The Palm and the Cedar

"The righteous will flourish like the palm tree, they will grow like a cedar in Lebanon." --Psalm 92:12

Read: Psalm 92

Many of you know by now that Loretta and I walk each night. Not so much for the exercise -- it's simply a time to share the day. So I'd say it's more like a three-mile mosey. Anyway, a few weeks ago, I noticed a crew caring intently for a tree on our street. A few days went by and there they were, still climbing and manicuring. I admit, I was so impressed with the finished product, I snapped this pic, hoping to share it with you at some point. I think today is a perfect day for it.

In Psalm 92, the Bible says, "The righteous will flourish like the palm tree, they will grow like a cedar in Lebanon." Of all the trees the psalmist could have used to describe the righteous, he chose these two. First, the palm tree can tower as high as 70-90 feet, and its root system is so incredibly strong, it can withstand storms without equal. And what's more? It produces a lot of fruit. And as for the cedar, this symbol of strength has a trunk that's more than eight feet wide. And what's more? It's impervious to not only weather, but also termites; tough to get to this one from within or without.

Sounds about right, doesn't it? The palm and cedar. God wants us to be deeply rooted, nourished by His word so we can withstand the storms of life. And He wants us to grow, to flourish, and to be fruitful all the while.

I'm so glad I watched that crew go to work. They can't take credit for its deep root system. They didn't design and fashion the fruit. And they certainly aren't responsible for its strength during storms. But the fact that they took the time to care for it, we're reading about the One who is.

--Jimmy Peña

Question: How can we be more like the palm tree or cedar? In what ways can our health help us stay fruitful? And how - like the crew - can our humble care for our health point others to the God we serve?

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Mango Lime Chicken Salad

Pretty much every word in the title of this recipe by PrayFit contributor Kimberly Fuller says "health." But remember -- "health" doesn't have to mean "bland." This full-flavored lunch-or-dinner dish packs a punch heavy on vitamins and muscle-building protein.

>> Click here for the recipe!

Deeply Rooted

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. --Ephesians 3:17

Read: Ephesians 3

If there were ever any doubts that I was sentimental, yesterday's scene removed them. Looking over the wall at the construction site next door, my heart sank. Not at what they were about to build, but at what they had to remove to do so. For days, they've been laying the dirt for a massive new set of condos and shops, and they're almost done clearing the four football fields' worth of space. The last thing that needed to go was the foliage. For the 50-foot excavator, most of the weeds and bushes were no match. But at the top of the hill stood a very old, very strong tree. The trunk was easily 8-10 feet in diameter, and likely the first tree in the field many years ago, and thus, the last one out.

The massive excavator backed up for a running start and tore into it, ramming it over and over and over again, but it wouldn't budge. It just wasn't ready to go. Eventually, the breaking of the trunk sounded like thunder, because something so deeply rooted is not so easily moved.

Deeply rooted. If you're battling something physical today, and forces beyond or within your control work to tumble you, stand firm. Yeah, I'm sentimental, but just like my tree yesterday, you can say, "Not yet," because your health is something to protect. And spiritually, the more we love and trust Him, the deeper our faith grows. With Jesus in our hearts, we're His family tree and there's salvation in the soil; and from that you cannot be removed.

--Jimmy Peña

Q&A WITH ELITE ULTRAMARATHONER JOSH COX

When it comes to running, few in this country are better at it than ultramarathoner and PrayFit supporter Josh Cox. Today, you'll get to know Josh a bit better through this candid interview. In it, he discussed his father's battle with cancer, time at seminary and what it means to give back. He also chats about what it takes to achieve a better running stride and the best thing you can do to run faster race times.

>> Click here for the full interview.

“Jimmy and the PrayFit team embody the words Paul penned to Timothy, ‘For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.’ (1 Tim. 4:8) Their daily devotional feeds my spirit and inspires my sweat!” –-Josh Cox, elite ultramarathoner, American record holder in the 50K

>> Click here to read the endorsements from other PrayFit supporters.