Day one

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1,2

No doubt many people will be making a list today of resolutions or, as defined by Google Dictionary, a firm decision to do or not to do something. And according to Time Magazine, the top 10 resolutions made every year are to lose weight and get fit, quit smoking, learn something new, eat healthier, get out of debt and save money, spend more time with family, travel to new places, be less stressed, volunteer and to drink less. That's quite a list, isn't it? 

Wouldn't it be easier if we only had one resolution to follow though? One commitment to fulfill that would negate our need for resolutions at all? Paul gives it to us in Ephesians 5:1,2 when he instructs us to make the decision to, "be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,..". How can we imitate God then? It's as simple as asking yourself the popular question printed on millions of bracelets, t-shirts and books... What would Jesus do? 

The answer to that question is found in the greatest self help manual of all time, the Bible. Within it's pages you will find everything you need to know to live a life free from the need to make any New Year's resolutions. Read it, commit to it and follow its teachings. That's what Jesus would do. 

Today is day one my friends! May it be just the beginning of a year growing closer to Christ. Happy New Year!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of another year passed and a new one that is fresh with opportunity to be our best and most productive one yet. Starting now, may we live each day committed to being imitators of you and doing only those things that Jesus would do. Help us to stay faithful to this goal Lord as we resolve to live our lives in service to you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Day one - Matthew West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxCI-8lUjfo

He is near

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

My ultrarunner friend recently reported that his "fancy new running watch" has a feature called 'recovery mode' which tells him how much time he should rest after each run. Following an easy five mile run, his fancy new watch told him to take three days off. He had a good laugh as he wondered what it would tell him after his upcoming 100 mile race. One thing is certain, it will probably be suggesting he take more than three days off to recover.

I think if you and I were totally honest, many of us would say that we are in "recovery mode" too - recovering from the loss of a family member, loss of a job, a hurtful word or action or maybe even a physical malady. Whatever it is, Psalm 147:3 tells us this about the Great Physician, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Recovery by definition means: a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength. This is a process that, unfortunately doesn't always happen overnight, but sometimes takes time. Thankfully Psalm 34:18 gives us this amazing promise, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Isn't it wonderful and so comforting to know that God is with you no matter what you are going through right now? While we may want overnight recovery, God, in his time, will restore us making us stronger than before in ways we could never imagine. Trust in his plan and his promise that He is by your side, "close to the brokenhearted."

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would heal our hearts and bind our wounds. And not only that, you have promised to stay close to us as we recover and are made stronger in faith by learning to trust in you and realizing that your plan for our life, although it may include pain and suffering, will ultimately increase our faith and help us grow spiritually. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Everything I need - Kutless

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=211y1hH8EnI

Turn it on!

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105

With such limited daylight hours this time of year, a simple headlamp can be of utmost value to those very early morning or late evening runners that don't want to be banished to the treadmill. Loving both, you can imagine how happy I was to open a package Christmas morning with a brand new one, a headlamp brighter than I have ever had before. Funny thing about them though, I thought to myself as I installed the batteries and flipped the switch, you have to actually turn them on for them to work. Simply owning one and hoping it will allow you to run without stumbling in the dark or go in the right direction clearly will not happen. But isn't this the way we treat our Bibles sometimes?

Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." But how can it light our path if we don't read it? And how can a lamp guide our feet if we don't turn it on? In other words, if we never open our bible, we are walking in the dark! We may own a Bible and may even open its pages from time to time but that, at best, will only provide us with a dim light unable to illuminate the path where God is leading us.

We are living in dark times my friends in which now, more than ever, we need to be studying the Word diligently letting it be a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path. May it shine bright!

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us everything we need to navigate through the things in this world that would trip us up. Help us to realize that, without knowing you and your word, we are walking in darkness ready to stumble at any time. May we "turn on" the light by reading your word each and every day. It's in our precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Your Word - Third Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqaA8XBI15o

Peace in the storm

"The LORD rules over the floodwaters. The LORD reigns as king forever. The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace." Psalm 29:10-11

I don't recall ever running in so much rain as I have in the last three days. My shoes barely have had enough time to dry before getting drenched again. I'm sure many runners can empathize with me as, all across the state of Missouri, the scene is the same... floodwaters everywhere (prompting a statement from the governor declaring it a natural disaster area). Sadly the unseasonable weather is not confined to this part of the country either as major flooding continues from Texas to the Ohio Valley in addition to unprecedented amounts of snow and ice and continued tornado warnings. 

Throughout history, God has revealed his power through nature. Our power, in comparison, is very limited. But that shouldn't give us cause to worry - no, quite the opposite. When we are feeling weak or scared, we should remember that the power that controls creation is available to us. Psalm 29:10,11 tells us that "The Lord rules over the floodwaters" and "reigns as king forever." This same king, "gives his people strength..and blesses them with peace." 

