Thank You Psalms

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Jennifer Grace

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8 (NKJV)

When spring finally comes to Montana after a very long winter, our hearts overflow in thanksgiving to Jesus. The bright blue skies promise an end to snow storms. Drifts melt into puddles, making way for green fields. The daffodils and tulips raise colors in praise to their Creator. And my heart sings for joy that winter is over!

This is the perfect time to read a Psalm of thanks, remembering all the blessings Jesus has sent us. Psalms 107 or 136 are great places to begin. I love the rhythm of these Psalms, how they repeat and we may add our own lines of thanks…

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
    For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
    For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
    For His mercy endures forever:

To Him who alone does great wonders,
    For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
    For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,
    For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who made great lights,
    For His mercy endures forever— Psalm 136:1-7 (NKJV)

When I go running on a beautiful spring morning, my heart is bursting with thanks for the mountains, the blue skies, the green fields, the bright sunshine…I like to sing a song in my head as my feet pound out the rhythm…

Thank You, God, for this beautiful day.
Thank You, God, for this beautiful day.
Thank You, Father, for sending Your Son.
Thank You, Father, for sending Your Son.
Thank You, Jesus, for dying for us.
Thank You, Jesus, for dying for us.
Thank You, Spirit, for living in me.
Thank You, Spirit, for living in me.
Thank You, Father, for loving us so much.
Thank You, Father, for loving us so much.
Thank You, Jesus, You are my King.
Thank You, Jesus, You are my Lord.
Thank You, Spirit, for delivering our prayers.
Thank You, Spirit, for delivering our prayers.
Thank You, God, for this beautiful day.
Thank You, God, for this beautiful day.

Today’s TEA CUPP: What song of thanksgiving has God put in your heart? Begin today by reading Psalm 107, 136 or another Psalm. Select a favorite verse to write in your prayer journal and pray to Jesus. Let this verse be your conversation starter as you thank the Lord for the many blessings He has given you. Perhaps you’d like to write your own “Thank You Psalm” to God.

Leave No Doubt

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 (NKJV)

It seems that as we get older, we attend more funerals and memorial services for loved ones, friends and acquaintances in our town, some departing too soon. The pastors leading the services always do a beautiful job of sharing memories of the departed and comfort for those left behind. We are especially comforted if we know the person is in heaven with Jesus.

I remember when my college cross country team died in a plane crash, I knew my coach was in heaven because of his life. Whenever we came home from meets I was always the last one to be dropped off, giving Coach plenty of time to share his faith. Coach Ron would talk long and serious about things I did not understand, yet I knew they were important. When he wasn’t planning our next big workout, he served at his church. Coach Ron had a dream to start a Christian running camp in northern Wisconsin. Because of his faith and example, I know my coach is with Jesus and will be there when I get there, too.

Every once in awhile, though, there is someone who we aren’t sure where she stood in her faith journey. We wonder if he is with Jesus. We pray she is in heaven. We ask God to comfort us and assure us he is with Jesus. But we just aren’t sure.

So, I want to encourage you today to LEAVE NO DOUBT when it is your turn to go. Make sure that while you are living, people know you love Jesus. Tell them how you study your Bible and meet with Him each day for prayer. Let them see the fruit of your faith in good works. Share how you are looking forward to the day when He comes to take you home. Then, when it is your turn to leave this world, your friends and family will have NO DOUBT that you are now in heaven having TEA with the King of kings!!!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Confirm your eternal destination today by praying with Jesus. Invite Jesus into your heart to forgive you and guide your remaining earthly days. Then tell a friend about this heavenly TEA party so she can join you there, too!

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NKJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV)

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27 (NKJV)

Pebble Pocks in My Palms

Posted on September 20, 2017 by Jennifer Grace

When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble. Proverbs 4:12

Why was my nose in the dirt? Lying face down on the gravel road with pebble marks in my hands and knees, I wondered, “What happened?” Just a split second before I was running and praying for my neighbors. How had my feet slipped? My shocked body just wanted to lie in the dust, but my brain told me to get up. So, I pulled my bruised flesh off the rocky ground and hobbled home.

Having a good cry on the sofa was a welcome idea, but then I remembered my busy schedule and this was my only chance to go running. So, with band-aid help from my dear husband and youngest son, I was soon out the door and running again, this time on the smooth highway, managing to squeeze in five miles before breakfast.

