Be the change

”That means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

As I neared a young man running alone somewhere near mile 20 last Saturday I could tell he was struggling. “Is this your first marathon?” I asked him. “Yes,” was his reply in between breaths. “Well you’re doing great! Don’t give up. You just keep pressing on no matter what okay? Even if you have to walk.” “I will. Thank you.” he answered smiling, seemingly grateful for the timely encouragement. “One more thing,” I added as we ran in stride for a few more moments. “Remember. When you cross the finish line of this race, you won’t be the same person who started it. No one who ever runs a marathon is.You will be changed.”

And you know, when it comes to being changed or made different, the Bible tells us that “anyone” - that means the adulterer, the murderer, the drug addict, the prostitute, the thief and every other sinner regardless of what they’ve done - who decides to accept Jesus as their Savior will be changed. And not just changed a little bit my friend but made completely and totally “new” - exchanging their “old life” for a “new life” that is better than anything they could have ever imagined. Isn’t that amazing?

So knowing the power God has in changing each and every person “who belongs to Christ,” may each one of us add 'Be bolder in sharing the Message of Salvation with the lost' to our list of New Year’s resolutions. Can you just imagine how different our world would be if we all did?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of giving a new life to all those who call on the name of Jesus and accept Him as their Savior. Lord with so many hurting, lonely and lost people in this world, help us to be the change that is so needed. Help us to be people who lead others to the foot of the Cross by our words and our actions. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Be the change - Britt Nicole

Garbage in Garbage out

“A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.” Proverbs 15:14 NLT

If you’re like millions of other Americans today, you’ve probably already made a resolution to get fit in the new year. And while that goal may seem daunting, might I say that it’s easier than you may think? In fact, as every runner knows, one small change can make all the difference between success and failure... changing what you listen to. I mean you don’t think all those athletes out there who have earbuds in are listening to negative trash talk do you? Of course not! Like me, they’re finding their strength and resolve to press on in motivating music, uplifting words and positive messages - because the simple truth is, what you put in is what you put out.

And you know, the writer of Proverbs 15:14 completely understood the power of thought when he wrote,”A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.” You see, while you and I might think that watching television shows or listening to music that shows or says things contrary to God’s word are harmless, what you and I allow to get into our minds affects everyone of us, either negatively or positively, without exception. So how can knowledge help us be the best we can be in 2020? That’s simple. Everything you and I need to know about eating right, exercise, work and rest are located in the pages of the Bible. We need only fill our minds with this ‘good stuff’ to begin seeing positive changes both in our appearance and in our attitude.

So rather than making a resolution to diet or start an exercise program, why not make a resolution to begin each day in the Word? I promise you won’t regret it because it will transform every area of your life for the better.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the timely reminder that the images and words we fill our minds with will determine whether we fail or succeed in our Christian walk. Help us to truly grasp this that we might make seeking knowledge of the Truth and a stronger relationship with You our number one priority in the coming year and all the years to come. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

I will fight - Steven Furtick

Everyone needs a Barnabas

"When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." Acts 11:23 NIV

Within a mile after starting Saturday's Run for the Ranch Marathon in Springfield, I knew the race was going to be tough. Having put in too many miles the previous weekend without ample recovery, my legs felt like lead. But you know what made all the difference between giving up and pressing on? The shouts of encouragement and hugs I received from the large number of friends I was blessed to see out on the course - friends that were even lined up near the finish line who cheered me on as I completed each of the eight loops required to complete the 26.2 mile race. I can't even count the times I heard, "Just keep going Melissa. You've got this!" Oh how thankful I am for the many encouragers in my life who spur me on when life gets hard.

And you know, every one of us needs a 'Barnabus' or two in our lives to give us hope, support and inspiration when we feel like giving up. You see 'Barnabus' was a man who greatly "encouraged" the believers at Antioch and, no doubt, his fellow brothers and sisters everywhere he went. In fact, 'Barnabas' was such an encourager that the Bible says he was born with the name Joseph but nicknamed 'Barnabas' which means "Son of Encouragement." What a great thing to be remembered for!

