Avoid the lawsuit

"To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?" 1 Corinthians 6:7

Insurance Journal Magazine reported yesterday that Dennis O'Donnell, a New York man who broke his arm running on the George Washington Bridge, is suing the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, alleging that there's not enough space for both cyclists and pedestrians. O'Donnell claims that he broke his arm so badly that, a year later, he has only gained 75 percent use of it - and so is seeking compensation for his injuries and hopes the lawsuit will compel the Port Authority to make some changes. 

With lawsuits at an all time high and a part of normal life (just look at all the commercials urging us to seek legal help for even the smallest slight), have you ever wondered how a Christian should handle being cheated or taken advantage of by another believer? Paul answered that question when he wrote, "To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you."  In other words, Paul knew that for Christians not to forgive each other and reconcile their own differences was to demonstrate spiritual defeat - thus it would be better for us to "suffer wrong" and be "defrauded" by fellow followers than to prosecute them.

So before even thinking about taking a brother or sister to court, consider this my friend. Unbelievers are watching us. And if we behave as the world does, seeking our own revenge and holding back forgiveness, why would they ever want to become a Christian?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we are to try and resolve disputes and disagreements in a way that shows that we are Your followers. Help us to prayerfully consider the way we respond to being wronged that we might not, in our attempt to win a legal battle, lose the spiritual battle to win the lost to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Forgiveness - Matthew West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Lu5udXEZI

Never stop

"Pray constantly. " 1 Thessalonians 5:17 HCSB

Sure. We all know that breathing is crucial to running. I mean if we don't breathe, we die and can't run right? But what if I told you that there was a right way to breathe when you run? A way that could not only help keep you from getting injured but help you gain speed? Well according to the authors of Running on Air, rhythmic breathing, or the coordination of your footstrikes with inhalation and exhalation in an odd/even pattern so that you will land alternately on your right and left foot at the beginning of every exhalation, can play a key role in sharing the impact stress of running equally across both sides of your body - thus being the perfect way to reduce injury and make you faster.

And while there are many ways to breathe when you run, I would hasten to say that there really is no "perfect" way. Just as there is no "perfect" way to pray. You and I don't need to use special language, kneel down, follow a set pattern or even talk to God out loud - we simply need to "pray constantly." You see, prayer is the communication of the human soul with the Creator of that soul and the primary way you and I fellowship with God. And prayer is absolutely essential to our spiritual well-being my friend.

So if you still think that unceasing prayer isn't crucial to your spiritual life, consider the words of Martin Luther, "To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You want to be a part of our daily lives. So much so that You want us to cultivate a prayer life that comes as naturally as breathing and is as crucial to us as the air in our lungs. May the desire of our hearts be to grow so close to You that we would immediately recognize when we have fallen out of fellowship and desperately gasp to breathe You in once more. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

The air I breathe - Michael W. Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-0EgzOWkvcAD

In the right place at the right time

"The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" Proverbs 20:24 NLT

The Charlotte Observer published a story Monday titled, "His heart stopped during a race. Was he saved by luck, by God, or ... something else?" that chronicled the events of the day Nathan Taylor, a 46-year-old attorney, nearly died. On March 24, Taylor, who was participating in the Elizabeth 8k Road Race, collapsed into sudden cardiac arrest. Elaine Barnes, who "just happened" to be a long-time cardiac nurse, and "just happened" to be running 12 feet behind him saw him go down and immediately started the chest compressions that kept him alive until the ambulance arrived. And while Nathan attributes the string of events to coincidence, Elaine said, "Nothing happens by chance. I was meant to be there, I was meant to run that race, I was meant to be behind him. God put me there. That’s the way I feel. Because I can’t explain it any other way."

And Elaine can't explain it any other way because there is no other way to explain it. The Bible is very clear that, "the Lord directs our steps" and nothing occurs by mere fate, chance or happenstance. And while we may not always "understand everything along the way," like why God puts us in certain situations, we can be sure of one thing. If we are obedient, God will put us in the right place at the right time to achieve His purpose and bring Him glory. 

So the next time you're standing next to a stranger in the store, sitting next to a stranger on a plane, or running alongside one, remember this my friend. God has an uncanny way of putting us in the right place at the right time for the right purpose. So listen carefully for the Spirits' prompting and let Him use you. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that Your hand is in everything. I pray that the events of this day would spur Nathan and his family to search for Truth and give their lives to You. Help us to be open and obedient to the Spirits' promptings to act that we might also be used to lead others to You and bring You glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen,

Happy Running!!! 

