No excuse is valid

"Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" Luke 9:61-62 NIV

Runner's World Magazine recently published an article titled, "16 of the worst excuses ever for a bad run," in which they said, "If you are going to make an excuse for a bad run or race, make it convincing or so unconvincing that it has to be believed." And some of the excuses listed? I put my socks on the wrong feet - they were not my feet. I applied far too much anti-chafe cream and damaged myself when I accidentally did the splits, and I used the wrong mantra: Instead of “Light and smooth”, I kept repeating “An ocean is only as deep as its water”, which just confused me.

And while there are definitely good and legitimate excuses for having a bad run, Jesus was clear that there was and is absolutely no valid excuse for not heeding the call to follow Him. In fact, when "still another" of the men Jesus was talking to offered up an excuse for not doing by saying, "first let me go back and say goodbye to my family', Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." In other words, we cannot be of service to Christ unless and until we are willing to give up everything we have for Him to be completely and wholeheartedly sold out. 

So would you say you're sold out to Christ my friend? Have you stopped making excuses why you can’t follow Him with complete sincerity, devotion and commitment? I sure hope so, because your decision to do so will not only affect your life today but your eternal destiny. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being patient with us when we put off following You. Lord I pray that if there is someone reading this today that has not made the decision to accept You as Lord of their lives that they would quit making excuses and do so at this very moment by saying, "Lord I admit that I need You.  I believe Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for my sins and rose again on the third day. I'm making the decision right now to give You my life and be sold out in my commitment to You. Please forgive me of my sins." It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Burn the ships

Heed the warnings

“So the LORD God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made.“ Genesis 3:23 NLT

“Not again,” I groaned to myself upon waking up early to run before work yesterday morning and looking out the window. The roads were blanketed with the snow that was still coming down forcing all the local schools to issue cancellation warnings... again. So as much as I wanted to hit the trail, I heeded the prompting of the Holy Spirit I was clearly hearing instead and settled in for some much-needed cross training and yoga stretches. And you know, later when the reports flooded in of just how slippery the roads and sidewalks were (with a layer of ice hidden underneath the snow), I was extremely grateful that I hadn’t disobeyed Him, fully realizing how dire the outcome might have been. 

And you know, there are consequences to every one of our actions. Consider Adam and Eve. They literally had everything they could ever ask for - an intimate walk with God where they could fellowship with Him personally, no sadness or sickness, and a garden that supplied all their needs - but they chose to go against the Lord's command to refrain from eating from the tree of life and were subsequently left to suffer the consequences for their disobedience when “God banished them from the Garden of Eden.” And just as every sin you and I commit affects those around us, sometimes for years and generations to come, theirs' affected each and everyone of us for all eternity.

So let us strive to follow the Lord’s every command my friend, knowing there will always be negative consequences for doing otherwise - consequences that can be long lasting for which we will only have ourselves to blame. Knowing that, aren’t you glad we serve a God who not only forgives us when we repent but loves us in spite of our shortcomings? I sure am. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that Your laws and the Spirit’s promptings are given to keep us safe and walking in Your will. Help us to be obedient to them that we might not experience the pain and separation from You that always comes as a result of doing otherwise. Thank You for forgiving us when we are disobedient Lord and loving us when we don't deserve it. In Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

You love me anyway - Sidewalk Prophets

Clothe yourselves with compassion

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12 BSB

Harry Vroulis, 74, was running his 36th consecutive Houston Marathon last Sunday when he collapsed near mile 16. Diane McMaster who was walking nearby said she saw him fall and immediately rushed over to help. She called 911 and stayed with Vroulis, holding his hand, while her boyfriend walked two blocks to find help. “I just said, ‘It’s OK.' I saw his name right there on his chest and I just said, "It’s OK, Harry, we’re here." As you can imagine, Harry's family was so deeply moved by her compassion that they wanted to meet her and thank her in person. "I’m still in pain," Harry's brother George said, "but to know that my brother died holding hands with a beautiful human being like her makes my pain smaller. He knew that someone was caring for him."

And you know, when it comes to caring for others, the Bible is clear that we, "the elect of God," are to clothe ourselves with "hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." In other words, we are to be like Jesus who never failed to show genuine sympathy and concern for the hurting, always putting the needs of others above His own - to the point of dying on the cross for our sins. You see, real love for others will always cost us something just as it did Jesus. 

