What Changed People's Minds About Abortion and Jesus in Mere Minutes

I saw a few minutes ago where John Piper tweeted: "Just watched the "180 Movie" again with my daughter. Lord, make us bold. If you haven't watched it: http://www.180movie.com."

Ray Comfort is the one behind the movie. God has used Ray Comfort (and his partner, Kirk Cameron) to do some incredible things in the Christian community specifically in the area of sharing the Gospel. Ray has spoken into the Christian culture and pointed out where much Gospel theology and many Gospel presentations have erred.

But, he isn't one to just sit back and criticize. He is a constructive critic. He has done an incredible job of creating "training" videos as he and Kirk take to the streets of California to share the Gospel with anyone who will listen.

The video below is called "180." In it, Ray shows that within just a few minutes, he is able to cause folks who do not profess to be Christians to see that they are mistaken in regard to their view of abortion and salvation. You'll enjoy watching this 33 minute video!

I'll give you a warning, though. This is real life stuff. It's people who have no room for Jesus, church or anything of the sort. While this video bleeps out words, it utilizes the "bleep" button quite a few times. It also shows plenty of horrendous, heart-wrenching footage of the victims of the Holocaust. Proceed with caution.

I have embedded the documentary below (in spite of the "Warning" in the first few seconds of the video) because their site, http://180movie.com/, gives permission to do so.

Reflections on my Lake Minneola Half Marathon Race

Moments from the Finish Line!

I've been looking forward to this race for a few months! I have run in five 5K races. Yet, ironically, while I celebrated how quickly I was able to reach the finish line only 3.1 miles from the starting line, I lamented how brief the race was. 5K races are finished almost as quickly as they start. While they have their own special niche in a runner's repertoire (I'll certainly continue to run them), I wanted something a little more substantial. I wanted to enter a race that would take longer to run than it took me to drive to the event.

Toward the end of last year, I was toying around with the idea of running a marathon. I'm so glad that a couple of my dailymile friends encouraged me to give the half marathon a try first. I'm glad I did! I finished this race in a respectable 2:04:18 for an average pace of 9:30/mile. I came in 171st place out of 445 half marathoners (official results here). In my gender/age group (40-44), I came in 16th place out of 26 (official results here). I'll take it, especially since I plan to set a PR in my second half marathon!

But back to my first sentence. I had been looking forward to this race for a few months. It was a strange feeling but I just didn't have that passion this morning at the start of the race. The race was enjoyable once it got going but I lacked that deep down desire to conquer the course like I've had in previous races. Here's how it played out:

I couldn't go to sleep last night as I mentally ran the race course in my mind. I was imagining myself starting at a slow and steady pace and making my way around the race course. Yet, I was also battling with a little anxiety. On training runs, I've run as far as 13.1 miles a couple of times (a few months ago). Yet, there have been times when I set out to have a long run and discovered that I didn't have it in me. I would abandon the training run after 4-5 miles and no one knew the difference. This race was different. Everyone who crossed the Start Line would either cross the Finish Line 13.1 miles away or they would get a DNF beside their name ("Did Not Finish!"). Who wants THAT beside their name?! Because of serious pain in my left Achilles tendon about a month ago, I had to drastically reduce my mileage. I questioned my fitness/endurance as I approached this race.

I finally dozed off just before midnight. My eyes opened around 3:15am and I drifted in and out of sleep until I finally got up at 4am. Great! Only 4 hours sleep before a 13.1 mile race!

After taking the hour drive to Clermont, Florida, I got out of the warm, dry car and stepped into cool temps (low 60s) and a drizzly rain. A lot of folks were getting a chill. The restroom lines were long!

I lined up with 444 other half marathon runners about 15 minutes before the 7am start time. However, due to the rain, the race officials didn't want to risk messing up their computers and other electronic gadgetry that would monitor our start and finish times.

The race finally got started at 7:30. We had been standing in the cool, drizzly rain for all that time . I wasn't surprised when the horn blew and the race started to see a lot of runners dart to the porta-potties about  a quarter mile into the race. I joined them. I lost about 2-3 minutes in that first mile. Fortunately, the rain didn't last and everyone was able to focus and settle into their race pace.

The first couple of miles were in a residential area and it was neat to be a part of a group that was 445 strong running a race down the streets. Neighbors were in their front yards or on the side streets watching and some applauded as we passed. I think that the tragedy in Boston this past week played into some of their sentiments.

