Danger ahead

"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41

I was several miles from my home, in the zone and deep in prayer,  when the peace and solitude of my long run was cut short. As the truck traveling in the opposite direction slowed down, the driver rolled down his window and said, "I just wanted to warn you. There's a big dog up ahead and he looks like he might give you trouble." Thanking the stranger for his kindness, I carried on-now alerted and aware of the danger that might be waiting for me.

It was very kind of this stranger to take the time to warn me don't you think? And while the threat of physical harm to someone else is certainly something we should concern ourselves with, there is a threat far worse than that with eternal consequences... a danger that many of us are failing to tell others about. I wonder why we are not warning unbelievers about the trouble that might be waiting for them? That Hell awaits each and every person that has not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior? That after death there are no second chances? And that for those who don't believe or have rejected Christ the last words they hear will be, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire..."?

Why are we not doing this? Hell is a real place my friends, a place we should want no one to be condemned to. But if we are not warning others of the danger of dying unsaved, who will? This new year, let it be our number one resolution to boldly tell others, and yes even total strangers, about Jesus Christ that they might be saved from all this trouble and have eternal life.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that Hell is indeed a real place of eternal torment and separation from you. May we be able to envision just a glimpse of what a horrible place it is that we would feel an urgency to warn those who haven't accepted you as their Savior of the danger up ahead. 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

  

The crossroads

"This is what the LORD says: "Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, 'No, that's not the road we want!'" Jeremiah 6:16

While running down one of the remote county roads near my house yesterday, I decided to take a right turn down a side road I had always ignored. Looking forward to where it would take me, I found great pleasure in the new terrain with the rolling hills and open pastures. After several miles of this though, the road abruptly ended and I had a decision to make-go left, go right or turn around and go back the way I came. I surely had no clue which way to go so I did what I always do in these situations or these crossroads of life... I stopped and prayed, "Father lead me in the way I should go." 

At one point or another in our lives, we will all come to a crossroads or, as Google Dictionary defines it, a point at which a crucial decision must be made that will have far-reaching consequences. Jeremiah the prophet knew the Israelites were at this point because of their backsliding when he warned them to "Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way and walk in it." He was urging them to turn from the path of sin they were on and turn back to God's path where they would find rest. But they refused and chose their own way instead with disastrous consequences. 

The choice is no different today my friend nor the consequences of choosing to go our own way less harmful. The right path for living is ancient, unchanging and marked out by God and it is the only way that we will find peace and freedom in this life. The choice is yours...

Heavenly Father, thank you for clearly telling us in your Word that following you will lead us to peace and rest in this life and eternal life with you after this life has passed. Help those who are at a crossroads today turn to you and choose to be set free. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Zach Williams - Chainbreaker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGYjKR69M6U

A work in progress

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6

I'm pretty sure that whoever coined the phrase, "All good things must come to an end" was talking about running shoes and the sadness we runners feel when our model is replaced. Although I had received a pair of my favorite Hokas for my birthday just last week, my husband asked me why I was buying another pair yesterday when I hadn't even worn the new ones yet. "You have a gift card," he said, "why don't you use the money to buy something you don't have." Because, I told him, when they're gone they're gone for good-like all running footwear, this model will be discontinued. 

Don't you hate it when something you love just goes away? Well thankfully God our Father will never go away or discontinue helping us. The Bible tells us so when it says that He who began the good work within you and me will never stop but, "will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." In fact, Paul wrote that he was certain of it. And why this certainty? Because Paul knew that from the day he first believed, the Holy Spirit came to live in him enabling him to be more like Christ-helping him grow in grace and mature in faith, a task that would continue until Jesus returned and God would be finished with his work in him. 

And as believers you and I can be certain of that same thing. While things around us will change, shoes will come and go, one thing is certain... when God starts a project, he completes it. And you and I my friend will be a work in progress until the day our Lord returns. I guess all good things don't have to come to an end then, do they?  

