Storm Proof

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

In an article posted Wednesday by TheActiveTimes, runners listed a few things they wish they would have known before running their first marathon including eating too much fiber immediately before the race is a bad idea, trying new snacks and gels on race day is a no-no, start the first mile slow and don't panic when you get passed thinking you need to stay with the crowd, and there would be so much emotion upon crossing the finish line that they couldn't help crying uncontrollably. 

You know, even when we know what to expect, the distance from the start line to the finish line of a 26.2 mile race is never easy. And the same is true of our walk with Christ. Jesus clearly tells us that in this world we "will have tribulation" meaning we should expect it and it should come as no surprise to any of us that following Him won't be easy. You and I will experience tribulation, or states of great trouble or suffering. But thankfully, we don't have to endure these times alone. We can have "peace" through them knowing Jesus is with us now and has already "overcome the world" forevermore. 

So if you're going through one of those "states of great trouble or suffering today", remember that God never said our lives would be storm-free but, with Him, could always be storm-proof. Oh "take heart" in knowing that today my friend and keep pressing on. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that reminds us that we are never alone. Help us to grow closer to you each and every day through prayer and Bible study that we might be able to weather any storm that might be up ahead. May we always remember that, although we have trials now, there will be a day when they will be no more and we will be Home. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

The Cross has the final word - Newsboys

https://www.vevo.com/watch/newsboys/the-cross-has-the-final-word-(official-lyric-video)/USM2C1790075

https://www.theactivetimes.com/run-race/n/what-runners-wish-they-had-known-their-first-marathon

Control your hanger

"People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness." Proverbs 14:29

It's a fact. The more you run, the hungrier you get. And have you noticed that when your stomach is growling, you're more likely to lash out at others? That's because, according to Deena Adimoolam, MD, "When we do not eat, our blood sugar goes low." And when our blood sugar falls, the hormones cortisol and epinephrine are released in an attempt to bring it back to normal. Unfortunately, these hormones also lead to irritability and aggression-explaining why you and I can suffer from "hanger" (a combo of hunger and anger that experts say is a real thing) when we don't get that cheeseburger we've been dreaming about for five miles.

But regardless of the reasons you and I might experience anger, the Bible tells us that "a hot temper shows great foolishness." You see, a person who hastily lashes out at others, or has a quick temper, can hurt those around them by their thoughtless and mean words or actions. Which is why Solomon wrote that "people with understanding control their anger." He surely knew that people who grasped how their words or actions might affect others would restrain themselves from the "foolishness" of not carefully considering them.

So whatever it is that might cause you to be mad, irritated or bad-tempered today, won't you take a moment to consider the repercussions of anything you might do or say? After all, the way you handle a difficult or delicate situation might just lead those watching you closer to the Cross or further away from it.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your presence in our lives. And while we know there will be times that we will feel anger, help us to think before we act on our emotions. Help us to be "understanding" of how our words and actions can affect others and choose to replace our anger over a situation with your peace. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Lead you to the Cross - No Other Name
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujIEjgoc-00

http://www.health.com/nutrition/what-is-hangry

We are the church

"While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”" Matthew 9:10-13

In a recent article by Runner's World, it was said that the difference between simply running and being a runner was that a "runner" viewed running as more than a sport or form of exercise and more than merely a passion or pastime. A runner, they explained, was someone who made it part of their identity. It was someone who may have started out doing it to get in shape or lose weight but who, over time and miles, ceased to question whether they should go for a run but became a person who just runs. In other words, it became who they were. 

And when it comes to identities, do you realize that there is a difference between going to church and being the church? While most people would define the church as a building where people worship, Jesus defined the church as much more. Consider his answer to the question posed to the disciples by the Pharisees, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" By his response, Jesus described what it means to be the church. It's being people who "eat with tax collectors and sinners", who go outside the walls of the church into the world to help the "sick", love those who are hurting and preach the Gospel to the lost right where they are.