So make it a point to love others to the point of sacrifice my friend. Give of your time, your talents, and of your heart when you see someone in need. Be a beautiful human being that shows the love of Jesus by the way you care for those around you. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the greatest example to follow of what it means to truly love and serve others. Cause us to have hearts of compassion Lord so others would see You in us and be drawn to the foot of the Cross because of it. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The power of your Name - Lincoln Brewster

Never assume

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'" Acts 1:8 NLT

"Oh my," I said out loud the moment I saw the large patch of ice that had blanketed the path in front of me midway through my early morning run yesterday. And just as I came to a standstill and began to thank the Lord that I saw it in time, a car coming in the opposite direction stopped and the driver rolled down her window. "Be careful," she said. "There's a patch of ice covering the whole road up there. I didn't know if you'd be able to see it and I didn't want you to get hurt." "Thank you so much." I said as I smiled. "I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me." 

And you know, it would have been so easy for this driver to just keep going and 'assume' that I had seen the ice, which I had unbeknownst to her, rather than warning me. Much in the same way you and I might 'assume' the people around us know Jesus. But that's where the danger is my friend. When we 'assume' someone knows Christ and we stay silent, we allow them to keep going down a path far more dangerous than an ice-covered road. Which is the exact reason you and I must be those "witnesses" who tell people about Jesus everywhere, even "to the ends of the earth." 

So let us not 'assume' that our friends, family, coworkers, or anyone else that we might come into contact with has heard or understands the Good News of the Gospel. But rather let us take the time to tell them, knowing that those who accept Jesus as their Savior because of our actions will be eternally grateful that we did so. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we should never assume that anyone is saved. Help us to be bold Lord that we would never miss an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus and all the great things He has done for us - that in doing so they might be led to the foot of the Cross. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Tell somebody - Danny Gokey

Be ready for the attack

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17 NIV

"I don't think so," I said to myself as I took my weapon out of my pocket the moment I spotted a new dog on one of my favorite running routes Monday morning. Stopping in my tracks as the dog aggressively approached me, I repeatedly yelled, "Get back!" as I stood my ground and then slowly walked away, keeping my eyes on the canine's every move. And finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the four-legged nuisance retreated to his yard. "I'm sure glad I was ready for that one," I thought to myself, remembering the confrontation several years prior that had spurred my decision to carry protection to defend myself against any attack.

And while every runner should be prepared to fend off a dog attack since one out of every 69 people in the United States will be bitten, each and every one of us should be ready to fend off a spiritual attack - something 100 out of 100 Christians will experience each and every day. Sadly though, many believers repeatedly fall victim to these attacks because they simply aren't ready for them. So how do we get ready you might ask? By putting on the "helmet of salvation" and wielding the "sword of the Spirit” my friend. You see, the helmet guards our thoughts and the surety we have of our salvation and the sword, "which is the word of God" destroys and penetrates every lie and tactic the enemy comes against us with.  

So rather than cowering down and fearing the attack that will inevitably come, be prepared. Immerse yourself in the Word now so that when the strike happens, you'll be ready to stand firm and fight with the weapons the Lord has provided.

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing everything we need to protect ourselves against those spiritual battles that are waged against us in an attempt to cause us to sin or give up on our walk with You. Give us a renewed urgency to know the Word Lord that we might grow closer to You and be able to wield the Sword of the Spirit when the time comes. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The Victory - Third Day

Have a happy heart

“For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15

When a fellow runner on a Facebook ultrarunning group page I’m a member of recently asked the question “ Do you pause your timer when stopping at drink stations or when changing shoes for a longer race?” recently, I was overwhelmed at the amount of responses that, in one way or another, said the same thing... No. “Because the 'official clock' is still running,” posted one of the respondents. In other words, as much as you and I would like to slow down or even stop time, we can’t. Not even for a second. Anyway you look at it then, life is very short and we would do well to remember that so we don’t waste even one moment of it.  

And do you know what one of the most tragic ways you and I can waste the precious moments the Lord has given us? By neglecting to see each day as the gift that it is and being grateful for it. You see, when you and I allow ourselves to be “despondent” or discouraged about life, every day will bring us trouble. But when we choose instead to be hopeful, thanking God for every blessing and confident that God will cause all things to work for our good, we will develop a “happy heart” that sees the good in everything. And for the person that develops this “happy heart, life is a continual feast.” 