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that, no matter how much we feel that we may not be making progress in our walk with you, you are always there guiding, shaping and molding us and will continue doing us until the day of Christ's return. Help us to be patient with ourselves and others knowing that you are patient with us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Wait and see - Brandon Heath

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJb-9uwTE-0

and them some

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

As the last Christmas present was opened yesterday morning, I looked around at the mound of empty boxes, bags and torn wrapping paper. And while I was most certainly grateful for the new and improved Garmin and cold-weather running gear I received, I realized that I really didn't need any of this 'stuff'. My old watch was fine and I could most certainly make it through another winter with what I had. Likewise, there was not one gift that my husband and I gave our children that they actually needed. And then I had to smile and offer up a prayer of thanks to a God who, I remembered, has always supplied all my needs (and then some). 

While in a Roman prison, Paul wrote a letter to the Christians at Philippi to thank them for the gifts they had sent to him and to remind them that this same God who took care of him would supply all of their needs too. He was encouraging them to remain faithful knowing that God, "from his glorious riches", had more than ample resources from which to provide for them. And, as such, there was never any need to worry. 

You know the same is true for believers today. God may not supply all we want but He will most certainly supply everything we need (and then some). What more could we possibly ask for?

Heavenly Father, thank you for always supplying the necessities to travel through this life. Help us to be content with what we have and to distinguish between those things we want and the things we actually need that our focus would not be on worldly things but looking to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

God will take care of you - Plumb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbeDjg1QBJ0

Its about the Cross

"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Philippians 2:8

Beginning with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Owen Delaney of London set out to create things that he felt represented Christmas using Strava, a social network that allows runners to track and share the routes of their workouts. Each run was carefully planned and drawn out beforehand by Delaney to take him down paths and around streets that would eventually form the objects he was trying to create-images that, when seen from above, look like the things he and others associate with Christmas like Santa Claus, a snowflake and an open sleigh. I think Owen forgot something though... the cross. It's all about the cross. 

You see the Bible tells us that our Savior left his home in Heaven to become flesh that He might one day save us from our sins. From the Christmas cradle to the cross, this was the Son's ambition and His greatest intention. In the words sung by Go Fish, "The beginning of the story is wonderful and great but it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate. It's about the cross. It's about my sin. It's about how Jesus came to be born once so that we could be born again. It's about God's Son nailed to a tree. It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me."

So you see Christmas is most certainly all about the cross and what it represents. It is the one thing many people leave out that reveals the true and absolute meaning of why Jesus was born on that blessed Christmas morning. Can I get an amen?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the greatest gift ever given and a season to celebrate. Thank you for your son, Jesus, who came to us in human form that he might be the Savior of the world. May we praise Him every day of the year for his great love for us and celebrate his birth above all else this Christmas. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

It's about the Cross - Go Fish

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

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/12/22/506616618/dancer-prancer-runner-and-artist-holiday-cheer-courtesy-of-gps

A reason for joy

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10

Running late as usual yesterday morning, I dashed into our small-town grocery store intent on quickly grabbing the snacks my daughter needed for her Christmas party at school that day. Approaching the counter with the items in my hand, a Christmas carol in my head and a smile on my face, the cashier grinned widely and said, "My you're very joyful this morning." To which I replied, "What's not to be happy about? The sun is shining and it's going to be a great day." Oh but it's so much more than that I wanted to shout out loud. Christmas is coming! The day of our Savior's birth is nearly here!

Imagine this... nearly 2,000 years ago, shepherds in a field watching over their flocks at night were visited by an angel who gave them the good news they had been waiting their whole lives for, news they were told would "cause great joy for all the people." Notice that the angels didn't say that this news would create happiness for us but joy? That's because happiness can be temporary but joy is an everlasting feeling given from an everlasting source. And that everlasting source of our everlasting joy was revealed in the good news the angels brought to the shepherds-Jesus, the Savior of the world, had been born. 

So no matter what circumstances may surround you right now, this season is a time to celebrate why God sent his Son that first Christmas morning... to give great joy to us all today, tomorrow and for evermore. Now doesn't that make you want to shout?

Oh Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us such a reason to be joyous today and every day. Very soon we will be celebrating the greatest event of all time! May our hearts be filled with joy over this no matter what circumstances might be surrounding us. Oh joy to the world indeed!! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Joy to the world - Pentatonix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xo64Q2ucQ8

You cannot please everyone

"Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant." Galatians 1:10

Proving yet again that it is impossible to please everyone, the local weatherman delivered the Christmas weekend forecast... unseasonably high temperatures and absolutely zero chances of snow. Wow! For many happy runners praying for warmer weather, this prediction is a Christmas miracle but for the throngs of children praying for a white Christmas whose prayers will go unanswered, this is not pleasing news. The funny thing is, no matter what the weather is on any particular day, whether God sends the rain or a clear-blue sky, there is always someone who won't like it. 