So if identity is defined as who or what a person is and is revealed by their actions, would you say that you are the church? Or that you simply attend church? The distinction is very important my friend. You see it's only when you and I are the church, with our identity firmly planted in Christ, that we can truly impact the world around us. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the example that Jesus left us to follow to reach a lost world. Help us to be those people who go out and reach out to the broken no matter where they might be and share the Gospel. Help us to love and truly care for the sick and the downtrodden. Most of all, help us to be like you. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

We are your church - Celebration Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Rgu_Wg4qU

https://www.runnersworld.com/mile-markers/mile-markers-heres-the-difference-between-running-and-being-a-runner

Stand alone

"This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God." Genesis 6:9

While the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, at the request of the head coach Mike Tomlin, remained in their locker room during the national anthem Sunday, Alejandro Villaneuva stood alone. Right hand over his chest, this offensive lineman and former Army Ranger, was the only member of his team to stand for the Star-Spangled Banner, confirming what he vowed to do last year when the protests first began, "I will stand very proudly and sing every single line of the national anthem every single time I hear it. I will stop whatever I’m doing because I recognize I have to be very thankful to be in this country."

You know, it's not easy to stand up for what we believe in-especially when those around us don't believe the same. Noah knew that all too well. In a world where sin had become the norm and people were rejecting God, Noah was known as "a righteous man." In fact, Noah was "the only blameless person living on earth at the time." Talk about standing alone! And while you can be sure that he felt immense pressure to "blend in" and "fit in" with those around him, he was a man who wasn't afraid to do what was right. And why is that you might wonder? Because "he walked in close fellowship with God." The Lord was his best friend and his only ambition was to please Him-no matter the cost. 

Of his faith, Villaneuva said, "If you're right with God, everything else is fine; if you're not right with God, everything else is out of place. Being connected with God is the most important thing there is." It's no wonder then that Alejandro stood alone. In a world that pressures us to blend in more each day, will you do the same? Are you willing to stand alone?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the people in this world who are not afraid to stand alone to show that they will not compromise their faith for anything. Help us to be those people who are walking so close in fellowship with you that we might also be able to "stand alone" and show the world what a true follower of Jesus Christ looks like. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I stand for you - Tree63

https://youtu.be/HuegF_Acnl4

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/09/24/Alejandro-Villanueva-national-anthem-protests-steelers-bears-chicago/stories/201709240162

Be Available

"So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." Zechariah 4:6

This summer, Millard North High School in Nebraska had a job opening very few people could fill. The opening was for a guide runner (to help senior Alex French continue competing in spite of having a visual impairment) and came with a very specific and tough requirement: You must be able to run comfortably at a six-minute-per-mile pace for a high school cross country race, which is about 3 miles in distance. But not only did the position require someone to be fast, but also to be "available" for the daily 3 p.m. practices. 

And while the school found someone who had both the ability and the availability to do the job, the Bible is clear that a person's availability is the only requirement God is looking for. Take Zerubbabel for example. He was a godly governor who ruled over Judah and given the job of overseeing the enormous task of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. While he had certainly made himself available to do it, he was discouraged by his lack of ability to do it. So God sent the prophet Zechariah with this reminder, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit." He was telling Zerubbabel that there was no need to worry about depending on his own strength or ability to accomplish the task, because he could depend on God to provide it through the Spirit. And by God's power alone, the temple indeed was rebuilt.

