Creation proves it

"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God." Romans 1:20 NLT

While many people choose to press the snooze button on Sundays, I look forward to the early morning alarm that wakes me in time to dig into the Word and still get in a run before church. And while this practice always comes with the reward of getting to see the sun come up, Sunday's sunrise caused me to stop in my tracks for several minutes... in total awe of the One who made it. I watched in sheer amazement as the faint yellow turned to orange and then lit up the sky like it was on fire. "Truly," I thought to myself. "How can anyone who has ever seen something like this question the existence of God?"

But you know, the Bible tells us that "ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky." Through everything God has made, they have seen his invisible qualities, namely his eternal power and divine nature and yet still have not acknowledged that God is real. But you can be sure that this world and all the beautiful things in it are not the result of some cosmic accident or gradual assembly of random elements. His creations are too beautiful, intricate and unusual to have come about by chance. 

So if you have not placed your trust in the Creator of the universe my friend, look around. The proof of His existence can be found everywhere - from the most intricate petal on a lily to the vast expansion of the ocean. He is real and there is "no excuse" for not believing it. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You are real and that You are the Master of the universe. Your creation proves it. For those who don't yet believe Lord, I pray that you would open up their eyes to see the truth and proclaim You as Lord of their life. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Glory - Phil Wickham

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UX0zrCGbjw 

* That is the actual sunrise Sunday. I had to stop and take a picture of it. God is real! Creation proves it over and over. 

Keep the resolutions

"So the angel explained that it was the following message of the LORD to Zerubbabel: I am the LORD All-Powerful. So don't depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit." Zechariah 4:6 CEV

Strava, a social fitness network used by thousands of athletes worldwide to track and share their cycling and running stats using GPS data, recently looked at more than 13.5 million entries and found that January 12, not even fully two weeks into the new year, is the day when most people will give up and bail on their resolutions. In fact, researchers from the University of Scranton claim that only eight percent of people meet their New Year's goals every year, while thousands of others with good intentions throw in the towel. Why? Lack of willpower they say. 

And if willpower is defined as the ability to control our thoughts and behavior especially in difficult situations, it's no wonder so many of us fail. We are depending on our own strength for the power to succeed and we're just not that strong. But guess what? There is One who is "All-Powerful" and on whose "Spirit" we can depend on and trust in to give us victory. You see, when you and I allow ourselves to be controlled by the Holy Spirit rather than our own will, we have all the willpower we need to give up bad habits and form healthy ones.

"So don't depend on your own power or strength" to help you keep those resolutions my friend. Depend on God and work in the power of his Spirit. I guarantee if you do, January 12 and everyday thereafter will be a day you'll triumph over those things you want to change. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that without You, we are weak. Help us to depend on You rather than ourselves for the strength and willpower to make life changes that will make us healthier both physically and spiritually. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Break every chain - The Digital Age
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxxYqSwJRuU

Inexpressible and glorious joy

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy," 1 Peter 1:8 NIV

With 90 minutes to go on the four hour run I had planned Saturday, I received a text from my friend Jackie, "Ok, I had full intentions of coming to the group run this morning but with lack of sleep this week it didn't happen. I do plan on running today, what do I do?" And of course I told her to throw on some clothes and join me! And you know what? She did. And what a fantastic time we had. The sheer joy my Christian sister exuded was contagious. It renewed my spirit and allowed me to finish refreshed and with a smile on my face.

And you know this joy, this "inexpressible and glorious joy" that Jackie radiates is the very joy that every Christian should display. Why? Because though we "have not seen him," we love Him and believe in Him. You see, when you and I truly believe in Jesus Christ and know He is who He says He is, we know the troubles of this world are only temporary and that heaven awaits us. And when we love Him, we feel His love in return. A love so great and magnificent that it fills our very being and spills over into "inexpressible and glorious" joy. 

So if you're feeling rundown or spiritually exhausted and void of joy today, won't you call or text one of your Christian brothers or sisters? It could be that a long walk or run with them is the very thing that will have you rejuvenated and joyful again. After all, joy truly is contagious. 

Heavenly Father, You were so good to give us friends and I thank You for all of mine. They truly are a blessing. Lord, help us to be those people who exude overwhelming joy that we might lessen the burdens of our friends and draw others to You because of it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Joy - Rend Collective

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

God of all my days

"No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5

While running early Friday morning, I reminisced as my favorite Christian radio station played the top ten songs of 2018. With each passing tune, I smiled as I recalled the many blessings the previous year had held. But when I heard the words, "Each step I take, You make a way. And I will give You all my praise. My seasons change, You stay the same. You're the God of all my days," the memories caused me to pause mid-run and sob uncontrollably. You see, within a period of two months last year my seasons changed... a lot. I went back to work full time after nearly two decades of being a stay-at-home mom, my son went off to basic training for the Army, my husband began working out of town, my daughter started private school, I couldn't run due to an injury and my world seemed to be spinning out of control. 

