It defies logic

"Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything." 2 Corinthians 6:10 NLT

In a feat that totally defies logic, Evan Dunfee, a 26-year-old man from Richmond, B.C., completed the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon on Sunday in 1:29:52 by speed-walking. Can you believe that he averaged a 7.5 minute per-mile-pace for 13.1 miles placing in the top-100 of more than 4,250 participants by walking fast? What makes this even more unbelievable is that breaking two hours in the half-marathon is no easy task when running, much less walking. In fact, it's a goal hundreds of thousands of runners aspire towards every day but, according to Strava data, only 31 percent of female and 67 percent of male runners are ever able to reach.

And in a world where wealth is measured by the stuff we have, the home we own or the car we drive, it defies logic that Paul could  "own nothing, and yet have everything" doesn't it? But it was exactly his lack 'of stuff' that allowed him to focus on Jesus with no distractions. He wasn't caught up in working to own things because he knew that everything belonged to God anyway and God, out of his great wealth, would provide for all his needs. You see, Paul was rich because, by having "nothing", he could clearly see what most of us will never see... that "everything" he needed could be found in Christ. And the knowledge that God's resources were limitless to provide for those needs gave him a peace that was absolutely priceless. 

So how do you measure your wealth? If it's by what you own, I can assure you that having 'stuff' will never be enough. But if it's by your relationship with Christ, I can promise you that He will always be enough. And it's only when we realize this that you and I, like Paul can be truly rich when we "own nothing, but have everything." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that we never truly own anything in this world and that our pursuit of 'stuff' is many times the thing that gets in the way of our relationship with you. Help us to realize that our possessions could never substitute the treasure found in a relationship with you. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

All we need - Charlie Hill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvTfuHpd3ys

http://runningmagazine.ca/evan-dunfee-2017-scotiabank-vancouver-half-marathon/

Finish the race

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Earlier this year Nick Symmonds, a two-time Olympian who trains with Brooks Beasts Track Club and has been a huge advocate for running clean, said he would officially retire from the track after this years' USATF Outdoor Championships. And as expected, he went into his final competition last Thursday giving his all hoping to take first. And even though he placed seventh in the first heat of the 800-meters, he had no regrets retiring because he knew he had done his best, saying, “You know what? I left everything I have on the track. I feel like I did myself justice. I’m a short, stocky kid from Boise, Idaho, who went to a Division III school, and ended up being ranked No. 3 in the world.” 

You know the apostle Paul, nearing his retirement from service (he was martyred in A.D. 67), was also a man who could say that he had no regrets. Because he gave everything he had, he could confidently declare, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith". You see, Paul lived every day with one purpose... to fulfill all that Jesus had charged and empowered him to do. Through beatings, imprisonments, trials and shipwrecks, Paul fought and persevered to the end, never once denying his Creator or wavering in his faith. He was most definitely an example for each one of us to follow. Wouldn't you agree?

I wonder then, when you and I are nearing the end of our lives, will we too be able to say that we have no regrets? That we gave all that we had to give and fulfilled all that Jesus had charged and empowered us to do? We can if we, like Paul, live every day with that one purpose. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that life is too short to have regrets about the way our lives were lived. Help us to live every day with the one purpose of serving you and fulfilling the calling you have placed upon us. Help us to be unwilling to compromise or back down in our fight to the finish line. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Good fight - Unspoken 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0M3X3_pFD4

http://running.competitor.com/2017/06/news/nick-symmonds-retires-usatf-outdoor-championships_165538

Be brave

"You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me." Psalm 139:5

Jessica Hay knew she needed to make a change. At 436 pounds, this 34-year-old mother of two from Melbourne, Australia, said she didn't have the energy to be the wife and mother she wanted to be. And while she thought about attempting to complete the Highlands Parkrun 5k for many months, it wasn't until she mentioned it on Instagram and was embraced by runners from all over the world that she found the courage to do it. Jessica has now participated in 16 Parkruns and, while she started out as a walker, has worked up to being able to run part of the way and has a goal to one day run a marathon. This woman who was once too scared to get out and exercise, now urges others to be brave, saying, "The running community has my back and I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of it." 

