keep us from obeying the truth.

In your run to the finish line, be careful to not let anyone or anything "cut in on you". By knowing the truth and staying focused on Christ, we can "press on to reach the end of the race for which God is calling us."

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us your Word to know the truth to run the good race before us. I pray that we would always be alert and ready to avoid anything or anyone that might cut in on us and keep us from claiming the heavenly price that you are calling us to. Be with us every step of the way Father, guiding our steps and providing us strength. We ask this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Run - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJGDKM6XsfQ

the priceless Gift

"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36:7

I've heard it said that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" which, according to google, means: beauty cannot be judged objectively, for what one person finds beautiful or admirable may not appeal to another. And value is defined as: the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. With that in mind, "value is in the eye of the beholder" can be said as well.

While shopping for candles Saturday, I surveyed the clearance table for a bargain. Picking up a large glass candle holder marked down to five dollars, I examined it closely to see whether I really liked it. That's when I saw the initial price tag - this marked down item used to be twenty five dollars - five times its current value. Instantly, it seemed to become more beautiful and definitely more valuable to me. The item hadn't changed but my opinion had, based on my new knowledge. Could it be that people don't value Jesus as they should because they don't know his true value? Maybe they simply lack the knowledge of his worth? At this time of year, He has been reduced to a cute little baby in a manger, born in a stable surrounded by wise men and farm animals. But He is so much more than that!  And we all know that the rarer the object, the more it is worth right? Acts 4:12 tells us that, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

Jesus Christ is worth more than we could ever comprehend then! He is the only one who can offer us the gift of salvation and the only one true God. His value is beyond compare and his "unfailing love" is priceless.  If only the world could know that the immeasurable love of Christ is free to all of us... how different things would be. Will you tell someone today?

Heavenly Father, You are truly worth more than any words could say. You are the one true God and the only one worthy of our praise. My prayer is that we would all know the immeasurable cost of salvation and view you as the priceless King and Friend you are. Help us to share this knowledge with others today. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

What Child is this - Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1WVAa_pM_s

It's about the Cross

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John  3:17

The past few days were absolutely beautiful. It's the middle of December and there were highs in the 60s. Hate to burst anyone's bubble but it was a gift from God, undeserved I might add, and not from Mother Nature. Not only was I able to get in a few runs without wearing a coat, going in and out of stores Christmas shopping seemed like a treat. Funny how few people seemed to notice though. It's supposed to be the "most wonderful time of the year" right? As I passed another shopper in the parking lot, I commented on what great weather we were having and was met with the response, "it's a little windy and could be a few degrees warmer." Oh boy, some people just don't get it I thought. 

If they did, they'd be dancing in the aisles and singing in the checkout lines. Praise God, we are getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ! There's so much more to the "happiest season of all" than just buying presents, going to parties and wearing ugly sweaters. What a gift, undeserved I might add, that along with the celebration of His birth, we are able to spend time with loved ones, bless others with gifts and have a special time of joy and renewed peace. Perhaps we have merely forgotten the true meaning of the season. Isaiah 9:6 tells us, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

No matter the weather, there is a reason to be happy. As you're out and about this wonderful holiday season, remember what it is you're truly celebrating. And what a gift, totally underserved, we have all received by the birth of Jesus - forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. Now that should put a smile on your face. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the birth of your son Jesus. Thank You for the gift of forgivenss of sins and eternal salvation through His sacrifice. I pray that we would have that joy in our hearts and on our lips as we prepare to celebrate the season. May we be so overflowing with thanksgiving over what we have received that others see it in us and want to know why. What a great way to share the story of Christmas! We ask these things in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

It's about the Cross - Go Fish

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

The thorn

"I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses." 2 Corinthians 12:5 (NIV)