After the first 2 miles, the route became fairly scenic. Part of it was on a wide, paved bike trail through the woods and the other was along the streets lining Lake Minneola. But, let me tell you that the beauty of that lake wasn't really capturing my attention in the race. The few times I glanced at the lake, I couldn't help but realize how far across it was ... and I was going to have to run around the thing! I quickly refocused upon the road ahead of me.

I had a game plan regarding two specific areas. First, I kept my watch on "heartrate." I had a chest monitor that enabled me to keep tabs on how hard my heart was working. I was concerned that if I let my heart rate get too high, I'd crash and burn before the end of the race. In 5Ks, I allow my heart rate to max out at around 189 and I simply hang on for 3.1 miles. However, I tried to keep my heart rate around 175-180 for this race. After the race, I noticed that my average was 176bpm.

Secondly, I planned on how I would navigate the water stops that were placed about every mile and a half along the route. I never drink water during a 5K race. But, because I was sweating like a pig in this race, I knew that  I had to fight against dehydration as this 2 hour race played out. So, as planned, I stopped to walk at ever water stop. I suspect I didn't lose too much time doing that. I only walked for about 15-20 seconds each time. That way, I could give my legs a break and keep from splashing the water all over my face. (Have you ever tried to drink while you're running?)

In the last 3-4 miles, I had to stop to walk more than I wanted. I was out of gas. But as I observed my heart rate on my watch, I made it a point to take off when it got down to 170bpm. On my next half marathon, I hope to be in better shape so I can run the whole thing.

The last 1/4 mile was rewarding. All of those who had finished the 5K and 12K races as well as those who had finished the half marathon were at the Finish Line to applaud everyone who crossed the line. It felt pretty cool. 

As I crossed the finish line, I had two conscious thoughts: 1) Mission accomplished! and 2) I'm headed to bed!

My 1st Half Marathon: Tomorrow's the day!

Got my race pack. I'll leave the shirt in the closet until I finish the race but can't wait to put on the race bib tomorrow and run my first half marathon!

 

Here's the map of the race course. Below this map is a video I took overlooking Lake Minneola. I took the video from the spot on the map just to the right of the word "Finish."

 

 

 

 

OneCry & National Day of Prayer

Here's some information I received a few moments ago from OneCry. Mark your calendars and plan to participate. Our nation is dying and desperately needs a fresh encounter with Jesus.
______________

"On the National Day of Prayer, OneCry will be live on hundreds of radio stations across the nation and around the world, uniting believers in prayer for revival. Listen live from your home, car, mobile device, or online at www.OneCry.com.

"We will be joined by Francis Chan, Matthew West, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Nick Hall, U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black, and many others.

"Be sure to join us from 8:00-10:00 p.m. Eastern on May 2nd."
______________

You can text "NDOP" to 59769 to get a reminder the day of the prayer gathering.

Only 3 days until the Half Marathon!!!

I cannot adequately express how excited I am to participate in my first half marathon in 3 days! If you've never discovered the joys of running, any attempt I make to explain my excitement wouldn't work. If you are a runner, no explanation is needed.

This wall shows off what God can do in the life of someone
who simply takes advantage of the abilities and opportunities
that He gives! Life can be adventurous if you are a good
steward of what God has entrusted to you.

I can't wait to add another race bib to my collection. But this time, it won't be for a short 5K (3.1 mile) race as fun as they may be. This one will be for a half marathon (13.1 miles) that requires much more training, endurance, and mental strength. I am so grateful that the Lord has given me the abilities and opportunities to do well in this sport (at least for a 42 year old!).

Here's a map of the race course  around Lake Minneola in Clermont, Florida with the mile markers in bold black numbers:

Lake Minneola Half Marathon Route (April 20, 2013)

The Boston Marathon Tragedy: 'Grace' or 'An eye for an eye?'





Yesterday, as I engaged in study in my church office, my phone made it's characteristic noise that let me know I had received an e-mail. I reached over, tapped the screen and read: "Explosions Rock Boston Marathon Finish Line." About 20 minutes earlier, two explosions brought the much celebrated Boston Marathon to a halt as the rescue mission began. Some had been killed. Many had been wounded. Blood was everywhere. An atmosphere of celebration and cheer turned to one of fear, chaos, shock, and gut-wrenching grief.

As I awoke this morning, I read that the death toll had risen to 3 with the number of injured climbing to well over 100. There is a grave concern that some of those who are injured will not survive.

