Give me Jesus

"What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Have you ever stopped to examine the things in a salvage yard? I mean really looked at what's in there? Well yesterday I did. The rural out and back gravel course that I ran passed by an aging salvage yard. As I slowed down to get a good view of the "junk" that had been sitting there so long that the earth was now growing around it, I saw an old family station wagon, the remnants of a few sports cars, a couple boats and a litany of other abandoned trucks, trailers and automobiles. I wondered to myself how many of these rusty and decaying objects were once viewed so valuable that the owners pursued them rather than Christ? 

When it comes to chasing after the things of this world, namely material possessions, Jesus asked this question, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" He was reminding us that on the day you and I stand before God (and we all will) there will not be even one earthly possession we can hold onto and not one thing we will ever have acquired that can be offered in exchange for Salvation. The only thing that will matter is this... whether we accepted Jesus or rejected him-whether we pursued Christ or the world.  

So you still think that new car or the other belongings you have are worth the hours you put in at work? Maybe even so important that they rival or totally overshadow the time you give to God? I invite you then for a personal tour of that salvage yard to see what happened to the many things others thought were that important. I wonder what they think now? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the simple lessons that you teach us when we pay attention. Help us to put what we actually need to get by in this world into eternal perspective. Give us discerning hearts to know what is truly important. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Give me Jesus - Jeremy Camp

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

Good morning

"But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress." Psalm 59:16

As a runner who has been anticipating fall since the first day of summer, I am loving these first signs of Autumn especially the cooler temperatures and the changing leaves. So happy am I that, yesterday on my morning run, (thinking I was all alone) I began singing... loud. I just couldn't help myself as I thought of the many blessings God had granted me including the beautiful day that was unfolding right before my very eyes. But as I came over the hill on the farm road I was running, I was startled to see an older man out walking apparently enjoying the nice weather as well. "Your singing sounds nice, " he said and smiled big. Red-faced, I smiled back even bigger as I thanked him, wished him a great day and then hurried along. But within seconds, I was singing again. 

You know, God is just that wonderful and deserving of our praise. His blessings are so amazing that we should be unable to hold it in. David agreed when he wrote, "But as for me, I shall sing of your strength: Yes, I shall joyfully sing of your lovingkindness in the morning." Why was he singing? Because, like me, he knew that God had been, and always would be, his fortress and his shelter. God had rescued David time and again from his enemies, forgiven him for his sins and given him the strength to face each day. How could he not praise Him?

In fact, as followers, how can any of us not praise him for the things he has done? Are you forgiven? Praise God. Did you wake up to a brand new day? Praise God. Do you have a home and people to share it with? Praise God again! There are so many blessings to sing about, especially for his lovingkindness that greets us each and every morning. Wow! It's going to be a great day, wouldn't you agree?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Help us not to take even one of them for granted Lord. May we be so grateful that we find ourselves unable to hold it in and just burst out in song praising the Giver of all good things! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen, 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Good morning - Mandisa

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

The gift

"For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?" 1 Corinthians 4:7

Several weeks ago I reluctantly took my minivan in for an oil change. I say reluctantly since it's something I dread doing because, in all honesty, it stinks. Years of hauling around sweaty runners (including myself) and absentmindedly leaving smelly clothes in it for days at a time have left my van with an aroma resembling that of a locker room. But since it had to be done, I did it. And after I finished my shopping and paid for the service, I headed to the parking lot. Upon opening my door, I was surprised at what the technicians had left. There on the freshly vacuumed floor mat was a paper carpet protector that read "We take pride in your vehicle." Literally laughing out loud, I thought to myself, "well at least someone does." 

You know pride is mentioned 46 times in the King James Version of the Bible. And, contrary to popular belief, pride is not a virtue. Paul knew that when he asked the believers in Corinth two important questions, "What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?" He was reminding them and now us that taking pride in ourselves and our accomplishments, also known as giving ourselves credit for something that God has done, is wrong and has no place in our lives.