Mandisa - The one He speaks through

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siBfrVa4ozY

No matter what

"Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you." Isaiah 43:4 NLT

Well aware that the mercury would be climbing quickly yesterday morning, I decided to bring a hand-held water bottle for the impromptu half marathon my friend and I were running. And while that small amount of H2O would normally be sufficient for 13.1 miles, with the day's heat it was gone after just four. Knowing that with no aid stations on the course to fill my hydration device I would quickly become dehydrated, I instinctively did the thing I always do in these situations... I prayed, "Lord, I am so thirsty. Would you please bring me some water?" And you know what? He did!! As I came over the next hill, I was overjoyed to see a kind friend who had decided to surprise us with a cooler full of iced-down water bottles. 

Isn't it crazy to think that the God of the universe loves you and me, even in the midst of our shortcomings and messy lives, so much that He would provide for our needs? But He does. He truly loves us! In fact, the Father loves His children so much that the prophet Isaiah wrote, "Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you." Did you get that part? You and I are precious my friend, highly esteemed, loved, and of great value to the King.

So if you're looking for a sign today that God still adores you in spite of your faults and imperfections, consider this your sign. Because in the words of Ryan Stevenson, "No matter what you've done, you can't erase His love. Nothing can change it. You're not separated. No matter where you run, He's always holding on. You're still a daughter, You're still a son... No matter what." 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that you absolutely love us more than we could ever comprehend. When the devil comes to us with lies that because of the things we've done we can't possibly be loved by You, I pray that you will remind us that we are precious and honored. Thank You for loving us that much Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

No Matter What - Ryan Stevenson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fSy9yIcoew

Basking in the kindness of a friend and the reminder that God loves me. That water He provided was so very very good!

Remember them

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16

On May 30, 1868, the first Memorial Day (then called Decoration Day) was observed to commemorate the sacrifice of Civil War Soldiers. During that first national celebration, former Union General and sitting Ohio Congressman James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery that included these words, "We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” It wouldn't be until many years later that Memorial Day was declared a legal holiday and the official day for all Americans to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who, for love of country, gave their lives in service to the nation.

But you know, not only did these brave men and women give their lives for the country they love but also for the people, like you and me, who lived in that country... people they would never know or who may never even appreciate or acknowledge the freedoms their sacrifice offered. And yet they served anyway-willing to lay down their lives at any moment for their "brothers and sisters" just as "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us". There is perhaps no greater example we may ever see this side of Heaven of "what love is" than that my friend.

With that in mind, may we, on this Memorial Day, take time out from our runs, races and barbecues to honor those heroes who, by one supreme act, gave their lives for us to enjoy the freedom to live and worship in what is still the greatest country on Earth. We most certainly owe these fallen soldiers a debt of gratitude and our sincerest thanks, wouldn't you agree? For who else but Jesus Christ and the American Soldier has ever been willing to die for us?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who showed us what it means to truly love one another. And thank you for the American Soldier who followed that example that we might live in a country where we are still free to worship You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

If you're reading this - Tim McGraw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeCTlgO00pc

God can handle any problem

"'But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!'" 2 Chronicles 20:17 NLT

Sensing a dear friend of mine was going through a hard time recently, I sent her a message that said, "Hang in there. God's got this." She quickly responded back saying, "Thank you! You have been on my heart as well, I feel like you have some things burdening you right now and I just want you to know that I'm thinking about you and praying for you." Wow! "God is so good that He already has someone praying for me," I thought to myself as I texted back, "It’s nothing God can't handle and a good run won't put into perspective." And knowing how very, very true that last statement was, I smiled, grabbed my hat and then headed out the door for a long run. 

Did you know that science has actually proven that exercise makes us think more clearly? It's true. And do you know what else is true? God can handle any problem you and I have, no matter how big it appears or how heavily it looms on our shoulders. In fact, the Bible tells us that you and I "will not even need to fight” our battles. We simply need to stand firm in the faith, wait and “watch for the Lord’s victory.”  

