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.

Why do you run?

Every runner has been asked at least once, “Why do you run?” Most likely, you too answered this more than once? I began running in sixth grade because I loved sports yet I was absolutely lousy at playing baseball, football, and basketball.

You may have begun running due to an encouraging invitation from a friend or coach. Perhaps you have run competitively for many years or decades. Others begin running for health benefits such as losing weight or they simply set a goal to complete a specific race or race distance such as a 10K, half marathon, or a marathon.

Additionally, some begin as a way to relax after work as well as a time for reflection and meditation regarding work, family, life in general, the Bible, or all the above.

Our reasons to run often vary depending on our fitness and health, the calendar, experience, ability, and goals.

Regardless of why we run, we eventually enjoy, at least to some extent, all of the above reasons. Runners enjoy competing, covering miles with friends, the physical and mental challenges, health benefits, achieving goals, and relaxing.

What do you think about while running?

Additionally, our meditative minds sometimes drift into what I have longed called Lala Land, becoming oblivious to our surroundings as we soar into a near dream state of deep thoughts with a highly creative state of mind.

Powerful ideas arrive like flashes of lightning. Moreover, when in Lala Land, we swiftly and effortlessly cover the miles, feeling as if we could seemingly forever run fast. If only we could automatically record each of these original, insightful ideas while in Lala Land?

How we define and respond to our ultimate purpose(s) for running determines whether our running possesses eternal value or ends with our earthly life (1Corinthians 3:12-15). Do you, like me, easily focus on only the self-gratifying aspects of running?

Is my Life and my Running anchored in Christ?

Socializing, relaxing, meditating, goals, competing, and health benefits all represent wonderful pursuits in life as long as our primary purpose for each of these to serve and glorify God (Colossians 3:17).

Our sinfulness demand that we seek and accept forgiveness of our sins (Romans 3:23) and continually extend Christ’s grace and mercy to everyone we encounter (Ephesians 2:8). This includes our relationships with fellow runners, bicyclists, those in automobiles, pedestrians, race officials, along with anyone else we encounter. “We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Fortunately, we have an internal helper for this formidable task, the Holy Spirit (1Cor 3:16-23), sent to us by Jesus Christ from God the Father (John 14:16).

He reminds us that God created everything in existence such as you, those with whom you run, the ground and surfaces we run on, the chemistry and fabrics of our apparel, vehicles, fuel, the sunrise and sunset, as well as the stars in the sky that we enjoy while running in the dark (John 1:1-3).

One of the tougher challenges in serving and glorifying God is our innate desire to depend on our human wisdom to rationalize our running ups, downs, and everything in-between rather than trusting God in everything (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Trusting and serving God includes pointing people towards the Lord Jesus Christ and His word in the Bible even when we perceive to risk embarrassment or rejection.

Trusting God initiates appropriate action (James 4:17), while rejecting complacency (Prov 1:32). While appropriate action varies from one interaction to the next, it always includes sincerely wanting Christ’s best for everyone.

Persistently thank God in Christ for the ability to run, the challenges along the way to remind you of your dependence on Him in all of life, those whom you met, and that you glorify Christ regardless of your ability, time, or placing.

Application:

1.     Take a deep, sincere interest in those with whom you run. Most of us get to know those with whom we run beside very well through the course of miles and conversations.

2.     Listen and ask how you may pray for them, their friends, and families. Record these prayer requests in a secure, yet convenient place to find them.

3.     Listen with the desire to serve and glorify God.

4.     Only promise to pray if you will indeed pray for them.

5.     Pray fervently (Acts 12:5; James 5:17). Check-in occasionally, whether in person or a quick note, reminding them of your prayers and for updates or changes to the request.

6.     With Love and Truth, share God’s word from scripture with your friends. This will soothe their and your hearts and hurts.

7.     Read the Bible ten to fifteen minutes a day, even more if you prefer. Seek the contextual meaning of the scripture.

