The greatest reward

"To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life." Romans 2:7

Adidas announced yesterday that they will reward the NFL combine runner who can break Chris Johnson's lauded and still untouched 4.24-second 40 yard dash record from a decade ago with an island. Yes, an actual piece of land picked by Adidas and surrounded by water will be given to any player fast enough. But there's a catch. Not only does someone have to register an official time better than Johnson but they must do it while wearing 2017 adizero 5-star 40 cleats and agree to endorse the company for the next year.

And while this island reward will be given only to the one person who can qualify to receive it, the Bible tells us that Salvation will be given to all people who qualify to receive it, "those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality.." And to receive this prize of eternal life, we don't have to be fast enough, good enough, strong enough or enough of anything. We simply need to, by faith, commit our lives fully to God seeking to do his will.

And the best part? There's no catch and no fine print. It's as simple as Corrie Ten Boom once wrote, "The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life." That's better than an island any day, wouldn't you agree?

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would make it simple for us to qualify for eternal life. Help us to remember that it's not by deeds but by faith in you that guarantees us the reward. May we do good deeds then in response to what you have done for us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

My reward - Paul Baloche

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

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/adidas-offering-an-insane-reward-to-record-breaking-nfl-combine-runner-an-actual-island-143753650.html

Keep calm and run on

"A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression." Proverbs 19:11

Chris Coon, a pastor at Urban Village Church in Chicago, admitted to Runners World Magazine that when the collar comes off and the running shorts go on, he turns into a different person. An angry one. Some of the things that bother him the most? Poor race organization and cars who don't yield the right of way. Coon went on to admit, "I've flipped the bird at many a driver over the years." Not very becoming behavior is it? Unfortunately these types of anger outbursts have become so common for runners that the term Run Rage is being used to describe the phenomena. 

And while this conduct may be tolerated and practiced by many, the Bible tells us that it's just not acceptable for a Christian. In fact, we are told that a wise person controls their temper and earns respect by overlooking wrongdoings. Can you imagine anyone wanting to follow or emulate a Christian who explodes over receiving the wrong shirt size at packet pickup or yells insults at a volunteer that doesn't direct the runners at turns? Of course not.

And while it would be foolish to think that you and I will never get angry, it would be wise to remember that when we do, controlling our tongue is always the best way to handle it. Let us lead others to the Father by the actions we display on and off the racecourse. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for promising to help us overcome the urge to sin by lashing out at other people. Help us to, by your strength, overlook things that were not done out of spite but to forgive and be a good example to others that they might look to the source of our peace. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Anger Management - Lecrae

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

http://www.runnersworld.com/psychology/the-rise-of-run-rage

Equipped for comfort

"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." 2 Corinthians 1:4

It's long been said that running is a sport anyone can do because the only equipment really needed is a pair of shoes. Tell that to Liam Purdy though, an American University junior who, in the middle of the Patriot League 800-meter championship run last Saturday, lost a shoe but continued running. Despite this snafu, Purdy pressed on to not only win the race but set a Personal Record with a time of 1:53:25. It was reported that, only after the race was finished, Liam noticed that he had burned off a two-inch patch of skin on the bottom of his foot. Ouch.

You know, when speaking of equipment, God knows exactly what you and I will need to fulfill our purpose or run the race, often times using the pain from events and life-circumstances to prepare us. And while it may not sound pleasant, fair or just, it's only because of these times of trouble that He has the opportunity to show us his comfort... the "same comfort" that we in turn can, and are called, to show to others.