And what's true about the forecast is true about life-you and I cannot please everyone. The weatherman can't do it, God can't do it and neither can we. Thankfully though, we don't have to. The Bible tells us that if that were our goal, we would not be serving Christ as we should. You see when Paul wrote these words to the Galatians, he was correcting them because they were in danger of following false teachings. He didn't apologize for the fact that not everyone was pleased with his message but boldly preached what he was called to as a servant of Christ. 

I wonder, are you looking to please everyone this Christmas season? If that answer is yes, I have one word for you... don't. There are and always will be people in our lives and even in our own families that we just can't please no matter how hard we try. Give those people to God and focus on pleasing the only One whose approval matters. It will make this season a whole lot more merry. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that reminds us that we cannot please everyone nor should we try. Help us to give up those people in prayer that we cannot make happy and work to serve You alone knowing that your approval is the only one that matters. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Bring on the holidays - Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XXq-L1_R7E

Make the choice

"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" Matthew 5:44

Let's face it... no one feels like running outside in sub-zero windchills like we've had the last few days right? But feeling that way doesn't mean you and I have to bring our workouts inside to the treadmill or skip them all together this season. Oh no! We can always choose to bundle up, say goodbye to the warm couch and brave the elements. The bottom line is this... you and I always have a choice. We can choose to do those things we know we should do regardless of how we feel or we can choose not to.  

And when it comes to feelings, the Bible tells us that, like exercise, loving others is something you and I should be doing year-round regardless of whether we feel like doing it or not. You see our world has defined love as "an intense feeling of deep affection" which has nothing to do with true love in God’s terms. This type of love, Agape love, is the highest form of love and is not a feeling but a determined act of will. It is a sacrificial love that stirs us to make the choice to love others even when we don't feel like it because Christ first loved us.

So this Christmas season, and at all other times throughout the year, let us choose to love those who might choose not to love us back and pray for those who might mistreat us because of our faith. And in this way then, may the true love of Christ shine through no matter how we feel. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your example of the highest form of sacrificial love that you showed us by sending your Son, Jesus, to love us when we didn't love him back. Help us to show that same love to others Lord that we might lead them to the Cross. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

We are the reason - Avalon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMhajmOBr0c

Prince of Peace

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Last Friday's arctic surge that blew across the Midwest not only made it dangerous for runners to get in an outdoor workout but also made for hazardous driving conditions. Within minutes that morning, a blanket of black ice covered the roads causing many crashes including one that took the life of a local 13-year-old girl. As the days passed, I couldn't help but think how ironic it was that at a time when we should all be preparing to celebrate the birth of our Savior, many people, like the family of this precious child, would instead be mourning the death of a loved one or grieving over some other situation that has caused them great pain. 

Truth be told there are many broken and hurting people in our world today who don't feel like celebrating this Christmas. But celebrating is exactly the thing they and we should do. You see, for believers we are not only rejoicing that Jesus was born to save us from our sins but also that He came to give us peace until the day He calls us home. This "Prince of Peace" came to bring us calm in the midst of troubles and tranquility when everything around us is falling apart. Think of it this way... the water during a storm tosses everything on it's surface about violently right? But the deeper we go beneath that surface and the deeper we rest in His arms, the calmer things become right?

So you see, this Prince of Peace, this Wonderful Counselor and this Mighty God came to us on Christmas to give us rest. And when the storms of life threaten to drown us, it's then that Jesus says.... come my child, settle deeply in my presence and I will give you peace.

