He's Calling You

"Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him.' So they called to the blind man, 'Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you!' Throwing his cloak aside, he leaped to his feet and came to Jesus." --Mark 10:49-50

Read: Mark 10

Most of us can't fathom what the blind man was going through that day outside of Jericho. What we do know is that he spent his days begging in the dark. In the verses leading up to this one, we learn he's rebuked and told to be quiet for calling out for Jesus. But nothing stirs the blind like a close encounter with a sight giver. So when Jesus called for him, he jumped.

Nobody knows what you're battling today either. Though your eyes may work just fine, things like family matters, school issues and health problems might be darkening your spirit and blinding you from all that God wants you to see. But whatever you do, don't sit there quietly. Despite what those around you might say, cry out for Him with every functioning sense, and then cheer up and jump to your feet. He's calling you!

--Jimmy Peña

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Baked Salmon

Get a dose of heart-healthy omega-3 fats from this easy and delicious salmon dish. All you need is 15 minutes to prep this quick weeknight dinner. Leftovers are delicious over lettuce for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

Serves: 4 1 1/4 pound wild salmon, skin removed, cut into 4 pieces 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup 1 clove garlic, minced Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place salmon pieces on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Season with salt and pepper; roast for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine mustard, maple syrup, garlic and lemon juice. After 10 minutes of cooking, brush salmon with mixture and return to the oven for 5 minutes or until salmon is just cooked through.

Wild Salmon

Wild caught salmon is a sustainable seafood pick, packed with protein and omega-3 fats — 4 ounces raw has 1,660 milligrams of heart healthy omega-3 fats.

Whole Grain Mustard

You can spot whole grain mustard by the tiny round mustard seeds running through it. Those yellow seeds are packed with iron and selenium; they also contain some omega-3 fats! Despite its low calorie count (only 30 calories per tablespoon), this course mustard adds tangy flavor and texture.

Maple Syrup

It’s not just for pancakes anymore! Maple syrup is an outrageously delicious way to add some natural sweetness to a dish. Make sure to pick 100% pure syrup; there are some imposters out there made from water and corn syrup.

Garlic

This sweet and tangy salmon needs some spice from fresh garlic. There’s some research to support that a compound in garlic called allicin has antibacterial properties. Some other research is looking into how garlic may help lower cholesterol — for now the jury is still out, but it’s delicious either way.

Lemon Juice

Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness and cuts through some of the strong salmon flavor.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Calories: 240 Total fat: 9 grams Saturated fat: 1.5 grams Carbohydrates: 14 grams Cholesterol: 50 milligrams Sodium: 125 milligrams Protein: 25 grams

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a registered dietitian and is currently a nutrition expert for the Food Network, and has worked as a media spokesperson for Cooking Light Magazine. She has appeared on Good Day Street Talk, Food Network.com, Access Hollywood and GMA Health. Visit her at Dana White Nutrition. You can also visit her blog for more recipes at http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/.

Change in Heart

"Nothing will be impossible for you..." --Matthew 17:20

Read: Matthew 17

To hear this devotional read by Jimmy himself, click play here: [audio:https://s3.amazonaws.com/PrayfitAudio/Change+In+Heart.mp3]

I was asked recently if I thought 33 days was a long enough period to create a change in heart and transform a life. The person on the other end of the question was referring to the time-frame we have listed on our DVDs. And my answer was two-fold. First, a month is both anecdotally and scientifically justified in helping people create habits, so we're confident to that end. After all, our resources are all about helping people get a jump-start on good, solid daily routines of devotions and exercise.

But then it hit me. I'm the wrong person to answer the question. Instead, I say we ask the woman at the well, the blind man in the temple or the criminal on the cross. Let's ask them about the day they met Him. After all, from the moment you meet the one who forgives your past, gives you sight, or secures your future, the only real timeframe in question is any moment spent without Him.

So while we could have written our books or these DVDs to be any length, it's remembering the lengths He went to show us His love that cause a change in heart. You know, it's ironic...we're bold to declare that faith can move a mountain, and yet we doubt it can help us move a muscle.

--Jimmy Peña

>>LISTEN: Spend a few minutes taking a listen to the founder of PrayFit, as he provides message that both inspire and encourage you as you make strides toward better health in 2013. Our new "Listen" page allows you to play select devotionals and share them with your social networks. Click here to hear...

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>> GET INVOLVED: This video (click the player below) offers a glimpse of the message your congregation needs to hear. Contact us today at [email protected] for details on how you can bring Jimmy Peña to your next Sunday service!

Stopped in His Tracks

"When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.'" --Mark 10:47

Read: Mark 10

A few hours before surgery, Loretta and I were reading together about the blind man sitting on the side of the road in Jericho. His name was Bartimaeus. When Bartimaeus heard it was Jesus who was walking by, he began to shout out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Over and over he yelled. Despite being rebuked by others, he continued to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And it's the reaction of Jesus that touched my heart that morning of the surgery. The bible says that when Jesus heard him shouting, He stopped walking. Some bible versions say that He "stopped in his tracks," and other translations say He "stood still".

