Friends Lift

The two lived on the same block as kids. Both had strict, loving parents. Daily chores included loading hay, carrying feed and helping in the fields. Their young backs were growing strong because of it. After school and homework, they'd meet up in the streets to play childhood games till dark. They were tight-knit. Best pals.

As it turned out, the two had a mutual friend that lived down the street. Their same age, he couldn't walk; paralyzed from birth. But that didn't stop him from telling a good joke or razzing the game's underdog. He was part of the crew. One of the boys.

As years passed, they grew into strong and able men with families of their own. Except, of course, for the one who was crippled. His two buddies checked on him daily though. He had a place at their table on holidays. He was the full-time ref in neighborhood competitions. They worshiped together each weekend. Indeed, after all the years, still tight.

Well, when news arrived that He was in town, the two ran toward each other's homes. In fact, they met in the middle and took turns catching their breath as they talked about their plan. Strong boys became strong men, and carrying their friend all the way across town to the One they say was able to work miracles made all those childhood chores worth it. And in fact, those chores made it possible.

The crowd around the house made it tough to get inside through traditional means. Holding the ends of the bed, the two looked at each other as if sharing the same memory of hauling hay, hoisting feed, playing games and growing up. Only one thing left for friends to do. Lift.

Most of us are familiar with the actual Biblical account of the friends who lifted their friend through the roof to be healed, but isn't it neat to wonder what got them there? What we do know is that Jesus forgave sins, healed bones, and read minds.

Part of me likes to think Jesus was pleased with the faith of those guys; a faith they exercised with their backs. And I like to imagine the three of them walking home together don't you? Who knows, maybe they played a street game for old times sake. Someone had some catching up to do. 

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: If you have the gift of ability and health, you never know who it's for. Have a good weekend.

P.S.
Many of you remember Eric Velazquez; friend and co-founder of PrayFit and writer extraordinaire from back in the day. Not only did he grab one end of PrayFit with me, but many a day he lifted my broken bones through the roof to be near Jesus. Well, today Eric fulfills a dream. He becomes a cop. Yep. Today we will watch him graduate as class president. Eric is going to be a police officer. Can we praise the Lord for Eric? And can we pray for his safety? Thank you for lifting with me buddy.

Our Healthiest Request

When God said to Moses, "I myself will go with you. I will do what you ask, because I know you very well, and I am pleased with you" (Ex 33:12), what was Moses' response?

He stuck around.

Picture it. That one phrase from God - I will do what you ask - had Moses scratching his chin. So what did he ask for? More money? Power? To be liked by the ungrateful Israelites? Or what about health? Surely he wanted clear eyes, strong muscle, fast feet? Perhaps a bit less waist around the waistline, or maybe a little youth in his step? No. Moses wanted nothing of that. "Please show me your glory" he said. (v. 18)

And Moses wasn't alone. Amid painful and dangerous circumstances, who would have blamed David for requesting refuge? Not me. Knowing what David had been through, we may have anticipated his plea for safety, or even the ability to fly. But David set his heart on the pearl and his eye on the prize. "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." (Psalm 27:4)

I want that to continuously be our plea and our most earnest desire. Like David, to seek Him in His temple and to seek Him with ours.

I can live with an aging body. I can live with weakening muscle, a slower metabolism, a crumbling spine and an ever-receding hair line (although I wouldn't mind keeping a little on the top.) Yes friends, I can live without my body, but I can't live without my Jesus. May our health be one of the many reasons why the lost are found. May 'seeing His glory' be our healthiest request. 

- Jimmy Peña

PrayFit RISE 2017: Here's a praise. The next PrayFit conference is on the books! Details and early bird tickets will soon go on sale, but I wanted to share that with everyone. May all we do together bring God glory.

Until It Gets To Jesus

Charles Spurgeon once said, "It's not a sermon until it gets to Jesus." Go ahead and read that sentence again, and this time let it marinate a minute before you move on. Isn't that our prayer today and everyday? That our lives would get to Jesus? Lives so moved by grace that they become sermons? 