Isn't it amazing the things we can accomplish when we find the courage to simply try? Jessica found the strength to attempt the impossible because she felt safe within the running community that embraced and surrounded her. And you know, the Bible tells us that you and I can be brave and courageous too because we are safe within God's presence. You see, the verb 'to hem' means to surround or enclose somebody or something-so when the Bible tells us that God has hemmed us in "behind and before", it means that he is, literally, surrounding us in every situation and in every trial.

So you see, there is absolutely no place we can go that he won't follow us and nothing we can attempt that he won't go before us. With that knowledge, what will you attempt today? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that you are always with us, hemming us in under your protection. Help us to have the courage then to step out and do those things we feel led to do and to be an example of faith to others. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

You make me brave - Bethel Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCvcvO5Aa2Q

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/this-woman-urges-others-to-be-brave-and-ignore-the-haters

Just a little more kind

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

Thanks to the Manitoba Huggers, a volunteer organization founded in 1984, it was reported that the 39th Manitoba Marathon that took place two weeks ago in Winnipeg Canada, had volunteers that were "just a little more kind." You see, while we runners expect to be given water, gels and encouragement from the aid station workers, these volunteers gave out something more than expected... hugs. Dave Favoni, who has been volunteering for the past 33 years said, "Our huggers line up in a chute and cheer on the runners. If the runners are doing well, all we do is clap, cheer and give a high-five. However, if the runners are in distress, our huggers step in and lend a hand. It may be an arm around the waist. It may be two huggers aiding the runner until they find their walking legs again. Apart from physical assistance, they also ask, 'How are you feeling?' 'How was the run?' or 'Do you need a hand?'”

And if worldly kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, these volunteers certainly were "just a little more kind." You know, as followers, we too are to be more than just friendly, generous and considerate. We are to "be kind and compassionate to one another" in the same way Christ has been kind and compassionate to us - displaying the same tenderness, warmth and love not only to our Christian brothers and sisters but also to those who could never repay us, might never acknowledge us or might even reject us.

So today, in a world where we can be anything we want to be, let us be "just a little more kind." Especially to those who don't know Jesus as their Savior. After all, could there be any better way of leading them to the Cross?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your lovingkindness to us that serves as the ultimate example for us to follow. Help us to love others the same way you love us that we might show them the kindness that sets us apart as believers. And may our actions then lead them to the foot of the Cross. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Take a little time - Jeremy Camp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kerSv3iaQyY

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/hugging-it-out-at-the-manitoba-marathon?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=Social&utm_term=946687365&utm_campaign=Runner%E2%80%99s%20World

Do something

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8,9

Along with two of my closest friends, I had the blessing of running a 5k race Saturday to benefit On Time Ministry, a group of devoted volunteers committed to preventing human trafficking-working tirelessly to reach out, empower, and restore the survivors of this tragic crime. And if you think think this isn't happening all around the world and our nation, consider these statistics from dosomething.org, there are approximately 20 to 30 million slaves in the world today and, according to the U.S. State Department, 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year, of which 80% are female and half are children. That's quite shocking isn't it? 

What's more shocking though is that more is not being done to stop this. Especially since the Bible clearly tells us that we are to, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" and to "defend the rights of the poor and needy." That certainly describes those being held in bondage doesn't it? And while not everyone is called to devote their lives to freeing people from these chains, we are all called to do something. 

And that something for you may be speaking out in your community to raise awareness, taking action by volunteering or financial giving, or simply praying for those held in slavery. Can you imagine what would happen if each one of us woke up and said, "Today is the day I am going to do something"? It would most certainly change things, wouldn't it? So then... let's do something.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the people who work tirelessly to help those who cannot speak for themselves and who speak up to defend the rights of the poor and needy. Help us to realize how enormous and devastating this problem is that we would be compelled to do our part in ending it. And mostly, Lord, may we remember to pray each day for those in bondage that the chains would be broken and they would be free. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Do something - Matthew West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8

Want to hear more about this ministry and ways you can help? Check out:  https://www.ontimeministry.com/

https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-human-trafficking

Choose happiness

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Several times a month I like to drive to a neighboring town to run to break up the monotony of my routine. And as I was driving there early yesterday morning, my eyes were drawn to a large LED sign that featured a smiling cartoon sun wearing sunglasses that read, "Good Morning. Make it a Great Day." I couldn't help but smile thinking that I was going to do that very thing because it was my choice. You know, whether you realize it or not, we all have the power to make the day great or not-so-great just by our attitudes. And believe it or not, having a great day has nothing to do with what happens around us but what happens within us. 