No matter how strong we think we are as individuals, this is a great reminder that we have absolutely no power over the weather or anything else for that matter. But we do have the power to find peace within the storm knowing that the LORD is with us. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your mighty displays of power that serve to remind us that you are an awesome and all powerful God, the only one who rules over the floodwaters and reigns as king forever. I pray that you would give your people strength to get through these times and bless them with the peace that only your presence can bring as we humbly proclaim Lord, we need you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Lord, I need you - Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rR_Rdb1CTE

No exchange needed

"God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." Psalm 18:30

As he does every year for Christmas, my husband bought me (what he thought were) a pair of my favorite running shoes. Since my preferred model has been the same for the last five years, you can imagine his surprise when I told him that I would have to exchange them. Noticing his puzzled look, I explained that although they used to be the perfect shoe for me, the company recently changed its design and they were no longer the same to which he replied, "I wonder why they do that."

Frustrating as it is, I suppose they do it in an effort to improve the shoe. But when something is "perfect" I would prefer it to stay the same. And when it comes to perfection, there is only One who remains the same yesterday, today and forever... Jesus Christ. Psalm 18:30 tells us that "God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." Unlike other religions and gods that change constantly in an effort to achieve perfection, God was, is and always will be perfect and his Word unchanging. 

Isn't it great to know that, in this ever-changing world that's always promising newer and better things, we never have to exchange his promises for something better? Because there was, is and never will be anything better. "All the Lord's promises prove true."

Heavenly Father, thank you for being the same yesterday, today and forever. What a priceless gift it is to know that you will never change, that your promises are true and that we can put 100 percent faith in your Word. Thank you for being our true shield and protection in a world that makes false promises and claims that there is something better.  It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Jesus the same - Israel & New Breed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjgU7oe4kBo

Did she 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

Just over 18 years ago my firstborn child, a son, came into this world. I don't recall ever having felt a love so strong for anyone or anything before the day they placed him in my arms. Life completely 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 until 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 her son? 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 was 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 as Luke 2:19 says 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 day, take the time to treasure and consider these things in your heart and to remember that Jesus left his throne to be born in a stable in the darkest of night to bring light into this dark world- to be placed on a cross fulfilling the purpose for which he was born. Oh 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

Oh Holy Night

""In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:1-20

As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, may the story of his birth -the true reason we celebrate Christmas - be told in your home tonight. May we be like the shepherds, glorifying and praising God for all the things we have seen and heard and like Mary, treasuring and pondering these things in our heart. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the overwhelming joy that fills our hearts as we prepare to honor and observe the birth of our Savior,Jesus Christ. As we lay our heads to rest tonight, may we be filled with joy at what awaits us in the morning. Oh night divine, it is the night of our dear Saviors birth. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

O Holy Night - Carrie Underwood

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6_vmpTaIrk

Three gifts for a King

"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 will use or things they want. I'm sure glad my family feels this way as I can always count on running gear being under the tree. These things are more than merely presents though, they are displays of my family's love for me. Much in the same way that the wise men brought gifts to our Savior more than 2,000 years ago. While the number of gifts may seem small... only three gifts for a king? They were the most perfect three gifts for a King.

It was certainly no accident that gold, frankincense and myrrh were presented to Jesus. But why? Well, 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 that was typically burned by priests as an offering to the Lord. 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). And Myrrh had many uses including being used as a perfume, an anesthetic, an ingredient in anointing oil, and for burial embalming. 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... the gift of Salvation. What a wonderful display of God's love for us!  

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

It's called Christmas

"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." Isaiah 9:6

Run Santa Run, Rudolph Fun Run, Reindeer Romp, Jingle Bell 5k, Running of the Elves and the Holiday Hustle were just a few of the top 2015 "holiday" runs across the country this month listed by active.com, one of the country's largest online race registration companies. Names like this, combined with the billboards of "Happy Holidays" everywhere I've gone to shop or stop, makes me feel like shouting "It's called Christmas!"

Amidst the wrapping, lights and decorations, have we somehow forgotten the true reason for the approaching celebration? Have we forgotten what Christmas is really about? Approximately 700 years before the birth of our Savior, the prophet Isaiah wrote,  "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." This was to be no ordinary birth. Can you imagine the hopeful anticipation the Israelites must have felt? The Savior was going to be born and there would be more cause for celebration than at any other time in the history of the world!

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and King, may we too be overwhelmed with joy and anticipation of the coming celebration. And may we boldly exclaim "Merry Christmas" to others as we anxiously await that blessed morning.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus, the Savior of the world, to be born as flesh, to live among us and to die for our sins. May we prepare our hearts to celebrate the most wonderful day in the history of the world, the day that changed everything. And may there be no mistaking what it is we are celebrating and it's not merely a happy holiday. It's called Christmas with a Capital C. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org 

Christmas with a Capital C - Go Fish

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

Passing through

"We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace." 1 Chronicles 29:15

I was blessed to participate in the Run for the Ranch Marathon Saturday. It's a unique race in that, to complete the 26.2 miles, one has to make eight loops around a course crossing a checkpoint each round. Due to its distinctive design, I noticed that I encountered a greater number of runners than I would have on a conventional course, some briefly and some more than once. But regardless of our different speeds and times it took to "pass through" the checkpoint, in one way we were all the same-visitors that would return home after crossing the finish line. The thought reminded me of an old Aboriginal Proverb that says "We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love... and then we return home."

