Game Changing Moments
Theme: Game Changing Moments
Verse: Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
David Freese will never get into the MLB Hall of Fame without paying admission, BUT for St Louis Cardinals fans he will live in their hearts forever for his sequence of game-changing moments in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series. With the Texas Rangers one strike away from their first WS championship, Freese’s two-out, two-strike triple tied the game sending the game to extra innings. He later won the game leading off the 11th with a blast to centerfield sending Busch Stadium into a frenzy and the Series to Game 7 (which the Cards won).
We can all probably point to a game-changing moment in sports, but what about in our lives? What was the moment that inspired you to do your vocation? What about when you knew you had met the love of your life? And most importantly, when did you really take Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Game-Changing moments rarely are as apparent in real time as David Freese’s “heroics” in Game 6, but they are nonetheless just as important to mark as time references when we look back.
Challenge for the New Year: Consider your significant life milestones especially the one that led you to Christ. If possible, contact the person or persons responsible for that game-changing moment and tell how they inspired profound change in your life.
Have a great week!
Adapted from True Competitor by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page
Good and Bad
Theme: Good and Bad
Verse: Joy comes in the morning after a night of weeping. (Psalms 30:5)
When I lived in Hawaii, people used to ask me if I missed having four seasons. My typical response was “There are still four seasons in Hawaii; they are called Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Hockey.”
In places other than our 50th state, there are four WEATHER seasons. The seasons are a reminder that our lives proceed in cycles. If we find ourselves in darkness (Winter) there is light (Spring) ahead. The stress of Summer heat at some point will yield to the beauty of Autumn’s leaves.
We need to accept the Good with the Bad. Both are part of God’s plan for us. No one leads a “perfect” life nor is any life without value. The challenge is to not get too high on the Good or too low on the Bad.
My prayer is that the Good for you far outweighs the Bad and that when you have the Good, you are in a position to help those who are experiencing the Bad.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Live in Community
Theme: Live in Community
Verse: Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
I often use baseball as a metaphor for life. There are one-on-one struggles between pitcher and batter. There are lines on the field that separate fair and foul balls (right and wrong; sometimes we don’t always get the call right on the initial viewing), and finally, in most cases, multiple people have to contribute to the successful conclusion of an inning (a task; it’s pretty hard to get out of an inning without several people contributing, as the unassisted triple play is pretty rare).
While running is typically an individual event, that does not mean we do it alone. There are running groups in almost every community that encourage and promote healthy exercise habits. In the case of Brandon, FL the groups I’m familiar with (Brandon Running Association and Plant City Running Club) do a nice job of supporting each other and the community.
We all need community to live a full life. That is especially true in our faith walk. Much like in running clubs, people in our faith groups are going to be at different spots on the journey. The point is to be part of the community. Your presence may be the encouragement someone else needs in the moment OR you might be fed something important that you weren’t anticipating.
God has a knack for showing up at just the right time in just the right way!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Harness Your Motivation
Theme: Harness Your Motivation
Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7
Getting in the proper frame of mind when performing a “task” is important. Pastor Jamie Westlake used to describe serving life around our church as doing “GET TO” things instead of “HAVE TO” things.
What if our jobs, school, church and yes, even exercise were things that we always looked forward to instead of drudgery? Do you think we would handle each of them differently than we do today? Would you have more bounce in your step as you dressed for work? Would you read the textbook with a little more enthusiasm? Would you study the Sunday School lesson before the drive to church? Would you see the 40-minute run before you as an opportunity rather than a chore?
A life of “GET TOs”! What a transformational way of looking at our lives!
The “GET TO” model is my youngest daughter, Amanda. She is a schoolteacher and by all accounts a pretty good one as she is her school’s nominee for Teacher of the Year. She genuinely cares about her students and how they progress in her classes. Consequently, she is constantly creating innovative ways to present material (Algebra and Statistics) to high schoolers giving them the best chance at academic success.
So, the challenge going forward is to look at our motivations in things we do. If they are not “GET TOs,” maybe some changes are in order. Our lives are too short to not be happy in all that we do.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Dedicate Yourself to Progress
Theme: Dedicate Yourself to Progress ,
Verse: Hebrews 12:1
From 1980 to about 2000, the U.S. Army’s recruiting slogan was “Be All That You Can Be.” As an Air Force guy, I hate to admit that the Army nailed that one. That iconic slogan is appropriate for this week’s devotional.
To me the slogan means commitment. We can be committed to many things. Our spouse, our children, work, school, exercise to name a few. Regardless of what we are committed to, we should dedicate ourselves to progress in those areas. Doing so is consistent with God’s plan for each of us.
