College roommates have plenty of time to dream, but few actually fulfill what they talk about. Back in 1998, Brad Noone and Rob Beckley got together with friends Travis Jenkins, Dustin Adams, and Michael Wittig to form Pillar. This all happened while attending Fort Hays State University in Kansas. One year later Pillar released their first album, Metamorphosis.
If you have sinned, how does that affect God? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what have you done to Him? 7 If you are righteous, what do you [by that] give God? Or what does He receive from your hand? – Job 35:6-7
My favorite Pillar song is State of Emergency. The lyrics and title are designed to elicit a sense of urgency. As one man in the Old Testament seeks the counsel of three friends in the passage above, Job is called to immediately repent. Like the words of David is Psalm 32 and 51, the quicker you are to be honest and forthright with God, the sooner you will experience healing. May today’s song awaken your soul.
In 1983 I was an incoming high school freshman eager to participate in a fall sport. At 100 pounds and five feet tall, I was too small for football. Concord’s soccer team had just won a state title so nearly one hundred boys tried out to make this team. Fortunately, our paper boy was a runner, making the sports section of Wilmington’s News Journal after each race. When I found out the cross country team didn’t cut anyone, I started my first of what I thought would be four seasons.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it, 1 Corinthians 9:24.
While running 5-8 miles a day in the heat wasn’t initially appealing, the individuals on Concord High’s cross country team welcomed me like I was joining a new family. The aches and pains of running were soothed by loving teammates who accepted me despite my size and stuttering. As the youngest child of three whose sisters were both in college as I entered high school, cross country quickly became my extended family, caring for one another before and after each race. What other sport do you find complete strangers hugging one another after a race or holding someone up after collapsing at the finish line so they don’t cramp up.
Someone said to Him, “Look! Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside asking to speak to You.” 48 But Jesus replied to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?”49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples [and all His other followers], He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers!50 For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven [by believing in Me, and following Me] is My brother and sister and mother,” Matthew 12:48-50.
This encouraging environment has made me an advocate for cross country. While serving as a youth pastor in Indiana, I spent Saturday’s cheering on teenagers from my church. As a former runner, I was able to counsel the disappointed and motivate others to continue to improve. Running distances from 2.1 to 3.1 miles requires trial and error, going out at various paces to determine the best strategy for each course. The elite often use large invitationals as throw away races to see how fast they can go out before they die, falling way off the pace. While watching the Corinthian Games, similar to the Olympics, the apostle Paul writes about mental toughness, pushing your body to the limit to reach your full potential in the passage below.
Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. 26 Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. 27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service], 1 Corinthians 9:25-27.
In my final year of teaching, I was fortunate enough to coach my two boys at Red Lion. The previous coach set up a running club three days a week for elementary students to go along with coaching the junior high team. This allowed Daniel to run with his older brother James., creating a competitive atmosphere. Recognizing where I was as a runner at this age, I implemented fun days to keep the casual runner interested, giving 8th graders input to choose a fun practice each week. Meanwhile, I pushed eager runners toward qualifying for the Yes Athletics National Championships as the East Regional was held an hour south of our school. Over a 3 year period, I drove runners to nationals at Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia. This experience enabled students to compete against the best runners in the country.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God, Hebrews 12:1-2.
Over the past 7 years, I have been a cross country parent, watching my two sons run for St. George’s. Since my daughter Lydia has fallen in love with volleyball, Daniel’s senior year will be my final season attending Cross Country races. Before I become a volleyball groupie, the reality of saying goodbye to cross country will be sad. However, I do have a unique opportunity to run in a 5K prior to this fall’s county race known as the Old Timers Race. Unfortunately, this requires getting into shape and running in the heat. I haven’t started training yet, but as Daniel’s first race approaches this week, running to various mile marks with serve as a warm up. There is an old saying that states “Father Time remains undefeated.” Yet, God has given me one final season to seize each day that I am blessed to watch my son Daniel complete.
Modern technology has developed a way for certain types of aircraft to re-fuel while in mid-air. Air tankers contain a nozzle which extends and connects to crafts low on fuel like Air Force One in the 1997 Harrison Ford film. This capability allows fighter jets to remain in the air for longer periods of time.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness, 2 Peter 1:3.