You see, happiness is a choice that often goes against our natural inclinations, especially when things aren't going smoothly in our lives. But the Bible tell us to "rejoice always, pray continually" and to "give thanks in all circumstances". It's when we begin doing this, especially when we don't feel like it, that our natural tendencies to let external things affect our mood change and we become so intent on doing "God's will" that our focus is turned from what's happening around us to the One who is within us. And you know what? When we do this so often that it becomes a habit, every day is a great day. 

So I hope that you will choose to make today great no matter what lies ahead-remembering that, as children of the King, we always have something to rejoice and give thanks for. After all, we have assurance that we will one day witness the greatest day of all. Now doesn't that make you happy?

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminder that we can and should rejoice in all circumstances knowing that this is your will for us. May we stay focused on you through prayer and not on our problems as we thank you for the many many good things you have done for us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Happy - Adam and Kid

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=W66DPPNX

Lead well

"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14

News of the death of 16-year-old runner Patrick Cooper spread quickly Sunday and rocked the Anchorage, Alaska community. The teen who was participating in a popular trail race in Chugach State Park was killed by a 250-pound black bear after venturing off course and getting lost in the densely wooded terrain. Alaska Department of Fish and Game Spokesman, Ken Marsh, said, "It’s very unusual like someone being struck by lightning. Mountain runners are never safer than when they are in a race. How often do you have 300 people around you, making noise?"

And while our odds of being attacked by a bear are very small, this story reminds us that they are even smaller if we stay within the safety of a group. And when it comes to safety and leading others, the Bible tells us that a person called to "counsel" others is in danger of causing the people to "fall" when he or she is not in the safety of a "multitude of counselors". You see, a good leader, knowing that their own perspective might be biased by their emotions or not having all the facts, needs and uses wise advisers-and then makes his or her decisions only after taking into account the opinions and advice from them. 

So to be wise mentors in our home, church or workplace, you and I must be open to seek the counsel of others and open to the input they have to give-knowing there is always something to be learned from someone else. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your many blessings. I pray that you would be with the family of Patrick Cooper, Lord, and grant them the peace that only you can give. As bad as this situation is, I pray that they draw closer to you through it. And Lord help us to be better leaders, to realize our inability to be effective if we are unwilling to be open to the advice of others. Help us to stay on course. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Sanctus Real - Lead me

https://youtu.be/yLr6G8Xy5uc

Speak volumes

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Genoa Blankenship, a 40-year-old mother from Richland, Washington, admits she didn't really like running until it helped her detect a rare form of cancer. It was the jostling motion of the sport she took up to spend time with her daughter, her OBGYN told her, that had brought her intestinal tumor to the surface-allowing it to be detected and treated before it took her life. While recuperating from the surgery and chemotherapy that saved her, Genoa shared her story on a Facebook group called A Year of Running and happily reported that she began receiving encouraging messages almost instantly from people all over the world along with pledges to run for her when she couldn't. Not only did this aid in her recovery, she said, but changed her perspective on running entirely. She now embraces the sport and the people in it. 

Wow. Motivating words and actions can sure change a person's perspective can't they? And if they can change a person's perspective on running, just think how they could change a person's perspective on Christianity. Which is exactly why each and every believer, that means you and me, should be looking for opportunities each and every day to "encourage..and build each other up". Look around-there are hurting people everywhere who could be forever changed by a simple word of encouragement or a pat on the shoulder. So changed in fact that they might gain a new perspective on what it means to be a Christian and choose to embrace Jesus.