Still, a week after my running fall, I could feel the pebble pocks in my palms and see the bruises on my legs, a reminder of God picking me up. I know it could have been so much worse, as friends have been through broken arms, fingers, legs, ankles, and concussions this year. But God let me feel it in my hands to remind me of his Son Who also has marks in His hands. His marks proclaim how He died for the sins of all the world.

Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” John 20:27 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Jesus died for you, my friend. He has nail holes in His hands to remind us of His sacrificial death on the cross. All who believe in Jesus are saved and will live forever with Him in heaven. Today, let Jesus pick you up from wherever you have fallen. Believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

For You have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
And my feet from falling.
I will walk before the Lord
In the land of the living. Psalm 116:8-9 (NKJV)

God Loves You!

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Jennifer Grace

For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. John 16:27 (NKJV)

Long before there were Emoji with every face and feeling, there were simple yellow smiley faces with four words, “Smile, God loves you!”

Do you remember seeing these on bumper stickers and binders? They always brought a smile to my face and the thought, “That’s nice.”

But one day when I was reading the book of John, it hit me. John 16:27 proclaims that the Father Himself (God) loves me, because I believe in Jesus. All because I love Jesus and believe He came from God, God loves me! Even if I mess up today and all my friends send me frowny emojis, God loves me. He will never stop loving me. He loves me forever into eternal life in heaven, because I love Jesus and believe He came from God. What a wonderful promise.

The beauty of His promise is that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Jesus died for all our sins before we were even born, or knew Him, or believed in Him. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends (John 15:13). That is an amazing love I hold dear in my heart forever.

Today’s TEA CUPP: My friend, God’s promises are for you. Believe in His Son Jesus and love Him with all your heart. Tell Him you love Him today! Smile, God loves you!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)

...I will call them My people, who were not My people,
And her beloved, who was not beloved. Romans 9:25 (NKJV)

A Runner’s Tea Cupp

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Jennifer Grace

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)

What do runners drink? Usually we think of ice cold water, Gatorade and sports drinks. Those all refresh me after a long run down the highway. But what do I like to drink even before a morning run? I enjoy a TEA CUPP with the Champion of champions, Jesus.

Tea is certainly coming into vogue as the new sports beverage, but the brand I want to share with you is brewed with Living Water, straight from God’s Word. Here’s how it works: Before you do your stretches and head out the door, sit down with your Bible and a cup of tea. Read a selection, letting the Lord speak first. Then start praying, using Bible verses as conversation starters.

For example, to give God Thanks for your health or recent victory or other blessings in your life, recite 1 Corinthians 15:57 and tell Him for what you are thankful. Even if you’ve never had a victory, Jesus gives us all the victory over sin and death, because He conquered those when He died and rose again. Then continue your prayers with Psalm 20:5 to Exalt the Lord and tell Him how great He is. Follow this with Hebrews 12:1-2, asking Jesus to help you Admit and lay aside every sin.

Now you’ve finished your TEA and are ready for the CUPP. I’ve listed more suggested verses below for talking to Jesus about your Call, Understanding your story, claiming God’s Promises, and pouring out your heart with Petitions for others. As you finish your prayers and tie your shoes, you’ll find the conversation continues as you and Jesus head out for a run together.

T for Thanks:

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV)

E for Exalt:
 We will rejoice in your salvation,

And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! Psalm 20:5 (NKJV)
A for Admit:
…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
C for Call:
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Matthew 5:41 (NKJV)
U is for Understanding our story:
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 (NIV)

P is for Promises:
But those who wait on 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. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
P is for Petitions:
Show me Your ways, O Lord;

Teach me Your paths. Psalm 25:4 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Sip this Runner’s TEA CUPP today, before heading out on your path. Use it as a conversation starter as you talk to the Lord. When you read your Bible, underline more verses you’d like to pray tomorrow.

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:13-14 (NKJV)

30 Years Ago Today My Life Changed Forever

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

This Saturday I will run in the Cowpoke Stampede in Melville, Montana in honor of my Savior Jesus and the lives He took 30 years ago, so that I could live. I share again my testimony in tribute to these dear souls: Coach Ron Renko, Coach Pat Moynihan, Runners Sheryl Maahs, Julie Rose, Sue Baker, Trainer Stephanie Streit, and their Pilot Burt Watkins. I can’t wait to see you all in heaven!

