You are worthy

"When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.'" Luke 8:47,48 NLT

As an ambassador, or representative, for the DC Wonder Woman race series, my job is to promote the WW runs that were designed to inspire women to attempt great things, a job I truly love. And you know why I love it so much? Because I love helping women realize how worthy they are, something through all my years of coaching and working with ladies I have found is the main reason most women resist trying to get healthy or try something new. They simply lack self-esteem because they feel unworthy or, as the word is defined, not deserving of effort, attention, or respect.

But you know what? All women are worthy of effort, attention and respect. Jesus is very clear about that. Consider this... in a society that viewed women as second-class citizens, Jesus both loved them and held them in the highest esteem. At a time when it wasn't even normal for men to speak directly to women, Jesus spoke to them on many occasions like the woman at the well to whom He offered eternal life. And our Savior not only spoke to women but made the effort to give them special attention. Consider the woman with the bleeding disorder. Jesus not only healed her but loved her so much that he called her "daughter."

But the best part is this. No woman was considered unworthy to Jesus. No man was either. And by His death on the cross He proved it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving women so much that You would view them as worthy of your time, attention and love. If there's a woman reading this today that feels defeated by her circumstances or the lies she's been told, may this be the day that she stops looking at the world to define her worth and instead looks to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

He Knows My Name - Francesca Battistelli

He has no equal

"'To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.'" Isaiah 40:25 NLT

One of the headlines that quickly followed Sunday's London Marathon read, "Kipchoge Proves He Has No Equal: Runs 2nd Fastest Marathon Time in History." And not only did Eliud Kipchoge run the second fastest marathon on a registered course in history with a time of 2:02:37, he was ranked second only behind his world record of 2:01:39. With 10 marathon victories in a row, the world record, and today adding a new course record for London to his list of accomplishments, there is little doubt Kipchoge is the undisputed king of the marathon... a title he will hold only until his record is beaten of course. 

And you know, when it comes to titles, God's title of King of kings and the Holy One with no equal will never change - giving Isaiah's questions of, “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?" an obvious answer. No one. There has never been, there is not now, and there will never be any other god that can be compared to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. One look at the heavens declares that to be true. The stars He created one by one and who He calls forth by name alone declare His majesty and supreme rule over the universe and everything in it. He has no rival, no equal and has reigned as King since before time began... a title He will hold forever. 

Wow! I don't know about You my friend but that knowledge makes me smile! We literally have a God that is all-powerful and never-changing in whom we can place our absolute trust in now and forever. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You have no equal. You are the Maker of the Universe and yet You know the very number of hairs on our head. Oh how that should fill us with confidence then that You are more than capable of taking care of  even the smallest of our problems. Thank You for loving us that much. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

What a Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship

The perfect Parent

"And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’" Luke 18:3 NIV

While I totally appreciate that my teenage daughter, Hope, has now shown a major interest in running and all things track and field, I did not appreciate receiving ten texts in a matter of five minutes asking if she could skip school to go to a friend's district track meet last week. "Oh please Mom! You have to let me go!!" “Oh please please please!!” And while I have given in to Hope's incessant pleadings many times before, I have never said "yes" to a request that wasn't in her best interest, such as this one.

And you know, when it comes to asking God for things we want, the Bible tells us the story of a persistent widow who petitioned the town's judge over and over again saying, "Grant me justice against my adversary." Because of her incessant pleadings, the judge granted her request. And while you and I should most definitely never give up praying for those things our heart desires, we should also remember that God, who is the perfect Parent, will never say "yes" to any of those pleadings that aren’t in our best interest. In other words, as the all-knowing Father who sees the future, God won’t grant any requests that will be detrimental to us now or later. 

So if your petition aligns with the Word, keep praying my friend and don't ever give up. But remember, God, in His ultimate wisdom, knows what's best for His children and won’t give us anything less. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You love us more than we could ever imagine. So much so that You won't give us those things we plead for if they are not what's best for us. Help us to have discernment Lord on those things we should pray for and to trust Your plan no matter the outcome. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Good Good Father - Chris Tomlin

Patience is a process

"Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work. And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife." Genesis 29:27-28 NIV

While I was most definitely enjoying logging some miles at the park Saturday, I was a little disheartened at the time it was taking me to do so. Still nursing a hamstring strain (but thankful to be healing), speed-walking has become one of my go-to exercises. But as much as I actually enjoyed the slower pace, my legs longed to run again! Feeling the exasperation of my desire rising, I blurted out, "Just last month you could have done this distance in half the time Melissa!” Before I could sink further into self pity though, God calmed my spirit and reminded me that patience, a "fruit" I desperately needed more of, is only formed through times like these. And you know what? The thought of Him using my current situation to make me more like Jesus put a smile on my face. 