Perhaps you feel called to do something that seems equally enormous today too? Something that may even seem impossible? Well then, let me remind you that nothing is impossible with God. What we lack in might, power and ability, He provides by his Spirit so that all things are possible.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that shows time and again how you have provided the strength and tools your believers needed to accomplish those tasks you called them to. Help us to fully understand that these stories are true and the people you used to do great things were as ordinary as we are. And if  we will only make ourselves available, we can be used in the same way. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Use me too - Johnny Diaz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKa5iM5DTy8

http://journalstar.com/sports/high-school/cross-country/guide-runner-leads-way-for-cross-country-runner-with-visual/article_aef71b64-30ac-53f6-9ed1-a707ccaa2028.html

Discipline has rewards

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

Many years ago, I ran my first 5k race around a sprawling and hilly park in the town I once lived. As circumstances would have it, I had the opportunity to revisit that area yesterday and run the same 3.1 mile loop that seemed so hard back then. And you know what? That hard loop wasn't hard anymore. It was so easy, in fact, that I ran it three times-praising the Father for the years of discipline and training that had brought me to this very point. You see, it wasn't always easy. But the reward of being able to run longer and farther was well worth all the pain. 

And you know, when it comes to spiritual discipline, the Bible makes it very clear that it is not "pleasant at the time" we are going through it either. But, "for those who have been trained by it", "righteousness and peace" are the rewards. Notice the word trained though? It means being taught a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction over a period of time. You see training isn't a one-time thing. We can't just run a single mile one time and expect to finish a marathon right? Well the same is true of our pursuit to be like Jesus. Over a period of time, He uses the trials and the pains of our life to teach us, redirect us and train us up to exhibit the type of behavior that is Christ-like... something that, like running, is a lifetime process. 

So while undergoing discipline will never be pleasant or easy (it wasn't meant to be), we can find comfort knowing that the Father loves us too much to leave us as we are and will do whatever it takes to make us more like Him. After all, only a good father disciplines his children and we, my friend, have a very good Father. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for training, correcting and even punishing us when we stray from the type of behavior that is not Christ-like. Help us to patiently endure these times, asking what it is you might be teaching us. Thank you for loving us enough to discipline us and calling us your sons and daughters. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Keep making me - Sidewalk Prophets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI1obeb3A9c

Accountable

"So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." Romans 14:12

Sure. We've all heard of the Boston Marathon right? But have you heard of "The Other Boston Marathon?" On September 15, this 26.2 mile race was the first of it's kind to be held inside Fenway Park and required the runners to complete 116.5 laps around the field before crossing the finish line. Dave McGillivray, the race director for both Boston races, later said “In a normal race, you could drop out and no one would know. Here, everyone could see you the whole way. There’s no temptation to even walk. It gave you an incentive to dig deeper.” It's no wonder then that all 50 racers who started the race also finished it. As this shows, having accountability for our performance, or actions, can be a great motivator.

And when it comes to our performance or actions, the Bible is very clear that "each of us will give an account of ourselves to God" one day. That means you and I, and every other believer, will be accountable for the way we used our time, talents, gifts and resources. God will review what we did with the stewardship he gave us. Did we serve Him to the best of our ability? Did we press on in our service to others, giving everything we had-avoiding the temptation to slow down or quit the race altogether?

You know, Mr. McGillivray was right... in a "normal" race, we could drop out and no one would know. But since this race is anything but "normal" and God knows all, we would do well to "dig deeper" and give it our all. Wouldn't you agree?

Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing each of us with different gifts. Help us to remember that you made us who we are and blessed us with what we have only to bring you glory. Help us be the stewards you have called us to be and make the best use of our times, talents and resources-that come the day we are called to give an account, we will hear the words, "Well done good and faithful servant." It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

God help me - Plumb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbOpr54tq8I

https://www.runnersworld.com/races/the-other-boston-marathon-around-fenway-park-116-times

Take it slow

"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do." Joshua 1:8

This past weekend, Matthew Whitaker, a 25-year-old lawyer from North Bondi, Australia, took home more than a finisher's medal for completing the Sydney Running Festival Marathon. You see, not only did he finish the 26.2 mile course in an impressive 2:44:29, he did it while wearing a three-piece suit. Donned with a jacket, shirt, tie and vest (buttoned up per the rules) throughout the entire race, Mr. Whitaker made his way into the Guiness Book of World Records for the "Fastest Marathon Wearing Suit". 

And when it comes to setting records for speed, there's one record we should never be in a hurry to claim... reading through our Bibles the fastest. Joshua knew that full well when he instructed us to study it "continually" and to "meditate on it day and night.." You see, Joshua realized that it wasn't enough to simply read the words on the page, he needed to understand what the Author was saying. He wanted that close relationship with God that he knew came only through a careful, disciplined and deliberate study of His Word-the same relationship that all believers should crave and strive for. 

So just how important is this pondering of the Word for you and me then in having a close walk with Christ? Consider the words of  Dwight L. Moody about this great warrior, "The Lord didn't show Joshua how to use the sword, but He told him how he should meditate on the Lord day and night, and then he would have good success." 

Heavenly Father, how can we ever thank you enough for your Book of Instruction that is literally alive? You have given us this Book as a direct lifeline to you that we might hear your voice no matter where we are. May we realize just how important meditating on the pages of the Bible are in our walk with you that we devote time each and every day to doing it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Jeremy Camp - Living Word

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6-KKBxaFJk

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-lawyer-sets-guinness-world-record-for-running-marathon-in-a-suit-20170917-gyj96w.html

Give careful thought

"Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways." Proverbs 4:26

Just as I rounded the corner and hopped back on the sidewalk that ran alongside the busy boulevard, a large dump truck passed by spilling out rows of black diesel smoke. Since I was running at a pretty good pace, you can imagine my dismay as the clean, fresh air I had been deeply inhaling was replaced by sooty pollutants in an instant. Unable to breathe well now, I slowed down to a walk until the harmful chemicals dissipated. And while I realized that I had no control over breathing in "junk" that was harmful to my body, I was grateful that I did have control over the "junk" I was allowing into my mind. 

Did you know that, according to Psychology Today, people who expose themselves to negative TV, music, video games, movies and news have shown increases in depressed mood, anxiety, and tend to be more "catastrophic" about their personal worries? Which is why following the psalmist's advice makes so much sense, "Give careful thought to the paths for your feet..". You see, if our thoughts are produced by those things we allow into our mind, we should be ever "careful" to make sure those things are good and unpolluted. And because our thoughts determine how we feel and where our feet go, being ever vigilant to guard them is crucial to staying on the right path. 

So may we "give careful thought" today to remember that junk food for our mind is no different than junk food for our body. The ill effects from consuming it might not be seen immediately but will eventually affect our mental, spiritual and physical well-being.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that so clearly gives us the warning to guide our minds from taking in those things that are not healthy for us that our feet might always lead us on the right path. May we be "steadfast" in our mission to stay unpolluted then that we might follow "in all your ways." It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I will follow you - Jesus Culture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Sx_U0Ztr8

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/peacemeal/201301/what-happens-if-you-dont-watch-what-you-watch

Never give up

So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out." Genesis 6:13,14

From early morning until nearly midnight on Saturday, I was blessed to watch, help and cheer on my dear friend, Sherry, who was participating in her first Ironman distance triathlon. Throughout the day, as her daughter and I waited at each checkpoint for her to pass, we enthusiastically clapped for and shouted encouraging words to the rest of the participants knowing that they needed to be cheered on as well. And as you can imagine, after the 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride, the athletes needed a bit more encouragement to complete the last portion, a 26.2 mile run. So, as an older woman with a determined but pained look passed by I said, "You look great!" To which she smiled and replied, "I know you're lying but I'll take it anyways." "Oh no! I mean it," I said. "You look great because you're still moving in the right direction. Don't give up." And you know what? She didn't. She pressed on, slowly but surely, and finished with eight minutes to spare. How's that for dogged determination?

