Finish the race

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8

In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Derek Redmond, was favored to medal in the 400 meter Sprint. He had been forced to withdraw only 10 minutes before the race at the 1998 Olympics with an Achilles Tendon injury and was more determined than ever to "finish the race". Only 175 meters away from finishing, he felt a searing pain and fell down in agony. He had torn his hamstring. As the medical crew arrived, he waved them off and said, "No, there's no way I'm getting on that stretcher. I'm going to finish my race." Seconds later, his father came to his side and helped him hobble closer to the finish line where he released his hold and let his son cross it alone to "finish the race". His father was waiting there to hold him as he finished and said, "I'm the proudest father alive, I'm prouder of him than I would have been if he had won the gold medal. It took a lot of guts for him to do what he did."

It's easy to run the race well when things are going good... when the conditions are just right, when your health is strong and youth is on your side. But, what we do in the trials is what determines whether we will receive the crown. Those that quit or pack it in when it becomes too hard or uncomfortable forfeit the prize, "the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." James 1:12 gives us this promise, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

When you feel you can't go on, remember that the finish line is close. Stay in the race, fight the good fight with all you have, keep the faith and keep pressing on. Persevere under trial and rise to the test. Like Derek Redmond, have the courage to say, that no matter what stands in your way, "I'm going to finish my race."

Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us through the trials and tribulations of our lives. Thank you for your comfort, guidance and faithfulness in the good times and the bad. When we are tempted to bow out of the race, remind us that you are there to help and, in your strength, we can finish strong and lay hold of the crown of life that you have promised to all those who love you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Derek Redmond race

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZlXWp6vFdE

http://espn.go.com/espn/espn25/story?page=moments/94

Follow the Pacer

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:24-25

Running pacers are those people you see in a race who are there to help you reach your goal. They are usually very easy to pick out by the signs they are carrying announcing the time in which they aim to have you to the finish line. For instance, a 4:30 (four and a half hour) marathon pacer would have you running (about) a 10:30 minute per mile pace for 26.2 miles. A 2:00 (two hour) half marathon pacer will have you running (roughly) a 9:15 per mile pace for 13.1 miles. Whatever your goal or distance, the appropriate race pacer is there to help you achieve it. For the new runner, there is probably no better way to ensure a good finish.

The pacer will keep the pace consistent at all times so it's very important that a runner stays focused and "in step" with him. Get too far ahead and you risk not having enough energy to finish. Get too far behind and you risk not being able to catch up. It's also very important to listen to the pacer's instructions, encouragement and advice each step of the way. In our race to the ultimate finish line, the Holy Spirit is our pacer. He is there to guide us every step of the way to a sure finish. But how do we know if we are "in step" you might wonder? That's easy... we will be producing fruit, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22). Achieving this requires constant, consistent and daily examination of our stride.

Are you seeing these fruits of the spirit in your life? If not, maybe you've fallen behind the Pacer? Or maybe you've been in such a rush that you left Him behind? Whatever the case, it's never too late to get back on pace. As Acts 3:19 tells us, simply "repent of your sins and turn to God". Now then... readjust your pace and get back on the race course.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit in our lives to show us the way we should live, the course we should follow and the pace we should keep to achieve the greatest goal.... heaven. Help us to stay focused on your plan and your route for our lives and to keep "in step with the spirit" with every stride we take. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I come running - Sovereign Grace Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hK_aV1Aj9E

Burn off the crazy

"I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;" Psalm 16:8-9, 11

I RUN TO BURN OFF THE CRAZY. This is one of the newest slogans I've seen emblazoned on athletic gear. For me,there are days when it's much more than a catchphrase on a shirt. Face it, life can make a person nuts! Going for a run not only takes a person away from those things that are making them anxious, it actually works better than many medicines to improve a person's mood and clarity. Here's how running makes you happier:

Neurotransmitters are chemicals produced by nerve cells used to send signals to other cells to trigger certain functions. In addition to BDNF, aerobic and anaerobic exercise increases the levels of neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, all of which influence your energy levels as well as make you feel great after a challenging workout.

However, stress and depression can influence how your brain functions and can actually change your brain chemistry. That means that skipping your workouts when you feel depressed may prolong the amount of time you’re in a lousy mood. The more you exercise, the more efficient your body becomes at producing and using these neurotransmitters, which may explain why some people might feel like they’re addicted to exercise.