Heavenly Father, thank you for leaving your throne to dwell among us that you might be our Comforter in the midst of the trials this life carries. Help us to know that, even when we don't understand the reason for our suffering, that we can have faith that you will bring us through it and that, one day, we will reside with you and our doubts will be no more. I pray Lord that you would be with the family that lost their precious daughter and surround them with the peace that only you can provide. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Prince of Peace - Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc0DKzPdv44

Do good

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27

Nearing mile 50 of a 100 kilometer race, I waved at a runner approaching from the opposite direction. As he summoned the strength to wave back, it happened. His hydration bottle fell to the ground. As our eyes locked, we shared the same sense of dread. "I'm so sorry," I said, "I would really love to pick that up for you but I just can't." You see, at this point in the race, I just wasn't physically able to do it. As he painstakingly and carefully bent down to try and recover the bottle himself, he laughed and responded, "It's okay. Believe me I understand."

You know, barring those few times when we are truly unable to help someone, the Bible tells us that we are not to "withhold good from those to whom it is due" when it is in our power to act. Whether that be repaying a debt, fulfilling a promise or returning an item we have borrowed, we should be eager to fulfill our obligation-as delaying to do so is not only unfair but might even destroy trust. 

And this Christmas season, let us go a step further and do good to those to whom we owe no debt for the simple sake of showing the love of Christ. Have a few extra dollars? Buy a toy for a child in need. Have some extra time? Volunteer to help at a nursing home. Whatever it is you have that gives you the "power to act" then do so, because in the words of John Bunyan, "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have given each of us. Help us to give to others out of those blessings whether it be the gift of our time or money. May we do these things out of love that others might be led to You because of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Christmas is all in the heart - Steven Curtis Chapman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDvxOaX2dS4

We all qualify

"As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 1:16,17

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that in a bid to produce the world's first sub-2 hour marathon, Nike is recruiting some of the top runners in the world including reigning Olympic champ Eluid Kipchoge and two-time Boston Marathon winner Lelisa Desisa.  Nike says that while the run won't be world record eligible on a sanctioned course, the attempt will show the potential to reach their goal saying, "the only real failure would be to not attempt it." 

Like most other companies, Nike is looking to hire only the most qualified to do the job, those people who have already proven themselves proficient and skilled. How contrasting that approach is to the way Jesus called his disciples. He didn't call the qualified but rather qualified those he called. Consider that he called Simon while he was fishing saying, "Come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people." This disciple, later known as Peter, knew nothing about fishing for men. And yet, through Christ, Peter went on to become one of the boldest apostles of them all proclaiming the Gospel until his death. 

So you see, this lowly fisherman with no qualifications other than knowing how to lower his nets became a mighty fisher of men. This unqualified angler was the first one to preach on the day of Pentecost and the first disciple to proclaim Christ to a gentile. Not too bad for someone that was "unqualified" is it? I wonder then, what is God calling you to do today that you feel "unqualified" for?  Putting your trust in the one who qualifies the called, "the only real failure would be to not attempt it". Wouldn't you agree? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that you can and will use people to impact the Kingdom and preach the Gospel no matter what they may or may not be qualified to do. Help us to be odedient to whatever you have called us to knowing that you will equip us to complete the task. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Be one - Natalie Grant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq-6pXBHCZM 

http://www.wsj.com/articles/nike-recruits-top-runners-to-break-2-hour-marathon-barrier-1481596293

For the love of it

"But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." Matthew 6:3

Dan Bleakman, an ultra runner and blogger for Ultra168, writes that he has interviewed many ultra runners, including quite a few of the world's leading ultra racers, and has come to the conclusion that, compared to a lot of other sports where prize money is the motivator, the vast majority of people who run ultras do it because they love doing it. Explaining that reward can come either in the form of fortune or praise, he says, "Money doesn't matter in ultra running. Quite simply, they run because they love to and are thoroughly interested in it for no other reason than what it is." 

Wow. I love the simplicity and purity of that motive, don't you? And that same purpose is exactly the one that should motivate you and me to extend kindness and help to others. The Bible says it this way, "But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." You see it's easy to give to someone when we get something in return like recognition or compensation but that should never be our reason for doing it. That's why, to ensure that our motives are genuine, we should do our good deeds quietly or in secret.