So knowing how much power words of encouragement have to inspire our fellow believers to "remain true to the Lord with all their hearts," let us seize every opportunity to cheer one another on. After all, we're all in this race together my friend... and it's our job to help each and every one of our brothers and sisters reach the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that each one of us will face problems, obstacles, hard times and hurdles in our spiritual race to the finish line. Help us all to be a 'Barnabas' in this world that we might encourage our fellow believers to remain true to You when they feel like giving up, always faithful to provide words of Truth, comfort and motivation. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Cheer you on - Jordan Feliz

Love this group of encouragers. 💗💗

The power of Teamwork

"Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22 CSB

When Allison Goldstein, 33, started running in 2008, she never dreamed she'd be able to whittle her marathon time down to 2:50. But after doing so twice, Allison made it her aspiration to run a sub 2:45 marathon to qualify for the Olympic Trials. In her ten years of running though, Alison said, "I’d learned a lot of lessons, but one of the most important was that I run better with others. Not necessarily faster—although yes, sometimes faster—but “better” in that I try harder and give up less often." So after assembling a group of three other women to help her train, Goldstein embarked on her mission and was able to finish the Philadelphia Marathon recently in 2:44:11 - a time that even five years ago, she said, she never would have dreamed possible. "But that’s the power of teamwork for you."

And you know, teamwork, or the combined action of a group of people, was as crucial to Goldstein's success as it is to ours'. You see, when you and I enlist the assistance of like-minded individuals to help us achieve our goals, "they succeed." But when "there is no counsel,” our plans fail. Why? Because wise "counsel" serves to not only encourage us to press in and press on but serves to give us new ideas on how things can be done and to help us to then do those things. And by choosing good and godly "advisers" you can be sure that we will not stray from God's path along the way.

So if you want to become a "better" runner, join a running group. Chances are you'll have fun and get a little faster too. But if you want to become a "better" christian, growing in knowledge and faith, find a friend who will spur you on or a small group to be a part of. You'll find there's definitely power in teamwork my friend. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we were created to be part of a team and to work together to advance the Kingdom. If we are not part of a small group of believers, help us to seek and find one that will help us to make "better" choices and inspire us to be all that You have designed us to be. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

This is what we live for - Big Daddy Weave

We have countless reasons to love God

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8 NLT

If you're like most people, you probably received some great presents for Christmas. I know I did. And while I really loved the new running shoes, perfume, headlamp and purse I received (among other things), my favorite gift by far was the book my daughter, Hope, had made for me titled, "The reasons I love you!" where, within its’ pages, were computer images of us along with various reasons she was glad I was her mother. Reasons like, "I love that you appreciate the simple things in life, I love that you are so nice to me even when I don't deserve it and I love laughing with you." Oh how this sweet child makes me smile. I certainly don't feel that I deserve to be her mother but I thank God each and every day that I am. 

And you know, when it comes to the love between a parent and a child, do you realize there is nothing in this world you and I could ever have done to earn the love of the Father?  In fact, because of our sin, we were deserving of death and damnation. Yet the Bible tells us that the Father's love for us was so great that He sent His one and only Son to die for us to prove it. And while I will never be able to fathom the reasons He loves us this much, I thank God that He does each and every day. 

So although Christmas has passed, you and I should celebrate the birth of Christ and the many other reasons we have to love the Lord each and every day - reasons that are all within the pages of the greatest Book ever written, the Bible. Read it my friend. You'll be glad you did. 

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us so many reasons to love You. You are our Comforter, our Peace, our Savior, our Sustainer, our Healer, our Friend in time of need and our Father who loves us although we don't deserve it. Help us to fathom how great this love is Lord that we would never take it for granted and give you the praise, honor and glory You are due each and every day. 

Happy Running!!!

You've always been - Unspoken

The greatest Gift

“‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with is.)” Matthew 1:23 ESV

As I was running early yesterday on the dirt road nearest my home, I couldn’t help but think of what a gift it was to be able to run in shorts at the end of December - and on Christmas Eve no less. But that gift, I then thought as I began to cry, completely pales in comparison to the gift the Lord was preparing to give the world on this very day over 2,000 years ago. It was a gift so big and so amazing that the world could hardly grasp it, yet so small that it could fit into the arms of a mother who had been anxiously awaiting the day we now celebrate as Christmas.

This gift of course was the Son of God born to a virgin and appropriately given the “name Immanuel” because of His choice to be born as a man and live among us. And to think that the greatest Gift you and I could ever receive came in the lowliest of ways reminds us that He is truly “God with us,” - with us in the dirt, poverty and stench of a stable and with us now continuing to offer the gift of eternal life if we would only accept it. 

So above all else today, let us celebrate the Gift we have received that was larger than the universe but small enough to fit in a manger... the Gift that forever changed the world. Merry Christmas!!! God is with us friends!!

