Little Things Bring Improvement

There is one little thing that made all the difference today in the run. It was my posture. As a recreational runner I do read articles about improving my times, distances, and work outs. Posture comes up over and over again. Please understand I am no expert just one who has tried to improve.

Struggling through the run today the thought hit me that I was not running with good posture.
Shoulders needed to be back, head up, relax arms and keep focused on my breathing and pace. Funny thing is that this actually helped me improve the run.

Spiritually we have a posture too. Biblically there are three postures for prayer. The word mentions bowing prostrate, kneeling, and standing in the presence of the Lord.  In all these occasions it is not the position of the body that counts but the posture of the spirit. We are to come humbly before the Lord. This is our real posture. This little adjustment will make a great deal of difference. So, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10.

Workout: ballistics warm up, 5 miles (sprinted the hills - if you could call it sprinting), cool down mile, stretch.

OH YEAH - If you sit with good posture properly you will burn an extra couple of calories. 

Rainy Days Offer Blessings

As a small boy I was not fond of rainy days. Rainy days kept me from outside activities. Millennial generation that is what we did cause we only had 3 TV channels, no text messaging, no google, and only Pong computer game (image below).  So rain messed us up!

Rainy days now to me are a sweet blessing. Sure the vegetation is being watered and the pollen is being knocked down, but there is something great about running in the rain. The cool breezes, calm gentle drips of cold water, and the slap my big feet on wet pavement amazes me. We need refreshing from time to time. Rainy day running offers me the blessing of a refreshing.

Our spiritual lives need refreshing too. Amazingly every time that we need refreshing He is there to bring them to us. Jehovah promised that He would be our refreshing - Hosea 14: 6 "I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon."  And the pathway to the greatest refreshing of all is found by turning to him. Acts 3:19 "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,"

Turn to Him today for your refreshing!

Workout: Warm up, ballistics stretch, 5 miles (more of a traffic route today - thanks for all you who weaved around me in the bright yellow shirt - and open your eyes to the young lady that made me jump into the weeds!!) core and stretch! Drenched with sweet sweat and rain.

Unexpected Detours

The morning's run was going well. On my particular path today I crossed railroad tracks on four different occasions. These are near a switching area and usually there are train cars awaiting a hook up. Today while making my way back to cross over some big engines had rolled to a stop. I was thinking "just turn around and add some extra miles." As I approached as if opening the automatic doors they roared to life and rolled away. Great timing.

35 minutes later tired and ready to be completed on my final approach home I was pushing it. Oh yeah, I was rolling at a good clip for me (round a 6 min pace). Winded and muscle aching I visioned making the turn, crossing the tracks and heading the last bit to the house. When I saw that the train had moved and was now stopped across that section of track. I was blocked. No way around and I had made a commitment to not stop till I got home.

There are times in life that we run into unexpected detours. Detours and delays are not always bad things for us spiritually. Truthfully, many detours are Jehovah's way of directing our path for his purposes. Think about Paul's plans to preach in Asia and the Lord put a road block up. Acts 16:6... the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. (You can read the whole context and see what happened Paul's Unexpected Detour)

These detours give us time to see God in action. Sure they can take longer than we had planned. but last time I checked we are on His time table not our own.

Workout: Warm up, ballistics, 6.3 miles, stretch - in the detour I got to see some baby turtles on their morning run. 

Struggle is Real - Memorial Day

Memorial day weekend rushes back memories of family gatherings, barbecue, and Brunswick stew. These were good days that have translated into new family traditions. We must do some things to remember those who served and sacrificed for us to enjoy these times.

We remember those who paid the price in the struggle for freedom. Miles away from family, hard days and dark nights staying ready to defend. Sometimes in trouble some moments in erie silence. But always prepared to take on any trouble with courage.

Matthew 14: 24.  Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.

