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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Rick

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Coach Lyle Claussen

During last night’s visit about upcoming workouts, Coach shared how he as a substitute teacher in southeast Nebraska put the local all-star football players in their place during class (keep reading). This caused my reflecting on his many lessons over the years. Too many to cover here.

I first met Lyle when I moved to Kearney, NE after graduating from Kansas State in 1990. Before a local 5K in June he turned around and warmed-up with me, we have been friends since.

He transformed University of Nebraska—Kearney, then Kearney State College, from an average men’s NAIA cross country program to one of the nation’s best, regardless of division.

I once asked this member of the South Dakota Hall of Fame who has spoken at a multitude of Coaching Clinics across America, “Is there is a race distance or track event that you have not been asked to speak about at a clinic?”

“Yes, the javelin and the hammer throw. But those are easy, get out of the way…” Lol

As a coach, he modeled for his NCAA Div II teams with five top eight and three top four national championship finishes in six years little things such as to stand back from the luggage carousel at the airport until your bag has arrived. Many business people fail to understand this simple concept. It’s about awareness and respect of others.

He insisted that his top teams and All-American runners run absolutely no more than three abreast, preferably two abreast, keeping the pack in tight formation near the curb or side of the road while running down the streets and the roads facing traffic. It’s about awareness, safety, and respect for others.

Yesterday (Tuesday 08/29/2016), he stopped lecturing during class while serving as a long-term sub. He then stood in front of the class with his arms crossed. Most of the class focused their attention on him. The two star athletes continued visiting. He stood silent until they became silent.

“Have you two believed you’re deserving of special attention (or favor) all of your life or are you being obnoxious because I am a substitute teacher?”

They remained silent.

Coach continued, “Yes, I am a coach (he assists with cross country and track) and I like athletes. In fact, because I am a coach and like athletes, I have much higher expectations for those who are athletes in my classes. So far, you two have failed to reach the lowest standard for any student.” (May not be verbatim, yet close.)

The all-star athletes and the rest of the class were stunned.

“You should have seen some of their eyes and facial expressions.”

If you're a standout in any specialty, the more that is expected of you by your peers in all of life.

Choose high performance over highly arrogant and obnoxious behavior.

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?

In Memory of Dee...

In Memory of Dee Isaacson, my sister, September 26, 1964—April 27, 2016

My sister, Dee, lost her battle with bone cancer at her home on Wednesday April 27, 2016 at 2:30 PM. Her life consisted of abundant cheesecake-type relationships, rich and filling. Dee focused on loving God, His people (Matthew 22:37-39), and her need for forgiveness of sins for eternal life with God only through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:14-21). 

Dee maintained her optimism, sense of humor and strong faith in Jesus Christ through the end. She epitomized Running on Faith, fully trusting God with all aspects of her earthly and eternal life. She recognized each step and breath, whether healthy or sick, as God’s gift of an opportunity to love and to serve.

   
God enabled us to grow-up in a family and community that hinged on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I fondly recall Mom sitting on the dining room floor with Dee and me teaching us to sing, “Jesus Loves Me.” Mom also taught us to read from a Children’s Bible as well as numerous books of Bible stories we received from relatives, neighbors, and teachers. I last visited Dee Monday night, April 25th, saying goodbye with a strong firm hug then gently rubbing her back. Yes, we love you Dee!

Revised from the original version written December 28, 2015

I am learned a great deal about Running on Faith from watching my sister Dee battle breast cancer, followed by bone cancer.

One of the thrills in athletics is pushing yourself beyond previously known limits and watching others do the same. This includes beyond the point of what we previously believed as the point of absolute physical and emotional exhaustion, the point of physical collapse.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was Dad and Dee: Christmas 2005.

not made out of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:1–3, NASB95) The Greek word for hope, elpizō, is “to be confident and reasonably expectant of a future event.”

Dee could not compete in sports due to challenges with her knees, yet she strongly encouraged myself, other athletes and championship teams. Additionally, she truly inspired me in her courageous and faithful battle with cancer. She initially defeated breast cancer from February 2014 thru September 2014. Last July bone cancer chose to challenge her. 

 The week of Christmas she entered ICU for the second time in two weeks, this time for two or three days before transferring to PCU (Preferential Care). Dee continued her upbeat attitude as her faith remained founded on the solid rock of Christ's words (Matthew 7:24-27). 

“Trust in the Lord with all Your Heart…”

The hospital released her on Thursday afternoon. She and her smile joined us at my mom's. We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Day. She continued running an amazing race on amazing faith. By March 2016, she was able to once again able to offer a little help with sheep chores.

Left: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27 Wyatt with his sheep (Febr. 2016), Tornado and Twister. Amazingly, even baby lambs recognize and respond to their shepherd’s voice.

Right: Brian and Dee five weeks before the initial cancer discovery and diagnosis.

As an example of her faith, I never heard Dee complain or ask, "Why me?"

  
Yes, she faced previous hardships including losing a son and our dad 10 weeks apart in 2006. She kept her faith and hope rooted in Christ. 

Dee’s iron-will for victory over bone cancer illuminated her faith in Christ along with her love of her husband, Brian, and son Wyatt.  

These types of athletic performances often result in the athlete receiving headlines, their picture in the paper, their name in every major paper around the world, and perhaps appearing on ESPN’s Sports Center. Not so with most cancer patients. 

Dee your battle with cancer epitomized Running on Faith, pushing yourself far beyond previously known limits. You inspired me, your friends, family and many whom you have never met.

  
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart…”

Faith and Trust: 

1. Do you place full faith in Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of your sins? (John 3:14-21)
2. Do you fully Trust God in all of live? (Proverbs 3:5-7)
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. Do you worry about things out of your control? (Mt 6:27)  “Worry is contrary to God.” ~ Martin Luther
5. Do you seek the God’s kingdom above all else? (Matthew 6:33)
6. Do you place your faith, trust, and hope in God or man and government?  
1. “It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man. It is  better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in  princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9) 

Keep Running on Faith!

Rick E. Meyer

Running on Faith Ministry, Inc.

	The hospital released her on Thursday after-

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.