Heavenly Father, thank You giving us your one and only Son who chose to live with us to give us the gift of eternal life that we didn’t deserve and could never earn on our own. Oh Lord if there is someone reading this that has never accepted this gift, I pray that today would be the day they would open their hearts and hands to accept it. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

God with us - Jeremy Camp

Listen for His voice

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV

Intent on getting some last minute Christmas shopping done, my husband and I joined hundreds of other people on the same mission at the Battlefield Mall in Springfield Sunday. And as you can just imagine, there were noises coming from every direction inside as people frantically shopped and socialized. Which is why I was extremely thankful to have been able to hear the beautiful sound coming from the piano store he and I were walking by. Pausing to take in the slow and peaceful melody that was so contrary in nature to the other sounds surrounding me, I watched for a moment as the man behind the music continued to play, oblivious to the chaos around him, and couldn’t help but think to myself, “This is why so many people don’t hear you Lord. They are too busy and intent on listening to the sounds of the world that they miss Your voice.”

And you know, when it comes to hearing God's voice, the Bible tells us that as believers God’s Spirit “dwells” in us which means He can and will speak directly to us. But unfortunately we don't always hear Him. You see, when you and I don’t take the time to slow down and quiet our souls to receive God’s presence, we too can be overcome by the sounds and chaos of the world around us that compete for our time, allegiance and affection and miss what's most important. Especially during this Christmas season when we can easily lose sight of the real meaning of what we are celebrating.

So I urge you my friend, get out for some alone time today to quiet your soul and talk to the Lord. Go for a run, go for a walk or go to a quiet room. Go anywhere you can really hear the Spirit speak. You'll be so glad you did.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that this world is a busy place that can serve to distract us if we aren't careful. Help us to be so sensitive to your Spirit Lord that we would know when we have broken our intimacy with You. And please Lord, remind us over and over that the real meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with presents but with your Presence. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I’m listening - Chris Clarney

Invite someone to join the celebration

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.‘“ Luke 12:2 ESV

When my friend, Jill, expressed dread over her upcoming 50th birthday recently, I got excited. “Hey,” I said to her smiling. “I’m turning 49 two weeks before your birthday. Why don’t we celebrate both of them in style by running 50 miles just for the heck of it?” And by God’s grace, this crazy runner friend and I not only completed the race but, with the help of many friends and volunteers, turned it into a fundraiser that raised several hundred dollars for a local charity. Talk about celebrating in style! At our invitation, runners from everywhere showed up to help us commemorate the anniversary of our births in a way that was much bigger than she and I could have ever imagined.

And you know, when it comes to births, do you realize that the Savior of the world came in a way that was way smaller than anyone could have ever imagined? Think about it. The Son of God who reigned in heaven, came to earth as “a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” in a stable unfit for a King in a little town of Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. Can you just fathom it? Jesus traded royalty for the deepest poverty! Oh what love He had for you and me to have left His throne to meet us - sinners in need of redemption - where we are.

So this Christmas, let’s celebrate the birth of Jesus in style by inviting all those who haven’t heard the Message of Salvation that the birth and death of Jesus Christ fulfilled to come and celebrate with us at church or in our homes. The invitation could literally change their destiny.

Heavenly Father, thank You sending your Son to be born in a lowly manger to remind us that You came to save us all and that you value each and every one of us the same no matter how we are viewed in the eyes of the world. Help us to love others as sacrificially as You did Lord that we would want not only to see them saved but would go to the ends of the world to do it. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

He made a way in a manger

Celebrate the Light

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46 NIV

Having been banished to the elliptical for several days due to the snow storm that had left a thick covering of ice over our region, I was excited to get out early yesterday morning for a run. “Oh my,” I soon found myself saying regretfully as I ventured off the highway shoulder to run on the gravel road nearest my home. “It’s hard enough navigating my way in the darkness. But these ice patches and wind chill are really going to be bad.” And then, fully trusting that the sun would soon rise, I pressed in and pressed on for what I knew would be a much slower and more difficult run than usual - praising the Lord for the light I was confident would soon overcome the darkness and illuminate my path.

And you know, while I absolutely love running in the predawn hours, I’ll admit that the darkness of winter mornings can cause me to feel a bit of distress and depression, especially as the season wears on. Which is why I can so completely understand the joy people must have felt when the Savior said, “I have come into the world as a light.” And not just a light but the Light. The Light that would finally lift the blanket of darkness caused by sin and death the people were under once and for all. You see, Jesus came to this world as flesh to die a death on a sinners cross, “so that no one who believes” in Him “should stay in darkness.”