He wants each of us to work through life’s obstacles to not only become better versions of ourselves but better examples for others. He wants us to take risks (calculated ones, not jump off a building without a parachute). When we work our way through obstacles, we learn that our bodies and minds have limits well beyond what originally imagined.
In the race of life, there will always be those that are stronger, faster, and smarter than us. That does not keep us from improving to become the BEST WE CAN BE.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Finding Balance
Theme: Finding Balance
Verse: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
What is the right balance between exercise and rest? Those who know me would say I am probably the one person on the planet totally unqualified to answer that question.
God creation is us is truly remarkable. It comes equipped with a self-regulator that tells us when we are doing too much (IF WE PAY ATTENTION). Long before watches told us our heartrate, counted our steps, and told us what we ate for breakfast, we learned that the body sends us messages about our effort level. For example, how much can you talk during a run? On long runs, you can probably carry on a conversation, but when doing interval work two or three words at a time is probably all you can muster.
Listening to ourselves does not simply go for exercise. We can self-evaluate our lives to see when they get out of balance. This imbalance can come in many forms; too much (or too little) work, over emphasis on watching sports (did I really say that?), overspending, too much screen time. If we are honest with ourselves, we generally know when any of these are happening.
As I have noted several times, we all have 168 hours in a week, which is really plenty to fit it all in. There is time for exercise, work (school), building/maintaining relationships, and yes, quiet meditation and reflection. For the latter, you can start with the verse for this devotional. (If you are older than 50 you may just start singing a chart-topping song from 1965 by “The Byrds”)
You are reading this the day after Thanksgiving, so we have entered “The Season”. The holidays can be very stressful and time-consuming. The challenge is to be pro-active, recognize that imbalance can be a potential problem and make this season not only the Season of Joy, but the Season of Balance!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
It’s Never Too Late to set Goals
Theme: It’s Never Too Late to set Goals
Verse: Luke 14:28
We are about one month from turning the calendar over into a new year. It’s the time for setting new goals as we go through the annual ritual of resetting our lives.
Goals are like lights on a pathway through this uncharted trail called life. We need the lights to stay on course and move forward. And as we get older, the lights may need to be stronger since our eyesight may have faded.
So, from that perspective you might say those of us eligible for Social Security (and beyond) need BIGGER GOALS (lights). Maybe so. We certainly have a lot of more tangible things in our life to consider than we did when we were in our 20s and 30s. And hopefully some increased wisdom to help us along the way.
The challenge as we count down towards January 2024 is to consider what God wants us to be and consider GOALS consistent with that. Write the goals down and Go Get ‘Em!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
The Father Came Running
Theme: The Father Came Running
Verse: Luke 15: 11-32
Family is important. It is the one relationship we don’t get to choose. Instead, we are born into it. (I’m sorry, Beth, there is nothing you can do about it. You are stuck with me!)
The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 teaches a lot about relationships. For me, the primary message is, “Always Be There!”
For those not familiar with the parable, it is the story of a wealthy man with two sons. The younger one asks for his inheritance early, squanders it, then must return to his father in shame. Instead of holding his son in contempt, the father welcomed him back with open arms celebrating his return.
For me, the important lesson is what happened with the older son. He was initially upset that his brother that had done all the “wrong” things was treated to a hero’s welcome, while the older brother, who did everything “right,” seemingly got no credit for his goodness. When challenged the father explained to his older son, “You are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.”
My takeaway is that love is one thing that has no limits. Just because you demonstrate love to someone, does not mean you have to love others less. It is not held in a finite container. In fact, many would contend that the more you love others, the greater your capacity to love becomes.
So, let’s experiment! The challenge as we enter the season where families will get together, look for opportunities to express your love to others in abundance and see where it leads.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
An Act of Worship
Theme: An Act of Worship
Verse: Isaiah 40:31
How did you worship this week? In the pew on Sunday? At your weekly Bible Study? Morning prayers? All would be expected answers, and no one would challenge any of them.
What about when we ran/exercised? (Are you kidding me, Dave? When I run / exercise that is all I can focus upon, how could I possibly worship during that?). I’ve read a lot of people contend that worship and exercise are complementary activities. They both require focus and demonstrate an element of commitment. Exercise also is an act that takes care of God’s greatest creation – YOU!
After exercise, most people feel the endorphins have kicked and give you have what is often called a “runner’s high”. For me, after a worship experience, I have the same feeling. Coincidence? Probably not.
