Set an example

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness" Titus 2:7

Inspired by 80-year-old Ken Syring, the patriarch of the Syring family, four generations of the Syrings celebrated their recent family get together in a most unique way last Saturday. They all ran the Healthy Human Race 5k at Soldiers Field where the oldest and the youngest placed second in their age groups. According to Ken's daughter, Debbie, the example was set by her Dad. She explained that running became an extension of the value of hard work their dad instilled in them as children and an ethic they in turn have passed on to their children and their spouses. 

Wow! It's quite amazing how the actions of one person can influence future generations isn't it? But that's exactly what Ken Syring, who began running in college, did. He set a "good" example for those around him to follow and they, in turn, did the same. And shouldn't this be what every Christian strives to do?  Paul certainly thought so, urging young Timothy to set "an example by doing what is good" so others might see his good deeds and copy them. 

So if we want to win others to Christ, may we live "good" lives worthy of following. May our lives serve as examples of what it truly means to follow and obey the Lord. After all, as Albert Schweitzer wrote, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that people are watching us and that our actions have the power to lead them closer to or further away from You. Give us strength to live with faith and integrity in a world that is sorely lacking it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Lead me - Sanctus Real

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLr6G8Xy5uc

Rise up

"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 ESV

East St. Louis track and field athlete Willie Johnson said he remembers well the feeling of disappointment of not being able to compete at the IHSA competition earlier this spring after a fight that broke out during the Southwestern Conference Meet led to a suspension of his team for the remainder of the season. "It was tough. I cried my eyes out a couple of times,” Johnson said. “But what happened to us in the spring, that really pushed me even harder this summer. It really motivated me." I would say it motivated him! Johnson, 16, captured the 15-16-year-old 400 meter title on August 4 and earned All-American honors. 

And you know, just as Williams' story shows, failure can either knock us down or motivate us to try harder and rise up stronger. Consider the life of Peter. The Bible tells us that he denied Christ three times. And yet, because he showed remorse and vowed to never repeat his mistake, he went on to fulfill the words Jesus spoke to him, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." History shows that Peter went on to be the first great leader at the church of Jerusalem and developed a faith that was unshakeable. Talk about using failure as a stepping stone!

So if you feel as if you've failed miserably in your spiritual life today, don't give up my friend. Rise up instead by remembering that Peter's failure didn't mean he couldn't be used and neither does yours’.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that where sin abounds, grace abounds more. Help us to see our failures as stepping stones that we might use them to learn from and build on. And help us to see that true repentance wipes away our sins and gives us a fresh start. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Champion - Bekka Shae

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

Be weird

"John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey." Matthew 3:4 BSB

Two months ago I was blessed to start what I can only describe as my "dream job." The hours were perfect, I could run before work and use the company shower before clocking in, and the organization was there to serve and improve the health of the community. Not being one to sit for long periods though, I purchased a stand-up desk soon after starting my new position. And while eating my lunch standing up and working at my computer last week, a coworker walked by and said jokingly, "You are so weird! You eat salads, you run all the time and you never sit down." 

Have you ever thought that being called weird was a compliment? Well it is! Consider this... "John wore a garment of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey." John the Baptist was different from anything natural or ordinary, and could most definitely be defined as weird to those around him. But his strangeness is the exact thing that attracted people to him! They all wanted to see this man who was so different from everyone else that they gathered to hear the daring words he spoke, "Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven has come near." 

So if you are a Christian, stand apart my friend! Be different. Be weird. Let people see that you follow Jesus at all costs and are most definitely anything but ordinary. After all, being strange and unusual may be the very thing that draws people to you and the Message. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that as followers of Jesus we are to be set apart and totally different from the world. May we be so different that others would be drawn to us that we might share the Good News of the gospel with them. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!

Jesus Freak - DC Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQBIS2zWEz8

Go and tell them

"And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." Mark 16:15 NLT

Last week as I was driving home from work, I realized that my favorite Christian radio station was off the air. "Hmmmm..." I thought, "perhaps I should tell them?" No, I quickly decided, someone else surely has or will and it will be back on in time for my early morning run. Well guess what? "Someone else" didn't call and, because of my unwillingness to speak up, not only did I miss out on hearing my favorite DJ's, a lost person scanning through the dial might have missed the opportunity to hear about Jesus and His saving grace. Feeling the guilt, I immediately informed them and the station was back up within hours.

