And then...

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

And then I'll be happy.... What a deceptive phrase. When I get that new job, then I'll be happy. When the kids are out of diapers, then I'll be happy. If I just had a bigger house, then I'd be happy. If I just had more time, then I'd be happy. If my spouse would just do this or that, then I would be happy. What about being happy right now? Hebrews 13:5 says, " Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Be content with what you have? Now there's a concept. If you have food on the table, a roof over your head and a car to drive to work, congratulations! You are blessed indeed. Did you know that almost half the world — over 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day? Did you start your day off with a nice refreshing glass of water or enjoy it in your hot coffee? Consider that 783 million people in the world do not have access to safe water. This is roughly 11 percent of the world's population. http://www.compassion.com/poverty/poverty.htm    Certainly makes you appreciate it more I hope?

The United States is one of the 10 richest nations in the world where the majority of people have access to clean water and shelter. Yet it never seems to be enough. If you're waiting until, you fill in the blank, to be happy, I have news for you. You will never be happy. If you can't appreciate the simplicity of being content with the blessings God has granted, there aren't enough "things" in this world to satisfy you. Apart from Christ, there is no happiness. It can't be found in any person, place or thing. It can only be found in Christ. By making Him the center of your life, you can't help but rejoice regardless of your circumstances. Paul knew this when (while locked up in prison) he wrote, "I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13.

Paul had lived as a rich man apart from Christ. And then as a poor man abiding in Christ. The choice was easy for Him. "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" Philippians 3:8. Don't wait for the and then to happen. Find your happiness in the priceless gift of knowing Christ. Everything else is worthless.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us even when we are not grateful for what we have. I pray that we will not take for granted the things you have blessed us with, big and small. Thank You for our homes, running water, electricity and food on our table. Praise your holy name for the things you have supplied out of the richness of your love. Your love and presence in our lives is priceless. Thank you Lord. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

You're all I need-Hezekiah Walker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egucrj1kWPE

First impressions

"Although you've never seen him, you love him. Even though you don't see him now, you trust him and so rejoice with a glorious joy that is too much for words.  You are receiving the goal of your faith: your salvation." 1 Peter 1:8-9

The saying goes that "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."  Notice it didn't say a good or mediocre impression? This was a convenient thing for me last week as the first impression I made was probably what you would only call memorable.  My good friend, Laura, was scheduled to come by the medical office where I work (alongside my father, the doctor) to have her back adjusted as most runners have to do from time to time.  There was no one in the office as I saw her pull up through the large front windows. Showtime, I thought to myself as I ran to the front of the lobby and got down on my knees in front of the chairs by the front door.  As I was giggling, I could hear her talking to her friend.  Oh no, I forgot she was bringing a friend!  It was too late to do anything but jump up and yell boo! as they made their way in the door.  I don't think I've ever seen anyone jump so high or scream so loud.

After the girls caught their breath and we all quit laughing, I was introduced to my newest friend, Kim, who I knew would never forget my first impression.  What a chuckle we had as we talked like we had known each other for years.  But that's what God does, He gives us overwhelming joy.  While some people express their joy with smiles or hugs, I tend to get a little carried away.  And joy is a fruit of the spirit you know...Galalatians 5:22 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,".

Sometimes happiness is just too much to keep to ourselves-after all, Joy and happiness is the best prescription for a fabulous day  "A joyful heart is good medicine," Proverbs 17:22.  Have a most blessed day!

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence that brings so much joy.  May we rejoice today in the fact that, no matter what we are going through in this life, there is peace, joy and rest in the eternal life you have promised to all those who believe.  And to have the Holy Spirit to guide us is a blessing beyond comprehension.  What a reason to be joyous today!!  Thank you Lord for all you have done, are doing and will do through us.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

Turn this one up!

You make me happy-Pharrel Williams Gospel Remix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEtJ6uk5iHw

Get back up

"Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?   Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”  Matthew 26:40-41

In the midst of training, have you ever set out intent on doing a certain number of miles only to fall short of your goal? Or totally blew it at a race after doing the proper training?  Maybe you failed to get enough rest or hydrate properly?  Maybe it was just one of those days?  Face it, we're only human as the saying goes.   This verse crossed my mind yesterday morning over and over as I struggled to finish the mileage I had set out to complete only to miss the mark.  With the clock counting down to my next marathon, it was a disappointment but not a defeat.  Oh well, I thought, it's just one of those days.  I'll just have to try again.  