You know, it's no wonder that patience is a highly-valued character trait that followers of Christ should have. I mean, it's easy to act like Jesus when things are moving along and we are seeing progress right? But it's how we react in the waiting periods, the times when things aren’t moving along as we hoped they would, that will show the world whether we are true followers. Consider Jacob. He worked seven long years to take Rebecca, the woman he loved and was called to marry, as his wife - but Jacob was deceived into marrying her sister Leah first. When told he would have to work another seven years to pay for his true love, Jacob didn't hesitate and patiently endured until the debt was paid. 

Perhaps you're in a waiting period today too my friend? Maybe you're waiting to be healed, waiting for some test results to come back, waiting for your spouse to accept the Lord, or waiting for that dream job to open up? Whatever it is you're waiting for, smile and be patient knowing God is using this time of waiting to make you more like Him. 

Heavenly Father, help us to remember that the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset is formed over time. And while it's sometimes hard to accept these periods of waiting, help us to remember that when others see this virtue exhibited in us, it could very well be the thing that leads them to the foot of the Cross. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

While I'm waiting - John Waller 

Cheats will be caught

"Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. " Proverbs 11:3 NLT

Abraham Kiptum, Kenya's Half Marathon record holder, was deemed the most likely of Kenya's runners to beat Eliud Kipchoge in Sunday's London Marathon. Sadly though, this talented runner wasn’t even allowed to be at the start line. You see, two days before the 26.2 mile race was to begin, Kiptum was suspended from competition following an Athlete Biological Passport violation. In other words, Kiptum was found guilty of doping, for which the iconic event has a zero-tolerance on. Hugh Brasher, Event Director for the Virgin Money London Marathon said, "Cheats will be caught and there is no place for them in marathon running."

And while it's uncertain what the future will now hold for Kiptum, there is one thing that is certain... his deceptiveness and dishonesty did not go undetected nor did it go unpunished. Nobody's will. The Bible is very clear of that saying, "dishonesty destroys treacherous people." And if a "treacherous" person is someone who is guilty of or characterized by betrayal of confidence or trust, being labeled a "cheat" is certainly not helpful when seeking a job, a sponsor, a spouse or a friend. 

So by all means resist the temptation to cheat my friend. It will not only cause separation between you and God but could very well destroy your relationships, your reputation and your future. Trust God to give you what you need instead. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that our deception is never truly kept hidden and no matter how hard we might try to cover up our dishonesty we will be found out. Help us to live lives of integrity not only to honor You but to avoid the negative consequences that come from doing otherwise. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

It’s your life - Francesca Battistelli

Do not ignore the warnings

"Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment." Proverbs 9:10 NLT

Do you ever feel like your body's check engine light has been on and you're still like "nah it'll be fine?" This was the meme my friend, Shannon, posted yesterday making light of the reason she was now banished to the elliptical for some serious rehab and recovery for an injury that had been showing warning signs of the need to rest for several weeks. As she and I discussed, had Shannon simply not ignored the warning signs and taken a few days off in the beginning, she would not be on this unwelcome and lengthy hiatus from running. But guess what? She's not the only runner that's made this mistake. I, for one, have ignored the warning signs that something wasn't right on many occasions and left to face the consequences as well. 

And you know, when it comes to warnings that shouldn't be ignored, the Bible tells us that the "fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom" and that "knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement." In other words, to avoid the consequences of bad choices, you and I should heed the warning to acknowledge with all of our being that God is supreme and has the ultimate power to punish us for our sin. And knowing that, follow the laws and rules laid out in the Word to avoid the consequences of doing otherwise. 