Don’t just think of exercise as a way to lose weight and look great—it can help you feel great, too. Physical activity that elevates your heart rate and gets your blood pumping can be a very effective way to change the way you feel and leave you in a better mood. Exercise can help change your mood and leave you feeling sharp, confident and ready-to-go.

womensrunning.competitor.com/2014/06/health-wellness/improve-your-mood-with-exercise_26396#XW2yG8OHHlIBLO2I.99

Want to use that time running to make yourself even happier? Spend it with the Lord. Whether listening to praise music or quietly praying and speaking to Him, this is the best way to boost your mood. As the psalmist tells us... there is fullness of joy in his presence and there is peace as he walks beside you. His spirit will gladden our hearts and make us rejoice. I'd say going for a run or walk with God is exactly what you and I need to "burn off the crazy". Ready...set....go.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence that gives us such peace and joy. There is no one like you Lord. No one that could love us enough to grant such blessings to such undeserving people. May we turn to you to fill our every need and to calm our hearts and the crazy thoughts that invade our mind. Fill us with your presence as we seek your face and calm our anxious hearts. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

I love to be in your presence - Paul Baloche

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

Keep trying!

"Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand." Psalm 37:24

"Thank You God for the opportunity. We'll be back... I will never waiver on who He has called me to be..." Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback, tweeted after the 2015 Superbowl following their defeat. The next day's headlines read, "Russell Wilson throws game-ending interception in Super Bowl" describing the play that granted victory to the New England Patriots. How easy it would have been for him to become angry or slip into self pity and doubt... but he didn't.  He instead chose to say this via twitter,"At 26 years old I won't allow 1 play or 1 moment to define my career. I will keep evolving." http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/russell-wilson-throws-game-ending-interception-in-super-bowl-052624153.html

Let's face it, we've all failed. History is full of people who have failed. Consider this:

- Thomas Edison was told he was "too stupid to learn anything" and made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at making the light bulb. If he hadn't tried for 1001, we might all still be sitting in the dark.

- Henry Ford, known for inventing the assembly line and innovating automobile production, failed at business and went broke five times before founding the Ford Motor Company

- Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas."

- Winston Churchill failed the sixth grade and was defeated in every election for public office until he was finally elected Prime Minister at the age of 62.

Failing does not define us unless we allow it to.  Many times the real victory is found in the loss. It's in our shortcomings and pursuit to win that we learn who God is, and what He wants for us - its through the trials and losses along the way that He shapes us. Instant success can't do that. In those moments when we are knocked down to our knees and can only succeed through His strength, we learn that, by trusting Him we can accomplish anything. These are the greatest lessons... learned only from failure.

Thomas Jefferson, who refused to let failure define him, once said, "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." Keep trying!

Heavenly father, help us to be strong and faithful when we don't succeed. Help us to embrace our failures as stepping stones to where you want to place us. May we never tire of doing good and serving you. Help us to keep trying! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Only a Mountain - Jason Castro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxWayfx3p2s

Your work will be rewarded

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7

What if I told you that there was a man who walks 21 miles a day, 5 days a week to get to work? That comes to 105 weekly miles... way more than most of the marathoners I know. What if I also told you that he does it all without grumbling or complaining? Pretty hard to believe isn't it? James Robertson, a 56 year old man from Detroit does just that. He can't afford a car on his salary but he doesn't let that stop him. He relies on public transportation for part of his 46 mile commute but relies mostly on his own two feet. He leaves his home at 8 a.m. and doesn't arrive back until 4 a.m., gets a few hours sleep and starts again. His boss had this to say about him, "His work ethic and spirit are truly inspiring. Robertson doesn't complain and he manages to have perfect attendance at work. I set our attendance standard by this man. I say, if this man can get here, walking all those miles through snow and rain, well I'll tell you, I have people in Pontiac 10 minutes away and they say they can't get here — bull!" 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/03/james-robertson-walks-21-miles-to-work-donations-car_n_6604896.html

The story gets even better. Evan Leedy, a student at Detroit's Wayne State University, set up a site to raise $5000 to buy James a car, the media told the story and more than $200,000 was donated to Mr. Robertson, who plans to keep it simple. While this is certainly a Cinderella story of how hard work reaps its rewards, I believe it's a bigger one about how one's attitude can change the people around you. Ephesians 4:29 tells us, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Corrupting talk includes any sort of grumbling, complaining or degrading sarcasm - it should be replaced with only words that encourage, comfort or instruct... words that are good for building up. This is the way, in the midst of the world, we set ourselves apart and inspire others to do the same. I say it was his attitude more than his actions that drew people to him.