8.     Continually pray for God’s guidance in your running and your running relationships.

9.     Ask God to shine through you at all times, ask that your face, gesture, and words may reflect Him to everyone you encounter, including drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

10.  When running alone or meditating, fervently pray that He guide your thoughts and that they each manifest to serve and glorify Jesus Christ.

11.  Frequently remind yourself of the above. It’s so easy to make our running mostly about ourselves.

For the cause of Christ, who may I serve today? ~ Charles Gibbs

 

For a contribution of any amount, you receive a pdf copy of Rick’s highly acclaimed booklet, The Holy Spirit’s Guidance in Max International (Business). This powerful book contains evaluations of other literature, insightful interviews with leading businessmen in various industries. Rick E. Meyer wrote the original version for his Applied Research Project at Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas.

Ø  How do leaders recognize, listen, respond and share this guidance?

Ø  How do leaders and believers know His non-audible voice (John 10:27)?

Ø  Is the guidance received audibly, in the heart, mind or soul?

Ø  Does God speak to us through other people?

Ø  Does God speak to us through physical events and/or circumstances?

Ø  What are three understandings of discerning God’s guidance?

Ø  The Christian’s Five Essential Daily Questions

 

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How Should Christian Athletes / Runners View Injuries?

How do we make sense of and respond to injuries and other challenges in life?

“Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them (Psalm 139:16 —139 is a Wisdom Psalm of descriptive Praise).”

Trusting God’s sovereignty, rule and control over everything, is often easier said than endured; especially when His plans differ from ours. This Psalm and other Biblical illustrations of God’s reign over all of creation stabilize, encourage, and humble us in our perceived failures and successes.

“People try to deny God’s sovereignty to allow for randomness and evolution,” Dr. J. Lanier Burns, Sr. Professor of Theology, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX.

God simply expects us to trust Him (Prov 3:5-7) and keep our eyes heavenward (Php 3:13-14, 20) His wisdom far exceeds ours (Ro 11:34), therefore we lack the understanding to explain the greater purpose of challenges and victories while swimming in the sea of life. For example, in May 2015, I gratefully received a Pro Athlete entry into the USA Masters Marathon Championship held in conjunction with the Twin Cities Marathon on October 4, 2015.

My excitement and determination to succeed escalated. I continued listening to Lyle Claussen, my coach of twenty–five years while preparing for this marathon. I once avoided any injury for eleven consecutive years. My fitness level provided a realistic opportunity to challenge my twenty–year old personal best in the marathon.

I humbly and joyfully prayed throughout the training cycle to glorify God in every way. We glorify God through our faithful love, obedience (Mt 7:21), enduring suffering (Php 1:29, 3:8), and extending Christ’s mercy to others whether we achieve secular greatness or utterly fail.

Conversely, the world promotes the errant Prosperity Gospel, the belief that God’s favor results in worldly success and astounding performances.

The intense training provided soaring confidence the week of the marathon.

Race day finally arrived. I felt strong and fast! The crisp forty–two degree October air offered ideal racing conditions. Mentally, the first six miles passed like two. Portent of the remaining twenty miles, my Garmin gps watch permanently lost satellite reception about the same time as I stepped on uneven pavement in the curb while running the tangent around the curving road near the 10K marker. My left glute muscle began cramping.

I nearly quit the marathon at each of the remaining aide stations due to perpetual cramping and the resulting limping. Despite the diligent physical, mental, and spiritual preparation for this race, the last twenty miles were the most miserable of my 124,000 lifetime miles.

As I ran the final stretch along Summit Ave in St. Paul, MN, I continued Running on Faith, trusting that my race would glorify the Lord Jesus Christ regardless of my time or place (Php 1:12-14). Faith also in eternal life with God only through Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins for those who believe in Him (John 3:16-18).

Do you ever ask yourself something such as, “Why did this injury happen in this big race after all of my preparation?” Or, “Why does God allow suffering?”

