Keep walking by faith

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

In an article published yesterday by Shape, it was reported that legally blind runner Melissa Blume recently crossed the finish line of The North Face Endurance Series 50k race at Bear Mountain in New York. And after reading her story, all I could say was wow! Just to put that feat into perspective, let me tell you how difficult this would be for someone with 20/20 vision. Not only was the race 31 miles but, like the majority of trail runs, it was filled with obstacles like tree roots, rocks, hills, creeks and dangerous terrain; all things that could trip up a person with perfect vision. To even get to this point though, Melissa had relied on her guide runner, Brooke Danielson, who she had been training with for the past four years and trusted to guide her to the finish line. By staying close to Brooke throughout the race and allowing her to lead by words and gentle tugs on her arm to go this way or that, Melissa 'saw' well enough to complete the race and claim the prize. 

And you know, this world can be a dark place to navigate with it's twists, turns, trials, and tribulations; and even more so as the end times draw near. And even though you and I might have 20/20 physical vision, it's sometimes hard to see the reason for our suffering. Which is the exact reason we must continue running the Christian race with complete faith in our Guide; one-hundred percent confident that His promises are true and that one day we will receive the prize all those who have endured until the end are assured they will receive. 

So if you're going through a hard time or an uphill battle right now, hold tight my friend. Cling to your faith like never before. Keep your eyes on Christ and keep running the race knowing that it will be worth it in the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God that can be completely trusted. Help us to remember that our present struggles and hardships are nothing in comparison to the prize that awaits us if we will remain faithful. Give us eyes to see how big you are Lord that our faith would be strengthened and our hearts refreshed. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Prize worth fighting for - Jamie Kimmett

It requires strict training

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

As both a registered participant and the race director of an upcoming 100 mile race, I found myself getting really excited upon receiving via email the proof (or rough draft photo) of the custom-made golden belt buckle inscribed with the words, "100 MILE FINISHER"  that "everyone who competes" and crosses the finish line will receive. Having already done two races of this distance before, I know what it's going to take for me and every other participant in the race to earn that buckle... "strict training." And when I say strict, I mean strict to the fullest extent of the definition of demanding total obedience or observance. You see, training for a race that will take anywhere from 20-30 hours for the average runner to complete will require an unyielding, uncompromising, no-nonsense focus on mental and physical training so intense that it will consume the runners’ every thought and action.  

And you know, as rigorous as the training must be to earn that shiny belt buckle (which is a reward that "will not last”), it pales in comparison to the "strict training" each and every believer must discipline themselves to do if they want to receive the "crown that will last forever." Discipline that not only includes daily prayer, bible study and worship but requires practicing consistent self-control to deny ourselves of anything (habits, relationships, social media, pursuits, hobbies, etc.) that might steal our time, rob our joy or cause us to take our focus off the Lord and keep us from running the race He has set before us. This spiritual training requires a steadfast, resolute and unfaltering resolve to keep our eyes and attention focused on the finish line.

So how would you say your training is going today? If you're unsure how to answer that, consider this... are you growing spiritually? If your spiritual life was a race, would you say that you have the stamina and endurance to go further than you did yesterday? Are you growing closer to the Lord and in knowledge each day? I sure hope so my friend. Because it's only through this "strict training" that you and I will one day earn the right to take hold of the "crown that will last forever." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for followers like Paul who led by example. Help us to follow that example as we run the Christian race. Help us to stay strong, focused and unwilling to throw in the towel when our training gets hard. Help us to stand up for what we believe in no matter the consequences and to continue running the race with all our might until we cross that final finish line. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The Victory - Third Day

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Running friends are the best

Hello runner friends! 

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series 

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog. Now let's get started by talking about something, or should I say someBODIES, that can motivate us to do crazy things! And those somebodies are FRIENDS! Those amazing people in our lives who inspire us to be the best we can be, encourage us to keep running the race, and cheer for us when we cross the finish line. 

So here’s the deal. If you’ve been running for any length of time, you’ve probably found that running is way more fun with a friend or group of friends. And you’ve more than likely also discovered that you’re way more apt to go for a run when you’re not alone. Am I right? Not only are our running friends great accountability partners then, but great motivators as well! 

(From left to right- Crystal Landers, Jeff Wehling, Kirsten Mock, Jody Rhoades, Ed Green, Rachel Baker, Stephanie Lane)

To prove that point, check out the event Kristin Mock organized last Saturday as a way for some crazy ultrarunners to get in some training for their upcoming 100-mile races and fulfill their desire to see their friends, Stephanie Lane and Crystal Landers, complete their first 100k runs!!! 

I know, I know... as you're reading this, you're probably thinking, "This is insane!!! Why would anyone do this?" But I love this story and I think you will too! So as Ed Green posted before they all set out... let the insanity begin. If you're with friends that is. 😅

And this is how it all went down according to Rachel Baker...

Kristen Mock put this together. She was going to do this by herself, but decided to invite some people and see if anyone would join. We are all training for 100 milers so we all jumped on board. And Stephanie, I'm so amazed by her! She had attempted doing the 100k twice before this for a virtual she signed up for. She went in with, "We will see how this goes." She was okay with just doing 10. But she managed the heat and just kept trucking. Got her 100k in just in time for the August 1st virtual race deadline. It was a 100k loop around Springfield. About 1/2 road, 1/2 greenways. We ran on 8 of the different greenways around town. The boys made sure we were okay when it got nighttime and when we were not in the best of neighborhoods for about a 3 mile stretch. I went into the run just wanting to get a decent amount of mileage in. My house was just off the route at mile 43 and I thought if I was miserable I could bail there. However, after spending the day with friends, I realized I had a lot more left in me. The heat did not get to me and I honestly still felt really good. It’s amazing when you are surrounded by strong, positive people how much you are capable of. I loved the route and traversing all the greenways I am thankful Kristen organized this and planned such a great 100k.

As for the rest of the story??

Crystal (on right) had this to say...