Our approach toward, perspective about, and outlook upon our health is one of those messages. Our attempt at humble, bodily stewardship is simply a way to give back to God the life He gave us. Neat right? He gave us life. We live it out. He gave it all. We give it all back. Although, I wonder if I'm giving back all that He gave me. (The cursor on the keyboard is literally flashing on the screen as I contemplate my own question.) Do I? Am I?

With the clock already ticking on a new week, our lives are ALL we have to give back. Am I emptying the tank? And I don't mean simply in sweat, but in the right way, with the right heart, for the right reasons, and for the right people? Sweat is easy. Sermons are tough. And it's not a sermon until it gets to Jesus.

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Our lives, including our health, are all we have to give back to God. What area of your life needs to be emphasized or de-emphasized in order for your health to be a sermon? Dang, that's a tough question. There goes my cursor again. What comes to mind when you think of your life as a sermon? Love to know your thoughts.

iPrayFit: Some neat things happening as we enhance the iPrayFit Membership. Here's a sneak peek at yours truly demonstrating his stretch sequence to keep his hips and lower back functioning. If anyone suffers with back pain, I look forward to serving your needs and walking along side you. We'll hold each other up.

Glowing With Health

“God will choose to use you based on the direction of your heart,
not the accomplishments of your life.”

— Pastor Shawn Thornton

Believe it or not, I used to sing solos in church and school. Growing up in a gospel-singing family I guess you could say it was in my blood. Too funny: my first solo in the 4th grade was John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads." I remember mother made me wear this Davy Crockett-looking jacket with leather strands hanging down from everywhere. I can assure you I wasn't much to listen to, but I bet I was something to behold. She probably still has the jacket.

Speaking of something to behold, my favorite solo in church was a song about young David called "Shepherd Boy." I thought of that old song recently while listening to a message about Samuel. See Samuel was the one who anointed David as the future king. The last of all the brothers to pass in front of Samuel, the Lord said, "Rise up and anoint him. This is the one."

I know I've talked about David in the past -- about how he chose stones to defeat his giant, but something in my reading caught my attention. As he was being brought before Samuel, the Bible says of young David, "He was glowing with health..." (ch.16:12) Neat right?

This is the way they described the shepherd boy from the pastures of Bethlehem;
The shepherd boy who would drop the armor and then drop Goliath;
The shepherd boy who would hide in caves, fight entire armies, and write Psalms;
And above all, this is the way they described the shepherd boy who would come to be known as a man after God's own heart.

Friends, may that be our goal this week -- to glow with health, for no other reason but that our hearts are looking more and more like His. 

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Hearts that look like His. #goals. What can my team help you pray for as we start a new week?  

NEW in Store:

The Response

As you lace up your shoes for a run - (those whose ears adjust to the frequency of the beckoning road) - you anticipate your feet responding for the sake of your calling. One foot in front of the other; stride, plant, flex, push, extend, over and over again. Your brain tells your feet to move, and your arms to swing, and your core to stabilize as your lungs expand and contract to supply the oxygen required with of course, the heart driving it all - all in perfect harmony.
And then, the response. You run.

Do me a favor and close your eyes for about ten seconds and imagine the sound of a runner on a gravel road in the early morning when it's quiet. Listen for the sound of each step as well as the rhythmic regularity of each breath. Tat....tat....tat....tat....inhale-exhale....tat....tat....tat....tat....inhale-exhale........

Ever thought of life as a response? Not as a reaction to the things of life, but as a response to God for life. Louie Giglio says, "Worship is our response to God for who He is and what He's done, expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live. We inhale salvation, we exhale praise. That's worship." 

Our health (and illness) is a means of praise. In Acts 17, the Bible says God gives life and breath to all things. He GIVES life and He GIVES breath. And then, the response.

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Worship is bigger than the muscle we build and faster than our feet can move, because in truth, it has nothing to do with either of those things. Much like the runner is dependent on the heart to power each step, worship is a spiritual heart issue. If there is no heart, there is no worship. What does your heart sing when you train? Whether you're a walker, runner, lifter, athlete. You inhale grace, exhale praise. That's worship.

