Time to Shine

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” Philippians 2:14-15 NKJV

In a story titled, “2025 Nashville Half Marathon & 5K Celebrates Every Runner’s ‘Time to Shine’” published over the weekend, it was reported that the Music City was alive with energy on Saturday as thousands of runners, walkers, and spectators filled the streets for the 2025 Nashville Half Marathon & 5K. Known for its lively atmosphere, scenic downtown course and signature tagline "Your Time to Shine". This year’s event brought together participants from across the country for a race day that perfectly captured the spirit of Nashville…

Race organizers expressed their appreciation to the runners, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who make the event possible each year. “Seeing the streets of Nashville filled with runners is what keeps us inspired,” said Malain McCormick, Event Director. “This city knows how to celebrate, and every finisher truly had their time to shine today.”

And while the runners’ “time to shine” might have been limited to one day and one event, the Bible is clear that a believers' “time to shine” is every day and every where. And we do this by being set apart as people who “do all things without complaining and disputing” that we “may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

This means, in a world where people grumble against God and their fellow believers, we are called to have a different attitude—an attitude that shows we trust in and submit to the providence of God in all things, and that we strive to keep unity in the body at all times. We aren’t to be like the rebellious Israelites, who were constantly complaining and disputing with God during their wilderness sojourn, even though God provided for all of their needs (Numbers 14:2)

Surgeon explained it this way, “Dispute not with God; let him do what seemeth him good. Dispute not with your fellow Christians, raise not railing accusations against them. When Calvin was told that Luther had spoken ill of him, he said, ‘Let Luther call me devil if he please, I will never say of him but that he is a most dear and valiant servant of the Lord.’ Raise not intricate and knotty points by way of controversy.”

You see, it’s through the display of a non-complaining spirit, that we show ourselves to be children of God rather than followers of the world. Furthermore, to be harmless and blameless means we are to be known as people who do no harm, people sent out as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16).

Notice then that we aren’t told to shine? Only that we shine! It’s a simple statement of fact that Christians are “lights in the world!” and are to shine at all times and in all places. The only question then is “How brightly do we shine?"

So do a self evaluation, and do it often, my friend. If there’s any spirit of grumbling, complaining, or disputing in you, ask the Lord to remove it. It serves no purpose, and will only dim your light. Do all you can to shine bright in a dark world, so that others would be inspired to seek the Light of the world (John 8:12)

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that Christians should live in such a way that they naturally shine bright. Help us to be set apart by our attitudes and our actions Lord so that we will be blameless and harmless amongst an evil generation. Help us to boldly seek out places that are dark knowing that we shine even brighter in those places. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus amen.

Happy Running!

But God...

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20 NIV

As I read the unsolicited popup notification from my Fitness app yesterday, I had to shake my head. "A pattern in your activity has been detected. You have moved less and burned fewer calories over the last four weeks." "Yes. I know," I thought to myself. And even the fewer workouts I had gotten in registered as an all out effort rather than the usual easy or moderate workout that had come as a result of strict training and hard work. To say then that the last month had been a discouraging and challenging one would be an understatement. My husband had a full knee replacement requiring me to be his temporary caregiver and briefly take over all of the household chores, my mother had a heart attack, and my work schedule was much busier than normal. To top it all off, I developed an extremely painful rash and overwhelming fatigue that was later diagnosed as Shingles. The virus, which affects people differently, attacked the nerve on the left side of my body--making it difficult to run without extreme effort and is still wreaking havoc as we speak.

And while I'll admit that it wasn't easy navigating the rough waters of the past several weeks, there wasn't one time when I didn't feel the presence of the Lord. This was something I was thinking about (prompted by the Fitness app notification) on my early morning run before church. After more than three weeks, I had finally regained most of the feeling in my upper leg and knee (caused by the virus) and it began to show! "Thank You Lord," I prayed as I ran in the pouring rain, feeling like the heavy weight of trial had finally been lifted, fully aware that my pace wasn't what it once was (yet) but confident that I would get back there. This thought further inspired me to smile and continue praying as I pressed on, "I know the enemy intended to harm me, 'but God'... You were always there and, once again, You proved Yourself to be faithful to provide, deliver, and restore. You have never let me down and I know that You never will."