1 Chronicles 29:15 says it this way, "We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace." However you say it, life is short and we are merely "running" to our final resting place. Along this journey we will join others making their way through as we are, some for a brief moment, some for years and some for a lifetime. However long that time may be, we should be encouraging, loving and helping one another along the way.

So let us continue to observe, learn and grow in our faith as we love others and encourage them to do the same... "and then we return home."

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us in the form of friends and acquaintances we meet along our journey that serve to strengthen our faith and love us along the way. May we always be looking for other travelers in need of the same kindness you have shown to us and be willing to help, encourage and lead them on the right path to you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Passin the faith along - Gaither Vocal Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PQE6O4LReY

* The 2015 Run for the Ranch Marathon and Half Marathon was the 16th Annual race that began as a fundraiser in 1999 for the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch and other local charities. Held in Springfield, Mo, it is a fantastic "end of the year" race allowing that one last chance to qualify for Boston (flat and fast course) or end the year with a memorable run with friends. The uniqueness of the course, the most friendly volunteers you could ever find and free race photos make it a race I always add to my calendar. Thank you to OMRR, all the volunteers and the kids from the Boys Ranch for your hospitality. What a day!!

Before the start and ready to go! 

Love my TEAM 413 running buddies!!!

Close to the end with temps nearing 60! My "new" friend Nick, the Methodist Minister, and my "old" dear friend, Michelle, God is good and we were so blessed!!

Free Prayer

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." Ephesians 6:18

The founder of a student-created and led ministry that aims to get bar-goers to pray on Friday nights is the man whose image went viral after crashing a news report during a shirtless jog in Chicago. Former Moody Bible Institute student Ethan Renoe started a movement in which students stand outside bars in Wrigleyville, Boystown, and near State and Division every week -- regardless of the season -- holding a sign that reads "Free Prayer." They have been doing this for the past four years.

Ethan and his friend came up with the idea while walking around the city and feeling the urge to pray for others. They didn't realize they were starting a ministry as they scrawled the first of many "Free Prayer" messages on an empty pizza box. Wow! No matter where we are or what we are doing, we too should be looking for opportunities to do the very same thing as Ephesians 6:18 commands us to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for the Lord's people."

God used a shirtless runner to bring him glory and he can (and will) use us too if we are willing. Because in the words of Bob Goff, "I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I now you simply need to say yes,"

Heavenly Father, thank you for the power of prayer. It has the power to change lives and yet we don't do it as often as we should especially for others. Please give us a heart yearning to seek others that might need prayer and to be obedient to intercede on their behalf to you that you might show them your love, kindness and mercy. May we, "on all occasions" and at all locations pray in the Spirit for the lost and for the Lord's people. It's in your most precious and holy name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Use me too - Johnny Diaz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKa5iM5DTy8

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Viral-Shirtless-Runner-Free-Prayer-Ethan-Renoe-362446161.html

Ask Santa

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14-15

I jokingly suggested to a friend pursuing a Boston Qualifying time at this Saturday's marathon that maybe he should just ask Santa for it. He responded by saying, "if it were only that easy". Even if it were that simple, we laughed knowing that he would never get the chance to ask since security would be called before he could even sit on Santa's lap. And while the bearded gift-giver is a fictional character who will sometimes give us what we ask for (whether it be good or bad), there is one Gift-Giver who is very real and will give us exactly what we need.

The bible tells us that we can have confidence in approaching God knowing that, "if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And we if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him." The emphasis here is on God's will not our own. Unlike with Santa, we don't tell him what we want but rather discuss what he wants for us. 

You see when we align our wants with his will, when we seek to know him with all our heart, we can be sure that he will give us those things that are best for us... things better than anything in Santa's bag. 

Heavenly Father,thank you for the many wonderful gifts you give us everyday like the gift of health, freedom to worship and food on the table-the many things we take for granted. Help us to spend time in prayer each and every day that we might know you more and know your will for our lives. And may we pray for only those things that we know are pleasing to you and in your will. Thank you for allowing us to confidently approach you no matter the season. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

The more I seek you - Kari Jobe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4crRPpqoW4

Blinded minds

"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4

Yesterday's weather report for the early morning warned that the fog was the "worst of the year" offering very limited visibility. True to its description, the heavy mist made it nearly impossible to even see approaching headlights from a distance. Extra vigilance was certainly called for by me and any other runner out on their morning run. Unfortunately, the world can also fit the description of having only limited visibility. Blinded by things like following false (worldly) teachings or the pursuit of fame, money or worldly possessions, many people are unknowingly making Satan their god.

