Today

As an endurance athlete, there are times I look at a goal and almost feel there is no way that I can get there from where I am. The truth is, with dedication, practice, time and a lot of sore muscles, I could get there, but it will take a lot of work. With focused preparation, it is amazing what can be accomplished. The truth is, if we do what we can today, we will eventually be able to do what we can’t, tomorrow. Currently, I am training for a 100 foot race with a 30 hour time limit. When I started really training for it, I had a hard time running 7 miles. This week, my biggest day is a 28 mile run. Because I did what I COULD DO YESTERDAY, I am able to accomplish something GREATER TODAY.

trust your training

Currently, I am training for a 100 mile running race in August of this year.  The thought of running 100 miles can be overwhelming and can bring a lot of doubts.  When I have those moments, I always revert back to having to "trust my training."  In other words, I have done what the training required in order to put myself in the greatest opportunity to accomplish my goal.  This is not saying that it is going to be easy, but that I am equipped as much as possible to win this battle of mind and body.
There is a parallel spiritually here as well.  When we go through the dry spiritual times that we are all bound to face, we have to stick with our spiritual disciplines.  We will eventually get through this, but we have to keep feeding our souls even we don't "feel" hungry.   We have to trust our spiritual training...and more importantly..or TRAINER...the Holy Spirit.

nursing home

Today, my friend Steve and I went and ministered in 2 of our area's nursing homes.  You learn a lot when you share in their church service.  Things like, how to deal with distractions and surprises.  Today I walked away thinking, about the life I want to live and what I want to leave.  Most of the dear people there are in the final stages of their lives.  I often wondered what they looked like or who they were in the prime of their life.  The truth is, we will all be there someday and only what we have given away will continue to carry-on.  How can I live and give more effectively?  How can I use everything God has entrusted to me to give Him Glory?

Gameday

This past weekend, our team put on the Gameday Men's Conference with 1,000 men from around Ohio!  I had one of the greatest honors of my life on that Friday night.  I got to preach a 3 generational message with my grandfather and dad.  God moved in a big way and we saw the front of that massive church filled with men crying out to God!  It was truly a powerful night.  The next day Maurice Clarett and Jim Tressel spoke to the guys about overcoming adversity.  I am so proud of our amazing team that pulled the entire event off.  God is so good.

change yourself

Our toughest change is changing ourselves.
Why is this so hard?  The Bible says "a way of a man is right in his own eyes."  Also, we judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions.  Another reason is, we usually look outside rather than inside our own lives.  The truth is, we all need to change.  Change is hard, but if we are truly following Jesus, change is a must.

All In

God doesn't bring the miracle until all our resources are spent, otherwise it wouldn't be a miracle.  When we find ourselves at the end of our abilities and resources, is truly when God's power begins.  It's when we combine faith with action that we step into the arena for God to work His miraculous power.  It's in those "All In" moments where God shows His power.  Do you have an area of your life where you have exhausted all your resources or have come to the end of your strength?  If so, you are a perfect candidate for a miracle.

ideas

Ideas can be powerful.

I think of all the great ideas I've had over the years that never made it beyond the thought level.
How many ideas have we wasted or just wasn't in the place with the resources, time or skills to pull it off?  How many ideas have we just dismissed or didn't give another thought because of an obstacle standing in the way?  Ideas CAN be powerful, but they must be implemented and nurtured to get to there.  What ideas do you have on the back burner?  What are you waiting for?