Sadly though, if you and I are honest, how many times have we kept quiet assuming, or even being relieved that, "someone else" would tell the lost about Christ? Well guess what? Waiting for someone else to share the Good News is not what Jesus called his followers to do. In fact, He clearly told the disciples, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." That means you and that means me! And if go means to travel or move in order to engage in a specified activity, that is a direct order for each one of us to go wherever we are called for the specific intent of sharing the Gospel. 

So if you're waiting for "someone else" to go and tell your lost neighbor, friend or coworker about the Lord, don't wait my friend. Get moving today and preach the Good News to them and then to everyone else you see.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that every missed opportunity for someone to hear the Gospel is a missed opportunity for them to come to the foot of the Cross and be saved. Help us to truly grasp that so we would be willing to go into all the world and preach the Good News as you have commanded us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Good News - Mandisa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzcvUvCmVZ4

You can know

"I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13 NLT

Hundreds of runners and walkers participated in the Cameron Bean Memorial Run on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of the day Cameron, a passionate and talented runner, died after being hit by a car while running on Hamm Road in Chattanooga. And while his mother Lisa says she misses his vibrant personality, she also said, "He was the life of the party. Just a good, funny, loving person. He loved God, he loved people, he loved our family. That's how we could say early on we don't have any regrets with our family. We loved each other, he knew it and until we see him again, we're looking forward to that day."

Looking forward to that day? Can you imagine having that kind of peace and assurance in the midst of such tragedy and loss? If you believe in Jesus Christ you can. John knew it and wanted other followers to know it too. So much so that he penned these words, "I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life." Did you get that? If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can be one-hundred-percent certain that you will one day enter into heaven. And if a loved one has gone before you, you can be just as certain that they will be there to greet you. 

So if you have recently experienced a loss or questioned the existence of heaven, take heart my friend. Not only has God never left your side, He has prepared in advance a place for all who believe in Him to one day enter in. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that death is not the end but the beginning of a new life. Help us to live our lives so on fire for You that others would have no doubt, upon our death, where our eternal place of rest will be. There could be no greater hope to leave a loved one. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Come though fount - Matt Boswell

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

Only when

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

Runner's World magazine recently published an article titled, "6 Ways Meditation Benefits Every Part of Your Body” in which Mike Roizen, M.D., and chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic said, "I recommend all people—that includes all patients I have—learn which [meditation] techniques work for them, and then practice it routinely." Making this one change in your routine, he says, improves mental health, reduces harmful inflammation, controls food cravings, gives your brain a boost, fights premature aging, staves off colds, and helps you deal with pain. Those are pretty good reasons to meditate then, don't you think?

And when it comes to the very best technique and reason to think deeply or carefully about what God is trying to teach or tell us through the Bible, Joshua was clear that meditating on "this Book of Instruction continually" was the key to obedience and prosperity. You see, it's only when you and I ponder the Word deeply and carefully "day and night" that we can grow closer to the Lord and learn to discern His will for our lives. And it's only then, after we have discerned His will and then aligned ours' with His, that you and I will "obey everything written in it" and succeed. 

So take time to read and study the Word my friend, asking yourself, "What does it say? What does it mean? What does it mean to me?" And then truly contemplate, consider and ponder the answers as you go about your day. I promise, that by doing so, you will reap benefits both now and for eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that reading the Word and then meditating on it continually is crucial to a successful Christian walk. May we truly grasp the importance of it that we would make it a normal part of our routine. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Jeremy Camp - Living Word

https://youtu.be/p6-KKBxaFJk

Remember to remember

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago." Psalm 77:11 NIV

Two-time Olympian and American record holder, Kara Goucher, recently admitted that she has struggled with confidence throughout her running career - and said that the night before a race was always difficult until she began keeping, what she calls, a confidence journal. This logbook is where she records her training and makes reviewing it part of her pre-race routine. Of incorporating this practice into her program, she said, "It’s a way to put it all out there on the table and realize how much work I’ve done, how I have prepared, and how I deserve to be competing. Even when times were hard, I still pushed through. If tomorrow’s race is hard, I know I have what it takes to succeed."