So believe it or not, you and I should actually embrace those little snafus, messes or times of suffering that we go through. After all, not only do we get to experience the supernatural consolation of God himself, we can be assured that these difficulties will equip us to encourage, support and reassure someone else one day. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to look at discomfort and pain in a different way. Help us to accept those unpleasant things we experience as learning experiences and opportunities to feel your amazing presence that we might one day share that comfort with someone else who is hurting. After all, we can't tell someone that we know how they feel and empathize with them unless we truly do. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

The words I would say - Sidewalk Prophets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t9u-LOa3OI

Like a child

"But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." Matthew 19:14

The Huffington Post reported on Wednesday that a photo of a 2-year-old Nigerian boy, Imoh Umoren, went viral following his loss of a race for the absolute sweetest reason ever. After posting the picture on Twitter, the boy's father explained just what happened, "My son finished 4th in the race because instead of running across the finish line he ran to hug me... he's a bit of a hugger, and maybe to him, that is a natural ending to a race: run into Daddy's arms. I was telling him to stop but he couldn't figure out why he had to. He ran towards me giggling."

And when it comes to youthful spontaneity and unbridled joy, it's no coincidence that the Bible tells us more than once that you and I are to be like little children. That doesn't mean that we are to act childish or immature though, but to see Jesus the way a child would, as this little boy did his father. And to love Him with an all-out, no holds barred abandonment-looking to Him to fulfill all our needs and to teach us all the things we need to know. In fact, Jesus said, "For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." 

You see, Imoh loved his father so much that he would stop at nothing to be with him. And this same child-like attitude and behavior is the one God is calling us to watch and imitate. Because, in the words of Paula Coelho, "A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires." May that desire always be Jesus. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would crave an intimate relationship with us. May we love, serve and approach you with a child-like faith always longing to run into your arms. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

David Dunn - I wanna go back 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqtf71mILwY

What wall?

"With your help I will run through an army, with help from my God I leap over walls." Psalm 18:29

The Free Dictionary defines the term "hit the wall" as becoming suddenly and extremely fatigued, especially when participating in an endurance sport, such as running. And most marathoners know that this invisible barrier rendering one virtually incapable of taking another step usually happens around mile 20. So I was pleasantly surprised last Sunday when, while running with my son in his first marathon, he made it to mile 23 before announcing that he had "hit the wall". "Good," I replied. "Now that you've done all you can, you can let God do all you can't." I wanted him to truly know the sweetest joy was in a victory achieved only by God's strength.

Let's face it. There will be times in each of our lives when we will feel we cannot go on or take another step, whether it be physically, spiritually or emotionally. David, the psalmist, knew it all too well also. You see, he had been looking at sure defeat before he was delivered from the hand of his enemies and from the hand of Saul. David had done all that he could and when he "hit the wall", God did the rest and gave David the victory. And for that he could joyfully sing, "With your help I will run through an army, with the help from my God I leap over walls."

You know, while it's certainly not pleasant to come to those points in our lives when we are unable to move forward, it's these times that help us to grow in our faith. You see each and every time God shows himself to be our strength when we have none of our own, we can conquer bigger and bigger walls until we realize that, with his help, there can never be a wall so large that we can't "leap over". 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that tells us that you are our source of strength at all times. Help us to remember that it's only through you that we can achieve victory in our physical as well as our spiritual lives. Thank you for allowing us to push through and over any obstacle or trial we might face. 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

Love and pray

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:44

On Saturday it was reported that Pinnacle Park west of Asheville, NC, was closed after a runner's foot was impaled by a nail that was purposely placed on a popular trail. Since then, more than 40 additional nails have been found, hammered into tree roots and logs. Brian Barwatt, an engineer with the Department of Transportation, who is leading the cleanup said, “It was a deliberate effort. Someone hammered 4-inch long galvanized nails and left them sticking out a half- to 1 inch, and at an angle so they’re like spikes. It’s hard to believe someone would do this and put a lot of effort in to doing this." 

You know, he's absolutely right-it is hard to believe that someone, for no apparent reason, would want to hurt someone they've never met and has done them no harm isn't it? I mean it would be a whole other thing to injure or retaliate against an enemy or someone who has slighted us right? Wrong. The Bible tells us that you and I are to love others, even our enemies and those who would wish to do us harm. And not only to love them but to pray for them as well-and, in this way, overcome evil with good. 