You know, Blankenship also said that, "For people who didn’t even know me to do something like this spoke volumes to me." And that is surely something that people should say about us right? May our words and acts of encouragement most definitely speak volumes about the love of Christ to a world that so desperately needs to hear it. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that we are to encourage and lift one another up. Help us to look for opportunities to do this with those people you place in our lives. And help us to do it so lovingly that we might lead others to you. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www. team413.org

Brandon Heath - Give me your eyes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/she-hated-running-until-it-helped-her-detect-a-rare-cancer

So good to me

"Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me." Psalm 103:1,2

Realizing that I couldn't put off paying the sales tax on the vehicle my husband and I had recently purchased any longer, I headed to the Department of Motor Vehicles first thing yesterday morning. After my number was called, I smiled, headed to the counter and handed the clerk the packet of forms the dealership assured me held everything I would need to get my new plates. But, to my dismay, I was quickly informed that one of the forms I had to submit expired the day before and my calculations on what this was going to cost was way off (and not to my favor). Sensing this was not the way I had envisioned the day to start, the clerk, said, "I'm really sorry that I ruined your day." 

"Oh but you didn't!" I quickly told her, "Nothing could do that." Smiling once again, I wished her well and told her that I would see her tomorrow with the proper paperwork. You know, things like that happen all the time don't they? Instances when life just doesn't seem to run smoothly or go as planned? But we don't have to let these things or occasions put a damper on our joy when we focus on the good things God is doing for us instead. David knew that which is why he was able to say "Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me." 

You see, when we fail to remember the "good things he does", we can easily focus on our circumstances, problems or troubles instead-and if our focus is anywhere but on Christ, we will not be able to praise him with our whole heart. So as I walked out of the DMV, I silently prayed, "thank you for your Spirit that gives me peace, thank you for the run we will enjoy together later, thank you for my family, thank you for being so good to me..." and the list goes on. I have so much to be thankful for, don't you?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and grace that is new each and every morning. Thank you for the many blessings that you have given every believer, especially forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. And thank you for the Holy Spirit who guides, comforts and reminds us of just how "good" you really are. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

So good to me - Zach Williams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tB_4tqIE78

Cleansed

"Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11

I can't recall a recent time when I was more grateful or ready for a shower than Saturday night. After helping set up for and then participating in a six-hour endurance run that morning, I had a to-do list to tackle including cleaning up after the race, before I even made it home. Between the heat, humidity, running and the activity, I was quite sure (even though I was able to change clothes) that I smelled awful as I made my way through the grocery store and then on to the next item on my list. Much later when I was finally able to wash off the grime, I couldn't help but smile at how good it felt to, once again, be physically clean. 

You know when it comes to being spiritually dirty, Paul, in his letter to the church in Corinth, wrote "Some of you were once like that." He was reminding them that before they were "made holy" and "made right with God", they had allowed worldly habits and ideas to make them unclean and separate themselves from Christ. He wanted them to remember just how good it felt to be "cleansed" that they would never want to return to those sins that had caused them to be dirty in the first place. 

I don't know about you but I remember how bad it felt before I was "cleansed" and I never want to forget it or feel that way again. So you can bet that I will rejoice daily knowing that I never have to! I have been made clean and I intend to stay that way. How about you?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and your grace. Thank you for taking even the worst of sinners like me, cleaning them up and giving them a new purpose. Help us to remember how it felt to be dirty that we might never return to those things that made us so ever again. And then may we daily rejoice in the knowledge that we have been cleansed and forever changed. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Shake - MercyMe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kDbxMznaG0

Grow deep roots

"The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. " Matthew 13:20,21

Why do some people fall completely in love with running while others don't? That's one of the questions that a new field of study called exercise psychology is trying to answer. Through a series of different experiments, researchers have made some discoveries that might explain part of the phenomena but say it's still not clear why some new runners become die-hard fans and continue running throughout their lifetime,  and others embrace it for a time and then fall away. 

And while I can somewhat understand how a person could lose their joy for running, I can never understand how a person could lose their joy for Jesus-a Savior that gave his life for every single one of us. But the Bible tells us that many new believers will do that very thing saying, "They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word." You see, while they may fall in love upon hearing the message, their love will remain shallow and superficial because no "deep roots" are ever grown so "they don't last long."