And you know, just as Kara finds the confidence and strength to push through hard times by finding a way to remember that her training is sufficient, you and I can find the confidence to press on by remembering the "deeds of the Lord." The many times He has given us victory over situations that looked hopeless, the many ways He has provided when there seemed to be no way, and the many times He has revealed His presence and power when we felt we were alone and weak. 

So when you meet new trials that threaten your confidence that God can see you through, remember this my friend... "Remember the way He led you up to the top of the highest mountain. Remember the way He carried you through the deepest dark. Remember His promises for every step on the road ahead. Look where you've been and where you're going and remember to remember." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You are forever faithful and that the same God who carried us through the storms of yesterday will carry us through the ones we will face today, tomorrow and forever. Thank You Lord for all your marvelous deeds and for loving us so much that You would personally care for us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Remember to remember - Steven Curtis Chapman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJz_rv5qC4s

My feet are on the Rock

"'Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock." Matthew 7:24, 25 NLT

I was almost giddy as I arrived at our small-town school's track early in the morning to get in some speedwork. This newly-built "track", if you can call it that, is not standard size and is covered in pea gravel but it makes for a flat, soft surface to train on and I was thrilled to have it. And on this day, with the bulldozers hard at work around the sides and below the track as the supervisors watched. it looked like they were making it bigger! "Are you all expanding the track?" I eagerly asked. To which one of them replied, "No ma'am, we are just trying to keep it from washing away." 

It seems this track, which has a large drop off on one side, was built upon dirt and the recent rains had caused that dirt to shift and break off. And as I peered over the side at the dramatic dropoff and surveyed the damage for myself, it reminded me once again why Jesus said that "anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock." You see, had the builders built it "on bedrock", it would not be collapsing. Just as the person whose foundation or life is constructed or built upon the Word and listening to, learning and following, the commands of Jesus will not "collapse" or fall when the inevitable storms of this life "beat against" them. 

So may you and I be "wise" today my friend and surrender our lives to Jesus so that we might be able to confidently proclaim, in any situation, "I can see the clouds roll in. I can feel the wind as they try to shake me. I will not be moved... My feet are on the rock."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that if we place our trust and our lives anywhere but in You, we will fall apart. Help us to truly understand the benefits of surrendering our lives to You that we might do that very thing today and know that our futures are secure no matter what storms might be raging around us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

My feet are on the Rock - I am They

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYwx3RZr1bE

Life is wonderful

"'For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.'" Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

As I looked around at the runners, walkers and bicyclists participating in the Frog Fitness Group's monthly Free 5k Donut Run Saturday morning, I couldn't help but smile. People, young and old, were talking, laughing, smiling, singing and genuinely enjoying the morning as they traversed the 3.1 mile course - which later brought to mind something famed runner Kara Goucher said, "That's the thing about running: Your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is."

And if wonderful can be defined as unusually good, would you say that God has been good to you? And not because you might have a great job, a nice home or can run an 8-minute mile but simply because He has promised to be with you both on those days that could be described as wonderful and those times in life that are anything but wonderful? And not only is the Lord with us, or "living" among us, the Bible tells us that "He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm your fears... and rejoice over you with joyful songs." 

Knowing that my friend, can't every day be described as wonderful then? And the life of every believer even more so? Of course, because for the person who trusts Christ as their Lord and Savior, life is indeed unusually good. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that with You by our side, life is pretty wonderful. Help us to see the blessings of Your presence each and every day that we might rejoice in the good times and the bad. Thank You for your lovingkindness. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Life is precious - Wes King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSkYaDlCv8k

Guard your appearance

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV

Larry Macon, aka Marathon Larry, is quite a celebrity in the world of distance running. Officially he holds the record for the most marathons run in one year and claims to have completed over 2,000 marathons in his lifetime (despite having started at the age of 52). And while Larry has been described as an inspiration by many, his claims recently came under scrutiny after he was caught skipping a 0.2-mile section of the 'Mo Bell Marathon multiple times on August 4th. When confronted with the accusation, Larry apologized for the way things might have appeared but assured the race director that he went back after the finish and made up the mileage. As you can guess though, Larry's profession of integrity is not being readily accepted.

