We are Commanded to Pray

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

In a disturbing story published by UK Yahoo News! on October 15 titled, "Runners at Chicago Marathon Energized by Creative ‘Punch Trump’ Sign," the following was reported:

Runners in the Chicago Marathon were met with an unconventional form of encouragement over the weekend, as a spectator held out a sign reading “PUNCH TRUMP” above a small, puffy effigy of the president.

Footage captured by Ambrosia Maddox shows athletes playfully punching the face dangling from the sign as they passed through the Lakeview neighborhood on Sunday, October 12.

“I was cheering people on at the Chicago Marathon in the Lakeview neighborhood and I filmed a few seconds of the runners as they interacted with the ‘PUNCH TRUMP’ sign being held out by a fellow spectator,” Maddox told Storyful.

And while this type of behavior is growing more and more acceptable, it has absolutely no place in the life of a true believer. You see, we are commanded (this is not a suggestion) to petition and intercede on behalf of, and pray “for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” This means, no matter where a believers political affiliation lies, they must refrain from this type of conduct—no matter how funny or innocent it might seem—especially in public.

“And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.” Daniel 2:21 NKJV

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” James 4:4 NIV

You see, at the end of the day, we must acknowledge that God is in charge of all worldly events as He alone changes the time and the seasons. He also has supreme authority over who serves in office and who doesn’t—as He removes kings and raises up kings to accomplish His will (irregardless of what our will might be). The wisdom and knowledge to undertand this is given to all those who are wise and trust in God with their whole hearts, and is what sets up apart from those who show they are at enmity with God by their refusal to obey the commands He has set forth—seemingly shaking their fist at the Creator of the universe because they don’t agree with His choice of leadership.

And whether a person wants to believe it or not, when we fervently petition and pray for all people and those in authority to adhere to God’s will, we are praying that they make decisions that will benefit all those they represent—decisions that will help to allow believers to live “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” This is something no amount of punching, arguing, backbiting, and hating will ever do. That type of behavior just further divides a nation and eventually leads to its downfall.

So, if you’re a ‘believer’ and not praying for kings and all those in authority today, why are you following the patterns of the world my friend? Choose to obey the Lord and intercede on behalf of all people, all leaders and our nation as a whole. Can you just imagine what would happen if we all did that? It would be amazing that’s for sure!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we aren’t to act like the world in our speech, attitude, or deeds. Help us to be set apart by the way we pray and focus on bringing people to Christ through our intercessions. Help us to be salt and light in this dark and dying world Lord that we might be known as true believers and friends of God. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!

Athletes Must Follow the Rules

“And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5 NKJV

In a story published by Canadian Running Magazine on October 14, it was announced that Kenyan marathoner Paul Matheka broke one of running’s golden rules: “nothing new on race day,” and it ended up costing him. Before the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon on Oct.5, Matheka did not have a pair of shoes for the race, so he purchased an off-brand pair at the event’s expo.

The writer went on to explain: Despite the last-minute gear change, Matheka finished seventh overall in just under 2:20, enough to earn US$1,000 in prize money. But when officials inspected his shoes after the race, they noticed the 32-year-old had been wearing a pair of Voltra JET carbon-plated racing shoes, a model not listed on World Athletics’ approved shoe list. Because the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon is a World Athletics Elite Label event, it must follow the governing body’s competition rules, which include its footwear regulations. As a result, Matheka was disqualified.Voltra, a Malaysian running shoe brand, quickly stepped in to take responsibility. The company said Matheka had purchased the shoes at Voltra’s booth during the marathon expo, and both parties were unaware at the time that the shoes needed approval to be used for a World Athletics Label race.

“It was an honest mistake by both sides,” Voltra later said in a social media post. 

And while it may have been an honest mistake on behalf of both parties, it was still a “mistake” that came with the due consequences as laid out in the rules—consequences that led to Paul’s rightful disqualification. And while it might seem unfair, consider that it was Matheka’s responsibility to know the rules and to abide by them before stepping up to the start line. In fact, it’s the responsibility of every athlete who chooses to complete. 

Similarly, as Paul told Timothy, “If anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” Spiritually speaking, Paul was making the clear point that an athlete or Christian can’t make up the rules as he or she pleases or disregard the rules that are in place; everyone without exception must compete according to the rules if they want to receive the crown.

