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!!

Are you flexible?

"To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." I Corinthians 9:22-23

On the way home from another session with the Chiropractor Wednesday, I drove past a sign on a church marquee that read, "Blessed are the flexible for they will not get bent out of shape." This really resonated with me as the doctor had just told me that, while my flexibility was good for an "average" person, it was not the flexibility that I needed to have as a runner. Now I wondered if inflexibility in any other area of my life was keeping me "average" as well. Not that average is bad, but I want to be more than that... more like Paul, who was far from "average".

Paul's main goal was to share the Gospel and he knew, to do it effectively, he needed to establish a common ground with those he was speaking to. He said, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means, I might save some." I imagine if he were speaking to a group of graduates, he would do it much differently than if speaking to a group of prisoners, don't you think? He was flexible in adapting to any situation or person without getting bent out of shape at having to change his tactics. While not ever compromising his beliefs or the Gospel, he would communicate to a person as he or she would understand it best.

Paul knew that not everyone would welcome the Message in the same way. I wonder if we were all as flexible, how much more effective we would be at reaching the lost?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful example of how to most effectively reach the lost. Might we all strive to be more than "average" at this. May we look for ways to share the Message to each person on an individual basis. Give us the words and the common ground to win souls Lord. Light a fire in us Lord to see the urgency of doing this. It's in your precious name we pray, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Hands and feet - Audio Adrenaline

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

Promises

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments." Deuteronomy 7:9

It was announced yesterday that USPlabs, which sold the best-selling workout supplement Jack3d, will face criminal charges for the unlawful sale of nutritional supplements, supplements no doubt many runners have purchased. The indictment asserted that, despite the claims of USPlabs that the supplements were manufactured from plant extracts, they were actually made from a synthetic stimulant.The Assistant Attorney General on the case said, "many of these products are not what they purport to be or cannot do what the distributors claim they can do."

In other words, the company failed to fulfill their promise. Let's face it though, in today's world there are not many people or companies we can trust. But isn't it great to know that there is someone we can trust completely? Someone whose vows are never left unfulfilled? Deuteronomy 7:9 tells us this about our Heavenly Father, "he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."

A covenant is defined as "an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified." God has promised that, if we love him and keep his commandments, he will show mercy and do good to those that love him...that would be you and me! Oh praise God for a promise we can stand on, one that we know will always be fulfilled. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us and for promising us that you always will so long as we love you and follow your ways. How wonderful it is to know that we will never have to doubt what you have pledged and can believe every word that you have written in your Word. May we look to it daily as we search for your will for our lives. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Promises - 7th Time Down

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u_f3wIS6v8

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/18/us-doj-investigation-dietarysupplements-idUSKCN0T628320151118

Strong enough

"Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." Deuteronomy 8:2

Wow, I have run through many rainstorms in my life, but yesterday's torrential downpour was one for the record books. Had I never faced a deluge such as that before, wind whipping from all sides and the rain coming in sideways, I may have been hesitant to go on. But the memory of the many times the Lord had seen me safely through the storms of life reminded me that, through Him, I could persevere... that I was strong enough.

When asked whether God sometimes tests our faith by letting hard times happen to us, and why, if he already knows whether or not our faith is genuine, Billy Graham wrote, "God doesn’t test us because He doesn’t know how strong we are. Instead, He tests us because we don’t know how strong we are — and we’ll only realize it when times of testing come." He then reminded us that, "If our faith is weak, it may not be obvious when life is going smoothly and we aren’t challenged in any way. But when hard times come, a weak faith will be revealed for what it really is: shallow and unable to help us through life’s difficulties. It may be anything: an unexpected illness, the death of a loved one, the loss of our job, or even a friend who turns against us. But when hard times happen, the true nature of our faith will be revealed."

So, no matter what you and I are facing today, may we praise Him through the storm. And may we thank Him for bringing trials and tests into our lives that, by them, we can realize just how strong we really are.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the testing times in our lives that make us stronger in faith and closer to you. Although they may seem difficult and painful at the time, help us to feel your presence and your comfort. Help us to remember that you are always in control and will draw us near and carry us through the darkest storms. And each time, help us to grow in the knowledge that, through you, we have the power to persevere in the worst of times. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Strong enough - Matthew West
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knuHDPbE5es

http://billygraham.org/answer/does-god-sometimes-test-our-faith-by-letting-hard-times-happen-to-us-if-so-why-does-he-do-it-doesnt-he-already-know-whether-or-not-our-faith-is-genuine/

Fuel up

"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." 1 Peter 1:23

As athletes, to perform our best requires putting the right foods (or fuel) into our bodies. And when it comes to choosing what to eat, we can opt for perishable or non perishable food items. What's the difference you might ask? Perishable foods (fresh meat, milk, ripe fruits) are those that will spoil quickly (especially if not refrigerated). Non perishable foods (canned goods, protein bars, gels) have a much longer shelf life sometimes lasting for years. But even these imperishable items will not last forever. 