Yesterday I attempted something I'd never done. I ran longer than I ever have before. Previously have done 50 miles (on rails to trails) and my longest on pavement was only 15 miles. Kept a pretty good pace for the first 50, and after that it was a matter of just forcing myself to move. I can't thank my friends enough for helping me do hard things. Kudos for Kristen for the amazing route, plenty of aid stations at Kum & Go. Jeff for keeping me moving. And Ed, Steph, Rachel & Jody, my hats off to you for staying out there and suffering longer than all of us. Congrats to a day of PR #trailsareforme

And Jeff (beside Crystal), when asked what made him join this impromptu, no-frills, no finish line, no cheering squad, no t-shirt, no medal run...

Hmmm. I have nothing on my race schedule until October (Des Moines Marathon) and it will more than likely be cancelled. And while I’ve run more marathons than anything, ultras are very intriguing. Having come off Dark and Dirty 50k two weeks before, I felt like my fitness would allow for a 100k run with friends. I believe everyone that participated in Saturday’s tour of the Greenways 100k has an Ultra coming up soon, so what better way to spend a Saturday than supporting friends and annoying just about every Kum and Go staff in the city.

Kristin Mock (on the right, pictured with Melissa Bland who was part of the support crew) said...

I love our Ozark Greenways and finding ways to connect the trails. When I was able to connect so many trails with a perfect start/finish at my house and land the mileage so close to a 100k, I knew I had to do it. I worked it into my training plan, then thought I might be able to get a friend or two to join me. I couldn't believe how many crazy runners came out and every one of them finished! I felt great all day and other than a little stiffness, I feel great today. There is something about knowing your friends are out there pushing through the heat too that makes it easy to keep going. This was exactly the training run I needed to give me confidence in my training, nutrition and mental ability to take on my next challenge at the Temptation 200k. I am super grateful to everyone who came out and incredibly proud of everyone for seeing it through. Great job all!!!

Jody (on the left) had this to say...

Greenway 100k! It was a long, hot day but well worth it! Once we got it together and settled into intervals, it took the guess work out of running in the heat and everything smoothed out. We utilized every gas station on the route. My favorite thing, well one of my favorites, was reading a course map and trying to make our way around Springfield by connecting trails for 62.2 miles. Nice work on that route, Kristin! 7 runners started and 7 runners finished the 100k!!! That's a big deal cuz a 100k is a long way and the heat was brutal. Highlights of the day, seeing Melissa Bland and Tracy swinging around on their bikes to make sure we were good, Mike and Roy the best crew guys and protectors! The sweetest moment of all was Stephanie Lane getting her first 100k when she only showed up to run 10 miles. So proud of everyone for pushing through and finishing the day strong!! 

Stephanie Lane (on the left) said...

I had tried twice this summer to get my 1st 100k, and every time I had friends there to help (Rachel was there for each attempt), but some bad luck each time prevented me from succeeding. To be honest, when i woke up Saturday morning the thought of a long hot day just depressed me and I didn't even feel like running. I couldn't even think about committing to 100k distance. But once I knocked some miles down with my friends I started feeling better and soon i was actually having fun despite the soaring temperatures. We were all in it together and taking care of each other, and I knew they genuinely believed in me that I could finish. Jody fixed an ice bandana for me and Ed kept dousing me down with water from his handheld, and Rachel does what she does best, just keeps hammering quietly and consistently. I knew it if I just kept following her I would make it and I did! Still can't believe it. Between the three of them and my wonderful wing man who patiently crewed all day without a complaint, I was able to run a 50 mile PR by 35 minutes and my 1st 100k in just over 18 hours. I never could have done it without them. It's really true that running friends are more than friends, they're the soldiers down in the trenches fighting for every step with you and your successes are theirs and vice versa. They're truly family and the best reason in the world to get into this sport!

I never could have done it without them? It’s really true that running friends are more than friends? Are you seeing a trend in everyone's story? They motivated one another! And by doing so kept themselves motivated to keep pressing on to do more than they thought they could! That's the power of friendship. And that's why runners need running friends!!! They are the key to success!

And so on a final note, I hope this has inspired you to become a part of a group of friends such as this if you're not already. You will not only become a better runner but a better person because of the miles spent with people who seek to help you be your best. And this is easier to do than you might expect since runners are the most welcoming group of people you will ever meet! Truly! So find a group in your area and start making some new friends. 😊

Happy Running!!!

Proverbs 17:17 

Lean on me

*If you're in the Springfield area, check out OMRR at https://www.ozarkmountainridgerunners.org/ 

*If you're in the Lake of the Ozarks/Fort Leonard area, check out FFG (Frog Fitness Group) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/FROGFITNESSGROUP/?ref=bookmarks and TEAM RWB at https://www.facebook.com/groups/196253530570406/

 They're all great groups of crazy runners that come in all shapes, sizes, paces and abilities who share a love for one another and inspire me (and hopefully you too) to do crazy things!!!

Be ready to give an answer

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

“Good morning! I wanted to ask you a quick question,” my friend, Kelsie, wrote in a text last week. “I am looking at buying a hydration vest for my marathon training as I have quickly found out that I need one! What type of hydration vest do you have?” And you can be sure that I told her. Having tried many different types and brands throughout the years and finally having found one that I love, I was so anxious for her to purchase the same vest for herself that I sent her the link. And to my delight, she texted back within minutes to thank me for the recommendation and to let me know that she had placed her order..

And you know, if you’re like most runners, you’ll gladly “give an answer” to any question that pertains to running. In fact, you’re probably always ready with an answer right? I mean, that’s what we do. But there’s something this world needs to hear about much more than the best running gear to buy... and that thing is hope. The true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Which is exactly why you and I need to “be ready when someone asks” us “about our hope" so that they, by hearing our testimony and the reasons we believe what we believe, might accept the One who will give them the same hope.  

So be willing, ready and anxious to share the good things God has done and why you have made him "Lord of your life" my friend. You'll be so glad you did; because just as it is with any other recommendation, first-hand knowledge and a favorable review of what a person is recommending has great power in influencing another person's decision to act.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God whose promises are always true. Thank You for giving each one of us a unique testimony which proves the validity of each one of those promises. Cause us to be bold, yet gentle, in sharing our testimony Lord that the lost would turn to you before it's too late. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Who You are to me - Chris Tomlin

Store the Word

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NIV

As I descended to the bottom of a hill worthy of having its’ own name on my run before church yesterday morning, I lost internet signal causing the worship music I had been listening and singing along to (very loudly and passionately I might add) on my favorite Christian radio station app to abruptly go silent. “No worries,” I thought to myself. “I’ll just play the music that I downloaded.” And just like that, with a few finger swipes of my phone's touchscreen, I was back to singing praise songs ever thankful that I had stored the music on my phone where it wasn’t dependent on an internet signal.