You can be sure it’s possible for people to fall into the mistake of thinking they can ignore or create their own rules for the Christian life though. For some people, their special concession to the rules goes something like this: “I know this is sin, but God understands, so I’ll just keep going in this sin.” Or “I’m not hurting anyone else so why stop?” Or even “This makes me happy and I know God wants me to be happy.” These justifications not only break God’s rules but go contrary to the mind of an athlete who’s trained to competes according to the rules.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” Romans 1:20

It’s also possible to fall into the mistake of thinking that there’s no God or Creator to be accountable to. Therefore there’s no need to adhere to the “rules” laid out in the Bible. But, once again there’s no justification for making that mistake because the Word tells us that “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

That means, God’s eternal power and divine nature are evident and seen through creation, by the things that are made. Through creation, God has given a general revelation that is obvious both in the world and within the mind and heart of man. R.C.H. Lenski says it this way, “Men cannot charge God with hiding himself from them and thus excuse their irreligion and their immorality.” Mankind has no excuse for not knowing God!

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

Furthermore, Solomon declared that God has put eternity into the hearts of humans. He clearly understood that man has an awareness and a longing for the eternal, something God put in each person’s heart when He formed them in the image of Himself. Eaton’s Commentary explains it this way, “The Preacher’s vast researches have found nothing in the finite earthly realm which can satisfy the human heart intellectually or practically... This is the nearest he comes to Augustine’s maxim: ‘You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they can find peace in you.’” 

So, knowing that those who don’t compete according to the rules are disqualified, vow to follow the statutes laid out in the Bible my friend, that your race might not be run in vain. Follow the rules so that you can gain the crown and bring glory to His name—remembering that there’s no excuse for not doing so since God reveals Himself in the Word and in the world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it clear that those who profess to follow You must abide by the rules, laws, and commandments in the Bible. Help us to remember that these rules never change, they are clearly laid out, and men have no concessions or justifications for breaking them. Stir our hearts to look at life through an eternal lens that we might discipline the flesh and run with integrity Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Go for a Record and Run with Joy

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about records. But first, let me tell you that I love to run but I don't like to watch others run unless I'm physically standing on the sidelines and cheering them on or working an aid station. So, I would not have known that Olympian and BYU alumni Conner Mantz broke a 23-year American record at the Chicago Marathon if it had not come up on my news feed. Per the report, Mantz came across the finish line Sunday in fourth place, running 26.2 miles in 2:04:43. That is an average pace of 4 minutes and 45 seconds per mile. The 28-year-old’s time was 55 seconds faster than the previous record set by Khalid Khannouchi, who finished the 2002 London Marathon in 2:05:38.

The record is not Mantz’ first this year. In January, he set the American record in the half marathon at 59:17 at the Houston Half Marathon.

I'd say that's pretty impressive, wouldn't you? I'd also say that most average runners (like myself) would never dream of comparing their finish times to his. After all, it would just steal the joy we average runners experience when we cross the finish line right? 

Which is why, with the Bass Pro Marathon and Half coming up soon, we would do well to remember that comparison of any kind when it comes to our running can steal our joy. Why? Because comparing paces, splits, or finishing times doesn't take our unique qualities, capabilities, and motives into account. Therefore, to compare ourselves with anyone else is like comparing apples to oranges. This is the reason that it's time to talk about the comparison game so you can step up to the start line in a few weeks, ready to guard the joy you have. After all, one of the mottos of the Bass Pro Fitness Series is “Run with Joy!” And what could be more joyful than running the streets of Springfield with several thousand friends in the fall???

Before we get started though, check out these average half marathon run times and full marathon run times. Don't forget to take into account the breakdowns of these times into male and female and then further into beginner, novice, intermediate, advanced, elite, and then of course World Record (WR). Even then, don't fall into the comparison game. Use this more as a “what’s possible” gauge. So why is this comparison game so destructive you might ask? Because, as Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." And boy was he right! 

So now let's look at the meaning of the word "comparison?" Dictionary.com defines it as the considering of two things with regard to some characteristic that is common to both. Now, generally speaking, when a person compares themselves to another person, they are looking for ways that 'characteristic' that is common to both might make the other person better. For instance, when it comes to finishing times, we might compare ourselves to someone of the same gender and relative age and feel as if we don't add up if we aren't as fast. But this is the deal... the one characteristic that will be common to everyone on November 3 is that we all want to finish the race! And we up our chances of doing that as a whole when we celebrate one another rather compare ourselves to one another. 

With that being said, let's look at two scenarios that could steal your joy if you let the "comparison game" play over in your mind on race day, especially if you're a first time marathoner or half-marathoner... 

1. You arrive in the start line, happy as ever to be there but a little nervous (especially if it's your first race). But then... you start listening to the chatter around you. You hear other runners talk lingo that you’ve never heard before. You look at the way they’re dressed and how confident they are and at ease they are to be starting a race that has you filled with jitters and doubt. It’s easy to think, “I don’t belong here! What was I thinking? These people are so much more ready than me.” But you do belong! A lack of race jitters doesn’t make someone a better runner anymore than talking running jargon or having run multiple races before does. Every person who has a goal of reaching the BP finish line and has put in the work is equally qualified to be there! So don’t compare yourself to them. Be thankful instead that you’re among them and about to join the ranks of being a half marathon or marathon finisher!!!

2. So you're running along at what's a fantastic pace for you, smiling and enjoying life as you breathe in the fresh fall air just knowing that you're going to set a PR (Personal Record--and if it's your first time it's automatically a PR). And then it happens... another runner zooms by you more effortlessly and at a much quicker pace, and then another runner, and then another. "Oh man," you think to yourself. "I wish I could run like that. I'm so slow. Why am I even out here??" And just like that, you let comparison rob you of your joy over your Personal Record. So what can you do if this happens? Smile at every person who passes and shout “Good job!” Based on experience, I will tell you that they will reciprocate the smile and the encouragement which is mutually beneficial for everyone!! After that, say to yourself, "I'm so happy that I have the ability to be out here amidst runners of all paces. My race is only against myself and I'm going to smile and be thankful for every step!"

And there you have it friends. Running is such a personal experience that can bring abundant joy to the person who savors it, appreciates it, and refuses to let the comparison game steal it. So, as you get ready for Marathon Weekend, I hope you'll remember that not everyone has the ability to complete 13.1 or 26.2 miles. Which means it's an accomplishment to be celebrated no matter how long it takes to get from the start to the finish line! Until then, keep up on the training, enjoy the upcoming taper, and be ready to set the world record for having the most fun on race day! Happy Running!

Depression Doesn’t Discriminate

"Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning: my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak." Psalm 31:9-10 NIV

In a bittersweet story titled "Father running Marine Corps Marathon to remember late son" published yesterday, it was reported that 70-year-old Loren Murfield will be running the People’s Marathon on October 26 as a Blue Mile Runner. It will be his first time running the streets of D.C. and he’ll be doing it to honor his son, a Marine who died by suicide. “I have an image of Caleb receiving his globe and anchor in San Diego, one of the proudest days of my life. I have another date, in 2007, of two Marines dressed in their dress uniforms, presenting me with the flag that was on his casket,” Loren told WTOP.

His son, Caleb, was transitioning out of active duty to become a reservist Marine when he died by suicide.

“He was terribly smart, but I think he was plagued with depression. Never diagnosed, but that’s what we kind of suspect. And I think he was joining the Marines, the toughest of the (military’s) units, to exercise those demons,” Murfield said. Murfield told WTOP that he sees this marathon as a metaphor for the struggles in life, having to put one foot forward.

“I want to encourage people, say, just do one more. Just one more step. Just one more minute. Make one more phone call. Just keep going,” Murfield said.

The Floridian has had to use this mindset as he wakes up to train in his home state’s heat and humidity, often waking up just after 2 a.m. to beat the blazing sun for his longer runs.

“You know what? Life is a marathon. It’s an endurance test, and we have to do it. We have to keep going. We can’t quit. And that’s a marathon. You can’t quit,” Murfield said.

Sadly, Caleb isn’t the only soldier to have ever struggled with depression. Many people currently struggle or have struggled with this debilitating disease, including King David who was a soldier, a father, a brother, a friend to many and so much more. In looking through the Psalms David penned, we see that he was a man who had many highs and many lows. In Psalm 31, for instance, David declared that he was in distress, saying his eyes had grown weak with sorrow and his soul and body had grown weak with grief. To indicate that this wasn't a momentary feeling, David revealed that his life was consumed by anguish and years of groaning. This was a long time struggle manifesting in decreased physical strength and a general weakness that was bone-deep.

Unfortunately, as David’s story shows, being a Christian doesn't always shelter us from experiencing days, weeks, months, or even longer seasons of melancholy and sadness. It's estimated that seven million Christians in the US experience depression every year, and yet we rarely talk about it. But this is the deal, if believers who have the hope of Jesus Christ are grappling with feelings of intense sorrow and sadness, you can be sure nonbelievers are wrestling with these emotions as well. 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-17

Which is the very reason you and I would do well to remember that we live in a fallen world and battle an unseen enemy who comes only to kill, steal and destroy. This was something Paul detailed in Ephesians 6 when he said, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Do you get that? It's no wonder that believers are losing the battle against depression and all of the other "devil's schemes" to take us down. Most Christians don't know how spiritual battle works. And mostly that the enemy works stealthily behind the scenes! If we could see him, we could take up our carnal weapons and fight like a good soldier does. 

But the truth is, we can't see the demonic spiritual forces around us that are craftier and more cunning than we could ever imagine. Think about it… The devil has had thousands of years to study mankind and come up with more "schemes" to destroy our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. This is the reason Paul was so adamant that we must NOT attempt to fight this battle without the Lord!!! And we must be strong in His mighty power, not ours—something we do by putting on the FULL armor of God so that we can take our stand against the devil's schemes. Just as a soldier puts on his battle gear, we must put on ours to wage war against an unseen enemy that never rests!

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Then we must pray in the Spirit on all occasions—that means in every situation and over every situation, with thanksgiving, no matter how small or insignificant we feel the situation might be. One of the enemy's biggest lies is that God only cares about the "big" things. That's simply not true! Many of the small things that become big things would never happen if we prayed about every "small" thing. Next, we must pray with all kinds of prayers and requests... this means bringing it all to God in the form of long prayers, short prayers, flare prayers, group prayers, and all kinds of prayers and petitions. It's then that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

“I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.” Psalm 31:7

“But I trust in you, LORD; I say “You are my God.” “My times are in your hands…” Psalm 31:14-15

Now while David still had his battles with depression (as many believers will and I speak from experience), David came to understand that the Lord saw his affliction and knew the anguish of his soul. This, in turn, prompted David to continue trusting in God even when the road was paved with sadness and sorrow and to be glad and rejoice in His love—knowing that, in the end, his life was in God’s hands and thus it would all be okay.

So, if you’re like millions of people who are struggling with depression today, take heart my friend. You’re not alone and there is hope in Jesus Christ. Stay immersed in the Word and fully clothed in God’s armor so that you can battle the devil’s schemes to bring you down. And don’t buy into the lie that believers don’t need professional help to battle their depression. Sometimes it’s exactly what they need and should never be embarrassed to seek it. 

“I want to encourage people, say, just do one more. Just one more step. Just one more minute. Make one more phone call. Just keep going." - Loren Murfield

Heavenly Father, thank You for the tools You give us to wage war with the unseen enemy. Help us to understand that the battle is real so we would never let down our guard or be found unarmed or improperly dressed to fight back. When we are down Lord, help us to call on You for help and trust that You know and You care. Most importantly, help us to be sober, alert, and standing firm. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

The Need for Patience in the Body

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:1-2 NIV

In a story published by Runners World after the 47th running of the iconic Chicago Marathon yesterday, it was reported that 24-year-old Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda won the Chicago Marathon, running 2:02:23, a personal best by over a minute and the seventh-fastest marathon time in history. If you do the math, that’s a 4:40 per mile pace for 26.2 miles! Amazing right? 

“I’m happy about my results; it’s my second marathon,” he said, noting that he took away lessons he could apply to the third. “I’ve learned a lot that in the marathon, you need to be patient. It’s about how you prepare yourself, how you add the mileage in your body.”

And while having patience is certainly critical when it comes to crossing the finish line of a marathon, it is also critical when it comes to keeping unity in the body of Christ. You see, both of these things are equally hard (I speak from experience) and require a person’s utmost willingness and ability to press on in the face of long-lasting difficulty. It’s no wonder then that biblical patience is defined as a virtue rooted in faith and trust, involving both enduring suffering with steadfastness and exercising kindness and forgiveness toward others. 