In other words, the battle is the Lord's my friend. So relax and "do not be afraid or discouraged" no matter what you're facing today. He's got this!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we have nothing to be afraid of. You know everything we are going through and You go before us to fight our battles. May we be encouraged and uplifted by that knowledge today and then rest in the peace that surpasses all understanding. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

My feet are on the rock - I am They

https://youtu.be/o2H-ghsGGMI

Give us clear vision

"How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Luke 6:42 NIV

In a recent article titled, "A Trail Runner’s Confession: Five Things Trail Runners Need To Do to Be Safer and More Polite Trail Partners," Joe Loveland wrote: We runners and walkers are an awfully self-righteous breed. We love to criticize the manners of cyclists on area trails, with some justification. But maybe, just maybe, we should look in the mirror before we start hating on others. After acknowledging that he might be guilty of doing the very things he finds fault with in others, Joe gave five suggestions for making the trails safer and friendlier, including ditching at least one ear bud and acknowledging passers.

You know, the Bible also talks about our finding fault with others when we, ourselves, are guilty of doing the very same thing we fault them for. Think about it. How quick are you and I to judge or chasten a person for their impatience when we ourselves are impatient? Or to admonish a brother or sister for their uncontrolled anger when we secretly harbor indignation ourselves? Luke totally understood our tendency to see other peoples' faults while remaining blind to our own and so warned us to "first take the plank" out of our own eye that we might "see clearly to remove the speck" from our brother's eye.

So today, may you and I vow to focus on our own faults and shortcomings and the changes we need to make before focusing on those of others. After all, as Henry Ward Beecher wrote, “You and I do not see things as they are. We see things as we are.”

Heavenly Father, help us to recognize those times when we are quick to judge others and offer advice on how to "fix them" when we do the very same things. Help us to look at ourselves in the mirror with a clear view of the way You see us that we might change the habits and thoughts that are not pleasing to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Search me Lord - Donnie McClurkin

https://youtu.be/RLH808hnGAo

The purpose of your life

"Do your best to improve your faith by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful." 2 Peter 1:5-8

Sure. We all know that consistent exercise benefits our health in many ways. But new research published this week in the Journal of Physiology actually determined how much exercise we really need to fully minimize the stiffening of arteries, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack. The study concluded that people should be exercising for at least 30 minutes at least four to five days a week. Doing this over a lifetime, they say, will increase our chances of living a long, healthy and fruitful life.

And if consistent exercise over a lifetime can help us live longer, our consistent efforts to develop our "faith by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love" can help us live better. After all, what good is it for us to live long lives if they aren’t “useful and meaningful?” Or if they aren't spent being productive, fruitful and sincere in our service to others?

So may we vow to "keep growing" in our faith and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ today that we might live the purposeful lives He intended us to live. After all, as Rick Warren says, "It's not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. You were born by His purpose and for His purpose."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we were born to serve You and to bring You glory. May we commit today to living the rest of our lives in pursuit of growing closer to You and being productive, fruitful and sincere in our service to others. When our days are done, may we be able to look back and say, "Because there is at least one more person in heaven today because of something I said or did, my life counted." It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Who I'm meant to be - Anthem Lights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVb8OJEQGIQ
 

Minor rules matter

"King Uzziah remained a leper until the day he died. Because he was a leper, he lived in a separate residence and remained disqualified to enter the LORD’s Temple. His son Jotham served in the royal palace, judging the people of the land." 2 Chronicles 26:21 ISV

Almost immediately after Daniel Mesfun was declared the unofficial winner of the 41st annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon on Sunday with a time of 2:16:32, race officials began looking into whether Mesfun might have broken a "minor race rule" that could cause him to be disqualified. This rule, put in place by the USATF, states that Competition bib numbers must be pinned on the front of the outermost layer of clothing that you will be wearing in the race. And according to director Jack Staph, Meslun might have been wearing a shirt over his bib for most of the competition. So what’s the big deal you might ask? Well this seemingly small violation caused the second place runner (who was in the lead for most of the race) to believe that Meslun, who came up from behind, was only running the half marathon (rather than the full) and so felt no need to push himself to keep up... a mistake that cost him the win.

King Uzziah was also a man who broke what some might consider a “minor rule.” The Bible tells us that Uzziah, who was declared king of Judah when he was just 16-years-old, feared the Lord and so was granted great success in battle and in building his empire for many years until he became very powerful. It was then that his arrogance and pride led him to disrespect God and burn incense on the altar of incense. No big deal right? Wrong. Only the priests who had been consecrated were to burn incense on the altar. And for Uzziah's small violation, he was struck with leprosy and forced to live “in a separate residence,” forever “disqualified to enter the Lord’s temple.”