And you know, while hearing the Word through music is definitely one way you and I can take it in so that we can recall it later, the best way is by reading it, meditating on it and memorizing it—something the psalmist clearly understood to be extremely important in keeping himself from sinning against God. In fact, the psalmist said that he had “hidden” the word in his heart for that very reason. And hidden means that he not only stored the Word there, but kept it tucked deep down, where it was protected from being snatched, removed or tainted. In other words, the psalmist cherished the Word (as every believer should) so much that he treated it like the priceless treasure that the Word is.

So if you have not made studying the Bible your number one priority my friend, I would highly suggest that you move it to the top of your list right now and keep it there. Doing so will not only help keep you free from sinning against God but will put the other things on your priority list and in your life into their proper place. The Word is that powerful.

Heavenly Father, help us to understand that we will never walk the Christian walk the way we were intended to do if we don’t feast on your Word. Give us a hunger and thirst for it like we’ve never felt before that we might be ready and equipped for the days to come.. Prepare our minds then to read and store the pages in our hearts so we can be prepared. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Your Word - Hillsong Worship

Just be kind

"Kind words are like honey--they cheer you up and make you feel strong." Proverbs 16:24 CEV

"This is how some people feel," my long-time running friend, Ed, wrote in a message to me yesterday morning with a link to a song titled Would Anyone Care. "We can save them with a kind word," he added. Knowing that an increasing number of people are suffering from depression, anxiety, despair, and even suicidal thoughts right now because of all the unrest in our nation, the fear of COVID, and the everyday pressures of life, I listened to the words of the song he sent as I fought back tears, "Would anyone care... Would anyone cry... If I finally stepped off this ledge tonight? Would anything change? Would you all be just fine? 'Cause I need a reason to not throw the fight. It just might save my life."  

And you know, kind words spoken at the right time indeed have the power to save someone's life—because they have the power to remind someone that they are cared about, that they are worthy, and that they always have a reason to not throw the fight. But guess what? Since the majority of people suffering from sorrow, sadness, and a complete lack of hope go to great lengths to appear anything but happy, it's important that you and I lift up others at every opportunity; knowing that a broken heart might be behind that forced smile. It's important that we look people in the eyes and wait for a response when we ask the question, "How are you today?” And then follow up that question with, “Is there anything I can do to make your life easier?" You’ll be surprised at the doors those two simple questions will open! 

So make an extra-ordinary effort to show kindness to everyone you meet today and everyday. Go out of your way to practice kindness in your home and in your workplace as well. You'll never know this side of heaven who might have had their hope restored because of a kind thing you did or a kind word you spoke. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there are a whole lot of people in this world longing for hope. Help us to say the words they need to hear Lord that we might not only give them hope but lead them to You... the Source of all hope and healing. Help us to see others as you do Jesus and to love them like You do as well. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Would anyone care - Citizen Soldier

Guaranteed to succeed

"'Pardon me, my lord," Gideon replied, "but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.'" Judges 6:15 NIV

On July 21, the White House issued a press release that read: This week, President Donald J. Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jim Ryun. This prestigious award is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, which may be awarded by the President to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Jim Ryun is one of the most accomplished American runners in history and a former United States Representative from Kansas. Despite being cut from every athletic team in junior high, Ryun made the track team at Wichita East High School, where he went on to break the world record for the mile and compete in the 1964 Olympic Games. While at the University of Kansas, Ryun broke several more world records, won the silver medal at the 1968 Mexico City Games, and competed in the 1972 Munich Games. Among many other accolades, he was named ABC Wide World of Sports Athlete of the Year and earned the James E. Sullivan Amateur Athlete Award. Following his outstanding athletic career, Ryun honorably served his home State of Kansas in the United States Congress from 1996 to 2006. He has since written three books and currently gives motivational speeches around the country.

Wow! Is that amazing or what? Jim was someone who would probably have been voted 'least likely to succeed.' Wouldn't you agree? Gideon was also someone who might have been voted 'least likely to succeed,' describing himself as coming from the weakest clan in Manasseh and being the "least" in his family. But guess what? When Gideon finally put his total trust in God, God used him in ways bigger than he could ever have imagined. You see when God is with us and we allow Him to work through us, we instantly go from least likely to succeed to guaranteed to succeed. When we place our trust in the Lord, there's nothing that we can't do because there's nothing that our God can't do. 

So if you're feeling defeated today, look to the Lord my friend. Choose to put your total trust in Him and say, "Lord, I am truly the least in man's eyes but with You I can be so much more. I surrender all that I am and all that I have to you today. Please use me in ways bigger than I could ever imagine that I might bring You glory." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that with You we can be more than we could ever dream. Give us a vision and a desire to do impossible things in your Name that your power might be displayed in us. Use us in big ways Lord. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

More than I could be - Danny Gokey 

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Focus on the positive

Hello runner friends! 

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series 

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog. Now let's get started by talking about something that can steal our joy, motivation and love of running.

 

Okay, so raise your hand if you love your GPS Watch. Now raise your hand if you hate it too. I don't know about you but I raised my hand both times. Why? Because when I'm having a good run, the watch tells me that I'm on track to meet my goal. But when I'm having a 'bad' run, the watch screams, "You'll never meet your goal!" and "Why do you even try?" But guess what? There is no such thing as a bad run - so tell your watch to back off! Each and every run is to be celebrated because every run is a gift undeserved. Unfortunately though, we often lose sight of that and so slip back into defining ourselves by the numbers on the watch; which can most definitely steal our joy and rob us of our motivation. 

This was something Laura Murrieta came to realize as she participated in the Ultra Sweaty Santa 6-Hour Endurance Run on Saturday where participants were invited to run for the whole duration or as long as they wanted with the benefits going to Operation Christmas Child. 