So this Christmas, may we all smile as we take in the lights of the season and express our gratefulness for a Savior that came to be the Light of the world so that you and I could have eternal life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for releasing us from the chains of darkness through your birth as a man and death as a sinner, although you created no sin. Help us to fathom how immense Jesus’ sacrifice was Lord that we would celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year and every year with hearts full of joy and thankfulness.

Happy Running!!!

Jesus Light of the World - Third Day

Keep it simple

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 NIV

As a running coach, I’m often asked what the secret is to running a good marathon without hitting the wall at mile 20 or feeling like you've been hit by a Mack truck upon reaching the finish line. And my response is always very simple, “Get your weekly base mileage up and keep it up.” And while I will then expound on that tip and give more details, I like to keep it simple from the beginning so a runner will understand the amount of time and energy it takes to complete a 26.2 race with a smile on their face.

And you know, in this busy season of Christmas when you and I might be rushing around to get that perfect gift, decorate our homes just-so, and fulfill every one of our holiday traditions, keeping the message simple should be our first priority. You see, while the world sees Christmas as merely a festive time for family, fun and food, we, as believers, know the true meaning of Christmas and should make spreading this message in a way people will understand our number one mission. And the message of Christmas is simple... “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you..” Did you get that? The “Messiah, the Lord” came to you! You the sinner, you the lost and you the undeserving! He came to us! This is the message you and I are to share!

So let us not lose sight of that simple message as we go about our holiday preparations my friend. And let us look for opportunities to share that message with the world. After all, Jesus is the true reason for the season... plain and simple.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the simplicity of Christmas. You sent your one and only Son to be born of flesh that He might one day die for our sins to give us eternal life. Oh Lord, help us to keep our eyes and hearts focused on celebrating the birth of the Messiah that we would be bold in sharing the simple message with the lost at a time when they might be most likely to hear it. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Until You

The advantage is real

"'But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7 NASB

When Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya broke the two-hour marathon barrier in October, people took notice - not only of him and his team of pacers though, but of their Nike Vaporfly shoes that have drawn a lot of controversy over their legality. You see, these kinds of shoes that feature carbon plates and springy midsole foam have become an explosive issue among runners, as the debate rages over whether the shoes save so much energy they amount to an unfair advantage. And now, a new analysis conducted by the New York Times suggests that not only are the advantages real but are larger than they previously estimated. And with many more shoe manufacturers constructing the same type of shoes, you can be sure the controversy will continue.

And you know, when it comes to having an advantage or a condition that puts us in a favorable position, Jesus, immediately upon telling the disciples He was leaving soon to join the Father, comforted them by explaining, "it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." You see, as a man, Jesus' presence was limited to one place at a time. But his death, or going away, provided every believer the advantage of having the Spirit present at all times and in all places. Talk about being put in a favorable position!

So this Christmas season as you and I express our thanks for the birth of Jesus Christ, let us also be thankful that the Savior of the world was willing to die on the cross to not only save us from our sins but to send us the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit who resides in us and allows us to speak directly to You at all times. Help us to understand how truly awesome this gift is Lord that we would never take it for granted and would want to share it with others. Thank You for loving us so much that You would choose to live as a man and die as a sinner to give us eternal life. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Holy Spirit

The best gift

"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God." Ephesians 2:8 NLT

On the drive home from Christmas shopping with my daughter, Hope, last Saturday afternoon, she and I discussed how much fun it was going to be watching her dad and brother open the gifts she had picked out. "I just know Dad is going to love the shoes I found him," she said. "But you know what Mom?" she asked. "What Dad and I bought for you this year is going to be the best gift you have ever gotten! I'm not even joking." "Oh really?" I responded. "Well considering the best "gift" I have ever gotten is salvation, let's agree that this will be the second best." Smiling, my sweet girl then said, "Oh yes, we can't top that one." 

And you know what? There is no gift in the world that could ever be better or even remotely compare to the "gift" of salvation "from God." You see, everything in this world we could ever possess will soon pass away and be worth nothing. But the deliverance from sin that was given to us "by his grace" when we believed and placed our faith in Jesus Christ is priceless and will never pass away. In fact, this gift that we could not earn and "can't take credit for" ensures that we will spend eternity in heaven with our Creator. Wow! Salvation truly is the best gift you and I could ever receive then isn’t it?