So if you think ignoring this warning to revere and follow God is still not a big deal, consider this my friend. When people believe there is no One to be accountable to or no One to fear, they are free live as they please - the consequences of which are visible in our society today -  with no distress over the pain they cause others or the judgement they, by their actions, will one day receive. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that so many of us make light of Your supreme power and mistake Your patience in punishing our sin as acceptance that you don't mind our sin. Oh Lord, help us to heed the warning to fear You that we might have the good judgement to avoid those things that will not only harm us but will cause us separation from You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Come and listen - Crowder

Enough is enough

"'Therefore, I will bring upon you all the disasters I have announced. Prepare to meet your God in judgment, you people of Israel!'" Amos 4:12 NLT

Is it just me, or have you noticed a spike in the number of runners cheating lately? Whether it's to get into Boston, win a prize or to simply gain bragging rights, dishonesty has become commonplace in a sport that once prided itself on the integrity of its' participants. Well the Chinese Athletic Association has finally said enough is enough. With the memory of last November's half-marathon in the Chinese city of Shenzen where more than 200 people were busted for cheating still fresh in their minds, the news of three Chinese nationals cheating to get into Monday's iconic Boston Marathon incited the CAA to administer immediate judgement and strict punishment. And for their deceitful and deplorable behavior, the three scammers rightfully received a permanent ban from all future races. 

And you know, when it comes to rightful judgements, or rulings that come after repeated warnings so that a person is without excuse for receiving them, the Bible tells us that God warned the people of Israel time and again to repent and return to Him. Yet even through famine, plagues, drought, blight, locusts, war, and plagues, the people still refused to obey and chose to ignore Him. It's no wonder then that the Lord decided that enough was enough and said, "'Therefore, I will bring upon you all the disasters I have announced. Prepare to meet your God in judgement.." 

Sadly, the people of our world today are not much different my friend. They have been issued warning after warning of their need to repent and turn back to God and have ignored them. But guess what? The day is coming soon when the Lord will once again say, "Prepare to meet your God in judgement.” The question is... will you be ready to meet Him? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there will one day be an end to your patience and mercy and You will come to bring judgement upon all those who have not accepted You as Lord. May we be bold in bringing this message of repentance to the lost that they might be prepared to meet You when that day comes. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Confession - The City Harmonic

The hearts desire

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 ESV

 If there's one thing I love more than being a runner, it's being a running coach. This position not only allows me to help people reach their fitness goals but allows me to plant seeds of love, kindness and hope along the way. And while I have been blessed to coach scores of adults over the years, my heart's desire has always been to coach children. To reach them at a young age so as to encourage them to set their goals high and grow up to be men and women of integrity - something I was recently allowed to do through my job at our county health department. And I cannot even begin to describe the overwhelming joy this has given me! It literally is the very best part of my job. 

And you know, when it comes to being blessed with the things we desire most, the psalmist tells us that if we delight in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart. But that doesn't mean we will receive everything we want. It means that when we find our happiness in the Lord and truly seek His will above all else, the things we desire will begin to be the same things He desires - things like having opportunities to love our neighbors as ourselves and using our God-given skills to serve others - and then, when the desires of our hearts are also the desires of His, we will be given those things we long for. 

So before you ask for that thing your heart so desires my friend, be sure that your first desire is to serve Him. Because it's only when you and I long to "delight" ourselves "in the Lord" above all else that we will know the proper thing to ask for. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You long to give good things to your children when it's what's best for them and aligns with Your will. Help us to seek your Presence above all other things that we might be so closely aligned with You that Your will would become our will and we would be granted the desires of our heart. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Presence - Newsboys

A joyful noise

"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" Psalm 98:4

Most everyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love to sing praise and worship songs - I do it all that time and am known to break out into song without warning at the most random times and unexpected places. It's just something my family and friends, especially those who who run with me, have come to anticipate. So when H'enrie, our Worship Pastor, asked for volunteers to form a special Easter choir, I readily accepted and joined a group of other volunteers who shared my love of singing and, as I later learned and we joked about, my less than stellar singing voice. That didn't matter though, as H'enrie smiled and explained to us, it would be a "joyful noise" even if we all sang off-key. 