Dietrich Mateschitz invented a drink based upon a similar concept, helping human beings refuel when your energy is lost. In 1987, Red Bull Energy Drink was sold for the first time in Austria. This formula was inspired by functional drinks from the Far East like Green Tea. Subsequently, if you feel like you’re about the crash, consumers continue to reach for this can to boost their energy.
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, Isaiah 11:2.
The prophet Isaiah writes about a spiritual power available to those longing for discernment, insight and wisdom. According to one of twelve disciples, the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus following his ascension to refuel spiritually. While this Holy Ghost is invisible, it’s presence brings counsel, knowledge and understanding. If you are currently emotionally drained, out of energy or have lost your way, cry out to the Lord in prayer so that the refueling of the Holy Spirit will begin.
The older you become, the more likely it is that one phone call will radically change your life. Bad news has a way of stealing joy as well as altering any plans that you have previous made. Just before Christmas, my wife’s mom was rushed to the hospital. In the week’s that have followed, there have been ups and downs, resulting in a series of trips to Chicago to see her mother. In the end, everyone will pass, but preparing for the inevitable is like riding a roller coaster in the dark.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps, Proverbs 16:9.
In moments like these, the wisdom of Solomon shines light on what’s truly important. Sure, developing goals are helpful to create a five or ten year plan for prosperity. Yet, beyond a man’s or woman’s heart, the Lord will throw an occasional curve ball to keep you off balance. Subsequently, if your steps aren’t in alignment with God’s calling, a detour will likely be coming, drawing you back to where you need to be. Whether that’s taking care of an ailing parent or pursuing a promotion to keep get your children through college, only time will time. Yet, for now life is like a wheel of fortune, around and around it goes, where it stops nobody but God knows.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them, Ephesians 2:10.
So what do you do when life get’s in the way of your plans? First, praying can serve as a vehicle for healing as well as a source of comfort. Second, seek counsel from those who have already gone through a similar situation. This provides prospective as well as the ability to avoid making the same mistakes as your predecessor. Finally, cling to the promises of the Bible, memorizing these passages to instill in you hope that God is not finished using and working through you. May the Holy Spirit guide your steps the next time life get’s in the way of your plans.
On Sunday, I participated in my first alumni weekend at the University of Delaware. In reality, I just ran in the Blue Hen 5K with my 3 children, the first with my daughter Lydia. Out of shape, I vowed to stay with my daughter, setting a good pace to help her post her best time. When Lydia stopped several times with a cramp, I encouraged her to keep going.
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up, Ecclesiastes 4:10.
The same could be said about life. Trying to do things on your own or alone is difficult. If you reach your breaking point, who will come along to spur you on? As Benny Hester once sang about, “You weren’t meant to live your life alone.” In view of this, people need to seek out mentors, role models and wise counsel to find their way in life.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1.
If I wasn’t running today, I’m sure my daughter would have finished eventually, but my prompting resulted in her PR, personal record. As a father, I need to do the same in my spiritual life, setting the pace for all my children to follow. While spiritual aspirations may vary, godly parents should set the pace so that others may cross the finished line in heaven.
The prophet Habakkuk felt alone, as if God had abandoned him. Upset by a lack of answers, Habakkuk cries out to God, not in prayer, but with complaints. Not satisfied with God’s initial response in Habakkuk 1:5-11, he continues to vent his frustrations. Feeling self righteous, Habakkuk completes his words in chapter 2, verse 1, as if God is to blame for his current circumstance.
God’s reply is classic. Sometimes in life, we expect God to do everything, including read our minds. Thus, Habakkuk 2:2-3 contains God’s call to action which applies to anyone who has ever prayed to God before. If your prayer’s aren’t being answered, maybe the problem lies in your own indecision, not sure what you really what in life. Therefore, stop complaining and start to write down everything you desire, Psalm 37:4.
As for me, I seek a sense of community, similar to what I experienced during the early days at Red Lion. Second, I want to use my God given talents to counsel, educate and train individuals so that they will be successful in life. Finally, I want to travel, interact with people from other parts of the country and enjoy each moment I spend outside. I am not sure if this exact position exists, but I am beginning my quest today, believing prayer is the key to push aside any current barriers. I encourage others to join me by stop complaining out loud, write down the desires of your heart and pray for God’s favor and will. Enjoy the ride!
ExpressYourself4Him 