As is the case with millions of other Americans, my heart aches. My heart is angered. How dare someone ruin something so wholesome as the Boston Marathon! It is in that place that achievement is celebrated. Hard work has paid off. And thousands of Americans line the streets to cheer and encourage folks they don't know and have never met.

And then someone sets off two bombs!

How are Christians to think about this ... at least in regard to how we think of the perpetrator? This is important because as followers of Christ, we really don't have an option to determine for ourselves how we are to react. As Christ-followers, we need to know what the Scripture says so that we can think and respond accordingly.

Some think that we are to love and forgive the one who did this thing. Others think that he is deserving of the 'eye for an eye' principle. In fact, according to Scripture, he should get ... both!

Let's take a look at some relevant Scripture...

In Romans 12:9-21, we read how we as individual Christians are to relate to others. It begins with "Let love be genuine." That makes sense because the two greatest commands are to 1) love God with everything we've got and 2) love everyone we encounter just as we care about ourselves.

Yet, in these verses, God acknowledges that not everyone is going to be easy to love. Thus, the need for the following verses:

Romans 12:14 "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them."

Romans 12:17 "Repay no one evil for evil..."

Romans 12:19-21 "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

I've heard that there was a 'person of interest' being guarded at a Boston hospital as soon as 2 hours after the ordeal. Could it be that they already have the perpetrator? Well, looking at the verses we've just read, is our only response to love him and forgive him (if he is actually the one who did this horrible thing)? Are we supposed to bless him and not exercise any sort of revenge?

If those questions are directed at individual Christians, the answer is a resounding "Yes!" But, if those questions are directed at the U.S. Judicial System, the answer is a resounding "No!"

Why do I make this distinction? Because the Bible does.

The very next verse after "overcome evil with good" is the first verse of Romans 13. In the previous verses, it stated clearly that we aren't, as individuals, to seek revenge. We are to let God take vengeance. Well, how does God take vengeance upon the evil doer? Simply read the next verses.

Romans 13:1-4 "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer." (emphasis added)


This is how the "wrath of God" against evil mentioned in Romans 12:19 plays out. It comes through the government. God has personally set in place the governing authority over each country (He's given each country exactly what they deserve). Further, they are set up by God to be "an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer."

Simply put, individual citizens are to show grace and mercy to the most guilty of criminals. Governments are to execute blind justice. Individuals are to love and forgive. Governments are to punish.

In fact, if you look at the three instances where the "eye for an eye" principle was commanded in Scripture (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21), you would notice that the context addresses Israel's judicial system, not Israel's individual citizens. The judicial system was to administer punishment equal to the crime (not greater or less than; i.e. "an eye for an eye") and the individual citizens were not to take justice into their own hands.

So, in regard to the Boston Marathon tragedy, Christians should pray for the one responsible. We should pray for his salvation. We should pray for him to acknowledge his wrongdoing and make things right. If he was thirsty and we had water to give him, we should give it. If he is hungry, we should feed him.

But, at the same time, our judicial system should not let us down. Its purpose is to exercise blind justice. As individuals, we are to extend grace. But, for the betterment of society and as a deterrent to further crime, the judicial system should deal harshly and fairly with the perpetrator to the full extent of the law.

Grace AND 'An eye for an eye' apply!
 

Ellis Family Pictures 2013

We had some family pictures taken recently. I thought I'd share them. God has blessed me in so many ways!!!

Mentally Preparing for the Lake Minneola Half Marathon

In just 8 days, I'll join a large number of other runners at the start line of the Lake Minneola Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in Clermont, Florida. Up to this point, I've only run 5Ks (3.1 miles) so this is a big jump in distance but I believe that I'm ready for it.

As I enter the last week, I would have normally done a 'taper.' That's where I begin to reduce my weekly mileage. My body will have already benefited from the weeks of preparation and I would have moved into the phase of using less energy so that I could use it for the actual race.

Unfortunately, I developed trouble with my Achilles tendon a month ago. I had to drastically reduce my mileage to speed up the healing process. In reducing my mileage, I had to abandon my training schedule that was tailor made for running a half marathon.

That being said, I still think I can do well in this race. I've heard that the course is reasonably flat and it will begin at 7am (before it gets hot!) so my goal is to be able to complete the 13.1 miles in 2 hours or less. Doing it in that time frame will mean I have to run at a 9:11 pace (average a 9 minute, 11 second mile) or quicker.