Emil Zatopek once wrote, "A runner must run with dreams in his heart, not money in his pocket." In other words, let us do good and help others out of compassion and for no other reason than to show the love of Christ. Wouldn't the world be a much nicer place if we all did that? I sure think so. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus who gives us the best example of how to serve others with no expectation of any reward. Help us to love You so much that our hearts would be unable to do anything but follow in the steps of Christ. May we love others so much and so unselfishly that the impact would have a ripple effect in all the world. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen,

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Love is action - Tauren Wells

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCnsiP8atW0

http://ultra168.com/2016/11/14/money-doesnt-matter-in-ultra-running/

Unimaginable

"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us")." Matthew 1:23

Yesterday morning Nike announced the launch of their project titled Breaking2 that has a single goal... to break the two hour marathon time in a special 26.2 mile race in 2017. When looking at it's chances of success though, consider this. The current world record for the marathon is 2:02:57 set by Dennis Kimetto of Kenya in Berlin in 2014. In mathematical terms, that required keeping a speed of just under 13 miles an hour for two hours which is why it is almost unimaginable for anyone to run any faster. So unimaginable is this goal that, if successful, Nike says it will be the most significant moment in running since Roger Bannister's first sub-four-minute mile in 1954.

You know the Bible tells us of an even more unimaginable event that took place almost two thousand years ago. An event that was so spectacular that it could only be described as the most significant moment in history since the world was formed. What was it? The birth of Jesus of course. But what's even harder to imagine than the Savior being conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to a virgin was that this King, this Mighty God, would leave his throne to meet us where we are, to literally become "God with us." 

What kind of king would do that for us? What other ruler would abandon his home for us? It's just unimaginable isn't it? But praise God it's true and it's also true that He is still with us today. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ is present with each and every believer. John McArthur writes, "If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into three words, these would be the words: 'God with us.'"

Heavenly Father, thank you for doing the unimaginable. For abandoning Heaven to become flesh to live among us and to eventually die for us. As we prepare to celebrate your birth, may we cherish in our hearts the greatest sacrifice of all time. Thank you Lord for loving us that much. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Downhere - How many kings?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF952rzG3Yk

https://www.wired.com/2016/12/nike-two-hour-marathon/

Set free

"But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness." Romans 6:17,18

Keith Giroux ran his first marathon on Patriots Day, 2016 within the walls of a Massachusetts State Correctional Facility on a treadmill. Looking forward to the day he would be released from his five year sentence and could experience a marathon in the open air, Keith said, "I started running the day I got out. I’ve run almost every single day since." And that training paid off when, on November 13, three weeks after he was 'set free', Giroux completed the Myles Standish Marathon in Plymouth Massachusetts.

You know the Bible tells us that you and I were once prisoners, or "slaves of sin", too. And that now, after having been "set free" from it, that we are no longer to live the way we once did, the way that lead us to our condemnation or imprisonment. Instead you and I are to now live our lives wholeheartedly committed to obeying God's commands and living as "slaves of righteousness". Simply said, that means that you and I are to give ourselves and our lives fully to God forever thankful for this freedom.

When asked how it felt to run a marathon after being in prison, Keith said, "It’s awesome because I’m not limited to a treadmill next to a wall." If he thinks that's awesome, it's nothing compared to being "set free" for good is it? Now that my friend is awesome!

Heavenly Father, thank you for setting us free when we were prisoners to sin. Help us to leave those things behind that would threaten to imprison us once more and to run after you instead. And please help us to remember that this freedom is by nothing we did but only by your grace-and for that we should be singing your praises! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Set free - Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofZAtCVaii0

 

No regrets

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10

On November 24, Lionel Sanders, a former cocaine addict who transformed into a world class triathlete, set out to break the world Ironman record. Entering the final event, the running leg, Sanders knew he had to run the best marathon of his life to achieve his goal. But at mile 18, his pace slowed and he lost hope. That was until, 5 miles later, his fiance yelled that he could still break the record if he could recover. And recover he did-grabbing a drink of ice water he said, "when it hit the back of my throat, it was like I just woke up. I told myself, ‘You will regret this for the rest of your life if you don’t give it everything you have.’”

Thanks to his unwillingness to give up and live with any regret, Lionel Sanders did indeed break that record by 89 seconds. And when it comes to regret, the Bible tells us that it's not something that you and I want to live with either. You see when Paul wrote that Godly sorrow that leads to repentance leaves no regret, he meant that true regret or remorse leads to a change of behavior that will ensure we receive eternal life. But worldly sorrow, the kind that makes us sad but doesn't move us to repentance, will ensure that we receive eternal death. 

