Forget the past

"Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago." Isaiah 43:18 GNT

As a race director, I sometimes have to decide whether a race will be postponed, rescheduled or even canceled due to inclement weather.  These decisions are never made lightly or without consulting others and repeated checks of the forecast though. So when it appeared that the rain we were expecting overnight Friday would transition into snow and ice by morning, I made the final decision to reschedule Saturday's 5k race for the following week, well in advance so people would have notice. And as I ran alone Saturday morning, with none of the ice or snow on the ground as expected, I rebuked myself for having done so, "Sure it’s cold out here but the race could have gone on. You made the wrong choice!" 

If we're honest though, most of us would admit that many of the decisions or choices we've made in life were most definitely not the right ones. They might have even caused us or our loved ones pain. But the thing about wrong choices is this... they can't be changed and they can't be undone. And while it's okay to remember those choices so we don't make them again, continually looking back in regret will only cause us to miss out on the future that's in front of us. 

So may you and I choose to "forget what happened in the past." After all, God certainly has. And if God has forgiven us, spending our time dwelling "on events from long ago" is pointless. It will only keep us from moving forward and fulfilling the purpose to which God has called us to today. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that, even as Christians, we won't always make the right decisions. And when our choices are contrary to Your will, help us to repent of them and move forward in forgiveness that we might learn from our shortcomings and serve You better. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

You are more - Tenth Avenue North

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cBU0_tzo1U

Be that friend

"When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." Acts 11:23 NIV

Shortly before our Couch to 5k running group was scheduled to meet for our weekly workout, I received a text, "I am so upset. I won't be able to make it tonight. I REALLY NEED TO BE THERE TONIGHT because of everything that has been going on this week. I need to run and be with everyone." Thankfully, even though she didn't make it in time for the meeting, she did make it in time to run with the group. And that, she said, made all the difference. 

And you know, there will be times in each one of our lives that we will need encouragement. Times when we are under attack, undergoing a trial or just simply trying to get through the day - times when we will need a group or person to lift our spirits and motivate us to keep pressing on. Barnabas, whose name actually means 'son of exhortation,' was that type of person. The Bible tells us that he continually "encouraged" those around him to "remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." He was the type of person you and I need in our lives and the type of person you and I need to be to others. 

So when we are down, may you and I seek out those people who will lift us up and motivate us to stand firm and keep going, and may we strive to be that person to others that we might all "remain true to the Lord." After all, as J.G Whittier writes, "I'll lift you and you lift me, and we'll both ascend together."

Heavenly Father, thank You giving us friends who will walk with us through the valleys of life and who will listen to and encourage us. May each one of us strive to be like Barnabas that we might continually spur others to remain true when times are hard. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Sheltering Tree - Newsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSmuGxxgjP8

Mornings are the best time

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." Psalm 143:8 NIV

Runner's World Magazine recently published an article titled, "What’s Better for Weight Loss: Morning or Evening Workouts?" A new study finds timing could make a difference in your chances of keeping those pounds off. And just as you might have suspected, the research showed that those who stuck close to their goal weights were the ones who worked out in the morning, and worked out at least five days a week. “Consistency is what’s key,” researchers said. “These weight loss maintainers have made activity a habit, just like going to bed early or drinking more water."

And you know, when it comes to forming habits that will benefit us, the Bible is very clear that consistently spending time with the Lord is not only the key to our spiritual health and growth but crucial to discerning God's will for our lives. And what better time to be reminded of God's faithfulness and to ask for guidance than before the day begins? David clearly understood this saying, "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go..." 

So if spending time with the Lord is not the way you consistently begin each day, I would highly urge you to make it a habit my friend. Doing so will not only change the course of your day but the course of your whole life. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that making You our first priority will transform our lives. Time spent with You in the morning will not only help us determine how we should spend our day but reminds us that You are faithful and always with us which will help us get through our day. May this knowledge help us to make this a habit. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Me and God - Josh Turner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzQ-moXjvDo

The right shoes

"For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." Ephesians 6:15 NLT

As I was preparing to head out for a long run last Saturday morning, I opted to wear trail shoes rather than my normal ones. With their durable soles and aggressive tread pattern, I knew they'd be just the right shoe to allow me to gain the firm grip and sure-footedness necesary to keep from slipping on the snow and slush the previous nights' winter storm had dumped on the ground. And from the first step out, I was grateful for that decision. Without the ruggedness and protection of the proper shoe, I would most certainly have not been able to complete the training run I so needed to fit in. 