You know, that unrelenting firmness of purpose or resolution is the same type of determination it takes for you and me to heed and fulfill God's calling in the midst of obstacles and fatigue as well. Noah discovered that after being assigned the huge task to, "make yourself an ark of cypress wood." And while no one knows for sure exactly how long it took to build that boat big enough to hold two of every kind of animal, most experts agree that it was about 70 years. Can you imagine going to work day after day, in every condition, no matter who tired you were, for 25,550 days? But that's just what he did. Noah never gave up. He built the boat, accomplished the mission God called him to, and was rewarded for his hard work. 

Perhaps you're facing a daunting mission, responsibility or burden today and feel like giving up? All I can say is don't! Keep pressing on. Keep moving forward, putting one foot in front of the other. But, most importantly, keep looking up. That, my friend, is where you will find the encouragement and strength to complete any job God has called you to do or endure any situation He has called you to go through. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for those examples of perseverance and determination that you have given us in your Word. Help us to realize that Noah and the heroes of the faith listed in Hebrews 11 were no different than us. They were all weak until you made them strong and downcast until you gave them hope. Help us to be like them, determined to press on until the end. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Hard Love - Needtobreathe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeZv7d0FhD4

Sherry, her daughter Shelby, and me

Dispel the myth

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8,9

In an effort to dispel some common running myths, Competitor Running listed the top ten fallacies about running and why they simply are not true. Among those fictitious and widely circulated beliefs are: running will ruin your knees, you're not a runner unless you run this pace (or distance), you're not a runner unless you have this body type and runners can eat anything they want. The truth is... knee pain associated with running is most often caused by muscle imbalance and weakness-not running, runners come in all shapes and sizes and runners have their own unique paces and distance preferences. And forget about eating everything we want. Runners need a balanced diet as much as everyone else to avoid gaining weight. 

And while most running myths might be harmless, there is one myth being circulated that isn't. One that has dire and eternal consequences. And that's the false, but widely-held belief, that being a good person will get an individual into heaven. As nice as that sounds, it's simply not true. The Bible clearly tells us that "by grace" we "have been saved through faith." That means there is nothing anyone can do that would ever make them good enough to earn salvation. It's only by our belief, or faith, in Jesus Christ that we are saved and can accept "the gift" of eternal life. There is absolutely, without a doubt, no other way. 

So if you've been placing your trust in your own efforts and goodness to earn your ticket to heaven, won't you place your faith in Jesus Christ instead? You see it's only by doing that, that you and I can be certain that we will spend eternity in paradise. And that my friend, is no myth.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that is so clear that the only way to eternal life is by faith in you. Help us to be bold in sharing this life-saving truth with others that they too might share in "the gift". It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!

Good enough - Dara Maclean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh3QlOKh6xI

http://running.competitor.com/2017/09/training/10-running-myths_161552

When life sets you back

"Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Matthew 26:33,34

Setbacks in training are never ideal, but they happen to every runner. Just ask Steve who posed this question to the experts at Runners World Magazine: I was planning to do my 20-mile run, but for various reasons life got in the way. Just terrible weather, I felt tired, and family obligations piled up... How much does this set me back? Wisely, he was advised that this wasn't really a setback (as it takes two weeks of doing no exercise to lose endurance) and to take care of the interruptions and his bigger responsibilities first, and then get back to training as soon as he could.

Unfortunately, setbacks or failures, don't just occur in running but also in life. Whether it's due to circumstances out of our control or by our own behavior, all of us will fail...and sometimes fail miserably. Peter certainly knew that when he failed to keep his promise to Jesus after he vowed, "I will never desert you." But as we all know, before the rooster crowed Peter had denied him three times. Talk about the ultimate setback in a person's walk with Christ. But because Peter knew that he was forgiven, he got back up and went on to do great things for the Kingdom. You could even say that he became a "rock" star.  

Maybe you have experienced a setback in your walk with Jesus today too? Maybe you've slipped back into some habit that you know is wrong or even denied him? Well you don't have to stay down my friend. Today is a great day for a comeback... a great day to declare, "My failure doesn't define me, God's forgiveness does."