So although life won’t always go as planned and we will all face trials, troubles and tribulations, let us choose to thank God for each day and look for the blessings in the burdens - knowing that we can’t always change our circumstances but we can always change our attitudes. And that my friend makes all the difference. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that life is short. Cause us to remember this at all times that we might make the best use of each moment we are given, refusing to allow depression, despondency, or complacency to fill our hearts and cause us to miss out on the joy that should fill every believer. It’s in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Happy Dance - MercyMe

Live your best life

"The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8 NLT

In an article written after Sunday's win by the Kansas City Chiefs aptly titled "Patrick Mahomes lifts Chiefs to first Super Bowl in 50 years," ESPN Correspondent Adam Teicher wrote, "Mahomes was as usual the key figure for the Chiefs. He completed 23 of 35 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. His running was as big a factor. Mahomes led the Chiefs with 53 rushing yards on eight carries. He scored a 27-yard touchdown that gave the Chiefs their first lead at 21-17 late in the first half." Wow! With talent like that, can you imagine Mahomes doing anything but playing football? But as his mother, Randi, said in a 2019 interview, Mahomes contemplated giving up the sport during his junior year of high school. That's when she encouraged her son to pray over the decision which led him to where he is today... a Christian athlete with a huge platform to share the Gospel. 

And you know, God is in the habit of gifting ordinary people with extraordinary talents to use them in phenomenal ways to bring Him glory each and every day. In fact, every one of us has a talent, discovered or undiscovered, that can be used to glorify the Father if we would only seek His guidance. You see, the Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Did you get that best part? God, and God alone knows what's best for us since He can see our future and we can't see past this moment. Which means if you and I are to avoid going our own way and settling for the second, third or even the fourth best pathway for our lives, we must pray before making any decision. 

So let us from this day forward vow to live the best life God has for us by praying for guidance, direction, wisdom and discernment - seeking to use those talents He has gifted us with to bring Him glory. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would personally guide us along the best pathway for our lives. Cause us to seek You first each and every day Lord that we would not detour from the plan You have for us knowing Your plan is the best plan. Use us to bring You glory Lord. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Spend a life - David Dunn

 

Practice self-control

"Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city." Proverbs 16:32 NLT

While participating in the Saint Silvester 15k Road Race in north-west Colombia on New Year's Eve, Jamie Alejandro, a Columbian runner sponsored by Under Armour, was videoed kicking a dog that had gotten in his path during the race and subsequently dropped by his sponsor. In a statement following the incident, Alejandro said, "I did not consider my actions. I have no excuses and I do not justify what I did. I am not justifying my actions but it was a moment of euphoria in the race. I was not thinking and I know I can be a brute when I am competing.” Unfortunately for Jamie, though, Under Armour chose not to reinstate its' endorsement deal with him despite the apology.

And you know, as this story clearly illustrates, losing control of our emotions even for a moment can have long-lasting and dire consequences. The psalmist clearly understood this, warning us that it was "better to be patient than powerful" and "better to have self-control than to conquer a city." In other words, self-control is far better than conquest because any success you and I may attain can instantly be lost by losing our temper. For that reason then, it is always a great achievement and personal victory when you and I control our emotions. 

So before you take action on any situation, be sure to carefully consider the consequences my friend. Losing your temper, even for a moment, could easily cause you to miss out on the very thing you want the most and are working so hard to achieve. 

Heavenly Father, help us to practice self-control in every area of our lives that we might have the patience and wisdom to control our emotions. Please help us to remember that we are Ambassadors of Christ, and that displaying any actions contrary to that representation could easily damage our witness and lead others away from You. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

With lifted hands - Ryan Stevenson

Follow the example of Jesus

"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen." Matthew 4:18 NIV

After Saturday morning's run with friends, I couldn't wait to get some of my favorite coffee to warm up. So after ducking into the convenience store and grabbing my hot cup of java, I headed to the counter to pay. Digging out some change, I stopped when I realized what I was doing. "Oh please forgive me," I said to the cashier as I told my friend who I was talking to that I would call her back. "That was totally rude of me to be talking on the phone while paying," I said. "It's fine," the young lady said seemingly shaking it off. "People do it all the time." "No it's not fine," I replied now looking intently into her eyes, "You need to know that you are important. You really are." Now smiling, she looked at me just as intently and said, "Wow. No one's said anything like that to me in a long time." 

