Since 2009

THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION

jimmy pena 2/6/14 jimmy pena 2/6/14

A Prayer: I Need To See You Move

"I need to see you move. I need to see your hand. I'm trying to live by faith. I don't know if I can. But I know you've not changed. There's nothing you can't do. I've done all that I can. I need to see you move."--Newsong

Dear Lord, like it says in the chorus of this song, so many of us reading this sentence (and the one writing it) need to see you move. From ailing health to crippling financial situations, may the position of our necks mirror that of Abraham during doubt, David during despair and Moses during fear. We know that it's not only during crisis that you want us to look to you, but we're comforted to know that we can. We just need you.

Tonight Lord, may the flame that ignites the opening ceremony of the Olympic games remind us that it takes discipline to create a destiny of excellence. And even if just for a moment, let it also remind us Lord that because of the cross, we've won a reward we didn't train for, work for, or ever deserve. May you prevent our pride from blinding us to the truth that our hearts and minds are not medal-worthy. Our thoughts and actions don't deserve a podium's praise. But by your grace, your face is all you see in us. Therefore, may it be your perfect performance we get lost in. May we be mesmerized by your relentless love. Give us the resolve to realize that life is a vapor-quick gift -- a vanishing moment that's here today and gone tomorrow. Help us gather for ourselves the mind of Paul that our chance at life is our chance to show the world that we live not to hoist a medal but to wear a crown. (2 Tim 4:8)

And Lord, while we need to see you move, may that same desperate plea echo inside our hearts as something you're saying to us each day. Help us respond in obedience and out of love. Like the shepherds who ran when you were born, you're still our good news. Like an unborn John, your presence still makes us jump for joy. And like David may we dance to a rhythm that only a life spent serving you can provide.

It's so true Lord. You alone satisfy. And so -- much like it satisfied the men and women who fill the pages of your Word -- seeing you move is all we need. And may you be pleased with our response when you lovingly and sovereignly ask the same of us. Thank you for another week. Any health is only possible through you, and any health we'll use to glorify you. In Jesus' name and for His sake, Amen.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion (and a request): What went well this week? Any victories to report? Praises to lift? Let's celebrate and give God the glory together. Any prayer requests? What's on your hearts and minds? And personally, please pray for me and Loretta. For a few weeks, we've been in daily meetings and discussions on PrayFit-related projects and dreams, and we covet your prayers. We just want to please Him. His renown is all we want. Wisdom and courage as we make decisions. Providence. Thanks guys. Nothing means more to us than your prayers.

FITNESS, NUTRITION AND MORE

For many of you, the PrayFit Daily is your entry point to our ministry. But how many of you have taken the time to explore the rest of what our site has to offer? Take a minute and find a few of these key links and be sure to bookmark your favorites!

FITNESS: Here, you'll find all you need to start putting your body in motion for whatever it is called to do. From workouts to exercise demos, we provide you a wide variety of ways to start reshaping your body and boosting your health. NUTRITION: Recipes. Research. Dietary tips. It's no wonder that this is one of the most popular pages on our site. To start eating in balance, click here.

RESOURCES: Our book and DVDs form the backbone of our ministry. All of these products offer readers life-changing guidance on honoring the bodies that carry their souls. You can check them out here, or browse the rest of our branded gear.

jimmy pena 1/6/14 jimmy pena 1/6/14

I Can Begin Again

Thinking about 2014 goals is pretty exciting (and daunting). My heart skips a beat when I think of some of the big mountains my little legs want to climb. Dreams are awesome, aren't they? It's like we're saying, "That one, God. Yes! Let's conquer that!" And with a little faith, we chase them.

Well, on our most recent road trip home, I remember seeing the sign: DELAYS AHEAD. I didn't give it much thought. A few miles later: EXPECT DELAYS. I looked at my watch. "So far so good," I reasoned. So I shrugged, turned up the radio and set my cruise control. But sure enough the next sign literally read: EXPECT EXTREME DELAYS SOON. They weren't kidding about the "extreme" or "soon" parts. In fact, I knew it was gonna be bad when I saw cars pulling off the highway by any means possible to find a short cut. Our quick four-hour trip had quickly become eight.

You know, as we begin to think about, pray for and chase our spiritual and physical goals for the upcoming year, we can expect delays. Even though you may have hit the new year at full speed, the chances of a few roadblocks are high. But let's not quit or lose heart. Rather, let's keep our faith in drive, realizing that we're covered in grace on what the Bible says is a quick trip home.

–Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Loretta's 2014 theme song is "I Can Begin Again" by Larnelle Harris. The chorus always catches my heart, and it's perfect I think for this time of year. Who among you will embrace it as YOUR theme song? And if you already have one in your heart, what is it? Tell us in the comments section below.