And you know, as this story shows, displaying even a hint of dishonesty can ruin a person's reputation and stain the legacy they leave behind. Paul certainly understood this and so issued the church at Thesallonica, and us, this warning... "abstain from all appearance of evil." In other words, you and I, as followers, are to always conduct ourselves in a way that gives absolutely no appearance, or impression of being dishonest, wicked, corrupt, sinful or immoral to the world around us.   

So knowing how easy it would be to not only tarnish our character but our witness by being amoral or dishonorable, may we restrain ourselves from doing anything that gives the "appearance of evil." And by doing so lead others to Christ because of the things we don't do.

Heavenly Father, help us to be so like You that the world knows we are set apart. Help us to refrain from ever compromising our beliefs to fit in with the world. And most of all, help us to yearn to follow You and the path that You say is right that others might follow and come to seek salvation. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Trust and obey - Chelsea Moon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McwKhtzMk0A

No excuses

"But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord." Jeremiah 1:7,8 NIV

When 'Gene' asked the experts at Runners World how he could train for hills to become a better trail runner when he lived at sea level where it was flat, he was told, "While you may not be able to replicate the exact vertical gain of these races, you can mimic the intensity to simulate it. Our bodies perceive exertion based on things like heart rate and breathing rate, so whether it’s a run that is straight uphill or a fast track workout, we can simulate that hard effort." So if 'Gene' truly wants to become better at climbing trails, he now knows how and has no excuses. 

And you know, many people struggle when faced with new challenges and look for excuses to sidestep them. Jeremiah certainly did. When he was called away from his comfortable life to live the life of a prophet, he offered the Lord an excuse as to why he couldn't possibly complete this new challenge. To which the Lord countered, "'Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you." He was telling Jeremiah (and us) that there would no excuse for not following Him because Jeremiah was equipped to do the job. And not only was he qualified to complete the task assigned, God himself would be with him. 

And you know, the same is still true today. If God has called you and me to do something, you can be sure that He has already equipped us well in advance. And you know what that means? It means that you and I have no excuse for not rising to the challenge my friend. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that we can do anything You have called us to. Rather than making excuses, help us to believe that You have equipped us to fulfill our calling and press onward no matter the obstacles in our path. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Lauren Daigle - You Say

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZvKJl1kK8g

I am blessed

"'But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7,8 NIV

As I was running through the park very early last Saturday morning, I looked up in time to see an elderly woman out exercising with the use of a walker. As I watched her seemingly struggle a bit to take each step, I smiled and called out as I approached her, "Good morning. And how are you today?" To which she smiled back, broadly and with eyes full of joy, and simply said, "Blessed." Oh my, I thought, shouldn't that be the immediate response of every believer? And not only when things are going well, when our health is good and our bank accounts are full, but at all times? Of course it is. 

And why can we, as believers, profess to be blessed at all times? Because "the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him" is "blessed" and has no need to worry about the present or the future no matter how it may appear. This woman, in the midst of her failing health and aging body, could without a doubt declare she was "blessed" because she trusts, or firmly believes, that God has the power to fulfill his promises, and has confidence, or unwavering certainty, that God will fulfill his promises. And God has promised her and us that, upon our final breath, we will spend eternity with Him. 

So if someone were to ask you that same question today, how would you respond? If you, like me, have placed your trust in Jesus Christ my friend, you too can smile and say, "I am blessed." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your promises that are always true. We are truly blessed to live our days with the confidence that You are who You say You are. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Blessed - Rachel Lampa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz9TicUNwRM

His perfect timing

"The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.” Psalm 145:15 NLT

Sensing the need to transition from my part-time job to a full-time one that offered benefits, I prayed, "Lord, please give me the right job at the right time - a job with hours that will allow me to still run in the morning and continue doing all the things I feel You calling me to." And while the perfect job most certainly came along many months later (praise God), I couldn't imagine any worse timing. Along with increased hours, I had a son getting ready to leave for the National Guard, my daughter needed me more than ever and my husband took a job working out of town. But you know what? As I headed out for my early morning run yesterday and noticed that the sun was rising later and later, I smiled BIG. God's timing was perfect after all! In the seven weeks since I had started,  I realized that there had not been even one morning with inclement weather and He picked a time where I could adjust to my new routine and this new season of life before I had to adjust to changing running conditions as well.  