If you are old enough, you may remember the movie, Chariots of Fire. It is the true story of Eric Liddell, also known as the Flying Scotsman and a 1924 British Olympian. In the movie, the writer penned a phrase that is probably the iconic phrase of the movie. Although a fictious quote, it likely was how Liddell felt about the relationship between his running and worship.
“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
“Feel His Pleasure”! I often feel that way when I exercise in the morning. And for those keeping score, that’s where any comparison between Eric Liddell and me ends.
Give it a shot. This week try using your exercise time as an extra time of worship. See if by doing so, you don’t feel an extra boost in how you feel afterwards!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Blac
Face Fear with Faith
Theme: Face Fear with Faith
Verse:
Think of the bravest person you know. You certainly regard them as fearless, but do you really think they were absent of all fear?
The truth is we all have some fear in us. It all comes down to how we handle it. In this life we cannot avoid some pain that leads to fear of the unknown; the loss of a loved one, disappointment in a relationship or a job. There will be losses along the way. But when those losses come and we have a moment of fear about our next steps, THAT is that is when the seed of hope is planted.
And where does our hope come from? As Christians, Jesus Christ is our firm foundation on which to place our hope. Think of Christ as a mountain. A mountain is exposed to all the harsh things the world has to offer; rain, wind, snow, humans roaming around etc. Yet the mountain just sits there absorbing it all, maintaining its majestic presence.
We all can have the majestic presence of Jesus absorb all those things that make of fearful. We just have to give them all to Him.
The classic hymn lyrics written by Edward Mote in 1834 sums this devotional up nicely.
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.”
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Running is a Vacation
Theme: Running is a Vacation
Verse: Luke 5:16
There are probably some of you that may disagree, but running / exercise can be like a vacation.
I can hear the crowd screaming, “A vacation? You have got to be kidding. Please tell me how?”
Vacations are by their very definition a period of leisure and recreation, usually (but not always) spent traveling. (Really? Leisure and recreation? You are not convincing me!)
Let’s try this. How about we deconstruct the word “recreation”. RE – CREATION: To make again or anew. Isn’t that part of what happens when we exercise? We take the body that God has given us and for a brief period we are molding it to be more functional.
But exercise is not always about something physical. We need to exercise our minds and our faith as well. All those forms of exercise need to be part of daily/weekly routine. God gives us 168 hours in a week (169 coming up in a couple of weeks if you live in a place that changes clocks). We get to choose how we spend those hours and there is plenty of time to fit it all in. We just have to make the choice. Failing to find time to exercise all those things is a self-inflicted error.
This week’s challenge. Examine how you use the hours during the week and see if you can find some extra time to take a “vacation” exercising your body, mind, AND soul.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
It’s a God Thing
Theme: It’s a God Thing
Verse: Ephesians 4:16
Being able to remain active is a privilege. As I grow older it becomes more and more difficult to keep up the same level of exercise as I once did, but I keep at it.
Running Half-Marathons used to be no problem. I would run them weekly. I even threw in an occasional full marathon and did those WEAKLY. More recently I have been doing the 5K circuit and soon I will make another transition as I have knee replacement surgery. After that, my nephews will finally be able to beat their uncle in a race, as I will be limited to walking.
But in general, my health is pretty good, and I know that is a blessing from God. I’m thankful for the many years God has granted me the ability to participate in the running game and especially the friendships I have made along the way. God made us as social creatures and we are at our best when we interact with others. Running (exercise) in groups is a great way to get a two-fer. It does not have to be training for a marathon all the time, but consistent activity is good for the body and for the soul.
Wherever you are on the health and fitness continuum there is room for everyone in running or other forms of exercise. So, whether you are in your early 20’s (like Lily who is running a half marathon as I write this) or in your mid 90’s (like Ralph, who I want to be like when I grow up) the message is the same. “Don’t give up, Do what you can”. You will be honoring God in the process by taking care of his greatest creation (YOU) and might make some new friends along the way.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
We are all Marathoners
Theme: We are all Marathoners
Verse: Romans 14:1-23
Do you know what is great about running a race? You get to be on “field of play” at the same time as all sorts of skill levels. That doesn’t happen in other sports. By their very nature, other sports are designed such that different skill levels (or age groups) are segregated to keep the competition fair and interesting.
But that is not how life works, is it? As we go about our lives, we encounter people with different experiences and abilities. The differences are what make life interesting. In the movie, Pleasantville, a couple of 1990s teenagers jump into a 1950’s television show in which everything is, as the title suggests, “pleasant”. The high school basketball team wins every game (and never misses a shot), the weather is a constant 72 degrees with no humidity (a weather forecaster’s dream), and everyone has perfect relationships. As the 90’s teenagers jump in, everything is in black and white (just like TV shows used to be); in a word, “BORING”. Then, as these newcomers introduce new ideas into the community, things turn into beautiful vivid colors.