"I can begin again, with a passion of a child. My heart has caught a vision of a life that's still worthwhile. I can reach out again. Far beyond what I have done. Like a dreamer whose awakened to a life that's yet to come. For new beginnings are not just for the young."

jimmy pena 8/7/13 jimmy pena 8/7/13

Falling for Grace

Not sure about you, but we sure have enjoyed spending a few days focusing on a single verse. (Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3) I know Paul's use of an athlete has a special place in many of your hearts, but do you know the rest of the verse? That's right, there's more. I, for one, would have been fine had Paul stopped right there. "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should." Simply incredible. But Paul went a step further.

Speaking of steps, ever witnessed a false start at a track meet? Seeing as we've talked about runners lately, false starts are tough to watch. On some of sport's grandest stages, many of track and field's top athletes stumble right out of the blocks or worse, they jump the gun -- disqualification from a race you've trained your entire life for is arguably one of the roughest moments to witness.

If anyone in the bible could attest to rough beginnings and false starts, it was Paul. One of Christianity's most zealous enemies, Paul approved of the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58). The man whose hands we've traced under the light of the lamp was once merciless. But a face-to-face with the Author of mercy Himself changed all that. Following his conversion, Paul carried out his mission in the face of mental and physical hardship the likes of which we have never imagined. His tireless preaching and unparalleled endurance has inspired countless missionaries for 2000 years, not to mention the person typing this sentence and those reading it now.

But despite his false start, Paul would finish our favorite verse by saying, "So that after I have preached to others I myself will not be disqualified." Why did he discipline himself like an athlete and train himself to do the right thing? Simple. In order to be seen running the same race in the same way he urged others to run. False starts, stumbles, tumbles are no match for the grace of God, but they're tough to witness and tough on our witness. Truly, Paul pleaded for physical and spiritual discipline not in order to earn grace, but because of the gift of it. He finished strong. Oh for grace, may we all.

--Jimmy Peña

DID YOU KNOW?

Sodium, because of its connection to blood pressure, has been given a bad rap and people have started to think twice about salting their food. According to renowned exercise physiologist, Dr. Jim Stoppani, the Institute of Medicine states that people should be cautious in consuming more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. This warning is especially true for those individuals who are salt sensitive or have a history of heart disease. However, a review published in the American Journal of Medicine found that people who consumed less than the IOM’s recommended 2,300 mg of sodium per day actually had a 37% increased risk of dying of cardiovascular disease than those who ingested more. Hmm, please pass the salt.

For many of you, the PrayFit Daily is your entry point to our ministry. But how many of you have really taken the time to explore the rest of what our site has to offer? Take a minute and hit up these key links and be sure to bookmark your favorites!

LISTEN: For those looking for more nutrition for their souls, PrayFit offers a selection of audio devotionals, read by founder Jimmy Peña. Click, listen, share. RESOURCES: Our book and DVDs form the backbone of our ministry. All of these products offer readers life-changing guidance on honoring the bodies that carry their souls. You can check them out here, or browse the rest of our branded gear.

jimmy pena 7/25/13 jimmy pena 7/25/13

A Rhyme & Reason

“Life is not about bodyfat and muscle tone.It’s about where our hearts are at and His grace alone.

It’s not about the mirror or any other measurement. It’s in our service to others, reflecting the Son He sent.

We’re called to honor the body, but not for our praise or reward. We're just simple, humble stewards, on a mission for the Lord.

So eat right, train hard, but don’t forget your purpose, God sees your heart and not what’s on the surface.”

--Jimmy Peña

EXPLORING FAITH & FITNESS

FELLOWSHIP: Are you already a member of our forums? Get back in on the discussion by clicking here. Not yet signed up? All it takes is 20 seconds to get started. Click here.

jimmy pena 4/30/13 jimmy pena 4/30/13

Your Mission

"I hope you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." --3 John 1:2

Read: 3 John 1

I remember like it was yesterday, scrounging through an old box of books while whispering to myself, "Your mission, should you choose to accept it...." I'm smiling as I type this sentence. Great memories. See, in 1996, the movie of the year was the first Mission: Impossible, and I was bound and determined to see it. But as a young married couple, times were tight. With both of us working and in school, we watched every penny. I knew that in order for us to see the show, it was up to me. (Light the fuse, cue the music.)

Long story short, the sign at the end of the street read, "WE BUY BOOKS!" And fortunately, I kept every schoolbook I'd ever read (from every class). So if they were buying, I was selling. When Loretta got home, I greeted her with a kiss, a grin and two tickets. Special times.