And while we may never know why people do the mean things they do, we do know that they wouldn't do it if Jesus was the Lord of their lives. So today, let us be ever so wary of the dangers around us but not let them stop us from showing the love and forgiveness of Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that we are to love those that would do us harm. And while we may not understand why, please fill us with your love that we would have the strength to do it. And may we, in this way, influence others to surrender their lives to you. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Forgiveness - Matthew West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMn0QNdiuGE

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/02/21/runners-foot-impaled-nail-purposefully-placed-trail-40-total-found-along-trail/98190816/

Worth the strain

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13,14

Yesterday, after running a hard 26.2 miles in El Paso, TX, I had the unique blessing of watching my son cross the finish line of his first marathon. As he accepted his well-deserved medal, the tears flowed as I recalled the images that will forever be embedded in my mind. His look of determination as his body grew increasingly tired and his unwillingness to give up as he slowed down to a walk near the end, resting only long enough to gather the energy to start once again, straining and pressing on towards the finish line with everything he had.

You know, at one point, as he expressed his fatigue, I asked the question, "How bad do you want it son?" The actions that followed certainly revealed that he indeed wanted it badly. And the Bible tells us that this attitude is the same one that you and I need to "win the prize", to live a life following Christ Jesus no matter the obstacles, hardships or mountains in our path. It's, as straining is defined, forcing (a part of one's body or oneself) to make a strenuous or unusually great effort.

And while we received a medal for our efforts yesterday, one day we will receive so much more. Will this be a hard race? You bet. God never said it would be easy but He did say it would be worth it. So, I guess the question is, "How bad to you want it?". 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that there will be a prize like no other awaiting each and every believer that decides that they want it so bad that they are unwilling to give up. And thank you for your promise that, although it will be hard, you will be with us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Eye on it - Toby Mac

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

At the finish line. 

Celebrating with my son, Luke, who did the full and stepson, Christopher, who did the half. A very blessed day indeed. 

Before the race, with my son Luke

Reach out

"Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:9,10

Scheduled to work the El Paso Marathon Expo Saturday and run the race Sunday, my family and I drove all night to arrive in Texas by yesterday afternoon. Upon arriving and overdue for my workout, I quickly changed into my running clothes, tied my shoes and headed out the door to explore the streets of this town commonly referred to as "Sun City". Nearing the end of my run, I slowed down in time to read the bumper sticker on the car parked along my path, "Don't follow me, I'm lost." Wow, I thought, doesn't that describe most of the world? But praise God, there's hope that no one has to stay that way. 

In Luke, the story is told of Zacchaeus, a very rich tax collector. Despised by his fellow Jews and considered a cheater, traitor and chief sinner of the worst sorts, Zacchaeus was lost-and no one cared. No one except Jesus that is. You see, "the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." All the lost... the tax collectors, the prostitutes, the adulterers, the addicts and every other sinner in need of Salvation. And the best part? Just as he sought out this detested and much-avoided tax collector, Jesus is still seeking out and pursuing those people deemed "untouchable" today. 

You know Christ considered no one beyond redemption and neither should we. You and I should be following his example by reaching out to the lost, all the lost, no matter what title society has given them or how immoral their lifestyle might be. After all, we were once lost too remember? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for seeking us out when we were lost and dead in our sin. Help us to see others as you see them that we might see their value no matter how unworthy or untouchable they might seem. Help us to love them Lord as you love us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Let love win - Carrolton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKWm0bGZlDU

It has benefits

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." 2 Timothy 3:16

If you love the marathon as much as I do, you might find it hard to believe that the majority of people, even other runners, do not share that passion. In fact, EllipticalReviews.com reported a top list of things people would rather do than run a marathon. Forty two percent of those surveyed said they would rather shave their head, 18% said they would rather change their name to Trump and 48% would rather watch C-SPAN for 24 hours straight. Shockingly though, 46% said they would rather read the bible than run a marathon-indicating that they really wouldn't like to do either one but would at least choose God's word over the 26.2 miles. 