And you know, as I walked out of that convenience store it was all I could do not to cry at the realization that we, myself included, are not really seeing people anymore. Too absorbed in our own lives and social media, we interact with people without really interacting with them - something Jesus never did. In fact, when "Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers..." Did you get that? Jesus saw these fishermen because he was walking in God's will and open to the direction and prompting of the Father to interact with "Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew." Jesus wasn't preoccupied with His own agenda but that of the Lord! And because of this personal interaction, these men came to know Jesus and call him Savior. 

So today, may we all vow to follow the example of Jesus and preoccupy ourselves with the will of the Father above our own. And may we aspire to truly see people and interact with them the way Christ would, knowing that's the only way we are ever going to reach a lost world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me how easy it is to miss opportunities to show love and kindness to others when I am absorbed in my own life rather than my mission to serve You. Lord, renew our will and desire to put You above everything else in our lives and use us to reach the lost and comfort the hurting. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Love God Love People - Danny Gokey

Leave a legacy of love

"If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:3 NLT

On Nov. 3, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill designating a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. on the third Monday in January. Which means many of us that are fortunate enough to have today off will be getting in a long run, resting, or catching up on chores. But whatever you and I happen to be doing on this day, I hope that we will stop and reflect on the legacy of a man who is widely regarded as America’s pre-eminent advocate of nonviolence and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history. In fact, it's been said that during the less than 13 years of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership of the modern American Civil Rights Movement, African Americans achieved more genuine progress toward racial equality in America than the previous 350 years had produced.

And you know, if a legacy is the story of someone's life they leave behind to be remembered by - the things they did, the places they went, the things they accomplished - have you ever wondered what your legacy would be? What people would remember about you? I certainly have. And I want nothing more than to leave behind a legacy of love just as the apostle Paul did. You see, you and I can do no greater thing in this world than to love others, thereby showing them the love of Christ - something Paul knew saying, "If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing."

So if you were to die today, what legacy would you leave behind? Would your life story reflect your love for the Lord and for the lost? I sure hope so my friend. Because you and I only have one chance to make a difference in this world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the greatest way we can show Your love to the world is by letting it pour out of us into the lives of others. Help us to see people as you do Lord and to love them unconditionally as you have loved us. Ignite a passion in us God to live our lives in a way that we will have been known for our love. It's in Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The proof of Your love

Resolve to stand firm

"Stand firm, and you will win life." Luke 21:19 NIV

As most runners have come to know, when the temperature drops, the resolve to lace up our shoes usually drops along with it. But we shouldn't let the frosty air, negative wind chills, and the threat of hypothermia put a freeze on our running routines since keeping up with our normal schedules will not only prevent you and me from losing our hard-gained endurance but also help us fight off the winter blues. In fact, according to a recent study in the journal Mental Health and Prevention, exercising outdoors in the winter can cut our anxiety levels a lot more than sweating inside can. How's that for a great reason for us to strengthen our resolve to get out there and run in the cold?

And you know, when it comes to the resolve or firm determination to follow Jesus, Luke reminded believers that they must "stand firm." You see, just as it was in his time, Christians are being mistreated, ridiculed, harassed, and even killed for their faith. And because of this, it has become very easy for even the most faithful of followers to let their resolve waiver or even drop completely - which is exactly why Luke earnestly urged every believer to take a firm, resolute, steadfast, and purposeful stand to follow Christ in spite of any harsh treatment or trial they might encounter along the way.

So if your resolve to follow Jesus has waned in the midst of opposition today, I pray you will renew your commitment to follow Christ no matter the consequences my friend. And then I urge you to take a stand and boldly declare, "I will stand firm from this moment on and I will let nothing stop me from my pursuit to 'win life.'"