But you know what? God reminded me over and over again through the words of that song that He indeed was the God of all my days and all my seasons. Nothing that was happening to me then or would happen in the future could ever take Him by surprise. He was in complete control and just as He was with Moses, He was with me. He would never leave me or forsake me and He truly was the God of "all the days" of my life. Oh what peace that knowledge gave me!

Perhaps you're in the middle of a change of seasons right now? Perhaps you're wondering if God even knows or cares? Well I can assure you that He does my friend. Because He has promised to be the God of "all the days of your life" too - and His promises are always true. 

Heavenly Father, we are so undeserving of the love, kindness and faithfulness you show us. We can never thank You enough for it. You hold us when we hurt, You give us strength when we are weak and You still our hearts when they are anxious. Thank you Lord for being the God of all our days. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

God of all my days - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYkZE8AogDE

Clean it up

"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." James 1:21 NLT

As runners, we all know how much cross training and strength-training can boost our performance and help keep us injury free right? So if you're like me, you probably hit the gym a few times a week in addition to the miles you log. Well if you do, you might want to rethink the things you touch until you've personally cleaned them with sanitizer. According to a New York-based gym attendant who wished to remain anonymous, some of the filthiest things you and I can touch at the gym are treadmill handles, padded benches and shower floors. 

And you know, when it comes to spiritual filthiness, the Bible is very clear that we are not to tolerate it. In fact, James says to get right of "all the filth and evil" in our lives. Not just part of it, but all of it and to then "humbly accept the word God has planted" in our hearts. Simply said, that means you and I need to thoroughly and completely clean ourselves of any impure thoughts, habits or actions we have that we might meekly and respectfully accept the message of salvation, for it is the only thing that has the power to save our souls. 

So as we begin this new year, let us resolve to get clean and stay clean my friend. May we rid ourselves of anything that might hinder our relationship with the Lord or our witness to the world and be bold in sharing the message of salvation with others, knowing it has the power to save their souls as well. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we live in a sinful world that is in need of spiritual cleansing. Lord, help us to rid ourselves of any moral filth and evil that we have inside that we might help others do the same. Help us to be bold that we might lead others to the foot of the Cross. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

At the foot of the Cross - Kari Jobe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkmpU-_Nvsc

The Best best friend

"I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me." John 15:15

As I approached the pair of young ladies coming in the opposite direction on the trail I was running on Sunday, it was clear by their behavior that they were friends. Keeping in step with one another, I could hear them laughing and chatting as the two made their way. "I bet they've been running together a long time," I thought to myself. "I'm so glad that I have a friend to run with every day too." And you know, although my friend can't be perceived with the eyes, He is as real to me as anything I can touch and see. And He is my very best friend in the world. 

And if a friend is defined as a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, isn't it wonderful to know that the feeling is reciprocal? In fact, Jesus loves you and me so much that, although He is Lord, He chooses to be our friend saying, "I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends..." And since He reveals to us everything the Father has revealed to Him, you can be sure that Jesus is the best friend to ask for advice on those long runs. Could there be a more perfect friend and running partner to have?

So if you see me seemingly talking, singing or laughing to myself as I run, don't be alarmed. I'm simply enjoying some time and conversation with my best friend. It's the one thing I look forward to the most each and every day. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would actually choose to call us friends although we are so undeserving of the title. Help us to grasp that as much as we love You, You love us more and want to be the center of our lives. Oh Jesus. may we make the choice each day to walk and talk with You above anyone else. May we make You our best friend. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Nobody loves me like You - Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG_IXFEO8yE

Seek Him first

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:33 NLT

Every January, thousands of people will make New Year's resolutions hoping to spark positive changes in their lives. You might even be one of them. You might even share one or several of the top ten most common resolutions they will make which are: to exercise more, lose weight, get organized, learn a new skill or hobby, live life to the fullest, save more/spend less, quit smoking, spend more time with family and friends, travel more, and read more. 

And while there are many things a person can do to ensure the success of keeping those resolutions like breaking up big goals into smaller goals, the best way to spark a positive change in your life is to do only one thing... "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously." You see, when you and I put Jesus first and make Him our number one priority, all the other things in life will fall into place. And when you and I seek and follow the Word "above all else", we will have the discipline and discernment to make wise choices, thus eliminating the need to make all those resolutions. 

So may we make only one resolution, or firm decision, for 2019 my friend. Let us resolve to seek the Lord more than anything else and to live in a way that honors Him this year and in the years to come. It will truly be the best decision you and I could ever make. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that living life right is not as hard as it appears. Help us to truly grasp that if we would only seek You first, we will have everything we need. Knowing that, may each one of us then make following You our number one goal for 2019. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I will follow You - Jesus Culture 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Sx_U0Ztr8