Give me only my daily bread

"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." Proverbs 30:8,9

Yuta Shitara, 26, didn't win the Tokyo Marathon on February 25, but he did run fast enough (2:06:11) to take second and set a new Japanese record (previous record of 2:06:16 was set in 2002). And for his efforts, Shitara went home 100 million yen richer. That's $934,457 wealthier in US dollars. The prize was given based on a project by the Japan Industrial Track and Field Association aimed at bolstering athletes in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by rewarding a runner who sets a new Japanese record.  That amount of money should certainly keep him comfortable for a while. Don't you think? 

And when it comes money, Agur son of Jakeh, the writer of Proverbs 30, wisely asked the Lord to give him "neither poverty nor riches” but only his “daily bread." Agur somehow knew that wealth would tempt him to become prideful, or to boast in his own efforts, thus denying God the glory for his success. But he also knew that being poor would tempt him to doubt God’s ability to provide and so drive him to “steal" those things he needed. Either way, Agur knew that trusting God to give him only what he needed - nothing more and nothing less - was the best way for him to stay content and focused on Him each and every day. 

So may you and I, like Agur, be content with having only our "daily bread" - wanting nothing more and nothing less - that we too might stay focused on the Lord. After all, shouldn't that be our greatest concern? And how much do we really need anyway?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You will provide those things that we need. Help us to trust You to fulfill that promise that we might not be fearful or discouraged. Most of all Lord, help us to discern our wants from our needs that we might be content and grateful for what is provided. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

God provides - Tamela Mann

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GNktMWrB74

He came to seek the lost

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

According to a Florida news report, a social media search is on for a cross-shaped locket that went missing during the Disney Princess Half-Marathon this past weekend. Using Facebook, Chasity Foster posted a plea for help in finding the necklace that contained her daughter's ashes writing, "Today we ran the princess half marathon. Unfortunately because Shaylin was killed in a car accident on Jan 10, 2018 she was not able to run. She was signed up, had her costume and was ready to run. Her father took her spot and even wore her costume. During the race my necklace containing Shaylin's ashes fell off between the entrance of Magic Kingdom parking entrance toll area and where princes stood." Meanwhile, crews at Walt Disney are still searching the area hoping the missing locket will be recovered. 

You know, when it comes to relentlessly searching for something that is lost, specifically something that is priceless, there's no end to what a person will do to find it, is there? And relentlessly search is the very thing Jesus did in his pursuit of you and me. You see, Jesus considered us so invaluable and irreplaceable that He did the unthinkable. The King of kings left his throne to come to this earth as flesh “to seek and to save the lost." Did you really get that though? The great “I Am” left his home in paradise to search for every person in need of salvation - the addict, the prostitute, the adulterer, the murderer, the thief on the cross, and every other sinner - so He could offer them eternal life. 

So if you are questioning your worthiness today my friend, remember that God loves you so much that there's no end to what He will do to find you. You are his child. You are dearly loved. And He thinks you are so precious that your value cannot be determined. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that you would go to the ends of the earth to seek and save us. We are so undeserving, and yet you chose to offer your grace to save us from the punishment we so deserve. Thank You for calling us your children. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

How He loves us - David Crowder Band

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

Walking in darkness

"If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." 1 John 1:6 ESV

Runners World Magazine recently asked the question, "Could running in the dark be the secret to hitting a faster pace?"And while the answer to that wasn't totally clear, Angie Fifer, executive board member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology said that it was possible, "When you run at night, there is nothing to do but pay attention to your surroundings. It can make us more aware and focused, which provides a freeing sensation that can help us pick up the pace. Abandoned streets can also encourage you to unleash your inner speed."

And while running in the dark might have its' physical advantages, walking in the dark, spiritually speaking anyway, does not. In fact, the Bible tells us that, "If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." In other words, if you and I claim to love the Lord, our lives will be reflecting it. Our sinful ways will have been put aside and the light of Christ will be shining through us. To live any other way then would only indicate our profession of faith to be a lie. 

So today and every day, may we so diligently strive to focus on our relationship with the Lord that there would be no hypocrisy found within us - because, as Stephen Charnock writes, “It is a sad thing to be Christians at a supper, heathens in our shops, and devils in our closets."

