The good portion

"Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Competition can be a great thing for runners trying to get faster, run longer or simply improve their skills. Watching the opposition, especially those who have more strength, speed and discipline can be a great learning tool. But when it comes to our relationship with Jesus, we should never welcome any person or thing that might compete with our devotion to God. 

The story of the sisters, Martha and Mary, illustrates how differently each reacted to the presence of Jesus. While Martha welcomed him into her house, Mary sat at his feet and listened to his every word. Martha got distracted by her work which competed with her devotion to Jesus. Her anxiety and worry also interfered with spending time with him and listening to his teaching. He gently and beautifully reminded her that he was more important when he said, "Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." What a reminder to us all. Work is certainly necessary but should never compete with our devotion to Jesus. Nothing should. 

Is there something you're putting before your time with God? Maybe it's social media? Television? Habits? Hobbies? If you find yourself spending time with him only when you have completed your to do list (squeezing him in when your schedule allows) perhaps, like Martha, you have simply gotten "distracted" and need a gentle reminder to choose "the good portion". 

Heavenly Father, you are so awesome and worthy to be praised. You never ever forget to provide for our needs. Even when we don't give you a second thought, we are always on your heart and in your hands. Thank you for continuing to love us when we let other things compete with our devotion to you. May we readjust or priorities and put you first Lord. May we rid ourselves of any distractions that would prevent us from sitting at your feet and listening to your teaching every day. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Here in your presence - New Life Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2bLUYz-Zvo

Soul on fire

"And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away." Luke 8:13

As I was running yesterday morning, I couldn't help but admire the signs of Spring. The Forsythia bushes, with their brilliant yellow leaves, were a sight to behold while the Burning bushes are unmistakably identified with their bright red foliage. With a quick glance, they seem to almost be on fire. Upon closer inspection though, you can see the signs of change.... many of the leaves were already fading. Soon enough, these shrubs that give the off their fiery glow of brilliance will turn to green and fade into the background.

It's sad that many Christians are the same way. They love what they hear about Jesus, that He came to save us sinners and give us Eternal life. They are joyful at the thought of accepting Him into their lives and "believe for a while". But the inevitable realization, that following Jesus requires sacrifice and is not a life without tests, trials and hardships, will soon cause them to fall away. Because they "have no root", they lose their fire and their zeal for God. But Colossians 2:6-7 tells us this,"And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." 

You see, receiving Christ is only the first step. It's by continuing "to follow him", matching him step for step, that we can be rooted up, built up and growing in our faith. That, my friend, is when we will see a fire for Jesus that cannot be extinguished. Let us run to God until we are a soul on fire!

Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a patient God that You would love us when our fire has seemed to have gone out and when we have fallen away from You. Help us to reignite the flame and be on fire once again. Help us Lord to follow You every day, every minute and every hour to continue to fan the flames of our faith that others may see You in us. May we burn so bright with your presence that others can't help but see You! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Soul on Fire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7lv9oMjv_0

Preparation pays off

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:42-44

Gels? Check. Race belt? Check. Rain poncho? Check. TEAM 413 shirt? Check.... and the list goes on. Packing for a race can sometimes seem to take as much time as preparing for one. Since you can never know with complete certainty what race day may bring, it's best to be ready for anything. Wouldn't you agree? In the many runs I have been blessed to participate in, this strategy has certainly paid off. Many times I have been one of the only runners prepared for the change in the forecast or running conditions. 

While failing to be adequately prepared for a race may leave you exposed to the elements and, at worst, uncomfortable for a few miles, failing to be "ready" for the return of Christ has eternal consequences. In Matthew 24:45-51, Jesus tells the story of two servants, one who was "faithful and wise" while the owner of the house was away, and thus rewarded with being put in charge of all his possessions - the other unfaithful and "wicked", beating his fellow servants and eating and drinking with drunkards. That servant was assigned a "place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." When Christ comes, "at an hour when you do not expect him", you and I will either be prepared or we will not. There will be no do-overs and no second chances. Are you willing to risk that?

How can you be ready then? Deuteronomy 11:1 gives us the ultimate preparedness plan in one simple verse, "Love the LORD your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always." Always. Do that and you'll be ready at any hour.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the blessed assurance that You will return one day. And when that day comes, I pray that we will all be ready to meet you having been "faithful and wise" servants. May we keep your requirements, decrees, laws and commands always. Help us to follow you no matter the cost. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Jeremy Camp - I will follow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V-WkO5Be8Y

Forgiveness

"It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.…" 1 Timothy 1:15-16

After weeks of dramatic testimony, jurors will begin deliberations today in the trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing which wounded more than 260 people in attendance and killed three spectators. This now 21 year old, whose name runners have come to despise, stands accused of one the worst acts of terrorism in history. If convicted, he could face the death penalty or life in prison. The question I struggled with is, "Can this person be forgiven?" Surely when God told us to forgive others, He didn't mean someone guilty of something so heinous as this? Or did He?