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that if we admit our sins and truly repent that you will forgive and cleanse us of them. Help us to remember that your forgiveness means that those sins are forgotten and that we can, like Peter, move past them to a new life. A life devoted to following you and doing great things for your glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Danny Gokey - The Comeback

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qvr64VsNT-s

https://www.runnersworld.com/for-beginners-only/what-to-do-when-life-completely-derails-your-long-run

the power of Encouragement

"Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”)," Acts 4:36

Did you know that yesterday was The National Day of Encouragement? Neither did I. As a matter of fact, I didn't even know there was such a day until I heard my favorite morning radio deejays discussing it as I enjoyed my early run. It seems the Encouragement Foundation at Harding University launched the effort in 2007 as a way to promote individuals to extend comfort, confidence or hope to those in need of support by offering positive words of reassurance and approval. 

And when it comes to encouraging others, you and I would do well to follow the example of one of "the apostles called Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement)..." who practiced that very thing each and every day. It seems everywhere he went he inspired others to keep pressing on. The Bible tells us that because of Barnabas' encouragement to Paul and Mark, Paul was first accepted by the church in Jerusalem and Mark was given a second chance after failing to complete his first missionary journey. In fact, Barnabas's patient encouragement with Mark was a huge boost to the success of Mark's later ministry. What a blessing Barnabas was to them! 

Need yet another reason to lift up your neighbor? Consider the words of Zig Ziglar, "When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you're making a commitment and difference in that person's life. Encouragement really does make a difference." So may each of us today, and every day, strive to follow the example of Barnabas and make a difference in the lives of others. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for those people who bless others with the right words at the right time. Help us to be filled with the joy of the Lord each day that we might be known as encouragers and in this way draw others to you. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I'll find you-Tori Kelly with Lecrae

https://youtu.be/Jv8IqJm6q7w

The greatest

"But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Mark 9:34,35

In May of this year, Eliud Kipchoge ran 26.2 miles in 2:00:25 as part of the Nike Breaking2 Project (a program designed to break the 2-hour marathon). And while it may have been the fastest marathon ever run, his time was not recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as a world record because he utilized a team of alternating pacemakers. So, in a bid to be officially considered the greatest marathoner of all time, Kipchoge will be running to win in on September 24 saying, "I want to run a world record. That's why I'm going after it in Berlin."

And while the title of being the greatest runner in the world will be bestowed only to the fastest to cross the finish line, the Bible is clear that being great has nothing at all to do with being first. In fact, when Jesus heard the disciples arguing about who was the greatest, he sat them down and said, "Whoever wants to be first must take last place." You see, our greatness, or success as followers of Christ, is not measured by the world's standards but by God's. And He calls us to be humble and meek, not looking to serve ourselves but to be a "servant of everyone else." 

Oswald Chambers sums it up this way, "The real test of a saint is not one's willingness to preach the gospel, but one's willingness to do something like washing the disciples' feet - that is, being willing to do those things that seem unimportant in human estimation but count as everything to God." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son who served as the perfect example of what it means to be the greatest. May we strive to be like him, always considering ourselves as lowly, that we might remain humble and willing to serve others as you have called us to. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

To be like You - Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl3og-fPwPk

https://www.runnersworld.com/berlin-marathon/kipchoge-on-the-berlin-marathon-i-want-to-run-a-world-record

In honor

"And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful." Titus 3:14 BSB

On this sixteenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, most Americans will take a moment to remember the events of the day that took the lives of 2,977 people and forever changed the world as we knew it. And while some will honor the memories of those lost by engaging in a few minutes of silence, attending a memorial service or even participating in a memorial run, many others will do as 911.org urges and do at least one good deed. The goal in doing so, they say, is for the people of this country to "unite in service in the same remarkable way that so many came together following the attacks." So does one good deed have that power? It does if we all do one. 