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to have fellowship with you. Help us to walk so closely by your side that we would always be in the light, avoiding the darkness, that others would come to know you by the way we live. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

In the light - Anthem lights 

https://youtu.be/694ajfbJo1o

Until the time is right

"If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest." Proverbs 20:4

"I'm not going to be ready for Monday Mom. I'm really sucking wind." Those were the words of my teenage daughter at mile one of the 5k race we were running Saturday... the race she was hoping would have her ready for the beginning of track season in two days. I had to smile at this young lady whose plan to sit around until the last minute and then somehow gain physical fitness in one hour had failed. Sensing that she had grasped the consequences of her procrastination though, I resisted the urge to say, "I told you so" and instead said, "You'll just have to work a little harder then honey." 

You know, it would have been so easy to have lectured her on the importance of doing things in a timely matter - but most every one of us, me included, has been guilty of doing the very same thing. How often do we put off difficult tasks until tomorrow, or the next day or the next? The truth is, we all want an easy life. We don't like doing hard things so we procrastinate "until the time is right", which is usually after the time was right. And for that, the Bible gives us this warning, "If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest." 

So today, let us identify those things we have put off doing "until the time is right" and just do them. Because in the words of Mason Cooley, "Procrastination only makes easy things hard, and hard things harder."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that procrastination has consequences. Help us to recognize those things that we continually put off and then pray for the strength to overcome them that we might be the productive Christians you have called us to be, one day reaping a "harvest" for our efforts. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Procrastinating - Stellar Kart

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

A blessing in disguise

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Psalm 119:71

For many people, running is more than just a workout. It's a means of reducing stress, sorting through thoughts and enjoying some quiet time with the Lord. So when my dear friend, Amanda, an avid ultra-runner, announced that she would need ankle surgery and not be able to run for several months, I prayed that she would not only persevere through the trial, but one day be thankful for the lessons learned from the trial. And thankful she was -  saying this about her experience, "All the time God is good! It has definitely made me realize just how fragile I am and that I am definitely NOT the one in control. That running is NOT the most important thing in life and in my weakness HE is strong and that every day is a day of grace and that I should be relying on him. And at any moment all of it can be taken away."

And you know, as sad as it is, many times it takes hardships, illness or trouble for us to be reminded of what's truly important in life. The psalmist, after experiencing misfortune himself, realized that and acknowledged, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." You see, the psalmist was thankful for whatever the trial was he had gone through, although I'm sure it wasn't pleasant at the time, because it was the very thing that caused him to seek and draw closer to the Lord. And growing in faith, no matter what affliction inspires it, is always something that you and I should be thankful for.

So if you're going through a hard time today, take heart my friend - and know that if a ‘blessing in disguise’ is defined as something that seems bad or unlucky at first, but results in something good happening later, this trial could very well be one of the biggest blessings you will ever receive. That is, if you draw closer to Him through it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much  that You would bring good out of the things we think will break us. Please give us the strength to endure affliction and pain and use it to draw us closer to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Blessings - Laura Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQan9L3yXjc

A legacy of service

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23, 24

Years after their death, many famous runners are still being remembered for their achievements. Steve Prefontaine (aka Pre), who was only 24 when he died, went down as a running icon, breaking records in seven track events. Florence Griffith-Joyner, who died suddenly at the age of 38, is still being hailed as the fastest woman to have ever competed, and Jessie Owens, who died in 1980, is still remembered for winning four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics. But as great as those achievements are, they pale in comparison to those of another famous person who passed away yesterday at the age of 99 - the reverend Billy Graham. This iconic preacher, who found Christ at a tent revival when he was just 16, counseled a dozen presidents, comforted the nation during times of heartbreak, and proclaimed the gospel at hundreds of crusades and revivals from Miami to Moscow. This humble man who spent his life "working for the Lord" is said to have changed the lives of millions and will forever be remembered, and leave a legacy, as America's pastor and a man who dearly loved God. 

And you know, while you and I may never have the platform to change the lives of millions of people by publicly preaching the Word, we do have opportunities each and every day to teach, serve, touch and bless at least one person where we work and where we live. In fact, the Bible tells us that wherever we are and "whatever" we may find ourselves doing, that we are to do it "as working for the Lord." And could there be any more important work than loving our neighbors, serving in our churches and communities, and telling the lost about the saving grace of Jesus Christ?