Thankyou will never be strong enough a word to provide for our patriots, patloon leaders, and foot soldiers who gave so much for our freedom. May I suggest that we offer an elevation of our character. We need to Be (1) Honest & Humble; (2) Dedicated & Dependable

Being these requires being available to the one who DIED for our sins, Jesus Christ. Because in our selves we cannot and must admit that we can’t BE these without him. When we admit we can’t He admits that He can!  Matthew 14:27 b “Take courage. I am here!”

Training: 6 miles, core work and stretch. Goal is 235 miles during summer break. 32 miles in right now.

Runner's High

Well, it finally happened again. Yes sir, hit that runner's high around mile 5 today. A couple of cool things were going on today in the run. Namely there was no time limit to my run today. This doesn't happen often but when it does it is the first of the highs. My mind still doesn't understand how you can hit that euphoria while pushing hard running on the road.

When the excitement of the run hit me it brought to mind our spiritual lives. Spiritual highs take some effort to arrive at as well. Similarly these spiritual highs come during times of great effort. One of my spiritual highs came about 10 years ago when a friend introduced me to the writings of Major Ian Thomas. The Indwelling Life of Christ has helped me interpret these spiritual highs and lows. The everyday can become as filled with the "highs" as much as the spiritual mountain tops. My strength is inadequate but Jesus is completely adequate. My part is to be available and dependent upon him. When I admit I can't He always can there is the spiritual high of life.

Today on the run in the country I spotted deer, rabbits, a fox, some sort of big cat (panther kitten), and the evidence of a skunk. Good day - summer running started off right.
I suggest Indwelling Life of Christ

The Week that set us FREE

Some one recently asked me if I could pull together a complete Biblical picture of the events of Holy week in the life of Jesus. This is a snap shot for each of the days that will represent this week. My prayer is that you might use these as a process in your spiritual journey. 

Complete Biblical Holy Week Timeline

Sunday –

·        Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19: 29-44; John 12:12-19);

·        Second Cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11: 15-19; Luke 19: 45-48);

·        Cursing the Fig Tree (Matthew 21:18-19; Mark 11: 12- 14)

·        Fig tree withers (Matthew 21:20-22; Mark 11: 20-26)

·        Christ’s Authority is Challenged (Matthew 21: 23-27; Mark 11: 27-33; Luke 20: 1-8)

23 Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”

24 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?”

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.”

And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

·        Parables

o   Two Sons (Matthew 21: 28-32)

o   Wicked Tenants of the vineyard (Matthew 21: 33-46; Mark 12: 1-12; Luke 20: 9-19)

o   Guests at a wedding feast (Matthew 22: 1-14)

·        Questions asked

o   Paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22: 15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20: 20-26)

Monday –

·        Questions asked

o   About the Resurrection (Matthew 22: 23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20: 27-38)

o   About the Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22: 34-40; Mark 12: 28-34; Luke 20:39-40)

35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

o   Jesus asks about ancestry ( Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44)

·        Woes upon Scribes & Pharisees (Matthew 23: 1-39; Mark 12: 38-40; Luke 20: 45-47)

·        Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)

Tuesday –

·        Discourse on the signs of the Time (Matthew 24: 1-51; Mark 13: 1-37; Luke 21: 5-38)

·        Parable of Ten Virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13)

·        Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

·        Separation (Matthew 25:31-46)

·        Plot to Kill Christ unfolds (Matthew 26:1-5; Mark 14: 1-2: Luke 22: 1-22)

1 It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law were still looking for an opportunity to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 2 “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”

Wednesday –

·        Jesus is Anointed (Matthew 26: 6-13, Mark 14:3-9)

3 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

4 Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. 5 “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

6 But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? 7 You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

·        Judas agrees to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6

·        Gentiles Seek Christ (John 12:20-36)

·        Jews reject Christ (John 12:37-50)

Thursday (Day before the Crucifixion – Passover day)

·        Preparation for the Passover (Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22: 7-13)

·        Jesus Washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-20)

·        The Betrayer is identified (Matthew 26: 20-25; Mark 14: 17-21; John 13:21-35)

·        Establishment of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-23)

·        Dispute over who is the greatest among disciples (Luke 22: 24-30)

24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. 25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

28 “You have stayed with me in my time of trial. 29 And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right 30 to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