Speaking of singing praises, did you notice that the psalmist didn't write, all of you that can sing well should "make a joyful noise to the Lord?" On the contrary, the psalmist said that "all the earth" should "break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" And he said that because all those who follow Christ have a reason to celebrate! You see, not only can we, like the Israelites, look forward to the day when the Lord will return to "judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity," we have a Savior who has already come and whose death on the cross saved us from our sins and conquered death once and for all. 

So let us celebrate the resurrection of our Savior each and every day my friend! And let us unashamedly and unapologetically make "a joyful noise to the Lord" each and every time the Spirit moves us so that others might see our joy and be drawn to the foot of the cross because of it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that everyone who has placed their trust in You has a reason to celebrate each and every day. May we live in constant remembrance, with praise always on our lips, that because of your sacrifice we will one day have eternal life. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Joyful Noise - Ellie Holcomb

He is risen

"So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him! So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first." John 20:2-4

 If you were given the day off today and could do anything you wanted, what would you do? What would make for the perfect day for you?  Perhaps sleeping in? Maybe doing a little shopping or spring cleaning while listening to your favorite Christian radio station? Or maybe staying home and reading a good book? Well, personally, a good and perfect Friday for me would be one that involved lots of running - and most definitely a run with friends. 

And speaking of running, friends, and good Fridays, do you realize that there was a "Good Friday" more than 2,000 years ago that forever changed the world? A day when Jesus was crucified on the Cross and all hope seemed to be lost? But guess what? Three days after that “Good Friday,” Mary Magdalene, who was the first to discover that the tomb was empty, "came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple" shouting "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb..." which immediately inspired this pair of friends to run and see the tomb for themselves. And guess what? The tomb was empty.

And guess what else? The tomb is still empty! Jesus died for the sins of the world and then rose from the grave to conquer death once and for all. And what should we do with this Good News about the true reason we celebrate Easter? Run and tell someone of course!! So what are you waiting for? Run and tell someone, "He is risen!" 

Heavenly Father, there are no words to thank You for the sacrifice You made for each and every one of us. While we were sinners and deserving of death. when we denied You and hurled insults at You, You loved us so much that You took the punishment we deserved and died that we might live. Oh Jesus, may we truly grasp the enormity of Easter that we would be compelled to run and tell everyone, "He is risen! He is alive!!"

Happy Running!!!

He is risen - Paul Baloche

Truly blessed

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

Of the thousands of finishes at Monday's Boston Marathon, Joan Benoit Samuelson's was by far one of the most impressive. This marathon legend who won the iconic race back in 1979 with a time of 2:35:15 at the age of 21 crossed the finish line at the age of 61 clocking an even 3:04. Of completing the 26.2 mile race in such an awesome way, Benoit Samuelson said, "To be here, 40 years later and being able to run, let alone being able to run a marathon, I feel blessed."

And you know, when it comes to being “blessed,” doesn't it seem as if everyone, believers and nonbelievers alike, is using the word to describe things from getting a new car or setting a PR to getting a promotion or having kids who behave? But would you believe that, more often than not, being blessed as the Bible defines it is not having material prosperity or the perfect set of circumstances? On the contrary, being blessed is typically connected with either poverty and trial or the spiritual benefits of putting our "confidence," or firm trust, in God. In other words, the person who is truly blessed is the person who is completely satisfied with having nothing more than Jesus Christ.

And while you and I should most definitely sing God's praises for the good things this life holds my friend, let us call ourselves blessed at all times. Because, for the "one who trusts in the Lord," there is the complete assurance that every situation, good and bad, will draw us closer to Him in one way or another. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that being truly blessed is being completely satisfied with your Presence. Nothing more and nothing less. Help us to call ourselves blessed when we have little and when we have much, when we are well and when we are ill, and when we are crying and when we are filled with joy, knowing You are all we need. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Blessings - Laura Story

He completely cleanses

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!" Psalm 51:1,2

Expecting to hear from one of my dearest friends who was running in the Boston Marathon yesterday, I was concerned when hour upon hour passed with no word. I soon found out why. "It's Bridge and Dam all over again!" Jim texted in reference to a training run he and I did last year in which he fell near the end of the race and had to be bandaged up at the med tent upon crossing the finish line. "This time I hit my head at mile 12 when I tripped on the side of the road." Thankfully though, he was able to finish and only required a few stitches. The moral of both stories? Falling won't keep you from finishing the race when you refuse to stay down. 

