Sunday, April 02, 2006

Asics, Speed Workouts and Freedom


Check out the Asics club pictured here at the Dunbar High track. Jon and Joshua kicking the GT-2110's and yours truly with those shiny red DS-Trainers. It was fun to push it a little bit today.

Running blog moment for the weekend: 4x800 m with a recovery lap inbetween each. Shua and myself are trying to keep each 800 under 3min, 10sec and build up to increase our VO2 max potential.

Myself and Shua have both been asked about the craziness of doing a marathon, and someone even proof-texted 1 Tim. 4:8 to me and said "of little value." (Read on). I decided I'd read the rest of the chapter as proof-texting is often a very personalized science to make one's point with no regard for the truth or purpose of the scripture. Naturally, I didn't feel too bad about punishing my body to bring it into submission in place of watching TV and eating chips, so read 1 Tim. 4 (because I'm not going to type the whole thing). It would seem that Paul is writing Timothy to inform him that people will always want to start imposing laws on others and tabbing it "righteousness." But he writes in v. 4: "For Everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. Because it is consecrated by the word of God and Prayer." Now maybe I'm stretching this (if you think so, please tell me), but I see being able to run now, and get out in nature, and establish new friendships with people as blessings from God.

This is the beauty of the new covenant. It came and was put into practice because the old covenant was weak and useless (see Hebrews 7 if you don't believe me {v.18 and surrounding}) because it became regulations and laws, perpetual sacrifice. Christ (our high priest in the order of Melchizedek) has already sacrificed and therefore does not need to continue the ritual. This is the hope we have. This is the freedom we have: We are crucified with Christ already and daily, but do not allow Satan (or people espousing knowledge) to crucify you. Live in the freedom and knowledge that you are a Child of God. You already have your place as a son or daughter. Simply live in that truth and obey God. Seek to know him more deeply, seek to love his heart and break with the things that break his. In essence, live an abundant life and glorify God with it. 'Nuff said

8 comments:

Josh Kleinfeld said...

Ah the beauty.

What a runner...

Anonymous said...

"...when I run I feel His pleasure" You got it, Sam - Great!

Anonymous said...

i love that you're crazy. the male collier told me you guys were planning on a marathon. what about the knee, sam? i love you and i don't want you to hurt yourself. i'm not sure what the argument was in this entry, but i'm sure you were right and that you won. 'you always do.' - will farrell

Sam said...

It wasn't really an argument dave. I didn't need to win either. I just wanted to point out that it's dangerous for Christians to simply define themselves by the things they are not.

The knee is actually pretty good right now. I'm taking it easy during the week and doing low/no impact workouts to rest it. Good to hear from you dude. How you been?

Anonymous said...

Kyle brought Isaac over for a bit last night. The little dude's been sick for a couple days so it was good to see him walking around getting into things. But after a few minutes of that, he went over to the stack of folded quilts and tried pulling them off the couch.

Kyle took the hint and made Isaac's cushy "comforter pallet" in the middle of the floor. Isaac immediately fell on it, stretched out in "snow angel" fashion and let out a big "aaahhh" noise. He rolled to the other side and did it again. And again. And again. And again. Probably 10 rolls, stretches, and aahhs. Kyle and I laughed and I thought of the joy you experience when you run.

Looks like Isaac's got the bug to experience joy in simple pleasures, too. Of course, we couldn't resist putting words in Isaac's mouth, "when I roll I feel His pleasure".

Sam said...

I love it! That's exactly what I'm talking about.

Anonymous said...

Sam-Wise,

You promised pictures, and I see none. Are you being a slacker friend?

Sam said...

sorry (mike or katy). Will post in a couple of minutes