Oh my sweet family and friends, although I'm not blind, I was begging. A month ago, I didn't want the Lord to take another sweet step. Seconds before surgery, a nurse tried small talk, but I'm afraid she sounded more like the teacher in the Charlie Brown cartoons. They transferred me to the operating table which, for all I knew, sat on the side of that dusty road in Jericho. When the doctor said he would see me in recovery, I slowly turned my head to the side, and as tears streamed from my shut eyes, I stole a line from Bartimaeus and fell asleep.

Well, I'm beyond blessed to report that the surgery was successful. Jesus stopped in His tracks. Praise God, He stood still to hear a prayer. You know, when Bartimaeus received his sight, the very first thing he did was follow Jesus along the road. I suppose he figured the best test of his new peepers was to focus on the One who finally made them work. I plan on doing the very same thing.

--Jimmy Peña

P.S. A little over 10 months ago, while I was traveling, writing and working, I was hit with a debilitating infirmity. I came home to begin medical treatment, and since January, I've lost 50 pounds of healthy tissue -- not the good kind of weight loss. I weighed more at age 14 than I do at 40. But what you have just read was a personal journal entry that I wrote to a small group of family members who prayed for me as I went into surgery. And this week -- my first week back in a month -- I'm sharing some of those entries with you; things God has taught me through His word and through the fire. You know, at PrayFit we believe health is a means of praise. Well, never in my life has that been more true.

WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: USER CHOICE Tell us what your workout of the day or week is and we might use it to help others as next week's training program. Be specific and thorough. You lead the group! Nearly 10,000 people will get your workout, so make it count!

>> If you're looking for ideas to get you started, visit our Fitness page by clicking here.

CALL HIM

May 25, 2011Read: Mark 10

"Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him.' So they called to the blind man, 'Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you!' Throwing his cloak aside, he leaped to his feet and came to Jesus." --Mark 10:49-50

Most of us can't fathom what the blind man was going through that day outside of Jericho. What we do know is that he spent his days begging in the dark. In the verses leading up to this one, we learn he's rebuked and told to be quiet for calling out for Jesus. But nothing stirs the blind like a close encounter with a sight giver, and when Jesus finally called for him, he jumped.

Nobody knows what you're battling today either. Though your eyes may work just fine, things like family matters, school issues and work problems might be darkening your spirit and blinding you from all that God wants you to see. But whatever you do, don't sit there quietly. Despite what those around you might say, cry out for Him with every functioning sense, and then cheer up and jump to your feet. He's calling you!

--J.P.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Baked Salmon

Get a dose of heart-healthy omega-3 fats from this easy and delicious salmon dish. All you need is 15 minutes to prep this quick weeknight dinner. Leftovers are delicious over lettuce for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

Serves: 4 1 1/4 pound wild salmon, skin removed, cut into 4 pieces 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup 1 clove garlic, minced Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place salmon pieces on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Season with salt and pepper; roast for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine mustard, maple syrup, garlic and lemon juice. After 10 minutes of cooking, brush salmon with mixture and return to the oven for 5 minutes or until salmon is just cooked through.

Wild Salmon

Wild caught salmon is a sustainable seafood pick, packed with protein and omega-3 fats — 4 ounces raw has 1,660 milligrams of heart healthy omega-3 fats.

Whole Grain Mustard

You can spot whole grain mustard by the tiny round mustard seeds running through it. Those yellow seeds are packed with iron and selenium; they also contain some omega-3 fats! Despite its low calorie count (only 30 calories per tablespoon), this course mustard adds tangy flavor and texture.

Maple Syrup

It’s not just for pancakes anymore! Maple syrup is an outrageously delicious way to add some natural sweetness to a dish. Make sure to pick 100% pure syrup; there are some imposters out there made from water and corn syrup.

Garlic

This sweet and tangy salmon needs some spice from fresh garlic. There’s some research to support that a compound in garlic called allicin has antibacterial properties. Some other research is looking into how garlic may help lower cholesterol — for now the jury is still out, but it’s delicious either way.

Lemon Juice

Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness and cuts through some of the strong salmon flavor.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Calories: 240 Total fat: 9 grams Saturated fat: 1.5 grams Carbohydrates: 14 grams Cholesterol: 50 milligrams Sodium: 125 milligrams Protein: 25 grams

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a registered dietitian and is currently a nutrition expert for the Food Network, and has worked as a media spokesperson for Cooking Light Magazine. She has appeared on Good Day Street Talk, Food Network.com, Access Hollywood and GMA Health. Visit her at Dana White Nutrition. You can also visit her blog for more recipes at http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/.

THE CROWD IS...US

November 23, 2010Read: Mark 10

“Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you!’ Throwing his cloak aside, he leaped to his feet and came to Jesus.” –Mark 10:49-50

No need to adjust your computer screen, that’s indeed the same verse as yesterday’s entry. But I just had to go back to it. Ever since we posted last night, I haven’t been able to get a particular thought out of my head: The crowd knew something. Read the verse again.