GOING TO PRINT:
The words of our little video have meant so much to us over the years, as well as to many of you. (You've likely seen it on our Facebook page.) Well, it's been added to our April inventory. Hope you enjoy yours and thank you for your support of PrayFit. Pre-Order HERE.

You Were Carried

Vince Lombardi famously said, "The man on top of the mountain didn't fall there." Now, you don't have to read this entry to know what he meant by that. But of the many takeaways, one is that if you've reached the summit, you worked for it. You put in the miles, the time. Three cheers. You weren't given this view.

Now, Lord knows I'm nobody to argue with Vince Lombardi; arguably the greatest football coach of all time. I realize I'm on hollowed ground. But, the quote is a little - how do I put it - off.
Right? 

You'll forgive my simplicity, but if God made the man, and God made the mountain, and God gave man the grace to have the desire to use the ability of putting one foot in front of the other to get up said mountain...at what stage on the mountain does God not deserve all the credit? But that's not my focus today.

My focus isn't the credit Vince failed to give away, but it's the glory he wanted us to keep.

Max Lucado once wrote, "God let's you excel so you can make Him known. Kings of the mountain forget Who carried them up there." Now, I'm not waging Max against Vince (after all, winning isn't everything), but what I am saying is that our success, whether physical or otherwise, is intended to reflect God. And to bring it home to this little corner of the fitness world, it's God who gives us the ability to be healthy. But if you're like me, you find it pretty easy to plead for God to help you accomplish a goal, but rather than let others hear God's thunder, you try and steal it. Cover your ears my fellow mountain climbers, but we were absolutely given this view.

Thing is, we don't disagree with the great Vince Lombardi; about the work needed to climb the mountain, we just try to remind ourselves where the glory goes, even as we wipe the sweat off our brow. It takes a lot of work, even when you're carried.

- Jimmy Peña

Deep Breath: I saw a news story recently about people dying on the way back down Everest. See, once climbers reach the summit, they can't spend too much time celebrating because they waste their oxygen and energy. There's a thought. Our industry will tell us that we weren't dropped atop our peak, so spend as much time as we need to bask in the glory. We're "worth it." Hogwash. Makes me wonder how much precious energy we waste trying to gain attention for every hard-fought byproduct of grace. Speaking for myself, more than I care to recall. 

Grace, Fitness and Middle C

I have no desire to be as fit as possible. Been there done that. I spent decades 'strong,' able and as it turns out in many ways, worthless to the Kingdom. Worthless because my health was all about me. Sure, I loved God in the process, but He certainly wasn't my purpose. Gone are the days of my sour notes of wasted health.

Many others have used the metaphor of "middle C" as a means of finding balance in life, so I won't dare claim it as an original thought, but oh, if only I could utilize it as a commanding one in my heart. Max Lucado once wrote, "We all need a middle C; a still point in a turning world."

Well, for our part at PrayFit Ministries, amid this industry that demands our pride and attention, we have a middle C. Somewhere between vanity and gluttony is abundant health; a health (or illness) that needs a tuning pillar and unshakeable landscape. In a word, grace. When it comes to our approach to health, grace is our middle C. This week, let's find it. Let's tune our hearts to its pitch, depth, height.

Grace has a ring to it. Grace has a cascading, all-instruments on deck calling to it. Try lifting one weight today without hearing it. Try taking your first step of today's run in its absence. Attempt anything loud when grace is silent and you won't make a sound. No amount of "Motivation Monday" can mock a muted grace. No goal is attemptable - let alone achievable- without its serenade. So, play it. Play it often. Find it daily, hourly, and as often as possible in your pursuit of health or in your battle with illness.

Graaaaaaace, grace, grace, grace. Middle C, C, C, C, C. It finds us at our highest highs and rescues us at our lowest lows. It bounces off the walls of the dungeons of infirmities and it travels down the corridors of every bodily blessing. As you wake this morning, pour your coffee, sit down at your computer, or turn on your phone, just tap the note and touch its tone.

It's true. I have no desire to be as fit as possible, just necessary; whatever God's will is for my life and the health He would allow me in order to fulfill it. That's the sound of middle C.