1 Peter 1:23 also speaks of the perishable and imperishable when it tells us, "you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable". The NLT translation says it this way, "For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God." Through the perishable seed of human birth, we will all die. But through the message of the Bible, the imperishable seed, we have a new life, one that will "last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God." It's by the power of God's word that we are transformed, completely changed and born again! 

If you haven't experienced this new life for yourself, why don't you start today? God's word is non perishable, has an eternal shelf life and is just what you need to fuel your body right.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would offer us eternal life through your living and eternal Word. May we hunger for it more than the choicest foods we have ever tasted. And may we share the good news with all those that are tired, thirsty and longing for a new life. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Your Words - Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zaaiFp4RSM

Run after it

"Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them." Proverbs 4:4

Since before my son was born, he was exposed to running. I ran during my pregnancy and as soon as I was able to after he came into the world. He saw his first views of the world from a jogging stroller as I taught him his ABC's and the words to Jesus Loves Me while we passed the miles together. As he grew older, he accompanied me to many races and knew what the words tapering and interval training meant before he even learned to spell. So you can imagine how proud I was when he (now 17) agreed to run a half marathon with me. And, as part of his training, he ran a 5k with me over the weekend (something we hadn't done together in some time).

As we started side by side, I quickly realized that he was much faster than me now. So fast, in fact, that I urged him to go ahead and meet me at the finish line. And as I watched him pass by and speed into the distance, I prayed that this young man would far surpass me in the wisdom of God's word too. I prayed that he would seek it and "run" after it with the same determination and passion he now had to reach his 13.1 mile goal. Because, while a half marathon is certainly a dream worth pursuing, chasing after knowledge and discernment will gain him an even greater reward...eternal life.

David Bly once wrote, "Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be." So before we teach our children to run, may teach them to walk with Christ. And before we teach them God's word and will, may we learn it ourselves. May we be the followers we want our children to be.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the faithful generations that have gone before us and pursued knowledge and understanding so they could pass it down to their children. May we pursue the same goal as we run with passion towards knowing you more. And, as parents, may we put you first teaching our children to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Run to you - Kari Jobe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWKD4JUvcZs

Get daily checkups

"In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears." Psalm 18:6

That's it! As I hobbled through my morning run yesterday I just couldn't take the pain anymore and finally visited the chiropractor. As he looked through my chart and then at me, unable to even comfortably sit in a chair, he reminded me that it had been more than a year since my last visit. I silently chastised myself for waiting so long and tried to rationalize that the pain had only come on recently, but that was a lie even my simple mind wasn't buying.

Sin in our lives, left unattended and untreated for long periods of time, will inevitably bring us pain too. Whether physically, spiritually or emotionally. pain is a sign that something is wrong and it's time to seek a professional. David, the mighty warrior knew this and knew who to call when he wrote, "In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help." And isn't it wonderful to know that the Great Physician was listening? David said that, "From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears." Talk about the ultimate house call! God hears our cries for help and meets us where we are to comfort and heal us.

Wouldn't it be great if we could avoid pain all together though? Of course it would. While we can't always do that physically, we can spiritually by getting daily "checkups" asking him to examine us and convict us of things in our life that might cause suffering later. Because, in the words of Benjamin Franklin, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Heavenly Father, thank you for answering our cries for help when we are in distress. May we spend time with you each and every day, asking you to personally examine us and point out those things that are sure to only bring us suffering. May we then follow the orders of the Great Physician so we can lead a life free from the pain and distress we would have otherwise. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Healing hand of God - Jeremy Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-aE7zQTeEg

Nothing is hidden

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13

In a report issued Monday by CNN, it was announced that Russian track and field athletes and coaches could be banned from the 2016 Olympics and stripped of their medals for either using or encouraging the use of performance-enhancing drugs. While investigating reports of a state-sponsored doping program, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), uncovered a "deeply rooted culture of cheating at all levels" within Russian athletics. The report claims that more than 1,400 samples were "intentionally and maliciously" destroyed by a Moscow laboratory after they were instructed by the WADA to preserve them for investigation.

Despite all the efforts to keep their behavior hidden, it seems the truth will come out anyway and the lies will be exposed. Not that they were ever truly "hidden". Hebrews 4:13 tells us that, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." And, while it's true that many things you and I do can go undiscovered by the world, God sees it all... everything.

