1918-2018

With baseball season approaching, we thought we'd warm everyone up for our favorite time of year by talking about...the closer. For those who don't know, the closer is someone who specializes in sealing the deal. See, in baseball you play until the game is over. Not the case in other sports. Take basketball for instance. There's a minute left, you're up five points and rather than drive to the basket, you run out the clock. In football, you take a knee. Soccer, hockey -- you name it. Most major sports have a way to play it safe.

I think we all have the tendency to play it safe on occasion. As Christians, we can get into a mindset of "I'm saved, I can coast, I think I'll run out the clock today." But days can turn into weeks and weeks, years. Which reminds me, in baseball, there is no clock. You don't know how long a life -- I mean -- a game can last. Thus, the need for a closer. Someone who takes the hill and does his best work at the end.

We lost a closer yesterday. A hero of the faith. Although he would never refer to himself as such. But if anyone loved Jesus, it was Billy Graham. And if anyone wanted you and me to know Jesus, it was Billy Graham.

"End your journey well," he said. "Don’t waste your life, and don’t be satisfied with anything less than God’s plan." 

Thank you, Billy Graham. You took the hill your entire life to talk about Jesus. And now you're with Him. 

What a way to close.

photo design: Roger Coles

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.

I just finished ready the book, "The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness" by Tim Keller. What an incredible, powerful read. The message of the book has been playing a big part in my life lately in that - like Paul - we can have a low opinion of the opinion of others about us, but we can also have a low opinion of our opinion of us. I'll distill the book down to this: Paul didn't let other people judge him and he didn't even judge himself. He didn't connect his sins to himself, but he didn't connect his accomplishments to himself either. He was free. I want that kind of self-forgetfulness. That's what I want for Lent.

- 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?)

Employ It

Neat week, huh guys? For my part, I've thoroughly enjoyed examining what Tim Challies said and breaking it down into segments. What does God, the owner of your body, expect from you as its steward? He expects that you will present it, steward it, nurture it, and finally, employ it.

"You need to employ your body. Inner godliness is to be displayed in outward acts of kindness. James shows the unity of faith and works in this illustration: “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:15-17). The love of God in your heart is to be displayed by the works of your hands. Young men are at their physical peak and bear a double responsibility to use that strength for the good of others. “The glory of young men is their strength,” says Solomon, “but the splendor of old men is their gray hair” (Proverbs 20:29).

Many people today hold to a form of the ancient teaching of gnosticism. They believe the soul has great significance while the body is merely a useless vessel to be used or abused. But as Christians we see that there is much greater unity than this. To care for the body is to care for the soul."

So, I'm sure it's been nice to hear grace-based health advice from someone like Tim Challies. I encourage you to read him at challies.com. Here are his send-aways for us as we wrap up the week:

"Plan to be fit. - Plan to get fit and stay fit through wise, moderate eating and regular, vigorous exercise.
Guard against idleness. - Guard against the idleness that keeps you on the couch when you should be active.
Guard against gluttony. - Food is a great gift, but it makes a terrible god. Learn to practice self-control toward food and renounce any sign of gluttony.
Prepare for the decline. - As your body and perhaps even your mind grows weak, there will be many new temptations to sin. Read Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 as a glimpse of your own biography and ask, “What will sustain me in that day?” The answer is simple: godly character. Nothing but godly character will sustain you as your body decays and your mind weakens. Even while you give attention to your physical health, do not neglect your spiritual wellbeing."

Like I said, it's been a good week. Kinda sums it all up, amen? Did anything new hit you over the last week about our care and concern for the body that may not have ever occurred to you? Hope you've enjoyed the entries. It's my honor to serve you.

- Jimmy Peña

Nurture It

In case you've missed this week's entries, I've been tracing the steps of writer Tim Challies and his thoughts on guarding one's health. In his article, he used a phrase that summed up his core lesson in that when it comes to the body we need to present it, steward it, nurture it, and employ it. Tim writes,

"You need to nurture your body. There is an inseparable unity between body, mind, and soul. When you neglect your body, you will often find your soul heavy and your mind dark. But when you care for it, you tend to find your soul cheerful and your mind enlightened. You can see some of this in John’s prayer for his friend Gaius: “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul” (3 John 2). For Gaius to be as active and effective as possible in God’s work, he must have a healthy body and a healthy soul. If you wish to tend to your soul and mind, you must nurture your body. To honor God in all that you are, you must eat well, exercise frequently, and rest regularly."