Isn't it humbling to think that the Creator of the universe would love us so much that He would provide  exactly what we need exactly when we need it? David certainly thought so saying, "The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.” In other words, our Father's timing is absolutely perfect. And that knowledge should give us the hope to keep looking up to Him even when we don't understand it. 

So may you and I confidently declare today that even if we don't understand life's timetable, we have faith that God does. And for that we can sing, "I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving each one of us as if there were only one of us. Thank you for providing for our needs Lord and thank You for your perfect timing. May we hold fast to your promises and trust in You today. 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

What if

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--" 1 Timothy 2:1 NIV

As I glanced into my rear view mirror, my first thought was, "What kind of maniac is in this much of a hurry at 6:30 am on a Saturday morning?" I was anxious to get to my early morning group run but not enough to tailgate someone else so dangerously close. What was this drivers problem anyway? I wondered. But then the realization hit me. What if this driver was on her way to visit a sick child in the hospital? What if she had just gotten news that her mother was dying? What if? What if I stopped berating her and prayed for her instead? And that's exactly what I did.

And you know what? Although God is all powerful and all knowing, He many times will put us in the right place at the right time to make "intercession" for others. And not just for fellow believers my friend but "for all people."  But we certainly can't pray for others if we're busy judging them, can we? 

So the next time you and I are tempted to judge someone's behavior, why don't we stop and pray for them instead? After all, what if one day it is you and I that need those "petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving" that God urges us to make for all people? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there are many hurt and broken people in this world that need the prayers of believers. Help us to be so sensitive to the Holy Spirit's nudging that we would not miss even one opportunity to lift someone up to You. It's in your precious name we pray  Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

When we pray - Tauren Wells

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqicUCaa6ag

Hold fast to the dream

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

In 2010, Kevin Hircock was tired of being overweight and out of shape and decided to make some healthy changes-changes that included adding some running to his routine. Those short runs he started off with soon turned into long runs and races where Kevin said he would envision himself pushing handicapped individuals to the finish line in special racing carts. Knowing this "dream" was given to him by the Lord, he vowed never to give up and said, "I sensed a very distinct call to step out in faith and set up Team RunFree as a non-profit organization. The expanded opportunities it would offer were pretty exciting. In 2016, the dream became a reality."

You know, as Kevin's story shows, the "dreams" that God places on our hearts do not always become reality overnight. Many times it can take months or even years to see the visions God has given us come to pass. It's during these waiting periods though, or the times when you and I aren't seeing the fruits of our labors, that the devil will attempt to steal those dreams any way he can. And when the doubt, fear and anxiety the deceiver brings come, you and I need to "stand firm” letting nothing move us, and commit ourselves to heeding the call no matter what obstacles may come our way. 

So if you happen to be discouraged over a lack of progress and feel like giving up today, stand firm my friend. Keep working, knowing that your efforts will have an impact upon people both now and for eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we should never give up on those dreams you have placed within us. Help us to hold firm to your promises and to look to You and your Word for the inspiration and encouragement we will need to press on in the midst of any obstacles and doubt that would steal the dream. May we hold tight to it until the day it comes to pass and brings glory to your Name. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Dream for you - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8nsJZx8eWw

For more information on Team RunFree, visit them at https://www.facebook.com/TeamRunFree/

What to Expect

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.'" John 16:33 NLT

With the kids heading back to school and fall approaching, you may be one of the many runners gearing up for your first marathon? And while training for a long distance race might be an exciting experience, running a 26.2 mile race will not come without its' share of hurdles. So to make it easier, runner and coach of the New York Road Runners, Robert Mandje, shares "What to Expect" on raceday so a runner will be ready for any condition they might face. Among those things he says a runner should be prepared to encounter? Large packs of people clumped at the starting line, cramps and adverse weather. 

And you know, when it comes to this long distance race we call life, Jesus also tells us what you and I can and should expect by saying, "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows." And why does He warn us ahead of time? So you and I will be ready for the “many” hard times, afflictions and misfortunes that He promises will come our way. And so that during these times, you and I might have "peace" and continue to press on, knowing that no matter what difficulties this life might hold, Jesus has "overcome the world."