Unfortunately many new believers will fail to grow these deep roots simply because, just as in cultivating a love of running, it requires effort. It requires setting aside time each day to study God's word to get to know him more. After all, to develop a deep relationship with anyone, including the Father, takes time, effort and a determination to seek after that person, right?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly warns us why some new Christians will fall away. Help us to recognize those who are at risk and help mentor and guide them through the process of growing deep roots that they might develop a love for you that can never be lost. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Love broke through - Toby Mac

https://youtu.be/44l9PRI4c2M

Let it go

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

One of the things I love most about starting the day off with a run is spending time alone with the Lord to pray and seek his guidance first thing in the morning. Not only does this time prepare me for the day ahead but allows God to reveal anything that might be an obstacle in my daily walk with Him. Having learned that the Spirit can speak in many different ways, I was extremely curious to see a brightly painted rock sitting on the park bench as I started my cool-down walk. "Hmmm, is this for me Lord?" I asked. And then I read what was painted on the stone... Let it go. Let what go? I wondered as I certainly couldn't think of what it was that I was holding on to. After a few more steps though, I soon faced the realization that I was holding on to a fear of the future and the outcome of a few situations in my life that were totally out of my control. 

You know, if we're honest, we all have an "it" that we are holding onto-something that we need to let go of. For me it was fear, the same thing that King David struggled with as well. In fact, Psalm 27:1 was written during a season of trouble. Yet it is not a Psalm of despair because David learned how to overcome his fear and let go of it. He remembered that he had nothing, noone and no "it" to fear because the Lord was his, "light and salvation.. the stronghold" of his life. It's this realization that allowed him to "let it go" and trust that God would protect and provide for him. 

Maybe today you need to let something go too? Perhaps it's anger, sin, worry, fear, hurt, resentment or guilt? Whatever it may be, letting go can be hard to do. But it can be done by remembering that God is always in control and has promised to be our light, salvation and stronghold. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that you are and always will be sovereign over any situation we might face in life. Help us to determine what those things are that we need to let go of and then strengthen us in the battle to do so. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Strong tower - Kutless

https://youtu.be/ds8vcSJFe7E

Go and tell

"And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him.." Acts 8:29,30

Only a half mile into my run yesterday morning, I was startled by a small dog that ran out of the open door of a house along the gravel road I was traveling. Upon hearing the barking, the dog's owner quickly followed and apologized over and over. Sensing the man was near the point of crying and upset about more than his dog chasing me, I stopped, gently patted his shoulder and asked him if he was okay. I then listened intently as he told me how his wife, and the mother of his two children, had been killed over the weekend in a car accident. Prompted by the Spirit, I said, "You know it's no coincidence that I 'happened' to be running by just now, you know that right? Well I want to tell you that you are not alone. God loves you and I feel I am here to tell you that." Holding back tears, he replied, "That's funny, you're the third person to tell me that in the last two days." 

You know sometimes it takes hearing about Jesus more than once for someone to make a decision to follow or to turn back after having gone off-course. And while you and I may never know where we might fit into that timetable, one thing is certain.... we must heed the Spirit's prompting and speak as we are called. Philip was a perfect example of someone who did just that when, upon being told to go, ran. Did you get that part? He was so obedient to the prompting of the Spirit that he ran to the chariot to tell the man inside the good news about Jesus. And the news was so well taken that the man was immediately baptized. 

So may each one of us be sensitive to the Spirits' call, never missing a chance to tell someone about Jesus, because as Greg Long writes, "If it takes fifteen times to hear about Jesus for someone to believe, wherever I stand in line, I've got to make a difference in case it comes down to me." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for using me today to tell someone that you love them. And since there are so many more people that need to hear that same thing, I pray that we would all be sensitive to the Spirit's promptings and immediately obedient to the commands. Help us to have an urgency, remembering that we might only have one chance. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Fifteen - Greg Long

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVpWlf0-Gos

Constantly improve

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Philippians 3:12

Chris Poelma, President and General Manager of NCR Small Business, has spent nearly three decades developing innovative, high-growth businesses in the technology industry and says he credits much of his success to running. "Running taught me creativity, problem solving and motivation strategies among other lessons. And with every lap, mile and race, I uncover ways to apply these lessons to becoming a better leader and a better person. It motivates me to constantly improve."