He knows what we think and knows our "hidden" actions. Despite our best efforts at concealment, one day we will all "give account" for them and face the consequences. Quite a thought to ponder, isn't it? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us when the things we do make us unlovable. Thank you for promising to forgive us of our sins if we would only confess and repent of them. Today, may we examine ourselves and turn away from any thing we feel the need to keep hidden. After all, nothing is hidden from you. Help us to live a life with no secrets that there would be no barrier between us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!!

www.team413.org 

Change this heart - Sidewalk Prophets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YTZq37OpMw

 http://edition.cnn.com/2015/11/09/sport/athletics-doping-wada-coe/

The greatest sacrifice

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:12,13

John 15:13 tells us that, "Greater love has no man than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." And there is, perhaps, no group of men and women more willing to do that than the American soldier. Through countless wars and battles, the American soldier has fought to preserve the freedoms we hold so dear. So on November 11, Veterans Day, a day was set aside to honor them for their patriotism, love of country, willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good and to remember those that laid down their lives doing so.

And remembering is what this day is all about. Ernie Zackowski, brother of a fallen American soldier, wrote, "Remember a man's name and he will never die." He was the brother of Sergeant Edward Francis Zackowski (aka Zeke), D CO, 2ND BN, 14TH INFANTRY, 25 INF DIV, Army of the United States, 07 July 1947 - 28 November 1967, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Panel 31E Line 002. Ernie's brother, Zeke, wrote these words to him when he was only ten, three months before he died (at the age of 19) in the Vietnam war:

I came to this place because there was a job to be done. 

Right from the beginning I knew it wouldn't be fun. 

I'm here for a year and a year I will stay. 

I'll fight like hell and I'll hope and I'll pray

My being here will keep my brother away. 

Your brother, Ed

Vietnam, 1967

Sergeant Zachowski certainly did lay down his life for a friend and many people he never knew as have countless other soldiers throughout the ages. May we take the time to remember their sacrifice, today and ever day, as we enjoy the freedoms that sacrifice has given. And may we take the time to thank them for their service and obeying the command to, "Love each other as I have loved you."  

Heavenly Father, thank you for those people willing to fight for the freedom that we so take for granted. May we remember their sacrifice, and that of their families, with ultimate gratitude this Veteran's Day. And may we follow their example to be willing to lay down our lives for our friends. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Some gave all

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

http://www.virtualwall.org/dz/ZackowskiEF01a.htm

Make today matter

"Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." James 4:14

Saturday's Associated Press Headlines read, "Runner dies during Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Georgia." The name of the 35-year-old man has not been disclosed nor has his cause of death, the report said, saying only that temperatures in Savannah reached 84 degrees that day causing course closures. This is surely not how this man expected the day to end. As he left home that morning, excited and nervous about the race, he most likely had no idea it would be his last time walking out the door. Had he known, perhaps he would have done things differently.

Truthfully though, we would probably all live our lives differently if we knew it was to be our last day wouldn't we? James 4:14 reminds us that we, "do not know what tomorrow will bring" and the Bible certainly never assures us of a tomorrow. So this day could very possibly be that last day... our last day. Wouldn't it be wise then to live "differently"? To serve and love others so that, no matter when our life ends, we will have lived a life of purpose?

Knowing that, make today matter. Tell those people you love that you love them. Tell someone about Jesus. Let go of those grudges and let forgiveness rule in your heart. Stop for a moment to enjoy the sunset. Praise Him for each footstep you count on your morning run. But mostly, live with purpose today confident as you lay your head down to rest that, should tomorrow never come, today you made a difference.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you give us each and everyday. We know we take so many of them for granted Lord. Help us to live a life of purpose focused on your will for our lives and fulfilling the goals you have set before us. May we strive to love others, serve others and to make a difference in someone's life each and every day by showing them the love of Christ within us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Life is precious - Wes King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSkYaDlCv8k

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/runner-dies-during-rock-n-roll-marathon-in-georgia/

RWB Half Marathon 2015

"The LORD said to Moses, "Now the day of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, where I will commission him." So Moses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the tent of meeting." Deuteronomy 31:14

What a blessing to have participated in the first annual TEAM RWB Veterans Day Half Marathon and 4 mile run on Saturday, November 7th. Held at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, MO, it not only was a celebration of the upcoming Veteran's Day Holiday but a fundraiser to help the home purchase a van for the aging soldiers living there. As my friends and I lined up at the start with about 100 other runners, many generations of soldiers were in attendance - some now serving, some veterans of recent wars and some of decades old battles who shared one common cause... protecting our freedom and our right to worship as did another brave and courageous generation that went before them and yet another before them.

