Runners Church Devotions
Runners Church Devotions offer weekly encouragement at the intersection of faith and fitness. Each post blends scripture, inspiration, and practical lessons for life’s race. You’ll also find topics across our devotional archive, including Grace and Stewardship, Spiritual Identity and Purpose, Mental and Emotional Health, Witness and Influence, and Faith Through Adversity.
When the World Slaps, God Elevates
Dave Schapiro on Matthew 5:39: a backhanded slap was a gesture of contempt, so turning the other cheek forces the aggressor to strike as an equal — or stop. Not weakness, but courageous nonviolent resistance that keeps your dignity intact.
Choose Wisely
Dave Schapiro on decision-making: the good choice comes from more than instinct. God gives us the Holy Spirit, His Word, prayer, wisdom, and godly counsel — so pause, pray, consider the consequences, and ask what would reflect Jesus.
A Better Reason to Grow
Dave Schapiro on school-year resolutions: growth is worth pursuing, but the motive matters. If our worth depends on outperforming others we never arrive — our identity is in Christ, and growth becomes stewardship rather than proof.
Beyond the Barrier
Dave Schapiro uses Roger Bannister's historic sub-four-minute mile to show that the barriers we face — fear, age, past failure — are not unbreakable. Vision, a plan, and commitment to the Lord are the way through.
More Than Miles
Dave uses Ted Lasso, exercise, and Elijah's story to remind us that we cannot always see what another person is carrying. When warning signs persist, the loving response is to listen, stay present, and encourage qualified help.
Honor the Practice
Dave Schapiro remembers Coach Dick Cook and the lesson that success is built in the ordinary work of practice, where preparation, consistency, and faithful effort shape a life.
Passing the Baton
Watching the young worshipers at church reminded Dave that the real legacy is the faith, values, and example we hand to the next generation.
The Long Run
Six couples from a small Missouri town—with a combined 416 years of marriage—remind us what faithfulness looks like. Dave Schapiro connects their remarkable longevity to the kind of steady, committed faith that honors God in every season of life.
It's the Hard That Makes It Great!
Two friends just finished a mini triathlon — exhausted and thrilled in exactly equal measure. Dave Schapiro connects their finish-line moment to Jimmy Dugan's most famous line, and to what James promises about the people who don't quit.
Consistency Beats Intensity
When the alarm goes off at 4:00 a.m., the couch makes a surprisingly strong argument. This week's Runner's Church devotional explores what keeps us consistent when motivation alone won't
What Can I Do for You Today?
This week's Runner's Church devotional reminds us that our 168 hours are a finite gift — and the greatest investment we can make with them is intentional availability in service to others, just as Christ modeled.
So Much to Be Thankful For
This week's Runner's Church devotional invites us to look past the noise and notice the blessings that often go unreported, from graduations and safe travel to new babies, freedom, and God's ongoing kindness.
What Is Success?
This week's Runner's Church devotional redefines success — not by wins, losses, or the scoreboard, but by the positive impact we have on others. Drawing on a Ted Lasso scene and Hebrews 10:24, it's a call to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
What Shall I Do for an Encore?
This week's Runner's Church devotional asks what comes next when a season ends — the idea of an 'encore career' and God's invitation to stop dwelling on the past and step into the new thing He is preparing. Rooted in Ephesians 2:10 and Isaiah 43:18–19.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: More Than a Word
This week's Runner's Church devotional unpacks RESPECT as more than a Aretha Franklin anthem — it's a seven-part framework for how we treat the people around us every day, rooted in the humility Paul describes in Philippians 2.
Inheritance
A friend's Toastmasters exercise — delivering your own eulogy — got Dave Schipiro thinking: what would he say? This week's Runner's Church devotional is a personal reflection on what we actually leave behind. Proverbs 13:22 says a good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children — and it turns out the most lasting kind has nothing to do with money.
Run the Race, Enjoy the Journey
Michelle finished first in her age group this morning — and it started with a training plan. But purpose alone doesn't sustain the Christian walk. This week's Runner's Church devotional is a reminder that Jesus modeled joy and humor right alongside truth, and that the people around us should see not just discipline, but something worth wanting.
Work Hard, Serve Well
In 1980, Coach Herb Brooks kept his players on the ice after a win — not to punish them, but to teach them something they would carry to the gold medal. This week's Runner's Church devotional draws that line straight to Philippians 2: your work ethic and willingness to serve without complaint are a witness to everyone watching.
Listen to Your Body
This week's Runner's Church devotional opens with NHL playoff athletes competing through serious injuries and asks a harder question: when is saying "No" actually the wiser choice? Dave Schipiro explores the spiritual wisdom of discernment — knowing which assignments are yours in this season and trusting God to place the rest on someone else.
Breaking Through Barriers
This week's Runner's Church devotional marks the 72nd anniversary of Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile — and asks what barriers in our own lives we've declared impossible. With God, nothing is. Sometimes, you're the breakthrough someone else needs to see.