So today is a great day to ask yourself... am I living my life so as to leave behind a legacy of service and faithfulness to the Lord?  Or am I living my life to leave behind a legacy of self achievements, wealth and accomplishments? Let me remind you that only one will be rewarded with "an inheritance from the Lord" my friend - and that’s the one whose life was lived "working for the Lord" to make a difference in the lives of others.

Heavenly Father, thank you for those believers who serve you in all they do each and every day. Thank you for the lives they are changing and the legacy they will leave behind. May we strive to be those believers - unwilling to do anything that doesn't win others to you or bring you glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Thank you Billy Graham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cZn5grlA4E

The water that satisfies

"But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life."" John 4:14 NLT

Over the past decade, a team of physicians and researchers at the Mayo Clinic have been collecting data from runners in an attempt to predict and treat running injuries. In doing so, Runners Science, as the research study is known, also uncovered some significant findings related to fluid intake and finishing time. We found that runners with slower paces tend to be at the greatest risk for exercise-induced hyponatremia or low sodium, which can be very detrimental – even deadly. We found that slower runners stop more often and consume more water. Their recommendation? Regardless of pace, we recommend runners drink to thirst and remember to consume some beverages that have electrolytes in them, such as sports drinks.

With all the calculations that go into determining what to drink and when, wouldn't it be nice if we could just drink once and never have to do it again? It sure would make running easier, wouldn't it? And while our physical thirst can never be permanently satisfied, our spiritual thirst can. You see, once we accept Jesus as our Savior, the Spirit’s presence “becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within” us - a presence that continually pours out the grace that gives us “eternal life” causing us to “never be thirsty again” for the things of this world. 

So, today, if you have an unquenchable desire that you have not been able to satisfy, won't you come to the well to receive what your soul truly yearns for? Won't you make the decision to “drink the water” that will permanently satisfy your thirst?

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that you would offer to permanently quench the thirst within our souls and give us the peace we so desperately crave. If there's anyone who has not accepted this offer, I pray today is the day that they say... Jesus, I accept your offer of living water. I accept you as my Savior and I ask that you come into my heart and abide with me forever. I believe that you died to save me from my sins and I want to spend eternity with You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The well - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW5unzXXC0k

Be intent

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1

When it comes to running and speed, there is a universal truth - excess weight carried significantly affects race times. In fact, a study by Runner's World magazine determined that even the weight of your shoes can impact your speed. And losing those extra pounds, they say, could gain you a better time by as much as one percent for each pound lost. To put that into perspective, it means that if a 200-pound man lost 10 pounds (five percent), he would be able to race five percent faster... turning a half marathon time of two hours into one hour and fifty-four minutes. Wow! Shedding the weight is really smart then for us runners, don't you think?

And when it comes to running our best spiritual race, the Bible is in agreement that you and I should shed the weight there as well - telling us to, "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up." And how do we do that? By ridding our lives of the things that continually hold us back or cause us to stumble - those addictions, habits, hang-ups, thoughts, or actions that we know need to go (yet we keep hold of) that hinder us from running "with endurance the race God has set before us."

So if you have some “thing” you need to let go of today, you have a decision to make my friend. Will you remain content with the way things are? Or will you be intent to make those much-needed changes so you can press on to the finish line in record speed? The choice is yours. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us how we can reach the finish line. Help us to identify those things in our life that are keeping us from running our best race and to strip them off. And remind us that we are not alone in doing this. All the strength we need comes from You. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus.

Happy Running!!!

Take my life-Jeremy Camp
https://youtu.be/-y22bJxi5Xo

He meets all our needs

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Nearing the start line of the El Paso Marathon early yesterday morning, it became apparent that my husband would be stuck in traffic unless I got out quickly and walked the rest of the way, allowing him to exit onto the freeway. Unfortunately, in my haste to exit though, I forgot to grab my GU Energy gels. And while facing a 26.2 mile race without any nutrition might strike fear in the average runner, I was unusually calm. Calm because I knew that God, who has always been faithful, would provide exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it. And provide He did - a gel at mile 6, bananas and oranges at nearly every water station, and my favorite Peanut M&M's were better than anything I could have packed myself. 