The Bible, both in specific passages and as a whole, beautifully illustrates and assure us of God’s sovereignty. For example, Psalm 139:1-16 explains that God knows our thoughts and words before we know them; as well as the number and our activities of each of our days before we existed. We often struggle in life with understanding why God allows tough, seemingly impossible challenges; whether injuries, financial, relational, or loss of loved ones. The Bible also teaches that God’s wisdom far exceeds all of man’s wisdom (Job 38-41; Ro 11:34).

Dr. Chuck Swindoll succinctly summarized God’s sovereignty when I visited with him a few months later. “Rick, God knows the precise timing, placement, magnitude, duration, and effects of our every injury before we are born.”

God allows our suffering for purposes beyond our understanding. Our suffering reminds us of the suffering Christ endured while dying on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Forgiven sins eternally restore each believer’s relationship with God.

However, due to my pride and ego, devastation struck for the next several hours after crossing the finish line. Because, I focused on my failure to achieve my goals instead of focusing on God’s greater plan established before I was born.

This includes glorifying Christ by remaining joyful, prayerful, and grateful (1 Thess 5:16-18) through suffering, such as enduring an unexplained injury during a major championship. My attitude brightened once I refocused on scripture and glorifying Christ in all circumstances.

Through diligently internalizing scripture and persistently praying, God directs the necessary thoughts and people into our lives to achieve His will. We obey with prudent action because we strive to please God whom we love (1Jn 4:19). The resulting journey and destination often differ from our original expectations.

Let’s examine a few other biblical examples of God’s sovereignty. For example, Zechariah (Lk 1:1-13) is chosen by lot (Prov 16:33) to serve as the priest to offer the incense in the temple where an angel informs him of God hearing his long-time prayer for a son, John the Baptist. Elizabeth gave birth to John six months before Mary delivered Jesus.

“The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33).

Because approximately 18,000 priests vied for the position of entering the temple, priests were chosen only once in their lifetime. The prophet Isaiah (Is 40:3; Lk 3:4) announced the future arrival of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ approximately 725 years before Zechariah’s encounter with the angel (Isaiah prophesied from 742–701 BC).

Since God operates within His decreed and permitted will, how should we respond to life’s challenges and setbacks such as an injury that disrupts our dreams and goals?

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

We do so because we know loving God necessitates obeying Him, and because He is God, we trust Him (Romans 8:28).

God uses a variety of circumstances, including injuries to athletes, to transform us into His image, growing closer to His character—a lifelong process which we never complete.

Obviously, no athlete seeks or initially welcomes an injury. However, if or when you suffer another injury, remember that God knew about and permitted this injury, in this moment of time before the world knew about you.

Therefore, pray, rejoice, and give thanks. Ask God to reveal how this disappointment advances your spiritual maturity, deepens your relationship with and serving of Jesus Christ who offers salvation for all who believe in Him.

Ultimately, know that God loves you and reigns over your entire life. Expend your every ounce of energy in serving Jesus Christ whether performing at your highest level or enduring injuries.

Because, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father (Colossians 3:17).”

http://rickemeyer.com/running-on-faith.htm

Additional Bible Study:
Other Biblical examples of God's Sovereignty:

1 Samuel 9 -- Having grown-up on a Kansas farm, I don't recall any of us getting excited when livestock got out / lost.

Yet, isn't it amazing how God used Kish's donkeys getting lost to connect Saul and Samuel?

1. What happened during today's Run or Race that God may use to direct you in serving Him?
1. Who did you meet today?
2. What did you learn about them?
3. How may you serve them or someone they know?
4. Record your thoughts during today's run. Share if appropriate
5. Do today's thought topics, beyond running, correlate with past thoughts? If so, how, how many, frequency, common donominator on prompting this topic?