And while running a marathon may not have a lot of benefits other than a medal and bragging rights, reading the Bible has more than we can count. It is literally, "inspired by God" and has the answer to so many of our questions in life. What is my purpose? Is there life after death? How do I get to heaven? Why do I go through struggles? How can I change? How can I make my marriage better? How can I handle the stress of my job? How can I raise my children better? Are you getting the point? The answer to all these questions and more is in this amazing book that God has given us. 

So if you're struggling for answers today, look to the Bible. It has the power to, "make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." How's that for a host of benefits?

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would give us your Word that we might have the answer to all life's questions, problems and dilemmas. Help us to develop a love for reading it that we might live a life filled with your peace. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Your words - Hillsong

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

http://running.competitor.com/2017/02/news/what-would-americans-rather-do-than-run-a-marathon_162146

Never distant

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." Psalm 139:7,8

Most every runner has heard the question, "Aren't you afraid all that running will hurt your knees?" And while running certainly has a reputation for hurting knees by causing arthritis and other injuries, a recent small study published in the European Journal of Applied Psychology determined that running might not be the cause of all those aches and pains. In fact, researchers from BYU and University of California said, "the benefits of running outweigh the risks of not running (especially if done in moderation.) Other factors, like weight or genetics, may also contribute to whether a person is more likely to get arthritis or other injuries from running. More research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits."

So when it comes to reputation, remember that it's not always wise to believe everything you hear-especially when it comes to God. You see, He sometimes gets the undeserved reputation of being distant and uncaring about the small details of our lives. But nothing can be further from the truth! The psalmist knew it when he begged the question, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" David knew that God loved him and cared about all the details of his life, both big and small. He knew that God wasn't just some spirit in the sky but the Spirit that would accompany him wherever he would go, from the heights to the depths.

And this same God David praised for his faithfulness is still the same God who is present today. He cares for you and about you. He cares about your little worries and about your big problems. And there is nowhere you or I can go or be sent where his presence will not go with us. Now is that a distant God? No way.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would care about every detail of our lives. Help us to grasp the fact that your presence goes with us wherever we may go that we might never think of you as distant but relish in your company. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Psalm 139- Mercy Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrYILn0KtXA

http://time.com/4667098/is-running-bad-for-your-knees/

Celebrate the love

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

Did you know that (according to history.com), 448 million dollars will be spent on candy the week before Valentine's day? And if merely giving out sugary treats wasn't enough, 150 million Valentine cards and gifts will be purchased and sent each year too. In fact, 62% of the adults surveyed said they celebrate Valentine's Day in one of these ways. And on average, men will spend about $150 on their significant other while women will spend $74. While money may not be able to buy love, it looks like it can sure help celebrate it.

Did you know that the greatest gift of all time was also given out of love but given freely? It wasn't any card or box of chocolates though. The Bible tells us that it was, "eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." This "free" gift is nothing you and I deserve or could ever earn and it's nothing that we could ever be good enough to qualify for or wealthy enough to pay for. This gift was given simply because our Father loved us too much to let us die in our sin. He loved us so much that He sent his one and only Son to die in our place so that every believer might receive it. Knowing that, could there be any greater love worth celebrating then? I sure don't think so.

So today let us join in this celebration of love! Let us praise, honor and worship our Creator for the most amazing gift we could ever be given. And then let us tell others about it that, they too, might experience eternal life. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us when we didn't love you back. Thank you for forgiving us of our sins when we were so undeserving. And thank you for this free gift of eternal life you have given to every one who believes on your name. We praise you for being such a loving and awesome God today and every day. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Your grace still amazes me - Phillips, Craig and Dean

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

http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day/interactives/valentines-day-by-the-numbers

 

The good soldier

"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer." 2 Timothy 2:3,4

The photo captured of the overall female champion of the RAK Half Marathon on Friday in Ras-al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates said it all. Complete and sheer exhaustion was evident on the face of Peres Jepshirshir, 23, of Kenya who, after battling fellow Kenyan runner, Mary Keitany, and setting a new women's world record of 1:05:06 (3 seconds faster than the previous record) collapsed immediately after crossing the finish line. Averaging an amazing 4:57 mile pace for 13.1 miles, she gave her all to fight and beat Keitany by a mere .07 second. Talk about a battle to the very end!