I run in the path of Your commands,
for You have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32 (NIV)

My life changed forever 30 years ago today.

November 25, 1985 was a day of victory, ice and death.

This is my running story.

I was not always a runner. I was the one with the side ache walking at the tail end of the grade school PE class. I was the one who could never hope to qualify for the presidential fitness award. I was so slow! But something happened in late junior high. I discovered I had something that was needed to be a long distance runner…perseverance. And so I left the sprinters to their fast legs and joined the distance runners. Slowly, slowly the side aches went away and I learned how to run. In high school, my coach, my team and my workout became the centerpiece of my life. I was dedicated to a fault, always running my complete workout, never cutting corners, such perfection was my religion.

When I headed to college, I wanted to continue running so I walked-on as a cross country runner at Iowa State University. Twice a day I met with my coaches and team for workouts, running dozens of miles a week. I was the slowest one. When the team did 1000 meter repeats, I would finish my 1000 meters just when they were leaving for their next 1000 meters. I would run up and down the hills crying at the end of the line, but I kept running. And the miles paid off by spring of my freshman year when I ran a 38 minute 10K! I kept on running for my coaches and my team, they were like a family to me, they were my church, until that November day of my sophomore year…

The sidewalks in Ames, Iowa were glazed with ice as my teammates and I ran our afternoon workout. We were on our own this day because our coaches and faster teammates were at the National meet in Wisconsin. We thought of them as we jogged along, mostly in the grass because the walks were so slick. After running together as a team twice a day for months, we felt a strong connection to our teammates at the National meet, even though we weren’t there. As we dutifully completed our workout in the fading light of this November afternoon, we hoped to hear news of their victory at Nationals.

Instead, what interrupted the TV shows that evening was news of a tragedy. I lived at home with my family still, and was watching TV in our basement with my brother, before diving into another evening of homework. Part way through our favorite show, newscasters broke in with a special news announcement:

“A plane has plummeted from the icy skies and crashed in a yard in Des Moines, Iowa. It was one of three planes returning with the ISU athletes after a second place finish at the National Cross Country meet.”

I ran screaming up the stairs, unable to believe such awful news. I called my teammates at the dormitory who had just heard the news also. We decided to meet at the Student Union chapel for prayer, an amazing act for a public university team. We met and cried and prayed, not knowing who was on the plane that had crashed, and me not truly understanding the ONE to whom we prayed.

The next day we were called together for a meeting with the athletic department. There we embraced our teammates who remained, and there we heard the news of who was lost. That single accident took the lives of seven dear people, and changed the lives of all those who knew them: My two coaches, three teammates, athletic trainer, and pilot were taken from this world.

The grief was heart-wrenching for their families, and for those of us who lived like a family on the cross country team.

Classes were cancelled at the University for a day when a memorial service was held for the athletes. Our team marched in our gold uniforms and sat together in misery in the ISU Coliseum. One girl on our team named Dawn gave the memorial for her friend Sheryl. Before the thousands gathered there, Dawn spoke of how Sheryl was a Christian and is in heaven now, and that if Sheryl had the choice she wouldn’t come back to earth, even if she could. As I listened with tears spilling from my eyes, I just didn’t understand such faith. Why wouldn’t Sheryl want to come back?

In the days that followed I tried to continue my running workouts along the streets of Ames, Iowa, but could barely lift my legs. How could I go on without my coach and teammates? I questioned, “Why, God? Why?”

Since God allowed my coaches and teammates to be taken away from me, I ran from Him, in search of peace elsewhere, in food, in poor relationships. Yet those gave no comfort.

By the fall two years after the accident, I had wrecked both my parent’s cars, my bike was stolen, my life was a mess. One morning on my way to class, I stopped by the chapel of the church where I grew up. I got down on my knees and poured out my heart to God, asking Him to help me through the mess I had made of my life. For half an hour I prayed and prayed in that empty church. When I left the chapel, my heart was lighter, even though I did not know what God was going to do.

Soon after this prayerful episode, my roommate was invited to attend the Baptist Student Union and she brought me along. It was in the weekly testimonies and singing, that I got to know the Savior of my soul, and my forever friend, Jesus Christ. My quest was over – I learned…

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

This was truly a miracle from God. Jesus gave me the peace and comfort for which I’d been searching. He washed away all my sins and mistakes. He took my broken soul and healed me.