And you know, when it comes to being able to go out and share the Gospel with others as we are commanded, the Bible tells us, "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." And this peace that gives us the sure-footedness to press on is the confidence that God will be with us wherever we go. You see, when you and I commit to sharing Christ with the world, we will face opposition and walk through many rough areas that will require us to keep a firm grip on the Truth to keep from sliding or shying away from our mission. Which means we need to wear these shoes!

So remember that you are not alone on this journey my friend. No matter how hard it might seem or how difficult the terrain might feel, don't give up. Press on in your calling to share the "Good News" with all those God puts in your path and have peace knowing that He is with you every step of the way.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we are not alone in our pursuit to fulfill the Great Commission. We have the promise that You will be with us, giving us the strength and guidance we need. May we hold on to that promise that we would not allow the temptations, trials and opposition of this world to cause us to lose our grip and fall. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Hard Love - Need to Breathe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDWhCaDgd3Y

The brightest light

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105

One mile into my morning run and I knew I was in trouble. My headlamp was going dim very quickly and without the moon or even a star in the sky to light the path, I was having great difficulty seeing. "Just make it to the school," I said to myself. "You can run under the lights there until the sun comes up." So dramatically slowing my pace, I fumbled through the near darkness for nearly half-a-mile before finally reaching the school parking lot where I ran circles around it until the sun set light to the morning sky. 

And if you've ever tried to run in the early morning hours of winter, you know that a headlamp is a necessity. Even with the keenest of eyes a person can lose their way and get tripped up by even the tiniest of obstacles. The same is true in our spiritual lives as well. Without the Word to guide us and to illuminate God's plan for our lives, you and I are literally in the dark - stumbling through life unsure of where we are going and what the future holds. 

Thankfully though, the remedy for spiritual blindness can be found within the pages of the Bible. It's there that you and I will find the words that will literally show us the way we should go and provide clear vision, instruction, encouragement and discernment each step of the way. It's truly the best and brightest "light" that you and I could ever possess. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for this much needed reminder today that we are literally in the dark when we don't look to the Word for guidance. Help us to make reading the Bible our very first priority that we might allow you to light our path and guide our feet as we walk along it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The Word is alive - Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQXH1A1o7PQ

There will be no warning

"For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. And they were oblivious, until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man." Matthew 24:38,39

As I was running very early Friday morning, I watched as the Missouri Department of Transportation trucks drove up and down the highway spreading salt in anticipation of the winter storm expected to hit the region within the next few hours, and I was grateful that technology could now predict and warn us of inclement weather in time to get prepared. Especially since, with the calm winds and seasonable temperatures, the predawn's weather gave no indication of what was to come.

And while the National Weather Service regularly issues alerts of incoming bad weather to encourage people to be prepared, the people of Noah's day had no such alert to warn them of the torrential rains headed their way. In fact, the Bible tells us that "in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking" and going about their business as usual, totally "oblivious, until the flood came and swept them all away" and then gives us this warning, "So it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." 

And although no one can predict the exact day or time when Christ will return, you can be sure that He will. And when He does, you and I will either be ready or we won't. So if you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior my friend, I would highly urge you to do it right now so you won’t be caught unprepared. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that You will return one day. And when you do, You will accept only those who have accepted you as Lord of their lives. Help anyone who has not made the decision to follow You realize the importance of not putting that decision off for even one more minute that they might turn to Jesus and have eternal life. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Come to Jesus - Chris Rice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PANiveIKVX0

His love never ends

"The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease." Lamentations 3:22 NLT

It might be hard to fathom but, believe it or not, we had several spring-like days right in the middle of winter recently. In fact, it was so beautiful last Saturday that, while I was running on the trail adjacent to the city park, I saw people coming out in droves to jog, walk and play with their children on the playground. You could even spot a few brave runners in shorts and tank tops. And while I would love for the weather pattern to continue, the future forecast reveals something we've all heard and come to expect... all good things must come to an end. 

Thankfully though, there are two good things that will never come to an end... God's love and His mercy. The Bible tells us so saying, "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease." That means that absolutely nothing can make God stop loving us! And though He has every right to punish us for our sin and disobedience, He doesn't. When we repent and turn from our ways, God, in His never-ending mercy, forgives us.

And while it might be hard to comprehend how this type of love, a love so strong it could compel Jesus to die on a cross to save us from our sins, could exist - you can be sure it does. It not only exists my friend but, believe it or not, it will never ever end. Isn't that wonderful news?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that not all good things come to an end. Especially the time that we have with You. It's refreshing to know that if we have placed our trust in You that we will one day spend eternity in Your presence. Thank you Lord for your never-ending love and forgiveness. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Your love goes on - Hillsong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBJ7TUCrVE