"So Saturday I did what I would like to call my comeback run, 5 years in the making. I used to be able to call myself a runner, I had ran marathons and then I had my first baby and had to take it easy due to a history of miscarriages. Well in 5 yrs I've had 3 beautiful babies. After each baby I kept trying to get back to where I once was and then would get pregnant again. After having our last baby and making the decision that she is our last, I thought well now is the time but then postpartum depression hit and I lost my joy and was only doing what I needed to do on a daily basis to get by. I was put on medication and soon I started to feel better and this year I decided that I was gonna do more than just get by. I had asked my hubby for a treadmill because as a stay at home mom of an infant and 3 and 5 year old it's hard to get out and run. But running in the past was always a great emotional outlet for me, I could laugh and I could cry while running and not only than that I love to listen to praise music while I'm running so it's my personal worship time. So we bought the treadmill. I've only had it for about 6 months but since then, I've been recently taken off my medication, my joy is coming back and I learned I may not get back to running 5 miles an hour or I may not be skinny but I can be fit. So Saturday I set out to do only 5 miles but during that loop I wanted more, and ended up with 6 in an hour and 30 mins and man I couldn't be happier. I have a goal of doing the 5k and 10k in October at the Frog Hill 1/2."

(this is a very determined Laura out to surpass her goal with joy in her heart and praise on her lips)

But let me tell you this... I saw Laura out there on the course Saturday with tears in her eyes as she looked at her watch and was so exasperated over her perceived lack of speed that I stopped to talk to her. "Laura," I said. "Listen to me. You cannot let the fact that you are not completing the mileage you set out to complete in a time you may not be able to run rob you of your joy!! Look around! It's a beautiful day and God gave you the ability to do five miles. Five miles Laura!!! Not many people can do that! So celebrate the accomplishment of doing the five miles you set out to do without letting the watch tell you it's not worth celebrating!" And with that, we both cried, hugged and then Laura set out running. It wasn't until the next day that I found out that she hadn't stopped at five miles but went on to do six! It's amazing what a new mindset will do isn't it? Wow!

And just how can you get this new mindset? That's easy....  

1. Focus on the positive. - This might be easy to say but hard to do, especially if you're feeling frustrated. Begin by looking around at the favorable and good things that surround you. At whatever pace you may be at, remember that running takes you places other people only dream about. It takes you to quiet country roads to be alone with nature and find peace in a crazy world. It takes you to the top of giant hills and mountains where you can see creation in all of its' glory. It also makes you feel alive like nothing else can. So make a choice to focus on the beauty around you and be grateful that you can put one foot in front of the other. 

2. Refuse to look back at what or where you once were. - So this is the deal. There is not one person that can go back in time. Life is constantly changing. And if we don't adapt to these changes and move forward, guess what? We will stay where we are. Looking back at what we could once do only keeps us from doing the things we can do. So keep your eyes ahead of you! This applies to life too! Don't allow past mistakes to rob you of a new start or a better future. We have all done things we wish we hadn't. Don't dwell on these things. Forgive yourself and move on. 

3. Choose joy! - This is the best thing you could ever do to make any situation better. Joy has so many positive effects on the body and the mind that I would consider it the biggest weapon in a person's battle to keep pressing on. There is power in joy! In fact, joy can restore a person's mental and physical strength. It has that much power. 

And so on a final note, I hope you will choose to focus on the good things in life and to be grateful for the simple things as well. But most of all, I hope that you will choose to have joy in every situation. After all, in a world where there are so many things out of your control, your mindset is the one thing you can control. Choose joy over and over and you will soon find that you are content in every circumstance.😊

Happy Running!!!

Joy

Psalm 16:11
 

Taste and see

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8 NIV

After running for six hours at the Ultra Sweaty Santa Endurance Run on Saturday, I was overjoyed when my daughter, Hope, asked me to go shopping with her. Not only would I get some extra time on my feet (part of the training for my 100 mile run in November) but I would get to spend some quality time with this precious teenager who is growing up much too quickly for my comfort. And the afternoon was going great until I heard this permit driver frantically exclaim, "Where are my keys? Where are my keys? I’ve lost my keys!!" "Calm down honey," I said. "We'll find them. Let's pray on it and then backtrack." And backtrack we did, several times actually, before they were turned in to the customer service desk of a store we had already checked twice. And while Hope smiled at the sight of her keys, I smiled at the sight of my Garmin’s display of the extra 5,000 steps I had gotten in. God is so good. 

And you know, regardless of what happens in my life, good or bad, I will trust God as I boldly and confidently proclaim "that the Lord is good." And I can declare this with every fiber of my being and in every situation because I know it to be true without a shadow of a doubt. And I know it to be true because I have personally tasted and seen "that the Lord is good." In other words, I, like the psalmist, have experienced God in ways so intimate and powerful that His presence, existence, sovereignty and power could not be denied. 

. 

So if you have yet to experience God in such a tangible way that you could never again doubt His existence, I invite you to "taste and see that the Lord is good" my friend. I invite you to get to know Him, to trust Him and to "take refuge" in Him that you too might experience the blessings that come from a close relationship with the Father. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who wants to have a close relationship with those who love You. Please draw us so close to you Lord that we would be able to truly taste and see that You are good and would be so overwhelmed with your Presence that we couldn’t help but tell others about your goodness. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Goodness of God - Jenn Johnson

See a need Fill a need

“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” Titus 3:14 NIV

On July 18, a diverse group of runners gathered together to support Operation Christmas Child by bringing packed shoe boxes and donations to the start line of the Ultra Sweaty Santa 6-Hour Endurance Run in lieu of a standard registration fee (the boxes that were collected will be stored until November and then shipped out by Samaritan’s Purse to children in remote parts of the world). And although the generosity of the participants didn’t surprise me since runners are the most open-handed and giving people I’ve ever met (check out the number of charity runs they put on and participate in every year), it did renew my appreciation for people who are willing to do good to people they don’t even know. Runners, it seems, are always looking for ways to do good. In fact, Saturday’s race was first held in 2017 to benefit the town of Devils Elbow after it was hit hard by a flood. The race continued thereafter when the event planners looked for another good reason to carry on with the ultramarathon; and just like that, the annual race that is now commonly referred to as the Christmas in July Run was born. 

