DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE A CROWN FROM JESUS?

 TRAIL RUNNERS IN PARK CITY

WOMENS FITNESS TRAINING

Missionary Debra is taking five college age Christian ladies trail running in Park City, Utah. After a steady run uphill, Debra finds a good place to take a break.

Georgina, the black woman says, "I'm not used to the higher elevation, the air is a lot thinner up here than Georgia."

Alicia, sitting with twin sister Sue, says, "I think we're 7,200' above sea level.  Your heart has to work harder up here."

Debra continues, "I've been a missionary around the world, climbing steep hills, daily walking 20 miles to villages, and paddling canoes in rivers.  Do any of you want to follow in my footsteps?  Any future missionaries here?"

Kim, the Chinese sister of Lead Detective Jack, raises her hands with a big smile, saying, "I am willing to go anywhere with Jesus to the ends of the earth!"

Debra smiles, saying, "In ancient Greece, runners who won the race would receive a Stephanos Crown at a Bema seat."

Alicia asks, "Did they receive royal crowns like the ones kings wore?"

Debra answers, "No, a Stephanos crown is a wreath made of laurel, oak, ivy, myrtle, or olive leaves."

Sue comments, "Did they wear it like a sweat band?"

Debra shakes her head, and speaks, "Are you aware that there are five different crowns, Jesus will reward His faithful, only if you earn them?"

Luna, pastor Manuel's daughter blurts out, "Can you tell us what the Five Crowns are, and how we can earn these rewards."

Debra speaks, "Crown of Glory is given to Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, Elders, Teachers and anyone who feeds the flock with God's word the Bible, and makes disciples." 

Luna quotes, " Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:18-20  NIV)

Georgina reads from her cell phone: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:  Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."  (1 Peter 5:1-4  NIV - New International Version)

Debra adds, "You can lose your reward if you are seeking dishonest gain and use your position to lord over your disciples.  Remember Jesus is the Lord and we are His servants."

Alicia comments, "These crowns do not perish; not like the ones given to Greek athletes?"

Debra continues, "Our next one is the IMPERISHABLE CROWN.  As we discipline our bodies today trail running, if we want to earn this crown we must discipline our lives, body, soul, mind and spirit for Christ!"  

Alicia reads from her cell phone, "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.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27  NKJV - New King James Version)

Debra comments, "We need to have self discipline and use our bodies as a temple to glorify God."

Kim smiles, "Teachers need to set the example and live holy lives too, or they'll lose their reward."

Debra continues, "CROWN OF LIFE, is given to those endures trials and temptations and perserves until the end."

Kim reads from her Bible app, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  (James 1:12  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Sue reads from her phone, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."  (Revelation 2:10  NASB)

Debra comments, "You need to be faithful throughout your life, until death.  Does anyone know what the CROWN OF REJOICING is?"

Georgia blurts out, "I know, it's praising and worshipping God."

Luna reads from her app, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?  For you are our glory and joy."  (I Thessalonians 2:19-20  NKJV)

Debra comments, "Paul rejoices for all the people who came to Jesus Christ.  This crown is known as the Soul Winners Crown.  

Does anyone know what are final reward we can earn?"

Alicia raises her hand, saying "CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS"

Debra speaks, "Do you remember the Parable of the 10 Virgins.  5 were prepared and waiting excited for the return of the Bridegroom, while 5 were unprepared, sleepy heads.  The Crown of Righteousness will be given to those who are waiting for the appearing of Christ."

Luna adds, "We don't know the day or the hour that Jesus will return. 

Kim reads, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."  (2 Timothy 4:7-8  NKJV)

Debra speaks, "Jesus will return like a thief in the night at a time nobody will expect.  Will you rejoice at His coming, when you can see Jesus face to face?  Or will you be unprepared as a sleepy head?

Georgina adds, "I heard about these crowns, but I never realized this is something we need to earn during our lifetime."

Kim adds, "This is spiritual trail running we need to do every day, to be fit for the Lord."

Debra concludes, "Anyone want to quit running and go home?  Or do you want run the good race, be faithful to God, endure through trials and temptation and be excited rejoicing for the day you will see Jesus."

Debra gets up, and runs down the trail.   All the ladies spring up and rush behind her, trying to catch up.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?

 THREE DETECTIVES IN ZION 

ANGELS LANDING INVESTIGATION

A shuttle bus at Zion National Park stops at The Grotto.  The driver says, "Make sure you use restrooms and refill water here before your hike."

Bus doors open, and Jack, Gloria and Valerie step off the bus and put on their daypacks.

Valerie says, "I'm sad we didn't win the lottery and get our permits to hike to the top of Angel Landing."

Jack replies, "We still can hike to Scout Lookout without permits and see great views of Zion National Park.  Let's pray for God's protection before we go."

After, they walk across a bridge.  Valerie asks, "What is the name of this creek?'  

Gloria replies, "It's the Virgin River.  Maybe after our hike we can float down the river on tubes, outside of the park."

Valerie stops at the trail junction, asking, "Right or Left?  How many miles?"

Jack explains, "1.8 miles to Scout Lookout.  There's a restroom and no water."

Three women overhearing Jack, stop to talk.  Skye asks Jack, "Do you know the total mileage and elevation to hike to the top of Angels Landing."

Jack replies, "You're looking at 4 1/2 miles total, 1,540' elevation gain and 4 hours of hiking.  I've been up there 3 times."