And as I watched the interactions of the former soldiers with the active duty ones, I was reminded of the story of Moses and Joshua. It's the story of what you could say is a veteran "passing on the torch" to the next generation. You see when Moses became old and his work was completed, the Lord instructed him to, "Call Joshua and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, where I will commission him." At that time, "The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous... and I myself will be with you." (v.23) You see, when God commissions his soldiers, he knows that they will be in a battle that will not be easy. And as the older generation prepared the younger, God promised to be there with them helping them to be what he called them to be... strong and courageous.

So, as we prepare to celebrate this day to honor American veterans of all wars, may we take a moment to thank them for their strength, courage, service to our country and for preparing the next generation of veterans because as Cynthia Ozick once wrote, "We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude."

Thank you to TEAM RWB for a fantastic race and an experience that blessed both the runners and the veterans. Looking forward to next year!
 

Heavenly Father, thank you for our veterans who had the strength and courage to fight for our freedom to enjoy everything we love in this country. I pray that you would grant them peace and the respect they deserve for preserving our privilege to worship you, Lord. May we take the time to thank them and pray for each one and their families. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Gotta love crazy friends!

Absolutely one of the best half marathons ever!!

Use me too

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Ephesians 1:4

In 2007, Army Chaplain, Jeremiah Catlin, at the age of 32 with a wife and two small children, was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma in his chest, arm, neck and head. He was told that he had a year to live. By God's grace and the hands of a gifted surgeon, the cancer was removed in 2008, the same year he formed a nonprofit organization to address the spiritual needs of wounded veterans and their families. While undergoing treatment he said, "I had resolved that God was done with me -- that he didn't need my ministry... I was humbled that God still chose to use me." 

After being declared in remission in 2012, he wanted to run but was told because of the damage to his arm and chest, that would never be a possibility. But that next year, Jeremiah ran a marathon and hasn't stopped since. What an honor then to join him at the start line of the Bass Pro Marathon last Sunday. The minor aches and pains I was feeling seemed petty compared with the struggle that Jeremiah had faced and the pain he would have to endure and overcome to make it to the finish line. But, wearing this TEAM 413 shirt, he did finish "upright" as was his goal and is already planning another one. And with each step, he will no doubt, be letting God use him to be a blessing to others.

God did indeed choose him as Ephesians 1:4 says, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." He chose to use him before the trial, through the trial and because of the trial. And no matter what you are facing, he can use you too if you will allow him. As Oscar Wilde once wrote, "What seems to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise."

Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing us. We are truly humbled that a holy and blameless God would use sinners such as us to do your will. May we, no matter what we are going through, look for ways to be a blessing to others and to share the message of salvation to a dying world. Use us Lord through the trials and in spite of them. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Use me too - Johnny Diaz

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

http://www.army.mil/article/112606/Chaplain_wins_race_against_cancer/

Fear not

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

While driving home from the store yesterday afternoon with my 10 year old daughter, my power steering went out. Not one to be easily shaken, I decided to take my chances and head to the auto garage 20 miles away. With eight miles to go on the curvy, narrow highway we were traveling, the radio, odometer and everything electrical stopped working. Now I was definitely a bit disturbed. But a dozen prayers later and with trembling hands, we pulled into the shop's parking lot. As I handed the keys to the owner, I asked her if it had been dangerous to drive it that far. Since she knows me well, I loved her response, "No more dangerous than you running alongside the highway every day. And besides it's over, why worry now? God got you here safely."

Wow, did I ever need that reminder! God had indeed kept me safe through the hundreds of miles I had trained up and down that road and many others throughout the years. I hadn't worried then so why start now? In Isaiah 41:10, God gives us this command followed by a promise, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you". And why should we not fear? Because God said he would be with us... always. There is absolutely no place that we can go that he won't follow and nothing we can go through that he won't go through with us. Isn't that wonderful to know? 

Not only has God promised to be with us, he has promised to strengthen and help us and to uphold us with his victorious right hand, triumphant over our fear and circumstances. Knowing that then, is there anything we should fear? Praise God, the answer is no. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for promising to be with us through whatever we are facing. When we are feeling fearful, please remind us that you will give us the strength and aid we need to declare victory over our circumstances and discouragement. When we are feeling anxious, may we remember that our Father is all powerful, worthy of all praise and capable of all things. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Fear not - Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrhXln-zHso

 

Arm yourself

"For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." Ephesians 6:15

With my busy schedule the last few weeks, I have worn many types of shoes... trail shoes, running shoes, flip flops, dress shoes and even some boots, each one chosen for its specific usefulness for the task at hand. And while wearing the proper shoe is important, it's even more important to know when to wear it. Trail shoes are probably not a good choice for church and wearing dress heels for a race wouldn't be very wise either. But the bible tells us of a pair of shoes perfect for every occasion and ones that we should "put on" every day.

