Make it count

"This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives." Titus 1:1

On many a race shirt you have probably seen the phrase, 'live to run and run to live' implying that to do anything else is to merely be present. But to really live means so much more. It means making the most of every moment we are given and being grateful for each breath. It means making each day count as we look back on it knowing that we accomplished something worthwhile and, at least in some small way, made the world a better place.

The apostle Paul knew what it meant to truly live when he wrote the words, "I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives." In this one short statement, Paul gave us his reason for living. He knew that living for Jesus Christ, sharing his faith and instructing others in the Word, was his purpose and the only way to make each day count. I would like to think that if he had a running shirt, it would have the phrase, 'live to follow Christ and follow Christ to live' on it. Living for Christ... now that's what it means to live!

Are you living today or merely existing as another sun sets and another day ends? The great news is, with each new day and each new sunrise, you and I are given another chance to truly live. Make the day count.

Heavenly Father, thank you for each new day that you give us. Help us not to take it for granted but to make each moment count. Help us to live for you and in some small way make the world a better place. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Don't wanna waste my life - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RWEllqh5J0

run. remember. love

"This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you." John 15:12

Wear blue-run to remember is a group of athletes with a purpose - each weekend they meet to run, remember and honor fallen service members to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten. I, along with some friends, was blessed to join them last Saturday where each runner was given a slip of paper with a name, rank and date of death. That day I felt privileged to be running in remembrance of Marine Sgt. Chad M. Allen (who I later learned was only 25-years old when he was killed on February 28, 2007 in Al Anbar province, Iraq, when a bomb exploded during combat). His mother said that he had enlisted in the Marines the day after 9/11 with one purpose."He was going to save his family from harm."

In John 15;12 we are commanded, or as Google defines the word: given an authoritative order, to love one another just as Christ loved us. That may sound simple enough until we remember that Jesus loved you and me enough to die for us. That's quite a sacrificial love isn't it? Which had me thinking. Are we doing that? Are we really loving one another the way Jesus loved us? With the kind of love Marine Sgt. Allen had when he chose to enlist? While you and I may never have to die for someone else, are we looking for ways to practice sacrificial love? It could be as easy as taking time to help or encourage a friend or as hard as stepping out to embrace a complete stranger or taking in an orphan child. 

Whatever it may be, one thing is certain... our purpose is to love one another every day. And when we think we have loved enough, may we look to the example of those men and women that loved to the point of death, and love others just a little more. 

Heavenly Father, thank you your son Jesus who loved us so much that he was willing to lay down his life for us. Your word commands us to love others in the same way and yet so many of us are failing. Lord, help us to remember those that have given their lives for us and to honor their memories by loving others the way they did... just as Jesus loved us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Love like Jesus - Rhett Walker Band

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

What a diverse group united for a purpose. 

Preparing to run in honor of a fallen soldier. 

http://thefallen.militarytimes.com/marine-sgt-chad-m-allen/2593397

Therefore go!

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Matthew 28:18,19

While waiting for the start of the marathon Sunday, I studied the runners around me. Just as I have come to expect, the majority of them were clothed in garb that revealed their greatest accomplishment. From Boston Marathon jackets to 50 States tank tops and IRONMAN visors, their attire revealed something each runner had achieved they deemed worthy of proclamation. I smiled as I knew that I too, sporting my TEAM 413 shirt, was wearing clothing revealing my greatest accomplishment... sharing Christ with others. 

In the Great Commission, Jesus told his disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations". Therefore meaning, because they were under his authority and go meaning to get moving. Do you realize that you and I are under his authority as well and commanded to do the very same thing? Whether we are going next door, to a race, to another town or across the ocean, we are to go using the gifts God has given us as a means to share the Gospel.

You see we all have talents and they can be as different as you and me are. But they are given to serve the same purpose in each one of us... to share Jesus Christ with a lost and lonely world. Are you heeding the call today to "Therefore go"? May reaching that goal be our greatest achievement worthy of proclamation to the world!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the special gifts and talents you have given each and every one of us. Help us to determine what our's is and use it to answer the calling of spreading the Gospel to "all nations" beginning right where we are. Oh Lord, help us to be bold and therefore go! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Send me I'll go - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv6sQKHdgOA&list=RDFv6sQKHdgOA#t=0

What a mess!

"Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” John 4:27-29

What a mess! That was my thought as I tried to untangle the cords to my earbuds. Having misplaced the ones I normally use, I found the spares at the very bottom of my running bag tangled up in a heap. And as I worked to make them usable again, I thought of how God had found me in the same way...a total mess. But you know what? He found a way to make me usable in spite of my mess-ups. And he wants to do the same for you.

In the story of the Samaritan woman who had been married five times and was living with a man who wasn't her husband, Jesus found a woman that was, like many of us, messed up. Rather than rebuke her for her sin or ignore her though, he spoke with her and offered her living water. Even the disciples were amazed that he would speak to her since no male would dare speak to a woman of her reputation in public. But that's what Jesus does. He ignores protocol. He meets us at our worst, at our most messed up and offers us the gift of forgiveness. Not after we have cleaned up our lives but while our lives are in shambles.

This woman was made usable as she ran back to the village "telling everyone, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did!" So no matter what you have done or the sin you may be in now, Jesus wants to meet you where you are, right in the midst of your mess. It's there that, if you allow him, he will make you usable. Will you allow him?

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would meet us right where we are, even in the middle of our messed up lives and offer us the gift of eternal life. Help us to turn from our ways and to follow you that we might be usable. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Woman at the well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ea8iHTVlRE

Only one way

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Since my husband's family lives in El Paso, TX, you can just imagine how many trips we have taken from Missouri to 'The Sun City' in the 24 years we have been married. So on our way to the El Paso Marathon last weekend, we were ecstatic (to say the least) at finding a new and better route that spared us almost two hours of driving. After all this time we agreed that we had tried many more ways than one before finally finding the 'best' way.

In John 14:6, after being asked by the disciples the way to the Father's house, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." He was telling them (and us) that, not only is He the 'best' way but He is the only way. There are no alternate routes, no time saving shortcuts and no other roads that lead to Salvation. This should make us estatic knowing that there are no other paths to even have to consider and that the absolute and 'best' way is guaranteed. This means that you and I don't have to spend years searching for it!

As Brandon Heath sings, "Ain’t no your way. Ain’t no my way. Ain’t no shortcut or a highway to Heaven. Ain’t no jet plane. Ain’t no fast car. Only one thing take you that far- only one name. He's the one way to Heaven." Jesus is indeed the only way to the Father. Do you believe that today?

Heavenly Father, thank you for telling us, in no uncertain terms, that there is only one way to Heaven and that is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. So may we stop looking for alternate routes today and set our hearts and minds on you as we allow you to lead us to the Father's house. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

One way to Heaven - Brandon Heath

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akf4PnOKcNU 

Don't wait

"Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near." Isaiah 55:6

Just recently I waited to sign up for a race and was denied entry for missing the deadline. Although I certainly had every intention of signing up and surely wanted to enter, I procrastinated and had no one to blame but myself. Saddened by my lack of commitment to what I knew needed to be done, I vowed to not let the opportunity or any other one pass by again. 

Scripture also warns us of the dangers of procrastination and urges us to, "Seek the LORD while you can find him." and to "Call on him now while he is near." Notice the word now? It means: at the present time or moment. It means today-not tomorrow, the next day or when it's convenient. You see, if you're waiting for the right time, you may be too late. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and neither is the time of Christ's return.

So during the time you can find him, while it is today and there is breath in your lungs, don't wait to make the decision that will determine where you will spend eternity. Because in the words of Addison Road,"We’re not indestructible. Our lives, unpredictable. It can turn on a dime so now is the time. Don’t wait."

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would give us second chances to choose to follow you. Help us to realize though that there will come a day when, if we have not committed to serving you, the deadline may pass and we will be denied entry into the greatest event of all time.. an eternity spent with you. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Don't wait - Addison Road

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRRxmWt3CSg

It's coming true

"Who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him." Isaiah 53:1,2

In January, Runner's World Magazine gathered a panel of 15 experts to predict the top finishers in the Olympic Marathon Trials where the nation's fastest distance runners would compete for the top three spots to qualify for the 2016 Olympic games. In February, just one week before the trials, they changed those predictions a little based on some new information including a few late additions to the field, injury updates and retirement announcements. As you would guess, even with all their knowledge and fancy calculations, not all their predictions were correct.

Thousands of years ago, in Isaiah 53:2 the most astonishing prediction ever to be was written, "My servant grew up in the LORD's presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in the dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him." What was so astonishing about such a prophecy was that no one could believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble servant rather than a glorious king-especially one who was described as being neither beautiful nor majestic in appearance. Oh but did Israel ever miscalculate the possibility of that prediction being 100 percent correct!