Typically, we focus on either the blind man, Bartimaeus, or of course, Jesus. But the crowd’s response has bugged me for nearly 24 hours. The crowd is…us. Why? Because they knew something. They knew what Jesus had the power to do in the blind man’s life. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have reacted as if the beggar had just won the lottery!

Read it again. Of all the thousand voices that were clamoring for Jesus to hear, that of a blind beggar behind all the others sitting on the side of the road found the ear of Jesus, and the crowd knew what that meant. Can’t you just see the pause, the wide eyes, open mouths, and then their whiplash reactions as they run to the one who’s number had just been called?

You and I stand among those who need to heed the call. Read the verse again (last time, I promise). Isn’t Jesus calling everyone? Didn’t He die for all the world? And if we’ve been saved and healed…aren’t we the crowd who knows?

–J.P.

FUN FACT: THE INCREDIBLE EGG

Many of you may think that eggs are just a simple breakfast food -- something that's been on your plate every morning since you can remember. But it is so much more, particularly if you're looking to gain muscle, says Jim Stoppani, PhD, co-author of "PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 28 Days" (Regal Books). Researchers found that subjects who ate three whole eggs per day gained twice as much muscle in 12 weeks as those who only had one egg per day.

EGG FACTS: One whole egg contains 72 calories, 6 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbohydrate and 5 grams of fat. But don't worry -- about 80% of that fat is monounsaturated and saturated fat, which actually aids in the muscle-building process.

Source: www.jimstoppani.com

CALL HIM

November 22, 2010Read: Mark 10

"Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him.' So they called to the blind man, 'Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you!' Throwing his cloak aside, he leaped to his feet and came to Jesus." --Mark 10:49-50

Most of us can't fathom what the blind man was going through that day outside of Jericho. What we do know is that he spent his days begging in the dark. In the verses leading up to this one, we learn he's rebuked and told to be quiet for calling out for Jesus. But nothing stirs the blind like a close encounter with a sight giver, and when Jesus finally called for him, he jumped.

Nobody knows what you're battling today either. Though your eyes may work just fine, things like family matters, school issues and work problems might be darkening your spirit and blinding you from all that God wants you to see. But whatever you do, don't sit there quietly. Despite what those around you might say, cry out for Him with every functioning sense, and then cheer up and jump to your feet. He's calling you!

--J.P.

PRAYFIT WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: Abs in 10

It's funny that while most people revile the thought of having to spend 30 minutes on an exercise bike, most will spend as long...as...it...takes...training abs. Folks will do reps until they cramp if it means having a flat, strong-looking midsection. Well, the good news is that abs training is more about the quality than the quantity of your sessions. Abs, mostly comprised of endurance-based muscle fibers, can quickly adapt to marathon crunch sessions. Your focus, then, should be on the accuracy of each move (are you doing it right?) and the intensity of each workout (how hard are you training?). This 10-minute session allows you to target all three areas of your abs with proven, easy-to-execute exercises.

Choose one exercise for each section to help target different sections of your abdominals. If you choose an exercise that requires resistance, select a weight that allows you to fail around 15-20 repetitions. If it's a bodyweight-only move, do as many reps as necessary until you reach failure and if you have time, repeat the cycle -- up to three times total. Perform this workout twice per week -- after weight training or on non-weight training days -- and, with a relatively clean diet, you should see results in no time!

Lower Abs Hanging Leg Raise Reverse Crunch Hip Thrust

Upper Abs Standard Crunch Lying Cable Crunch Machine Crunch

Obliques Crossover Crunch Woodchopper Decline Cable Twist

Core Plank

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THE CROWD IS...US

July 22, 2010Read: Mark 10 "Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him.' So they called to the blind man, 'Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you!' Throwing his cloak aside, he leaped to his feet and came to Jesus." --Mark 10:49-50

No need to adjust your computer screen, that's indeed the same verse as yesterday's entry. But I just had to go back to it. Ever since we posted last night, I haven't been able to get a particular thought out of my head: The crowd knew something. Read the verse again.

Typically, we focus on either the blind man, Bartimaeus, or of course, Jesus. But the crowd's response has bugged me for nearly 24 hours. The crowd is...us. They knew something. They knew what Jesus had the power to do in the blind man's life. Otherwise, they wouldn't have reacted as if the beggar had just won the lottery.

Read it again. Of all the thousand voices that were clamoring for Jesus to hear, that of a blind beggar behind all the others sitting on the side of the road found the ear of Jesus, and the crowd knew what that meant. Can't you just see the pause, the wide eyes, open mouths, and then their whiplash reactions as they run to the one who's number had just been called?

You and I stand among those who need to heed the call. Read the verse again (last time, I promise). Isn't Jesus calling everyone? Didn't He die for all the world? And if we've been saved and healed...aren't we the crowd who knows?

--J.P.

TIME FOR A REMINDER

Time for more "broken record" rhetoric. Don’t worry about working on balance while trying to train for strength. For example, you may see people from time to time standing on one leg while doing biceps curls. That makes no sense, since both the biceps and core are not being fully stimulated. Your best bet is to focus on one or the other. Besides, the strongest cores are of power athletes, who spend their time picking up heavy stuff from a stable surface.