Did you know that as followers of Jesus Christ, that you and I are in a fight too? An every day, all-out spiritual battle to the very end? You see, every moment of every day the devil is out to destroy us, our families, our testimonies and the effectiveness of every other Christian. Thus, you and I are called to stand alongside other believers, "like a good soldier of Jesus Christ."-to share in the same courage, commitment and willingness to renounce the ways of the world, to follow and please our "commanding officer" no matter how hard, tiring and long the battle may be.  

J.C. Ryle sums it up this way, "The true Christian is called to be a soldier and must behave as such from the day of his conversion to the day of his death. He is not meant to live a life of religious ease, indolence and security. He must never imagine for a moment that he can sleep and doze along the way to heaven, like one traveling in an easy carriage." With that in mind, I ask you this question... are you up for the challenge?

Heavenly Father, thank you for being such and awesome God that is worthy of all of our praise, worship and commitment. Help us to follow you with a relentless pursuit, surrendering the ways of the world, each and every day as we race to the finish line to be crowned good and faithful soldiers. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Lecrae - Give in

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

http://www.runnersworld.com/elite-runners/womens-half-marathon-world-record-falls

An up and down ride

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

The recent weather sure has been a roller coaster ride hasn't it? Up and down, up and down seems to be the only way to describe this past weeks' temperatures. Like many other runners around the country getting prepared for spring races, I went from wearing shorts and living the life one day to wearing layers and defrosting frozen eyelashes the next. Luckily though, when it comes to the uncertainties of running in the winter months, there's peace knowing that with the proper clothing, training can continue regardless of the mercury.

 

And you know the picture of that up and down roller coaster ride can describe more than the weather, it can describe our day, our week or even our year. You see, when you and I made the decision to walk with Christ, we were never promised that it would always be on smooth, level ground without hills, briars, thorns or valleys. We were warned we would encounter obstacles, trials, hurts and spiritual attacks along the way. But, praise God, we were promised perfect peace in the midst of it all by clothing ourselves properly-namely by wearing the proper footwear, "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." 

This peace we are to put on daily is not the peace the world defines as freedom from disturbance or war, but rather a state of tranquility or quietness of spirit in the midst of disturbance or war. It's a state of mind that comes from knowing, believing and standing on the promises of God-that no matter where your feet may lead you throughout the day or what traps the devil may place in your path, you can keep moving knowing God is with you, guiding and protecting you and giving you the strength to stand firm and press on.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that gives us all we need to dress properly. Help us to immerse ourselves in it each morning that we might be fully prepared for the roller coaster ride of a day that might be awaiting us. Whether it's smooth sailing or a tumultuous storm we are facing, help us to stand on your promises that we might have perfect peace in the midst of any situation. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Sometimes He calms the storm - Scott Krippayne

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BMIJHZSavo

 

Against the grain

"I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." 1 Corinthians 1:10

"Yes, I’m training for a marathon with CrossFit. There, I said it. I’m going to prepare for 26.2 miles by doing a lot of not running." Those were the words of admittance spoken by Christine Fennessy, a California runner, who because of time restraints and an aversion to training in the winter, decided to take an unconventional route in preparing to complete her fourth Big Sur International Marathon this year. And while her goal of finishing the 26.2 miles will be the same as every runner that shows up at the start line, her method of getting there will be a little different. 

No doubt Christine will face opposition from other runners for her decision to "go against the grain" but there's no reason why it should cause any rifts or divisions in her running relationships right? I mean they all still share the same purpose. You know, when it comes to serving Christ, the same can probably be said of many of us in the church. While we all share the same purpose of following Jesus, we may not all be called to do it in the same way. Some may be called to serve in missions overseas, some by hosting a bible study, some by being part of a running ministry and others by feeding the homeless.