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV

And, as always, this trial (as every single one that has come before it) worked "for good." How? Rather than give in and give up, my husband and I prayed harder through it, my family pulled together because of it, and we waited more patiently and expectantly than we ever had in spite of it. And then we saw God work it all out in a way that only He could! But that's what God does!! My husband and I have even more faith than before and are more determined than ever to share the Good News of the Gospel! How's that for an attack backfiring on the enemy?

"But God"... this is what He does. “But God” brings hope when we can’t see a way through. “But God” means ashes aren’t the end of our story. And “But God” says God, not our circumstances, always gets the last word.

So, no matter what you're going through today, don't give up my friend. If the story of Joseph and his brothers, tells us anything, it tells us that God, in His perfect timing and according to His purpose, will work all things for the good of those who love Him. This certainly doesn't mean that your trial will be easy. What it does mean though is this... when you come out on the other side (and everyone who remains faithful does) of your trial, you will look back and be able to say, "But God..." and then share your story of God's faithfulness to work your situation for good and to cause the enemy's attack to backfire. And your story will inspire others to remain faithful and trust God to work their situation for good too! That's the power of God!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promises of Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28. They have comforted millions of saints in the past and continue to provide comfort and hope for believers now. Thank You for NEVER failing to uphold those promises to work all things for our good and for the good of those whose lives are saved because of what You accomplish through the testing, trials, pain, and adversity of this world. Lord help us to trust You when circumstances look bleak and to remember that, in the end, "But God" will always be the outcome of every attack of the enemy. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Don’t Ever Give Up

“For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 BSB

In a nearly unbelievable story published by BBC News on Monday, it was reported that a 46-year-old amateur runner from East Sussex set a new women's world record after running 173m (278km) in 24 hours. Sarah Webster, from Rottingdean, in East Sussex, won gold at the world championships in France on Saturday and was one of three female runners to break the previous 24-hour record of 168m (270km). Impressive right?

Ms Webster said: "Part of me wanted to stop as soon as I got the record but I knew if I stopped the Australian and the Japanese girls were behind me… and they could overtake me." Believe it or not, the race in France was only Webster's second 24-hour race.

Speaking on her way home from the race, which began in the French town of Albi, she said: "The first four hours was probably hardest, mentally getting into it, thinking 'this hurts' and I've got another 20 hours to run, and this is not good. But then you get into your pace a bit more, get some food on board, and then the night goes quite quickly… The last four hours was really hard… but at that point I knew I was potentially on for records and I couldn't give up then."

As Webster alluded to, this long distance race had its ebbs and flows and times when she felt like pressing on and times when she felt like giving up. This is true in the spiritual race of life as well. Hence the reason the race of life is commonly referred to as a marathon rather than a 5k. It takes steadfast determination, grit, and a burning passion to serve Christ until we cross that final finish line.

‘“Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones,three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 NIV

You see, as Paul came to understand, the life of a believer will not be an easy one, which is the very reason Jesus told us to count the costs (Luke 14:28) before taking up our crosses and following Him. Thankfully, the majority of followers will never be imprisoned, flogged, given forty lashes minus one, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked three times, in constant danger, deprived of sleep, know great hunger or thirst, be subjected to cold and nakedness, and, on top of all that, face daily pressure for their concern for the churches. But we will all have trouble, nonetheless (John 16:33). Jesus was very clear about that. In fact, the closer we follow Christ, the more opposition we will generally face.

And while our troubles and afflictions might seem as large and long-lasting as Paul’s at the time we are experiencing them, in the grand scheme of things and in light of eternity, they are as “light and momentary” as Paul’s were. Which means we should always resist the urge to give up when the weight of it all seems too much to bear.

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NIV

And we can do this best when we remember that “Christ’s power” rests on us. Do you get that? God’s grace can and will sustain you and me through all our troubles. That is why, for Christ’s sake, we should delight in our weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, and in difficulties. This attitude not only helps us power through the hard times (joy has been scientifically shown to help us endure pain) but displays the power of Christ at work in us…. For when we are weak, then we are strong.