Sadly though, that's what many believers do when they are tripped up by sin and cause pain to themselves or others. They find it hard to believe they can be forgiven and so simply stay down and drop out of the race. But you know what? God forgives all sins. Consider David. After committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband killed to cover it up, he was deeply convicted and, you could say, at rock bottom and unable to see a way out. But David repented and God, because of his "steadfast love" and "abundant mercy," had compassion on him and completely cleansed him of his sins. 

Did you get that completely part? My friend, there is no sin so big that God won't forgive and "thoroughly" cleanse you from - meaning there's no reason to hold on to the guilt and shame that keeps you down. So repent, brush yourself off, get back up and get back into the race. It isn't over unless you allow it to be. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that you can and will completely forgive us of our sins if we would simply repent and turn back to You. Help us to truly believe that we can be completely cleansed that we might continue running the race You have set before us. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!! 

Completely - Among the Thirsty

Day after day effort

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 NIV

Like thousands of other people in the United States today, I will have my eyes fixed on the Boston Marathon - and especially on American runner Des Linden to see if she has what it takes to win again. As you may recall, Des took first place in the women’s 2018 race by prevailing over the brutal conditions that caused many other runners to drop out. Of her upcoming seventh Boston Marathon and the determination it takes to win, this runner known for her grit said, "We all go through ups and downs. What’s important is how you handle the setbacks. Particularly today, in an age of instant gratification, it’s easy to forget that success actually takes years. A lot of people will see last year’s win, but what they don’t realize is that it’s 30 years in the making. It was my sixth time running Boston. It takes years to become an ‘overnight success’ and it’s just showing up day after day and putting in the work.”

And you know, this unwillingness to give up no matter how long it takes to reach the finish line is the same type of attitude you and I need to fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives. Paul completely understood this when he said, "I press on..." You see, to press on means to continue doing something in a determined way despite any problems one might encounter. And as the Bible tells us, Paul encountered many problems, including being shipwrecked, imprisoned, persecuted, beaten, flogged, and left for dead. But he never let that stop him from pursuing the job the Lord had called him to. In fact, only death stopped him from preaching the gospel and converting the lost. 

And this should be the same attitude you and I embrace my friend - determined to day after day fulfill the work God has called us to do despite the obstacles we might encounter. And you can be sure it won't be an easy task. God never promised it would. But He did promise following Him would be worth it. And so for that, may each one of us make the decision to "press on." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that fulfilling our calling requires a lifetime of effort and a determination to not back down or bow out no matter what obstacles we might face. Help us to be develop a bulldog attitude to "press on" in the most brutal of conditions. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Won't back down - MercyMe

Be a role model

"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them." Proverbs 11:3 ESV

In an article recently published by the Los Angeles Times, it was revealed that UCLA knew of a cash-for-admissions deal years before the scandal erupted. It all came to light when a runner who was too slow for UCLA's track team was granted admission anyways after her parents donated $100,000 to the college's athletic program. The investigation determined that the timing of the pledge by the parents “together with the revelation that she was intended to be only a manager, in violation of the department recruitment and admission policy, removes any reasonable doubt that the contribution from the parents was obtained quid pro quo for the daughter’s admission.”

And as much as that story should shock each one of us, it probably doesn't. After all, the news airs reports each and every day revealing the "crookedness" of men. And you know, while each and every believer is called to practice "integrity," or honesty and moral uprightness, in their business dealings and all other aspects of their lives, it clearly isn't happening. And you can be sure this deceptiveness not only "destroys them" but destroys their witness and can spiritually destroy their children who look to these parents to be role models. 

So in a world that attempts to get ahead or gain financially by any means possible, may you and I choose to let the Word be our guide that we might be "upright" witnesses of what it truly means to follow Christ. And by doing so, may others see our lives and be inspired to follow. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that "crookedness" never stays hidden. Help us to not get tempted or lured into gaining things dishonestly that we might live lives of integrity that our children can follow. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Slow Fade - Casting Crowns

Seize the opportunities

"We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear. " Job 14:2 NLT

Seven weeks ago Kate Ward says she wanted to start running again. But when a friend told her about the eight-week Couch to 5k class that I would be teaching she said she didn't want to go. After giving it more thought though, Kate said, "I had a laundry list of other things I could have been doing. But, it stuck in my mind, eight weeks from now would I be saying, 'I wish I would have done that or stuck with it.'" And guess what? Kate stuck with the program and posted this over the weekend, "Next week marks eight weeks and the end of our training, and I am already able to run longer than I have in years."