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise to always be with us and to reward all those who choose to follow You until the end. Help us to be those followers who stand firm and refuse to back down no matter what obstacles or difficulties we are faced with. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Won't back down - MercyMe

Let your light shine on Him

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 NLT

“Oh my goodness!” I said out loud yesterday. It was one of the darkest mornings I had experienced all winter and yet the combination of the bright headlamp I received for Christmas and the new chestlamp I recently purchased on a whim lit my path so well that I was almost able to run at my normal pace despite the lack of sunlight. Still marveling at the brightness of this light I had never experienced before on a run, I felt the Lord speak to me, “Remember Melissa, the light has to go before you, never behind you, at all times if you are to truly serve Me and bring Me the glory I am due.” “Oh I get it!” I shouted and then quietly prayed, “Lord may I never seek the praise for the things You have allowed me to do. But let my light shine so bright that others can't help but give you the praise for those “good deeds.” I am nothing and can do nothing without you God.”

And you know, even Christians forget sometimes that everything they are, everything they have acquired, and everything they have ever accomplished is because of God's grace in their lives. In fact, in a world that has seemingly forgotten God and applauds the self-made man instead, it’s become quite acceptable to accept praises for what we have done. But the Bible is very clear that we can do nothing without God and so are to let “our good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise” our “Heavenly Father.” Did you get that part my friend? So that God will get the praise and not us?

So if the Lord has blessed you by allowing you to accomplish or acquire something great, go ahead and tell somebody. But when they respond with, “Congratulations!” or “You really did a great job,” don’t neglect to say, “All glory to God. It was by His grace.” Because, you can be sure, it most certainly was.

Heavenly Father, thank you for all that You do through us and for us. Help us to never steal the praises for ourselves but to shine our light so that others would praise You and be drawn to the foot of the Cross. Help us to remember that You allow us to do great things only to bring You glory and to lead others to salvation. It’s in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Burn Baby - MercyMe

Be Coachable

"But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel." Philippians 2:22 BSB

On January 10, two-time Olympic medalist Galen Rupp, who was in need of a coach after his former one, Alberto Salazar, was banned due to anti-doping violations, publicly announced that he was under the guidance of Mike Smith, the head coach of cross country and track and field at Northern Arizona University. Smith confirmed the coaching relationship later in an email to Runner’s World, writing that he was surprised to get the phone call from Rupp last fall and took his time on making the decision, hinging the choice heavily on whether Rupp would be open to change, knowing it was crucial to whether his coaching would be effective. Thankfully, to Smith’s delight, Rupp was. "He’s completing new types of training he’s never done in his career and been very coachable thus far in what I’m requesting of him."

So why is it so important to the success of an athlete to be coachable? Because coachable people are humble. And because they are humble, they acknowledge their constant need for improvement. Which means they are open to listening to new instruction and feedback, are able to receive constructive criticism without taking it personally, are willing to take an honest look at their own performance, and are over-the-top enthusiastic about reaching their goal. This was something Paul knew was, without a doubt, crucial both to the success of an athlete and to being a follower of Jesus Christ. In fact, the main reason Timothy - who Paul described as having proven his worth by serving alongside him "to advance the gospel" - was so successful in his ministry was because he was coachable! He was enthusiastic about the mission and more than willing to listen to Paul's instruction, correction and advice.

So would you describe yourself as coachable today? I sure hope so my friend because, unless you are, you will never live up to your full potential in advancing the gospel and serving the Lord. And as followers of Jesus Christ, shouldn't that be our greatest mission? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that the only way we can ever grow and mature as Christians is to be coachable and always mindful of our need for improvement. Help us to be open to change and willing to learn from others so that we can grow more like You Lord. And please strip us of any pride that might stand in the way.  It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Jason Gray - Becoming

Always a reason to smile

"The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him." Nahum 1:7 NLT

"Mom, I'm really sick. Will you come to Springfield? I need you." "Oh Luke," I said completely stopping in my tracks upon answering my son's early morning distress call while out running yesterday. "I'll be there as soon as I pick up your sister who woke up with what we think is an ear infection." And so what began as a mundane Monday quickly turned into anything but mundane with an Emergency Room stay with my son followed up by an urgent care visit with my daughter, Hope. And you know what? As we sat in the exam room waiting for Hope to be seen - her lying on the examining table and my son slumped in the chair next to me (feeling a lot better) - I smiled. "Thank you Lord. This may not have been the way I would have envisioned getting my children together but being in the same room with the two of them makes my heart smile."