Ultimately, though, my primary goal is just to finish! I can't wait to experience this race and use what I learn to begin focusing on longer races!

On understanding depression and suicidal thoughts

Rick Warren and son, Matthew

I was unimaginably brokenhearted as I heard a few days ago that Matthew Warren, the 27 year old son of pastor Rick Warren, had taken his life. An autopsy revealed that Matthew died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

I cannot imagine the grief that the Warren family is going through right now. Their whole world has caved in upon them. I suspect that they are weeping uncontrollably at times. At other times, they may wonder if there was anything they could have done to keep this from happening. Sometimes, there's even a little bit of anger in the mix when a loved one takes their life. While I am praying for them, I cannot speak knowledgeably about what they are feeling because I've never been in their shoes.

However, in my late teens and early 20s, I battled with the same sort of thoughts that led Matthew to take his life. I have debated whether or not to share some of the things you will read below. I would be content to leave those dark days in the past. I also find it somewhat painful to think back on some of the things I will say in this post.

Yet, I believe that as the themes of depression and suicide have recently hit the Christian community, it may be time for some believers to speak frankly about their own struggles in hopes of curtailing future losses. In sharing some of our stories, maybe we can give hope to someone who is battling with suicidal thoughts. Further, maybe we can help those who have never had suicidal thoughts to develop an understanding of what it's like in the mind of someone who is suffering from severe depression.

But, before I begin, let me say that while my current life has it's ups and downs, I wouldn't trade my life now for anything in the world! I've got a wonderful relationship with my wife, three incredible boys that frequently cause my wife's and my heart to well up with gratitude to God, a vibrant relationship with the Lord, an adventuresome job as a pastor and many other things that make for a wonderful life. About 20 years ago, I could have never imagined that I would have it so good.

I don't want to give the wrong impression. It's no bed of roses. There are trials and difficulties. But, overall, a horribly bad day at present is exponentially better than the best days I was having about 20 years ago.

How did it all start?

While I suspect that there are many, many catalysts that bring about depression, mine came about as a result of an inability to make the necessary adjustments in a new chapter in my life. I had lived with my family on Houston's east side for about 10 years and developed many wonderful relationships in my church and school. I did well academically and enjoyed excelling in things like band, chorus, baseball, etc. I can't remember ever battling depression during those years. So, I wasn't prepared for what happened when I moved away to college at the age of 19 in 1989.

For me, I believe my period of depression was due to many factors that simply converged at the same time.

• Stress - When I arrived in Lexington, Kentucky to attend college, I had no job prospects. I had only a little money in my pocket and I was too proud to call my parents for help.  The stress of finding a job(s), working a ridiculous amount of hours to make financial ends meet, trying to keep up with expensive car repair bills that I couldn't afford and many other difficulties proved too much for me. The stress felt like a boulder on my chest.
• Lack of sleep - I had to work a crazy number of hours each week on top of the hours I dedicated to school/study just to meet my meager financial obligations. On average, I believe I got about 4-5 hours of sleep a night during the most serious point of my depression. The depression was compounded by the fact that people who are depressed have a greater need for (more) sleep.
• Lack of proper nutrition - I should have developed a relationship with the little old ladies of the church. I could have enjoyed some great meals. Unfortunately, I didn't. Because of my financial condition, my inability to cook and my lack of time to dedicate to preparing meals, my food typically came out of a box, a package, a can or a fast-food window. Bad choices!
• Lack of exercise - I have come to understand just how vital exercise is to a happy attitude. There's a reason why people who run, bike, swim, walk or engage in some other aerobic exercise keep doing what they're doing. They may look tired and sweaty but they know something that many people don't know ... they're experiencing the positive effects of endorphins. Endorphins are the 'feel good' hormone that are released into your brain when you exercise. Besides, exercise relieves the body of tension, it flushes out toxins, provides a positive sense of accomplishment, etc. Well, I didn't exercise at all back then. If I went for a walk, it was so slow that it barely elevated my heart rate.
• Lonely - All of the above was compounded by (and probably caused) my feelings of loneliness. It's not that I didn't have friends. I just wasn't able to enjoy those relationships. I had settled into a hopelessness that made it feel like I was a bucket with a hole in the bottom. Virtually everything that went in seeped out leaving me feeling just as empty. Things that I do now that bring fulfillment didn't satisfy back then.