So if you're looking for the perfect gift to give this year, why not tell someone who doesn't know Jesus about this amazing gift of salvation? Oh friend, can you just imagine how receiving it would go down as their best Christmas in history! So go ahead... tell somebody. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation that was given because of your great love for us and not for anything we did or could ever do. Lord, help us to grasp how great this gift truly is that we would want to share it with everyone who has not made the choice to receive it.. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Tell Somebody - Danny Gokey

Remember to give thanks

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 NIV

Rhea Bullos, an 11-year-old runner from the Philippines, won three gold medals in the 400 meter, the 800 meter and the 1,500 meter race competitions at the Iloilo Sports Council Meet last week. And while that's quite an impressive feat in itself, consider that Rhea, who was unable to afford a pair of shoes, ran those races while wearing makeshift shoes she fashioned out of bandages. Quite creative, this young runner used common band-aids to protect her ankles and the soles of her feet from being rubbed raw by the track, even adding her own Nike logo with a marker. As you can imagine, this little girl’s story went viral leading Jeff Cariaso, head coach of the Alaska Aces, a professional basketball team in her home country to reach out saying, "Bullos has potential on her own, but with the right footwear she will now have the tools to be that much better."

And you know, as I read this story, I thought about the many pairs of running shoes I had in my closet and the numerous pairs each person in my own household possessed and prayed, "Lord if I have not given thanks for the things you have given me, I'm doing so now. If I have taken even one of the "good and perfect" gifts you have blessed me with for granted, please forgive me." And while this story definitely makes a person misty-eyed, it's a great reminder of how blessed we truly are. So blessed that we should be thanking “the Father of the heavenly lights” each and every day. 

So be grateful for what you have my friend knowing that some of the most basic things you and I take for granted other people are praying for. And with a heart filled with gratitude, let us look for ways to help others in need that they might come to seek and know the Giver of all good things. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for every good and perfect gift you have blessed us with. Help us to never take for granted even the smallest of things you have given us but to acknowledge You and as the Giver of them.  And when we don't have the words to properly thank You Lord, please listen to our hearts. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Listen to our hearts - Casting Crowns

God is our standard

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance." 2 Corinthians 10:12 BSB 

With the year coming to a close, many runners are looking back and asking themselves things like, "Did I reach my mileage goal? Did I stick to my training plan?" And if you're one of those runners who tracked their progress on Strava and want to see how you 'measured up' against other runners in 2019, you're in luck. According to Runner's World Magazine, the app’s annual “Year in Sport” report is now out and lists the year's running trends that, they say, upon viewing may inspire your running goals for 2020. 

And you know, while there might be some advantages to comparing ourselves to others to determine how 'good' we are doing at meeting our running goals, Paul warned us against comparing ourselves to others to see how 'good' we are doing in our spiritual walks. You see, when you and I measure ourselves against others, we might think we're doing pretty 'good' and might even get a bit prideful - something Paul says shows our ignorance. Which is why you and I must measure ourselves only against the holiness of Jesus Christ so we can see how lacking in goodness and sinful we truly are.

So be careful in how you measure your goodness my friend. While you might think you're doing pretty 'good' saying, "Well, I'm better than Joe down the street who does... you fill in the blank," when compared to the holiness of God, you and I fall short every time and have absolutely no basis for pride.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Help us to see who we are against who You are Lord that we would not be lulled into a false sense of goodness but will always hold on to the reality that we are sinners saved by grace and a million miles away from meeting the perfect standard set forth by You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Less Like Me - Zach Williams

Be happy about it

"Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way." Matthew 5:12 NLT

If you've ever run a hard 10k, especially one on a mountainous course that scaled almost 1,000 feet of elevation throughout six miles, you probably didn’t have the energy to do much more than give a thumbs-up as you crossed the finish line. Which makes what Albusaidi Yousuf did at the end of the UTMB 10k race held in the Al Hajar Mountain range on November 29 all the more impressive. Not only did Yousuf complete this challenging trail run with a smile on his face but was so excited to be finished that he performed multiple back handsprings before ending with a backflip over the finish line. Talk about somebody rejoicing to be done!

And you know, when it come to rejoicing, the Bible tells us that we should "be happy" when we are subject to hostility or ill treatment because of our belief in Jesus Christ. In fact, we are told to "be very glad!" remembering that "the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way." And while staying joyful in the midst of persecution, or being ridiculed for our faith, might be hard, remembering that we have "a great reward” - a reward so great in fact that we too will be doing numerous backflips and back handsprings when we cross that final finish line - awaiting us in heaven should have us smiling and exceedingly motivated to press on.

