Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
His Name Is John
"How can I be sure this will happen? I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." --Luke 1:18
Read: Luke 1
Not his best moment. If you read today's chapter, you know that Zacharias has just been given really great news; news of eternal significance. He's been told that Elizabeth will bear him a son. And his son will go before the Lord with the spirit and power of Elijah no doubt. He'll be the frontrunner! And not only that, the courier of this miracle message wasn't a neighbor. It wasn't a trusted uncle or even the High Priest. No, Zacharias heard this first-hand from -- wait for it -- none other than Angel Gabriel himself.
Now, all things being equal, you'd think it would prompt Zacharias to simply rejoice, trust and obey. But as you read in today's verse, Zacharias chose to respond like you and I often do.
Who me? I'm not qualified for that job, have you seen my resume? Who me? A missionary? Have you read my laundry list of weaknesses? Who me? Regain my health after years of negligence? What good can this body accomplish?
There's no telling how effective we would be for the Lord if we trusted the things God lays on our hearts. You know, the little faith of Zacharias spoke volumes, so Gabriel made him mute. Months later, on the very day of his son's birth, those standing around Elizabeth objected to his given name. But Zacharias -- still mute -- boldly wrote on his tablet: HIS NAME IS JOHN.
In that instant, the Bible says he got his voice back.
--Jimmy Peña
Question: When you and I let fear and doubt cloud our hearts and minds, we too become mute. Isn't it interesting that Zacharias was only allowed to speak after he changed his heart and trusted? What has God put on your heart that you need courage for? What roadblocks and barriers are rearing their heads? What is your God-given plan? Let's clear our throats and speak.
TRAVEL UPDATE: Speaking of getting voices back, today I head to Florida. I'll be speaking tomorrow night at First Baptist Church in Bartow! So very grateful to be invited to this wonderful church and venue. Please pray for me as I prepare to share my heart with the nice people of Bartow. We'll be back to entries on Monday, September 23rd. Be blessed everyone.
>> JIMMY ON THE MIC: Thousands across the country have had the opportunity to hear Jimmy deliver his message in person, with a great many of them telling us -- and others -- how they were impacted. This message, by the author of the blog She Does Justice, is a great example of what folks are taking away from these events. To find out how you can bring Jimmy to your next event, e-mail us for more info! Click the video below for a sneak preview of what you can expect!
The Silent Symbol
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another." --John 13:35
Read: John 13
Fingers crossed. Early Christians, in order to avoid persecution when they prayed in public, as well as to quietly identify themselves with other believers, would cross their fingers. Can you imagine if the only way you and I could share our faith was in such a way? Or even more unbelievable, by making that quiet gesture our predecessors risked their very lives.
What in my life says believer? If I couldn't say a word, what in my life would be that silent symbol, alerting another Jesus-follower that I am one of them? What about in yours?
Over the course of the last few weeks, I've been doing a lot of radio, hoping more and more churches would invite us to speak or that listeners would look to find our new DVD. And the most common question I get from radio hosts isn't about the DVD itself. No, they routinely ask me why Christians are known to be unhealthy. That question always makes me pause. Is that how we're identified by the rest of the world? By risking our lives through neglect? Is that our silent symbol?
I hope not...fingers crossed.
--Jimmy Peña
Question: Realizing that God only sees the heart, how is our approach to health a way to witness? Can someone be too far involved with how they look that they actually hurt their witness? We think so too. Also, shouldn't we be known for something other than things physical? Like our love for one another? Our giving and serving? Share your thoughts with us below.
ENERGY SYSTEMS 101
Your body is relying on three energy systems to replenish ATP, or adenosine triphosphate (the energy within our cells) to accomplish any task. The systems -- creatine phosphate (CP), anaerobic glycolysis (AG) and oxidative metabolism (OM) -- literally get us through the day. Basically, the sum of all three systems work simultaneously to supply the energy needs of any activity (athletic or otherwise) we choose to perform.
And while each system is constantly at work, the kind of activity will determine the relative contribution of each energy system. If you’re in the middle of a long run, for instance, you’re relying predominantly on oxidative metabolism. But if you’re shooting for a grueling set of squats or 40-yard dash, you're relying heavily on the CP system.
So mix it up. Have fun. Compete with yourself to improve day in and day out.
>> Looking for more fitness wisdom? Visit our fitness page by clicking here.
LEAVING HIM BEHIND
June 8, 2011 Most people, Christian or not, are familiar with the Footprints story. The end stanza where the Lord tells the author why there was only one set of footprints during the hard times puts a lump in the throat of even those with the most hardened of hearts.
"The time when you have seen only one set of footprints is when I carried you."
This week, amidst a storm of work tasks and family obligations, I also found myself alone on the beach. As I chatted to the Lord about all of my stresses -- the deadlines, the bills, my overcrowded daytimer -- I was stopped in my tracks, not by his response but by His silence. Hurt and agitated -- as I would be with any friend -- by the apparent indifference to my woes, I turned to look at Him. Seeing that He was no longer by my side, I looked back. There He was -- quickening His stride to hear what I was saying.
He never stopped caring about my problems. I had just become so consumed with stress that I didn't realize that I'd left Him behind. In just a few days, I seem to have outpaced my Maker, the distance between us filled with my own neglect.
Sometimes, as we struggle to navigate the chaos of life, we forget that God wants us to walk with Him. He still carries us through the tough times but we'd do well to remember to stay close by His side because He died to hear every word.
--E.V.
CARBS: FUEL NOT FOE The simple truth about carbs and fitness
There are scores of books and mounds of literature on the consumption of carbohydrates and how this macronutrient relates to performance and body composition. But the bottom line is that your body needs carbohydrate to fuel any number of basic processes. Carbs are the preferred fuel source of the cell, so going totally without them in hopes of shedding a few pounds can end up working against you. To keep things simple, try to focus first on the types of carbs you're consuming daily and when you're consuming them.
Complex carbohydrates, referred to as "good" carbs, are slower-digesting in nature and thus have less of an effect on blood sugar. They provide a steady stream of fuel for your work day and for your active lifestyle while having a minimal impact on your waistline. Examples of these good carbs include oatmeal, vegetables, wheat bread and other whole grain products.
Simple carbohydrates, or "bad" carbs, are digested rapidly in the body causing huge swings in blood sugar and spikes in the hormone insulin which can signal for your body to store fat. White bread, white tortillas, sugary snacks and beverages can be detrimental to your energy and overall health if consumed in excess.
STRATEGIZE: Most of the day, make sure that your carb sources are of the complex variety. The only exceptions to this rule are first thing in the morning or after a hard workout, when your body actually needs a rapid refuel of sugars to fuel recovery.
>> FAD DIETS: Have you ever tried a brand diet like Atkins, South Beach or Paleo? Do you rely on microwave diet meals to keep you in balance? Tell us your experience with diets in the comments section below, being sure to mention your successes and stumbles.