As I look over that list now, I can't believe that it caused such a deep depression. I believe that with all God has brought me through that I would respond in a much more positive and constructive way if those things were to happen again. Yet, that doesn't change the fact that it caused a very deep, painful depression 20 years ago.

Couldn't you just snap out of it?

While severe depression may be brought on by sin (but not necessarily), it seems to me that it becomes more physiological as it progresses - chemical imbalances begin to take place. For me, if the inability to make adjustments when I moved away to college was what started me down the road of depression, I think that some chemical imbalances developed inside of me that reinforced the depression. After awhile, it seemed almost impossible to change my thinking. 

I tried over and over to change my thought patterns. I read books on 'positive thinking' and 'depression' and I read plenty of Scripture (the book of Psalms in particular). I was convinced that if I could change my thinking, my behavior would follow. While that is ordinarily true, the rules may be a little different for those suffering from severe depression because of the chemical imbalances.

To someone who has never experienced severe depression, they may wonder why folks don't just snap out of it. They wrongly assume that the one who is depressed is thinking correctly. As I look back 20 years, I realize that my mind was not functioning correctly at all. I couldn't just snap out of it because I lacked the cognitive ability to do so. I think a poor diet, lack of sleep, overwhelming stress and some chemical imbalances completely incapacitated my brain.

It felt like my brain was in a fog most of the time. I couldn't process things. I couldn't remember. If the brain is an 8-cylinder engine, I felt like I was running on 1 or 2. In fact, my brain 'hurt.' It felt like a bunch of mush was stuffed between my two ears and I often found comfort only when I closed my eyes and tried to focus on nothing at all. My mind was in no shape whatsoever to 'just snap out of it.' 

If you have interactions with someone who is battling depression, please do not assume that they are able to think as clearly and rationally as you. They may be the most logical, intelligent person you know. But depression undermines their brain's ability to function properly.

How did it affect you?

Severe depression affects the body. The best I can describe it, I felt like the blood in my veins had been replaced with sludge. My body felt heavy and ached all the time. It felt similar to the painful body ache you experience when you have the flu. Sometimes, my depression became so bad that moving became more than an ache - it was flat out painful. In those cases, I sometimes skipped class and tried to lie still in bed. If I dared to venture out into the day, I felt like I was forced to go in slow motion because every movement was labored.

I mentioned above how depression affected my thinking. Simply put, I couldn't think clearly. Problems that would have been a cinch to figure out a couple of years before or after the depression seemed to take an enormous amount of brain power to figure out. Thinking was hard and painful.
 
Another powerful way that depression affected me was the deep sense of hopelessness that I had. When someone comes to the end of their hope, they come to the end of their rope. I thoroughly believed that tomorrow was going to be the same or worse than today ... and today stunk! I felt that I was in a deep, dark pit and was never going to get out of it.

It is this feeling of hopelessness that drives someone to take their own life. They irrationally believe that there is no fix, there is no way that things will get better. They cannot imagine going on with the horrible pain that is both mental and physical. The fact that some take their own life testifies to just how desperate some folks become to rid themselves of the pain. Yet, suicide also speaks to how irrational someone has become in their response to difficulty.

How did you get fixed?

In my lowest times, I entertained thoughts of suicide. I believe the only thing that kept me from following through was knowing how bad it would hurt my Dad, Mom, and siblings. If I could have figured out a way to end the pain I was experiencing while not causing overwhelming grief to my family, I may have followed through with my plans. 

Yet, God spared me and enabled me to get out from under the weight of depression. Here are a few of the more noteworthy actions I took that are necessary to beat depression:

- Tell someone what you are going through

I told my Dad and Mom of my depression and suicidal thoughts. In doing so, I was able to secure someone who could think rationally through the mess and provide some help.

I think this is a REALLY important step. If you ever get to the point where you feel like harming yourself, PLEASE tell someone who cares about you before you do it. Give them a chance to help you through the ordeal.

- Seek professional help

I saw a Christian counselor for awhile. He was able to help me dig into some of the issues that sent me into the depression. Once those things were dealt with, I was free to experience a recovery.

- Focus on diet, exercise and sleep

My job situation changed a bit and I was able to go full time at one job. This cut down on the stress, financial woes and increased the time that I could sleep. I also strived to be a little more careful in what kinds of food I was putting in my mouth. I still had a lot to learn (I was a single guy, after all) but I definitely focused on doing better.