So if you still think it's only the "major" sins we need to avoid, think again my friend. The reality is that all sins separate us from Christ and there are no absolutely no degrees of separation - we are either reconciled to God or a stranger to Him. There is no in-between.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that all sins, both big and small, are a grievance against you and come with consequences. May we vow today to follow You completely as you intended that we might never experience the separation from You that sin causes. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Lay down my pride - Jeremy Camp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjnF4sC0eqA

See yourself at the finish line

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1 NLT

After many long weeks of training and to the cheers of friends and family, Ebony Hinton, 29, completed her first 5k race Saturday - something she thought was completely impossible just eighteen months ago when she weighed over 300 pounds. "It means so much more than running," she said. "It means being able to persevere, to be able to trust God and have faith that if you just push yourself. It was a long journey. When we first started I didn't know if I'd be able to run. What got me over the goal each and every time I ran was I saw myself at the finish line." 

You know, Ebony could see herself at the finish line because of the faith, or complete trust, that what she was working so hard to achieve would happen. And it's this same type of faith, or "confidence that what we hope for will actually happen," in Jesus that you and I must fully develop to be successful in our Christian walk. You see, it’s only when you and I completely trust, or unconditionally believe that Christ is who He says He is, that we will have the “assurance" that God will fulfill his promises even when "we cannot see" them being carried out. And this unshakeable confidence is what will give us the staying power to press on towards the finish line when things get tough or when doubt creeps in.

So in spite of the things that appear impossible for us to overcome or achieve today, may we firmly hold on to our faith and press on - remembering that God never said that the journey would be easy, only that the the arrival would be worthwhile.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we can trust You no matter how impossible our situations may seem. Thank You for being the same God today and forever that You were when You fulfilled Your promises to Abraham, Moses, Daniel, David and Paul and so many others saints listed in the Bible. Give us that same kind of faith they had Lord that will compel us to step out of our comfort zones to attempt great things that bring You glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Confidence - Sanctus Real

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuZPOVFcFJ4

Recall the good things

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

When April 16 dawned cold, windy and wet over Massachusetts, you can be sure that many of the runners lining up for the 2018 Boston Marathon were upset about the weather. But Mark Cucuzzella, 51, wasn’t one of them. And even though his streak of running all of his 100 plus marathons over the course of 30 consecutive years in three hours or less threatened to be broken, he said he wasn’t in a bad mood at all. In fact, he was reminding himself how lucky he was to be running at all. And when the streak did end that day after he crossed the finish line in 3:04:31, his slowest marathon ever, Mark said that he wouldn't change a thing. 

Isn't it funny how some people, like Mark, can be thankful in any situation by simply choosing to recall the good things in their life rather than dwell on the bad?  But shouldn't this be the attitude of all Christians? After all, God has done so many good things for us, things so great that David couldn't help but proclaim, "Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me." He chose to remember that God forgives all our sins, heals all our diseases, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires with good things, and extends unfailing love to all those who fear him. And that's just part of the list!

So in the words of MercyMe, when you're standing in the rain again, you might as well be dancing. Why? 'Cause there ain't no storm that can change how this ends. So next time when you feel blue, don't let that smile leave you. Why? 'Cause you have every reason just to sing.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we have all we need in You. Your forgiveness, grace and mercy are all gifts that we didn't deserve, and yet you have chosen to give them to us anyway. May we, like David, praise You with our whole heart today as we recall the many good things You do. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Grace got you - MercyMe

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

Track your progress

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

In an article titled, "The 5 Best Watches For Runners," Andrea Hannah wrote "As a runner, there's nothing I love more than tracking my progress." Like most other runners, Andrea has learned that using a GPS running watch to accurately determine her changing fitness levels makes a huge difference in achieving her goals and improving overall as a runner. "A great watch," she said, "can help you make progress by monitoring your pace and tracking your heart rate." 

And if tracking our physical progress can help us grow as runners, tracking our spiritual progress can help us grow as Christians. But just how do we measure spiritual growth? Well, if Peter commanded us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," we must ask ourselves if we have done that and whether we are continuing to do it daily. In other words, are you and I making the effort to spend time with the the Lord, getting to know Him so that we can become more like Him? Are you and I more knowledgeable of the Word today than we were yesterday? 