That story came to mind recently when someone requested PrayFit resources for their church. Seems I'm still selling books. Only now it's for what many see as an impossible mission: to conquer the obesity epidemic in our homes and churches. But I think John said it best. In his third epistle, the first thing he said to a man named Gaius was, "I hope you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." (v. 2) A worthy hope he had for his friend, especially considering the times in which they lived. And it's still a worthy hope today; a hope that defines our purpose at PrayFit. Is your church in need of help? Does someone you love need encouragement to be healthy for the right reasons? If so, we're on a mission, and we're bringing books.

--Jimmy Peña

THE RIGHT GADGETS FOR YOUR MISSION

The protagonist in the Mission: Impossible films, Ethan Hunt, was successful due to his vast experience in the world of espionage...and a few choice inventions. From voice-replicating throat chips to explosive gum, the tools of the trade were always vital to the mission. Same applies for you and yours. Try these resources when it comes to confronting health issues in your home and community:

>> READ: Our first book, "PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 33 Days," provides two 28-day exercise programs, a complete diet plan and biblically-inspired devotions to keep you motivated each step of the way.

>> WATCH: PrayFit has partnered with Lionsgate Entertainment to bring you two home-based workout DVDs -- the second more challenging than the first. Train along with founder Jimmy Peña as you work to become stronger, leaner and healthier, all from the comfort of your living room.

For more information on these and other products, click here.

jimmy pena 11/4/12 jimmy pena 11/4/12

Your Mission...

"I hope you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." --3 John 1:2

Read: 3 John 1

Long story short, the sign at the end of the street read, "WE BUY BOOKS." And fortunately, I kept every schoolbook I'd ever read (from every class). So if they were buying, I was selling. When Loretta got home, I greeted her with a kiss, a grin and two tickets. Special times.

That story came to mind recently when someone requested PrayFit resources for their church. Seems I'm still selling books. Only now it's for what many see as an impossible mission: to conquer the obesity epidemic in our homes and churches. But I think John said it best. In his third epistle, the first thing he said to a man named Gaius was, "I hope you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." (v. 2) A worthy hope he had for his friend, especially considering the times in which they lived. And it's still a worthy hope today; a hope that defines our purpose at PrayFit. Is your church in need of help? Does someone you love need encouragement to be healthy for the right reasons? If so, we're on a mission, and we're bringing books.

--Jimmy Peña

THE RIGHT GADGETS FOR YOUR MISSION

For more information on these and other products, click here.

jimmy pena 7/31/12 jimmy pena 7/31/12

Distance Yourself

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but he who walks with fools suffers harm." --Proverbs 13:20

Read: Proverbs 13

Leading up to her third marathon, my wife had a simple plan: find her pacer and stay close to him or her no matter what. See, most marathon organizations provide the runners with all sorts of tools and techniques to help them through the grueling course -- from seminars on stride, tactics for tackling hills, and perhaps most notably, they offer the runners a pacer.

A pacer is a man or woman capable of finishing the race at an exact time. And when I say exact, I mean exactly that. Kevin (pictured here) ran through the finish line at 3 hours and 35 minutes -- just what he was asked he'd do. Now, Kevin didn't know who was counting on his pace. All he knew was that someone would be relying on his experience, strength and endurance to help them along their way toward their goal.

In our daily pursuit of spiritual and physical stewardship, we all need pacesetters. People who God places in our lives to help us stay the course. Not only that but God may, in fact, bless us with the privilege of being that for someone else, and it's an honor we can't take lightly. Like Kevin, we may or may not know who is, but someone is depending on us to know the way and show the way. So let's take inventory. Who are we running with? And more importantly, who's setting the pace? Is he or she helping us make Godly choices when it comes to our life and health? Are we helping them with theirs?

--Jimmy Peña

P.S. Kevin was a little surprised when I asked him for a photo. Perhaps it's typical for the pacers to be invisible after a race. But I had to ask him to stop, especially when I read the back of his shirt. "Distance Yourself" it said. Wow. Perfect for our verse of the day. Thanks for inspiring us Kevin. We want to keep up.

WORKOUT: RUNNER'S RESOURCES

Some may think that running is simply a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. To others, no performance tip is insignificant. In either case, running is an activity that can be improved upon, provided that you have the proper coaching. Build a stronger stride, better endurance, a leaner physique and a runner's heart by bookmarking some of these trusted resources on the web. Enjoy your runs this week and remember to post your distances to your workout journal on the PrayFit forums.

MarathonRookie.com: Tips for novices looking to enter half- or full-distance marathons

Runner's World Magazine: From shoe selection to race day decorum, the authoritative source for all things running

Jeff Galloway.com: Practical training tips from one of the industry's top coaches

Mapmyrun.com: Track your distance runs with this easy-to-use mapping tool

Josh Cox: Christian ultramarathon runner, TV personality, author and believer