You see, there's really nothing that you and I have done, will do or will ever possess that we can or should ever take pride in. Everything we have, including our abilities and talents, is a "gift" from the Father. Knowing that then, what would be your answers to Paul's questions?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that pride can cause a wedge between us. Help all of us to remember that there is no good thing that we could ever achieve apart from you. In our running, our homes and in our work Lord, may we give you the glory for every "gift" and every victory, big and small. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

In Christ Alone-Brian Littrell

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

Friendship defined

"Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself." 1 Samuel 18:1

How would you define friendship? Well Google defines it as the state of being friends, with friend defined as a person with whom one has personal affection for. But what if I told you that friendship was designed to be much deeper than that? That it was intended to go beyond merely just liking someone? There is perhaps no greater model of friendship than that of King David and Jonathon. The Bible tells us that they were so close that they let nothing come between them, drawing closer together when their friendship was tested and were friends to the end. In fact, Jonathon loved David so much that it's said he "loved him as himself." But what does that mean exactly?

Last Saturday a group of my closest friends and I were blessed to run the Rise and Shine Half Marathon together. With a 9:00 a.m start, the course got very hot very quickly making for some hard running conditions. As is our custom, no matter how quickly we ourselves cross the finish line, we all remain until the last person finishes. And after more than three hours, with the heat index well over 90, there were still three runners out on the course. As we went looking for them and drove the route, we spotted the threesome-together as they had been from the beginning with one runner struggling but her friends unwilling to leave her side as they helped her along. And that is exactly what it means to be a friend and to love another as "yourself". 

You see, the deepest and closest friendships are those based on a shared commitment to God... a vow to love our brothers and sisters the way Christ loves us, to never leave them or abandon them. This bond is what knits, or draws and holds, us together. Thomas Edison once wrote, "I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world." Thank you Mr. Edison for those wise words but I have so much more... I have friends in running shorts that I wouldn't trade for anything in the universe.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us friends in this life that help us persevere through the most trying times-those days or periods when we feel like giving up or don't think we can take another step. Help us to grow closer to you Lord that we might love others as ourselves and be the model of friendship that you have designed. Thank you for your friendship above all else Father. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

With every act of Love - Jason Gray

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4bB7BUxBbY

Group photo before the race

My daughter and one my dearest friends and running buddy

As we gathered to pray before the race, we invited those around us to join and look at the circle! We prayed that God would be glorified in our actions on the course and that He would give us the strength we needed to finish. 

 

Nearing the end with one mile left to go. This is the picture of true friendship. This four hour journey was tough but, together, they persevered. 

We gave them the "tunnel of love" to welcome them across the finish line. I can't help but think that others were inspired as they too waited for our friends to finish and joined us in our celebration.  

Upon crossing the finish line, our sweet Sarah collapsed into a chair as we gathered around to pray healing over her and praise God for his faithfulness. 

And here we are! All done, feeling much better and with a new outlook on what friendship really is. I love this group of runners! 

Unplanned delay

"The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night." Psalm 121:5,6

On Saturday, September 17, the Seaside Semper Five 5k race in Seaside Park, New Jersey, was set to begin at 9:00 a.m. But, as sometimes happens, many runners waited until the last minute to sign up for the race causing an unexpected delay to accommodate the influx of registrants. It seems that unplanned delay may have been just the thing that saved scores of people from injury as a homemade bomb exploded at 9:35 a.m. around mile one on the out-and-back course. Reflecting back later, race director Frank Costello said, “As a race director, you don’t ever like to have delays. But in this case, the way it turned out ... I think God was really watching out for us.”

Indeed God was watching out for them. In fact, the Bible tells us that, "The Lord himself" watches over you and me both day and night. Isn't it awesome to know that we have a God who loves us so much that He would personally care to guard and protect us? And those unplanned and unexpected delays? The times when you turn around because you forgot your lunch? Or you are five minutes late because you misplaced your keys? Or accidentally forgot to set your alarm and wake up late? Those "unplanned delays" are many times the very things God uses to keep us in a safe place and away from danger. 