Runners love to brag to each other. Join a group of them talking and you'll likely hear about someone's latest PR, most recent race or the litany of injuries they are running through. Inevitably the conversation will usually turn to who was able to run through the most pain... the winner gaining a badge of honor among the others - respect. Pain is just an accepted part of running, never very pleasant but a situation that must be overcome. And it is always humbling - a constant reminder that we are not the ones in control regardless of our race statistics.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, the apostle Paul says, "Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me." The bible never tells us what the "thorn" in Paul's flesh was but whatever it was, it caused him enough grief to repeatedly ask the Lord to remove it. There's no doubt that God loved Paul, so why didn't he just take it away? When Paul inquired of God to remove it, He simply said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (V.9). Because of this ailment, whatever it might have been, Paul remained humble and in constant knowledge that God was in control. It's that knowledge that inspired Paul to respond, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (V. 9-10). Because of Paul's response, his relationship with Christ and trust in Christ not only became stronger, he was a witness to all those around him as they saw God working in his life.

While I can't even begin to guess why some people are "blessed" with a thorn and others not, I do know that God is in control of it all. We can choose, like Paul, to embrace it and boast of the good things God has done in spite of and through our weaknesses, hardships or difficulties or we can allow our "thorns" to only bring us pain. As for me, I will boast in my pain and in the victories God allows me to achieve despite them, through Him, by Him and for Him. What a blessing to do so!

Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings you have given us. Thank You especially for the hardships, injuries, pain and difficulties. It's through those that we have learned to trust You far more than the brightest day could ever get us to do. Thank You for giving us the strength to overcome and for your sufficient grace. May we forever boast in the power of your grace in our lives. When we don't understand why Lord, give us the faith to accept, embrace and trust your plan for our lives. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Bring the Rain - Mercy Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

I've got the JOY

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Do you know any of those people? The kind that always seem to have a smile on their face? Even at mile 20 of a marathon?  Always happy no matter the circumstances? While you might say they drive you crazy with their constant joy, do you secretly wonder what makes them that way? Do you secretly wish you could be more like that? Overflowing with hope? As one of those people, I will tell you the secret - which is not really a secret at all. The source of joy can be found in merely looking closer at the word itself:

J - Jesus

O - Others

Y - Yourself

What a simple equation! Joy comes by putting Jesus first, then others and then yourself - in that order... JOY can't be spelled or found any other way.  Philippians 2:1-4 sums it up perfectly, "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Joy is made complete by loving Jesus and looking to the interests of others before ourselves.

Goes against all worldly reason doesn't it? Written by an unknown author, "Don't worry about making others happy, worry about making yourself happy before anything." If this is the motto you're living by, maybe it's time to rearrange the letters? "Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD." Psalm 89:15 (NLT). When you arrange the letters perfectly... Jesus Others Yourself, you've got it. You've got the JOY!!

Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings You have given us. If we have scripture to read your word, friends to share it, and a new day to give You praise, we are truly blessed, Let us not let the attitudes of the world change us Lord. We will never have joy if we are trying to make ourselves happy. I pray that we would know that true happiness comes only through You and is too great to not share with others. What a reason to smile. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Joy to the world - Go Fish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnhcyfDd82E

Keep Christ in it

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15(NIV)

I would never claim to be a very smart person - blessed, yes. Smart? No. God gave me an ability to run and a love for Him but definitely not the knowledge of Solomon. There's one thing that isn't hard to figure out though. You can't have a race without a runner right? So why are so many people trying to have Christmas without Christ? What is so offensive about Jesus? He came into this world for one reason - to die for our sins - mine and your's. He came to show us mercy, love and grace. What is so offensive about that?

We are now replacing Christmas trees with holiday trees and the term "Merry Christmas" is off limits to most retailers. What does "Happy Holidays" mean anyway? There is nothing happy about a holiday without Christ. In fact, there is nothing happy about an eternity without Him either. The bible says this about the lost, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:46 (NIV). But Romans 10:13-15 tells us that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

It's pretty simple, without Christ, there is no reason for celebration - today or on Christmas. But, we have so much to celebrate when we accept Him as our Savior! Let us be the ones bringing the "good news!" to those who may "have not heard." Don't be afraid to say Merry Christmas. In fact, say it every chance you get. If you are "sent" to the mall, say it. If you are "sent" to the post office, say it. Just say it...  MERRY CHRISTMAS. "How can they hear without someone preaching to them?".