So if you find yourself in the midst of a trial, experiencing deep sorrow or even being persecuted for what you believe in, hang in there my friend! This life shall soon pass and you and I will be with the Savior forever. And doesn't the thought of that make you want to jump for joy?

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that promises us that no pain we experience in this life will be in vain. Help us to be happy and glad in every situation knowing that our suffering is short compared to the time we will spend with You in heaven, which is the greatest reward we could ever receive for pressing on and finishing the race You have called us to run. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Almost Home - MercyMe

Control your behavior

"It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable," 1 Thessalonians 4:3,4 NIV

Reporter Alex Bozarjian, who works for WSAV-TV in Georgia, was on live TV covering Savannah's annual Bridge Run Saturday when a participant groped her as he passed by. Of the incident which was posted to Twitter and viewed more than seven million times by Sunday evening, Bozarjian tweeted, "To the man who smacked my butt on live TV this morning: You violated, objectified, and embarrassed me. No woman should EVER have to put up with this at work or anywhere!! Do better." And for the runner who obviously thought it was funny to touch a woman inappropriately? He was later identified as a married local youth minister who was quite deservedly banned from participating in future events by the Savannah Sports Council. 

And you know, when it comes to touching a person inappropriately (even in jest), the Bible is very clear that believers, especially those in leadership roles, should "avoid sexual immorality" completely. Which means avoiding any and all types of sexual expression outside the boundaries of a biblically defined marriage relationship by learning to control our bodies in ways that are "holy and honorable." As this story notes, acting any other way can not only damage our testimony, dishonor our Lord and break up our families but taint the ministry of those we serve with.

So knowing that 'learning' is done by gaining knowledge and skills through repeated instruction and study, may we be ever vigilant to know the Word and how it defines sexual immorality and the consequences it brings that we might exhibit only those behaviors that please the Lord, show respect to others and build up the church.

Heavenly Father, thank You for clearly defining the way a believer should behave. Help us to discipline our hearts, minds and flesh that we would not do those things that are sexually immoral. Convict us Lord when we fill our minds with anything that is contrary to the Word knowing the mind is where the chain of bad behavior starts. Lord if we have sinned in any way, help us to repent and lay it all down at the altar. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Come to the Altar

God cares about the small stuff

“ You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” Psalm 139:2 NIV

“Melissa is that you?” a man asked as he and his son headed toward the St. Jude Marathon Pacer booth, obviously incredulous at meeting up once again in circumstances that could only have been orchestrated by God. You see, this man, Jeff, and I met just one month earlier in Branson, Mo where he and his girlfriend were staying for a trail run she and I were both participating in. Not only had the three of us talked for almost an hour (after 'crossing’ paths in the parking lot of the resort we were staying at) about running, life and how good God is, but agreed that the Lord personally arranged this meeting. And then here Jeff was again in Memphis, Tennessee! One of 26,000 runners to attend the St. Jude two-day expo who passed through at the same time and same place I was working a two-hour shift at the pacer booth. Coincidence? No way!

And you know, isn't it amazing that the Creator of the universe would go to such great lengths to provide for his children? Who cares about even the smallest details of our lives? I mean here was a man who, after our divinely inspired conversation, spontaneously decided to train for and run a half marathon and needed a little encouragement - something the Lord made sure he got because you know I hugged him, prayed for him and told him that he was going to do great! Which he did!  But isn’t that just like our God? After all, we know that if He cares enough to know when we sit and when we rise, He cares enough to arrange 'divine meetings' just when we need them.

So if you’re feeling like the Lord doesn’t know or care about you, think again my friend. The same God who perceives our thoughts from afar truly knows about our smallest and biggest worries, doubts and fears and will do whatever it takes to remind us that He is with us.

Heavenly Father, thank you thank you so much for the reminder that you know everything about us and that you genuinely care about us. In fact you care about every detail of our lives Lord. Knowing that help us to have peace in the midst of any circumstance know when you are working all things out. It’s in your precise name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Psalm 139 - MercyMe

One Day...

“He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 CEV

Upon sitting down to take in some much needed food after completing the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis Saturday, I looked over to see three young adults with the same photo and inscription on their shirts enjoying their meal as well. Prompted by the Spirit I walked up to them, introduced myself, and humbly asked, “How old was your brother when he was diagnosed?” To which the twin brother replied, “Sean was only three when we found out he had Medulloblastoma and he died on April 3, 2010. Since then we have always run in this race. Today we ran the 10k, our mom ran the half marathon and my dad ran the full.” Struggling to hold back tears at this point, I asked if the experience had made them look at life any differently to which Sean’s sister said, “It’s definitely made our family closer. We appreciate each-other so much more.” 