2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us that Satan is the "god of this age" and "has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." You see the light of the gospel is revealed to all those who believe. It is Satan's work to deceive and lead unbelievers away from that light-to convince them to follow their own pursuits and path that they believe will lead them to happiness. And, sadly enough, he is having much success at it. 

Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher and religious author, wrote "There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true. The other is to refuse to accept what is true." May we, as Christians, strive to do neither and lead unbelievers to the same objective.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit that guides us to your will and warns us when we wander away. May we resist the temptations of the world inviting us to be like it knowing it can only offer temporal happiness. May we instead pursue Truth each and every day knowing that the one true God offers the eternal happiness of Salvation. It's 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

Repay the favor

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned..." Titus 2:6-8

Ask any successful athlete or person if there was someone that helped them achieve their success and you will likely hear about their mentor (or mentors)...that special person that took the time to advise or train them. Drew Hunter, a senior from Loudoun Valley High School in Purcellville, Virginia, claimed his first national cross-country title at Saturday’s Foot Locker Boys Cross Country National Championship. Upon the win, Hunter said this about Alan Webb, the first runner he ever knew, “I’ve talked to [Webb] the last two days and he’s a great mentor.” No doubt Webb (who amazingly enough had been coached by Drew Hunter's parents in high school 15 years ago)  had much to do with this young man's success. Talk about repaying a favor!

The bible tells us of our obligation to mentor someone as well, especially youth, when it instructs us to encourage young adults to be self-controlled and to serve as an example to them by doing what is good while exhibiting integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that they might learn from our pattern of life. By passing on our knowledge, whether it be through coaching, teaching or counseling, we have the opportunity to be an example of Christ... the only example a child may ever see. 

So if there's someone who made that difference in your life, be sure to to thank them. And then repay the favor by making a difference in the life of a child or young adult. You will both be blessed. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the examples of Christ in our lives that have led us to you. May we be that person to others now as we serve to do your will and bring others to you. And may we do it with all integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that we are above reproach. Help us to be your hands and feet to the lost, Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Sanctus Real - Legacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwFrwm1-lwI

http://www.runnersworld.com/high-school-racing/in-the-footsteps-of-alan-webb-virginia-runner-wins-foot-locker-cross-country

The value of friends

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Proverbs 27:17

For a runner that runs solo the majority of the time, words can not express what a blessing it is to run with a friend. And Saturday was a great reminder of why. Early that morning a group of us met up and, after several minutes of welcoming and embracing one another, we gathered together (in a circle holding hands) to pray. Upon determining who was running what pace and distance, we then broke into pairs and headed out to enjoy the beautiful day. While everyone's goal for that morning's workout was different, there was one thing we shared-this group of friends, united together by Christ, was there to strengthen one another.

Just as the rubbing of two iron blades together sharpens the edges of knives, improving their ability to do the task they were designed for (cutting and slicing), the bible tells us that Godly friends do the same for us. Proverbs 27:17 says "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." When a knife is blunt or worn-down, it is less effective and useful for service. The mental sharpness that comes from examining God's word together, praying and counseling one another through our friendships, makes us more useful for service too... as we "sharpen" one another to do the things God designed us for.

So make time for your friends and you'll both be the "sharper" for it. Because in the words of J. Bytheway, "To have friends who will always take you to higher ground is an incalculable blessing."

Heavenly Father, thank you your many blessings in our lives. Thank you for those friends that remind us of them and of your goodness, grace and mercy. May we be that friend who serves to sharpen others and may we always make time for those friends that serve to sharpen us. May our goal be to be more useful and effective to do the things you have designed us for. Oh praise you Lord for those friends we love that love us right back. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Thank you for being a friend - Andrew Gold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzrq52qaXZI

Just like that

"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15

After an enjoyable run with a friend last Friday morning, I stretched a bit and got in my van for the drive home. And just like that... it happened. A Mustang traveling at a very high rate of speed crested over the hill, lost control, traveled into the ditch, went airborne and came down barely missing hitting a concrete building as it finally came to a stop by hitting a parked car. In shock, I pulled off the road quickly and ran to check on the driver (while calling 911). With a strong sense of urgency, I wanted to be certain the driver knew about Jesus if this was going to be his final day.

It was a relief to find the unbuckled driver alive with very few injuries, considering the condition of the demolished car, still trapped inside. As we waited for help to arrive, I told him that Jesus loved him.... just like that. Mark 16:15 gives us all this command, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." And since we don't know when anyone will take their last breath, shouldn't we all be feeling a sense of urgency to do that very thing?

Perhaps there's a person God has placed in your life that needs to hear the Good News but you're waiting for the right time to tell them? Just like that, it may be too late. Don't wait! If God is calling you to "proclaim the gospel" do it now... just like that.

Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing us to be the deliverers of the Good News, the best news anyone could ever hear. Help us to be obedient when you are calling us to do so knowing that you will give us the words they need to hear. Remind us that we aren't doing it alone, you will give us strength. Now, more than ever, the world needs to hear that there is hope and freedom in the news of Salvation. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Tell the World - Lecrae

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

Turn up the heat

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!" Revelation 3:15

Wow! This weather is crazy. Here in the Midwest we are experiencing record highs for December while still having cold mornings. And in my vain attempt to dress appropriately for the changing conditions, I've found myself either freezing my fingers off or sweating to death on my early runs. While I'm certainly enjoying this uncertain weather pattern, I can't help but think it would be much easier if it would stay either hot or cold, one or the other.

Revelation 3:15 also talks about temperature... the temperature of the heart. Like the church in Laodicea that lost its passion and zeal, countless believers today have become superficial and unproductive. By not taking a stand for anything, being indifferent to sin and only halfheartedly following Christ, many of us who claim to be followers are really only "lukewarm" Christians. But Revelation 3:15 says, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot, I wish you were either one or the other!" You see, it is not enough for you and I to say we believe, we must take action. We must be one or the other!

What would you rate your temperature today? Are you on fire for God or have you let yourself become lukewarm? Don't settle for following God halfway. Let's turn up the heat and be passionate Christians who are living for Him each and every day.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. I'm afraid many of those that say they believe in you have become lukewarm or cold Lord. Help us to be on fire once again that we might be the spark that lights the fire of others. What a change we could make in this world if we all lived out what we believed, stood up for what was right and followed you with our whole heart. Help us to turn up the heat Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

CatchaFire - Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfQi6GFZYFw

Misdirected?

"to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace" Ephesians 1:6,7

On April 26, 2015, Samantha Bluske, the lead runner at the Glass City Marathon, was led the wrong way by volunteer course marshals causing her to run an extra mile and forfeit her goal of running a 2:43:00 or better (the qualifying standard for the Olympic Marathon Trials). But on Sunday, she ran the California International Marathon in 2:41:10 prompting Monday's headline that read, "Misdirected Marathoner Gets Redemption With Olympic Trials Qualifier". Indeed she did. By her actions she was "saved" from her error. 

Redemption is, by definition, the action of saving or being saved from sin, error or evil. Bluske made an error that led her off course. And if we're honest, we would all admit to making mistakes that have taken us off course too-whether led astray by ourselves or someone else. But we don't have to stay there. Ephesians 1:7 tells us that "we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." By Jesus' action of dying on the cross, we have been "saved" from our errors! Where sin misdirected us and led us off course, redemption redirected us and put us on the right path again. 

And being on that right path means that, by "his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves", we now have forgiveness of our errors and sins. Oh what a wonderful headline that would make..."Misdirected Sinner Gets Redemption through His Blood". Is that the beginning of your story today?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the priceless gift of forgiveness. We are so undeserving and yet you sent your son to pay the price for our sins and to be the perfect sacrifice once and for all. Oh thank you Lord for taking the lost, me included, and putting them back on the right path that leads to You... the only path to Salvation. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Write your story - Francesca Battistelli

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

http://www.runnersworld.com/elite-runners/misdirected-marathoner-gets-redemption-with-olympic-trials-qualifier

The "pep talk"

"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

In a recent study titled, "9 Things Science Says All Runners Think About When They Run", participating runners were asked to verbalize their thoughts (as they came to mind) while wearing a tape recorder strapped to their waist. The study showed that whether they were a one-mile or marathon runner, the chances were good that they were thinking the same thing as the runner beside them. And most of those thoughts were in the form of a "pep talk" to themselves, constant reminders of the good things around them and that the bad wasn't as bad as it seemed.

While positive thinking is helpful in getting us through a run, the bible tells us that it is crucial in getting us through each day providing us the ultimate list of what we should be thinking about when it says, "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." Talk about the ultimate "pep talk"!

I wonder if we were all to record our thoughts today, how many of them would be excellent and praiseworthy? If you don't like the answer to that question, perhaps it's time to retrain your brain. Just as running well takes practice, thinking well does too. Spend time in God's word and make it a point to remind yourself of the good things around you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us so many things to be thankful for, things that many times we don't even notice. Help us to retrain our minds to think only excellent or praiseworthy thoughts that we might be grateful servants of you. And help us to remember that true, noble and pure thoughts lead to right, lovely and admirable actions. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Think about such things

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKC5sXu84Mg

http://www.purewow.com/wellness/9-Things-Science-Says-All-Runners-Think-About-When-They-Run

Amateurs accepted

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." Romans 12:6-8  NLT

Last week I had the pleasure of joining some of my church family to sing carols at the "Christmas on the Square" festival in our town. Surrounded by some of what I would call "professionals" (aka church choir members), it was painfully obvious that God did not give me a gift for singing nor did he give it to my runner friend standing beside me. In between our howls and frequent totally off key notes, I told her that we had better stick to running.

When it comes to gifts, the bible tell us that "God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well." And while these are as different as we are, they are all designed for the same purpose... to serve and glorify the Father. So whether you are a preacher, teacher, encourager, giver, leader or a person gifted with showing kindness to others, scripture tells us that we are to use our talents to do it well and do it gladly.