You know in this world we will all experience sorrow and we will all encounter regret. But each one of us has a choice to make when we do. We can repent of that which caused us to have regret and give it everything we have to move forward and change or we can continue doing those things unwilling to repent and stay where we are. One thing is certain though, making the right choice will be one thing you will never regret. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit that convicts us of the things we need to change. When we experience sorrow for those things, may our regret lead us to repentance. Please help us Lord to see the eternal consequences of whatever we might choose. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Regret - Matthew West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuJWQzjfU3o

Too comfortable

"Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today." Deuteronomy 8:11

Last weekend's 100k race involved making four laps, each of which would allow me the opportunity to enter the heated clubhouse serving as an aid station to grab something to eat or drink and access my drop bag for supplies. Halfway through the race (with two laps to go) and already feeling the drop in temperature, I entered and immediately felt it... the warmth. As I then gazed around at the abundance of sandwiches and drinks and chairs where I could rest to enjoy them, I considered how easy and nice it would be to just get comfortable. But doing that, I quickly reminded myself, would most certainly cause me to forget my purpose. So, after grabbing a pair of much-needed gloves, I immediately headed back out the door.

You know getting too comfortable can cause us to forget other things too. Moses knew that full well when he warned the Israelites to, "Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God..." You see when we have everything we need like a warm home, abundant food to eat and money in the bank, it can be easy to sit back and enjoy these things without acknowledging and praising the Giver of them. And it can be easier still to enjoy and take such comfort in these 'things' that we forget that we have a purpose.

So today ask yourself, "Have I become too comfortable? Have I stopped actively seeking God or doing what He has called me to that I might sit back and enjoy the 'things' I have worked for?" If that answer is yes, perhaps it's time to make a change?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that serves to keep us on track. Getting too comfortable can certainly become a stumbling block in finishing the race you have set before us. Help us to remember that we were made for a purpose to not only serve and honor You but to serve others as well. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Toby Mac - This is not a test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy1vjNWnDlM&index=1&list=RDDy1vjNWnDlM

A fresh start

"Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." Luke 22:34

Somewhere along the first 13.1 mile race Melissa Kitcher of Florida ever competed in, she got lost... very lost. In fact, she was missing for nearly 12 hours after running off course during the Trail Hog Half Marathon Sunday. Logging more than 16 miles before being found, Kitcher said that she had her eyes set on redemption and would be signing up for another half marathon on March 19th saying, "Everybody keeps telling me no more races. I said I'm lucky this one's on the street." 

Don't you love that attitude? Instead of letting one wrong turn keep her from moving forward, she decided to let her mistake stay in the past and try again. And you know the Bible tells us that Peter did the exact same thing. When he vowed that he would never deny Jesus even if all the other apostles did, "Jesus answered, "I tell you Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." And deny Jesus is exactly what he did. But even though Peter turned his back on Jesus, God forgave him and reaffirmed his faith. Peter repented and continued to share the Good News, even until his death.

Wow! Did you get that part? God forgave Peter. Then leaving his mistake in the past, Peter moved forward serving and proclaiming his Messiah until the day he died. And you know what? God wants to do the same for you. No matter what you've done or how lost you may feel, God is there... waiting. Won't you let him give you a fresh start today? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercies that are new every morning. Help us to believe that you are the God of second chances and that you want to forgive us if we would only ask and give us a fresh start. Help us to admit where we have gone off course, repent and be put back on track that we might serve you all the rest of our days. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

One step away - Casting Crowns

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

Use your gift

"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

With Christmas just around the corner it comes as no surprise that the "17 Great Gifts for the Runner in your Life" were announced by wired.com. Among those gifts advertised were GPS watches, running apparel, headlamps and earbuds. These were all gifts the advertisers claimed you could give to help your special runner achieve their goals or as they said, "YOU KNOW THOSE mornings when your loved one rolls out of bed, treads across the very cold floor to suit up for a six-mile run in the freezing pre-dawn air? They’re nuts, and by no means should you get out of bed and join them. Instead, just buy them some gifts that will help them continue to put one foot in front of the other."