So, if you’re growing tired from all the hours, days, or even months of running the race, take heart my friend. It may not seem like it now, but one day you’ll look back and see just how light and momentary your troubles were compared with “the eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.” In other words" a future eternal reward that is far greater and more significant than any earthly suffering we will ever experience is awaiting all those who don’t give up.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it clear that all those who follow You will encounter troubles and trials. Help us to embrace these by remembering that they are producing perseverance, character, hope, and staying power in us. Remind us that there’s an eternal glory awaiting for us at the finish line that we might press on no matter what opposition we are faced with. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Fulfill Your Ministry

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5 ESV

“Race day is almost here!!! Who's ready??? Speaking of race day, did you hear the news about the Dogwood Canyon trail runs? As you know, Dogwood sold out weeks ago but.... today at noon, they will be opening up very limited no frill spots. No shirt or medal (can check for shirt availability AFTER the event) but you will get fed! And you will get to run the stunning hills of Dogwood Canyon!!!! Once these spots are filled, there will be no more opportunities to get in. So set a timer and get ready to register!!” Those were the words I posted to social media yesterday morning after receiving an email from the Bass Pro Fitness Series that made me smile. I not only shared the good news there but I immediately took a screen shot of the email and sent it to my dear friend Shannon who “was late” to the table and, to her dismay, been unable to gain entry. To say that this news made made her smile as well was an understatement!! After receiving my text, she replied “Well I’m glad you saw this! I’ll set my alarm!” And guess what? Because I told her the good news, she logged on at noon and is now registered for the most amazing trail run in the Midwest, and will be joining me at the start line!


And you know, while many believers won’t hesitate to openly share good news about worldly opportunities, very few believers publicly and consistently share the ONLY Good News that will grant a person entry into heaven. In fact, recent studies show that 95% of Christians say they have never led anyone to Christ and only about 5% of Christians admit to sharing their faith regularly, while 59% of Christians admitted to seldomly or never sharing their faith. Now if this has you saying to yourself, “But Melissa that’s because it's the pastor’s job,” or “I’ll leave that to someone else who has the gift of evangelism,” let me remind you... sharing the Good News is the job and most important ministry of every person who professes to follow Jesus Christ.

“Then 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. Then Jesus came to them and said, “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.’” Matthew 28:16-20 NIV

This was something Paul was adamant about when he told Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist” and fulfill his ministry. You see, although young Timothy was a pastor, it didn't necessarily mean that he was particularity gifted as an evangelist (as we all have different spiritual gifts) anymore than the majority of believers feel they are. But that didn’t excuse him (or us) from the charge of faithfully spreading the Good News at every opportunity. Furthermore, when we stop to consider that an evangelist is simply someone who shares the "good news" of the Gospel with the goal of converting the lost, we understand that the Great Commission is a direct command, and not merely a suggestion, for every believer.


So, “go and make disciples of all nations” my friend--starting in your own back yard. You don’t have to be a gifted speaker to do this either. Simply commit the Message to memory and then share it with passion, remembering that you were once lost until someone told you about Jesus. Be sober-minded (alert and clear-headed in all situations), endure hardship (be prepared to face and withstand opposition and suffering), and carry out your ministry (fully carry out the duties of your calling) to completion so that you might take hold of the Crown of Righteousness that awaits every believer who has remained faithful and longed for the return of Jesus Christ.


Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, while we all have different spiritual gifts, we are all called to evangelize. Help us to understand that being a gifted speaker is not a prerequisite for declaring that salvation is found in no one else but You Lord--only that we must be committed to knowing the Good News of the Gospel so we can share it. Help us to remember that ONLY those who choose to follow You will gain entry into Heaven so that we would be filled with a sense of urgency that would compel us to share our faith. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.


Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - The Dos and Don'ts of Race Day

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about what's coming up in just 11 days. The Bass Pro Conservation Marathon, the Cohick Half Marathon, and the CMC Recycling 5k!! Now, depending on how your training went, the fact that we are nearly counting down the days in single digits might be filling you with either excitement or dread. But ready or not, race day will be here soon!!! 

With that being said, check out some of the dos and don'ts for race day that I hope will help calm your nerves a little so you can join in on all the fun of the day you've been getting ready for!! 

Let's start with...

What not to do on race day…

DON'T: leave everything until race-day morning
On the morning of your race, you don’t want to waste a single moment worrying about what to wear, how to get to the start line, or what time you should arrive. Plan your race day strategy to a T in advance and you’ll be way more relaxed in the days leading to November 2. Write a detailed list of what you'll need several days in advance and lay out your clothes (including your bib and safety pins) the night before so you can get dressed without thinking. This will also keep you from waking up with the "deer in the headlights look" wondering if you've forgotten anything. 

DON'T: eat anything different
If you've eaten a bowl of oatmeal every morning before your training run, now isn't the time to go crazy and opt for something the hotel has to offer. Yes, it might be equally good as your usual running fuel, but if your body isn't used to it, don't try it. When it comes to race-day nutrition, sticking to everything you've tried and tested during training is paramount… unless you want to risk unscheduled stops to the porta pottie. Ditto on energy drinks, gels, chews or other mid-race fuel. 