Reminds me of an excerpt from my latest book that some of you will recognize, but I think it fits with Tim's theme of nurture.

Before your very first day of school, or prior to getting your driver's license, and even before you began the family with which you spend your days...came your body. Not only did God inspire your soul's dream, but He gave you the body necessary to pursue the job. Since God will always equip us with what we need to accomplish His will, we know our bodies were His choice. Can you imagine the moment?

It was as if God said:

Sweet soul, here is your body. I've carefully woven it together. It has what it takes for you to pursue me and tell others about me. And oh precious body, this is your soul. Of all the matter in the universe, this is what matters most. Carry it where it needs to go. Protect it. Honor it. Now, I want you two to be good to each other. Be friends, not enemies.

So, do me a favor and take a quick glance at your arm or hands. Think for a second that God himself has touched that skin. He was first. In fact, talk to your body. It's okay, go ahead. Maybe you need to thank it. Perhaps you need to assure it. Or like me, maybe during your dark hour, you need to apologize. Could be for something you've knowingly done or for something out of your control -- an ailment, an accident maybe, or even a disease. But much like any friend going through a tough time, just tell it you're so very sorry. After all, it was God who knitted it and then breathed life into it. Miraculously, He gave your heart a knowledge that there is something more to this life than life. And like it says in our verse, in order to pursue Him and then share Him, He gave you a weak and fragile body. Oh, it may not last this earth, but you can rest assured it was indeed a match made in Heaven.

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What do you need to do to nurture your health? I'd love to know your thoughts.

Steward It

Continuing our review of what author Tim Challies says about how to guard our health, we come upon the issue of stewarding our bodies. Not a new concept to most of us on this site, but repetition doesn't diminish reality. Tim says,

"You need to steward your body. As you surrender your body, you acknowledge that it does not belong to you but to God. Just as you are responsible to faithfully steward your time and money, you are responsible before God to faithfully steward the body he has assigned to you. You are to use your body wisely, to put your body to use in ways that bring glory to God. After all, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

A few years ago, traveling with a friend and client, I was working, writing the first PrayFit book, doing my thing. Well, one busy day my friend and client called me over and said, "Jimmy, let's take a walk." I wasn't sure what he needed, so as always I simply said, "Yes sir." When we turned the corner, he stopped, put his arm around me, pointed and said, "It's yours. Enjoy."

Sitting on a lawn was this beautiful truck. I couldn't believe it. I can still remember the feeling, the moment, my jaw-dropping reaction, and the look on his face when the jolt of recognition hit mine. The most undeserved and unexpected gift. What's more, it was paid in full and being shipped home for me. By the time my work on the road was done, it was waiting for me at my front door. And now that you know the story, I have one question. How much do you think I want to take care of that truck, inside and out? Truth is, to this day I don't climb up in it without thinking of it as a gift from him.

Isn't that how we should think about our bodies? The vehicles - if you will - that God gave us to get our dear souls from one stretch of this life to the next, as gifts? My genuine care and concern for my truck is simply a reflection of respect for the giver. It won't always be new. Like our bodies, it'll have wear and tear, and the miles will someday show (as they already do.) But even though it loses value each day, that truck is no less valuable to me than the day I got it. Why? Because of the one who gave it to me. It's funny, my wife will attest that while I get compliments for it all the time, I never miss a chance to smile and say, "Thank you. It was a gift." I don't tell them who it was from of course, but it just brings me joy to give him the praise, even in his absence.

Please be encouraged, dear friends. If someone asks you about training and food, show them how. If someone wonders why you don't boast or show-off, remind them where your strength comes from. And if there's ever a doubt as to the importance of stewarding a body designed to ultimately fail, take it as a compliment, because you know why. It was gift.

- Jimmy Peña

THANK YOU: Yesterday for my birthday, eleven of you signed-up for the local and virtual PrayFit 5K to benefit kids with disability. I'm so grateful. Thank you so much.