And you know, every one of us will experience days like this when nothing seems to go as planned and life seems completely out of control. But you know what? When this happens you and I have two choices... we can look at our burdens or we can look at our blessings. And you can be sure that if you are a child of the King, there is a blessing in the midst of every trial - something the psalmist clearly understood when he wrote, "The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him." And that's the blessing in every situation! God is always good. And God is always with us. 

So if your day, your week or your year isn't going as planned, won't you choose to look at your blessings instead of your burdens my friend? And to look up and say, "Lord, this is not how I pictured my life going but that's okay. I know that You are always by my side and for that I will choose to smile?"  

Heavenly Father, thank You for always giving us a reason to smile. In the midst of trouble, you are beside us closer than a friend. When our hearts are burdened, You are there to provide comfort. And when we are anxious, You give us peace. Lord you are good all the time and for that we will choose to smile as we count our blessings today and every day. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Smile - Sidewalk Prophets

It requires total commitment

"As they were walking along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow You wherever You go.'" Luke 9:57 BSB

"Are you seriously running in the pouring rain right now?" my daughter asked when she called me early Friday morning while I was navigating the flooded streets of Crocker. "Of course!" was my reply. "I've actually been out here since before the sun came up and I'm loving every minute of it!" No doubt voicing what everyone else who saw me was thinking, she said, "You're crazy." Laughing as I hung up, I couldn't help but think, "Lord, I don't care if people think I'm nuts. I will go to the ends of the earth to meet with You no matter the obstacles or storms in my path."

And you know, being a follower of Jesus Christ means so much more than just saying, "I will follow You wherever you go." It means actually being willing to follow Jesus no matter where He leads you or what trials, tribulations, difficulties or tempests you might encounter along the way. It's being totally committed no matter the cost. You see, when the "someone" who met Jesus along the road vowed to follow Him wherever He went, it soon became apparent that his words were only lip-service. That "someone" changed his mind very quickly when he realized the cost of following Jesus. 

Sadly, many ‘Christians’ in our world today are the same - they claim to follow Jesus but do so only when it's convenient and comfortable. But true discipleship costs everything you and I have my friend and requires an all-out-hold-nothing-back-one-hundred-percent-do-or-die-at-any-expense-daily commitment. With that in mind, are you truly willing to follow Him wherever He goes? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sacrifice of your Son that You provided to free us from the consequences of our sin. Help us to truly grasp the enormity and significance of that, that we would live our lives as a living sacrifice to You and follow you wherever You would lead us despite what it costs. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Sold out - Hawk Nelson

The first thing

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 BSB

Looking to get inspired and stay motivated to run in 2020? Well, according to Runner's World Magazine, putting running first on your agenda could be the key. “People who start to run early in the morning get hooked on that feeling of having accomplished so much before others are even awake, as well as the extra energy they get from that morning rush of endorphins,” says Lisa Reichmann, a Maryland-based running coach. And by training yourself to be a morning runner, you can get in your workout before the distractions and increasing obligations of the day steal your time.

And you know, when it comes to prioritizing those things that are important to us, like exercise for our physical health, the Bible is clear that our top priority for our spiritual health should be to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." You see, when you and I seek Him first, we are not only acknowledging that God is the most important thing in our lives but confessing our need for His guidance - guidance that is crucial to our spiritual walk and our relationship with the Lord. 

So make spending time with God in the quiet early hours of the morning, before anything else can steal your time and attention, your main priority my friend. I assure you that you will be instantly be 'hooked on that feeling' of a deeper intimacy with Him and the peace, extra energy and renewed sense of direction that accompanies it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the timely reminder that spending time with You should be the first thing we do each and every day before the distractions of the world steal our time. Help us to crave a deeper relationship with You above all else Lord that every other concern and care we have would fall into place as you lead, guide and direct us. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The more I seek You - Kari Jobe

God is in complete control

“And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.“Psalm 94:19 CEV

With all the talks of war, contention, chaos, and rebellion in our world right now, I woke up with a heart full of anxiety yesterday. Knowing this spirit of fear did not come from God, I was desperate to rid myself of it and the feelings of despair, apprehension and restlessness that accompanied it. So as I began my early morning run I began to pray out loud, “Lord, I am so overcome with fear and worry right now. Please take it away.” Then as my tears began to fall, I pleaded wholeheartedly, “I need you to reveal Yourself to me! I need to feel your Presence! Please make Yourself known to me.” And within moments, deep within my soul, I heard Him say, “Look at the sun coming up Melissa. I caused that. I made that beautiful sunrise. I am and always will be in control. Calm your heart sweet daughter. You have nothing to fear.”