What else does the Bible say about Suffering:

"More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law,

but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:8–11)

"For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me." (Philippians 1:29–30)

• Are you willing to share in Christ's suffering?
• How are you currently suffering for His sake?
• How have you suffered for Christ in the past?
• Does your type of suffering differ over time?
• How does your suffering relate to other areas of your life?
• Will changing anything in your training (or life) alleviate your suffering?
• Who else do you see suffering for Christ? How are they suffering, from your perspective?

Power of Goals

Twenty years ago, May 25, 1996, I drove to Gaylord (KS) to run a moderate 16-mile training run to complete the first 100 mile week in preparation for the New York City Marathon in November.


I ran the first 10 miles north, west and south of Gaylord averaging 5:40 to 5:50 pace. With 6M to go, I headed east on Hwy 9, turning south at Hager's.

Two miles later, as I passed the end of the sidewalk at our old farm, I clicked my watch split, 11:02. Out of nowhere, I instantly recalled setting a goal in 1982 to run that 2M stretch in 11:02--about 30 seconds faster than my 2 mile PR at the time. We left the farm in 1983.

I never did put that goal in writing!

I made a U-turn and was so excited about hitting and remembering that goal that I stepped-up the pace a little for the next 2 miles, running miles 14 thru 15 in 9:37.

I then recalled my excitement in jr. high when I first ran that 2M stretch without stopping. :) Whatever your goals, keep plugging away!

After the run, I showered at Aunt Charlene's in Smith Center. Then went to Brian and Dee Meyer Isaacson's wedding.



Running on Faith Ministry
www.rickEmeyer.com

All Things in Christ...

Are You Truly Eager To Do All Things In Christ…? (Philippians 4:13)

The race begins in roughly an hour; runners scurry to packet pick-up, to a port-a-potty, and back to their vehicle before running a few warm-up miles. Several wear shirts, jewelry, and various other modes of communicating, “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Christian runners, other athletes, and those with amazing dreams, goals, or overwhelming challenges eagerly recite this made for race-day, motivational one-liner straight from the Bible.

However, do we diligently seek to understand, internalize and apply Paul’s entire letter to the church at Philippi in consideration of the context, proper interpretation, and several correlative applications?

Initially, consider these rhetorical questions:

· What thoughts does this scripture generate in your mind?

· Do you place greater focus and emphasis on number one or number two?

1. “I can do all things,” otherwise stated, “to have power…”

2. “in Christ.”

How do we define in Christ?

Paul’s ability to do all things requires him being in Christ. Paul defines this position in Philippians 1:1 where he identifies Timothy and himself as “bond-servants of Christ Jesus.” Simeon (Lk 2:22), James (James 1:1), Simon Peter (2 Peter 1:1), and Jude (Jude 1:1) also identify as bond-servants.

Bond-servants obediently serve their masters, recognizing their livelihood and purpose originate from their master. Paul obediently and joyfully served Christ Jesus, recognizing that his purpose, physical life, and eternal life originate from his master, Jesus Christ.

Because Paul lives as a bond-servant in Christ, he diligently seeks God’s will and obedience to the Lord Jesus in everything (Col 3:17). Consequently, God provides Paul with the fruit of the Spirit, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-26), enabling him to endure all things in alignment with God’s will.

Therefore, Paul is joyful, prayerful, and grateful in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) as evidenced throughout his letter to the church in Philippi including Ph. 4:11-13.

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to

get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have

learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all

things in Him who strengthens me.”

Paul endures all circumstances because of his position as a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, placing him in Christ.

Let’s review a few of the all things Paul endured after his conversion to Christianity (Acts 9)?

Paul and Barnabas began their first missionary journey in response to the Holy Spirit’s directives (Acts 13:2). This expedition included visiting Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lycaonia, and Lystra (Acts 14:1-19). Paul and Baranabas shared the gospel of Jesus Christ despite opposition from disbelieving Jews in every city. In Lystra, the opposing Jews who followed Paul and Barnabas won over the crowds to stone Paul.