And you know, the apostle Paul knew a great deal about God's faithfulness too. Time and again, the Lord had provided exactly what he needed, exactly when he needed it - making him so confident of God's ability to provide for him and other believers that he wrote to the Christians at Philippi, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” It’s this firm trust that all his needs would be met that allowed Paul to be calm and trusting no matter what situation he found himself in. 

And isn’t it great to know that’s God's promise is still true today? You too can have peace my friend in any situation you might be facing knowing that God was, is and always will be the Great Provider. And since He has unlimited resources, you can be sure that there's nothing in this world that you could ever need (not want) that He cannot supply. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would promise to meet all our needs... not just some but all. What a comforting thought that is for all who place their trust in You. Help us to believe wholeheartedly in that promise that we might live our lives free from the worry of being left in want. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Don Moen - Jehovah Jireh

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

At the finish line with my son and niece. God truly does provide. 

There can be assurance

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." John 5:24

Most days, my morning runs are spent in praise and worship. But yesterday was so different. Even while in constant prayer and with joyful Christian music in my ears, I went into my workout with a heavy heart and ended it with a heavy heart. I just couldn't make sense of it... 17 people senselessly killed in one of the deadliest school shootings in modern history. And I couldn't get the words out of my head that Sarah Crescitelli, a freshman who was in the school when the shots rang out, texted to her mother for what she thought might be the last time, "If I don't make it, I love you and appreciate everything you did for me." 

As a mother, my heart truly aches for those parents who lost their children on February 14. But it grieves even more for those who may not have that blessed assurance that they will see them again one day. And while we can't always protect our children from evil or sudden death, we can, by inspiring them to hear the word and believe “him who sent me,” guarantee that they will have "eternal life." You see, the best thing that you and I can ever do for our kids is to love the Lord with all our hearts and to teach them to do the same. 

So if you don't have that blessed assurance today, won't you sit down with your chuldren and talk to them about Jesus? I promise that it will be the most important conversation you will ever have and could, one day, inspire them to say, "I love you and appreciate everything you did for me." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that this world is not all there is and that there is eternal life for all those who believe. Lord, I pray that this world would see a revival and that it would start with us today and spread out like a wildfire. And Lord, I pray peace and comfort for those people in Florida struggling to make sense of the tragedy. May they turn to you. It's in your precious name pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

If we ever needed You - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC131P22CZA

In any circumstance

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Demssew Tsega Abebe was an elite professional marathon runner in Ethiopia with a promising future (expected to be on the Olympic team) until attending, what he thought was, a peaceful protest in December, 2015. In a crowd of thousands, Abebe was singled out and tortured - his heels and feet so severely lashed he couldn't run. Shortly after the beating, he was scheduled to run in the Houston Marathon. Barely able to walk, he boarded the plane to Texas anyway with his team. But instead of running the marathon, he stayed and applied for asylum in the United States and waited for the day his family could join him. That day finally came yesterday when they were reunited, with Demssew saying, "I am so happy. I thank God."

And when it comes to being thankful, the Bible is very clear that it is "God's will" for believers to “be thankful in all circumstances." But that doesn't mean we are to be thankful for all circumstances my friend. You see, since evil doesn’t come from God, we shouldn't thank Him for it. But... since God promised to be with us through all circumstances and to bring good from all circumstances, you and I can and should be thankful in all circumstances.

And you know, because Abebe stayed faithful through the toughest of “circumstances”, good did come from his situation. He now runs without any pain, has continued to protest in support for the Oromo people and was described by the D.C. Mayor as, "a wonderful role model for people around the world." All because he remained thankful.

Heavenly Father, help us to see how easy our lives actually are in comparison to those who don't have the same freedoms we have. Help us to always be appreciative and to say "Thank you God" in any circumstance that we might be in, knowing that your promises are true and we have so much to be thankful for. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Thank You - 33 Miles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD1H29Ps8l8

El Paso Marathon 2016

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2

I was blessed to run the 9th annual El Paso Marathon yesterday in El Paso, TX. What a great race this was with it's near perfect temperatures and some of the friendliest runners I've ever encountered! Due to road construction though, the course was changed sparking talk of whether the new route would be enjoyable. I was overjoyed to find the new course to be even better than the previous years proving that change can indeed be a good thing.

Most of us don't like change though do we? And those of us that might want or need to change might not know where to begin. Thankfully the bible tells us the most perfect route to changing for the better though when it instructs you and me to not "copy the behavior and customs of this world." But to instead, "let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." When you and I allow the Holy Spirit to change the way we think, we are 'transformed'-no longer living for the things of this world but living to honor and obey Christ in all we do.... starting with our thoughts. 