DON'T: trim your toenails

Oh how I know this from experience! If you vigorously trim your toenails the morning of race day (or even the night before) they’re going to sting like crazy by mile six, but if you leave them too long they’ll start to ache by mile 20. Make sure you’re groomed and ready to run several days before your big race.

DON'T: stress too much about lack of sleep the night before

This one is so important! Yes, of course, adequate sleep is vital before race day. But with those pesky pre-race jitters, you might find you don't sleep all that well the night before the gun goes off at Bass Pro. Don't panic! As long as you've slept well in the nights previously (especially the night before the night before), you'll be well rested enough to set off at the start line with no worries.

DON'T: wear anything new especially running shoes
Possibly one of the most common newbie race-day errors is to save your best outfit for race day, to ensure you look your best. Don't do it! Training in the clothes and accessories (hydration belt or vest, phone holder, etc.) you plan to wear on race day is vital to ensure maximum comfort and minimal chafing. This is most important when it comes to footwear: the last thing you want to discover two miles in is that your brand new marathon running socks or shoes rub your heels or pinch your toes. Always opt for gear you know and love.

DON'T: line up in the front of the line (unless you plan on leading the pack the whole time)

It's tempting to want to sprint out ahead when the gun goes off. Don't do it! Unless you're super fast and planning on leading the pack, take your time getting up to the start line, remembering that your official time doesn't start until you cross the timing mat. So don't worry if it takes you a few minutes to get there, you'll appreciate the thinner crowd by staying closer to the back of the group, and will know that your time will be adjusted before it's posted. This will help you avoid going out too fast. 

DON'T: drink too much water

If it's a warm day, a long race or both, it can be tempting to guzzle down fluids at every water station in a bid to ward off dehydration. However, over-drinking actually carries with it the risk of hyponatremia (where the sodium in your blood becomes too diluted), which can be dangerous (even fatal). A good (and simple) rule of thumb is to drink according to thirst – it's a strategy that will not only negate additional toilet stops, but could also keep you safe.

Now moving on to... 

What to do on race day…

DO: check the weather all week, and especially in the morning

Unexpected weather conditions could be the difference between a good time and a bad one, so plan your all-weather gear well in advance. It can be chilly on an autumn morning, so bring an old sweatshirt (or bath robe from a thrift store) to wear in the start line. Make sure it's one you're happy to toss before getting started or along the side of the course. The items will be picked up and donated to charity. If it's raining (like it did last year, which turned out to be so fun!), you don't want to be soaked through before you've even started, so be sure to bring a rain parka (I keep one in my race bag at all times just in case). 

DO: run your own race
As the gun goes off and you cross that start line, it can be so easy to get caught up in the excitement and get dragged along with the pack. After all, your legs are feeling fresh, you've been waiting for what feels like forever and you're full of nervous energy. But remember, it doesn't matter how fast anyone else is running – stick to the pace you've planned and trained for. You'll be glad you did!

DO: walk when you need to

Contrary to popular belief, if you have to walk a little bit on race day, it's okay! In fact, taking short walk breaks can be very beneficial, helping you conserve energy and reducing the impact running has on your legs. Planning a run/walk strategy for race day is a good idea if you're particularly nervous about running a new distance and can be especially beneficial for runners new to longer distances, such as marathons.

DO: soak up the atmosphere!

After spending months training, don’t forget to have fun on race day! After all, what’s the point in dedicating all those valuable weekends to this race, if you're so in the zone (or nervous) that you fail to notice the amazing scenery? And let's not even talk about the awesome volunteers who will be cheering you on!! Race day is the moment where you get to celebrate all your training effort, so soak up those cheers and high-fives from the crowds… you deserve them!

DO: smile for the cameras

You might not always spot them, but the photographers will be there, hidden in among the crowds. Keep your eye out for them and smile and pretend you're having a good time, even if you're not! You'll not only be happy when the "official" photos are posted but you'll be proud to share them to social media without the fear of being made fun of for appearing to be in agony. Smiling also releases endorphins and serotonin, so you’ll enjoy the race even more if you wear a grin. It's true!