The apostle Paul recognized the power that good "works" had in uniting believers and winning others to Christ which is why he instructed Titus, the overseer at the churches in Crete, to teach the people "to devote themselves" to doing them "in order to meet the pressing needs of others.." You see, Paul realized that helping others was the way in which they could show the genuine care, compassion and love that a church and it's followers are supposed to have. And it was doing these "good works" every day that would keep the people united and focused on following the Lord.

So while today is a most wonderful day for doing a good deed, tomorrow is a good day too... and the next and the next. In fact, because of the recent hurricanes, floods and wildfires, you and I don't need to look far to find someone with an urgent need.  And if each one of us would "devote" ourselves to meeting just one of those needs, can you imagine the power that those "good works" would have in reaching a lost world?

Heavenly Father, thank you for those people who are willing to help others no matter the cost. May we all look to their example and commit to doing the same that we might genuinely show your love to a world that is in desperate need of it. And by doing so, may we comfort those who are hurting and give direction to those who are lost. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

A city on it's knees

http://oregonfaithreport.com/2011/09/9-11-tribute-video-song-by-christian-artist-aims-to-heal/

https://www.serve.gov/site-page/september-11th-national-day-service-and-remembrance

We can know

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13

Starting at 10:00 am Monday morning, qualified runners from all around the world will be signing up to run the Boston Marathon. Sadly though, as many runners who have "qualified" based on the time standards have come to know, qualifying and registering for this iconic 26.2 mile race doesn't ensure entry. You see, the fastest runners (those who beat their qualifying time by 20 minutes or more) get first dibs on a slot, while the next fastest (those who beat the time by 10 minutes) vie for a slot and so on until all the spots are filled. So will those runners closer to their qualifying time know immediately if they were fast enough to get in?  Unfortunately for them, the answer is no... not until registration ends and the time cutoff has been determined. 

Can you imagine how frustrating it must be to wait for something that should be certain? Thankfully there is one thing that all believers can know for certain though... that they "have eternal life." The apostle John so strongly wanted there to be no doubt that our belief in Christ would grant us entry into Heaven that he wrote, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." In a world where nothing is certain, that sure is comforting to know isn't it?

And while an estimated one in six qualified runners who apply for entry won't know for a few days if they were fast enough to get in, every person who believes in Jesus can know for certain right now where they will spend eternity. And I believe that is a much more important thing to know. Wouldn't you agree?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that is absolutely clear on what it takes for a person to receive the ultimate prize of eternal life. If there is anyone reading this who has not made the decision to follow you that today, I pray today would be the day that they would do it. That today would be the day they pray, "Lord I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that you are the Son of God and that you have the power to forgive me of my sins. I confess that you are my Savior and I will follow you all days of my life." It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I believe - Hillsong Worship

https://youtu.be/jVdbVP0Ijfk

Obey the prompting

"The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him." Acts 8:29-31

Standing in the parking lot before the race I heard it, "Go over there and talk to that man in the gray hoodie." "Okay," I thought as I made my way over, anxious to see why I was being led to talk to a complete stranger. But after striking up a conversation and hearing how the young man was nervous about running his first marathon and uncertain if he could finish, I smiled as I realized why God had arranged this "meeting". This young man needed some encouragement and a little bit of advice. Interestingly enough, midway through the race, I saw him up ahead and was prompted to pray for him. Then, close to the end as I caught up to this young man who was now walking and struggling, I was prompted to place my hand on his shoulder and say, "You can do this. I'll be praying for you." Little did he know, I had already been praying for him-he just needed to hear it. And yes, he did cross that finish line. Isn't God good?

You know, when it comes to delivering messages of hope or helping others, the Bible is very clear that the Holy Spirit can and will use all those willing to heed the prompting, or urging, to do that very thing. Philip understood that when, upon hearing the Spirit speak, "Go to that chariot and stay near it," he ran to the carriage-arriving at just the precise moment the man inside wanted someone to tell him what the words of "Isaiah the prophet" meant. And because Philip obeyed and did as he was told, the man was baptized immediately afterward. Wow! God is indeed good. 