And you know, I have no doubt that Kate would indeed have regretted not seizing the opportunity to begin training for a 3.1 mile race. After all, eight weeks of her life were going to pass by anyway right? And since life is short and slows down for no one, you and I would also do well to do the things the Lord has called to today that we might not have to live with regret, or disappointment over a missed opportunity, either. 

So I wonder, what has God called you to do that you haven't done? What dream has He placed on your heart that you have yet to act on? Whatever it is, don't waste another moment in doing it my friend - because as Job so surely knew, "like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that life is indeed fleeting. Help us to grasp the seriousness of that so we would not put off until tomorrow the things You are calling us to do today. By your strength, may we make the most of this new day You have blessed us with. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

New Day - Danny Gokey

We can all do something

"For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land." Deuteronomy 15:11 BSB

As my daughter, Hope, and I walked back to our van Sunday afternoon, we could still hear the music, shouts and cheers of celebration coming from the finish line of the St. Louis Marathon. With tables stacked with food, drinks, swag, and awards for the runners, it was quite a party for sure. Much different from the scene in front of us as we neared the vehicle. Less than one block away from these festivities, we were now looking at a park littered with debris and no less than a dozen homeless people either sleeping or staring off into space, trying not to look anyone in the eye. 

And as I fought back tears at the sight, my tender-hearted child said, "Mom, why are these people homeless. Why isn't anyone helping them?" And while it was easy to answer her first question and explain the many reasons a person might find themselves living on the streets - inability to keep a job, drug addiction, mental illness, lack of education, escaping abuse, etc - it was with sadness that I answered her second question. "There are people who are helping them honey. There just aren't enough people willing to help to come to the aid of them all." 

And you know, while it's true you and I can't help everyone - we can all help someone. Whether we start a program to house the poor, serve in a soup kitchen, participate in a clothing drive, or give financially, each one of us can do something. And can you just imagine what a difference we would make in this world if we did? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for this sweet child of mine that continually reminds me that the solution to most of the world's problems are quite simple... people helping other people. I pray that you would give each one of us a burning love for our neighbor that we would decide today is the day  we do something. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Do Something - Matthew West

Be ready to give an answer

"Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope. " 1 Peter 3:15 CEV

With the Boston Marathon quickly approaching, many participants are likely running inclines in hopes of being ready to tackle the infamous Heartbreak Hill. And those runners living in Boston are no exception. Every Wednesday night all year long, the Heartbreakers, the running club of the Heartbreak Hill Running Company, host a free hill running workout on this legendary section of the Boston Marathon course in hopes that the runners will be ready to conquer it on race day. 

And you know, when it comes to being prepared, the Bible tells us that believers should "always be ready to give an answer when someone asks" them about their hope. But sadly, many Christians believe their faith is a personal matter and so never share their testimony. That's not what you and I are called to do though. We are called to "honor Christ" with our lives and proclaim His greatness with our lips that the lost might come to know Jesus because of it. And since we never know when the opportunity might arise to do this, we must "be ready" at all times. 

So I wonder then... are you ready? And, more importantly, are you willing to give an answer when someone asks you about your faith? I sure hope so my friend - because openly sharing the reason you have placed your trust in Jesus could very well change where a person spends eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that sharing our faith with others is not merely a suggestion but a command. Help us be ready to do this by spending time in the Word and in fellowship with You that we might grow in knowledge and boldness. Help us to share the reason for our hope with all those You put in our path.  It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Hope changes everything - NewSong

The Cross is big enough

"'He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed." 1 Peter 2:24 NLT

As we headed out the doors of the downtown St. Louis hotel we were staying in Sunday to make our way to our assigned volunteer station for the city's marathon, my daughter, Hope, and I didn't expect to see anyone out at such an early hour. But there in the darkness of the morning were the flashing lights of two city police vehicles. And as Hope slowed down her walk to watch a young woman in handcuffs being loaded into the back seat of the department's SUV, she leaned over and whispered, "What do you think she did Mom? Will they be taking her to jail?" "I don't know sweetie," I replied. "But whatever she did can be forgiven. No one is beyond the point of forgiveness. God is good like that." 