But no matter how you and I are called to serve, whether in a conventional or unconventional way, we should not let it cause any divisions among us knowing we are united by the same purpose. So let us strive to "live in harmony with each other" as we respect one another's different callings and talents no matter how "against the grain" they may seem. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that we all have individual talents to use to fulfill the one purpose we all share, to serve you. Help us to respect and encourage one another to follow the path you have specifically given them rather than try to conform them to do things the way we think they should be done. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Rock what you got - Superchick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp68ZuZlb78

http://www.runnersworld.com/rw-vip-editor-blogs/yes-im-training-for-a-marathon-with-crossfit

Protect your eyes

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light." Matthew 6:22

In an article published Monday titled, "Why sunglasses are the one piece of gear every runner needs to have", it was reported that ultra (UV) radiation from the sun doesn't just damage the skin but also the eyes. Optometrist Karen Makin says that, "Sunglasses are one of the best ways to reduce eye damage and should form a part of everyone's running kit. We all know to wear sunscreen but far too often we see the consequences of people not applying the same level of sunsmarts to their eyes." And those consequences? Eyes that are no longer healthy but diseased with things like cataracts and cancers.

And when it comes to our eyes, the Bible also stresses the importance of keeping them healthy that our whole body might be "full of light." You see, if "the eye is the lamp of the body", what it sees or perceives is what radiates from us. If we perceive goodness, the love of Christ will shine. But if we allow our eyes to linger on evil, we can be so affected or diseased by what we see that darkness actually begins to emanate from within and can corrupt us and those around us. Ultimately, a "healthy" eye is one that is fixed on Jesus. 

So you see, just as we need to guard our eyes from the damaging effects of the sun, we must also guard them from going places they shouldn't go. After all, we protect our hearts and souls when we protect our eyes.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that warns us to not look upon evil or dwell in it. Help us to look to things that are pure, keeping our eyes fixed on you, that we might preserve our spiritual sight and shine brightly with pure and healthy light. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Matt Maher - Firelight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq3-OyRh3Zw

http://www.executivestyle.com.au/why-sunglasses-are-the-one-piece-of-gear-every-runner-needs-to-have-gu6h90

Expect a comeback

"When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Mark 5:27, 28

Wow! That's about all I could say Monday morning as I turned on the news to find that the Patriots had come back from a 28-3 third quarter score to beat the Falcons. Like many Americans, I had switched the channel before the game was over, absolutely sure that Atlanta would receive the trophy. I mean who would have ever thought that a team that far down could rally back from a 25-point deficit to complete the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history? But you know what? They did. But they would never have done it if they had stopped believing it was possible or had given up. 

You know the Bible tells us of a story much the same, a story where there seemed to be no hope. Mark 5 gives the account of a woman who had been afflicted with a bleeding disorder for 12 years. This woman who, "suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had" still believed that healing was possible. So, struggling mightily to get through the teeming crowd surrounding Jesus, she fought to make her way to the Savior she had only heard about. Nearing close enough to reach out, she expectantly touched his cloak and was immediately healed. Talk about a comeback!

Perhaps you too are experiencing a situation or an illness today that appears to have no hope? Maybe it's the loss of a job, a failing marriage or a problem with addiction? Whatever it is, don't lose or hope or stop believing my friend. God is the master at orchestrating comebacks just when you and I think it's over... just draw near and reach out. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that gives us so many examples of people who went on to stay faithful and persevere when there seemed to be no hope.From David to Job and to Paul, you have been making ways when there seemed to be no way and are still moving in people's lives today. Thank you for that Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

7eventh Time Down - God is on the move

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTzb0SpJfjw

The irony of it

"But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

In a study published Saturday by Self Magazine, it was again determined that running slow for the majority of your runs can actually help you get faster. The study found that chugging along steadily at a low-to-moderate intensity level was the best way to build endurance, ease your body into the stresses of running and avoid over-training and injury. It might seem ironic that in a runner's quest for a Personal Record that he or she would benefit from a more relaxed pace, but Katie Bottini, a certified running coach, explains it this way, "Incorporating slow runs, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned racer, is a great way to prevent injuries. You’re getting your body used to that repetitive stress by increasing those miles but doing it slowly so that you’re not increasing both volume and intensity all at once.”