God did indeed send a Servant... his son Jesus Christ to bring salvation and healing to a world in need. And the Bible gives us another prediction... He is coming back again! We don't need a panel of experts to tell us that though, do we?

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son, a lowly servant to be the Savior of the world. What was predicted surely came to pass as your Word is 100 percent accurate. May we be ready when, as your word tells us, Jesus will return. What a great day that will be. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

He is coming back again - Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAqjiaYiBQ0

persist, maintain, continue

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

While participating in the Austin Marathon Sunday, Lani Martinez was hit by a car right after passing mile marker 17 near Shoal Creek Boulevard. She reported that everything was going great until, "All of a sudden I felt my lower back with an impact.. and I just hit pavement." While she suffered a concussion, she had no broken bones and was released from the hospital after a few hours. Once she's healed, Martinez plans to finish where she left off, starting at mile 17 and running to the finish line to claim her medal. In a comment to the race organizers allowing her to do so, she said, "I'm glad that they're giving me a chance to finish to show her [her daughter], we're not quitting just because I got hit by a car, but you can still finish what you started off too."


Talk about not letting anything stop you. James 1:12 tells us that the same type of relentless pursuit it takes to cross the finish line is the same effort it takes to claim the crown of life saying, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Though our trials and setbacks will be different for you and me, the meaning of what it is to persevere is the same for all of us-defined as: to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly. That, my friends, is what you would call a relentless pursuit of the prize.

Are you persevering in your pursuit of following Christ today? Or have you let pain, struggles or hardships pull you out of the race? It's not too late to jump back in and finish what you started you know? Persist, maintain and continue running to the finish line where, when you have stood the test, you will receive the "crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so relentlessly that you would allow us chance after chance to get back in the race and pursue a relationship with you. Help us to persevere today in spite of difficulty, obstacles and discouragement today-to continue steadfastly until we claim the prize of eternal life with you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!.

www.team413.org

Mandisa - Press on 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MqUdya0-Bs

http://legacy.kvue.com/story/news/local/2016/02/15/runner-recovering-after-being-hit-by-car-during-austin-marathon/80436118/

Get fitted

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

The brief ice storm that left a glaze over the roads and yards Sunday morning necessitated the use of trail shoes on yesterday's run. As I heard the crunching of the ice crystals beneath my feet, I was thankful that my shoes, with their heavy duty terrain grabbing lugs, were able to provide the extra traction I needed to 'be fully prepared' to travel the trail before me. 

Speaking of shoes, did you know that in Old Testament times a Roman soldier wasn't 'fully prepared' for battle until he had his shoes on? His sandals were often fitted with nails or armed with spikes to make them hold firm in the ground. As Christian soldiers, we are called to wear shoes too, "the peace that comes from the Good News.." We do this so we will be 'fully prepared' for the battle before us. Being prepared means having a firm foundation and knowledge of the Gospel on which to stand. It's that knowledge that gives us peace in the midst of trials being able to declare, "I am saved! I am redeemed! God is my Savior and nothing can snatch me from his hand!" 

Are your feet fitted with the gospel of peace today? Unshod feet will not only leave you and me without protection but also unable to flee from any sin that threatens to overtake us. So put on those shoes!

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us everything we need to defeat the enemy. Thank you for your Word that should bring us peace no matter what battle is raging around us or in us. May we fit our feet with the peace of the Good News knowing that, through you, we have overcome the enemy and his schemes. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Peace in the midst of the storm - Alvin Slaughter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7IN1hKpUf0

Run with the Wind 25k 2016

"Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left." Isaiah 30:21

Run with the Wind is a 15.6 mile road race that has been held annually for over 30 years near Joplin, MO. It's a unique race, not only distance wise, but because it changes direction depending on which way the wind is blowing-ensuring the runners have the wind at their back throughout. The race is a point to point course from Carthage to Sarcoxie or vice-versa depending on the day's forecast. Joined by some friends, I was blessed to begin Saturday's race in Sarcoxie where the course took us through the beautiful Missouri countryside over bridges and rolling hills. What a joy it was to see the sun brightly shining that morning providing temperatures much warmer than predicted.. so warm in fact that most everyone shed a layer (or two) before mile five. With amazing aid stations, volunteers, free photos, post race food and awards, I'm definitely adding it to my race calendar again for next year!