And you know, God truly is good like that. That's why I had the confidence to say, "whatever she did can be forgiven." You see, no one, as I went on to explain to my daughter, is beyond the point of forgiveness regardless of what they've done. The Bible tells us so saying, "He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right." And that "our sins" part means your sins, my sins, her sins, and every other person's sins, who repents and turns to God. 

Perhaps you or someone you know is struggling today with the idea that they couldn't possibly be forgiven for something they have done? Let me assure you that it's just not true my friend. God personally made the cross of Christ big enough to cover any sin. He is truly good like that. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would forgive even the most shameful and unspeakable sins if we would only turn to You and repent of them. Lord, help us to be your hands and feet to boldly go out and share this message with a world that truly needs to hear it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Come to the cross - Anthem Worship

He knows your name

"The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." John 10:3 NLT

Blessed to have been given the job of greeting athletes exiting the early-morning shuttle buses that were dropping them off near the start line of Sunday’s Go St. Louis Marathon, I was overjoyed to see that many of the participants I hoped to encourage had bibs with their names on them. So knowing how happy it made me when strangers unexpectedly called me by name, I began doing it to as many runners as I could. "Good morning Susan! You're going to have a great race! Nice to see you this morning Michael! Today is your day! High five Laura! You’ve got this!” And you know what? Each and every runner that I called by name smiled back at me. There's just something special about someone knowing your name. Don't you think?

But you know what's even more special? Knowing that God, the Creator of the universe, knows each one of our names. And no matter how alone you and I may feel, we're not just a number or another face in the crowd to Him. We are individuals who matter. Our problems matter. Our worries matter, and our feelings matter. In fact, you and I matter so much that He speaks to us intimately and individually to encourage and restore us when the trials of this world weigh us down. 

So if you're thinking God doesn't care about what you're going through today, think again my friend. You truly matter to Him and if you'll listen for His voice, He will personally tell you so.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that no matter how unworthy, downcast or abandoned we might feel, You truly love us, call us by name, and care about every intimate detail of our lives. Help us to see ourselves as you see us that we might live lives of purpose and joy, free from the lies of the devil. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

He knows my name - Francesca Battistelli

Point them in the right direction

"The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him.'" John 4:28-30 NLT

Beyond blessed to have been invited to assist a dear friend at the St. Louis Marathon this weekend, I was excited to learn that one of my jobs would be welcoming runners off the early morning shuttle and directing them towards the start line. And as busload after busload of athletes appeared, exited the bus and made their way to the staging area of the race, I couldn't help but think that many of these participants might have gone the wrong way and missed the event altogether had someone not taken the time to tell them which way to go. 

And you know the same is true of our witness for Christ. Millions of people are lost and looking for a Savior that many Christians are unwilling to take the time to tell them about. And if you think you can't share the Good News because you're not qualified, think again. Jesus spent just moments talking with the woman at the well, moments that changed her life so dramatically that she "ran back to the village" imploring the people to come see the Messiah. And guess what? This woman wasn't schooled, proficient in words, or a mature Christian - she simply had a sense of urgency so great she had to run to tell others about Jesus!

So I wonder, have you lost your sense of urgency? When's the last time you told someone about the Lord? And if you don't think it's that important, consider this... if a person headed in the wrong direction doesn't turn and accept Jesus before it's too late, they might never receive the eternal life that is promised to all those who believe. And that, my friend, would be a tragedy like no other - and we would be the ones to blame. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that everyone’s time on earth is short and could end in the blink of an eye. Knowing that, help us to have a sense of urgency to share Christ with the lost. Give us the boldness to be the witnesses you have called us to be Lord that we might point someone in the right direction before it's too late! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

In the blink of an eye - MercyMe

What you eat matters

"I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables." Genesis 9:3 NLT

In an article published yesterday by Runner's World Magazine, it was revealed that a bad diet is more deadly than smoking or high blood pressure. In fact, the study found that a poor diet, namely one high in sodium and low in whole grains and fruits, is responsible for more than one in five deaths globally. Additionally, researchers said, diets low in nuts and seeds and low in vegetables were also top contributors. The takeaway from all this? You can't outrun a bad diet. What you put on your plate truly matters. 