So "take heart" my friend. In our struggles, storms, setbacks and trials, you and I are never alone and we are never truly defeated, no matter how it may appear. The battle is already won and the finish line is just ahead. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that as true followers of Jesus Christ, we have nothing to fear in this world. Thank you for telling us what to expect that we might be ready to stand firm and courageous in the fight knowing that victory has already been claimed. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Wherever I go - Dan Bremnes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S15mk_5nTdY

No faking it

"Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." James 1:26

Competitor Magazine recently wrote, "The long run is the backbone of base training. It develops everything from oxygen uptake and muscular endurance to energy efficiency. Trouble is, long runs need to be 90 minutes or more, which isn’t good news if you’ve got only an hour. Don’t despair. You can get similar benefits in one hour with some long hills." They went on to say that you can “fake” your long runs by doing repeats on a single hill for an hour keeping your heart rate well within 85 percent of max heart rate.

And while the world might not be able to spot a runner who fakes his or her long runs, they will most assuredly be able to spot a Christian who fakes their faith. You see, the Bible tells us that those people who "consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues" only "deceive themselves" about being a true Christian and "their religion is worthless." In other words, the person who portrays himself as a faithful follower but has a slandering tongue demonstrates that he or she has no real religion in their heart.

So knowing that our actions and the words we speak reveal who we truly are, would you say that you are a follower of Jesus Christ or merely faking it? If your answer was the latter, I have good news my friend. God can give you a new heart today. All you need to do is ask.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that out of the heart comes the words we speak. Help us to truly examine ourselves to see if our religion is merely in vain. And if it is, I pray that we would seek your forgiveness and ask for a new heart, a heart that is focused on You today. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Here's my heart Lord - Lauren Daigle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTDoDA-1lsE

You will not be alone

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10

Sitting in the parking lot in front of the recruiters' office early yesterday morning, neither of us said a word-afraid if we did that one of us might break down. Watching my son leave for basic training, which he would be doing within the hour, for the National Guard was proving to be one of the hardest things I would ever do. So as I sat there in the stillness, silently praying that God would still my anxious heart and hold back the tears that threatened to flow uncontrollably, I heard God’s voice, "He will not be alone Melissa. I am going with him." As I then smiled and reached out my hand to embrace my son's shoulder, I confidently said, "You won't be alone." 

And you know, no matter where you and I may go, or where God may lead our children, we can find comfort knowing that there's absolutely no place we can travel that the Lord can't and won't follow. David knew that full well saying, "If I go up to the heavens you are there; if I make my bed in the depths you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me." I don't know about you my friend, but that thought gives me amazing peace. 

Perhaps you have a child starting school, going away to college, leaving home or going into the military today as well? If so, I pray that you too will find peace knowing that they won't be going alone. God never leaves our side nor will He ever leave theirs'. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reassurance that there's no place on this earth that we can go that your right hand will not hold us fast. May that thought bring us the peace that surpasses all understanding today Lord and in the days and months to follow. Help us to fully trust in this promise Lord that we might let go of all worry and trust that You will guard our children. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Psalm 139 - Mercy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTO31snLnAg

Be the best every day

"'Now, as you can see, the LORD has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then." Joshua 14:10,11 NLT

At the of 81, Jeanne Daprano, once known as the "running teacher" for inspiring her students to get fit, is still pushing her body to the limit, running competitive races, breaking world records and taking on new challenges? Why? Daprano said, "The feeling of being fit at any age is a real gift, a blessing.When I get to the final finish line, here on Earth, I want this body to be worn out, there's not a thing left in it. I'm not doing this to live to be 100. I'm doing this to be the best I can be, today. Period."

And while getting fit at any age can most certainly add years to our lives, a life-time of good habits can add life to our years. How? Think of it this way. If you and I exercise, eat well and treat our bodies as God calls us to, we will not only live to serve the Lord longer but be able to serve Him better. Consider Caleb, a faithful follower of God, who served the Lord over his lifetime and in his old age could still declare, "Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then." 