- Serve others

I realized that to beat depression, I needed the 'good feeling' of helping others. I needed to get my mind off of my problems and focus on helping others with their problems. So, I began volunteering every Friday evening at a homeless shelter in Lexington, Kentucky. Seeing how horrible others had it and being able to help them in some small way enabled me to realize that I had it better than I thought and it moved me to be more grateful to God.

- Spend much time with Jesus

During the depression, I believed a lie. The lie - I was convinced that Jesus was just as displeased with me as I was. That thought was in the background of my mind and overshadowed everything I did throughout the day, including my Bible reading time and prayer time. However, I came to realize that my view of who Jesus was didn't line up with Scripture. Jesus wasn't condemning me (Romans 8:1). He genuinely cared for me and wanted to help me out of the mess I was in.

I began enjoying time in Bible reading and prayer realizing that Jesus enjoyed spending time with me just like I was enjoying spending time with Him. That was a MAJOR breakthrough for me. It was also in this renewed relationship that my 'hope' began to resurface. I knew that Jesus was walking with me through each day and so each day was a blessing filled with opportunities (Psalm 118:24). I also knew that Heaven was waiting on me when my life was done.

What would you tell someone who is battling depression?

Adding to the steps I just mentioned, I would say that I am enjoying a life now that I thought completely impossible 20 years ago. I looked into the faces of my wife and three sons this morning as they headed off to work/school and realized that if I had succumbed to my irrational cravings 20 years ago, I would never have experienced the joy that I am experiencing now. I just needed to get through the storm. It took determination. It took reliance upon the Lord. It took the help of others. But it was worth it!

I did it! So can you!

________________

Here's a fun video of a recent outing with my family. I'm so glad that God brought me through the depression and has blessed me in more ways than I can count!

Space Shuttle Launches

One of the many fringe benefits of living in Florida is the Space Program on the east coast. Below are just two of the videos I took of a Space Shuttle launch I got to enjoy with my family.

The first video was taken in June 2007. Our family went to Titusville and watched the launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis from about 10-12 miles away. (I should have had my tri-pod with me. I was so excited to see my first Space Shuttle launch that my hand was shaking horribly!) If you turn up the volume, you can hear the engines of the Shuttle rumbling beginning at the 1:10 mark.

The second video was taken in October 2007 when my family and I watched the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery from our neighborhood about 115 miles away. The shuttle doesn't come into view until the 2:11 minute mark.

Reflections on my 5K Run for Life Choice Care Center

Zach and Sean at the conclusion of their race

This was a SUPER fun and rewarding race! Here's how the morning played out...

I got up at 5:00 and enjoyed some time in my Bible and prayer. I posted my 'race verse' for the day on my dailymile.com account. It is from Isaiah 40:31 and it says: "But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." That wasn't a verse in my daily Bible reading today. It simply popped into my head during my Bible reading time. I enjoyed reflecting on the thought that those who wait/depend upon the Lord will 'run and not grow weary.'

At 6am (2 hours before the race started), I enjoyed a banana and some black coffee. I woke Zach and Sean and we headed out the door around 6:45. We picked up Alex Fredericks and headed to Floral Park.

On arriving, we got our race packs, running tags and ankle monitors. As 7:30 approached, I went out for a relaxing run with Alex to elevate my heart rate and begin warming up my legs. I also did some leg stretches. The group began moving to the 'Start Line' about 7:50. Alex and I prayed before the race started (this was his first 5K) and then I prayed with Zach and Sean. We prayed for safety and for each of us to honor the Lord by giving Him our best in this race.

The race started a couple of minutes after 8:00. It had an unusual start because there was no horn or gun. The lady with the stopwatch just said, "10 seconds ... 5 seconds ... GO!" We took off and, as usual, began to look for our own personal running space (after having been a little cramped at the start line). I had my GPS watch set on 'Average Pace' so I quickly realized that I had gone out fast. But, I was feeling fine and knew that I had developed endurance and mental toughness so I kept the pace.

photo compliments of Lauren Lemieux

Almost a quarter mile into the race, we were to make our first turn onto a side street. Unfortunately for the front runners, there was no one at that intersection. They only went a few steps past the street before they realized their mistake. I yelled out "TURN! TURN!" They retreated and the race went smooth from then on.