- Jimmy Peña

We Are The Body: Our new spring line is hitting the stores for pre-order. Yesterday we launched the comfy tank. Enjoy, and thank you for your constant support of this ministry. To pre-order, click here.
 

He Gave The Sea Its Limit

You're likely familiar with the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, and that Pharaoh had a change in heart; to hard. Ultimately, he chased Moses and his people to the brink of the Red Sea. And that's where I want us to stand on this Monday. Look down at your feet where they meet the water.

Ever stood at the edge of the ocean? My wife Loretta and I visit the ocean often to pray, watch the sunset, dream. And I always find it amazing that God tells the waves how far they can go. That's not me being merely mesmerized by His creative nature and the moon's gravitational pull. It's a literal awe of what it says in Proverbs, "...I was there when he gave the sea its limit..." Proverbs 8:29

Slow down the words as you read them, " gave the sea...its limit." You and I have limits. When we set "personal records" in the gym or otherwise, they're not indicators of strength, but indicators of limits. And that's good news, because God has none. Not sure about you, but I am more in awe of the innumerable, unsearchable, unreachable number above my personal record than I am at the pitiful few below it.

And I think that's why standing here at the edge of the Red Sea is appropriate for us as we seek to honor God with our health this week. Why would God lead Moses to what looked like a trap? After all, a hard-hearted Pharaoh was at his back and unforgiving waves were in his face. 

Well, are you at your wits end? Is a family member struggling with an illness? Are you feeling the pressure of your past mixed with a daunting future? If so, then there's your answer. He led Moses to his limit in order to lead us through ours.  Now would be a good time to look down at your feet.

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Are you at your own Red Sea? Are you trusting God to see you through to the other side? What are you doing to show God you trust Him with your current circumstance?

NEW RELEASE: If you happen to make this far down the page, thank you. And I also want to show you a new spring release that you can pre-order to help support the ministry of PrayFit. Our "We Are The Body" line is being unveiled this week and the first item is our comfy tank. It's available in the store and they ship in a few weeks, so please hurry. We are the Body of Christ, designed to love and serve. Let's do that.

Better Than I Deserve

This last weekend, Loretta and I once again were honored to spend time with special needs kids at Calvary Community Church. 'Buddy Break,' - directed by one of the nation's most respected leaders in special needs ministry, Gina Spivey - is simply a time for parents to get a much needed rest; where kids with autism or other illnesses are paired with volunteers to just play and hang so their parents can have a date, watch a movie, go to lunch, take a nap.

I was once again paired with my best pal Jordan. Jordan asks me every question he can imagine. And I love him for it. He's trapped inside, as Gina would say, and his mind races a mile a minute to repeat his question about the color of the sky, or what sound a frog makes, and if I like mustard; questions I'm highly honored to answer as many times as he asks them.

Some people may say that my message of fitness has grown soft. That this old weightlifter doesn't spend enough time in the gym; doesn't talk strategy or celebrate achieved goals like the rest of the industry. And they'd be right. Beat that with a stick. But by grace, the smaller my arms get, the stronger they grow.

Honoring God with my body isn't about goals, although I encourage you to set them. It isn't about weights or sets or reps or beating yesterday's best, although it's my life's work to help you along that path. But write this down: Goals and achievements describe capability, not impact. They can be a means, but they are never the mark.

Now, I doubt that my fitness motives have ever been so pure that they had no sin or pride or vanity in them, but I often wonder how fit I need to be to feed the hungry, help the poor, or visit the sick? In the end, I don't need a heavy set of ten. I need a heavy heart. Stewardship doesn't require muscle, endurance, speed, agility, progress or a pump, just a pulse. 

And yes, sweet Jordan. I like mustard.

- Jimmy Peña

Prayer Request: Most of you know that for a decade prior to the launch of PrayFit, I was the worldwide fitness editor and strength & conditioning expert for Muscle & Fitness Magazine, as well as the author or contributor to eight fitness and nutrition books. What a ride. And even though my illness removed much of my ability to workout personally, I still find such honor in helping you steward your health to enable you to serve others. For that reason, we are working on the iPrayFit education center to help us better assist you in your daily endeavors. We are also close to announcing the date of the next PrayFit conference. Please pray for us. God is opening doors as I type. More soon.