So the next time you're stuck in traffic, running late or running behind, resist the urge to complain or get upset but choose to thank God instead. It could just be that your "unplanned delay" was all in God's plan of watching over you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for these reminders of why some things happen and that you are always watching over us. Help us to remember that you love us so much that you would plan delays, diversions and distractions in our lives to put us where we need to be to stay safe. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

He loves us - Dave Crowder Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCunuL58odQ

What a view

"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’" Matthew 4:8-10

Yesterday morning's run took me to a place the locals here like to call "picture window". Located at one of the tallest points in our small town, the view at the top is absolutely amazing-a person can literally see for miles and miles viewing some of the finest Ozark hills and valleys Missouri has to offer. As I stopped for a moment to meditate and take it all in, I couldn't help but think of how much more amazing the view Jesus must have had when the devil made him this offer, "All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me." Oh satan is quite crafty isn't he?

You know the devil is still tempting people with that same offer today saying that if you and I will only exalt him that he will give us all the things of this world-those possessions, power and positions that only money can buy and the world tells us will make us happy. We know that's a lie though right? There is no joy apart from Jesus Christ. So when that happens (and it will), you and I can resist the temptation in the same way that Jesus did by quoting these words, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" And remember, even if you gain all those things and even the whole world, is it worth losing your soul?

In the words of TobyMac, "Lord forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world that fight for our love, and our passion. As our eyes are open wide and on you, grant us the privilege of your world view. And may your kingdom be what wakes us up and lays us down." Yes, Lord-open our eyes to see your view and what really matters in this life. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that, if we worship the things of this world and follow after the devil and his ways that we forfeit salvation. Knowing that, may we keep our eyes focused on you and off of worldly things that we might not be tempted to do anything other than worship and serve the one and only true God. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Lose my soul - TobyMac

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

Outdo the competition

"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10

The final race of the World Triathlon Series in Cozumel, Mexico, ended dramatically Sunday when Jonny Brownlee of Britain, in the lead and with less than half a mile to go, showed signs of serious dehydration. As he staggered over to a water station on the brink of collapse, his brother Alistair, who was right behind him and in a battle for second place against Henri Schoeman of South Africa, saw what happened and ran to help him pulling Jonny's arm over his shoulder as he led them both to the finish line. It's what happened next that's really the best part of the story though. With Schoeman now in first, Alistair could still have claimed second place-but he pushed his brother ahead, across the finish line before him, to claim it instead.

Wow. In this competitive world, I wonder how many of us would have done that same thing? But the Bible tells us that that is just the right attitude that you and I are to have. We are commanded to "Love one another with brotherly affection," and to "Outdo one another in showing honor." In other words, we are to love others so much that we would put them first-showing them that they are more important than ourselves-showing them the highest respect because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, created in God's image. 

So yes, let us compete. But not for a prize or title that will rot, rust or fade away. Let us strive to surpass and outdo one another in displaying love, esteem and honor that we might, in this way, show the love of Christ to others. After all, Jesus was, is and always will be the Champion at this. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the example these two brothers have shown of what it truly means to love and honor someone above yourself. In our quest to be the best at home, work or on the race course, may we never lose sight of what we are truly competing for...  a chance to love and honor others the way you have loved and honored us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Brother - Need to breathe

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

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/sports/brownlee-brothers-triathlon-helped-to-finish-alistair-jonny.html?_r=0

The final last-chance

"The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance."2 Peter 3:9

Held the day before registration for the Boston Marathon opens, the Via Marathon in Allentown, PA, bills itself as a a last-chance qualifier for entry into the coveted Massachusetts race. For many of the runners counting on it to get in this year, the day did not go as planned. It seems a slow-moving freight train (not scheduled to be running at that time) delayed more than 100 runners at mile seven for more than 10 minutes. Ryan Dion, 40, who traveled from Myrtle Beach, SC, and was one of the unfortunate ones that missed achieving a Boston qualifying time because of the delay said, "People were panicking, looking to go through the train and around the train.”