After the stoning, the angry Jews lugged Paul outside the city leaving him for dead. Paul eventually stood up, then traveled onto Derbe where he continued making many disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 14:21). Paul received God’s power to survive the stoning and continue preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ because in Christ he sought and obeyed God’s will.

Comparatively, a reflection of Stephen’s death from stoning in Acts 7 and James’ death by a sword, Acts 12:2, remind us that obeying God, living in Christ, fails to guarantee physical prosperity or survival. Rather, God always achieves His will through His infinite wisdom regardless of our understanding or approval (c.f. Romans 9)

During the second missionary journey, the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Jesus (Acts 16:6, 7) prevent Paul, Silas, and Timothy from speaking in Asia and going to Bithynia as they desired. This reminds us that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” rests upon Paul, or any believer, being in Christ as a bond-servant which necessarily includes pursuing God’s will instead of man’s desires or man’s attempts of self-actualization.

Do you diligently and obediently seek God’s guidance for His will in your family, profession, friendships, community, and running?

Dr. Charles Baylis, professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary, adds “God’s guidance is being in His will which is to be “in Christ,” that is, to glorify Him in all cases, giving His mercy to others. It is not nebulous voices, circumstances, etc., as that is the same as superstition. It is only through the Scriptures that one receives guidance, and that guidance is to walk with God.”

While at Troas during the second missionary journey, Paul receives a vision from a man from Macedonia (Acts 16:9-12). Immediately, Paul, Luke, Silas and Timothy sail from Troas to Macedonia. Luke reveals that he accompanies them because as the author of Acts he switches from “they” to “we.” Despite this east to west-northwest voyage in the opposite direction of prevailing winds, they complete this trip in two days. Comparatively, the return trip in the same direction as the prevailing winds takes five days.

· When considering the comparison of both the time of travel and the travel direction in relation to the prevailing wind, how do these factors reveal God's power (i.e. being in Christ)?

Are You A Bond-Servant Of Christ? 

Are you willing to live in Christ, fully submitting yourself as a bondservant of Christ Jesus?

1. How do you currently live “in Christ”?

2. Mature Christians confess their need to pray more as bond-servants of Christ. Are you willing to spend more time in prayer? Solitude time in prayer is certainly needed, yet you can also pray while “on the go.”

3. How will you increase your serving Christ in your profession?

 Visit: Running on Faith Ministry

· You may view a Bible study on Philippians 4:13 on my blog post originally published July 7, 2015.

Who Are You Encouraging?

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11   1 Thess 5:14

After running in the rain this morning I followed a hunch / prompting at Starbucks to encourage a random stranger studying the Bible. I am only sharing this incident due to a hunch / prompting. It's all God!

A few minutes later he approached saying with full gratitude how timely, needed, and affirming the comments were for him. I do not know any additional details and quite likely will never see him again. It's all God!

It scares me how easily I nearly justify avoiding these brief impromptu opportunities to serve God. Especially when I have not yet had my coffee! lol

Are you tuned in and ready for God to use you to offer a few impromptu words of encouragement (or a helping hand) to one of His people?

Simple "Service Projects" surround us each day. Serving God often occurs a few encouraging words/actions at a time over the course of a day, week, month, year and lifetime.

Who will God place in your path throughout this day?

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil." Proverbs 3:5–7

Why did God design us with the need to eat?

The completion of our long run immediately transitions to growling stomachs and discussions of where to meet for breakfast. Sports’ nutritionists emphasize the necessity of refueling our nutrient and energy depleted bodies within thirty minutes of a workout. We exchange our wet, sweaty shirts for the comfort of a dry, warm shirt before a quick drive to the chosen restaurant.

Restoring our physical and 

emotional nutrition following a 

long run with good friends, food, 

conversation and laughter.

Upon our arrival, the host leads us to an appropriate table. The server, Susie, collects our beverage orders. “Water, in your biggest glass, and a bucket of coffee please.” These post-run beverages quench our desiccated mouths and throats.