And you know, just as the psalmist knew, it is possible to experience peace in the midst of complete disorder and confusion. You see, when you and I are “burdened with worries,” we need only cry out to the Lord who will comfort us. And even better yet, will make us “feel secure” in the middle of the worst storms and the lowest valleys in our lives by reminding us that, no matter how it may appear, He is always present. He is always sovereign. He is always all-powerful. He will always love us. And He is always in complete control.

So if you’re “burdened with worries” today my friend, won’t you cry out to the God who was, is, and always will be in complete control? His presence will not only give you the comfort and security your troubled heart so desperately needs, but will fill you with overwhelming joy.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You are always in control no matter how it may appear. When we are anxious or troubled Lord, help us to make prayer our immediate response. Remind us that all your promises are true God and that You can always be trusted. It’s in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Trusted - Meredith Andrews

We are stewards of these temples

"You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own. God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 CEV

As I was going through my normal weekend routine Sunday evening - which includes food preparation for the week along with packing clothes to change into after running early and then showering at work before heading to my desk (I love my job!) -  I said to my daughter, Hope, "It seems like all I ever do is prep! It would be so much easier to just skip my workouts and eat processed food." "Yes," she replied laughing at me, "but you and I both know you shouldn't and wouldn't do that Mom." Now smiling, I answered, "Thanks honey. You're right. I needed that reminder." 

And do you know why you and I should never forgo taking care of ourselves by regularly exercising and taking the time to prepare and eat healthy, whole and nutritious foods? Because our bodies are no longer our own but belong to God. This means that you and I are merely stewards of these temples "where the Holy Spirit lives." And if a good steward is someone who is entrusted to look after and manage another person's property to the best of their ability, you and I should take very seriously the position of steward the Lord has placed upon us for managing His property that was purchased at "a great price." 

So if you think the extra effort to get fit and stay fit isn't worth it my friend, think again. Not only will you and I "honor God" by treating our bodies as they were intended to be treated but will feel better, decrease our chances of disease and illness, and be better equipped and able to serve others both now and in the future to the greatest degree by doing so. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for paying the greatest price that could ever be paid to free us from our sins and give us new life. Cause us to remember that we belong to You and our bodies are not our own Lord that we would treat them with the respect due of a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. May our doing so not only bring you the honor you are due but allow us to serve You better all the days of our lives. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Take my life - Chris Tomlin

Well worth the sacrifice

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life." Matthew 19:29 NLT

Sure, running's a cheap sport right? I mean all you need is a pair of shoes and some active wear right? Well, technically, yes... unless you want to register for races. In which case, you could easily find yourself in need of a second job to cover the registration fees and travel expenses. So when my friend, Rebecca, posted, "I did the unthinkable. I canceled monthly massages and bi-weekly service so I can pay for races next year. I am determined to run those races" just days before we rang in the new year, I knew she was serious about reaching her 2020 running goals. And I have no doubt Rebecca will find that the sacrifice was well worth it. 

And you know, when it comes to giving up our 'things' to pursue what we love, the Bible tells us that Peter, Andrew, James and John left everything behind - their boats, their homes and their families - to follow Jesus. And you can be sure Peter realized it was well worth the sacrifice when, after reminding Jesus of all the disciples had given up, asked,"What then will there be for us?" and then heard the words "everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life." Wow! 

And while you and I may never be called to give up our 'things' to follow Jesus, we are called to give up our old lives and anything and everything that comes between us and our pursuit of the Savior. But you can be sure doing so will be well worth it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of our inheritance of eternal life upon our decision to give up all we have to follow You. Help us to see how the sacrifice of leaving our old lives behind pales in comparison to the benefits we will gain by becoming your faithful followers. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Follow Me - Casting Crowns

Do not miss out

"In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God." Psalm 10:4 NIV

On New Year's Eve morning of 2019, many runners, including me, were out enjoying a casual run while Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo was closing in on winning the 95th San Silvestre de Sao Paulo Road Race in Brazil and setting a new record in the process. But as he approached the finish line, Kiplimo, 19, raised his arms a little too early in celebrating his victory allowing Kibiwott Kandie to pass him and finish first by just inches. And because of his arrogance, Kiplimo not only lost to Kandie by a mere second but missed out on having his name in the record books. NBC Sports later said, "Without the premature celebration, Kiplimo, who represented Uganda in the 2016 Rio Olympics, likely wouldn't have lost a second on his time."