And you know, doing good was something Jesus was known for—and something the apostle Paul said that “our people” should be known for as well. In fact Paul said the body of Christ should “devote” themselves to doing good so as not to “live unproductive lives.” And could there then be any more productive or fruitful way to spend our days than by looking for needs to fill and then filling those needs? Of course not! There is certainly no better way to avoid being unproductive and attract, entice and inspire the lost to follow Jesus than by doing good.

So if devoting ourselves "to doing what is good" means to give all or a large part of our time or resources to the cause, let us indeed look for ways we can use the resources, time, and talents the Lord has blessed us with to bless others. After all, you and I have only this one life to give in service to the Lord, and we serve Him best when we serve others.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to always be looking for ways to provide for the needs of others. Cause us to remember that kind deeds and words have the power to influence the lost to seek the Giver of all good things. Give us a passion to set the world on fire for You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Set the world on fire - Britt Nicole

The Best Coach

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever," John 14:16 ESV

In a recent article published by Runner's World Magazine, Meghan Kita wrote that she had run 13 marathons and tried all kinds of plans but still couldn't seem to break through her plateau to qualify for the Boston Marathon, a goal she said she had been chasing for four years. Desperate to see her dream become reality, Kita said she finally hired running coach Alisha Shay. Via emails, texts, and occasional phone calls, Shay helped me train harder and smarter than I ever had. I loved not having to plan my training: I could turn off my brain and just do the work. Whenever I doubted myself, Shay was there to encourage me. Whenever I had a life obligation come up, Shay was there to rearrange my runs. She helped me maintain high (for me) mileage without getting injured or sacrificing quality workouts. In fact, by listening to her coach's advice. Meghan qualified for Boston with seven seconds to spare and said, "The right coach will improve your training experience, enable you to become fitter than you've ever been, and teach you important lessons about the marathon."

And you know, when it comes to hiring someone to help us improve our lives and teach us important lessons, there is no greater Helper (something a coach is most certainly defined as) than the Holy Spirit. And this Heavenly Coach's help is not only free but specific to each individual. Think about it... our Heavenly Coach knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what we are made of and so knows what we are capable of. Our Helper also has complete knowledge of what we need when we need it. Is that awesome or what? And the best part is this... we have 24/7 access to our Heavenly Coach by simply calling out to Him in prayer. How cool is that?

So if you're considering hiring a running coach today, by all means do it. Studies show that a good running coach can help you reach your running goals. But for answers, encouragement, guidance, comfort and direction, seek your Heavenly Coach. You can be sure that He will keep you on the right path and lead you straight to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that the Holy Spirit lives within every believer. Help us to seek the guidance of the Helper before making any decisions, to listen when He speaks, and to rely on Him to meet our every need. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Hymn of the Holy Spirit - Pat Barrett

Get those seeds planted

"He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap." Eccesiastes 11:4 NASB

The news thousands of runners around the world were dreading was at last announced on July 13. The 2020 Chicago Marathon, which was to be held on October 11, was canceled in response to COVID-19 concerns. Organizers explained that the runners signed up for this years' event could obtain a full refund for their race entry or could defer their place and entry fee until 2021, 2022, or even 2023. And although the race organizers are working on hosting a virtual version of the event, it will be some time before the dreams many runners had of physically stepping up to the Chicago Marathon starting line will come to pass. 

And you know, when it comes to deferrals or postponing an action or event, the Bible is very clear that you and I should never defer doing the things the Lord calls us to do. Why? Because putting those things off for another time can not only defer our destiny but can cause us to miss out on it altogether. Consider the words of Solomon who clearly understood this when he gave us this warning, "He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap." In other words, if a person waits for the right time to do something it will never get done. The time to act is now because perfect conditions don’t exist. 

So if God is calling you to do something today, do it today! There will never be a better time. In fact, as the world spirals more and more out of control, you and I can't even be certain there will be enough time to accomplish all the things the Lord has called us to do before He calls us home. So do what He has put on your heart to do right now. Get those seeds planted! There's no time to waste. 

Heaven Father, thank You for the reminder that we are to act when you call us to act. Please cause us to remember that there are thousands of people in our world who need to hear the Good News of the Gospel. News that we are called to deliver. News that has the power to change their lives both now and for eternity and news that needs to be shared today. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Good News - Mandisa

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Change your motives

Hello runner friends! 

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series 

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog. Now let's get started by talking about how changing your motives for running and racing can up your motivation to run and race by leaps and bounds! 

Okay, so if a motive is defined as a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious, what would you say is your reason for signing up for a race? Well... if you're like most runners, you’d probably say that you do it for the bling. Not to mention the fact that an organized race offers you camaraderie, bragging rights and a good time. But if you're like hundreds of runners around the country right now who no longer have official runs in your area because of COVID-19, your motive to run or race is either gone or severely diminished. But maybe it's not even this nasty virus that's putting you in a running funk. Maybe you have all the shirts and medals you could ever want and are looking for a better reason to run. If you're either one of those racers, I have great news! There are so many other reasons to hit the trails, sidewalks or parks. And here are just a few.

Reason number one.... to give back to your community. Virtual races stink! I get that. So it's super hard to get motivated to train for them much less run them. But what if you picked a race that was for a good cause? And there are many out there you can be sure. The Bass Pro Marathon is one of them! Did you know that the Bass Pro Fitness Series donates thousands of dollars every year to their community? It's true! And if you've been waiting to sign up to see if the race will actually be held, you're no doubt less motivated to train hard. So why don't you change your motive? Train for the race because of what it gives back to society, not what it gives back to you. That means you'll be ecstatic if you get to line up at the start line in November but equally as happy if you have to run it virtually because your reason for crossing the finish line has changed!

Reason number two... to inspire others. Okay, so if your motivation is lagging, you can be sure many of your friends are suffering from lagging motivation too. But guess what? You can change all that! How? By rallying up the troops! Pick a goal and get working on it. And make sure your friends know about it! It could be something as easy as adding mileage, getting a little faster or conquering an obstacle you've been avoiding. You don't need a race to do this! You only need a reason and a road! And what better reason to get out on the road than to inspire someone else to lace up and get out. Be that person who makes the first move. Rally the troops by taking the lead on conquering a goal and inviting your friends to join you!

Reason number three... because you can. This is a no-brainer. Look at the world around us friend. There are thousands of runners everywhere that have no open places to run. I know that's hard to imagine but it's true. So if you’re in the Ozarks or any other place where you are "free to roam about the cabin," by all means roam about the cabin! You have no idea how blessed you are! Rather than taking that freedom for granted, get out there and make it your reason for running. Say to yourself, "I can and so I will." 

Reason number four... to become better. Let's face it... discipline sucks. It's hard. But guess what? When we discipline ourselves to do hard things, hard things get easy. And when hard things get easy, we will look for something harder to do until that thing also becomes easy. And guess what else? The discipline we put forth in our running spills over into every other area in our lives! In fact, according to many studies, runners make better employees. Just check out these nine ways JOBBIO listed but first said... 

Runners are a different breed. They put themselves through grueling schedules and do things that might seem just a little bit crazy to the man on the street (like running 26.2 miles!). But did you know that they actually make the best employees? Here’s how.

• They aren't afraid of a challenge.
• They don't mind uncomfortable situations.
• They don't take sick days lightly.
• They always have something to talk about at the water cooler.
• They don't get as stressed.
• They are hyper-efficient.
• They're competitive.
• They're perfectionists.
• They’re good at commitment

Reason number five... because life is a gift that should be opened! Think about it. Millions of people won't open their eyes today. And millions more who do will do nothing worthwhile with the day they were blessed to be given. Don't be one of those people! Bid yourself Carpe Diem and make the most of the present time you have knowing that the future is truly uncertain. 

And so on a final note, I hope that you will be motivated to do greater things because of your love for others. As a writer for The New Times wrote, "Love as a motivation is so important because it does not depend entirely on outside stimulus as gains. Hence the subject, whose motivation is love and passion, can continue to perform consistently despite marked variations in stimulus conditions. That is whether he or she is appreciated by observers, whether the gains are proportional, and whether the working conditions are favorable. The motivating power of love will get you to work in a way others might judge unintelligible. It will get you to work even when you are exhausted and it will help you to persist even when you are losing and everybody else sees it."😊

Happy Running!!!

Do everything in love

With every act of love

Seek His guidance in all matters

"After this David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.'" 2 Samuel 2:1 ESV

Having learned that the first key to achieving a goal is to tell someone about it so there’s no backing out, I made my goal public Sunday by posting, "Today marked day one of training for my third 100 mile race. It has been the desire of my heart for some time and something I’ve been praying on for months." I then added, "I will most definitely have to train differently than I have done in the past but trusting God to reveal that to me at the right time." Why did I mention the training? To remind myself to pray over every part of the training process. You see, although I'm a running coach, I never consult training plans. In fact, I don't make a plan for myself as I would for someone I coach. I simply pray that the Spirit would reveal the plan as I need it and then I do it. And while I'd love to say that I've always been obedient, there have been a few times when I acted on my own to do what I felt was the obvious thing to do and paid for it later. 

And you know David was also a person who believed in inquiring of the Lord when making plans. In fact, the Bible tells us that although David knew he was to become the king over Judah, he first "inquired of the Lord, "Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?" And the Lord said to him, "Go up." But rather than just heading out, David asked, "To which shall I go up?" And the Lord answered, "To Hebron." You see, David knew that if he was to serve the Lord in the right way, he needed specific guidance. And just as it is with you and me, David avoided sin and pain only when he sought God's plan and followed it rather than just doing what he thought was the obvious thing to do. 

And while it’s obvious from scripture that you and I should pray about everything, most of us don't. Especially when it comes to the day-to-day stuff that might seem trivial. But God wants us to seek His specific guidance in every area of our lives. After all, He made us and knows what's best for us. So before moving ahead with what may seem obvious today, consult the Lord first my friend.  You'll save yourself a whole lot of heartache later if you listen to Him now. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You want us to seek You in all matters. Help us then to make prayer our first priority rather than a last resort. Cause us to seek your guidance about all matters Lord that we would not be led astray by the day-to-day and obvious stuff that seems trivial but is anything but. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The more I see You - Kari Jobe

Stay faithful til the end

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day." 2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT

While getting a much-needed adjustment at the chiropractor last week, Dr. Roy said, "You most likely have some osteoarthritis forming in your right hip." "Lovely," I replied smiling. Then as he was working on my neck, Dr. Roy gave me some more good news, "Hmmm. I think you're also getting it in your neck based on your limited range of motion." "Well that's even better news," I said laughing. And as I walked out, I began to pray, "Lord, I realize that my body is wearing out and that no matter how well I care for it, it will one day fail me. But until that day Lord, I vow to serve you with my whole being. I vow to use my body to bring you glory. And no matter how painful it might become, I will never give up because I want to live for you." 

And you know, every one of us will face problems as we go through life; problems that can be painful especially as we age. The apostle Paul completely understood that. He had faced immeasurable suffering, pain, trials, and distress on his mission to preach the Good News but he refused to quit. He kept his eyes focused on the finish line and kept running; ignoring the discomforts along the way as every well trained and determined athlete does. And the encouraging message Paul wrote to the church at Corinth is the very same message he intended for you and me to hear today... never give up and remember... although our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed and strengthened every day with the knowledge that this isn't all there is! If we stay faithful and press on to the end, eternal life awaits us!

So if life is hard today, hang in there my friend. And hang on to the promise that there is a reward waiting at the finish line for all those who remain faithful. Keep pressing on!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that this life is not all there is. Help us to stay faithful when life gets hard Lord. And help us to embrace each season of our life as we live to serve You with all we have. Lord help us to be an example of what it means to serve You with our whole heart and whole being that others would be inspired to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Press on - Mandisa

Pursue what will remain

The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God remains forever." 1 John 2:17 BSB

With the Badger Trail 100 race only days away, it was disheartening for numerous runners, many of my friends included, to hear the news yesterday that the Ultra Marathon was canceled due to the rising level of restrictions being put in place by the DNR due to COVID-19. Knowing the amount of training, sacrifice and discipline that goes into training for a race of this distance, the race directors offered a virtual option to complete the race but clearly understood the feelings of many runners when they said, "To some of you, racing is everything. And when these races are cancelled, I know you feel like you have nothing."  And you know for many racers, that is exactly the way they are feeling right now... like they have nothing. After all, by the time a well-trained runner steps up to the start line of a 100-mile race, they have already put in at least a thousand miles of training, running in every possible condition (heat, cold, rain, darkness, fatigue, hunger, pain) to be ready for every condition. In fact, the training for many can consume their lives.

And you know, the same is true of anything we pursue in life with an all out-effort; whether it be relationships, money, fame, success, or followers. These things, if we aren't careful, can consume our lives and lead us away from pursuing a relationship with Christ--a pursuit that should be above all else. Especially since, as the story shows, our worldly pursuits can be stripped away in a moment. In fact, the Bible tells us that "the world is passing away along with its desires” which means everything you and I could ever work to achieve or possess in “the world” will one day be gone. Except those things we have done for God. Those will remain forever.

So while it's great to have goals and aspirations, let us not pursue them at the expense of pursuing Christ. Let us put Him first in our lives so that when the things of this world pass away or are taken away, we won't feel as if we have nothing because God will be our everything.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God worth pursuing above all else. Help us to understand how fleeting this life is that we would live it with eternity in mind. Help us to look to You for comfort, peace, wisdom, and guidance in a world that is "passing away" before our very eyes. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

All that I am - The Afters

Heed the warning

"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" Matthew 3:1-2 BSB

As I came around the corner on my run early yesterday morning, I immediately saw the flashing lights and the huge sign that read "MOWERS AHEAD" in all capital letters on the MODOT truck parked a ways up the road from where I was running. Needless to say, this was obviously a warning for motorists to proceed with caution around the large tractors in front of the truck that would soon be pulling out to cut the grass alongside Highway 17. And a person would not only be wise to be take heed of the warning sign to avoid hitting the slow moving mowers but to avoid any debris that might fly out from underneath the blades; debris that could cause damage to themselves or to their vehicles.

And you know, while paying attention to warning signs is crucial to our well-being, we would do well to listen to and share the words of warning John the Baptist spoke as he prepared the way for Jesus 2,000 years ago, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." A warning that is just as relevant to the world today because the Bible is clear that Jesus is coming back again. And while none of us can be certain of the exact time and day when the trumpet will sound and Christ will return, we can tell with certainty that the behavior of people and the chaotic events taking place in our world right now are the exact things Paul warned Timothy would mark the end times. Which is the reason it is crucial that people turn from their sin and follow Jesus Christ today... before it's too late. 

So sound the alarm bell my friend. Tell others that Jesus is coming soon. It could be tonight. It could be tomorrow. It could be next year or it could even be 100 years from now. No one knows for sure. But we do know that there will be no second chances for those people who have not repented when the Lord comes back. And let it not be because we have not spoken up. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You are coming back soon to take your children home to be with You for eternity. Help us to be bolder than we ever have before Lord to stand on what we know to be the Truth and to speak it to a world that is growing increasingly hostile to any mention of your Name. Help us to be as radical and courageous as John the Baptist that we might save the souls of many that will enter hell for eternity if they don't make the decision to follow You now. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

At Your feet - Casting Crowns

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Use those lifehacks

Hello runner friends! 

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series 

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog. Now let's get started by talking about how adopting a few lifehacks can change you and your running for the better. 

Okay... so we've all heard about lifehacks right? Of course. But what is a lifehack though? Well... as defined by Google, a lifehack is a strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way. And why is that so important? Because as a running coach, the number one excuse I hear for a person not sticking with an exercise routine or a training plan is... "I just don't have time!" Well guess what? You are blessed with the same amount of time each day as that person who manages to work a full time job, complete grocery shopping, finish household chores, spend quality time with the family and still train for a race (a Bass Pro one of course 😉) with a smile on their face.

And while there are hundreds of lifehacks out there designed to save you time so you can have the time to run, I'm going to share the ones that have worked for me and I know to be tried and true... 

Lifehack number one - This may seem so trivial but I'm going to throw it out there. MAKE YOUR BED! What does that have to do with running? Everything! Discipline begins the moment you open your eyes. Small victories early give you the boost to shoot for larger ones later helping to eliminate procrastination. Which brings me to... 

Lifehack number two - Prepare and prep at night so you can get in that run before work. And if you're not a morning runner, think about becoming one so it's a priority. Anyway, let's get on with hack number two. Set out your running clothes so they are staring at you as you are making your bed. No excuses! And prep your meals! I cannot stress that enough. Although when we talk about time, grabbing fast food might save you some of it, it’s not worth it! Making ourselves better is the goal and a consistent diet of fast food is counterproductive to that. 

Lifehack number three - If you are able to shower at work or have to shower quickly at home, jump in with your clothes on. You can wash them and your body at the same time eliminating the possibility that your running clothes will retain the smell and be ruined if you can’t throw them in the washer quickly. It really doesn't take much more time. This lifehack works especially great when you're on vacation and have to pack light. You can literally rotate two sets of running clothes for however long you need to. 

Lifehack number four - Work with the time you have. Don't think that every run has to be the same or that you're not getting any gains if you can't run for a long time. Only have 30 minutes? Great! Do speed work or hill repeats. Here are some workouts that are 30 minutes or less. 

Lifehack number five- To get in strength training, stretching, and balance training without giving up precious run time, make the most of every moment you can. Taking a conference call? Keep some weights at your desk and do bicep curls, tricep extensions and squats while you're talking. Unless it's a zoom meeting, they'll never know. And don't forget to do those runner specific stretches in between staring at your computer screen. And reading over some papers is a great time to practice your stork stand for balance, remembering that balance plays an important role in staying injury free. 

Lifehack number six - Speaking of reading, use this time to better yourself mentally and spiritually too. Our bodies are just the shells our minds and souls dwell in and they perform much better when we are healthy in all areas. Listen to educational or motivational podcasts or audiobooks. Determine to learn new things. The run will not only pass quicker as your mind focuses on the information you're taking in, but you'll have used the time to become wiser.

Lifehack number seven - Go into your run with a purpose and take along a recording device. Looking for a solution to a problem at work, ideas to make your spouse's birthday party memorable, or even things to write about in your next blog? Think about those things as you rack up miles and record them as they come to mind. I can't tell you how many great ideas (at least ones I thought were great) that came to mind on a run only to be forgotten ten minutes after finishing said run. It was so frustrating that I began to speak those thoughts into my phone so I could go back and reread them. This was literally a game changer for me and I hope it is for you as well. It has saved me precious time and made me more productive. There's just something about the solitude of a long run that can help us come up with solutions. In fact, according to science, running just makes us smarter.