Susie later delivers our various orders consisting of bacon, sausage, eggs, extra syrup with a side of pancakes or French toast, and potatoes. The food’s aroma instigates mouth-watering anticipation. We pause to pray before devouring our breakfast.

Do you enjoy eating with friends and family? Eating is fun! Mouth-watering food initiates change that everyone welcomes. The aroma delights our nose and enlivens the anticipatory tastes buds. Our stomachs slowly fill with each bite of nutrient replenishing food, a necessity for our continued optimal performance. The conversation and laughter energizes our hearts and minds.

Most agree on the significance and necessity of physical nutrition after long runs or workouts. In fact, the first century provides an example of five thousand men, (along with perhaps 5,000 women and children), walking while pursuing the leader and pacesetter, Jesus, on the northeast side of the Sea of Galilee (John 6).

Dr. Larry Waters, my friend and 

Professor of Bible Exposition 

at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), 

offers guidance and encouragement 

for Running on Faith Ministry.

Interestingly, the Jews referred to this body of water as Lake of Gennesaret. The Romans called it Tiberius after the western shore city with the namesake of Emperor Tiberius (42 B.C.–A.D. 37) built by Herod Antipas who ruled for 43 years. The final stretch of this walk included a tough uphill finish as they left the shores containing a hot mineral springs, world famous for healing,[1] to climb up a mountain.

This quest offered no t-shirts, medals, trophies or prize money. Jesus knows the participants gathering to hear him teach are hungry. Since no restaurants, grocery stores or convenient stores were available, Jesus thanks God the Father for the five barley loaves and two fish brought by a young child. Each of the approximate 10,000 people pursuing Him then miraculously eat as much bread and fish as they desire.

The following day on the other side of the sea Jesus responds to the crowds, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal (John 6:26–27).”

I cherish opportunities to discuss God, 

Ministry and Running with Dr. Chuck Swindoll. 

Why did God design us with the need for nutrition through eating?
Perhaps God created humans with the need for physical food because physical nutrition helps us better understand our need for spiritual nutrition. Many types of food provide the essential nutrients for our physical life. Conversely, Jesus offers the bread of eternal life only through belief in Him. Belief in Jesus is the singular source of an eternal relationship with God through the forgiveness of our sins.

Additionally, since the beginning of time, meals represent relationships. An invitation to a meal in biblical times represented acceptance and hospitality. Yes, eating affects relationships. 

Discussing training plans and 

drinking coffee while waiting 

for our food after a long run.

History’s first recorded meal occurred in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil, blatantly disobeying God. Their disobedience instantly ruptured man’s relationship with God. Yet trust in Jesus, God’s Son and bread of life, will reestablish man’s relationship with God.

Visiting about Running on Faith Ministry 

with 1984 and 1988 Olympian Joaquim Cruz. 

(December 2015)  

He was the 1984 Olympic Champion at 800 meters, 

setting the Olympic Record against one of history’s 

greatest field of 800 meter competitors. 

Joaquim Cruz is one of only five in the 

world to ever run under 1:42.00 in the 800 meters.

As we gather around a restaurant table to eat after running, let us give thanks for the physical food, our relationships with fellow runners and Jesus who provides the bread of life for an eternal relationship with God.

Bread of Life Scriptures:

John 6:33 “For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.”

John 6:35 “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.’”

John 6:48 “I am the bread of life.”

John 6:51 “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

Benefits of Knowing Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life:

1. Eternal Salvation and an eternal relationship with God that begins upon belief in and full dependence on Jesus Christ.

2. Loving God with all of your heart, mind and soul (Mt. 22:37)

3. Loving others, desiring God’s best for them, as much as you love yourself. This includes strongly desiring others knowing Jesus Christ as savior (Matthew 22:39).

4. Having the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which includes:

5. Inner Joy and Peace regardless of life’s circumstances

6. Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness

7. Gentleness and Self Control

8. These result in better people skills and less worry while training, in races, at work, in the community, at home and church.