And you know, while I will never know or understand the countless reasons so many people experience pain, sorrow or heartache in this life or why children are allowed to die before they have ever really lived, I do know one thing that brings me great comfort in the midst of the turmoil and suffering of this world... God’s promises are always true. And the same God who promised to bring good out of our hurt, as he did for this family by bringing them closer through their trial, also promised us that a day would come when there would be ”no more death, suffering, crying, or pain.” A day when every tear would be wiped from our eyes and the pain and suffering we have experienced on this earth would be gone forever.

Until that day though, I hope the thought of God's tried-and-true promise that good will always come from our pain brings you the same peace it does me my friend.  Peace that, in a world that seems to be spiraling terribly out of control, is so desperately needed.

Heavenly Father, thank You for always making beauty from ashes for those who have put their faith and trust in You. Help us to look to You when we don’t understand the “whys” of this world Lord and to trust that Your plan is greater than any one we could ever imagine. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

One Day - Cochren and Co

Sean's siblings

The benefits of gratitude

“ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7 NIV

According to a recent article published by Runners World Magazine, practicing gratitude has long-term health benefits including improved running performance, better sleep, a reduction in blood pressure, lower levels of inflammation, and faster healing from injuries. And while writing one thank you note won’t immediately lower your cholesterol or give you more endurance said Glenn Fox, Ph.D., who is the head of program design, strategy, and outreach at the University of Southern California’s Performance Science Institute and has done extensive research on how gratitude impacts human performance, counting your blessings and being thankful for them on a daily basis will pay off in the long run.

And you know, practicing gratitude can do more than just impact our running performance. It can give us complete peace in the midst of any situation. Paul, who had trained himself to make thankfulness his normal response to every situation certainly understood this and so urged the church at Philippi to avoid being anxious or worried about anything but to present their requests to God “with thanksgiving” instead. Doing so, he explained would allow them to experience the supernatural “peace of God.” You see, when you and I pray with an attitude of gratitude, we are choosing to trust that God will work out “every situation” for our good and so can have the tranquility that “transcends all understanding.” 

So may we train ourselves to make it our custom, habit and normal response to be thankful when presenting “our requests to God” my friend - that we might experience the perfect peace that only He can give. 

Heavenly Father, help us to train ourselves to be thankful in all situations, both good and bad, by reading your Word daily that we might know and understand your promises and who You are that we would learn to trust You to always do what’s good for us. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Grateful - Elevation Worship

Welcome them as family

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God." Romans 15:7 BSB

“What a great start to the day," I thought to myself as I smiled and breathed in the brisk morning air while walking to church last Sunday morning. After having spent time in the Word earlier and getting in a run on the streets of El Paso, I was excited at the thought of not having to skip worship just because I was on vacation but was, I admit, a tad bit anxious as to how an outsider would be welcomed in this new church I had discovered after an online search. Upon stepping in the doors though, my angst was completely calmed. "It's so nice to have you here," the friendly greeter said as she took my hands in hers and then gave me a hug. And before the service even began, I was welcomed again by the pastor and several other church members. "Oh Lord," I prayed silently as I closed my eyes and fought back tears at their kindness, "may we all treat one another like 'family' no matter what building we happen to be in."

And you know, when it comes to treating our brothers and sisters as 'family,' Paul was clear that believers are to "accept one another" just as Christ accepted us. You see, Paul knew that the church (not the building but the body of believers) would need to work together and view themselves as 'one' in order to be all that God created it to be and so prayed for the unity and harmony of the church - knowing that when God's 'family' was unified in their goal to serve Him by serving alongside their fellow believers, the church as a whole would be better equipped to "bring glory to God."

So let us always remember that we are in this race together my friend with one mission - to know God and to make his Name known among the nations. And we can only do this when we are united in the purpose of bringing "glory to God." So welcome your fellow believers as 'family' knowing that's what Christ would do.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the 'family' of believers that we are a part of. Help us to see one another as brothers and sisters of the whole church that we might work and worship in harmony with one another to do amazing things for the Kingdom that will bring You glory. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Build Your Kingdom Here

Change our sinful nature

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me." Psalm 51:10,11 BSB

As a runner, do you long to eat healthy but cringe at the thought of eating broccoli or brussels sprouts? If so, your DNA may be to blame according to scientists presenting at the 2019 American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions who say genes that make some people “super tasters” cause them to eat fewer vegetables. Super tasters inherit two variants of a taste gene called TAS2R38, which makes them find certain foods like cruciferous vegetables exceptionally bitter. Thankfully though, the scientists outlined specific cooking methods and seasonings, like roasting your vegetables and adding butter, that may help super tasters enjoy more vegetables.