And you know, just as sin has tainted our world, it has also tainted our food - our insatiable cravings for sugar, artificial sweeteners, bleached flour, processed meats, fried foods and ingredients you and I can't even pronounce proves it. But God never intended for us to eat this way. The Bible tells us that food in it's purest form was "given" to us to provide the calories and nutrients we need to survive and thrive. In that sense then, food is a gift from God and not meant to be altered in ways that harm our bodies when consumed.

So if you still think what you're eating won't hurt you, think again my friend. Continually substituting the clean foods God has "given" us for the fast and overly processed foods the world offers will not only lead to weight gain, fatigue, diabetes, stroke, and a litany of other maladies and diseases, it will keep you and me from performing at our best. Because, truly, we can't outrun a bad diet. No one can. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing the food we need to live. Help us to understand that we will never be able to do those things You have called us to over a lifetime if we don't keep our bodies healthy. Lord give each one of us the wisdom and the willpower to eat only those things are good for us that we might honor You with our bodies. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. 

Happy Running!!!

Hungry-Kathryn Scott 

Get back up again

"For though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin." Proverbs 24:16 BSB

Even though I was able to complete 33 miles out of 100 at the Prairie Spirit Trail race Saturday, I received no official finishing time next to my name in the record books only the designation of DNF (which stands for Did Not Finish). But you know what? I am totally fine with a Did Not Finish because it totally trumps a Did Not Start. That DNF means I had the courage to step up to the start line and it also means I gained valuable knowledge to help ensure I don't fail again. And for that, I will absolutely embrace the DNF title as many times as it takes to turn it into success.  

And you know, each one of us will experience failure at some point in our lives. Failure that can even cause us to give up completely and never try again. I've seen it happen time and again, and it always breaks my heart knowing a person could have been just one attempt away from success. Consider Thomas Edison who failed 1,000 times before the light bulb was invented. What if he had stopped at attempt number 999? And Henry Ford who went broke five times before the Ford Motor Company was successful. What if he had thrown in the towel after attempt number four? In fact, some of the most successful figures in history suffered multiple failures before they saw their dreams come to pass. But they never would have come to pass it they had given up. 

So if God has laid a dream, a desire or a purpose on your heart today, don't give up in your attempts to achieve it my friend. Embrace failure knowing it is a necessary part of any journey that leads to victory and keep on trying! And remember... you are never alone. God is always there to help you "get up" again, and again, and again, no matter how many times it takes. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the only way to avoid experiencing failure is to never try. And not trying is the truest form of failure. Help us to boldly step out to attempt those things you have called us to do today knowing that when we fail, there's always something to be learned and You will always be there to help us get back up. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Get back up

The ultimate finish line

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." Matthew 19:29 NIV

I know from experience that training for an endurance race requires a lot of time and a lot of sacrifice. And I also know that it requires a dogged determination to not let anyone or anything interrupt that training. So when, Jim, one of my best running buddies in the world, messaged me to apologize for being MIA for several weeks amid his training for the upcoming Boston Marathon explaining, "I'm just too busy on the weekends. Plus I have a specific running plan that I need to follow," I said, "I totally get it... we can run together after Boston.” And you know what? I have no doubt that, because of Jim's unwillingness to take his eyes off his goal, he will reap the reward of crossing that iconic finish line on Marathon Monday. 

And you know, this same type of dogged determination is the exact thing you and I need to have in our pursuit to grab hold of the ultimate prize of "eternal life." You see, the Bible is very clear that walking with Jesus will require a complete and unreserved willingness on our part to let go of anything or anyone that would interrupt or hinder our relationship with Him. But the Bible is also clear that those who are willing to surrender all "will receive a hundred times as much" as what they cast aside for His sake, making every sacrifice more than worthwhile. 

So, knowing that, I pray you will make the decision to let nothing prevent you from reaching that ultimate finish line my friend. Your pursuit to do so will not only reap amazing benefits now but for eternity. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that a relationship with You is so worth fighting for. Help us to gain the dogged determination needed to let nothing interfere with the goal of taking hold of the prize of eternal life. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Prize worth fighting for