No doubt this motivation to constantly improve has been crucial to Poelma's success as a businessman. And this same type of motivation, as every believer will come to know, is crucial to our success as Christians as well. You see, the process of spiritual growth begins with salvation but never ends until we are perfect like Christ-which means there is and always will be a need for us to "constantly improve" that will continue throughout our lives.

And even though you and I will never reach the finish line of spiritual maturity this side of Heaven, the thought shouldn't keep us from pursuing it. For it's only through this relentless pursuit to imitate Christ and grow in knowledge that we can be used as God intended along the journey. And that my friend should motivate us to "constantly improve".

Heavenly Father, thank you for those saints that have gone before us to serve as an example of what it truly means to press on toward the goal of becoming more like you. Although this goal can never be reached this side of Heaven, let it not deter us from pursuing it with the same passion it takes to cross the finish line. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Building 429 - Press on 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pv5wVS7yzk

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/12/3-ways-running-13-marathons-has-helped-me-succeed.html

The encourager

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people." Philemon 1:7

One of the things I love most about reaching the end of a race, especially a long or hard one, is hanging out afterwards and listening to the stories and recaps of other runners. And standing around the finish line of Saturday's Volkslauf Marine Corps Mud Run-with its massive hills, rocky terrain, river crossings and obstacles-was definitely no exception. While there were some great tales to be heard, the story of little 9-year-old Joseph, who joyfully smiled and inspired struggling runners all along the trail, was by far the best. The adults who were blessed to run alongside this young man excitedly reported that Joseph was never at a loss for a motivating word for anyone and frequently shouted, "You can do this!" to those around him. To say that their strength and hearts were refreshed by watching him would be an understatement. In the words of one of his teammates, "he was the light of Christ shining."

And you know, the Bible tells us that a person demonstrating this cheerful "love" for others most certainly brings "great joy and encouragement" to refresh the "hearts of the Lord's people". In fact, the apostle Paul gave heartfelt thanks to God for Philemon, a dear friend and fellow worker, who never seemed to be at a loss for a motivating word and whose love replenished him. It's just another reminder that our attitudes and the things we say can mean the difference between someone giving up or someone pressing on.

With that in mind, would you say you are a refreshing influence on others? Are you like a cold glass of water on a long run? You see, just as that invigorating drink can instantly revive a tired body, a cheerful word and disposition can instantly restore and energize a weary spirit. So will you, like Joseph, be that encourager to someone today? They will most certainly be thankful for it.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for sweet souls such as Joseph that remind us of why we are called to be like children. Help us to have such a genuine love and concern for those around us that we would put aside any complaints or problems we might have so our attitudes will be uplifting and encourage our brothers and sisters to continue running the race and pressing on. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Toby Mac - Speak life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rK6O0YtBRY

* Joseph, who nicknamed himself Motivating Joseph (MJ for short), is currently training with his Mother for the RNR St. Louis Half Marathon. This was his longest and hardest run to date and, will no doubt, help prepare him for the 13.1 mile race. Joseph enjoys competition but says motivating others is more rewarding. May we all follow his example of Christ-like behavior. 

This little guy went through and over every obstacle encouraging others to just have fun and do the same. 

 

History proves it

"But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”" John 11:4

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, running is one of the top three most common exercise activities for all Americans. It's no wonder, though, since studies continue to confirm that its benefits are many. But would it surprise you to learn that this wasn't always the case? Though experts disagree about exactly what sparked the running craze, TIME magazine credits Dwight Eisenhower's 1955 heart attack, the most highly publicized coronary occlusion in history, as the "trigger of this national impulse to perspire for the sake of health." In a cover story that followed the President's heart attack, University of Minnesota physiologist Ancel Keys made the case that physical exercise was undoubtedly part of the issue-and the rest is history.

And while you can be sure Mr. Eisenhower never chose to have this bad thing happen to him, I am sure he was pleased with the many good things that came from it. But as history has proven time and again, God can bring good out of any situation. In fact, when news came to Jesus that Lazarus was sick, Jesus, knowing that good would come out of "this illness" said, "It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." And when Lazarus later died and all hope seemed to be lost, Jesus confirmed that promise by raising Lazarus from the dead causing many Jews to believe that he was truly the Messiah.  