So may you and I strive to be the best we can be, today and everyday, that we might serve the Lord and others to the greatest of our ability. And may our goal be to give all we have in this lifetime that we have nothing left to give when we get to the final finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we are to keep our bodies fit that we might be able to serve you to the best of our abilities all the days of our lives. May we treat our bodies as you have called us to, as temples built to bring You glory and inspire others to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Til the day I die - Toby Mac

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

Never too late

"'Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." Joel 2:12,13 NIV

"Are you ever going to stop running?" shouted out the mailman assigned to my route as I ran past the gas station where he was filling up his mail truck very early Thursday morning. Turning around to see who was yelling, I saw him laughing, so I smiled big and shouted back, "No way! And it's not too late for you to join me you know!" To which he laughed even harder, made a motion to show his expanded waist and replied, "I obviously haven't run since high school. My running days are over. Go run a few miles for me." 

And you know, as I continued on my way, I was reminded that it really isn't too late for him, or anyone, to start exercising. Just as it's never too late for him, or anyone else, to turn back to the Lord. It's true. God has extended an invitation to all of his children who may have wandered from the faith saying, "Even now... return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." You see, our Father, who is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love" wants us to know, no matter how far anyone may have turned from Him, it's never too late to turn back. 

Perhaps you're that person today who has let life and time gradually pull you away from your relationship with the Lord? Well I have good news my friend. While you’re still breathing, it is truly never too late to turn back to Jesus. Won't you do it today?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You welcome your children home no matter how long they have strayed away. Father I pray that if there's someone reading this today that needs to return to You, that they would not waste another second in doing so. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

No turning back - Brandon Heath

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_TGh9-iabM

From foe to friend

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31,32 NLT

In an incident that made headlines two years ago, Silas Kipruto took a right-handed swipe at Teshome Mekonen for following too close on his heels as they both raced to win the Bix 7 road race. Mekonen immediately filed a protest after Kipruto won the race but the win was honored. So the headlines about the 2018 Bix 7 road race might have had some people doing a double take, "Competitors Become Friends Two Years After Midrace Scuffle." Mekonen said this of Kipruto, "I very, very respect my friend. Now we have a very good relationship. He is my friend.”

And just what does it take to go from foe to friend you might ask? Forgiveness. Forgiveness that starts with ridding oneself "of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior." This changing of the heart then allows us to be tenderhearted and forgiving to one another "just as God through Christ” was forgiving to us. Did you get that just as part though? That means to an equal degree. Jesus forgave all our sins, transgressions and misdeeds-even forgiving the people who crucified Him. Knowing that then, we must forgive others to the same extent. 

So are you withholding forgiveness to someone today? Perhaps waiting until they deserve it? Just like us, they may never deserve forgiveness. But be like Jesus my friend and forgive them anyway. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we are all sinners undeserving of forgiveness. And yet, Jesus granted it to us anyway, even to the very people who hung him on the cross. May our hearts be so yielded to You that we would grant that same forgiveness to others. And by doing so, lead them to the Cross. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Forgiveness - Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOflZvrZC4o 

Not disqualified

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

Less than 10 miles from the finish line of the 2018 Hardrock 100, one of the world's hardest 100-mile endurance races, Xavier Tevenard, 30, of France, was disqualified after receiving aid outside of an aid station. It seems Xavier, who was in the lead of this grueling race, accepted water and ice from friends on the course outside of a designated aid station. Seems like a small infraction right? Maybe so, but the race's rules clearly state that, there is "no stashing of supplies along the course and no accepting aid except within 400 yards of a designated aid station." 

And you know, no matter how hard you and I try to lead lives free from sin, we will still do wrong. We may not sin in ways that the world defines as big but even small infractions, or violations and transgressions, disqualify us from entering Heaven. In fact, the Bible tells us that "the wages of sin is death." And that's all sin, big and small. But thankfully, the Bible also tells us that "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." That means when you and I give our lives to Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Savior, we are forgiven and allowed to finish the race-free from disqualification. 

So I don't know about you my friend, but the thought of that makes me want to leap for joy! You and I have a God who loves us so much that He would not only refrain from giving us what we have earned and deserve (death) but would give us what we don't deserve and could never earn (eternal life). 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your kindness, compassion and mercy upon us. We are all sinners deserving to be disqualified from gaining entry into Heaven yet you have chosen to forgive us and give us eternal life. We praise You and thank You for this today. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Run the Race - Holly Starr

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