You see, it's when we have a renewed mind that we will "learn to know God's will" for our lives "which is good and pleasing and perfect." Now that type of change is indeed a very good thing. Wouldn't you agree?

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would care about every part of us. Help us to transform our thoughts and thus our lives that we might be new creations focused on your will which is good, pleasing and perfect. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Shonlock - Transformed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgCYD-yR8L8 

El Paso Marathon 2015

"Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible."" Matthew 19:26

What a beautiful day for a run. Yesterday was the 2015 El Paso Marathon and Half. The day began early to catch the buses at 5:00 a.m. that would take the marathoners to the top of Trans Mountain for a 7:00 a.m. race start. The beginning temps were in the low 50's with only a high of 61 predicted, absolutely fabulous temps for a 26.2 mile run. As the runners descended down the mountain for the initial 1,584 elevation drop (about four miles down), the rain began to fall cooling it down even further serving as a simple reminder that God had blessed this day. I knew that good things were in store for the rest of the race. 

As expected, the aid stations and volunteers were amazing as was the post-race nutrition. I absolutely love the people of El Paso, the culture and especially the food! Running this race gives you the opportunity to experience all three. The medals and awards were surely worthy of the effort it took to earn them. But the absolute best part of the race was finishing at the Southwest University Park, the home of the El Paso Chihuahuas minor league baseball team. Although the half and full started at different places, we finished together and as the runners made their victory lap into the stadium, they were greeted with hundreds of spectators in the stands. Talk about making a runner feel like a winner regardless of the finishing time. Way to go El Paso Marathon!! They couldn't have made TEAM413 feel any more welcome. I truly believe that God was working today. Especially on one runner...

Chris Martinez Jr. and Chris Martinez (two of my most favorite men)

Christopher Martinez was running his first half marathon. Despite extreme knee pain beginning at mile one, he finished the race and learned something about himself in the process. The greatest lesson was that he realized that, "with God everything is possible." Like hundreds of other racers yesterday, when he had nothing left, he relied on God's strength to get him through. And, in doing so, he realized that God was all he needed all along... yesterday, today and every day. 

If you will allow Him, God can and will do amazing things in your life today, tomorrow and every day too. You need not wait until He is your last resort, when you have no power of your own. Simply let Go and let God. Surrender your will and let Him work. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many lessons you teach us through the simple act of placing one foot in front of the other. It's only through your strength that we can truly be winners - on the race course and off. Help us to surrender to you each and every day and to instead rely on your strength and power rather than our own. The true victory is a life in pursuit of the ultimate medal, eternal life with You. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Running - Cornerstone Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTl3rv6ZTNo

About to enter the stadium with only .2 left getting a high five from my sister in law 

Spread the love

""Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."" Matthew 5:16 WBT

 

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, many couples will be exchanging chocolate hearts and boxes of assorted treats to express their love for one another. Megan Murphy and her partner, Kevin Minnick, who are marking this Valentine’s Day having lost a combined 120 pounds after Murphy joined Weight Watchers in 2016 (inspiring Minnick to follow), will not be one of them though. They have found what a study, published this month in the research journal Obesity, revealed... weight loss is contagious. When one partner commits to losing weight, the other partner is likely to lose weight too.

And if the actions and lifestyle of one person can be contagious enough to spur another person into following their example, consider how our actions could do the same. You see, by letting our "light so shine before men that they may see" our "good works"- or those acts of kindness, love and service to others inspired solely by our love for the Father and bringing Him glory - our actions can spur others to seek His love for themselves. Bill Hybels says it like this, "God wants us to become contagious [believers] … who will first catch his love and then urgently and infectiously offer it to all who are willing to consider it. This is his primary plan, the one Jesus modeled powerfully: to spread God’s grace and truth person to person until there’s an epidemic of changed lives around the world”

So if being contagious, as defined by Merriam-Webster, means exciting similar emotions or conduct in others, let us be so full of love and light that we can't help but spread it everywhere we go. And by doing so, may we inspire others to love and glorify the "Father who is in heaven." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the ultimate example of true love. Help us to love You with our whole being that we might "shine" bright in a dark world and inspire others to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Proof of your love - King and Country
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgqYYk-0wDs