So today, if you're feeling the Spirit telling you to do or say something, won't you do it? Your obedience might help someone make it to the finish line or might just lead them to the foot of the Cross. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that the Holy Spirit will speak to us in a variety of ways. Help us to realize the importance of walking in close step with You each and every day that we might hear his voice louder and respond obediently no matter what is asked of us or how crazy it seems. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Called me Higher - All My Sons and Daughters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eeeNPMzEEk

Despite difficulty

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

While many people were spending their Labor Day morning refraining from all labor, I was blessed to have spent mine running a marathon along with a hundred or so other die-hard runners, including a group of about ten that were having a 26.2 mile party to celebrate, as their shirts indicated, "Jim's" 50th marathon. And if perseverance is defined as steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success, I would say that Jim most definitely had that characteristic in making it this far. You see, it's this undeviating constancy that any person must have to continue to lace up and hit the road day after day and mile after mile, training run after training run. And it was, no doubt, that unwavering resolution to cross the finish line 49 times prior that led Jim to this day of celebration.

But you know the Bible tells us of a day of even greater celebration--the day "those who by perseverance in doing good" will receive the prize of "eternal life." And although we can't gain access to Heaven by our works since salvation comes by faith alone, we can and should spend our lives in grateful response to what God has done by committing ourselves to serving Christ with an unwavering resolution to do His will. You see it's when we, by perseverance, do this that we can't help but do good deeds that will surely inspire others to know Jesus.  

So may you and I be so steadfast in following God's will today that, despite difficulty, we might be known as a die-hard group of followers... determined to reach the finish line at any cost and no matter how long it might take.

Heavenly Father, thank you those people like the apostle Paul who serve as examples of what it means to persevere despite difficulty. Even while enduring beatings, shipwrecks, persecution and imprisonment, Paul refused to give up or waver in his devotion to you. May we have that same unwavering resolution to press on no matter what we might be facing. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Audio Adrenaline-Move
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH5kOgOTPtk

It takes a community

"This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad." 1 Corinthians 12:25,26

After 45 days, 12 hours and 15 minutes, Joe McConaughy completed his unsupported 2,190 mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail to break the record by more than ten hours. And standing at the top of Mount Katahdin, relishing in the victory Friday, he had this to say, "I've had a lot of time in my own thoughts, and what I took away most from this journey is community. It is the people you love and who surround you who provide the greatest joy." He went on to thank everyone who helped him along the way including, "friends and family who I have HEAVILY leaned on, hikers, trail angels and the trail community who have given me everything from sloppy Joe's to an extra set of batteries to allow me to run through the night."

You know, Joe could have easily taken all the credit for his achievement. After all, he's the one that put in the miles right? But he knew better. He knew that his success was directly linked to to the community of support he had behind him. And as a Christian community of believers, we should be no different. We are called to rejoice when "one part", or person, "is honored" harboring no jealousy. And to hurt when "one part suffers" genuinely sharing in and helping them through their hurts. And by adopting this attitude, there will be "harmony among the members, so that all members care for each other".

This story is quite an example of the success that can be achieved when a community supports one another isn't it? I wonder, are we doing the same to help others achieve great things? Are we celebrating with those who celebrate? And are we empathetic to those who are suffering? I sure hope so-because it's only then that "all the parts are glad" and others will see the love of Christ displayed in us. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the amazing way you have made our bodies. Through your strength, they are capable of much more than we could ever imagine. But no matter what finish line we may cross or momentous goal we achieve, may we never fail to give you ALL the glory and to thank those brothers and sisters who helped make it possible. Help us to love others as you do. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

We are your church - Rend Collective

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Rgu_Wg4qU

https://www.runnersworld.com/appalachian-trail/will-this-25-year-old-seattle-native-break-the-appalachian-trail-thru-hike-record