As you can see then, to have participated in this race, runners had to be willing and ready to change direction upon the instructions of the race director having faith that he would lead them in the right way. Ultimately though the choice was still ours. It was up to each one of us runners whether we would follow that path. 

Isaiah 30:21 tells us that when the people of Jerusalem left God's path, he personally corrected and led them in the right direction saying, "This is the way you should go." Isn't it great to know that when we are headed in the wrong direction that God will do the same for us too? Speaking to us, telling you and me where to go,"whether to the right or to the left"? But the question is, although the bible tells us that our "own ears will hear him", will we follow him?

So whether He is calling you and me to stay the course or do a complete turnaround, it's up to each one of us to heed those instructions. Changing direction is not always easy, pleasant or without fear but it's during those times we must remember that God, the Ultimate Director, is leading us down the way that is best.

Heavenly Father, thank you for caring about us so much that you would personally speak to us to keep us running in the right direction. May we listen for your voice and be willing to follow the way you have instructed us to go. We ask these things in your most precious name Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Eye on it - Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pO16yMC19o

Love this kid's boldness as he proudly declares his faith. 

So blessed to be accompanied across the finish line by my daughter (carrying the dog!) and her friends. God is so very good. 

Luke Morrison broke the 15 year old state record by more than 17 minutes!! Love this kid and love his heart for the Lord.

The big day

"God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth." Ephesians 1:9,10

Preparing to run a marathon requires a training plan. And included in every successful plan should be instructions on when to do short runs, long runs, tempo runs, speed work and other types of conditioning. There are many plans to choose from but the one thing they all have in common, the most important thing, is that each activity or run is done at just 'the right time' to bring everything together to be ready for the big day. 

Scripture tells us of an even greater plan when it says, "God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ-everything in heaven and on earth." This divine plan for the world was personally conceived by God from the beginning to the end. Every detail from Genesis to Revelation, although we may not fully understand the plan now,  will one day 'at the the right time' bring us together to be united with him forever. 

I've heard it said that God's plan is like a movie where all the good and bad things are arranged together for the good ending. And while the plot is indeed exciting and has us questioning how it could ever fare well, I assure you that the ending will be phenomenal. Talk about getting ready for the big day!

Heavenly Father, thank you for being the ultimate Composer bringing together everything in heaven and on earth to fulfill your plan. Although we may not understand your plan, help us to trust in it knowing that if we remain faithful we will be witnesses to the greatest ending and the biggest day of all time. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Sovereign-Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMTG13qVY3g

Cause for celebration

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Deciding it would be best to pick up my daughter's Valentine's Day party snacks before my run, I entered the grocery story wearing my usual running attire. Upon placing the sugar-laden items upon the checkout counter, the cashier and I chatted about how so many holidays were frivolous and void of any real meaning. She admitted that she didn't even understand what the upcoming President's Day holiday was really all about and why we even celebrated it. As I agreed and walked away with my purchases, she said, "Now that's something to celebrate." When I turned around with a questioning look, she finished her thought, "What it says right there on the back of your coat. Now that's a reason for a holiday." Yes ma'am. Indeed it is.

You see, on the back of my coat (and all my running shirts) are the words, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Knowing that we have the strength to do those things we believe to be impossible is definitely a cause for celebration isn't it? Whether it's scaling the heights of Mount Everest, overcoming an addiction, surviving a divorce, battling cancer, running a marathon or raising children alone...through Christ, you and I have the power to be victorious.

D.L. Moody, a great American Evangelist, had it right when he said, “When a man has no strength, if he leans on God, he becomes powerful.” So today and every day let us celebrate the power that we have, as we lean on God, to be victorious and to "do all things through Christ" who indeed strengthens us. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in our lives and for the strength you have promised to give us through Christ. May we remember just how powerful that is as we face those things we believed to be impossible. Let us celebrate the knowledge that we can indeed do all things through Christ who gives us strength. All glory to you Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Through Christ - William McDowell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z40kdzD1w5o

Not if but When

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Isaiah 43:2

Run outside long enough and you will eventually encounter bad weather--it's not a matter of if it will happen but when. Such is what happened on Monday morning when, with three miles to go, the wind started howling. Picking up speed, it blew in sleet so rapidly and forcefully that I could hear it bouncing off my windbreaker. With nothing left to do but pull my hat down and head directly into it, I smiled as I remembered that I was not out there alone. No. God was with me and, as always, would see me back safely.