Have you ever seen a situation that looked more hopeless or less likely to turn out good? And yet, that's exactly what happened-and it turned out better than good! So the next time you're wondering what good could ever possibly come out of the affliction or hardship you might be going through right now, remember that history has proven that God can take even the most irreparable and impossible situations and turn them into something good.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many examples the Bible gives us of how you can bring good out of bad events. Help us to trust you during our troubled times as we patiently wait for you to work. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Beautiful things - Gungor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH7fsHze-Kk

http://time.com/4801654/running-day-heart-attack/

Perfect in weakness

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:8,9

In an article published yesterday by The New York Times titled, "Why Running May Be Good for Your Back", experts concluded that, "People who regularly run or walk briskly appear to have healthier discs in their spines than people who do not exercise, according to one of the first studies to closely examine links between movement and disc health. The findings refute a widely held belief that activities like running might overtax the spine and indicate that, instead, they make it sturdier." That's certainly good news isn't it? 

And while that is definitely good news, it's also a reminder that our health is not the only area where widely held beliefs have no basis for truth. You see, there are many myths that Christians, even mature ones, believe that just aren't true. One of which is, "God won't ever give me more than I can handle." This couldn't be farther from the truth as the apostle Paul learned soon after converting to Christianity and given a thorn in his flesh. Rather than healing him as Paul pleaded three times, God responded with an amazing promise, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul realized that his weakness, or the thing that was more than he could handle, was the very key to experiencing God's strength and not his own. It's no wonder that he would boast about his weaknesses then is it?

As Paul learned, God needs to break us so he can use us. And the very things God uses to do that are the situations and maladies that are more than we can handle. It's only then, when we are utterly broken and in admittance of our weakness, that we learn to seek God as the Provider of our strength and the Sustainer of our needs. And that my friend is why we, too, can boast about our weaknesses.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for brokenness that leads to the knowledge that we were never meant to handle life on our own but to have a total dependence on you. Although it may be hard, help us to praise you for those things that we can't handle on our own and then praise you again when your power is made perfect in our weakness. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

His strength is perfect - Steven Curtis Chapman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGC9KT918Kk

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/07/well/move/why-running-may-be-good-for-your-back.html?_r=0

Tell someone

""Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." Luke 8:39

In case you didn't know it, today is Global Running Day. Since it's formation in 2009, this holiday held annually on the first Wednesday in June is designated as a day to celebrate the sport of running. In observance of that, participants of all ages and abilities from all around the world have pledged to take part in some type of running during this 24-hour period and submit their names through the Global Running Day website in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. Daniel Zickl of Runner's World says, "This is a great day to invite a nonrunner to take up the sport."

And you know what else it's a great day to do? To celebrate all the great things God has done for you and me and to invite others to learn more about Him. We can do this by following the example of the "man" who, upon being set free from demon possession, "went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." I have no doubt that the powerful witness of this one man inspired many others to follow Jesus. Can you just imagine how happy he was to finally be free? 

And you know, since you and I have been set free from the bonds of sin, we have no less reason to celebrate. Once lost but now found, we have been restored, renewed and given new life. Is that not a great reason to celebrate? So won't you make it a point today to proclaim "all over town" the goodness of our God? You might just inspire someone else to do the same, or better yet.... to take you up on the invitation to get to know Him better. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many good things you have done for us. If you had only offered us forgiveness of our sins, that alone would be worth celebrating. But you have done so much more. You have restored and made us new and given us the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us at all times. Fill us with your joy today that we might proclaim boldly all the good things you have done that others might be inspired to welcome you as their Savior and that a revival would take place in our nation. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Talk about it - Nicole C. Mullens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpG5471TrD8

Worth the wait

"Wait on the LORD. Be courageous, and he will strengthen your heart. Wait on the LORD!" Psalm 27:14 IRV

With summer just around the corner, you might be feeling the effects of the warmer temperatures already-I know I certainly am. But while running in the heat and humidity can be difficult at first, it might help to remember that the ill-effects they produce shouldn't last more than two weeks. That's the time, experts say, our bodies need to properly acclimatize themselves to the rising mercury. So be patient, avoid the temptation to give up and bide the time by making a few changes like running earlier, slowing down your pace, dressing properly and hydrating well. By doing so, you'll make it through this waiting period and be running at your "normal" pace in no time.