Depression is real

"How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?" Psalm 13:2 NLT

From the outside, 29-year-old Jonathan Grey, a professional runner for Adidas who found his greatest success in cross country but had recently competed in the USATF Marathon Championships (running 2:20:08), seemed to have it all. He was young, talented and loved by many. So what his brother, Matt, posted on Facebook Friday evening didn't seem to make sense, "Today will be the hardest day of my life... My brother Jon Grey ended his life today and lost his battle with depression." Sadly though, this story is not uncommon. Many people that we know, love and come into contact with on a daily basis are suffering from depression - with suicide being the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15-44. 

 

And if you think depression doesn't affect Christians, think again. The Bible gives us many examples of believers who suffered from bouts of sorrow and deep despair. In fact, David, a mighty warrior and a man after God's own heart, poured his feelings out to the Lord on many occasions expressing his hopelessness. In Psalm 13, he cried, "How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?" You can be sure that David was hurting inside - you can just hear it in his words. But by opening up, honestly confessing and expressing his pain and feelings to the Lord, David was able to experience God’s comfort, reclaim his lost joy and once again sing His praises. 

Perhaps you, or someone you know, is experiencing prolonged feelings of severe despondency and dejection today? Perhaps you've even prayed over the situation and the sorrow remains or even gets deeper? If that's you my friend, won't you reach out and talk to someone today? Sharing your feelings is often the first step to recovery. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for understanding our struggles and our pain. Help us to realize that our feelings of sorrow don't make you think less of us or indicate that we are failing in our Christian walk. Help us to know that sadness is a normal part of life but, if it doesn't go away or gets worse, could indicate something much deeper. Give us the discernment to know when we need to seek outside help and the strength to pursue it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Storm inside of you - Veronica Ballestrini
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQkSkBgX5cc

Note - If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts and tendencies, please get help. Don’t try to face this on your own. There is hope and healing, and there are many who will journey through this trial with you. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) at any time day or night 24/7, to talk to someone who understands. Or go online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for more information and help.

More comfortable

"The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death."" Exodus 16:3

Let's face it. Whether you have just started running or have been doing it for a while, there are times when running is simply no fun. You hurt, you have lead in your legs and your mind tells you to quit. To help combat that, Activebeat published "13 Tips to Make Running more comfortable." Among the suggestions listed were to pace yourself, schedule your runs, invest in comfortable shoes, concentrate on the positive, choose a scenic route, vary your workout times, don't time your runs, make running your refuge, and stretch well. And while every workout will have its' moments of discomfort, following these tips, they say, will make your runs a little smoother and more comfortable.

And while getting more comfortable in our running can actually help us get better, doing it in our spiritual lives can be detrimental. Consider the Israelites. They had personally seen God do a lot of miraculous things in saving them from the Egyptians, including sending the 10 plagues and parting the Red Sea. The Lord had proven Himself faithful time and time again - but when it appeared that there was no food to eat, they wanted to immediately trade the amazing future God had promised to go back to the place where they would have "all the food" they wanted. In other words, they were willing to give up going into the promised land to be more comfortable in their old land - willing to trade the promises of the future for the comforts of the present. 

I wonder today, how many of us have done that very same thing though? How many of us have gotten so comfortable where we are that we are hesitant to step out and go where God is leading us? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that you would promise to not only lead us in the best direction for our lives but to provide for us along the journey. Help us to have faith in that promise and step out of our comfort zones to go anywhere you may be beckoning us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Don't get comfortable - Brandon Heath

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qlTlawI4t8

Run away quickly

"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." Proverbs 27:12

The Tampa Bay ABC Action News reported yesterday that police were searching for a man who tried to kidnap a woman at gunpoint while she was running along Coffee Pot Blvd near downtown St. Petersburg, FL early Wednesday morning. Allie, whose last name we aren't using to protect her identity, tells ABC Action News she had only one thought when a man pointed a gun at her and demanded she get inside his car: "I’m not getting in," she said. Instead, she ran away as fast as she could, "I was sprinting away thinking this guy is going to shoot me!" St. Pete police officers later said that Allie's brave decision to run away in the face of danger most likely saved her life.