It comes down to this: when we want to improve something, we measure it. Then we can track improvement and know when we've reached our goals and are improving. So the question is then... are you growing?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we should be making an effort to grow in the grace and knowledge of You every single day. May we make it our goal to to train in the Word daily that we might grow spiritually and be better able to serve You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Closer - Sidewalk Prophets

https://youtu.be/u5uGk2GRsqk

When questions remain

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Around 6 a.m. last Saturday morning, Gary Ferraro, 69, a beloved family man, retired police officer and athlete was killed while running westbound along a rural highway in Goshen, Kentucky. Oldham County Police confirmed the driver of a Ford Fusion who hit and killed Ferraro was also going westbound. The driver told police a truck's oncoming headlights were so bright that he looked away from the road for a split second only to look up and see Ferraro in the middle of his lane. Despite all this new information though, WAVE 3 News reported that there were many questions remaining. 

Sadly, every one of us will experience tragedies and sorrows in this life that will leave us with questions for which there will be no adequate explanations. It's during these times, when we struggle with "Why?" that God invites us to put our complete trust in Him instead, not looking to our "own understanding." In other words, when we choose to accept the invitation to trust Him with our whole heart as He wants us to, we choose to relinquish all questions and instead completely rest on the assurance that God's ways and His plans are always good and right - even if, and especially when, they don't make sense to us.  

So today, as you and I face life’s unanswered questions, may we choose to sing, “When You don't give the answers as I cry out to You, I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that some things in life, especially heartbreak and loss, just don't make sense. Rather than our questioning why things happen, help us to trust that You are always faithful and always working things for the good of those who love You. May that thought bring us peace today as we trade our questions for trust. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Trust in You - Lauren Daigle

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

The devil looks for opportunities

"When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came." Luke 4:13 NLT

As a flourishing middle class with higher incomes takes up exercise as part of a healthier lifestyle, the sport of running is growing rapidly in China. According to the Chinese Athletics Association, about five million runners took part in more than 1,000 organized races and events in the mainland last year, roughly double the number in 2016. These growing numbers, according to Zhang Zhiyong, CEO of China Dongxiang, which owns the Italian sportswear brand Kappa in mainland China, creates a golden opportunity for the makers and vendors of running gear. “Running as a segment in the whole sportswear industry is far from being fully developed in China,” said Zhang, noting that the company plans to open 150 new shops this year. 

And when it comes to looking for ideal situations in which it is possible for you to do something that you want to do, Zhang isn't the only one looking for a golden opportunity. The devil is too. As a matter of fact, the Bible tells us that Satan has been lying and looking for opportunities to cause us to sin from the beginning. And unfortunately, temptation is never a one-time thing. Luke pointed this out by saying, "When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came." You see, although Jesus didn't give in when the devil enticed him in the desert, that crafty serpent did not go away and did not give up, just as he won't with us.

So be on constant guard my friend. The devil knew the right words to speak to Eve to get her to sin, and he most assuredly knows the ways you and I might also be lured to sin. So each time the opportunity to go astray is presented, and it will be often, you and I must do as Jesus did. We must combat the lies with the Truth and stand firm and unwavering in our commitment to serve God without compromise. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the devil is out to destroy the lives and witness of all Christians and will use any lies and methods he can find to do it. Help us to stand strong in the face of temptation, follow your example and fight with the sword of Truth, remembering that this is a life-long battle. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Tenth Avenue North - The struggle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSH3Q6O_7w8

Practice restraint

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV

As the temperatures at last month's London Marathon spiked to the hottest on record (73F) in the history of the race, Johanna Pakenham, 53, felt she had to stay extra-hydrated and claims to have guzzled more than a dozen bottles of water. And although drinking excess water on a hot day might sound like a great idea, it's not. Too much of it can actually flush vital sodium out of the body and lead to a life-threatening condition called hyponatremia - which is exactly what happened to Johanna. Soon after the race, she suffered a seizure and slipped into a coma for three days (she later recovered). As this story shows, no matter how thirsty a runner gets, they need to practice restraint by slowing down on the H20 and adding a sports drink with electrolytes.

Paul also knew that self-control, or restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires, was crucial to an athletes' success. In fact, he felt it was so critical that he reminded us that, "everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training." And this strict training, or rigorous and unwavering commitment to the course of action, that was paramount for the athletes he spoke of to "get a crown that will not last" is the same type of commitment that you and I must resolutely acquire and practice if we are to "get a crown that will last forever."