When it comes to delays, the Bible tell us that, "The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance." His promise is that Jesus is coming back soon. How soon? No one knows. But we do know this-when He returns, there will be no more last-chances. At that moment, you will either be a follower or you won't, you will either be ready or you won't... plain and simple. And for those found unprepared, you can bet there will be panic greater than any ever seen before. 

While the marathon delay denied many the chance to qualify for entry into the Boston Marathon, God's delay has allowed every non-believer another chance to accept and follow Him that they might qualify for the most coveted of all events, Eternal Life spent with Jesus. But don't delay. Today might just be your last-chance. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for delaying your coming and judgement that more people would have the opportunity to choose to follow you. Help us to realize the urgency of the need to make that decision today as we are not promised tomorrow or another last-chance. And help us to share the Gospel with the lost with an urgency like we have never felt before. Set a fire within us Lord to save those who don't know you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Are you ready? - Becka Shae
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSJHrh79eH0

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/train-delays-runners-hoping-to-qualify-for-boston-at-a-pennsylvania-marathon

In any language

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23,24

One of my dear friends, an Army soldier and fellow ultra-runner, was recently deployed to Korea for a year. Being in a foreign country and not knowing the language can certainly make it difficult, or even impossible, to do certain things but it can't keep a devoted follower of Christ from doing the most important thing. You see, as most of us were preparing for bed Saturday night, my friend (14 hour time difference) was already attending worship service-his live video streaming the praise and worship band performing in Korean. As he recorded the congregation singing along, I pictured him sitting in the pew not understanding it with his ears but fully grasping it with his heart. 

Scripture tells us that when Jesus said that, "true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth," he was responding to a question from the woman at the well who wanted to know the correct place to worship. Christ wanted her to know that, since "God is spirit," and is present everywhere, there is no correct or perfect place to exalt him. He can and should be honored and praised anywhere and everywhere and at any time and at all times by you and me, "for the father is seeking such people to worship him." 

No matter where we are, whether it be at our home church or a church across the ocean, the important thing is always this...  that we worship God in spirit (in our hearts) and in truth (in our minds) with a genuine devotion to the Father who is worthy of all praise knowing that he will speak to us in a language that we will always understand. My friend understood that and I hope that we will too.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your infinite presence that goes with us everywhere we go. Thank you for our brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world that welcome us into the fold to worship alongside them. Most of all Lord, thank you for loving us so much that you would give us your Holy Spirit to speak to us in a language that we can always understand. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Shout to the Lord - Hillsong United

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y78aKBa917I

Keep your guard up

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

OnTuesday, NBC Chicago reported that a 25-year-old woman training for the Chicago Marathon was attacked over the weekend. The woman explained how, while in the middle of her long run, she was grabbed from behind and choked and strangled to the ground-but thankfully saved by a complete stranger who was walking down the street on his way to work. Her rescuer, Tom Cronin said, "I was so stunned by how violent the act was." The woman later said that she hopes the incident serves as a reminder for other runners to "keep your guard up" even if you think the area you are in is safe.

Yes...  "keep your guard up." That warning is indeed good for runners and non-runners alike isn't it? Peter knew it too when he warned us to "be watchful" because our enemy the devil, "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." You see, just as this attacker chose an easy target-she was alone, not alert and unarmed, the devil also chooses who and when he attacks and he loves easy targets too. But how do we keep ourselves from being an easy target you may wonder? That's simple. We surround ourselves with Christian brothers and sisters so that we are not alone and we stay alert to the devil and his schemes by reading the Word daily to be found sober-minded and armed with the Sword of the Spirit.

Billy Graham wisely said, "Don't think of Satan as a harmless cartoon character with a red suit and pitchfork. He is very clever and powerful, and his unchanging purpose is to defeat God's plans at every turn-including His plans for your life." So my friends, even if you think the area you are in is safe, "keep your guard up". 