And while running from danger is always wise, it is always wise to remember that danger, or the possibility of suffering harm or injury, can come in many different forms and from many different sources. As in Allie’s case, danger came in the obvious form of a gun-toting madman. But danger can come in more obscure ways too - from any source of temptation, great or small, that might lure us to sin. And while "the prudent see danger and take refuge.. the simple keep going and pay the penalty." In other words, if we are truly wise, we will run - and I mean in a dead sprint as if our lives' depended on it - from temptation to a safe place. But if we're stupid, we will walk right into trouble only to suffer the consequences from it later. 

So today, let us follow the example of Allie and run away as fast as we can from any thing, person or situation that threatens to harm us either physically or spiritually. Doing so might just save our lives. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that so clearly warns us of the consequences of sin. Please help us to remember that the danger to stray from the right path is always looming. And Lord, please give us the discernment to recognize anything that might harm us and the strength to immediately run from it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Trouble - The New Respects
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BHoHVoMbbs

Pursue peace

"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14 NIV

In 2005, when he was just 10 years old, Yiech Pur Biel, who is set to compete in the 800m event in the 2018 Olympics, was forced to flee the war in South Sudan, leaving his parents behind. Knowing the devastating effects of conflict first-hand, this young man, who will be competing as part of the Refugee Olympic Team, arrived on the divided Korean Peninsula this week with a special message, “Peace is the fundamental of everything that a state can do. A person needs many things – shelter, food, water, education and medical services – to survive, but what do they all mean without peace? As a refugee who fled from a country in conflict, I know and have experienced for myself how important peace is.”

And you know, Yiech is not the only one who understands the importance of world harmony. Time and again, the Bible tells us that we are to pursue peace and to “make every effort” to live in it with everyone. But doing that starts with making “every effort” to “be holy.” You see, it's only when we tenaciously strive to achieve holiness, or become more like Jesus, that we will love others the way He did. And it’s only when we love others the way He did - unconditionally, understandingly and forgivingly - that we can lay aside our differences to join in our one commonality... our love for Christ.

So may you and I make it our priority to pursue a closer relationship with our Creator today, making every effort to be holy, so that we might be able to live in peace with those around us and inspire others to do the same. Because a shared love for Jesus is the only thing that will ever bring peace to our world. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us time and again the benefits of living in peace with every person. Help us to pursue holiness that others might come to know You because of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Bleed the same - Mandisa

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

That peace

"Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. " Philippians 4:7 CEV

Seven years ago, at the age of 37, Julie Pannel was swimming with a friend, training for a triathlon. Fit as she could be, she never expected that she would almost die that day. But that's exactly what happened. Julie survived what's commonly referred to as a widow maker heart attack that, statistics say, kills 95% of those who experience it. And in those moments of distress which should have been extremely frightening, Pannell said, "I had Psalm 23 running through my head. The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want, and then, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. So I was just, you know, kind of had that peace of knowing God was with me and he was going to carry me through whatever the outcome was." 

Isn't it amazing how, in the midst of what should strike total fear, someone could be so calm? It truly defies reasoning doesn't it? But that's exactly the peace that those who "belong to Christ Jesus" can have in the midst of conflict and trouble. It's a "peace that no one can completely understand" because it cannot be explained. It simply defies logic because it's not found in the absence of burdens, suffering or difficulties but in the midst of them - it's a state of utter tranquility that allows us to "think and feel" in total contradiction to what our circumstances warrant. And it's a peace that "God will bless you with" when you decide to follow Him. 

So if you don't have that peace today, I urge you to seek it in the only One who can provide it. Seek the Lord my friend. You will be so glad you did.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of knowing that You have been, are, and always will be in control - and for that, we have no need to worry. Help us to remember that no matter what happens to us here, we will one day spend eternity with You free from the pressures and the worries of this world. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

The peace of Christ - Tommy Walker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN9bEkGe6ss

To your Name be the glory

"Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1

Not much of a football fan, I did chores around the house Sunday as my family watched Super Bowl LII, periodically checking the score and watching the occasional commercial. What happened after the game though, at the awards ceremony, had me sitting down with my total attention and eyes transfixed on the screen. Of Philadelphia’s win, Eagles' Coach Doug Peterson said, "I can only give my praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity." Tight end Zach Ertz, who made the game-winning catch, then told the millions of people watching, "Glory to God first and foremost." And the Superbowl MVP, Nick Foles, followed Ertz to the microphone and said the same. Talk about making the most of opportunities to declare God's praises!