A Prayer for Lent

For the first day of Lent, here's a wonderful prayer by our dear friend, Rev. Scotty Smith:

Dear Lord Jesus...Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. For the next forty days we’ll have the privilege of surveying your all-sufficient cross and acknowledging our present need, as we worship our way towards Easter Sunday — Resurrection Day, the foundation of our hope and the fountain of eternal joy.

For your glory and our growth, we ask you to inundate us with fresh grace in the coming weeks. We don’t want an ordinary Lenten season, Lord Jesus. Saturate it with the gospel. It’s all about you, Jesus. It is all about you, what you’ve done for us, not what we’ll promise to do for you.

Over these next forty days intensify our hunger, our assurance, and our longing for the day of your return—the Day of consummate joy—the wedding feast of the Lamb. Fill our hearts with your beauty and bounty, that we might freely confess and gladly repent of the ways we contradict the gospel — with our thoughts, words and deeds. So very Amen we pray, in your holy and loving name.

--Rev. Scotty Smith

With YOU: Friends, as we begin the season, we're here for you for all the ways you'll celebrate and prepare your hearts. From all of us at PrayFit, be blessed this first day of the greatest season God ever gave man to enjoy. Amen?

I'm Giving Up

As you'll soon see, we love this time of year. Longer days, better weather, and of course, baseball, all help put a spring in my step. Maybe you're the same? It's just a good time of the year for fresh starts and new beginnings. Which always reminds me of what Louie Giglio once said, "For Lent, I'm giving up."

Naturally, we think there's something missing from his sentence. Um, Louie? You forgot something buddy. When in truth, "period" is exactly what should come next. As we begin the Lenten season, let's remember that it's all about Jesus and what He did for us; not about what we can do, give up, commit to, or accomplish. (Or about our failure to succeed at any of that.) Nothing to prove, nothing to lose, nothing to hide.

- Jimmy Peña

Discussion: The pressure isn't just off - it's non-existent. How does that help you prepare your heart for the Easter season? If part of your heart's preparation is indeed physical, as part of obedience and humble stewardship, will your commitments to healthier choices take on new meaning? Will it help shape not only the goals you set, but how you prepare and execute them? Or forgetting the physical changes, maybe you're just ready to give up trying to always be seen or applauded? Maybe you're ready to give up striving, competing, comparing, being noticed? If so, there's freedom when you do.

Just remember. Lent is a heart issue, because when Jesus said, "It is finished," it was and still is. Aren't we glad we don't have to measure up? (And that actually makes me want to work harder in all areas of life. Isn't that incredible?)

Seeing 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 above, 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.

Today Lord, after a night of Academy Awards, remind us that it takes discipline to create a destiny of excellence. But more importantly, remind us also 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 you give us we'll use to glorify you. In Jesus' name and for His sake, Amen.

- Jimmy Peña

Grace Upside Down

Sometimes God allows things to be turned upside down for our own good, amen? I thought of that yesterday while hanging completely upside down. I wish it were because I was cool, trendy or a serious Batman fan. Well, that one may be true. But, no. See, because of my disk disease, an inversion table is a fixture in my home. Of course, Loretta makes me hang around downstairs in my cave, but each day, I do everything in my power to help relieve the symptoms of an otherwise irreversible trend. My disks are failing rapidly, and they're unforgiving.

In a recent article with InTouch Magazine, Max Lucado was asked, "Why do you think we miss out on this aspect of grace and try to live for God on our own strength? Max answered by saying, "Grace goes so contrary to everything else in life. Everything else in life is a barter system. We work, so we get paid. We love others; we hope they will love us back. Then we come into a relationship with God with the same idea — that it’s going to be some type of exchange with a merit system. Religion says that if you do good, God will notice you. The Bible says God has already noticed you. He’s loved you and adopted you, and given you a new heart. Now go out and do good. It just really kind of flips everything upside down."

Yeah, grace does that. When everyone and everything is unforgiving, God's grace turns it upside down. I can no sooner turn back the clock on my disks than I can take back yesterday's sin. But Jesus gives grace. Grace great enough to secure my soul forever. And that's why I hang upside down; just in case He gives me another day to share that news.