Present It

As promised, we're peeling back the layers of an article about guarding our health written by Tim Challies, and according to Tim, when it comes to our health, God expects us to present it, steward it, nurture it, and employ it.

Speaking of present - eh - 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. But back to the point, Tim writes, "You need to present your body. You are a whole person, your body and soul knit carefully together. You are to surrender to God all that you are, holding nothing back. Your body belongs to God and is to be used for his purposes. Thus, God calls you to surrender your body to him, to dedicate it to his service, to commit it to his purposes."

Imagine if we surrendered to God everything about our health, holding nothing back? What would I have to present and surrender for that to be true in my life? Less or more time caring for the body He made? Better food choices or perhaps maybe less food obsession? Less vanity or pride? More diligence and self control? Questions for all of us to wrestle with every day. My body, your body, is a present. And God held nothing back of His will when He made us. That's crazy, huh?

Thank you, Lord, for my life, my wife, family, friends, my job, my health, my body. 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. 

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 46, Lord. You gave it to me. I'll do my best to give it back. So very Amen.

- Jimmy Peña

#46: I'm dedicating my birthday to the PrayFit 5K event on April 14th, but I need your help. For my birthday, I'm hoping 46 people will sign up for the event either to participate locally in Los Angeles or virtually from anywhere. You can walk your neighborhood solo or get some friends to join you or you can jump on the treadmill and knock it out at the gym. Can I get 46 today? Will you help me? Just click the banner below and register. I'll send you a medal, a t-shirt and please remember that every cent goes to helping kids affected by disability. That's a good birthday present.

Twice-Owned

You'll forgive the long quote, but one of my favorite authors, Tim Challies, wrote a great entry long ago, and I wanted to examine portions of it this week. Check out what he says...

"God owns your body as its Creator. He hand-crafted every bit of your DNA. David celebrates God’s good design in Psalm 139, where he says, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (13-14). David’s body was actually God’s possession, carefully designed and deliberately assigned. The same is true for you—God owns your body because he created your body.

God also owns your body as its Savior. You had rebelled against God and sinfully claimed your body as your own. You decided to negate God’s claim over your body and to assert ownership of it yourself. But God drew you back from this treasonous rebellion, and as you accepted his offer of forgiveness and reconciliation, you ceded all your rights and restored proper ownership. In return, God actually took up residence within. So Paul asks, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This is why he can appeal to you and every other Christian “to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). To present your body as a living sacrifice is to present everything you have and everything you are to his service, to place it all under his authority. Your body is not your own. Your body is God’s, to be cared for as he demands, to be committed to his service."

Tim encourages us that when it comes to the body we are to present it, steward it, nurture it, and employ it. This week, we're gonna peel back those layers. Is that cool? It's gonna be intense. I think we're in for a good week. Guys, I've said it before, but bodily stewardship is so complex, and this week will help stir that certain truth. Let's do this.

- Jimmy Peña

Take Another Step

Take Another Step

prayfit.org

I'm gonna wear this song out. Seems I can't enough of the ditty by Steven Curtis Chapman. It's called "Take Another Step." Play, repeat, play, repeat. Thing is, I want to wear this song out; out on my walk, out to my therapy, out to the store. Let's walk and talk.

My eyes had not yet adjusted. After turning out the lights last night, I stood in pitch blackness. You know the feeling. Though your eyes are wide open, you can't see the end of your nose. So I did what you do. I didn't budge. I reasoned that in my condition the last thing I need to do is trip and fall. But Loretta's eyes had already adjusted to the dark. "You're fine, take another step." And there it is. What had to happen for me to move? I needed to have faith that Loretta could see in the dark.

We encourage babies to do it. Patients that surround me at rehab need to hear it. From someone discouraged because they haven't lost a pound, to someone trying to overcome the loss of a loved one, it's the most basic, difficult and necessary action any of us have to do to get through.

Are you in the dark today, unable to budge? Fearful about something? Timid or unsure? The light of your circumstances has gone out and you're standing there blind with your eyes wide open. Friend, He knows how you feel. But He sees in the dark. After all, He is the light. Just close your eyes, hold on to Him and take another step. And another step. And another step. And another step. Before you know it, you're wearing the song out.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: As you step out the door, is putting one foot in front of the other as tough literally as it is theoretically? I hope we can be an encouragement to you to keep going. Praying for you, hoping for you, helping shine His light so you can find your way. If you'd like us to help you pray about something, let us know. We're right here.