You know, while athletes, actors and other famous people often get unique and large platforms in which to praise the Lord for his "love and faithfulness," you and I have opportunities each and every day to do it. And although it might be to a smaller audience, the effects are still far-reaching. Did you get that promotion at work? Boldly declare, "to your name be the glory." Did you get that PR you've been training for? Boldly proclaim, "to your name be the glory.” You see, since God is the provider of all good things, we can take credit for nothing. And when others see our acknowledgment that success comes only from the Father, they will be drawn to know Him more. 

So today and every day, may we never deny our Lord the honor, glory and praise that He is due. And may we, like the Psalmist, say, "Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory..." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to achieve great things through Your strength and by Your grace. May we continuously acknowledge that all good things come from You that others might come to seek You because of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen,

Happy Running!!!

Every praise - Hezekiah Walker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuuZMg6NVeA

By our actions

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18

Saturday morning was perfect running weather. So perfect, in fact, that I decided to finish up my long run with some speed-work. And as I was clipping along, lost in worship music with a flood of endorphins coursing through my body, it happened. My toe nicked a portion of the uneven sidewalk and I came down fast and hard on my side, tearing my gloves and ripping a hole in my tights over my left knee. Laying there in pain and shock, I could hear the cars passing me by. "Didn't anyone see me fall?" I wondered. "Why isn't anyone stopping to help?" Finally summoning the courage and strength to get up, I smiled as one passerby finally slowed and rolled down her window to check on me. "I'll be okay, " I said gratefully. "Thank you for caring."

As Christians, we are called to really care about and love each other, not to merely say that we do right? But what does that look like? Well... love, as Merriam-Webster defines it, is a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties - indicating that for love to be felt between people, they must have a relationship of some kind. But God calls us to a deeper love for others, one that flows out of our love for and relationship with Him. You see, the more we love Jesus, the more we will love others, even strangers or those we have no personal ties with - and that love will be so evident that it will be revealed by the way we care for and treat those around us. 

So today, and every day, "let's not merely say that we love each other" but "let us show the truth by our actions." May we always stop to help those in need and really look to make a difference in a world that so desperately needs to feel the love of the Savior. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us even though we are so undeserving of it. Thank you for caring about us each time we fall and for helping us rise to our feet again. Help us to love others in the same way Lord, that they might come to know You because of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Kingdom-Kristian Standfill

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

Get up and go

"But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe." Acts 14:20

Did you know that yesterday was National Get Up Day? And if you've never heard of it before (I hadn’t), National Get Up Day on February 1 is an opportunity to share inspiring stories of perseverance; it’s a reminder to pick ourselves up when we’ve fallen and give it (whatever it may be) another go! The day was actually inspired by figure skaters who have to learn very quickly that falling down is an unavoidable part of training and that learning to get up repeatedly is the key to success. This day isn’t just about skating, though. It’s about celebrating that Get Up spirit that applies to every aspect of life and inspiring others. 

And if anyone had that Get Up Spirit, it was the Apostle Paul. In fact, the Bible tells us that while Paul and Barnabas were preaching the Gospel in Lystra, some Jews who came from Antioch and Iconium persuaded the the crowd to stone Paul and then drag him outside the city (thinking he was deceased). "But, after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city." Wow! Not only did Paul miraculously get up after being left for dead though... the very next day, he and Barnabas preached in Derbe, gaining a large number of followers. They then returned to Lystra, the very place Paul had been stoned and thrown out of, to strengthen and encourage the disciples. And all this happened because one man had learned to get up... even when it appeared impossible.

So when life knocks you down - and you can be sure that it will in more times, and in more ways, than you could ever imagine - remember the words of Vince Lombardi, "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up." You see, it's only when we "get up" that people around us will want to know the secret of our strength. And it's then my friend, that you and I can tell them about the Lord, the One who provides the fortitude, resilience and backbone to overcome any situation. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the strength, determination and courage we need to get up from anything that has knocked us down. Lord, remind us that you never promised us a life free from tests, trials and tribulations but that you promised to always be with us through them. May others come to know you God by the resilience and faith we display when life doesn't go as planned. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

The Comeback - Danny Gokey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qvr64VsNT-s