- Jimmy Peña

Oxygen Debt

As athletes, you know the feeling; hands on your knees, trying to catch your breath after a grueling set of wind sprints. (Or for example, me, pictured here exhausted during one of my last days in the gym back in 2007.) You try and stand tall, putting your hands on your head, desperately gasping for air. Before you know it, coach blows the whistle for the team to get back on the line to do it all over again. In exercise physiology there are all sorts of wonderful phenomena going on inside your body immediately following an intense bout of exercise.

One of the more traditional terms tossed around, and one that was hammered into my head during graduate school, was the term "oxygen debt." And for the sake of the conversation, you can think of oxygen debt as recovery time, or the amount of oxygen required during recovery to get your body back to a steady, normal state. The thing of it is, while it's called "oxygen debt," it's not something you can actually pay back.

Rev. Scotty Smith says, "Breathe in God's grace like you breath in air. It's just as vital, actually, more so." Reading that makes me think back to those old days of training. If you're a swimmer, maybe the gasp just above the water is a better picture. Either way, air is vital for our survival. But even more so is the grace that God offers us through Jesus. And the sin debt He paid in full on the cross of Calvary is a debt we can't repay. Good works -- when performed to try and keep us in good standing -- will only leave us gasping; think of a fish out of water. That's us without grace.

So as you hit your training today - whether you're a walker, runner, yogi or lifter - Grace allows us to breathe easy while we work. Because no matter your success or failure at whatever mode of exercise you choose, God can't love you any more or any less than He does right now. So don't try and repay Him. Simply accept His grace, take a deep breath and sigh.

- Jimmy Peña

Glorify God.

When advertising Hall of Fame legend Bill Backer died last year, the news may have been easy to miss. I mean, after all, who among us recognizes his name? Bill Backer...hmmm....nope. Doesn't ring a bell. But consider the phrases he implanted into our brain:

"Soup is good food." - Campbell
"Here's to good friends, tonight is kind of special." Lowenbrau
"Tastes great. Less filling." -  Miller Lite
And if those phrases don't resonate, Bill Backer was responsible for putting Dave Thomas into Wendy's commercials. The guy was a legend; just in obscurity.

What Bill Backer did for these companies, we're called to do for Christ; even as fitness-minded believers. Amid everything we set out to accomplish in the gym, it all comes down to this: Glorify God. Whether we're trying to lose weight, gain muscle, achieve flexibility, reduce blood pressure, or all of the above, the end result is to make Jesus famous. The final product isn't our reputation, or our "likes" on social media or our status. It's God's renown. Fact is, whether or not any of those goals are achieved (if they do, consider them gifts of obedience and progenies of prudence) our job is like that of Bill Backer: promote the prize, get out of the way, deflect attention.

Oh, to be Christ-marketers like that, amen? The moment we walk into the gym or step onto the mat or hit the road, the ad goes live, and we're on the air to promote Him. In fact, I like to think that Bill Backer set the tone for us when he wrote, "I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony."  Me too, Bill. Me too.

- Jimmy Peña

Forever My Best Pal

I always called you my best pal, for that title you had no equal.
You and I had something special; a bond I didn't have with people.
For nearly 14 years we walked the block as if we owned the joint.
That route won't mean the same, big girl, after all, you were the point.
You made your way into many a devotion, a reader's favorite no doubt.
You reminded us to watch the Master; what life's really all about.
So, thank you for being such a good girl, our protector, loyal friend.
So strong and full of love even up to the end.
And with that I thank the Lord above for giving me this little gal
The Outlaw Ms. Josey Wales forever my best pal.

When we arrived at the breeder's house all those years ago, the man said they had one puppy that had been sent back, rejected for a number of reasons, and she was ours if we wanted her. Sent back? Rejected? I'll take her. (That sentence is today's entry.)

Anyway, some of you have undoubtedly been through this before, as have we, but a year ago today we said goodbye to Josey. For those of you that watched her grow up (and get caught in those thorn bushes), for you we said goodbye. And today, we're just remembering her. 