I traded…

My stop watch for the cross of Christ,

My will for God’s will,

My earthly coaches for a heavenly Father who will never leave me nor forsake me,

My workouts for daily devotions in God’s Word,

And so God’s Word has become my life…

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

And, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…the task of testifying the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 (NIV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Everyone has a story to tell. Your story is just as interesting and important as my story. The “U” part of My TEA CUPP Prayers helps us understand our stories, so we can better share them with others. In the sharing of our stories, we are a testimony of God’s love and faithfulness. I encourage you to share your story with a friend today.

Come and hear, all you who fear God,
And I will declare what He has done for my soul.
I cried to Him with my mouth,
And He was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear.
But certainly God has heard me;
He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer,
Nor His mercy from me!

Psalm 66:16-20

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Runner’s Stance

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Way back in junior high, my P.E. coaches were Ms. Newby and Mrs. Knutson. They led us in many exercises and drills to prepare us for track season. Most memorable to me, out of all their wisdom, is the runner’s stance.

The runner needs to look relaxed while running around the track, even at full speed or while exhausted. Arms are to be at greater than 90 degree angles, shoulders down, and hands open loosely. Ms. Newby described it as holding a tea cup! She told us to lightly pinch our thumbs and first fingers together and poke out our pinky fingers, just as if we were having tea with the queen. By holding our hands just so, we didn’t clench our fists and were, therefore, more relaxed.

As I went running one day recently, the Lord reminded me of that junior high tea cup. I wondered how the runner’s stance compares with the Christian’s stance. As the runner leans forward, pressing on to the finish line, the Christian looks up to Jesus, pressing on to eternal life (Philippians 3:13-14). While the runner wears out her shoes in the race, the Christian wears out his knees in prayer. Yet both raise their arms in victory to the Lord.

There are all kinds of stances for prayer, but my favorite is curled up in the corner of our sofa. There, wrapped in a blanket and hugging a mug of hot water, I share my TEA CUPP time with Jesus. First I read His Word, the Bible, letting Him speak to me. I underline special verses as I read. Then I choose a favorite verse to pray back to Jesus, beginning my conversation with the Lord. From thanks to petitions, I pour out my heart to Him. Instead of having tea with the queen, I’m sharing TEA with the King of kings.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear friend and athlete, I invite you to hold the TEA CUPP. Along with “holding a tea cup” while running, meet each day with Jesus for a CUPP of TEA. Let His Word encourage you, giving you all you need for today.

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)

Holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:16 (NKJV)

Keep in Step with the Spirit

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 (NKJV)

Another plug for my favorite church camp in the mountains — Camp on the Boulder, south of Big Timber, Montana. During the summer months, you can come to a FREE cookout every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., followed by a praise service with the camp ministry team.

This past Sunday we welcomed Tom Brandon from Big Timber to share what God had put on his heart. Tom spoke about temptation and following Jesus’ example. One point Tom made was an “alleluia” moment for me. He asked us if we knew what the most important example was that Jesus set for us? Do you know?

Was it healing the sick? Walking on water? Turning water into wine? Raising the dead? NO! The most important example Jesus left for us was His relationship with His Father. Time and again in His ministry, Jesus would head off into the wilderness to a quiet place with God…

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16 (NIV)

Now it came to pass in those http://genericclomid.net days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12 (NKJV)

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” Matthew 26:36 (NKJV)

What an example Jesus has set for us, spending time each day with God. That’s what My TEA CUPP Prayers are all about – sitting down with the Lord each day for a chat. When we talk to God, we are following in Jesus’ steps.

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,leaving usan example, that you should follow His steps. 1 Peter 2:21 (NKJV)

And when we follow Jesus’ steps, we keep in step with the Spirit, along God’s straight and narrow path.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 (NKJV)

Put on your I-Am Ipod and keep in step with Jesus today!

The Finish Line is in Sight!

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

“Gooooooooooo, Jennnnnnnnnnnnnnniiiifffffffffeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrr!” I can still hear my mom calling from the bleachers as I ran the 1600 m around my high school track. Some of the high schools had cinder tracks back then, but ours was a new black rubber track. I pounded my spikes into the rubber, determined to take my mom’s encouragement and keep gooooooooiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnggggggg!