The first mile is a steady incline. I finished mile 1 in 6:52. That was the fastest I've ever logged a
mile. But, I didn't panic like I did on a previous race because I still felt OK. Mile 2 is where the rolling hills began and I had not trained on hills for a few months. Yet, I focused on proper breathing and tried to keep my mind from playing games with me as it periodically called upon me to "STOP THIS MADNESS!"

photo compliments of Lauren Lemieux

I finished the second mile in 7:39 and then primarily had a downhill trek (with a few uphills) to the
finish line. I finished the third mile in 7:54. As the grade evened out at the finish line, I picked up the pace a bit and finished in 22:50 (for an average of 7:21/mile). This was 1 minute and 31 seconds faster than the time I had on this same course last year (a time I have never been able to beat at other 5Ks).

I crossed the finish line with my finger aimed to Heaven because I knew that I had set a new PR (personal record) and it was because of God's goodness. He had given me the ability to run and the opportunities to improve. I only took advantage of those abilities and opportunities. The glory was due to Him!

I was grateful that I finished in 12th place overall (click here for race results) and took 1st place for my gender/age group. However, that was because the overall fastest runner and the fastest master runner were in my age group. Since they received rewards for those achievements, the rest of us were invited to move up two places in our standings. I would have been 3rd but am grateful to take home the blue ribbon.

After finishing, I walked around a bit to lower my heart rate (it averaged 189bpm in this race peaking at 193bpm as I crossed the finish line) and then waited for Zach and Sean. My heart welled with pride as Sean and then Zach came into view. They both set PRs as well! Sean finished in 30:43 and Zach finished in 30:57.

Why Pastors Should Exercise

I took this picture of the Withlacoochie Bike Trail
on yesterday's ride.

I went out on a bike ride yesterday and enjoyed a little more than four hours of prayer and reflection.  As I rode down the Withlacoochie Bike Trail in central Florida, I was captivated by God's creation and by my growing ability to enjoy it on a bike.
 
You see, yesterday's bike ride was 57.72 miles long. A few years ago, a ride this long would have been unthinkable! Yet, after a few years of focusing on physical fitness, my body was able to manage that kind of mileage. I had worked hard at getting physically fit. Yesterday, I enjoyed the benefits of being physically fit.
 
Not too long ago, I was overweight, I was under-motivated, my ability to think clearly was hampered, my stress level was high, etc. Then, I began to focus on walking about 6 years ago and then biking and running almost 2 years ago. I feel certain that the benefits I am experiencing as a result of improved fitness will keep me motivated to exercise well into my senior years.
 
As I write this specifically to pastors, let me assure my brothers in the ministry that the thoughts I am about to share are meant to encourage you. I am a fellow pastor who has discovered the benefits of exercise and want to encourage you to enjoy those same benefits.
 
The results are in and we all know that exercise is good and something we should do. The problem is that most of us simply lack the motivation to get started. Let me share with you just a few of the benefits I have discovered in hopes that something I say will motivate you to get started and experience the joys of exercise.
 
Benefit #1: To honor God by taking care of His temple
In the Old Testament, the omnipresent God dwelt in the tabernacle and then the temple. Even though He resided completely everywhere at all times, in a very special way He resided among His people in their place of worship.
 
In the New Testament, the temple/building was done away with. God came to dwell inside the bodies of those who were followers of Christ.
 
"Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19) 

Think about that. Our body is where God is living right now. If we pursue physical fitness, we can do so with a desire to honor God by giving Him a body/temple that is in shape. The only other option is to show Him dishonor by providing Him a body that is uncared for. 
 
Benefit #2: To follow Jesus more completely
How did Jesus get from one place to another? He didn't have a car or truck. He didn't take the train or plane. In fact, except for the time He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey's colt, we are led to believe that He walked wherever He went.
 
If you track Jesus' ministry and His journey from city to city, you realize that He would have logged many, many miles in His lifetime. He would have called it 'traveling' rather than 'exercising' but the results were the same. Jesus would have been slim and trim from the exercise.
 
If we are to become more and more like Jesus, we must not only develop a godly mind and godly behaviors but a fit body.
 
Benefit #3: To better handle the demands of ministry
Simply put, the stresses of ministry got me walking and then running! Whether it is the daily stresses of phone calls, counseling, confronting those in sin, hospital visits, preparing for sermons, the feeling that you are never truly 'off the clock,' trying to lead and inspire volunteers, etc. or whether it is a major storm that you have to navigate your congregation through, pastoring is stressful!
 
If we don't have some way of getting rid of that stress, we may increase our risk of heart disease, cancer and everything in between. We've simply got to find a way of releasing the tension in a creative, constructive way.
 