And the best news is you and I don't have to be a "professional" anything to be of service, we need only be faithful and willing to give our all. Because, in the words of famed runner Steve Prefontaine, to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.

Heavenly Father, thank you for gifting us with unique abilities to serve you and to be your hands and feet to others. Help us to discern what our gifts are Lord if we are unsure. May we then seek your will for our lives and follow the calling you have placed in our hearts to honor, praise and glorify you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Take my life - Jeremy Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrVNVB1SfnI

Erase those records

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. " 1 Corinthians 3:4,5

One quick search of your name on Google and you can no doubt pull up most, if not all, of your recorded race times. In fact, you can find your PR, aka Personal Record, for most any event with a few simple swipes of the screen. And while keeping and recalling records is nice if you're feeling nostalgic or trying to reach a goal, having a permanent record of our actions is not always a good thing. Especially when it comes to sin.

The fact is we've all sinned and have hurt other people or have been hurt ourselves because of it. Hurtful words or actions done by us or to us can ruin friendships and families. But it doesn't have to be that way. 1 Corinthians 4:5 tells us that love "keeps no record of wrongs." and 1 Peter 4:8 commands us to "love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." When we follow the example of Christ in our relationships, we will love others and keep no record of wrongs against them... ever.

So maybe today there's someone you need to forgive for something they've said or done? Or maybe you're the one looking back at old records of wrongs unwilling to delete them from memory? One thing is certain, when it comes to our ultimate goal of a PR, meaning a Personal Relationship with Christ, we must forgive and wipe the record clean.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the perfect example of what it means to love and forgive others. Jesus did nothing wrong and yet forgave us of all our sins and loved us anyway. May we show that same love and forgiveness to others that the body of Christ may be strong and that, as individuals we have the ultimate Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

We all need forgiveness - Toby Mac and Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1BJa4kwWBw

Live what you say

"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." Proverbs 11:3

On November 25th, it was reported that Team Ortho Foundation, Inc., a non profit race organizer came under scrutiny for its small contributions to the organizations it claimed to heavily support in addition to problems at many of its races. Although their website stated that their goal was to "improve and enhance the lives of orthopedic patients", two of the organizations they claimed to have donated to had not received any money since 2011. In fact, their 2013 tax records showed that they only gave 1.6 percent of the nearly 4.4 million they took in. Looks like someone has some explaining to do.

The IST translation of Proverbs 11:3 says "The integrity of the righteous guides them, but the hypocrisy of the treacherous destroys them." When we are walking with Christ in righteousness, he is our guide keeping us moral, faithful and true to our word. But when we aren't, as this story illustrates, our word means nothing. We are acting out the very definition of hypocrisy: the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. And this behavior will always destroy us. 

As followers of Christ, we are to be set apart having no hint of duplicity in our lives. So be sure that what you claim to believe matches your behavior. If not, you just might have some explaining to do. 

Heavenly Father, help us to be followers of you in both words and actions. May we surrender our will to you and allow you to be our guide from this day forward and may we follow you so closely that there would be no hint of hypocrisy in our lives that might cause others to turn away. May we be the very definition of what it means to have integrity. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Live like that - Sidewalk Prophets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0cMVmr11bY

http://www.runnersworld.com/watchdog/nonprofit-race-organizer-draws-complaints-for-small-donations-to-charity-disorganization

The Sun is out!

"But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture." Malachi 4:2

"The sun is out! The sun is out!" After four days of rain, cold and dreariness, that is what I wanted to shout on my run yesterday morning. I was downright giddy as I soaked it up. After so much cold and darkness, it was refreshing to now see the sun's brilliant light and feel it's warm rays. It was a reminder that, even in the darkest days, there is hope.

And this hope for a brighter day is for all of us through Jesus Christ, the Light of the world (John 8:12). Malachi 4:2 tells us, "for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves led out to pasture." When we trust in God, we can be sure that, no matter what is happening in our lives right now, he is in complete control of the future. Which means he is in control of today (this very moment), tomorrow and the day after that. That knowledge makes us free... free from anxiety, stress and worry over what tomorrow might bring. 

That should have us "leaping with joy" then!! So no matter what you're going through right now, be assured that there is hope. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness each and every day. Help us remember that you are in control of everything and that, as your children, we need not worry about the future or even today. May we give our lives to you as we rest in that hope. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org 

Rising Sun- All Sons and Daughters

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

The real thing

"And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray." Matthew 24:11

While shopping for running shoes with my son last weekend, we looked in several different stores to find the best deal. So you can imagine my son's surprise when he found a pair he had been wanting that were much cheaper than we had ever seen them. As he excitedly handed me the box, I examined the shoes. The packaging was the same, the emblem and markings were the same but they just didn't look or feel like the "real thing". And since there was no way to be sure they weren't counterfeit, we left them on the shelf.