Most certainly the majority of these gifts would serve a runner well. Wouldn't you agree? But did you know that the Bible tells us of an even greater gift that each of us has been given that would allow us to serve well? These gifts are our individual talents, abilities, skills and strengths that God has granted each and every believer. But they are not to be used for our own benefit. Oh no! Plain and simple, each gift we have been given is to be given back to help others- to promote their good, their well-being and to lead them to Christ.

So whatever it is that God has generously gifted you with, are you using it to do that? Whether it be the gift of serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading or any other endowment you possess, are you blessing others with it? Because as Dieter Uchtdorf reminds us, "This is our high and holy calling-to be agents of Jesus Christ, to love as He loved, to serve as He served."

Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing each one of us with a gift that can be used to help others. May we continuously look for ways in which to use it to show others your love and, by doing so, make the world a nicer place. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Anthem lights - Lighthouse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZpDnd3E-oo

https://www.wired.com/2016/12/17-gifts-runner-life/

 

Press on

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

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the term "press on" as: to start or continue doing something in a determined way, often despite problems. And this persistent, steady, purposeful and unwavering resolve to move forward in the face of difficulties is the exact characteristic that an ultra-runner must display to make it to the finish line. Never had I realized that more than on Saturday. You see, in order to complete the 100k race I was set to run before the 12-hour cutoff, I had to stay focused as never before-checking my Garmin multiple times each minute to make sure I was on pace (and stayed that way) while praying constantly leaving my mind unable to think of anything but the finish line. Regardless of the changing weather or weariness, I was, what you might say, making a most determined effort to "press on."

And this same attitude is crucial to display in our spiritual lives as well if we are to "reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." You see, there are many 'problems' that can take us off course or slow us down... if we let them. But just as an athlete runs through pain, fatigue, hunger and inclement weather, you and I need to "press on" and persevere through these 'problems' with our eyes fixed on knowing Christ, being like him and completing the race that he has called us to. 

So when tragedy, adversities, problems or worries come our way, what do we do? Press on of course-moving forward in spite of anything in our path that threatens to take our eyes off the goal of finishing the race and claiming the prize. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the strength, determination and perseverance it takes to press on in the midst of afflictions and difficulties if we would only keep our hearts, eyes and minds focused on you. Help us to run this race worthy to receive the prize and by our example lead others to do the same. It's in your most precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Press on - Mandisa

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

Approaching my daughter at the turnaround 

Approaching mile 16 with my good friend and fellow TEAM 413 member giving me a thumbs up from behind. 

My sweet friend came to cheer me on and we snapped this right after the race after I had shed my hydration belt and night lamp. 

A prerace photo

A pre-race picture at the You Don't Know Jack trail run in Carthage- the race offered many distances including the 50k which my dear friends did

My new friend and I displaying our "treasures".. a 100k belt buckle we earned for our efforts. Oh how this will pale in comparison to what our Father has in store for us!!!

Settle it

"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison." Matthew 5:25

As of yesterday, six weeks after the Detroit Free Press Marathon, it was reported that thousands of runners had still not received their race shirts. In a statement issued by race officials, they said "they didn't pace themselves when they said the shirts would be delivered to their homes by Thanksgiving" and are now promising to get roughly 27,000 shirts in the mail by December 6. While this could have been disastrous for retaining runners for next years' event, the directors handled the conflict well by admitting their mistake quickly, apologizing and working feverishly to rectify it the best they could. 

And when it comes to conflicts in our own lives, that's the same approach that you and I should take. Matthew knew that as well when he advised us to, "settle matters quickly" to avoid any dispute or quarrel from escalating. And while we may not have those types of conflicts that will take us to court or land us in prison, it is always wise to resolve our differences with one another to prevent any anger, animosity or hurt feelings from arising that could cause more trouble. In other words, it's easier to mend a small problem than fix a large one. 

So when troubles abound, and they will, may you and I be quick to admit our mistakes, apologize and do everything we can to settle the matter quickly. And that, my friend, will not only keep the situation from escalating but will be a model of Christ-likeness for others to imitate. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that gives us the most effective form of conflict resolution. May we work to the best of our ability to create and maintain peace at all times and in all situations. And as we do, may others see You in each one of us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

33 Miles - Apologize

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yheYihR9_4