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending your son to die for our sins. Thank You for Christmas as a way to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrate the good things You have given us, namely Salvation - the greatest gift of all. May we be bold this holiday season and be the ones to bring the "good news" to those around us. We pray this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Christmas with a Capital C - Go Fish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkIj94yepfU

The crumbs

"Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." Matthew 15:23 (NIV)

I was unusually hungry yesterday after a long run and just couldn't wait to soothe the hunger pangs. I desperately dug around and managed to find a rather old and crushed granola bar in my backpack. Well, better than nothing, I thought to myself. As I picked at the crumbs this nutrition bar was now reduced to, I had to smile as I thought about the Caananite woman and the story of the crumbs. She was a desperate woman who cried out to Jesus to have mercy on her and heal her demon- possessed daughter, "The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment." Matthew 15:25-28 (NIV)

To me, this story serves as a reminder to never miss an opportunity to be kind to another - especially those who are different from us, those we may have nothing in common with. The disciples wanted to send her away but she was persistent and Jesus listened. She knew that she was not worthy of being in the presence of Jesus. In fact she agreed that she was a "dog", a term Jews commonly used to describe pagan Gentiles. But she also knew that she was in the presence of the one true God and that even the crumbs, coming from Jesus, would heal her daughter. 

Romans 12:9-11 says, "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Regardless of the title one has been given, by the circumstances of life or our own decisions - homeless, needy, drug addicted, adulterer, sinner, poor or even "dog", may we never miss a chance to love like Jesus and share our blessings (crumbs) with those in need.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the love that we do not deserve. Thank You for your mercy and grace in our lives - for the things we don't deserve and for withholding the punishment we do deserve. I pray that we would always remember the saving grace that we have been shown and that we show that same love and forgiveness to others. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Love like Jesus - Rhett Walker Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkiFoJRn2j0

Faith to finish

"Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." Mark 11:23

The reasons people choose to run can be as varied as the runners themselves. Running has a way of connecting the dots in our search for answers to life's "whys". For some, the question is bigger than for others. Why me Lord? Why this? Cedric King stepped on an IED in Afghanistan on July 25, 2012 leaving him a bilateral (one leg amputated above-the-knee and the other leg below-the-knee) amputee. He said that he didn't know if he would ever walk again but became the first bilateral amputee to complete the Boston Marathon in April. Then on September 27, 2014, he went on to complete the Half Ironman Triathlon in Augusta, Georgia .... well sort of. Depends on who you ask. 

The race had a time limit of 8 hours and 30 minutes beginning after the last wave crossed the starting line. The race was shut down as scheduled but Cedric wasn't done yet. He had missed the cutoff (and was aware that he was now disqualified) but was determined to finish even as the mile markers were taken away and the volunteers packed up the supplies and left the aid stations. After nearly 12 grueling hours, he crossed the finish line to a faithful crowd of about a dozen supporters. Although he received a medal, he was officially awarded a DNF (Did Not Finish). But to the crowd watching and all the other people he will go on to inspire, he not only completed the race, he won it. He conquered the mountain before him.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that, "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."   While we may not always understand the "whys" of life - why bad things happen to us or the people we love, faith will allow us to move past our circumstances and achieve things only possible through Christ.  May you find the faith to move the mountains holding you back from the person God is calling you to be today. 

"Faith helps me believe in a brighter future. Faith keeps me going—this didn't happen for nothing. I believe in a higher power who loves me enough to say, ‘I’m not doing this to hurt you, I’m doing this to help you.'” - Cedric King

Heavenly Father, thank You for people who remind us that we can do all things through your strength and power. May those hurting and questioning their current situation, turn to You to guide them. May they find the courage to trust You to lead them over the mountains in their way. We ask this in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Faith to Believe - Shane and Shane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9xsUmo_zRA

http://travisthemovie.com/blog/tuesday-feature-interview-sfc-cedric-king-2014-08-13/

http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/double-amputee-completes-ironman-703-in-georgia