And you know, when it comes to being born in a way that is entirely beyond our control, David clearly understood that he was born into sin and was powerless to do anything good on his own apart from the prompting and guidance of the "Holy Spirit." Which is exactly why he asked God to "create," or bring into existence, "a clean heart" and a "right spirit” within him. And you and I are no different my friend. Apart from Him, we are also unable to defeat the sinful nature we were born with. Thankfully though, with the "Holy Spirit" living inside us, we can overcome those things that grieve the Spirit to live the righteous life God intended us to. 

So if you've fallen into some type of sin and feel incapable of breaking free, call out to the Lord and ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit. It’s then that He can bring into existence the "clean heart" and "right spirit" within you needed to overcome your sinful nature and live as a child of the King. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for filling every believer with the Holy Spirit who serves as a guide to walk in Your ways. Help us to yearn for a clean heart and renewed spirit that we could make it the desire of our heart as we cry out to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Hymn of the Holy Spirit

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The value of a mentor

"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others." 2 Timothy 2:2 NLT

When US runner Jordan Hasay, who is the second fastest American woman over the marathon distance, left the now disbanded Nike Oregon Project earlier this year, she found herself without a coach. But that changed recently when Hasay announced she would be coached by Paula Radcliffe, a renowned runner who held the female marathon record for over 16 years before it was broken in Chicago this year. Of the decision, Jordan tweeted, "I look forward to working with Paula, whose expertise in being the former world record holder in the marathon is unparalleled.. I have always looked up to Paula as a pioneer for what is possible in the marathon, and most importantly in being a kind and inspiring person in life. I hope to follow in her footsteps as I continue my journey in the sport." 

And you know, while coaches are crucial in helping athletes reach their full potential, spiritual coaches or mentors are of even greater importance in helping young-in-their-faith Christians grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Word so that they can reach their full potential. Paul certainly understood this and so reminded Timothy that the "truths" he had learned under his teaching were to be taught to "other trustworthy people" who would be "able to pass them on to others." You see, the more mature you and I become in our spiritual walk, the greater obligation we have to coach or mentor those who are just beginning or are relatively new to their walk of faith. 

So let us remember that life is not a solo race but a relay in which every believer has a role in passing on the baton to the next generation so it can be passed on again, and again and again... never stopping until the Lord calls us all home. Will you do your part? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that every believer has an important job to do in the relay race of life by ensuring that the next generation of believers is prepared to share the Good News of the Gospel with others. Help us to joyfully step up to our positions to pass the baton of faith and knowledge of the Truth. It's in your precious friend we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

This is what we live for

Stop chasing the wind

"But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere." Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT

Rising early to run the streets of El Paso Friday, I was enjoying the brief moments of the morning when most of the city was sleeping and the streets were void of their normal traffic. Lost in worship and singing the words "You are my life, may you be lifted high. There is no other like Jesus Christ," I looked up to see a man being handcuffed by a member of the El Paso police department while the other officer was placing the man's drug paraphernalia on the trunk of his patrol car. And for the split second I locked eyes with the drug-addicted man, I prayed that he had heard the words that could change his life. The two words that could fill him with what his soul was truly longing for... Jesus Christ. 

And you know, without exception, every human being longs to be happy, longs to have peace and longs to be satisfied. Unfortunately though, the majority of people will attempt to fill these needs through people, possessions or mind-altering substances. But none of those things will ever truly satisfy a person as Solomon came to know. Here was a man who had unlimited wealth, women and wine saying, "Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure." But guess what? Even an inexhaustible amount of what the world had to offer left Solomon empty inside and admitting that his pursuit of these things, "was all so meaningless." 

So if you find yourself seeking to be satisfied or fill the void in your heart with anything less than Christ, stop "chasing the wind" my friend. The world doesn't have what you need to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger, only Jesus does. Won't you turn to Him?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that a person can never be truly satisfied until they come to the foot of the Cross and allow you to fill their hearts. Lord, help us to boldly carry this Message to a world that so desperately needs it and to see people as You do that we might show compassion to the lost. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!! 

You never change - Austin Stone Worship