Grace In Numbers

"But he gives us more grace." --James 4:6

Read: James 4

Max Lucado once wrote, "Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off." I thought of that quote yesterday while going through the vast number of prayer requests; each name was mentioned out loud and every need lifted by all of us at PrayFit, not to mention a countless number of all of you that went through them. Thank you for your prayer support. Grace in numbers.

Speaking of, how many of you reading this today are hearing the voice of grace? You eat right, get your exercise in, take your vitamins. But there's something that's been missing. Something more important. Something...deeper. A show of hands of those that have taken care of the body, but you hear God knocking on the door of your heart, letting you know He misses His time with you. Or maybe the voice inside is urging you to improve your relationship with your spouse, someone at work, or "that" neighbor. Until now, you've shrugged it off. You've done the math and you can't figure out why bother. Besides, the mirror still agrees with you, the money isn't bad, and you suppose that "If that neighbor wants to talk to me -- then, well -- they can come talk to me." But that's what grace is. It's the solution to our toughest equations.

I know sometimes the math of life just doesn't add up. We scratch our heads. We multiply our hurts and subtract our days. We feel divided, because it's not always easy to forgive, or cope, or strive, or to be modest, or patient, or try harder, or quieter. But the longer I live, the sweeter the proof is that when you carry the One, grace always solves for why.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What is the voice of grace urging you to change? Your health? Bible study time? Other? Remember, if the Lord is urging us, He gives us the power to pull it off.

****IMPORTANT SITE UPDATE****: This is an early notice and we'll mention it again tomorrow that the site will be down next week for some maintenance and an important upgrade. We're getting ready to unveil something for you, and the much smarter ones among us need the site to work their magic. So you'll forgive the interruption but I'm confident you'll be pleased with what you see when we're through. Of course, you can still come back on a daily basis to read, listen to or watch years' worth of content! Sound good? Thanks guys. Happy Thursday.

BRING PRAYFIT TO YOUR TOWN

Sometimes, it's just a family that needs recalibrating in the areas of faith and fitness. But sometimes, it's your church family that could use a tune-up. Congregations across the country have welcomed Jimmy and his message of health as a means of praise, using it as a way to kick off a revival of sorts...and your town could be next. Contact us at [email protected] to schedule a visit from the PrayFit team! As always, for churches and other non-profit events there is never a speaking fee. Talk to your pastors and leaders. Reach out to us and let's see health as a means of praise, together.

Pre-Game

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." --2 Timothy 1:7

Read: 2 Timothy 1

Imagine a coach before a big football game. The team has taken a knee and their helmets are off as they await the last few words of encouragement from their leader. The coach stands before them, clears his throat and says, "Now listen up, boys. We got here as a team and we'll finish as one. I believe in you. But...I gotta admit, I think the other coach is smarter than me, and the other kids? Well, they're a lot bigger than you. But hey, it was a fun season. Try not to get hurt. Now, let's go!"

Not much confidence in those words, right? Aren't we glad that's not how God sends us off into the world to tackle our biggest foes -- foes of financial hardships, health issues, relationship battles and good old fear and doubt? On the contrary, if God had a blackboard, He'd outline our daily route...straight to the cross on every play, every day. His pre-game speech might be brief: "Be strong and courageous, for I am with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). What else do we need to hear?

Question: The bible is full of wonderful, motivational verses that remind us of God's power and strength. What's your favorite? Tell us in the comments section below.

--Jimmy Peña

JIMMY PENA TO SPEAK AT MOM'S SQUAD MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION IN CLEVELAND

In less than two weeks (May 5), PrayFit Founder Jimmy Peña will join Grammy and Dove Award Winning sensation Point of Grace at the Mom's Squad Mother's Day Celebration in Ohio, hosted by Cleveland's 95.5 THE FISH.

"It's such a blessing to be included in such an important event, to be speaking to so many influential women and to be sharing the day with the amazing women of Point of Grace!" Peña says.

Do you want Jimmy and the PrayFit team to come to your church or business to share his motivational story of health as a means of praise? Using biblical characters and motivational scenarios, Jimmy will help motivate and inspire you and your congregation to view health differently than ever before. E-mail us at [email protected] for more details!