You know, when it comes to things that seem counterintuitive, or contrary to what common sense would suggest, the Bible tells us that the cross meant to bring death to Jesus forever was the very thing that conquered death once and for all time. You see, because of this great sacrifice, every believer, including you and me, was given "victory over sin and death." Now death is no longer a source of dread or fear for us-Christ overcame it, and one day we will also. 

And while one of the greatest ironies of living is and will always be that, no matter how well we take care of our bodies or how much we run (fast or slow), we will all die, it will not be the end my friend. Oh no! By faith in Jesus Christ, you and I have that blessed assurance that it will only be the beginning. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to bring every believer eternal life. Help us to live lives worthy of that sacrifice as we live to follow you each and every day. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Crowder - My victory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqQEcMLbF5E

Let nothing move you

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

In order to achieve the longest running streak in history, Ron Hill of England ran every day for 52 years and 39 days. Knowing that streak runners must run at least a mile every day regardless of injuries, surgery or other circumstances, Hill persevered through the toughest of situations. In 1993, for example, he broke his sternum in a car accident saying he was fortunate to have already run that day but managed to put in a mile the day after. He also had bunion surgery that same year and went straight to the track after being released from the hospital where he ran a mile using two canes. Talk about letting nothing move him!

This same mindset to persevere under any conditions is the exact one you and I need to have in order to "stand firm", letting nothing move us that we might give ourselves fully to doing the work God has called us to. This means serving when it's not convenient, working when we really don't feel like it, pushing forward when we feel like giving up and pressing on and over the obstacles in our way. It's giving God control of our lives completely, entirely and wholly-unreservedly and unconditionally committed to serving Him knowing that our work is never in vain but of eternal value. 

Sadly, Ron Hill's streak ended Saturday. Now 78 and suffering from an undiagnosed heart problem, he is unable to run the one mile each day necessary to keep his record going. But you can bet he will continue to do as much as he is able for as long as he is able. After all, runners just do that right?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the examples of what it takes to let nothing move us and to give ourselves to you without reservation, holding nothing back, that we might finish the task you have assigned us to. Help us to remember that serving you is a lifetime commitment and something we should be focused on each and every day. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

I will not be moved - Natalie Grant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTeQdLKiRg8

A routine worth keeping

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." Psalm 143:8

In the summer of 2013, Chuck Todd, NBC News political director, described himself as the being the most unhealthy he had ever been, "I was close to 200 pounds, which, at five-foot-ten, is overweight." So he said, "Lemme see if I can run for a week straight. Then it was two weeks, then three. I created a routine." He says by December he had lost a few pounds and found that running helped him make wiser food choices as well. Years later and still running, for him, this is one routine worth keeping.

And while ditching old routines and establishing new ones can certainly have benefits, some routines should never change. David knew this when he wrote, "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." David knew the importance of starting each day by asking for God's guidance. In fact, he knew it was so important that he did it before anything else.

I wonder, do you have that same routine? Before checking your phone, going for a run or turning on the television, do you do the most important thing? Do you seek the Lord and his will for the day? If not, getting in the habit is easy. Try it for a week straight. Then two weeks, then three. Pretty soon you'll be in a routine worth keeping and be all the better for it.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that we should seek you first and above all other things. Help us to develop and keep a routine of regularly meeting with you as we realize the true importance of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

In the morning - Jeremy Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KG9bl6kX7s

http://www.runnersworld.com/im-a-runner/chuck-todd