Paul, formerly know as Saul, was undoubtedly one of the most faithful followers of Jesus Christ writing 13 books of the New Testament. Acts 18:31 tells us that, "He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!" But before his conversion on the road to Damascus, he was by all definitions a religious terrorist who, without remorse, persecuted many in "the name of God". Acts 8:3 tells us that, "Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison." By God's mercy, Paul was not only forgiven but given the opportunity to serve the one true God he had been searching for.

God can certainly save anyone including those who have done horrible things to others. Forgiveness is not easy but it is necessary. It is a process we must repeat daily... sometimes hourly but God's amazing grace can transform those lives we believe to be lost and use them for His glory. It is not our job to condemn but to "demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life." Yes, even the worst of sinners can be saved... and forgiven. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving us of our sins. We are all sinners deserving of death. And yet, You came that we all might hear the story of salvation, believe in You and be saved. Help us to resist condemning those that have hurt us and to, in love, share the story of the mercy and grace in the life of Paul and to explain that You have the power to change the life of even the worst sinner. Remind us that You can take the broken pieces of a sinner's life and make them into a masterpiece putting redemption on display for all to see and know that You are God! It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Forgiveness - Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfkhqpl81NA

the next step

"Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it." Mark 16:20

I began the day yesterday with a very early morning run. Stealing some time away (before anyone awoke) to be alone with the Savior was the most perfect start to the day. As I watched the sun rise with it's vibrant, glowing hues of pink, purple and yellow, I smiled wondering if this was what the morning might have looked like those 2,000 years ago. Then, like many others, my family and I attended Church where we gave thanks for our many blessings, celebrated the day we call Easter and called it a day. But Jesus wasn't finished when the stone was rolled away and Resurrection day passed. Oh no... He was just getting started. As we should be (getting started that is).

After the resurrection, Matthew 28:16-17 tells us that, "the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted." His true disciples were not merely content with celebrating Easter, they were ready for the next step in what Jesus had planned for them and followed his instructions to meet him on the mountain. And this is where Jesus revealed the most important "next step" in the life of a believer... when He spoke these words, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (v. 18-20)

We are the disciples now, the believers commanded to fulfill "the great commission" and the plan that Jesus has for his followers. The Easter celebration may be over but our work has just begun. Are you ready for the next step?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy that we have in our hearts after celebrating your resurrection and the new life that it brings to all those that believe upon the name Jesus. Help us to be emboldened and strong as we begin the work you have assigned your followers. May we tirelessly strive to make disciples of all nations, beginning where we are with what we have. No excuses. No looking back. But pressing on to the task before us knowing you have equipped with us with everything we need to persevere and claim victory in your name. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Send me, I'll go - Lecrae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5y7iRVG3Eo

Empty promises

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:1-6

An empty promise is defined as: A promise that is either not going to be carried out, worthless or meaningless. This world is full of these types of promises. People are forever making promises they can't or won't keep and advertisers make promises their products can never fulfill. With all the meaningless vows we hear daily, how wonderful it is to know that God never made an empty promise. But He did promise an empty tomb!

In Mark 10:33-34, Jesus said, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again." Without a doubt, that was the most important promise ever made. You see, without the resurrection we would still be dead in our sins. And without the crucifixion, there would be no resurrection. Christ died so that we might live! 

Praise God the tomb was empty but the promise was not! It was fulfilled on the third day and proclaimed to the nations when the angel said, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." He has risen indeed!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the miracle of Easter. Thank You for sending your Son to die on the cross for our sins. Thank You for the eternal life that sacrifice offered to all those that believe. May we be filled with joy that the promise of an empty tomb was not an empty promise. It was your way of saving the world. For that, we love You! We praise You! And we thank you Lord. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

He's alive - Don Francisco

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKxD8WnSYqQ

the hollow bunny

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19

Do an online search for chocolate flavored gels and you will find at least ten different kinds on the first page alone. And runners aren't the only people who love their chocolate. Did you know that ninety million chocolate Easter bunnies are produced every year? It probably comes as no surprise either that, in a study done by the National Confectioners Association, 66 percent of Americans prefer the solid bunny.  To the chocolate lover, hollow bunnies can be very disappointing.

Our lives can be very disappointing as well when our hearts are hollow and not filled with "all the fullness of God." Paul's prayer was that we would allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, giving us power and a deepened faith to be able to grasp the enormity of God's love for us .... how wide and long and high and how deep it is. It reaches to the depths of despair, the heights of happiness, the width of the world and the length of eternity. This immeasurable love was revealed to us by God sending his son Jesus into the world. What greater love could there be and what greater knowledge to behold?

Easter is about so much more than chocolate bunnies, egg hunts and new outfits. May the understanding of it's true meaning and the act of love behind it fill us to "the measure of all the fullness of God."

Heavenly Father, thank you for the great love you have for us, a love we don't deserve, a love we rarely thank you for and a love we underestimate. This Easter season, help us to share the true meaning of the cross, the crucifixion and the resurrection to those around us. Embolden us Lord to share the story of the love that was poured out for sinners like us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

The love of Christ - Point of Grace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-CnCWmrGB8

http://nypost.com/2014/04/20/most-americans-prefer-solid-chocolate-easter-bunnies-study/
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/eastercandy1.html