The bible tells us that we will go through tough times--and that it's not a matter of if but when.."When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up..." But for every when we experience in life, God gives us this promise...I will be with you. He will take us through our times of deep depression and worry. He will accompany us in our seasons of troubles and struggles and He will be there in our moments of hardship and pain. 

It's not a matter of if my friends. The bible is very clear. When we face trials of any kind, He will be there to see us through. Now that should have you smiling! Can I get an amen?

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would promise to be with us through the struggles of this life. Help us to remember that being believers does not make us immune to the consequences of living in a sinful world. We will experience hardships but, help us to do so joyfully as we find peace knowing you are right beside us through it all. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Say Amen - Finding Favour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unsP7C-owvk

Guilty

"Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32,33

Like many Americans, I watched the Super Bowl on Sunday. Not being much of a football fan, I wasn't impressed by the game but the post race interview with Peyton Manning (Quarterback for the winning Denver Broncos) had my eyes glued to the screen. When asked by a reporter if this was to be his last game and whether he would be retiring, Manning had this to say, "You know, I’ll take some time to reflect. I’ve got a couple priorities first. I want to kiss my wife and kids. I want to hug my family... I’m going to take care of those things first. Then I’m going to say a little prayer and thank the man upstairs for this opportunity."

Talk about a public acknowledgement of faith! According to the Nielsen ratings data, 49% of American homes watched the game which ranked as the second highest Super Bowl viewing in football history. But whether we are in front of an audience of millions of people or in the presence of only one person, Matthew 10:32 tells us this, "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." 

And while it may not always be comfortable, acceptable or even legal to share our faith in today's world, especially when we are among unbelievers or scoffers, we should never let that deter us from doing it because as verse 33 warns us, "everyone who denies me here on earth. I will also deny before my Father in heaven." So, in the words of the Newsboys, let us be "guilty by association. Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways,Your truth,Your life. I’ll pay the price to be your light."

Heavenly Father, thank you for opportunities and gifts you have provided us that allow us to proclaim our faith in you. May we never miss an occasion or opening to publicly declare that you are our personal Savior and the One and Only True God. Help us to be bold witnesses in a world thirsty for the Truth. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Newsboys - Guilty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6jUOXYvhL8

 

Go ahead and laugh

"We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them." Psalm 126:2

How do crazy runners go through the forest? They take the psycho path. Who is the fastest runner of all time? Adam, because he came first in the human race. Well, did you laugh? Maybe even just a little? Chances are you have laughed at least once today (at least I hope you have) and, if you did, I have great news. You are actually doing something to improve your health. According to helpguide.org, laughter relaxes your body, boosts your immune system, triggers the release of endorphins and protects your heart. Those are certainly great reasons to enjoy a good chuckle then aren't they?

In Psalm 126:2, the psalmist wrote, "We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them." The psalmist's people had been delivered from captivity and were filled with merriment and delight because of it. How could they not laugh and rejoice at such a great thing that had been done? You know, we too have been delivered... from the bondage of sin and death and so share with them the greatest reason ever to laugh and sing for joy! 

So go ahead and laugh! And do it so often that people question the Source of your elation. Its then you and I can smile as we tell them about the amazing things God has done for us.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many reasons we have to laugh and sing for joy! Not only have you delivered us but you have provided everything we could possibly need. Thank you for our home, health, friends and our freedom to worship you. You have truly done amazing things for us! For that we thank you, love you and vow to share your love with the world. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Sing for Joy - Dan Moen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmAQpWu8WNE

Get back up

""Jeremiah, say to the people, 'This is what the LORD says: "'When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back?" Jeremiah 8:4

To get to the gravel road near my house to run my favorite eight mile loop requires my crossing the highway and running on the shoulder for a quarter mile. As I made my way along there one morning, I looked over just in time to see my neighbor's dog running towards me wagging it's tail. "No Whiskers!" I shouted just as he ran onto the road and was struck by a car. In shock, I stared at his lifeless body while an old farmer (who had witnessed the accident and stopped) came to check on the dog. Deciding that he needed to be put out of his misery, he grabbed his foot to drag him away. But upon being touched and to our sheer amazement, that dog sat up, looked around for a bit and then hobbled away. Wow! A few more moments of staying down and Whiskers would have been history.

I guess you could say that the moral of the story is this... don't stay down for long. Life sure has the ability to bring us down doesn't it? But when we fall down or realize that we are headed in the wrong direction, it's important to get up again and/or change directions. In Jeremiah 8:4, the prophet said to the people that had gone astray, "When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back?"

