Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
Marching Orders
"When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in." --Joshua 6:5
Looking at Caleb and Joshua this week, it's tough not to jump ahead at a familiar story. After all, Joshua could relate to our steep challenges. His neck cramped as he surveyed the impregnable wall of Jericho. "Gonna need a bigger army," he whispered out of the side of his mouth. You might be saying the same about your predicament. Has your health retreated? Does something at school or work have you hoping for reinforcements? If so, stand next to Joshua as he listens to God's strategy.
"But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. Then the wall of the city will fall down flat."
"That's it?...That's the plan!?" I wonder if Joshua paused when he heard the order. After all, he was among men of war (v. 3) and probably dressed for the occasion. Not sure if he hesitated, but I know we sure do. When we have to respect a less than respectful boss, or when it seems the rules only apply to us, obeying God's marching orders is sometimes the last thing we want to do (or actually do), especially if we're ready to fight.
But we all know the story. Joshua's army walked around Jericho for seven days without making a sound or saying a word. Then when it was time: the trumpet, the shouts, and the walls came tumbling down. God's enemies might have laughed and scoffed for a week, but being obedient has never proved popular or easy, just effective.
So the next time we feel like taking the wall ourselves, let's wait with Joshua. He listened, walked without talking, then praised God on day seven. Sooner or later, like Jericho, the world will see we're not just walking in circles.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: Before Joshua even realized that God was at work, the Lord was preparing the city for destruction by instilling fear into kings throughout the region. Heaven’s directions included an unlikely battle plan, but because Joshua obeyed, God’s people triumphed. If you're like me, you need God to go ahead of you. A show of hands of those who feel me? Like me, you know a battle is coming, but as long as the good Lord has prepared the enemy, we've got this. Together. Talk to me.
"Sooner or later, like Jericho, the world will see we're not just walking in circles." --J.P.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Country Baked Frittata
"I can’t call this a true frittata or a true quiche," says PrayFit contributor Kimberly Fuller, NASM-CPT, CES. "It's a mish-mash of both — the ingredients of a frittata, but baked like a quiche. You can call it whatever you want, I'll just call it good and healthy! The nutritional value of this dish is just as appealing as its flavor and presentation. Per serving, it's 142 calories with 8 grams of fat, 7.5 grams of carbs and 10 grams of protein. Hungry? Eat two servings! Your body will use it well and thank you later."
MARCHING ORDERS
November 19, 2010Read: Joshua 6
Joshua could relate to our steep challenges. His neck cramped as he surveyed the impregnable wall of Jericho. "Gonna need a bigger army," he whispered out of the side of his mouth. You might be saying the same about your predicament. Does something at school or work have you hoping for reinforcements? If so, stand next to Joshua as he listens to God's strategy.
"But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. Then the wall of the city will fall down flat."
"That's it?...That's the plan?," this time out of the side of your mouth. I wonder if Joshua paused when he heard the order. After all, he was among men of war (v. 3) and probably dressed for the occasion. Not sure if he hesitated, but I know we sure do. When we have to respect a less than respectful boss, or when it seems the rules only apply to us, obeying God's marching orders is sometimes the last thing we want to do (or actually do), especially if we're ready to fight.
But we all know the story. Joshua's army walked around Jericho for seven days without making a sound or saying a word. Then when it was time: the trumpet, the shouts, and the walls came tumbling down. God's enemies might have laughed and scoffed for a week, but being obedient has never proved popular or easy, just effective.
So the next time we feel like taking the wall ourselves, let's wait with Joshua. He listened, walked without talking, then praised God on day seven. Sooner or later, like Jericho, the world will see we're not just walking in circles.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT WEEK IN REVIEW Recapping a week of leaner living
>> WORKOUT: 10-minutes worth of fat-burning using only your bodyweight
>> NEWS: How exercise can boost immunity naturally
"HOMEOWNERS" MEETING: PART I
November 16, 2010Read: Matthew 14
"Take courage! I am here." --Matthew 14:27
Perhaps like you, we live as part of a homeowner's association, where all community matters big and small are discussed, deliberated and put to vote each month. Loretta attends all the meetings, but not just to show her support or weigh-in on the issues. No, the poor thing has to. She's on the board. As for me? You're more likely to find me in a Red Sox shirt than at a community meeting. Spotted owls have more face time. You get it.
Well, last week, I knew Loretta was especially anxious about this month's session. Nervous as she left the house, she asked me to pray because the agenda was packed and the crowd, brutal. I prayed of course, but then I did the unexpected.
When I walked into the community center (a stranger to 99% of the room), I immediately found a seat in the very back. When she spotted me, her eyes got wide, her cheeks got red, and I grinned. Reinforcements had arrived. Unconcerned with the agenda, all I knew was that her biggest fan showed up in the least likely of places.
To be continued...
--J.P.
BUILDING NATURAL IMMUNITY
Nothing is worse than getting into a good groove with workouts, only to be sidelined by a chest cold or fever. And with flu season upon us, people are flocking to drugstores for boatloads of Vitamin C and other "natural" preventative medicine. But your best defense may be the gym.
The Human Performance Laboratory at the Appalachian State University, North Carolina Research Campus, recently conducted a study that found that people who exercise regularly seem to have fewer and milder colds. Those individuals who exercised five or more days per week not only had 46% less colds, but had a 41% lower incidence of cold symptoms. These active participants also experienced 34% fewer days of cold symptoms.
The take home message is that regular exercise not only boosts bone health, builds muscle and reduces bodyfat but it also enhances your quality of life by keeping you away from the sniffles. A workout a day keeps the doctor away...
>> For the full story, click here.