While Jesus was in garden of Gethsemane, He knew the time was approaching when He would be betrayed and arrested and He knew it was important for Him to pray.  He was going to need the strength only the Father could give.  He didn't ask much of the disciples, only that they keep watch while He prayed.  After finding them asleep,  He warned them of the weakness of the spirit only to come back  and find them asleep again for they "couldn't keep their eyes open." v.43.  "So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners."  Matthew 26:34.  How horrible the disciples must have felt!  They were given the simple job of staying awake and they failed miserably.  

The thing to learn from this is that we will all fail.  Our flesh is weak.  As much as we strive to be like Christ, we will never "hit the mark".  But that's okay.  He loves us in spite of our imperfections and weaknesses.  In fact, He died for the very disciples who couldn't even stay awake to keep watch while He prayed.  He died for them, He died for me and He died for you.  Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.". We will all fail from time to time, but the real failure is staying down.  Proverbs 24:16 says, "The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.".   In the words of Toby Mac, "We lose our way,We get back up again.   It's never too late to get back up again, One day you will shine again, You may be knocked down, but not out forever."  

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us in spite of our weaknesses and shortcomings.  As much as we strive to be like You, we never quite make it.  What a gracious God you are to love us anyway and to send your son to die on the cross to forgive us of our sins.  You are surely worthy to be praised!!!  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

Get back up-Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX5OqyBYKh4

The gift

"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."  1 Peter 4:10

Thirty years ago, on August 5, 1984, Joan Benoit Samuelson won the first ever women's Olympic Marathon.  Prior to that, she was the first woman to win the Boston Marathon in 1979 setting an American and course record.  She won the Boston Marathon again in 1983, this time breaking the world record.   There's no doubt that God graced her with an ability to run.  But she first had to overcome her fear of what others thought about her.  To quote her, "When I first started running, I was so embarrassed I'd walk when cars passed me.  I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers." She explained that girls didn't run in public then.

Oh my.  If she had let that stop her, she would never have gone on to do such great things.  She paved the way for women runners to participate in a "man's sport" and served as a role model for thousands of young girls.  Now in her 50s, she is an inspiration for runners entering their golden years by running two more sub 2:50 marathons and founding the TD Bank 10k to benefit different children's charities. 

Had she listened to those voices telling her that what she was doing was silly, she would never have fulfilled the purpose God had gifted her for-the purpose for which He graced her with such an ability.   The bible tells us that God has given us all different gifts.  They are not to be hidden for fear of embarrassment, ridicule or judgement.   1 Timothy warns us not to neglect our gift, "Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy..." and 2 Timothy 1:6 says, "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you...".   He didn't say let a portion of it shine, He said to fan it into flames!  Whatever talent, gift or skill you have been given, it is not to be kept for yourself, "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them" (Romans 12:5-6).   Look for ways to use God's blessings to be a blessing to others and glorify the Giver of all gifts.  We have everything we need to make a difference.  Will you be step out in faith and do that?

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving each of us special gifts.  May our eyes be opened to what that might mean for us.  May our heart be open to serving others with those gifts and may we never be ashamed of the Gospel or embarrassed to share it.  Give us boldness to serve you Lord with an all consuming fire.  In your precious name we pray, Jesus.  Amen.

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

The gift God gave to you, give it back to Him-Donald Lawrence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXp_XjkFofM

Chasing the wind

"I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.  Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;nothing was gained under the sun."  Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

It doesn't take much more than glancing at magazines at the checkout counter to see that people are obsessed with "having it all".   Why else would so many of these publications be sold? Actors are idolized for their box office power regardless of their conduct off screen and women envied for their beauty and clothing.   There seems to be this belief that those things can bring happiness.  And isn't that what we're all searching for?  True happiness?

King Solomon had it all.  He had wealth, wisdom, fame and power.  Yet, when he looked back on everything he had obtained and accomplished he declared it all to be meaningless.  He compared everything in life that he had acquired or done to be a chasing after the wind.   Have you ever tried to catch the wind?   Try grasping it with your hands.  We can temporarily feel it as it passes but we will never be able to catch it or keep hold of it no matter how hard we try.  I guess you could say that it is impossible.  The same can be said of finding true happiness in anyone or anything apart from Jesus.  In all our accomplishments, even the big ones, our feelings of happiness are temporary at best.  There is nothing in this world that can offer lasting and eternal peace and contentment.  

