Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
The Temptation of Pride
"Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this?" --Acts 3:11
When Peter and John came across the lame man at the temple gate, Peter said to him, "Look at us." When the lame man fixed his eyes on them, Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6) And as you'll see later in the passage, all the people later saw the man walking, leaping and praising God, and they ran to Peter and John in awe.
But what Peter said to them should rock our world. Peter said, "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we made this man walk?" (v.12) Peter wanted nothing to do with credit. He wanted out of the way. Any praise was deflected before it was uttered. The last thing he wanted was for the people to miss the point of the miracle.
The temptation of pride. Tough for many Christians in the fitness industry. Torn, because the most difficult battle for the gifted Christian athlete isn't the work it takes in the gym, but in the aftermath of pride. Ironic isn't it? Peter and John told the lame man to look at them, but they didn't want to be seen.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: If Christians aren't promoting humility, modesty and meekness in the fitness industry, who will? If not you, who? Are we desperate for others to "look at us" in order to be seen or for them to see Christ? What changes do you need to make in order to be seen less? Knowing that God opposes the proud, in what ways can you follow Peter's example? We know it's odd for a fitness company to NOT be about the body, but then again, our health was important to God long before the fitness industry; an industry that needs revolutionaries to rock its world. Revolutionaries who don't want the crowd to miss the point of the miracle. Will you be one this week?
REVIEW US: We've heard lots of great, early feedback from you all about The PrayFit Diet on our Facebook page and Twitter. Now, we're asking you to share your views on Amazon so that others can see what you like about the book and how it's helping you find biblical balance with your nutrition. Click here to leave a short review for future Amazon shoppers!
4 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT CARBS FROM THE PRAYFIT DIET
1 Carbs are the body's preferred source of energy but not all carbs are created equal.
2 Choosing slower-digesting carbs provides better, longer-lasting energy and greater benefits for body composition.
3 Fiber reduces the impact of carbs, aids digestion and helps keep weight off.
4 Carb timing counts. Having carb-heavy foods upon waking and after working out are less likely to be stored as fat.
TIME TO BOARD
June 7, 2011 Read: James 4
"What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." --James 4:14
Last week, while on my way to do an interview with Guideposts Magazine in New York, I found myself stranded at the airport. No flights coming or going, I settled into my corner of the gate area and watched others do the same. Turns out, airports are to a writer what open car windows are to my chocolate lab Josey; an overload on the senses.
As I sat there, I watched my fellow travelers as they took ownership of their waiting space. One lady turned a few open seats into a makeshift office. Another man used the floor for a picnic. I thought I'd seen it all until a young couple installed a mailbox and rolled-out a welcome home mat. Their address: 2 Behereforever Lane.
Okay, so maybe the young couple didn't exactly make the waiting area their front porch, but you and I sure do. We claim what's ours, deadbolt our belongings, and even though we're not, we make ourselves at home.
Truth is, we're not here to stay and our wait isn't all that long. But instead of seeing the brevity of life as encouragement to stay strong and healthy, we rationalize since it's not gonna last, why bother? But we have to remind ourselves that we don't do good things in order to be loved, we do them because we are. (If only we saw our health that way.)
So, after a five-hour delay, it was finally time to board. I began packing up my things when a little girl holding her father's hand walked by and asked, "Daddy, will there be someone waiting for us?" And while I didn't hear the father's reply, I do know the answer. And because of that, I think the best we can do is wait and live abundantly like God intended...and be ready when it's finally time to board.
--J.P.
TREADMILL: BACKWARDS PROGRESS? How a new study is redefining how to use this staple piece of gym equipment
While most of us would just as soon ignore the treadmill, it is still one of the most basic and essential pieces of gym equipment around. But are we using it optimally?
A new study, released at the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) annual meeting, found that those who pedaled backward on treadmills and elliptical machines gained greater quadriceps and hamstring strength and had greater aerobic capacity than those who went forward.
The study will require larger samples to measure but the results are encouraging for those rehabilitating injuries as well as those returning from a long layoff that need to build strength and endurance quickly. The most obvious caveat is that backwards walking, at least in the beginning, should be done using the provided safety handles until you are more sure-footed with the chosen equipment.
For the full story, click here.
THE FINE PRINT
October 22, 2010Read: Acts 2
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” --Acts 2:38
Car commercials make me chuckle sometimes. After the soft, deep, melodic voice convinces and comforts you to purchase what’s too-good-to-be-true, a speed talker recites the declaration of fine print in one breath: More money than you can afford due at signing, not available in all states, void where prohibited (which is probably everywhere or at least where you live), all outrageous terms subject to credit approval (which is highly unlikely).
We live in a strings-attached society. No wonder we’re a tough crowd. Show us a good deal and we’re looking for a trap door. Maybe that’s why grace is such a tough sell. The world just knows there’s a catch. But if Heaven had fine print spoken in one final breath, it might read something like this: Payment for your sin is more costly than you can afford but Jesus paid your debt in full; grace available to all the world and never prohibited; it's free, it’s a gift. Jesus loves you no matter your credit; accept him today, don’t wait.
Yep. Too good to be true. I’m sold.
–J.P.
PRAYFIT WEEK IN REVIEW A look back at a week of healthy-living tips
WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: 10-Minute Fat Blasting Workout
HEALTH: Are artificial sweeteners safe?
FAT-BURNING: 7 more ways to burn fat faster
RECIPE: Sautee some kale with PrayFit nutritionist Dana Angelo White
>> NEWS: Today, PrayFit secured the endorsement of three-time boxing champ Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (see below). Be sure to tune in to his fight on HBO's Boxing After Dark on Saturday, November 6.
"Being a big believer in Jesus Christ, PrayFit gets me on track to start my day of in the right direction. In boxing there is no room for error. You have to be not only be physically prepared but spiritually strong as well."
--3-Time Boxing World Champion Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero