We have all missed the mark

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus," Romans 3:23-24 ESV

In an article posted by Runner's World Tuesday titled, "Symptoms of Low Protein-and how to get more into Your Diet," the need for runners to take in more of this valuable nutrient than the average person was explained by sports nutritionist Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., owner of Active Eating Advice. Regarded as one of the building blocks of life, protein makes everything. Each and every cell contains the essential amino acids that make up this macronutrient. You need it for muscle repair, immune system function, healthy blood, strong bones, and more. According to the Dietary Reference Intake report, sedentary adults should get 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, or about 0.4 grams per pound. “But that number is not based on an active person—certainly not a runner. The ideal range for runners can be twice that amount.” Indeed, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight a day for athletes, depending on training, with the protein spaced throughout the day and after workouts. Research shows that regularly getting about 1.6 grams per kilogram per day “promotes favorable muscle adaptations to exercise training.” Bonci went on to describe the negative effects of not consuming enough protein and gave this advice, "If you’re having trouble hitting the mark, or you don’t feel like eating a plate of beans after a long run, especially during heavy training weeks, protein powders can help."

And you know, when it comes to hitting the mark or achieving perfection in our Christian walk, the Bible tells us clearly that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That means (unlike in horseshoes and hand grenades where merely getting close to the target is counted as success) you and I must perfectly hit the bullseye to meet the requirement to be saved—something we all fall short of doing. Thankfully though, the Bible is also clear that we "are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Do you understand what that means? Because of God's unmerited (meaning we don't deserve it and could do nothing to earn it) favor, you and I were given a gift (again something we don't deserve and could never earn)... the gift of redemption or salvation from our sins. Is that amazing or what? You and I totally missed the mark but God loves us anyway. 

So I urge you my friend, in light of what you have been given, to tell everyone you know about this amazing gift that they too can receive by simply choosing to accept Jesus Christ (the one who redeemed "all" by His death on the cross) as their Lord and Savior today. I promise that they will be eternally grateful to you for having shared the Good News with them. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us in spite of our sins so much that You would send your Son to die for us so that we could have eternal life. Cause us to understand what a true and unmerited gift this is Lord that we might be compelled to live our lives in such a way that would honor You, the Giver of the gift. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!