You can be one hundred percent sure that Jesus is the "real thing" though, nothing counterfeit and the only way to Salvation (John 14:6). And when it comes to imposters, the bible tells us that, "many false prophets will arise and lead many people astray." These teachers, while proclaiming to follow Christ, will tell people what they want to hear-such things as  "A loving God would never send anyone to Hell," or that "You can earn your way into Heaven." Jesus warned his disciples then, and is warning us now that, if we don't know the Word or the "real thing" we can easily be "led astray".

John MacArthur, in his book Reckless Faith, wrote that "Federal agents don’'t learn to spot counterfeit money by studying the counterfeits. They study genuine bills until they master the look of the real thing. Then when they see the bogus money they recognize it.”" As followers of Christ, this should be our approach to spotting false or counterfeit teachers as well. May we learn and know the Word so well that we can recognize the "real thing" when we hear it. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for warning us that there will be false teachers that will promote messages that are contrary to your Word. May we study scripture daily that we would be able to spot counterfeit teachings that might lead us or our families astray.  Help us to be discerning and ever watchful of the words we receive as truth. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Don't be fooled - Apologetix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsSWZ7VRDxI

Will run for donuts

"Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25

In spite of temperatures in the 30's and drizzling rain, a group of runners (me included) gathered together Saturday for the free monthly TEAM 413 5k/10k Donut Run. Before you get to thinking you'd never do that for a free donut, consider this... we do it to be together. We only say it's for the donuts so people don't think we're totally crazy. The fact of the matter is, we enjoy the fellowship, laughter and encouragement a treadmill or solo run could never provide so we pursue it despite the conditions.

Paul knew the importance of Christian friends coming together when he wrote, "Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  When we gather together, it helps to strengthen our own faith as well as that of our friends as we uplift and motivate one another. And as we get closer to the Day of Christ's return and face more struggles and possibly even persecution, it's all the more important to have that support system that comes from the bonds formed through assembling together regularly.

So make it a habit to join a friend or group of friends often. You'll find yourself looking forward to these meetings as you reap the benefits of mutual encouragement and friendship with other believers. Free donuts don't hurt either. 

Heavenly Father, thank you so very much for those friendships that draw us closer to you. Help us to realize how important it is to meet regularly with fellow believers that we might be mutually encouraged, strengthened and motivated to continue in our christian walk. And help us to be that friend that uplifts and inspires others to stay faithful. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Lean on me - DC Talk

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

Despite the cold, we stayed around to fellowship long after the run was over. Due to the rain, we didn't get a before photo but had about 20 runners participate. 

Love how these boys stayed warm. 

Do something

"So Samuel said to all the Israelites, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines." 1 Samuel 7:3

What a blessed Thanksgiving it was yesterday. Started off the day running the 10k Galloping Gobbler race with two of my dearest friends and then spent the day surrounded by family and food, lots and lots of food. And when it came to what I piled on my plate, let's just say I'd probably have had to run that 10k three more times to burn it off. But that's okay. We all get off course every once in a while. What's important is that we don't stay there... that we do something about it.

In 1 Samuel 7:3, "Samuel said to the Israelites, "If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only.." You see the Israelites had gotten off course and were feeling abandoned. And like us, they were probably complaining about the situation rather than taking action to remedy it. Samuel was rousing them to act, to rid themselves of those things keeping them from committing to the Lord with all their hearts. He was telling them to do something about it!

Perhaps you've gotten off course too and maybe even feeling abandoned? Whatever it is (pride, success, material things or anything else that comes before God) that has taken you away from your commitment to Christ, take action today. It's time to do something about it!

Heavenly Father. thank you loving us so much that you would withhold the punishment we deserve for letting things come between us and our relationship with you. You have commanded us to love you with our whole hearts and to love you above all things and, at times, we have miserably failed at that. Help us to take action to be faithful and get back on course. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen, 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

This is now - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lf7bu5ZYx0

Take what you need

"Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure...Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure," Psalm 16:5,9

I recently watched something that caught my attention. As part of a social experiment, Coby Persin walked the streets of New York City wearing a suit made of money and carrying a sign that read, "Take what you need." It was shocking to see so many people who obviously didn't need anything greedily take it anyway. And not one of the takers even thanked Coby or considered that there might be nothing left for someone who really did need it-until he made the offer to what appeared to be a homeless man. The man, holding on to his dog, took only two dollars saying it was all he needed for today and asked that the rest be given to someone else that needed it.

Do you realize that the latest global statistic shows that if a person has a roof over his head and a meal on the table, he is richer than 93 percent of the world's population? Yet we are still wanting more! In the United States alone, most households carry an average of $16,000 in credit card debt. Scripture tells us that, whoever has money never has enough and whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income (Ecclesiastes 5:10). But the Psalmist David knew what was of greater value than any possession or dollar amount he, you or I could ever obtain... the Lord. Because of that knowledge he wrote, "Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure"

This Thanksgiving holiday, what are you most thankful for? If it's for material things or wealth, you will never have enough but if it's for Christ, He will always be enough. So take what you need but always need what you take and leave something for someone else that they might see Christ in you. 

Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!!

Heavenly Father, this Thanksgiving holiday, may our hearts be glad and our tongues rejoice for the great things you have done. Thank you for giving us all we need and for showing us that all we really need is You. May we be overwhelmed with thanksgiving at that thought and shout out praises to your Name! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Money Suit Social Experiment 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_nuPlE2KU8

It's true!

"But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--" Colossians 1:22

There are just some things in life that are too good to be true-like losing weight by taking a pill, getting faster by wearing the right shoes or winning a million dollars in the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. As much as advertisers want us to believe these things, in the end we know it's just not going to happen. But D.L. Moody once wrote, "God never made a promise that was too good to be true."  

So while speaking to a friend of mine, who I hadn't seen in several years, I was saddened to hear that she had been carrying around guilt for something she had done more than 30 years ago. Although she said she had asked for forgiveness, she still felt freshly accused of it every day. I gently reminded her that that it wasn't God who was bringing up her past, it was the enemy. Revelation 12:10 describes Satan as the "accuser of our brothers and sisters" but Colossians 1:22 promises us that, through Christ's death on the cross, we can now stand  "holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation." And if God says we are forgiven then we are forgiven.

And that promise of forgiveness is not too good to be true my friends! Grab hold of it and when the accuser comes to say otherwise, remind him that the rest of Revelation 12:10 says he, "has been hurled down." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice on the cross. When the devil comes to steal our joy and weigh us down with guilt, help us to stand on the promise of Your forgiveness and remind him that he is a liar and that we are without blemish and free from accusation by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ!! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Forgiven - Sanctus Real

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfv4sv_4hFc

Guard your heart

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23

In a study by Group Health, it was reported that regular exercise, defined as 30 minutes or more on most days, is an important way to keep your heart healthy and to enjoy overall good physical health. In comparison, a sedentary lifestyle (doing little or no exercise) doubles your risk of dying from heart disease. So making exercise a priority will help to protect your heart from disease and ensure that blood flows easily.

When it comes to spiritual heart health, Proverbs 4:23 gives us this command, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." We can do that through exercise too...  exercising self control (Proverbs 29:11), godliness (1 Timothy 4:7), faithfulness (1 Kings 2:3,4) and discernment (1 John 4:1). Making this a priority, working out every minute of every day and "above all else", will keep our hearts from being diseased, hardened or weakened ensuring that everything we do and say flows from a heart filled with and focused on Christ.

If you were to have a spiritual checkup today, would it yield good results? If not, it's time to get started on the exercise program laid out in the Scriptures. Everything we need to know for heart health is within the pages.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Thank you for your patience when we get off course and don't exercise our heart the way that we should. Help us to remember that guarding it, will ensure that good thoughts and actions flow from it. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Guard your heart - Steven Green

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb7n82IFZUo

https://www.ghc.org/healthAndWellness/index.jhtml?item=%2fcommon%2fhealthAndWellness%2fconditions%2fheartDisease%2fexerciseBenefit.html

Lift your eyes

"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. He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber;" Psalm 121:1-3

My friend and I were blessed to participate in the AdventureMax trail run on Saturday in Highlandville, MO. With an elevation chart that would most certainly scare away any hill haters, it was true to it's description of being, "primarily single track trail with rolling hills, sharp turns, exposed rock and breathtaking views." Those exposed rocks they boasted of could easily cause a runner to trip but were somewhat easy to look out for. In trail running though, just as in life, it's those pebbles, stumps and small things you can't see clearly that are most likely to cause you to slip up. 

While gallivanting through the unpredictable course, I clipped my foot on something "unseen" and nearly took a fall. My first reaction was to thank the Lord for keeping me upright and to continue thanking him each time he again helped me along the 13.1 mile course. Psalm 121:2,3 tells you and I that our, "help comes from the Lord," and that,"He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber." On the course, he was there keeping me safe. While you and I are sleeping, he watches over us. While we are going about our day, he protects us. Yes, the Maker of heaven and earth cares about you and me so much that he rescues us from the "unseen" things in life. Yet how many times do we thank him?

Did you have the ability to run even one mile today? Praise him then for health. Did you wake up in a warm home with running water? Praise him for his never ending help and provision. In all things, seen and unseen, he is there. May we praise him as we boldly declare, "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would care to watch over us day and night. The world is full of things seen and unseen that could harm us yet, you have protected us from the many snares and pitfalls that we were unaware of. May we make praise and thankfulness to you the most important part of our day. Thank you Father for your protection, love and kindness. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I lift my eyes up - Kutless

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgIux2wXOOE

The before picture with Sherry Wilson. The windchill was about 20 degrees so didn't stand still for many pictures. Was a truly blessed day for sharing the Message and giving praise to our Savior.

The glorious elevation chart!!