Encouragement. We all need it in this race called life. I find my inspiration in God’s Word every day. My TEA CUPP Prayers with Jesus are like a cup of cold water to my thirsty soul. However, at times it sure helps to be heartened by another Christian. As Christian athletes we are called not only to train for ourselves, but also to encourage others in their training.

My favorite daily devotion (Our Daily Bread) gave a beautiful example of this on April 13th , 2008. The devotion is entitled, “Cheering Each Other On.”…

A mile from the finish line of the London Marathon, thousands of onlookers holding signs lined the route. When spectators spotted a family member or friend coming into view, they shouted the person’s name, waved, and yelled encouragement: “Just a little farther! Keep going! You’re almost there.” After running 25 miles, many competitors were barely walking and ready to quit. It was amazing to watch exhausted runners brighten and pick up the pace when they saw someone they knew or heard their name called out.

Encouragement! We all need it, especially in our walk of faith. The book of Hebrews tells us to keep urging each other on. “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, . . . but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (10:24-25).

The New Testament is filled with the certainty that Christ will return soon. “The Lord is at hand” (Phil. 4:5). “The coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:8). “Behold, I am coming quickly” (Rev. 22:12).

As we “see the Day approaching,” let’s keep cheering each other on in the faith. “Keep going! You’re almost there! The finish line is in sight.”

And so, my TEA CUPP friend and athlete, I encourage you. Keep running! Keep exercising! Keep reading your Bible and praying! Your labors are not in vain. God will surely bless you.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

The LORD remembers us and will bless us. Psalm 115:12 (NIV)

Holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:16 (NKJV)

KEEP GOING! YOU’RE ALMOST THERE! THE FINISH LINE IS IN SIGHT!

http://odb.org/2008/04/13/cheering-each-other-on/

My I-AM Ipod

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

“Give thanks, with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks, because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son…”

This tune pounds through my head as I run the dusty mountain road, taking a step with each beat of the song. I have no earphones, no cord, no electronic gizmo in my pocket…just my running clothes and God in the great outdoors.

Many of you are familiar with the Ipod, a pocket-size electronic device made by the Apple company to store and play hundreds of songs. My daughter has an Ipod. Now, instead of lugging around a huge binder of CDs, she carries all her favorite tunes on her Ipod. With a small set of pink earphones, she immerses herself into her world of music. Or, she can attach it to a speaker and play the songs for all to enjoy. But I don’t have an Ipod yet.

I have an I-AM. It is a God-size music collection that fits right inside my heart. My I-AM connects directly to my mind, playing all the best tunes and Bible verses. I take my I-AM with me every time I go running. God reminded me when I was exercising this morning that others might like to have an I-AM Ipod, too. And so I share this with you today :-).

Sometimes my I-AM plays Bible verses. My favorites are ones I shared yesterday. I make up a tune to go with one of the verses and play it over and over again in my mind as the miles pass by. I especially like to play…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble. Proverbs 4:11-12 (NIV)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Other days my I-AM plays music, a metronome to my soul, providing me a beat for each step. These songs follow My TEA CUPP Prayers, helping me to pray as I run.

I give THANKS to God while singing in my head, “I will enter His gates with Thanksgiving in my heart, I enter His courts with praise…”

I EXALT the Lord with “Thou are worthy, Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, glory and honor and power…”

I ADMIT my sins to God while mentally singing, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”

I talk to Jesus about my CALL with, “Here I am, Lord, is it I, Lord, I have heard You calling in the night.”

I UNDERSTAND my story when I sing, “I’m forgiven, because You were forsaken. I’m accepted, You were condemned, I’m alive and well, Your Spirit lives within me, because You died and rose again.”

I claim God’s promises by humming, “Standing on the Promises of Christ my King…”

And I end my run with my favorite petition song ever, “The Lord’s Prayer,” as it is often sung at weddings: “Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven…”

When I get to the very last part of the prayer, I am running faster and God’s Spirit carries me to the finish line with “for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.”

There are hundreds of songs, hymns and Bible verses stored in my I-AM, just waiting for me to play. It’s always exciting to strap on the running shoes and head out the door with the Great I-AM. Go running with Jesus today!

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” Exodus 3:14 (NIV)

My TEA CUPP Prayers

Praying God's Word … Inviting Ladies to TEA with the King of kings!

Category Archives: My TEA CUPP for Athletes