Very few of us will ever be rewarded this side of heaven for the work we do....especially in the way that James Robertson was. But we shouldn't let that stop us or be our motivation.  Matthew 5:12 gives us this promise, " Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.." So, be strong and don't give up. Let your attitude change those around you so they might also know Christ and be rewarded.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the ability to work. No matter what you have called us to do, may we do it with joy in our hearts and praise on our lips. Wherever we are, let us view it as an opportunity to encourage others through our actions and speech. May our words be kind, encouraging and uplifting to everyone we meet and work with. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Speak Life - TobyMac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBv9r92VQ0

Seasons change

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:20-21

Sometimes our lives can change in an instant. No one knows that better than twin sisters Nichole and Jennifer Rider. They had been running together since middle school to prepare for track meets where they competed side by side. But one day in November 1995, when the pair was in college, Nichole was the victim of a car accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down. In an instant, both their lives were changed. Perhaps there is no greater reminder that God is in charge than when we cannot change our circumstances. It's then that we have a choice... we can give up or we can press on. We can either embrace this new period in our life or mourn the passing of the old one. Whatever our decision, another day will pass and soon another season. 

At last week's Miami Half Marathon - 20 years after Nichole's accident - the sisters ran together again. Jennifer and her friend Janeen Jones tag-teamed pushing Nichole in a jogging chair across the finish line to mark their first half marathon. They were running as part of Thumbs Up International, a group founded to pair up able-bodied athletes with those unable to achieve their running, biking or swimming goals on their own. However, as much as Nichole embraced the thrill of being in a race with thousands of people to cheer them on, deep down she wanted to be running herself. "After the fact, it was hard emotionally," Nichole said. "One thing I miss is running, and I wanted to be out there running instead of being pushed. When you're an athlete, you want to compete."  And compete she will - by God's grace, Nichole regained enough feeling in her hands and legs to return to an active lifestyle and racing...just a bit differently. She is planning to compete in the handcycle division at the next year's race and is considering a 10k in May.  http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/twin-pushes-disabled-sister-at-miami-half-marathon

Talk about taking life's lemons and turning them into lemonade. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:" Perhaps you're facing a new season in your life? You too have a choice. What will it be?

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminders that you are ultimately in control of everything... our lives, the seasons, and everything that happens. May we look to you to guide us through it all and, when unexpected things happen to change our lives may we continue to look to you. I pray we trust you completely in whatever we are going through today. If we can't change our circumstances, please help us to change our attitude. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Selah - Through it all

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo-mp_m3nj8

                           

Party on

"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” Acts 16:25-28

No doubt many of you watched the Super Bowl yesterday. And, if you were fortunate, you were surrounded by family and/or friends - some of which you may not like. Face it... we all have that one person that we just don't enjoy being around. Maybe it's your brother-in-law who knows everything and makes sure you know it too. Or maybe it's a friend that can never find the good in any situation and considers a frown a part of her outfit. Whatever the case, God has put them into your life, and you can be sure he has a purpose for it.

The book of Acts tells the story of Paul and Silas being thrown into a Roman prison for healing a slave girl. You can imagine the people and conditions there were not the most pleasant (prisons of that time were filthy and the guards could be brutal). Rather than complaining about the company they were placed with though, they prayed and sang songs to the Lord (as the other prisoners listened). When the doors flew open, most people would have run out of there faster than Usain Bolt (believed to be the fastest runner ever). The jailer, knowing he would face certain death for allowing his prisoners to escape, was ready to commit suicide. But imagine the jailer's surprise when he realized that Paul and Silas had not left! I love what happened next, "The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." (v. 29-31)

When placed in a position or with people that are not what or who you would choose, instead of looking for a way out, try looking for a way in.... into their heart. Ask God what it is he would have you do. If you're willing, he will open the doors... even at a Super Bowl party.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you sent someone to share the gospel with us. I pray that we would continually be looking for opportunities and situations to do the same. In every circumstance, may we love and be kind to others, especially those that are hard to like. In doing so, I pray that they would see our peace and joy and want it for themselves. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Planet Shakers - Turn it Up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaG9y1mqp1A