We need differences in our world to make life interesting. God created each of us as a unique person with something important to contribute to this race we call LIFE. It does not matter if we run the marathon in 3 hours or 7 hours. The important thing is that we participate, and we finish the race.
This week let’s embrace the truth that while our Declaration of Independence declares that “all were created equal”, it does not mean that we are “the same”. And for that we can be very grateful!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Blac
Enjoy Where You Are
Theme: Enjoy Where You Are
Verse: Isaiah 58: 9-11
When I was growing up, I dreamt of duplicating Bill Mazeroski’s feat of hitting a walk off homerun in Game 7 of the World Series or of playing in the NBA like hometown hero, Bill Bradley. But as I became a teenager it became clear I had a limited skill set that ended my “career” in both those sports at about age 15. My inability to continue competing in those sports did not diminish my love of the games or keep me from pursuing other things in life. I had to examine my circumstance and decide that God had a different path for me.
There is always going to be someone who runs faster, throws a ball better, is smarter, is a better salesman than us. Just because we do not have all the skill sets, does not diminish who we are.
The best Christmas movie of all time is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” (This is not open for debate.) If you don’t know the story, my first question would be how is that possible given how ubiquitous the movie is? That said, the movie applies to this devotional because the hero, George Bailey, discovers how his self-proclaimed insignificant life has impacted so many people, including those he never met.
Sometimes it is difficult to be satisfied with our accomplishments if we perceive them as inferior to what others have done. But it is healthy for us to reflect on what we have accomplished and be grateful for what the Lord has allowed us to accomplish already.
This week, step back, examine your life, and resolve to be grateful for what you have accomplished! God Loves You just as you are!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Encourage Others
Theme: Encourage Others
Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The movie “We Are Marshall” is based on the true and tragic story of the plane crash that killed nearly the entirety of the 1970 Marshall University football team. Near the end of the film, the new head coach gives an inspiring speech which is essentially a eulogy for the 75 people that perished in the crash. He implores his new players to work hard and give everything they have to the task at hand (that day’s football game), The key portion of the speech goes like this,
“When you take that field today, you've gotta lay that heart on the line, men. From the souls of your feet, with every ounce of blood you've got in your body, lay it on the line until the final whistle blows. And if you do that, IF YOU DO THAT, we cannot lose. We may be behind on the scoreboard at the end of the game but if you play like that we cannot be defeated.”
WE CANNOT BE DEFEATED! Now those are inspiring words. There will be struggles along the way and at some point, each one of us will need some encouragement to get beyond the disappointment of what appears to be a “LOSS”. But at other times, we surely will have the chance to be the encourager. If we support each other with an attitude of genuine caring, we all will get through our struggles and be better for it on the other side.
This week’s challenge: Look for a way to encourage others. If we do that for one another, WE CANNOT LOSE, WE CANNOT BE DEFEATED.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Who is Your Hero?
Theme: Who is Your Hero?
Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:58
This week we stopped for a day to remember the events of September 11th, 2001. How did you mark the day? Of course, you remembered the tragedy of the terrific loss. But did you also remember the hundreds of acts of heroism shown that day?
Often, we call members of our sports teams’ heroes when they hit the walk off home run or kick the game winning last second field goal (as I write this the Rays’ Yandy Diaz and UCF’s Colton Boomer executed each of those feats). While those are great when they work for our teams, real life heroes are more important and they appear in everyday places like in the police force, at the fire station and yes in our schools teaching our children.
What makes a person a hero? We normally think of heroes as those that perform actions without any expectation of reward and have committed themselves to a lifestyle of service to others. That’s a pretty solid foundation to build a life upon, don’t you think?
Who are your heroes? Think about that this week and when you do try to reach out to them or their family and let them know what that person means to you and why they are YOUR hero.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Steward Well
Theme: Steward Well
Verse: Matthew 25:14-30
Stewardship. In the church environment, that is often a code word for we “need” a new building and we are about to ask the congregation for money to build it.
But what stewardship ACTUALLY means is “responsible planning and management of resources”. Those resources can be anything from money (the most often associated resource) to our ability to do various things (build houses, fix leaking faucets, be a great event organizer-the latter being a resource of my eldest daughter, Emily). Regardless of the resource, we should always acknowledge that ALL that we have and are able to do are gifts from God provided for us to manage. This is quite counter-cultural, especially in the United States!