Heavenly Father, thank you for another reminder that the world we live in is a very dangerous place both to our bodies and to our spirits. I thank you that the woman in the story was saved by a good Samaritan and I pray that we would all be that life-saving person to someone else under attack. Help us Lord to become strong Christians versed in the Word that we would be able to fight off the enemy's attacks and help others to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Awake and Alive - Skillet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aRlxHtB0pg

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Runner-Attacked-While-Training-for-Chicago-Marathon-in-River-North-393279101.html

The negative split

"By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies." Hebrews 11:31

In the sport of running, a negative split is a term used to define a racing tactic in which a runner will finish the second half of a race faster than the first half almost always ensuring a better time than if the athlete had sprinted the first half and then struggled to finish the rest. The reason this works is because it can take your body several miles to warm up and get your muscles and joints ready for the second half of the race-and so by conserving resources early on, a runner can expect to have the strength and energy left to finish even better than how he or she began.

When it comes to finishing well, there is perhaps no greater story in the bible of a person with a "negative split" than Rahab. You see Rahab spent the first part of her life as a prostitute in a wicked place that was under God's condemnation and part of a sinful pagan culture. But when Joshua's spies were sent to investigate the city and in danger of being killed, she showed her faith by hiding them and trusting God to keep her and her family safe (Joshua 2). You see faith is the key to turning things around! It's faith that caused Rahab to do what was right, in spite of her circumstances, and faith that allowed her to forget her past and move forward. She may not have realized it then but her past was just a warmup!

And talk about a person finishing better than they began, Rahab was no longer viewed as a prostitute but as a dearly loved woman worthy, by grace, to be part of the lineage of our Savior Jesus Christ. And you know what? Just as that sinner turned her life around, you and I can do the same. Once we choose to follow Christ, our pasts no longer matter. The slate is wiped clean and we are free to run the race better than the way we began. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for this wonderful example of the way faith can truly turn a person's life around. Help us to know, without a doubt, that no matter what we have done that it is never too late to start over and finish the race well. And help us to be bold to share this good news with others that they too might find the strength to carry on. 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=Qq2Tp3asLU8

Limitless

"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." Romans 8:11

Would you call yourself an underachiever if you weren't doing the things you knew you had the power to do? Wikipedia defines underachiever as: a person who fails to achieve his or her potential or does not do as well as expected. And by that definition, aren't we all underachievers in some ways then? Like if you were able to run a nine minute mile but were settling for an eleven or twelve? Or you were capable of a promotion but passed over time and again for not doing the work at the level you were able to? Or perhaps for accepting some areas or things in your life that you aren't happy with or know just aren't right but don't feel you can change? And what about the calling God has placed within you that you don't feel you can fulfill?

Do you realize that the bible tells us that the same power "who raised Jesus from the dead" lives in us? The bible is clear on how great that power is too when it tells us that, "God made the earth by his power...When he speaks in the thunder, the heavens roar with rain. He causes the clouds to rise over the earth.He sends the lightning with the rain and releases the wind from his storehouses." (Jeremiah 10:12, 13). Do you realize then that you and I don't have to settle for being underachievers? In fact, with that kind of power living inside us, our potential is limitless!

With that knowledge though, why are we not attempting great things? Why are we living as if we are helpless to change our situations? Or helpless to change the world? God's promise is true, all of us have all the power we need, and then some, living in us. Could you imagine if we were to begin living today believing that what we could accomplish? I'd say the possibilities are absolutely limitless. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for equipping us with the power to move mountains and change any circumstance we are in. The immensity of that power is unfathomable to grasp and yet your Word tells us that it lives inside each one of your believers. Open our eyes and hearts Lord to realize just how strong we are and to make an impact on this world. How different the world would be if every Christian realized just how powerful they were. Let us start by changing ourselves, our families and our communities that the world might be a better place. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Limitless - Colton Dixon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VddKd73aNCI

Victorious

"I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." Revelation 1:18

Perhaps one of the most iconic running scenes ever filmed was that of Rocky Balboa running through the streets of Philadelphia clad in converse and and a cotton sweat suit. I mean who can forget the scene of the boxer followed by a crowd of fans making his way up the 72 stone steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art? And that theme song just makes us love it even more doesn't it? That's why it was nice that CSN reported last week that the actor was "very much alive" after a hoax reporting his so-called death went viral. 