9. Improved odds of better physical and emotional health. God does not promise prosperity or good health on earth, only eternally in heaven.

 Application & Ponderings:

1. Recognize each person’s need for the bread of life found in Christ. (Romans 3:23)

2. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the only savior, receiving and accepting forgiveness of your sins. (John 14:6)

3. Salvation is a gift from God. We, mankind, cannot do anything to earn salvation and an eternal relationship with God. (Eph 2:8-9)

4. What long-term affect does poor diet on your health, energy level, performance and emotional state?

5. What spiritual junk food do consume? 

6. Do you place your hope in the world or in Christ? 

7. Do your thoughts and communication reflect Christ?

8. Read and study the Bible regularly. Consider starting with the gospel of John (New Testament).

9. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (Galatians 5:16-18). 

 Running on Faith Ministry

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[1] (Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1327)

Effective Leadership Requires Humility

Effective leadership requires humility (James 1:9; 1 Pt 5:6). A leader with a humble heart demonstrates a discerning, hearing heart[1] as illustrated by Solomon’s request upon becoming king of Israel (1 Kings 3:8). 

The person with a discerning and hearing heart submits to and obeys the indwelling Holy Spirit residing in believers in Jesus Christ (Rom 8:11, 15:13). The Holy Spirit provides specific and general guidance with the humble leader through various modes such as promptings, circumstances, and other people.

Pride, arrogance, greed (2 Tim 3:1–5), complacency, and fruit of the flesh (Gal 5:19–21) contradict God. Leaders who demonstrate these qualities possess inaccurate hearing and discernment. 

These self-centered attributes increase leaders’ desires to speak instead of Christo-centrically listening to God and humans, as well as accurately evaluating messages within their proper contexts.

The heart humble before Christ (1 Pt 5:6) fully pursues God, who releases everything, in all dimensions, congruent with His will (Mt 6:33). Acknowledging and praising Christ, who possesses the entirety of creation and eternity, assures that one’s heart remains in Him (Lk 12:34).

Love-derived praise and obedience to Christ directs the synchronous leading of those whom God assigns to the leader to guide (Mt 22:37–40). The leader’s effectiveness highly correlates with receiving and activating the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23). 

The antithesis of effective leadership is the fruit of the flesh (Gal 5:19–21), leading others to darkness (Prov. 1:8–19) instead of to the light of Christ.   

Background

The person with prudence seeks the proper context of messages to assure accurate discernment. Social media posts reflect microcosms of leadership and society, including the inaccurate responses because of improperly defining the context. 

For example, social media posters highly criticized the blank facial expression of Eli Manning, the younger brother of Denver Bronco’s quarterback Peyton Manning, following Denver’s touchdown near the end of Super Bowl 50. 

The criticizers accused Eli of being jealous of Peyton, since a Denver win would enable Peyton to match Eli’s two Super Bowl victories as quarterback of the New York Giants.[2]

Yet Eli said people misread him; he was wondering only whether Denver should go for the two-point conversion. The criticism and conviction arose from arrogance, pride, and complacency preventing viewers and listeners from considering all factors to attain the situation’s full context.

Humility-derived submission, obedience, acknowledgement and praise of Jesus Christ directs one’s relationships with those whom God assigns us through His word and His will. 

Effective leadership requires humility, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to synchronously lead and serve God’s people with effective listening, discernment and seeking the proper context to always serve and glorify God. 

Therefore, the effective leader—individually and within the organization—creates and encourages a culture of humility before God. The effective knows the purpose of hearing and obeying is to serve and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.

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[1] Thomas L. Constable, “1 Kings,” ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 494.

[2] O'Leary, Daniel. Eli on Super Bowl face: I was thinking about going for two MSN Sports.

February 09, 2016. http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl (accessed February 09, 2016).

Newsletter Vol 1, Issue 1 January 2016

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