·        Peter’s denial is foretold (Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14: 27-31; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:36-38) 

·        Farewell Discourses

o   Jesus, the Way to heaven (John 14:1-15)

o   Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14: 16-31)

o   Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-17)

o   Warning of persecution (John 15: 18-27; John 16: 1- 4)

o   Jesus Comforts his disciples (John 16:5-33)

·        Farewell Prayer for his own (John 17: 1-26)

·        Jesus prayers at Gethsemane (Matthew 26:30-46; Mark 14:26-42; Luke 22: 39-46)

·        Jesus is betrayed and arrested, Heals ear (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-53; John 18:2-11)

·        Jesus is examined by Annas, The High Priest (John 18:12-23

Friday (Crucifixion day & Preparation day for Passover) –

·        Jesus, tried and condemned, is mocked (Matthew 26: 57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54-65; John 18:24)

·        Peter denies the Lord three times (Matthew 26:58-75; Mark 14:54-72; Luke 22: 55-62; John 18:15-27)

·        Jesus Condemned by the Sanhedrin (Matthew 27: 1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)

·        Remorse and Suicide of Judas (Matthew 27:3-10)

·        Jesus before Pilate – first time 6AM (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18 28-38)

·        Jesus before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6-12)

·        Jesus before Pilate – second time release of Barabbas (Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23: 13-25; John 18: 39-40)

·        Conclusion of trial – mocking and final condemnation (Matthew 27:27-31; Mark 15: 16-19; John 19: 1-16)

·        Jesus’ walk to Golgotha (Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-32; John 19: 17)

·        First three hours on the Cross 9 am – 12 noon (Matthew 27:35-44; Mark 15:24-43; John 19: 18-27)

·        Second three hours on the Cross 12 noon – 3 PM (Matthew 27: 45-37; Luke 23: 44-37

44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” 48 And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. 49 But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.

·        Extraordinary Events – Vail torn and the dead raised (Matthew 27:51-56; Mark 15:38-41; Luke 23:47-49)

·        Burial of Jesus Body (Matthew 27: 57-61; Mark 15: 42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)

Saturday (Sabbath day- day after crucifixion) –

·        Watch the sepulcher and sealing of stone (Matthew 27: 62-66)

62 The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”

65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.

SUNDAY – Resurrection Day!!

·        Women visit the tomb (Matthew 26:1; Mark 16:1)

·        Stone Rolled away (Matthew 28: 2-4)

·        Message of the Angel (Matthew 28:5-8; Mark 16:2-8; Luke 24: 1-7; John 20:1)

2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.

·        Report to apostles – Peter and John Return to tomb (Luke 24:9-12; John 20:2-10)

·        Christ appears to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-18)

·        Christ Appears to other women (Matthew 28:9-10)

·        Guard reports to Jewish rulers ( Matthew 28:11-15)

·        Emmaus road conversation (Mark 16:12-32)

·        Two disciples give report (Luke 24:33-35)

·        Christ appears to amazed disciples (Mark 16:14; Luke 24; 36-43; John 20: 19-25)

The Last Day

You will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. For the LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.

Isaiah 52:12 

Well my friends we have made it to the last day of the year!

A few of us have come to this day filled with regret and sadness. We feel like this past year could have been handled a lot better by us. We have made poor choices, wandered through the year with little direction, and want to quickly close the door on the year. The feelings we have are actually a little bit of sadness for time wasted.

Funny thing is no matter the way you wandered through the year you were not alone. As a follower of Jesus you had the Spirit of God with you actually. He has come behind you as a rear guard. This means that you may have blown it in 2016 but it does not have to follow you into 2017. Let the grace of the Lord cover your past and not allow it to rob you of 2017.

The Father is already ahead of you in 2017. He has made the paths for you to follow on your 17 journey. So let's not leave 2016 as if we are running for our lives. We are safe in the security of HIS mercies. Let's not regret the days gone in wanderings. We are secure in the salvation of HIS grace. Let us walk with confidence into the new year with our eyes set on HIM.