You know there is someone else who is very much alive despite reports to the contrary-Jesus, the one who is, who was and is to come. Jesus himself reminded us that he is "very much alive" when he said, "I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!" And not only is Jesus alive for all time but, by his death and resurrection, he conquered sin and death for all time. And that means, as followers, you and I no longer have to fear hell or the grave because Christ holds the keys to both! And thankfully, since Jesus promised it, this is one report that can never be labeled a hoax. 

Appropriately enough, a statue of Rocky was commissioned in 1980 and set adjacent to the famous steps to "signify that anything is possible, so long as you keep persevering. It signifies personal victory." And victory is the exact thing Jesus promises is possible to those who persevere and hold tight to the faith. Pretty amazing isn't it?

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus to be the ultimate sacrifice that, through him, we could have victory over sin and death. It's astonishing to think that we will one day be running into your arms. Help us Lord to be bold and share this news of the greatest victory ever recorded with all those we know. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Victorious - Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtMj9VF1cYY

Iconic Rocky scene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG2onzLFjpI

http://www.chattsportsnet.com/entertainment/celebrities/sylvester-stallone-dead-truth-behind-death-hoax-revealed-actor-very-much-alive/11964/

Remember

"Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day." Deuteronomy 8:11

As we began the Azalea Half Marathon Saturday morning, I was counting myself blessed to be joined by friends-one of which I had pledged the course to be mostly flat to before he would even sign up. Having run it several times before, I was sure that my statement was correct. But boy was I wrong! As I neared mile three, I saw the series of hills up ahead that would continue for a large part of the race. How could I have forgotten this, I thought to myself? And the hill at mile five was worthy of a world record for it's steep ascent and, yet, I had forgotten about that one too. As I finished and nervously waited, I was quite certain that my usually kind and gracious friend was going to strangle me. Thankfully though, after my pal crossed the finish line, all was forgiven and we laughed about my lapse in memory as he joked that he would most certainly check the elevation chart before entering any race that I ever recommended again. 

While that might have caused you to grin, you know there's nothing funny about forgetting about our Creator. But sadly, many of us do. Moses was very clear that we should never fail to remember that everything we have comes from God alone when he wrote, "Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God..." You see, when life is going good and we have everything we need, it can be easy for us to forget the provider of those needs-we can even begin to credit our success to our own hard work or intelligence and, in this way, totally deny God's power in it.

Oswald Chambers said it this way, "In times of prosperity we are apt to forget God; we imagine it does not matter whether we recognize Him or not. As long as we are comfortably clothed and fed and looked after, our civilization becomes an elaborate means of ignoring God." So today, may you and I take a moment to remember from whom all blessings flow and thank Him for all that He is to us and all that He has done for us... after all, He is our everything.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many many blessings you have given us. May we never forget that everything we accomplish, acquire or become is because of your mercy and grace over our lives. Oh Lord, help us to never forget that we are nothing without you. You are our everything. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Everything - Unspoken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgp-0ILfVaA

Had a great day hanging out with this group. God was so gracious to give us friends.
Azalea Half Marathon 2016
They had a 5k and 10k race as well so there was something for everyone. In spite of the hills, this is a race we all loved and, God willing, will run again. 

Don't judge

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:1-3

As I sprinted through the parking lot of the gas station, I slowed down to a walk as my friend was exiting the convenience store, goodies in hand, headed back to her car. "Oh my," she said, "You caught me with my Donut Stix and large soda and here you are running." I laughed and said, "Don't worry. I won't judge you." She laughed as well as then got in her car and headed to work. But you know something... I seriously was not judging her. As a sinner myself, I have no right to judge her or anyone else. None of us do. 

Jesus told us that very thing when he asked the question, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?". It seems that many of us, me included, can be so quick to judge someone else's wrongdoings that we forget that we too are sinners-and the same way that we judge others is the same way that God will judge us. That can be a scary thought can't it?

