The Hay is in the Barn

We are excited for those running the California International Marathon (USTAF Marathon Championships), the 12 Hour Treadmill Challenge, and the Dallas Marathon in the next 2 weeks.

Near race day, we often hear or say the phrase, "The hay's in the barn."

Congrats on enduring the training to raise the hay, swath the hay, bale the hay, and get the hay in the barn! 

However, hay left in the barn will eventually go to waste.

Those desiring the reward, a juicy prime steak, must diligently, persistently, and systematically have the passion to feed the hay in every type of weather conditions and circumstances imaginable.

Congrats to each of you on getting your Hay in the Barn! Now...Are you willing to do whatever it takes, go through anything necessary, to feed the hay and get the steak?!?!?

Remember, when you feed the hay through pushing yourself beyond previously known limits...trusting God; your abundant steaks feed many others, including those whom you have never met.

You will positively impact the world!

Does this sound exciting yet overwhelming?

Pray for wisdom and strength.

Trust God, Always!

Did you Qualify? Did you get accepted?

Did you Qualify? Did you get accepted?

These questions are frequently tossed about by marathoners in late September regarding the Boston Marathon.

Registration for the Boston Marathon now begins in mid-September and ends within approximately 10 to 14 days. Registration ends once approximately 28,000 runners receive acceptance.

Everyone eagerly awaits the email determining one's Marathon fate for the coming April.

For comparison, I registered for my first Boston Marathon, booked a room at the Sheraton near the finish line, and began looking for flights in February 1995. The following year, the BAA increased the field limit from 10,000 to near 30,000 runners to accommodate the 100th Boston Marathon.

Today, acceptance into the Boston Marathon requires running an unknown margin beyond the qualifying time or buying an entrance through charity fundraising. In fairness, it’s the BAA’s race and they have the right to set whatever standards they choose.

Conversely, I am relieved that eternal life with God does not require certain standards nor can anyone buy God’s favor and their way into an eternal relationship with God.

Rather, when we recognize and repent of our sin, knowing that it is only forgivable through belief in Jesus Christ, including His death and resurrection.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6)

Rejoice!

Rather than looking for the famous BAA Boston Marathon logo and symbols, look for the cross to assure entrance.

You can do nothing to qualify for heaven on your own. Jesus Christ has qualified every person who turns to him for forgiveness of sins for an eternal relationship with God.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Through belief in and dependence on Jesus, the answer is always, "Yes."

Yes, you qualified and are accepted through Him for an eternal relationship with God.