DO: replenish your energy stores quickly after the race

After a race – especially if it's a half marathon or longer – you're going to need to fuel up once you've crossed the finish line. And if you've been consuming sugary energy drinks and gels during the race, you may find your body is craving some serious protein. Thankfully you'll find plenty of great snacks at the Bass Pro finish line... including chocolate milk which is packed with protein! On a side note, thinking about what you'll eat after the race is a great motivator to make it to the finish line!

DO: hang around afterwards

I've had the blessing of running this event more than a dozen times and one of my favorite things about it is the spirit of camaraderie. Which is the reason I make sure to have my sliders, a blanket, a protein bar, and a change of clothes in my car at the finish line. Upon completing my own race (pacing the 5:30 marathon group with Jodi Rhoades), I'll quickly change clothes (using the blanket for a covering) and get back to the finisher's chute to cheer on the runners until the end. Seeing all the hugs and the smiles fills my heart with joy! And on a side note, taking off my running shoes and slipping into my HOKA sliders serves as a reward for the many hours of pounding the pavement. 

DO: remember that running is a blessing

As someone who's been running for several decades, I've experienced my share of injuries throughout the years that required taking time off from the sport I love so much. And while these times has never been "pleasant," they've always served to remind me that any day that I'm able to run is a good day. So, when you're out there and find yourself struggling, remember this... you don't HAVE to run, you GET to run. Running is a gift that few experience. 

And there you have it friends. Now that you know some of the dos and don'ts of race day, I hope you're ready and determined to make the most out of the Bass Pro Marathon Weekend. Speaking from experience, I will tell you, there's no other race around as special as Bass Pro (as you can see by the smiles above). So make plans to attend the expo, to explore the city, and then to run the best marathon, half marathon, or 5k in the Midwest with the intent of having fun and making memories. You'll be so glad you did! 

Happy Running!

Don’t Give in to Bitterness

“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:16-18 NIV

In a harrowing story published by CBS 58 yesterday, the following was reported:
Billy Halloran knows the woods well in Myoko, Japan; he goes there for regular walks, runs, and even raced an ultramarathon through its rugged wilderness. But two weeks ago, he was running for his life in the same woods – after being attacked by a bear.

Halloran was on one of his routine runs in early October when he saw something he’d never encountered before: two Asiatic black bears.

He immediately knew he was in trouble. Bear attacks have been rising across Japan, with more than 100 people injured so far this year and at least seven killed, the highest since records began in 2006. One recent deadly attack took place just a few miles from where he lives.

Now, he was alone on the trail, kilometers away from where he’d parked his car, contemplating how to escape the two bears staring at him from bushes less than 30 meters away.

When he tried backing away slowly, one bear began moving toward him, said the 32-year-old originally from Auckland, New Zealand. “It was around my size, it was an adult, it was at least 60 or 70 kilos (about 132 to 154 pounds),” he said.

Halloran decided not to run, afraid it would chase and jump onto him from behind. So instead, he tried to scare it off by shouting. “I could see it was going to lunge at me – and it did.”

He held up his arm in front of his face, “and it grabbed my arm, and I got pushed to the ground,” Halloran said.

“Then in one bite, my arm was done.”

The bear then attacked his leg, leaving claw punctures and scratches, before it backed off. Running on adrenaline, Halloran managed to get up, then engaged in a brief “standoff” with the bear – before it disappeared back into the bush…

He spoke to CNN from the hospital where he’s been recovering for the past two weeks, having had three surgeries – including a hip graft to cover a chunk of bone that had been bitten off, and the insertion of metal plates into his arm.

A long road of recovery still awaits, including physical rehabilitation. After his last ultramarathon, he’d been hoping to train for more races – and still plans to – but knows it won’t be the same as before. But he’s determined to get back to running in the woods, crediting the local community of runners that have supported him throughout his recovery. And he feels fortunate, he said, because “there’s been a lot of attacks, and some people haven’t been so lucky.”

Wow, right? As this story illustrates, a person’s life can change quickly. Billy had no idea that a “routine” run would be anything but routine that day. And while he can’t go back and change what happened, he’s doing the next best thing in light of the circumstances. He’s refusing to be bitter about the situation, is remaining hopeful, and is determined to get back to running. 

This refusal to give in to bitterness is the same decision the apostle Paul made throughout his ministry as we can see in his last letter to young Timothy (a pastor and Paul's son in the faith) that was written while Paul was in a Roman prison awaiting execution for His unwavering service to the Lord. Throughout Paul’s life, we know that he endured many trials and hardships, never wavering from his mission to preach the Word as He was called to do. 

