“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”
Psalm 119:32
Almost 40 years ago I ran my first high school cross-country race. There’s nothing quite like running with the entire field bolting out like a stampede at the start of your very first race. It’s exhilarating! Ever since then I’ve been drawn to the passages in Scripture that mention running. Was the apostle Paul a runner? Judging by how often he references running in his letters, we might at least assume running was a part of life in Bible times.
This month’s devotions highlight various biblical truths and the truth of the gospel as we see them illustrated through running. You’ll read thoughts from me and from my wife (she herself a runner and a track/cross-country coach for decades), as well as words from friends of ours immersed in the world of running.
But whether this sort of physical activity suits you or not, I believe you’ll find encouragement in each day’s words. They remind us how we all are running the race of life and have a Savior who is carrying us across the finish line. May God bless your walk (or run!) with Him as you read Anchor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Glen M. and Kora L. VanderKooi
Running has been a big part of the lives of husband and wife Kori and Glen VanderKooi. Glen was a successful track and cross-country athlete, the “coach behind the coach” for Kori for years, and a joyful participant in all-things-running until his stroke nine years ago caused paralysis on one side. Kori started running at age nine and has since competed in marathons and other long-distance races too numerous to count. She has coached kids of all ages in running clubs, track, and cross-country for decades, currently coaching high school teams of 70-90 runners. Both Kori and Glen have treasured the “talks with the Lord” while out on the course. They live in Byron Center, Michigan and have four children, the youngest of whom just had his last year with his mom as his high school running coach.
This month’s devotions highlight various biblical truths and the truth of the gospel as we see them illustrated through running. You’ll read thoughts from me and from my wife (she herself a runner and a track/cross-country coach for decades), as well as words from friends of ours immersed in the world of running.
But whether this sort of physical activity suits you or not, I believe you’ll find encouragement in each day’s words. They remind us how we all are running the race of life and have a Savior who is carrying us across the finish line. May God bless your walk (or run!) with Him as you read Anchor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Glen M. and Kora L. VanderKooi
Running has been a big part of the lives of husband and wife Kori and Glen VanderKooi. Glen was a successful track and cross-country athlete, the “coach behind the coach” for Kori for years, and a joyful participant in all-things-running until his stroke nine years ago caused paralysis on one side. Kori started running at age nine and has since competed in marathons and other long-distance races too numerous to count. She has coached kids of all ages in running clubs, track, and cross-country for decades, currently coaching high school teams of 70-90 runners. Both Kori and Glen have treasured the “talks with the Lord” while out on the course. They live in Byron Center, Michigan and have four children, the youngest of whom just had his last year with his mom as his high school running coach.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 119:25-32
Insight
“I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” (Philippians 3:13, The Message)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 14-15
- Proverbs 31
- Revelation 18-19