When you flip the normal way of thinking about having assets on its head, it is transformational. If we think of ourselves as managers of someone else’s assets and that someone (God) is holding us accountable, we treat them in a whole different way.
Let’s ignore assets like money and think of our ability to run, walk, swim, bike etc. How are we using that talent that God entrusted to us? Are we using it to attain personal glory by winning gold medals or accolades from fellow athletes and fans OR are we using those abilities for the good of others?
For example, maybe you could inspire others to join in and become runners, walkers, swimmers, bikers as well so they can be a healthier version of themselves. Or maybe you use those talents to raise funds for a charitable cause in local and / or national races. The point is we all have some resources entrusted to us. It is our job to manage those resources in a way that will honor the giver of those gifts, Our Heavenly Father.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Joining Jesus at the Bottom
Theme: Joining Jesus at the Bottom
Verse: 1 Timothy 1:5
In our culture, we constantly hear about how to get ahead and make it to the top. Unfortunately, we often try to circumvent the process and get to the top without a solid foundation to help us stay there.
The best way to reach (and stay at) the top of the mountain is to spend a good amount of time at the bottom in preparation. What does that preparation look like?
At its core, the preparation is the realization that God wants us to emulate Jesus by being humble in service and to love one another. Jesus left heaven to come serve us, many times in the lowliest places imaginable. He started in a barn and finished on a cross enduring a horrible death. But throughout He was true to His calling to serve humanity. He feed the 5,000 (Matthew 14), He healed the sick (Matthew 9, Mark 2, Luke 17, John 9), He sat and actively listened (Luke 24)
There is the model. Love one another and serve others with humility. Fortunately, we are not asked to go to the extremes that Jesus endured, but we are asked occasionally to get out of our comfort zone.
So, the next time you hear or see an advertisement for how to reach the top, turn that thinking upside down and do things as Jesus did. First, head to the bottom and find a way to serve. With that as your foundation, the experience at the summit will be glorious and enduring!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Centerfield
Theme: Centerfield
Verse: Romans 12:4
The Little League World Series is culminating this weekend. That tournament has always intrigued me. It is designed such that a total team effort is required to win the championship. A team may have a dominant pitcher, but that player has a pitch limit for each game and must “rest” for a number of days before pitching again. Another unique rule is that everyone on the roster must participate in each game. The coach has to carefully deploy the players to make sure the group meets the participation rules.
I know you are saying, ok, how does that apply to the church? Well, the church is the body of believers that, like a Little League team, can truly succeed only if everyone participates. Sure,the church needs a strong pastor, but there are a host of other functions that make “the church” really touch a community; Here in Brandon, FL you could work with local food banks like ECHO, minister to shut-ins, or take a rotation for Family Promise. These three are but a few of hundreds of opportunities.
You may not be the starting pitcher, but I assure you that your contribution is important. I’m not sure John Fogerty had evangelism in mind when he recorded his 1985 hit song, “Centerfield”, but it fits perfectly for this message.
“Put me in, coach, I'm ready to play today!
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black
Rewards beyond our expectations
Theme: Rewards beyond our expectations
Verse: Hebrews 11:1
My mother-in-law, Dorathe, passed away last week at the age of 94. She, and her husband Doyle, were the best in-laws a man could ever ask for. Her passing was very sad for all, but her celebration of life services gave us time to reflect on the tremendous impact she had on our family and the community of Le Mars, Iowa.
One of her famous quotes is, “Getting old is not for sissies!” That Dorathe-ism is a perfect start for this week’s devotional.
As we get older, we realize that nothing lasts forever (even if we don’t want to admit it aloud). Various parts of our body start to fail, and we have to work just a little bit harder to do physical things that came so easily when we were in our 20s. But with that age comes a lot of wisdom and through that we often find new things to accomplish, new finish lines to reach.
Regardless of age and our shortcomings, each one of us has something to contribute to our social groups and doing so is part of God’s plan for us. If you are a runner, perhaps it is to show how to do negative splits on a long run. If you are a fisherman, maybe it is teaching a grandchild the serenity of being out on a lake. Maybe it is sitting with someone and being a good listener. Or maybe it is being an example of a great faith walk for follow-on generations.
Yogi Berra is attributed with saying, “It ain’t over, ‘till it’s over.” (Referring to the 1973 New York M-E-T-S, who rose from last place on August 30th to win their Division and eventually made it to the World Series). While a funny saying, it is very true.
What is your next finish line? This week think about some finish lines you want to cross and make some plans to get there.
Have a great week!
Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black