Which means, if we are to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" to which each one of us has been called, we must show "all humility and gentleness" to others, remembering that no one is going to be perfect this side of heaven no matter how much we strive to follow Jesus. That being said, as Christ's representatives on this earth, we must be patient with our brothers and sisters in Christ, "bearing with one another in love." You see, outsiders will be watching the way we live and will either be inspired to seek the Lord because of our unity or to stay in the world with it's disunity.  

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:3-6

Furthermore, when Paul said we are to make "every effort to keep the unity of Spirit through the bond of peace," he was letting us know that this endeavor would not always be easy, and might even seem exhaustive at times. But, at all costs, we must strive to do it “through the bond peace”, remembering that all believers in Christ belong to one body and are united under "one God and Father of all, who is head over all and through all and in all." 

So, knowing that there is "one body" made up of many individuals, do your part to live a life worthy of the calling of being a child of God my friend. Let your words and your actions show the humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love that should mark and unify every believer so that the lost would see this unity in the body of Christ and be compelled to become a part of the family. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to be set apart from the world. Lord, we can't do this without You and we ask that You continue to guide us by the Holy Spirit and to compel us to keep the bonds of peace with our brothers and sisters at all costs. Lord, help us to lay down our will for Yours and our wants for the good of the body as a whole. Help us to be patient as we strive toward unity. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!

Follow God’s Pattern of Thinking

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV

In a story titled “Former UWO Titan runner wins Fox Cities Marathon, sets sights on Boston” published yesterday, the writer said: When Oshkosh resident John Thill graduated from UW-Oshkosh with his bachelor’s degree in social work in May, he started looking for new experiences. On Sunday, Sept. 21, he found himself on the start line of the Community First Fox Cities Marathon (presented by Miron), his first race longer than 10,000 meters.Two hours, 39 minutes and 19 seconds later, Thill was the first to cross the finish line, winning his debut marathon.

“The environment was very interesting. It was never something I thought about doing before,” Thill said. “I’m still speechless on the results and what happened, it’s so fresh.”

When asked why he decided to start with a full marathon instead of a shorter race like the half marathon, Thill said, “If I’m going to a half, why not just do the full right away? Once I finish the half, I know I’m going to want to do more, so why not do the whole thing? I wanted to see what I am capable of doing and just go from there so I can grow as a runner and as a person.

As someone who went straight from doing one 5k to running marathons, I have to tell you that this story made me smile. Most of my fellow runners questioned my decision at the time to not follow the normal “pattern” of the running world when increasing distance all those years ago—since we are conditioned to believe that running at least one 5k, one 10k, and one half marathon are the prerequisites for completing the 26.2 mile distance. Thankfully, John’s decision to skip the pattern and go where he was led paid off for him, as did mine. Led by the Holy Spirit in the fall of 2008 to organize and complete my first marathon, what began as a fundraiser (Marathon of Hope) to help a friend diagnosed with cancer turned into a running ministry that is still going today. This is the very reason believers must train their minds to hear, listen, and obey the Lord rather than the world.

This principle of training the mind is the very thing Paul was talking about when he said, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” James 4:4

Paul was warning us that Christians must think differently from the world—so differently in fact that we appear awkward, out of touch, or even backwards at times. You see the world’s way of thinking is in complete rebellion against God—the enemy’s way of thinking supports ideas like “there’s nothing wrong with sin if it makes you happy” or “you don’t need God,” or even “the Bible is so outdated.” But the truth is this…“friendship with the world means enmity against God” and worldly thinking always leads to spiritual death.

Hence the reason our minds must be constantly transformed by continually renewing them. In other words, the mind is a battleground where there is rarely a moment when a war between good and evil is not taking place. The battle is lost when we conform to world by believing the devil’s lies but won when we take those thoughts captive and transform them with God’s Truth.

It’s when we do this that we know we are on course to fulfill our unique purpose and make it to the finish line! Why? Because when we develop the mindset of Jesus, by committing the words of the Bible to memory (allowing us to weigh every thought against the Word), we “will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This means we will get on and stay on the path God has for us that will lead us to the purpose He has for us. 