And when it comes to arrogance or pride, do you realize that one of the main reasons many people will miss out on going to heaven is because of their pride? Think about it. The prideful person, "does not seek him" or even have "room for God'' in their thoughts. The prideful person says,"I can do this on my own. I don't need anyone else. Everything I have is because of my hard work." Unfortunately, this attitude of haughtiness and self-importance prevents a person from seeing their total inability to save themselves and their desperate need for a Savior. 

So if you have not admitted your need for Salvation or surrendered your life to Jesus, won't you lay down your pride today and say, "Lord I don't want to miss out on spending eternity with You. I admit that I can't do anything without you. I surrender my heart to you today and I ask that you strip me of any pride that keeps me separated from You.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that pride will not only cause us to miss out on the many blessings You supply but will keep us from a right relationship with you now and eternal life later. Search us Lord and reveal and remove any pride within us. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Lay down my pride - Jeremy Camp

Anything is possible if you believe

"'What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.'" Mark 9:23 NLT

While driving to Springfield Friday for another race, my daughter, Hope, and I passed the park where a friend and I had begun the 50-mile run we had completed by God’s grace the previous Saturday. “Hey,” I said to Hope. “That’s where we started last weekend. Wanna see our turnaround point?” “Of course,” she replied. But as we drove and drove and drove, she became baffled at the distance not even considering we had to go back 25 miles. Finally, upon reaching the turnaround point she said, “I could never...” and then stopped herself. “I hope God never calls me to do something like that!” And we both laughed!

And you know why this sweet girl stopped herself mid-sentence? Because she has learned that there is absolutely nothing impossible with God... nothing! “If a person believes” that is. She’s seen it in my life and in the lives of many of my Christian friends who have stepped out to do His will in the midst of impossible odds. In fact Jesus, himself, said, “Anything is possible if a person believes.” That means if God calls you to do something totally beyond your ability and seemingly impossible, He CAN and WILL provide the strength and tools for you to accomplish it. You need only believe.

So step out in faith today to do whatever it is the Lord has laid on your heart to do my friend. Believe that ALL things are possible by the power of Jesus Christ and then watch something miraculous happen. You’ll be amazed at what God can do through you when you place your complete confidence in Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that nothing is impossible for the person who believes that You are God and are all-powerful in providing the power, endurance and resources we need to fulfill any task you have called us to, no matter how improbable the situation may appear. Help us to trust You so much Lord that we would dare to do the impossible for your glory. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Confidence - Sanctus Real
 

God is our Rescuer

"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4 NIV

Grateful to have had the first day of 2020 off from work yesterday, I decided to run my favorite long loop near my home since I had extra time. "Oh how I missed this trail," I thought to myself as I passed field after open field and crossed over several streams. And as I continued counting my blessings, I looked to my left just in time to see a young goat with its' head caught in one of the openings of his wire fence struggling to break free. No doubt thinking that the grass was tastier on the other side, the poor animal had wedged its' horns and head out and was now struck. Taking out my phone, I was thankful that I knew the owner of the farm who assured me he would come immediately to rescue his 'kid' from trouble. 

And you know, as I watched the goat struggle to free itself for a few moments, I couldn't help but think of the many times I had also, thinking the grass was greener on the other side, strayed from God's path only to find myself in the same predicament - hopelessly in need of rescue. And as much as I'd like to say that I've gotten smarter and this doesn't happen anymore, the truth is I can't. I still get myself into trouble, which is why I am so grateful for a Savior who has vowed to sustain, carry and rescue me throughout my lifetime, even into my "old age and gray hairs." 

Thankfully this promise of deliverance is for you too my friend and for every other person who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Isn't it amazing to know that the Creator of the Universe loves us that much? He is our Rescuer. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us the way you do, without boundaries and in spite of our shortcomings. Lord help us to remember that the boundaries you have laid forth in the Word are for our protection and peace. And thank You for rescuing us when we, despite knowing what's right, step out of those boundaries and need help getting back on track. It's in your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Rescuer - Rend Collective