Making mistakes or failing in our Christian walk doesn't have to be what defines us. We will all fall or get off course from time to time. The point is not to stay there...dead in sin. Get back up, repent and get back on course. Because as Vince Lombardi wrote, "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up."

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that encourages us that we are not down for the count when we fall away or are led astray. Help us to recognize when we have done so and to quickly repent and get back up and on the right track. May our lives be a story of comebacks rather than failures. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Get back up - Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX5OqyBYKh4

No excuses

"The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”" Proverbs 22:13

Training for a half marathon takes time. It takes many weeks of discipline to get in the many runs that will eventually lead up to race day and the completion of 13.1 miles. That's why I was so surprised to see that my friend hadn't started training until 20 days before his race. Oh my, that's about the time when the athlete who is properly trained and ready would be doing one last long run and then tapering off a bit. Let's face it though, it's easier to make excuses than it is to do the work... I'm too tired, I don't have the time, I'll do it tomorrow, my pinky toe hurts, my aunt's cousin's goldfish died. You get the picture.

Proverbs 22:13 refers to an excuse a lazy person might use to avoid going to work when it says, "The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”" That excuse sounds silly doesn't it? But that's the way our excuses often sound to others. Rather than being faced with the consequences of putting something off though, wouldn't it be easier if we simply stopped making excuses and started taking our responsibilities seriously?

Michael Jordan once wrote, "Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, and others make it happen." Which one are you? The more important question though is... which one do you want to be?

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the power we need to accomplish any goal that you have set before us. May we put off making excuses as we work with all our might to bring you glory through our actions and accomplishments. May we be a living sacrifice to you Lord as we realize that nothing is impossible for those that love and trust in you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

No Limits - Joshua Mills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=triR4V2-Wc8

Looking for a sign?

"One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.”But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah." Matthew 12:38,29

Every year since 1887 Punxsutawney Phil (a groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania) emerges from his home on Gobbler's Knob to the excitement of everyone watching. According to tradition, if Phil sees his shadow and returns to his hole, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, then an early spring is in the forecast. While many people believe this 'sign' and the prediction it yields, don't put away your winter running clothes just yet. Although Phil calls for an early spring this year, his accuracy rate is only 45% which is less than flipping a coin. 

Since the beginning of time, people have been looking for a 'sign' that Jesus is indeed the Son of God and the long awaited Messiah. When asked for a sign from the unbelieving Pharisees, "Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah." You see just as Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of the whale, so was Jesus in the grave before his resurrection. His resurrection was the 'sign' for all of us that Christ is indeed the Sovereign Lord, Savior and King and He will one day return! 

That prediction is 100 percent accurate my friends! Jesus will return and when he does, will he find you ready? Upon hearing Jonah, the people of Nineveh repented and turned back to God. Have you done the same or are you still looking for another 'sign'? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the signs all around us that prove that you are the Creator of the Universe and the One True God worthy of all our praise, worship and devotion. May your Word be the only sign this generation needs to repent and turn back to you that at your coming we might be ready. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen,

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Can't keep a good man down - Newsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYTaYMxrbg4

Don't be disqualified

"I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27

Sure. We all know it's possible to be disqualified for wearing headphones in a race, the fine print on most registrations clearly tells us that. But since I've never seen or heard of the rule actually being enforced I, like many other runners, tend to view it as merely a suggestion instead and openly wear them. So you can imagine the surprise among a group of us when a fellow runner was actually disqualified upon completing a half marathon last month for not 'following the rules'. Now next to his name, where there should have been a recorded time, were the letters DQ.

In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul said, "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." Paul wasn't afraid of losing his salvation, he was afraid of losing the privilege of bringing the gospel to others. He knew that if he let his guard down and became idle in his training that he might became entangled in the ways of the world--that he might fall into temptation, perhaps even believing (like many in the world) that God's rules were merely suggestions.

By straying from God's Commandments, even in the smallest and seemingly harmless of ways, you and I are 'breaking the rules' and risk being disqualified. May we take seriously our calling as followers exercising utmost care to discipline our bodies that we might not be declared ineligible for service. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that, while man's laws are not always enforced, your commandments are. May we discipline ourselves to follow them daily, training hard and long like an athlete would pursuing a goal. Help us to stay focused, intent on sharing the Gospel, that we might not be disqualified. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Casting Crowns - Until the whole world hears

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7qi2KlUffs