Be blessed and enjoy the day.
- JP

But Even If He Doesn't

But even if he doesn't, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. --Daniel 3:18

Dr. Charles Stanley says, "Be obedient and leave the consequences to God." Kinda sums it up doesn't it? Go ahead and apply it to any circumstance you're facing. Trouble at work? Making a decision about money? Need to trust God with a health issue? Be obedient and leave the consequences to God. Stands up, doesn't it?

Speaking of standing up, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego lived it. At the edge of a fiery furnace, they had a decision. Bow to an idol or be thrown in a furnace. They chose faith, believing that God would deliver them from the very fire that tested it. But then they said, "But even if He doesn't." That part of the verse has taken up residence inside my heart.

They didn't jump knowing they'd be delivered. They jumped knowing The Deliverer. I'm shaking my head as I type this sentence. I want an "Even if He doesn't" kind of faith. Save me, help me, heal me. But even if He doesn't...

- Jimmy Peña

Leave The Scar

Recently on my Twitter account, my friend Scotty Smith had such a neat question for us. He said, "In the new heaven/new earth, I want to sing like Steve Perry, love like Mother Teresa and paint like Makoto Fugimura. You?"

I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to fashion my response.

Let's see..."Dance like Fred Astaire. Tell a good story like Max Lucado. And play baseball like Derek Jeter." Hey, it's Heaven, right?! And while Loretta and I laughed together, I began to wonder what Paul, John, or a battered Job will be doing in eternity. I mean, the Bible is full of men and women who endured life. Individuals who really lived lives of faith and have the scars to prove it. Reminds me of the old Wes Hampton song that said, "Heal the wound, but leave the scar. A reminder of how merciful you are."

Friends, I don't think for a second Paul will ever forget being blind. Or John his loneliness. Or Job, those boils. Each of them built altars with the broken pieces of their lives and worshiped. May that be our perspective. Let's stay on our knees, remember His mercy, bathe in grace, and let the dream of Heaven be the reason we work for a healthy lifestyle on earth.

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Can you think of a more motivating reason to be joyful, or to be forgiving or to take care of yourself than grace? I can't. Nothing comforts like it and nothing humbles like it. Grace > goals. Nothing motivates us to steward the gift of life more than the promise of our eternal one.

The PrayFit Flow

Because yesterday was my BIRTHDAY, and so many of you contributed to the iPrayFit Project - getting us one step closer from enough funds to build the well - I thought I'd sing a little. I thought I'd give us a little beat. (Approaches mic, clears throat, closes eyes.) Here's a throwback to last year's flow. This is me overjoyed because of you. My testament in a rap song; best if you read it fast. Give it up. - jp 

Here's to 45

Here's to 45. Today is my birthday. In some ways I feel younger than the math would report, but in other ways I'd say the math seems just about right. And my birthday falls at an ideal time, don't you think? During the days leading up to it, flower shops are buzzing and heart-shaped chocolates are everywhere. Love is in the air. And the older I get, the more I notice it.

Thank you, Lord, for my life, my wife, family, friends, my health. Thank you that you've numbered my days. Whereas when I was younger that truth seemed limiting, these days it's liberating. As the years claim their increase on me, so does my dependence on you. Thank you for another year to try and live like you and love like you. Your grace amazes me. And thank you for enough health to keep fighting the good fight. Thank you that the fire you lit in my belly is still burning. Again, your grace still amazes me. Where some may think that faith grows when physical goals are achieved, my faith in you is increasing with every goal I can't reach. Lord, I just love you.

Please bless each reader; each seeker of your heart on this site. Please bless their health and the health of their loved ones. Here's to 45, Lord. You gave it to me. I'll do my best to give it back. For it's in Jesus' name I pray, amen.

- Jimmy Peña

Birthday Gift: So kids...I'm dedicating my birthday to the iPrayFit Project. Instead of gifts, I'm asking if you'd consider helping me finish this well. Divinely, we have 45 days to complete it, but if 58 people give just $45, we will complete the well and supply an entire community with clean water for life. Happy 45th Birthday to me.