So I say that judgement should start with us-let us first judge ourselves that we might forgive, love and help others as we would want Jesus to love, forgive and help us. Because, as Art Jonak wrote, "Those who spend time looking for the faults in others, usually spend no time to correct their own." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that we are all sinners in need of grace. And help us to also remember that our neighbor's sin is no greater than our own that we might have compassion and love for the lost. May we practice forgiveness, grace and mercy every day in the same way that you extend it to us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Call it Grace - Unspoken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAMU68NTVQw

Time and again

"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters." Psalm 18:16

After a high mileage week and weekend, I decided to do a little pool running to recover yesterday and was happy to find that I was the only one there. As I enjoyed the freedom of having the pool to myself, I spotted a moth struggling to stay afloat. Poor thing, I thought as I scooped it up and gently laid it on the dry concrete. Within a few seconds, I was happy to see that the little bug fluttered its wings and crawled away no worse for the wear. Two laps later though, guess who was back in the pool? That little moth again. "Okay dummy, this is the last time I'm going to do this," I said as I once again scooped him up and set him on safe ground.

As I watched him struggle yet again to regain his composure, I couldn't help but think of the many times this dummy (me) had to be rescued... and sometimes from the very thing that got me into trouble just moments before. But time and again, just like God did with the psalmist, "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters." At some point in all our lives, troubles like "deep waters" will threaten to drown us. Whether it's something we have brought on ourselves or something out of our control, there is only One that is big enough, strong enough and gracious enough to continue to pull us out time after time after time. You guessed that one too, it's Jesus. 

Sometimes the biggest lessons are taught in the smallest ways aren't they? I couldn't help but thank God for the reminder that he is always watching, always close and always ready to put me back on safe land just as he is for you. Don't we serve an amazing God?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your intimate and loving care. It's so hard to believe that you would love me, a sinner, so much that you would rescue me time and again. And yet, that's what you do for all your believers. Thank you Father. Thank you for loving us, saving us and for setting us on the right path when we have gone astray. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Never too far gone - Jordan Feliz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG6s8DxQJ5w

Not too much

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

In an article published yesterday by Runner's World titled "How much salt do runners really need?", the question of whether a runner requires more sodium than the average person was proposed once again-this time telling us that it might be time to put down that salt shaker. For years runners with "salty sweat" (think white, crusty stains left on clothing during hot runs) were advised to ingest more salt to compensate for the amount lost. But new research has found no overwhelming evidence that increased sodium intake improved performance and could possibly have a negative effect instead. Until further studies are done though, the experts conducting the study said "keep doing what you're doing."

You know the Bible has something to say about salt too, instructing us to let our words be full of grace, "seasoned with salt" so that we might know how to answer everyone. Just as food that's over-salted can become inedible to some, not sprinkling enough can leave it bland, flavorless and unenticing to others. When sharing the message our speech can be the same way. Our words should not be overwhelming, patronizing or condemning but courteous, kind and respectful- "seasoning" our conversation perfectly so that the person we are speaking to might find the message "tasty".

And do you know what happens when food is "tasty"? You guessed it, people want seconds. The same is true of our words. When seasoned correctly, the message is well received leaving the listener wanting to hear more. And that, my friend, is what gives us an opportunity to share the Gospel.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that gives us the greatest example of an orator to follow. Jesus' words were always full of grace and seasoned perfectly. Might we study that example each and every day that we might follow it and know how to answer everyone. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Words I would say - Sidewalk Prophets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t9u-LOa3OI

http://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition/how-much-salt-do-runners-really-need#

Yes. It's possible

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:24,26

In the iconic movie Forrest Gump, Gump said, "That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run." The film shows that he didn't stop at a "little run" though, but ran for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days and 16 hours. Since then, many have questioned whether this run was even possible with its estimated 19,024 miles. While that might be open for debate, I say that if fictional Forrest could complete two transatlantic crossings, nothing is impossible right?

Nothing except a camel going through the eye of a needle that is-that's clearly impossible right?  But would you believe that it is just as impossible for "someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."?  The people of that time certainly didn't. You see, in that culture, the rich were thought to be especially blessed and most assuredly among those who would enter the Kingdom. So when Jesus declared that to be impossible, that their riches couldn't guarantee them entry, you can imagine the disciples' shock. Jesus told them that faith in Him was the only thing that made entering "the kingdom of God" possible- that neither works nor wealth could assure anyone entry into eternal life.