You know, waiting for things to get better or back to "normal" is never an easy thing to do is it? And with so many things that can disrupt our lives, avoiding the temptation to give up can be hard. But many times it's these disruptions and waiting periods that God uses to grow our faith and prepare us for the bigger job he is calling us to. David certainly learned that and what it meant to "wait on the Lord" after being chased through the desert by the jealous King Saul while awaiting the fulfillment of God's promise to take the throne. And as we know, this 14-year wait, or disruption, was the very thing God used to prepare him for the greatest mission he would ever be called to-governing the people of Israel as a righteous and effective king. 

Perhaps you are in a waiting period today? While only God knows how long it will last, one thing is certain. If you, like David, will "wait on the Lord.. .he will "strengthen your heart." So "be courageous" and patient as God prepares you for the bigger task he has called you to knowing it will most certainly be worth the wait. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that reminds us that we can trust in you even when we don't understand why things happen. Help us to be patient as we wait, trusting that you are preparing us for bigger and better ways to be a servant of the Kingdom. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

While I'm waiting - John Waller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc7orBfhEmk

Beautiful feet

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"" Isaiah 52:7

As I was preparing for church yesterday morning, I assessed the condition of my feet and momentarily debated applying polish to what was left of my toenails to hide their ugly appearance. But even that, I decided, wouldn't help much as the polish wouldn't stick long and could never cover up the callouses left behind from the many miles my feet have been blessed to travel to share the love of Christ and his redemptive message to others. So instead, I smiled as I recalled the words of Isaiah, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.." and then strapped on my open-toe sandals and let my "beautiful" feet show. 

And you know what? God says that the feet of all those who bring the "good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings" and "who proclaim salvation" to others whether on the mountains, on a racecourse, across the ocean or across the street are "beautiful". Did you notice that Isaiah didn't say the lips or the mouths of those who speak the good news are beautiful though? You see, even the most eloquent speaker in all the world would be useless if he or she had idle feet. Our feet are only "beautiful" when they are willing to go to the lost, to step out and take the "good news" of the Gospel to where it is needed. 

Knowing that then, whether freshly pedicured or missing toenails, are your feet truly beautiful? Because if beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say, only what God sees is the true determination of whether you and I have "beautiful feet". 

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that how the world views beauty is not the way that you do. Help us then to make our feet "beautiful" to you by going everywhere you call us to share the good news with others. May our feet never remain idle. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Beautiful feet - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sO7M74y-xc

It should be obvious

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

According to Aliesha Fetters, a writer at Runner's World Magazine, "there are 16 ways people at the gym know you're a runner"- including showing up to the gym only on extremely bad weather days, stalking the treadmill section until the best one becomes available, having the worst flexibility of anyone in the gym (think of tight hamstrings), complaining about not being able to exercise outdoors, wearing short shorts, lack of upper body strength, wearing your garmin on the treadmill, attempting to race those beside you on the treadmill and completely hogging all the foam rollers. 

And while there are indeed many behaviors that you and I will display by which people will know we are runners, there are nine specific behaviors, or traits, that we should display by which people will know we are Christians... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You see, the Bible tells us that when we are walking closely with Christ and are controlled by the Holy Spirit, our actions will display these fruits of the Spirit which can't be created or obtained on our own but are the by-products of a close relationship with Christ.

So you see, without uttering a word, others should see our Christ-like behavior and know, without a doubt, that we are followers of Jesus. In fact, it should be as obvious as a runner stalking a treadmill, right?

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to live inside us and guide our actions. Help us to display the fruits of the Spirit so clearly and noticeably that others might be drawn to us and want to know more about you. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Let them see you - JJ Weeks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOg-1JjAdGk

http://www.runnersworld.com/fun/16-ways-people-at-the-gym-know-youre-a-runner