Billy Graham once said that, "It takes discipline and self-control to be a true follower of Jesus Christ." So may we practice using restraint daily and never neglect the "strict training” (daily Bible study and prayer) needed to do so. After all, our efforts will one day be rewarded with an imperishable crown. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that reminds us that obtaining the crown that will last forever will not be easy. It will require self-discipline and an uncompromising devotion to doing what's right and saying no to those things that will lead us away from You. We ask that you give us the wisdom and strength to do that each and every day. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Run - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJGDKM6XsfQ

Choose the good portion

"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'" Luke 10:41,42 ESV

Perhaps you're like many people who are constantly running, working out, eating the right things but still not losing weight? If so, you could actually be overtraining according to personal trainer Liz Lethford, MS, ATC. Overtraining syndrome, she explained,"is characterized by a maladaptive response to excessive exercise without adequate rest, which results in neurological, endocrinological, and immunological harm." In addition to hindered weight loss, she explained that people who consistently participate in sustained periods of aerobic activities without taking time off to recoup and recover may also experience fatigue, depression, a slower resting heart rate, and a loss of motivation. In other words, it's important to find the right balance.

And if it's important to find the right balance, or the condition in which all elements are in the correct proportion, in our physical lives, it's even more important in our spiritual lives. Martha was reminded of that very thing when she, in her effort to serve Jesus complained that her sister, Mary, wasn't working as hard as she was but resting at the Lord's feet instead. But you see, in Martha’s desire to serve Jesus with her whole heart, she was actually neglecting Him - something He pointed out by saying, "but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion and it will not be taken away from her." 

So if you're honest today, would you say that the elements in your life are in the correct proportion? Or are you "anxious and troubled about many things" because your work has left you no time to rest at His feet? If so, right now is the best time to reset your priorities and put spending quiet time with Jesus at the top of your list. You’ll be so glad you did. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that making our time with you our prime concern is the only thing that will bring balance to our lives, both physically and spiritually. Help us to seek You first each and every day Lord that our priorities would be in the correct proportion. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Til I found You - Phil Wickham

https://youtu.be/Ewhz3pCk9vM

The personal recommendation

"Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, 'If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.'" 2 Kings 5:2,3

Like most runners, when I find a product of exceptional quality for a good price, I don’t keep it to myself. So when a friend joined us at a warm outdoor group workout session last week with the sun in her eyes and in need of a visor, I not only told her about the one I had just purchased from a big-box store for less than $10 that was better than my higher priced ones, I loaned her the hat to try and gave her the name of the store where she could find it. And you know what? Based on that positive personal endorsement, my friend showed up at the next group run with the same visor she had recently purchased, ever grateful for the recommendation. 

  

And you know, when it comes to giving personal recommendations, the Bible tells the story of how one bold slave girl's suggestion left Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, eternally grateful. You see, this "young girl from Israel,” upon learning that the Aramenian captain suffered from leprosy, was faithful and spoke up to tell Namaan's wife to send her husband to "see the prophet who is in Samaria” so he could be cured. And because of her courage and obedience, Namaam was not only healed of his skin disease but put his faith in God. 

So knowing the power of a positive personal endorsement, won't you be like the slave girl and boldly tell others about Jesus today? It’s not hard my friend. Simply tell them how God has changed your life for the better and how He can change theirs too. They will undoubtedly be eternally grateful. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our approval of a product or person can heavily influence someone's actions. With that in mind, help us to be bold in telling others about the great things You have done in our lives. And please help us to realize that we, like the slave girl, are in the exact position we are for the exact purpose of reaching those around us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I recommend Jesus - Canton Spirituals

https://youtu.be/acmYXP7rfe4

The chance meeting

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12:7

While wearing his signature tool belt, Chip Gaines, the star of Fixer Upper, completed his first marathon Sunday morning in Waco, Texas with Gabriele Grunewald, a cancer survivor and professional runner, there to cheer him on. This journey to the finish line, they both said, started with a chance meeting in New York City last October. A longtime fan of the show, Grunewald just happened to be on a training run in Central Park when she spotted Gaines, who just happened to be there too, and struck up a conversation. When Gaines heard the story of her commitment to run through adenoid cystic carcinoma, he was immediately inspired and decided to train for the race and run in an effort to raise money for cancer research.

And if you believe that meeting was by chance, or merely a coincidence, consider that the word coincidence translated from the Greek means "what occurs together by God's providential arrangement of circumstances." In other words, these encounters that appear to us as random chance, or arbitrary fate, are in fact orchestrated and overseen by a sovereign God who knows the very number of hairs on our head - and loves us so much that He personally arranges chance meetings to bring us into the paths of others to fulfill His purpose. 