And yet, when faced with persecution and pain for his faithfulness, Paul refused to become bitter about it. He never threw up his hands and said, “Why is all this bad stuff happening to me?” On the contrary, Paul recognized that God had sovereign control over his life and his life’s circumstances.  And, even in the end when facing death, said “May it not be held against them” when he recounted how his friends had deserted him in his time of need. Paul was determined to press on and continue running to the finish line—something that being bitter over his circumstances (and/or the people who caused it) would not have allowed. 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 

And because of this attitude that displayed his complete trust in the promise of Romans 8:28, Paul was confident that God would continue to work ALL things for his good, would never leave his side, and would continue to give him the protection and strength to finish the fight and complete the race before bringing him safely into the heavenly kingdom. For that Paul could say, “To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

So, if your life seems to be filled with trials and troubles no matter how faithful you've been, hang in there my friend. Believers in Jesus Christ have the promise that God will work all things for their good-- and for that, we must choose NOT to be bitter about our circumstances, but to trust that God is in complete control so we can press on instead. This will not only free us up to run with endurance but will inspire others to do the same. 

Lord, thank You for reminding us that believers are not free from experiencing the troubles of this world. On the contrary, we know that serving You with our whole hearts will only cause us to come against more opposition. Help us to rejoice in our trials knowing they are producing the perseverance we need to keep running the race when life’s changes threaten to bring us down or tempt us into giving in to bitterness. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Hide the Word in Your Heart

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NIV

In a story published by Canadian Running yesterday, it was reported that several elite women marathoners went the wrong way after mistakenly following the half-marathoners at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon to the 13.1 mile finish line instead of continuing on the 26.2 mile marathon course.

Around the 20 km mark, the course splits; the half-marathoners follow Bay Street to the finish line just east of Nathan Phillips Square, while the marathoners turn right on Wellington Street and run east for several kilometres before heading back downtown. Luckily, the leader, Shure Demise (who won the marathon in 2015 and 2016) stayed on course, but for two other Ethiopian women (Gojjam Enyew and Dibabe Beyene), their race ended in heartbreak. Race officials held up the half-marathon finish tape for Enyew, whose face registered confusion and dismay when she realized the mistake.

Nigsti Haftu tried to retrace her steps and resume racing, but was well behind.

Following the race, officials said the marathoners were given clear instructions at Saturday’s technical meeting and told not to follow the half-marathon course—which they did anyway to their dismay. This is one of the many times when committing the course to memory would have been of great benefit to the athletes that went off course.

In the same way, every believer would do well to commit God’s commandments to memory to avoid going off course. You see, the Father has clearly marked out the course we should take through the pages of the Bible—a course that must be strictly followed if we are to make it to the finish line. But the psalmist, going a step further, declared that having a head knowledge wasn't enough to avoid straying off course and falling into sin, God's Word needed to fill our hearts as well. Hence the reason the psalmist declared, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." 

You see, what a person treasures most will show in the way that they guard that treasure. A careful reading of Psalm 119, revealed that the psalmist loved God's statues, laws, and commands more than anything else because of the priceless and countless benefits they provided, such as guidance, comfort, discernment, understanding, peace, wellbeing, close fellowship with the Father, protection, and wisdom among other things. The psalmist considered them to be of utmost value, declaring his love for them over and over. By hiding the Word in his heart, the psalmist was keeping the thing he loved and valued most in a place where it was safe and could be accessed at all times. In fact, by stowing away the Word in his innermost self, it permeated and filled every part of his being so that it became who he was. 
This, in turn, helped to ensure that the psalmist not only knew the way to go but wouldn’t allow sin to keep him from following it until the very end. 

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." Psalm 119:130

So, if you haven't committed the Word to your mind and to your heart, I urge you to begin doing it today my friend, knowing it's a process that must continue for a lifetime. Seek Him with "all your heart" through the pages of the Bible, prayer, and continual meditation of the Word. Start with Psalm 119 and discover the many reasons the psalmist loved and cherished God's commands. They not only kept him on the right path but filled him with the joy that comes from experiencing the unfolding of His word which "gives light" and "understanding to the simple." And this joy is available to you!

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that reveals who You are and your will for our lives. Lord, help us understand that everything we need to live a joyful life free from sin and its consequences can be found in the Bible. Give us a hunger to read your Word each and every day and to commit it to our head and to our heart that we might make it to the finish line and help others do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!