Gloria adds, "I'm Gloria, these are my friends Jack and Valerie."

Skye replies, "I'm Skye from Boston, Kalea is from Maui, and Caroline is from Georgia.  We are content creators and social media influencers meeting together for the first time."

Caroline adds, "We are here to hike the Five Most Dangerous Trails out West, to conquer fear!"

Valerie holds her cell phone shooting video of the conversion, asking, "What are the big 5?"

Kalea smiles, "Angels Landing, Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon, Buckskin Gulch in Paria Wilderness, The Maze in Canyonlands, and The Half Dome in Yosemite."

The conversations continue as they walk up the West Rim Trail.  Going up the switchback section,  Kalea asks Jack, "What's with the silly hat?"

Jack smiles, "We are the Three Detectives interviewing and asking hikers on the trail today, "What is Your Greatest Fear?"  Gloria is our note taker, and Valerie shoot our videos."

Gloria asks, "Skye, are the three of you doing the same thing?"

Skye replies, "I do online video content, Caroline shoots pictures, and Kalea is writing a book about overcoming fear, while hiking the most dangerous trails in the west."

Caroline adds, "We have been online friends for years and this is our first outing together."

Skye, Caroline and Kalea stop in shade on the switchback trail.

Gloria asks, "How much water are you carrying?"  Kalea lifts up two 16oz bottles of water."

Valerie asks, "Do you have any electrolytes or salty snacks?  Utah is the second driest state in the United States."

Kalea holds out two sugar coated energy bars.

Later they walk through a small canyon.  Gloria speaks, "Welcome to Refridgerator Canyon.  A great place to cool off."

Then they reach a section of short switchbacks.  Valerie speaks, "This is Walter Wiggles!"

Caroline asks, "Valerie, can you take a picture of us on the wiggles?"  

Skye, Kalea and Caroline stand on different switchbacks, with arms lifted up to the sky.  Valerie shoots a half dozen photos with different poses.

Everyone reaches the top of Scout Lookout.  Jack tells them, "We didn't get a permit, so we have to stop here."

Gloria adds, "The ranger will check your permit before the chain section.  If you are found without one, it's a $5,000 fine & six months in prison."

Kalea speaks, "We were so lucky to get our permit online."

Jack looks serious saying, "Have you prepared yourself physically?  Have you hiked on slickrock in the desert before?"

Valerie adds, "When I hiked up the chain section before, I wore my bicycle gloves.  The chains can get hot in the afternoon."

Skye smirks, "Nobody tells us these things online."

Gloria stares at Skye's shoes, asking, "Do your have good traction?  Have you tested your hiking shoes on slickrock and sand before?"

Caroline says, "We don't have any fear of anything?"

Gloria quotes, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  (Proverbs 9:10  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Valerie asks, "Do you have a will or trust? If you were to die today, would you go to heaven or hell?"

Skye replies, "Sorry, we are not religious."

Jack adds, "Do you have fear and worry about your safety today?"

Kalea speaks, "As long as we are focused and hold tightly to the chain, we will be all right."

Valerie adds, "As long as we hold tight to Jesus we will be all right too."

Gloria reads, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  NIV - New International Version)

Skye smiles, "It's been a pleasure hiking with you.  We need to hike up the chain section before it gets crowded."

Jack smiles back, "Can we pray for God's protection on you, before you leave."

Kalea smiles, "Yes please! Yes please!"

After Jack prays for them, they walk over to the ranger checking their permits to hike the chain section.

Three Detectives rest on Scout Lookout, eating lunch and talking to other hikers.  

It was about 1 1/2 hours later, they see the three social media influencers return down the trail.

Skye was in front, Kalea was limping with a scraped knee, and Caroline following behind.

The Three Detectives walked Kalea over to a rock, to sit down.  

Jack stares, "You're bleeding, lets wash out the dirt and put a bandage on it."

Jack takes out a fresh bottle of water and washes the sand out of the wound.  After putting a cotton pad to slow the bleeding, he reaches into his pack pulling out a large Bandaid.

Kalea takes a deep breathe, "Coming down was scarey.  There's sand on the slickrock that made me slip.  I grabbed the chain with one hand and was saved.  Can you tell me how I can follow Jesus?"

Gloria reads, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."                (1 John 1:9  NIV)

Valerie adds, "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." (John 3:3  NIV)

Kalea smiles, "I want Jesus to be my guide!"

Jack quotes, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."  (Romans 10:9-10  NIV)

Gloria speaks to Skye and Caroline, saying, "Would you like to overcome the fear of death and know you have everlasting life?"

Skye, Carolie and Kalea still shaken from the fear of Angels Landing, shook their heads, YES!

Kalea says, "What do we have to do?"

Jack says, "Would you like to pray and receive Jesus into your life?  He has a free gift of everlasting life."

Valerie adds, "If you repent from you sins, have faith and trust in Him, you will receive His Holy Spirit and he will comfort and guide you."

Gloria adds, "He will make you a new person."

After they pray, all of them comes together in a group hug.

Kalea says, "I think we're going to Bryce Canyon next and skip all the trails of terror.  It's time to enjoy the west!"

Skye says, "Goodbye, it has been fun meeting you on Scout Lookout.  I'm sure glad that Jesus is our scout and He is looking out for all of us!"

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