So no matter what you're facing today my friend, "don't be afraid" for "you are worth more than many sparrows." And if our sovereign God knows the very number of hairs that are on your head, you can be sure that He knows exactly what you need - and may even be orchestrating a chance meeting for you right now. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that nothing happens by chance. May that thought bring us peace as we reflect on how omnipotent and omnipresent You truly are. Help us to trust Your plan for our lives and to surrender our will to Yours that You might use us to help others through a chance meeting. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I surrender - All Sons and Daughters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkZRTjcdiLE

Ignore the naysayers

"’Don't be ridiculous!’ Saul replied. ‘There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth.’" 1 Samuel 17:33 NLT

When Caitlin Keen was only 12 years old, she watched the runners along Erie Avenue as they made their way to the finish line of the Flying Pig Marathon. It was then and there, she says, that she vowed to win the Flying Pig one day, "And I remember this one girl, who was not very nice, was like ‘No you won’t.'" That mean girl didn't stop her though. Nothing did. Although she says she wasn't all that great on her cross country team, she never stopped pushing herself - finally reaching her goal Sunday by winning the women's division of the Flying Pig Marathon with a time of 2:46:41. 

And you know, whether people are jealous, mean, or simply doubt the power of Christ at work in us, there will always be those naysayers telling us we can't do something God has called us to. It’s then that we can either listen and give up or pray and press in harder as David did. You see, when young David told King Saul that he would be the one to gain victory over Goliath, he was told, "There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win!" But we all know the ending of that story. By God's strength, David indeed fought that pesky giant and won!

So if God is calling you to do something great today, don't back down in the face of opposition or mean words my friend. Because when He calls us to a task or mission, you can be sure that He will supply everything needed to complete it, no matter how bleak the odds might appear. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise to equip us to complete any assignment you have given us. Help us to focus on that promise rather than the words of doubt we will inevitably hear. Help us to focus on your unlimited strength rather than our limited abilities as we press on to the finish line. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Giants fall - Francesca Battistelli

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

Good out of bad

"The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole household." Acts 16:34

On April 23, Matt Campbell, a 29-year-old "MasterChef" semifinalist, collapsed at mile 22.5 of the London Marathon and died a day later. Very shortly after Campbell's death, Matt Dorber, who also ran the London Marathon and saw the potential to bring something good out of this tragedy, launched a Facebook page called Finish For Matt where he laid out three rules for participants: They had to run 3.7 miles (the distance Matt had left to finish), post a photo of their run with the hashtag FinishforMatt and donate whatever they could to Brathay Trust, the charity for which Campbell ran. And because of this effort to pay tribute to Campbell, 65,000 miles (and counting) have been run with 55 countries and 17,000 people getting involved (with more joining every day), and more than 340,000 pounds have been raised. To say that a lot of good came out of this loss would be an understatement.

But you know what? God is an expert at bringing good out of bad situations. Consider what happened to Paul and Silas while they were traveling through Philippi. After they had been stripped, beaten and severely flogged for casting a demon out of a female slave, they were thrown in prison where they were placed in stocks and put under the careful guard of the jailer. And while that could surely be classified as a 'bad situation', it turned out for the good when, after a series of events, the jailer and his whole household came to "believe in God." But consider this... if Paul and Silas had not been in that less-than-ideal position, who would have told the jailer about Jesus? 

So if you're experiencing suffering, heartbreak or find yourself in a 'bad situation' today, have faith my friend. As God has proven time and again, He will use these times in ways that we can never imagine to bring about good... both to us and to others. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for taking our hurts, sorrows and pain and using them to teach us and bless others. Helps us to be patient during these times as we trust that You are indeed working all things for good. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

All things - Covenant Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR-WF7J6Sf8

Accountability partner

"In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem." 2 Samuel 11:1

In an article titled, "9 Running Tips for People Who Want to Become Runners," two running coaches discussed things a new runner could do to be successful - including tracking their progress, running purely for enjoyment, adapting different playlists for different kinds of runs and, what I think is most important... getting an accountability partner. Getting a running buddy, they say, "makes a difference" because a running friend will not only inspire a person to push a little harder, but will encourage them to stay committed to the program when they feel like giving up.