So, if you were to examine your thinking today, what would it reveal my friend? Would it show that you a friend of the world or a friend of God? If you’re unsure, consider the words of David in Psalm 139:23, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Earnestly pray those words and then ask God to help you detect and transform any ungodly thoughts into those that honor Him--and then pray that He would continue this sanctifying work until the day He calls you home.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are never to conform to the world’s way of thinking, no matter how tempting it might be to do so. Help us to detect any and all thoughts and ideas (including the lies the enemy puts in our head) that are not godly and take them captive. Give us a hunger for your Word Lord that we might be able to win the battle in our minds by continually transforming our thinking to seek Your way and Your will. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!

Trust the One who is in the Boat

“And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.”  Mark 4:37 NKJV

In a story titled “Mt. Magdiwata runner’s death puts spotlight on trail run safety” published yesterday, it was reported that “The death of a participant during the 50-kilometer Mt. Magdiwata Ultra Trail Run 2025 last October 5 has drawn mixed reactions online, with friends and fellow runners raising questions over the event’s safety protocols even as the organizers maintained that it was carefully planned and properly coordinated. 

In a statement posted on its official social media page, the San Francisco Water District (SFWD), the main host of the 2025 event, said the trail run had been “carefully planned and coordinated with the concerned local authorities, medical teams, and support personnel” to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. 

However, despite all safety measures in place, unforeseen circumstances occurred that were beyond anyone’s control,” the organizers said.”

And, you know, as sad as this story is, it’s a reminder that every person will eventually face unforeseen circumstances that are “beyond anyone’s control." In fact, if you've been walking with the Lord for any length of time, you will attest to having experienced at least one these pop-up storms that rocked your comfortable state and made it feel as though you were battling a "great windstorm" while being beaten by the waves.

"On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? Howis it that you have no faith?” Mark 4:35-40

Thankfully though, believers don’t have to give in to despair when their boats are “filling” and it appears they will drown. They can and should look up and trust the One who can rebuke the wind, and say to the sea, "Peace be still!" and it will be done immediately.

 
You see, it’s when we take our eyes off Jesus that the wind and waves appear to be bigger than the One who created them and has complete control over them—something that causes us to quickly give in to worry. 

Sadly, like the disciples, most of us panic when it appears that Jesus doesn’t know or care about what we're going through. Think about it, the disciples had the presence of Jesus in the boat and  had heard the promise they would get over to other side, and they still panicked, and woke Jesus up and said, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” The answer to their question was of course Jesus cared! So much so that “He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm."

And this is where it gets good. After the storm was calmed, “He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Notice that Jesus didn’t say “Wow, what a storm! I’m sure glad we made it out of that one!” Instead, He asked, “Why is it that you have no faith?” The storm couldn’t disturb Jesus because He had supreme authority over it, but the unbelief of His disciples disturbed Him. 

You can be sure that It wasn’t the disciples fear of the storm that made Jesus say they had no faith either. A small boat in a big storm is a scary place, and the initial fear itself isn’t wrong. What the disciples chose to do with the fear made all the difference.

Think about it. Each of them had heard Jesus say, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake” Jesus didn’t say, “Let’s do the best we can and maybe we’ll make it.” He promised a safe arrival, and the disciples could have chosen to stop and trust in that promise, but they didn’t. In this sense they had no faith.

Furthermore, Jesus could say they had no faith because they accused Him of a lack of care towards them, saying, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” This is so contrary to the truths laid out in the Bible and something the disciples knew but stopped to consider in their moment of panic. 

Lastly, the disciples forgot the end of the story. They failed to remember that Jesus had a divine purpose that could not be thwarted. Which meant He would not perish in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee, and since He was in the boat with them, they wouldn't perish either.

 In addition, if anyone should have had faith, it was the disciples who walked, talked, and lived with Jesus. They heard firsthand the promises of God and saw many miracles and yet, in the moment that a pop-up storm sidelined them, they panicked and traded faith for fear.

So, no matter what you're going through today, don't give in to fear my friend. Stop to consider the promises of God that clearly tell us that the same God who calmed the wind and the waves for the disciples is the same God who wants to calm the wind and the waves in our lives too. And the same God who got the disciples to the other side is the same God who will get us over to the other side as well. It may not always be smooth sailing, but Jesus will be in the boat and for that we have nothing to fear. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have nothing to fear if we have placed our trust in You. Help us to remember that there's no storm in our lives that Jesus can't help us weather. When we are tempted to panic when a circumstance beyond our control pops up, help us to trust the One who is at complete calm in the storms. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!