Victory for FDJ Big Mat

The paloton let them go.  No chase to bring back the breakaway.  Congratulation to Team FDJ /Big Mat and Pierrick Fédrigo. FDJ Big Mat has enjoyed the victories this tour.   

Étape 15 Samatan to Pau

Today is a day for the sprinters to come out and shine.  We pray that it will be a safe ride for all.  Yesterday, a person in the crowds actions effected the race for many people.  Astana rider Robert Kiserlovski picked up one of the nails and crashed and broke his collar bone and is now out of the tour. Our actions effect other people and this was true yesterday.
 Lord, we pray that this one action will remind us all that what we do and say can lift up others or tear them down.  Actions can cause pain or relief.  Help us all to live out your word and treat others the way you would.  Thank you for coming to earth and living as an example to us all.  Thank you for helping us to live as you desire.  Let our deeds and actions glorify you today.  We pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen

the lead out train

Yesterday, the lead out train brought Mark across the line first one more time. Team work is paying off for HTC.

Étape 15 - Limoux to Montpellier

CESSENON-SUR-ORB

Here in Mobile we have a street named Montpellier, so I pray for this city often.  Today our stage is a sprinters stage and so look for a speedy finish. Today we will pray through the department of Aude (11) and the Hérault department (34)in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon. As you travel through France you see many strong castles. Some have stood for many centuries built with stones by mighty men. Some have been beaten down over the years and others still stand today. Pray for the people of this area to know that God is our strong tower our fortress. In Proverbs 18:10 it says "The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

Lord most High, we can run to you and be safe for you are a fortified tower. Lord, we pray that as the people of France live among these towers that they will see that you are the fortified tower they need. Lord here in the Lanquedoc-Roussillon region we pray that people will proclaim, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. We pray that they will take refuge in You. We simply pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen

Étape 15 Pamiers > Bagnères-de-Luchon

On route today we come to MAS-D’AZIL.  This town is rich in protestant church history.  When there were times of persecution they, early Christians, Albigensians, and Huguenots, sought refuge in these caves. . The biggest cave is Mas-d'Azil. Its Caverne Merveilleuse extends 2-1/2 miles.  Two scriptures come to mind.

Psalms 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.  and
Psalms 18:2  The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

I am glad the Word of God the Huguenots believed in is still the same today and their God is our God.  In times of hardship and persecution they trusted in God to protect them and to be their strength.  I am honored by the rich heritage we have as believers in Christ.  It will be glorious to be in Heaven and hear the stories of God's goodness to all of them. 

Sovereign Lord,
As we travel through France today, we see our church history unfold before us.  In these stories of the past we see your faithfulness and we are blessed to know that you never change.  I praise you for all that you did for this region in the time of the Huguenots and others who have lived here believing in your salvation.  Lord, I pray that you will gather together a mighty army of believers who will once more stand for the truth of the word of God.  Lord, thank you for those you have saved and those whom you will save, but we know that they can only be saved through the hearing of your word.  Bring believers to this area to boldly preach the gospel of Christ.  I pray these things in the name of Jesus the Alpha and the Omega.  Amen