Lifehack number eight - When looking to get the most out of your time, remember that each second and each minute that passes by can never be regained. All the money in the world can't buy back a single second of wasted time so treat it like the precious commodity that it is and you'll be less likely to waste it. Use every moment to either make yourself better or to make someone else better; and believe me when I say that doing the latter is way more important. Serving others is the best way to achieve that maximum productivity we should all be striving for. 

And so on a final note, I do hope you'll commit to memory the words of Jim Rohn who said, "He who serves the most, reaps the most.” After all, we‘re all in this race together; and if we want to make it to the finish line, we would do well to find ways to lift up our brothers and sisters when they need it knowing they will do the same when we need it. How’s that for a life hack in making life easier? 😊

Happy Running!!!
Proverbs 11:25
Love God, love people

We must deliver the Message

“I will wrap you with muscles and skin and breathe life into you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’” Ezekiel 37:6 CEV

One of the stipulations for keeping my running coach certification through the RRCA, or Road Runners Corporation of America, is ensuring that my CPR certification is up to date at all times. Something which requires me to test my skills every two years by administering chest compressions and breathing into a ‘dummy’ over and over again to ensure that I would be able to revive a person in need of being resuscitated. Thankfully, especially for the runners I coach, I passed the test last week. And while I’ve never had to use cardiopulmonary resuscitation on anyone so far, I understand why it’s such a crucial skill to know. After all, seemingly healthy runners drop dead from heart issues all the time and I want to be able to help when and if it happens to someone in my presence.

And you know, while I am highly concerned with knowing how to resuscitate someone who might be physically dying, my main concern is to resuscitate someone who might be spiritually dying. And you can be sure that describes many people in our world today; people that are in grave danger of falling away from the faith or who might appear so spiritually dead that the majority of the world would view them as unsaveable. But guess what? The Bible tells us that God can “breathe life into” into even the driest of bones and the deadest of people. It’s true! But guess what else? In order for the lost to receive this spiritual CPR, you and I need to know the Good News of the Gospel and be willing to share it with them -- even with those people who appear to be unreachable.

So in a world that needs the breath of God to be poured out more than ever, are you willing to use your skills and voice to deliver the Message? Because it’s not enough to simply pray that the lost will get delivered my friend. We must go out into the world to deliver the life-saving message about the Salvation that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that many of the people in our world who appear spiritually dead can be revived. Give us the boldness and courage then to be lifesavers by sharing the Good News of the Gospel in the hopes the unsaved will allow You to “breathe life” into them. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy running!!!

Come Alive - Lauren Daigle

 

Fullness of joy

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV

Although I almost always wake up before my 5:30 alarm goes off, I took the extra precaution of turning it on Friday night so I would be able to spend time with the Lord before heading off to a 6:45 a.m. flag run with friends to kick-start the 4th of July celebration. But you can imagine my panic when my eyes opened up at 6:09 instead of 5:30! “Oh no!” I yelled as I jumped out of bed in a state of alarm realizing I had turned on the wrong alarm. “If I’m not on the road by 6:20 I’ll never make it!” Needless to say I was grateful that I had set my clothes out the night before and could quickly brush my teeth and grab a cup of coffee to go.

And while rushing to get to the run was most definitely worth the effort, I paid the cost of skipping that alone time with God when my usual over-the-top joy began to wane later that afternoon. I could literally feel it happening and I didn’t like it. So politely excusing myself from the family’s outdoor activities for a while, I went off to a solitary place to read my Bible which restored my joy in moments. You see, apart from God’s presence, there is only limited happiness; because the happiness the world provides is based on our circumstances which can take a turn for the worse at any moment. That’s why it’s absolutely crucial for every believer to regularly spend time in the Word to continually replenish this “fullness of joy” that each one of us needs to get through each day and is dependent only on our relationship with the Lord. So it comes as no surprise then that the closer we walk with Him the more abundant joy we will have. 

Maybe you’ve found your joy waning today too? Maybe you’ve even let anxiety and fear over the things going on in the world take it away completely. If that’s you, I have great news! You can easily find that “fullness of joy” you so desperately need again by simply spending time in the only place it can be found... in His presence. Won’t you do that today?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the immeasurable joy You put into the hearts of your believers when they choose to spend time in your Presence. Cause us to be people that seek You daily above all things that we might be filled with this true joy and spread it to a world so desperately in need of it. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

In your Presence

Tell somebody

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16 ESV

There was perhaps no better way for me to start the holiday weekend than with a run in the Waynesville park yesterday. Having taken the day off from work, I was free to really enjoy the morning. And not only did I use that time to get in a longer run than usual, but made the most of it by talking to random strangers along the way that I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to speak to. "Are you new to the area?" I would ask and then follow up with information about the many fitness activities and groups our county offers that they were more than welcome to attend and join. Why? Because I knew doing so would give me an opportunity to get to know them better and to share the Gospel with them later. This is the very reason I make it a priority to make the 20 minute drive to get there every time the Spirit prompts me. 

And if you think it’s crazy that I would view this as a priority, consider this... if you and I aren’t using every opportunity and platform we have to share the Good News with the lost, they could very well die without having made the decision to follow Jesus; something that has eternal negative consequences. You see, regardless of what you and I want to believe, the Bible is very clear that only those who believe will be saved. Those who do not believe will be condemned. As Christians then, our mission is to witness to the unsaved so that not one person who crosses our path would die in their sin and spend eternity in hell. It’s that serious and that important!

So on this weekend when we gather to celebrate our independence, look around and listen for the nudging of the Holy Spirit my friend. If He prompts you to tell someone about the everlasting freedom found only in Jesus Christ, don't hesitate to do it. After all if you don’t tell them who will? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedom from the debt of sin we received when Jesus willingly gave up His life on the cross for each and every one of us. Cause us to understand how long eternity is and how awful a place hell is Lord that we would have a renewed sense of urgency to share the Good News without hesitation when prompted to do so. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy running!!!

Tell somebody - Danny Gokey