And when it comes to staying committed, steadfast and unwavering in our walk with Christ, having a spiritual accountability partner, or a person devoted to helping us keep our commitment through prayer, counsel and confession, is crucial. Think how differently the story of David and Bathsheba might have turned out if David could have picked up the phone to call a fellow believer the night he "stayed behind in Jerusalem" and decided to take a little walk on the roof of the palace. It was there that he spotted a beautiful woman bathing and was overcome with temptation. Can you just imagine the words David might have heard after going inside and confessing this transgression to, and requesting the counsel of, a Christian brother? "Don't do it dude. She's Uriah's wife and you know it's wrong. Get on your knees and back in the Word... NOW!" 

So if you're lucky enough to already have one of these people in your life, count yourself blessed. If you're not, won't you prayerfully seek one out? Not only will it make a difference in helping you stay dutifully firm in your walk with the Lord, but will help them do the same. After all, isn't this why God gave us friends?

Heavenly Father, thank You for those people that are not only committed to serving You but to helping others do the same. May we strive to grow closer to You each and every day and more knowledgeable of your Word that we might be that accountability partner to another Christian brother or sister. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

D.C. Talk - Lean on me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysLvmPCE9KA

The right time is now

"You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:14 BSB

Early Monday morning, LTC Jay Thoman, a married father of three, went out for his daily run expecting to return home afterwards and then go about his day as usual. Unfortunately though, Jay was struck and killed by a motorist and never had the chance to carry out his plans. Mark Robinson, one of the many friends left to mourn his passing, said, "Jay loved Jesus and is with Him now. Life is precious and short, and we live in a broken world. The good news is that Jesus Christ, God in flesh, bore God's wrath against sin on the cross and conquered sin by resurrecting three days later so that everyone who turns from their sin and themselves and trusts in Jesus as Savior and Lord will be reconciled to God forever. Jay loved Jesus and loved other people. If you have not turned to Jesus, please consider Jay's life and death. I invite you to make that decision now." 

And you know, while Jay's friends and family have found comfort in knowing that Jay is in the arms of the Father, there are thousands of people who lose loved ones everyday that will never have that peace. They will never have the comfort of knowing they will meet their loved one in Heaven because their friend or family member never accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And if you, yourself, have never accepted Jesus because you were waiting for the right time, consider the words of James, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." 

In other words, life is short at best and can be cut even shorter in an instant as Jay’s story shows. So don't wait for the right time my friend... because the right time may never come. Won’t you accept the invitation to receive Jesus into your heart today? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that life, even if we live to be old, is still very, very short. May anyone reading this today that doesn't know You grasp how quickly life can end that they might not put off, even for another moment, accepting you as their Lord and Savior and would pray, "Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God and died and rose again to cleanse me from my sins. I confess that I am a sinner and I ask that you come to dwell in my heart today that I might have eternal life." It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

The well - Casting Crowns

https://youtu.be/bW5unzXXC0k

Give to the Lord the glory

"Give to the LORD the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his presence. Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor." 1 Chronicles 16:29 NLT

Jake Halliday, 28, had endured a grueling three-and-a-half hour run and was less than a mile from the finish line of the London Marathon on April 22 when he was approached by a steward and asked to leave the course. Halliday, who was running the 26.2 mile race for a dear friend diagnosed with cancer, was devastated at the realization that his bib had fallen off somewhere along the route and he was now disqualified. To make matters even worse, Jake later learned that an unidentified imposter had found his bib, completed the race, taken finish line photos and accepted the medal and glory that was due to him.  

And while you might find this appalling, consider that many of us are guilty of doing the very same thing. We don't steal the glory from an individual though, we steal it from God. You see, the Bible clearly tells us that you and I are to "give to the Lord the glory he deserves." And we do this by acknowledging that God, and God alone, is the provider of all things good - our talents, our abilities, our victories, our health, our homes, our cars and our families (just to name a few things) are ours only because of God's grace. Yet how many of us are professing that these things are gained on our own?

So today and everyday, may we give the glory where it is due and then make this our song of adoration, "I bring an offering of worship to my King. No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing. Jesus, may You receive the honor that You're due. O Lord, I bring an offering to You." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many good things You have blessed us with. May we never keep for ourselves the glory that You alone are due. May we remember that every victory and every battle won is not done by our strength but by Your's. And that everything that we are or have comes from You. May you be praised for that. All glory to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Offering - Paul Baloche

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCh7AFvEVjk