The great part about this is that it is possible for anyone to enter Heaven-the rich, the poor, the adulterer, the prostitute and the addict. Through faith, what looks impossible to the world is always possible with God. "And that's all I have to say about that." - Forrest Gump

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that tells us that by faith  all things are possible. Help us to believe that anyone, no matter how lost or out of reach they might seem, can come to enter  your kingdom by simply believing in you. Help us to carry that message out into the world. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Giants Fall - Francesca Battistelli

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

My friends and I were blessed to participate in the Forrest Gump Challenge on Saturday, September 3rd. With distances of 3.1, 13.1, 26.2 miles and the 50k, there was something for everyone.

Clowning around while pursuing a 50k finish.

By God's grace and his strength alone we finished!!

Chasing a half marathon finish and loving every minute of it!

Almost to the finish line of a fast 5k finish!

Before the race, praising God for every step He would allow us to complete. 

Love this group! And our little mascot "Freddy"

Where lies your trust?

"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves." Psalm 127:2

According to history.com, Labor Day is an official day, or holiday, set apart to pay "tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894." And it's said for many, this day also symbolizes the end of summer "and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events." So no matter what it means to you and how you're celebrating, I bet you'll agree that it's nice to have a three day weekend isn't it? And speaking of celebrating with athletic events, maybe you're using the extra day to recover from that race you did on Saturday or Sunday? 

You know, the contributions and accomplishments we honor on this day were produced by many people and by many hours of hard work throughout history. And while God is not against human effort, the Bible tells us that laboring incessantly day and night "toiling for food to eat" may indicate an inability to trust Him to fulfill our needs. You see when we feel the need to work so hard and long that we neglect our family, sleep and our time with God, who or what are we trusting in?

Charles Spurgeon once wrote, "We must trust as if all depended on God and work as if all depended on us." So, let us do our work to the best of our ability knowing that hard work honors God-and then, when the day is done, let us trust him in our rest knowing that our needs will be met. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for promising us that if we trust in you that all our needs will be met. Help us to know the difference between our needs and our wants Lord that we might put work into perspective. Most of all, may we realize that all our work will be in vain without a relationship with you and let us pursue that relationship above all else! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I will trust - Elevation Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPrEg2JS384&list=RDYPrEg2JS384

A fair chance

"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12,13

On Wednesday, the organizers of the Marine Corps Marathon (the 4th largest marathon in the country) announced changes to both the 26.2 mile race and the 10k race including course modifications and allowing extra time for runners to cross the starting line. Officials said the adjustments were necessary due to the ongoing repairs of the Washington, D.C, Metro system that most likely would affect travel to the start line. The race director, Rick Nealis, said in a statement for the press, "All of the changes have been governed by the principle that every participant deserves a fair chance to accomplish the goal of finishing the Marine Corps Marathon within the required 14-minute-per-mile time limit."

You know, Nealis is right-everyone does deserve a fair chance of finishing. And the Bible tells us that we have that chance when it says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." You see, in this race, every individual gets the same chance to finish or to claim Salvation. God extends the invitation to "Everyone", to both the "Jew and Gentile", to the rich and the poor and to the sinner and the saint. We all are offered the same "fair chance".

And while we all have the same "fair chance" to call on the name of the Lord and be saved, we are not all guaranteed another opportunity. So, as C.S. Lewis writes, "Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won't last forever. We must take it or leave it." Will you take it today?

Heavenly Father. thank you for being a God who is just and would offer each one of us the same chance to be saved. Your Word says that all who call upon your name will receive Salvation and eternal life. Help us to remind the world of the most amazing opportunity that all of us are given that they might accept the "fair chance" to call on you and reach the finish line. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Today I choose - Brian Doerkson

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

http://www.runnersworld.com/marine-corps-marathon/marine-corps-marathon-alters-course-due-to-mass-transit-repairs