It's no wonder that so many "successful" people are drowning in depression and despair.  After finally achieving the things that they believed would make them happy, they realize that it was all just a "chasing after the wind."   The things of this world will never satisfy us.  Hebrews 13:5 instructs us, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.".  That is the key to true happiness... the knowledge and faith to believe that God is always there.  There is nothing in this world that can give us greater peace.   Do you trust in that promise?  

Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there and giving us everything we need to be content. May we realize that true happiness can be found in You alone and that everything else is like chasing after the wind.  Help us to stay focused on You avoiding the influences of this world. May we find the peace we are longing for in Your presence.   In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy running!!!
www.team413.org

Be still my soul-Kari Jobe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq59iE3MhXM

Rejoice in the day

"But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."  Matthew 19:14

This is the best day of my life!  Have you ever heard little children say this?  Especially after a trip to the zoo, being given a new puppy or maybe a day with gramma?  When my daughter was smaller she would say this several times a week to describe any day that might include ice cream or a stop at the park.  It's now reserved for the bigger things like the new bike she just got. Aren't we the same as God's children?  The older we get, the more it takes to make us grateful.  We would do well to follow the example of children. They don't bring up yesterday, they don't worry about tomorrow, they just live for the day.  And today's blessings are all that matters.

We can spend so much time worrying about tomorrow or mourning over yesterday that we fail to realize that the blessing is THE DAY,  not what's in the day. God didn't have to give us another 24 hours but He chose to out of his never ending kindness and love for us. Isn't that enough to be thankful for? I think so. Psalm 118:23-24 says, " This is the LORD’S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." The definition of rejoice by Merriam Webster is: to feel or show that you are very happy about something. So, if you are happy for the gift of another day, show it!  Joy and rejoicing come out of constant praise for all that God has done for us. It's a natural reaction to a deliberate action.

Philippians 4:4 says, "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!". And Psalm 150:6 says, "Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD!".  With the heartfelt joy of a child, thank God today for all He has given you, for all blessings-big and small.  Enjoy your run today as you spend it with the Lord singing praises of thankfulness for the air in your lungs, the strength in your body and a purpose to use all your gifts to glorify Him.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us another day to praise You.  May we be eternally grateful for each new sunrise and opportunity You grant us to sing Your praises.  Wherever we are, let us worship You and keep a joyful song on our hearts.  May our love for You shine through.  In Your precious name we pray Jesus.  Amen.  

Happy running!!!

www.team413.org

  

You'll want to add this one to your playlist!!

Oooo Whee!!  Another Blessing-The Williams Brother

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP4az98W5PY

Conquer your giants

"Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword." 1 Samuel 17:49-50

I love the story of David and Goliath.  It's a story of how faith can overcome any obstacle:  Goliath was a Philistine giant measuring over nine feet tall who came out each day for forty days mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight.  Saul, the great King of Israel, and his army were terrified of him.  David, sent only to the battle field to check on his brothers and not even a soldier, saw the situation and volunteered to fight Goliath without hesitation.  Armed only with faith in God, a sling and three stones, he took that giant down!

Several years ago, I was cornered by two vicious dogs on one of my favorite back roads.  It's only by God's grace that I escaped.  Since that day, I never ran down that road again.  In fact, I gave up every road where I knew there were dogs, fenced or not.  I was literally scared stiff even thinking about running by a dog.  Can you believe that even after praying on this continually (3 years!) I was still too frightened to attempt it?  But yesterday was the day!  With David in mind, I armed myself and began my run intent on facing my giant.  As I could feel my heart beating out of my chest, I ran past those dogs (the owners were ticketed and told to keep them in a pen) who were keeping their eyes on me the whole time as they barked to be released.  "Woohoo, I've done it!" I thought to myself.   As I continued on my run, happy with the conquest, I jumped out of my skin at a barking chihuahua.  I think I have a little more work to do on slaying that giant but at least I maimed him.  David had three stones, I'll just have to try again and again.    

Is there a giant in your life that you need to slay?  Is there a fear you need to overcome? By following David's example, you can take down even the biggest and most feared of giants.  Your giant may be an addiction, an unhealthy relationship or any number of things.  With faith in God, you can overcome them all and be victorious.  If the first attempt is not successful, keep trying!  

Heavenly Father, I know there are people struggling to overcome fear and obstacles.  I pray strength for every one of them that they may arm themselves with the faith that David had and slay their giant.  It's only by your strength and power that we can do anything Lord.  Let us glorify your name as we overcome our fears and proclaim your greatness for all the world to hear.  In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.  

Happy running!!!

We are victorious-Donnie McClurkin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEa0TKx1d-c