For me, going out for a bike ride or a run often does the trick. I may pray during the exercise or I may just try to focus on the scenery around me as I exercise. Either way, after I have significantly elevated my heart rate for about 30 or more minutes, I feel MUCH better.

Benefit #4: To have a lift in attitude
I'm not a negative person but if my personality has a tendency, it more naturally moves toward melancholia than I would like. Not only is that undesirable for me as an individual, it is completely anathema in regard to my role as a pastor. As I relate to others, I need to have an aura of joy. Anything less will inhibit the vitality of the church God has called me to lead.
 
Exercising (specifically aerobic exercising that elevates the heart rate for about 30 or more minutes at a time) helps to lift the mood. Just do an internet search on the relationship that exercise has with the release of endorphins into your brain. Runners, bikers, swimmers, etc. usually aren't glass-half-empty sort of folks. Regular exercise tends to keep their attitudes positive and healthy.
 
Benefit #5: To process and think through problems
There have been plenty of times when I have been confronted with a problem that I could not resolve. Sometimes the problem had to do with an issue that was going to create some friction on a business meeting floor. Other times, I simply could not develop the outline and points of a sermon as Sunday approached. On many of those occasions, I spent time in prayer and yet the problem remained.
 
Then, I took off for a run or went for a bike ride. As I got my mind off of the problem, elevated my heart rate and allowed the endorphins to do their trick, the solution came to mind. I thanked the Lord and then used the rest of my exercise time to solidify the solution in my mind.
 
Benefit #6: To have more energy!
I used to feel pretty sluggish as I went about my daily activities. I just didn't have the energy that I used to have and assumed that there wasn't much I could do about it. I thought that it was due to the fact that I was just growing older and not much could be done about it.
 
Then, I realized that God made our bodies with the ability to create the energy it needs. Simply put, if a 'couch potato' is told that he must run a marathon the next day, he may give it a try but in just a few minutes, only a few yards from the start line, he'll give out. Why? Because he hasn't trained. He hasn't told his body he needs that much energy. He's been convincing his body that he hardly needs any energy whatsoever. So, his body provides him with the amount he needs ... hardly any at all.
 
Yet, when a marathoner approaches race day, they know they will have the energy required because they have been training. The training has been conveying to their body that they need much more energy than the average person. So, their body complied. Their body produced the energy as they trained harder and longer.
 
We need energy to be a pastor. We won't get the energy we need by sitting behind a desk reading a book or typing on a computer. The way to increase our energy is to exercise and convince our body that we need more. After only a few weeks, we'll begin to notice the difference.
 
Benefit #7: To influence others toward better health
Pastoring is leading in its purest form. Most of the people we will lead aren't paid. We can't coerce them. We can't threaten to fire them if they don't do their job. They are volunteers and our ability to lead them depends upon many elements - one of which is integrity.
 
We know that people these days are more skeptical of leaders. Many of them will size us up for a period of time to see if we are someone they believe they can listen to and follow. I am convinced that one of the first things they'll notice is our waistline. If it is too large, they may assume we are self-indulgent and lack personal discipline. Maybe our overweight problem is due to some medical issue but my point is that our outer appearance speaks loud and clear to those who are observing us. If our waistline shows that we overindulge in the area of food, they may wonder what other areas we overindulge in.
 
If we want to lead people, we must convince them that we are a self-disciplined man of integrity. This requires many specific actions but those actions must include exercise and proper diet. Besides, if our bodies testify to the fact that we are honoring God's temple, we just might motivate others to take care of their bodies as well. This is no small matter in a society that is getting lazy, self-indulgent, and much heavier.

Benefit #8: To enjoy the benefits of goal setting and reward

I enjoy setting goals and then working with a team to accomplish those goals. Pastoring enables us to do that. Yet, there are going to be times when, for one reason or another, our goals aren't going to be met. Maybe we're working with a lethargic bunch of folks who just don't see the need. They're perfectly content in remaining mediocre at best.

 

While we still must work to lead our congregation, we can satisfy our desire for goal setting and achieving rewards by leading ourselves. The whole process of going from walking to running and then to racing in local 5K races (or other length races) is exhilarating to say the least. And further, I've noticed that if I become effective at leading myself, it is much easier to lead others.

 

 

These are just a few of the benefits that came to my mind during yesterday's bike ride. I hope that if you aren't presently in an exercise program, that at least one of the above mentioned benefits will motivate you to take care of God's temple as you get fit for Heaven.