Ephesians 6:15 says, "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." Paul tells us in this chapter these shoes are part of the Armor of God and a vital piece of the protection we need to fight the spiritual battle we are in every day. Many translations say "and having shod your feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace" meaning that our feet are to be armed as with military sandals ready to stand firm in the fight free from fear. We can do this because we are at peace with God knowing that "if God be for us, who can be against us." (Romans 8:31)

Did you know that these sandals were furnished with nails to grip so the soldier could stand firm even on slippery terrain? That's quite a pair of shoes, isn't it? But like any other shoe, they can only protect us if we put them on. In your battle today, don't forget to arm yourself with the complete Armor of God and stand firm knowing "that you will be fully prepared."

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us everything we need to fight the devil and his schemes. May we choose every day to arm ourselves with the spiritual protection you have provided us that we may stand firm in the battle and be prepared for anything. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Greater is He - Blanca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4cHlulBrPo

Be an imitator

"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

While running a race last weekend, there were many runners in front of me. As I followed one group for a while, I recognized one of my friends. He was quite a ways in the distance but I knew it was him. You see I had run with him enough times that I recognized his unique gait and running style. Not that I needed any reassurance but, as I approached him, I glanced at his face. Yep, that was my friend and we both enjoyed a good laugh as I admitted I'd been trying to catch up with him for a mile.

And when it comes to recognition, the bible tells us that, for others to recognize us as followers, we are to imitate God in everything we do. To follow that perfect example then would be to model the behavior of Christ, adopting his ways, speech, and love for others.

So whether we are at our workplace, in our homes or on the racecourse, can people recognize Christ by the way you and I are walking and living our lives? If not, it's time to get to know Jesus better through prayer and spending time in the Word. After all, the more you know someone the better able you are to imitate them.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son, Jesus. as an example of how we should be living our lives. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that directs and guides us in your ways. May we relentessly pursue the goal of being so much like Christ that others would be drawn to you by the way we love them and live our lives. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I will move - Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgqD_HQQir0

Run with joy

"The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:7

What a blessing it was to run the Bass Pro Conservation Marathon in Springfield,MO yesterday. The race was set to start at 7:00 a.m. but for me and many others, the day started  at 6:15 a.m. as we arrived for a prerace devotion and prayer service complete with live music! What a great way to start the day and get our minds focused on running the race on the beautiful course that was waiting and ready for the more than 3400 runners signed up for the full or half marathon. Nestled in the middle of the Ozarks, the route was lined with happy volunteers, enthusiastic spectators and God's display of the grandeur of fall. And with each passing mile, even as I grew a bit more tired, my determination grew stronger as my heart filled with joy at his presence. I couldn't help then to sing songs of praise as I moved along.

When it comes to reasons for singing, Psalm 28:7 tells us that the Lord is our strength and protection and our ever present help in times of need. And for that the psalmist declared that his heart was filled with joy. That joy was so overwhelming, in fact, that the psalmist couldn't contain it and "burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Have you ever felt that kind of joy? Unlike happiness which depends on circumstances that are constantly changing, joy comes from knowing the Lord and experiencing his love that is never changing. Nehemiah knew the power of that joy when he told the Jews, "for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (v.8:10)

So, while inspecting the back of the medal I received upon completing the race, I was overjoyed to find this inscription, "RUN WITH JOY". Run with joy? To truly understand that, I believe, begins with an acknowledgment that our physical ability to run is a gift from God as are our individual abilities to run fast or slow. To run with joy then is not dependent on our pace, our placing (how we compare to others), or the number on the time clock at the end...

Running with joy is simply the act of finding peace in his presence, trusting him for the strength to finish and being thankful for each step as we en"joy" the run. It's only then that we can praise him for the finish line and not the finish time.

Heavenly Father, thank you so very much for the ability to make it to the finish line, whether by walking, running or crawling. May we burst out in songs of Thanksgiving for this gift and may we praise you with each and every step we are blessed to take. Help us to enjoy the run Lord, embracing every moment, as we allow you to guide and direct us surrendering our will for yours. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Joy - Carlos Vaughn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1GVVconjuk

Race morning with some of the girls. This race is my favorite marathon of all time. Love it!!

What joy these two had! She completed her first marathon, her husband his second