I encourage you to go to iTunes and download the CD by Steven Curtis Chapman called, "A Glorious Unfolding." When you get to "Take Another Step" turn it up for me. I need to hear it too.

Dance The Night Away

Tonight I will again have the honor of working security. Loretta will likely be named one of the official cheerleaders and on-call dancing partners. They'll arrive in limos and walk the red carpet; the kids affected by special needs from area high schools will attend "Joy Unleashed," produced and directed by Gina Spivey of Calvary Community Church. A couple of years ago a few dozen kids participated. Tonight, hundreds will. We will again be eyewitnesses to this miracle moment. I may have an update on Monday if that's alright with you. 

Guys, as we end the week, let's remember the less fortunate during our workouts. May every mile we ride, each step we take, every rep we make, and every hold and stretch be a prayer for those that can't.

Lord, my arms work because of You. My legs respond to my thoughts and my mind is uncluttered. Every ounce of my body is a gift from You, and I realize there are those that don't have certain abilities. Prevent me from believing that I somehow earned any of this, but for Your glory let my workout be as reckless and abandoned as those precious kids on the dance floor as they dance the night away.

- Jimmy Peña

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Silent Respect

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 2 Cor. 5:1-2 (NLT)

Like it says in the verse above, someday we'll have eternal bodies. My current aches, pains and restrictions are clear and present reminders of that hope. One day, our knees won't crackle, our bones won't break. No more back problems or stomach aches. No more cancer, heart disease, diabetes or sore throats. One day.

Until then - with you - I will try and take care of my body, trusting God with the results as His gifts and my limits just the same. Doing both takes grace.

Friends, may you and I be a resource of comfort for the hurting and struggling, and a source of inspiration and motivation for those that see today - maybe for the first time - as a day to make bodily stewardship a means of praise.

Father help us deal with our aches and pains with grace. This temporary body carries the soul, so may how we treat it be a small, silent, humble way of showing respect for that honor. Amen.

- Jimmy Peña

I Believe

“I lift my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made Heaven and earth.
”

— — Psalm 121:1

When Jesus asked the once blind beggar if he believed in the Son of Man, the man asked, "Who is he? That I may believe." Jesus said, "You're seeing Him. It is He that is speaking to you." With his eyes open, the beggar's next words: I believe.

I believe. What a powerful statement. Down through the centuries men and woman have staked their lives and their eternity on those two tiny words. We're going to wrap our hearts around them.

When I first started PrayFit back in 2009, much of what I'd do and say was hard-charged. Each day - like we had taken over enemy territory - I'd drive a stake in the ground with the still-certain truth that faith was the most powerful tool we have to conquer life's obstacles. Our mission was to help the Church body take back their health, and I was going to help lead that charge as long as I could breathe.

The last few years - as some of you realize - the message changed. When I got sick, I learned first-hand that you don't always get what you work for, and things like illness are as much or more of an opportunity to exercise faith as fitness. God taught me that health is a gift of His grace. Like eyesight, it's a gift we can't earn but can most certainly waste.

In Christian artist For King and Country's hit "Shoulders," they answer Psalm 121:

“My help comes from you. You’re right here pulling me through. You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on your shoulders. Your shoulders. My help comes from You. You are my rest, my rescue. I don’t have to see to believe you’re lifting me up on your shoulders. Your shoulders." — For King and Country

Friends, I hope the mountain you face today reminds you of both the Psalmist and the blind beggar. They lifted their eyes and believed. May you and I believe that God is right here pulling us through. The weakness, sickness, brokenness as well as the fitness.. All of it. His.

Mountains are no match. Let's close our eyes, take a deep breath, exhale and utter those two precious and powerful words: I believe.

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: This week begins a very difficult and steep season for us at PrayFit. I covet your prayers for me personally today. Does anyone else have a prayer request? If you'd rather not be specific, simply write "unspoken" and we will lift each other up. 

Is Strength Inevitable?

I recently saw a popular post on social media that read, "Strength: An inevitable side-effect of effort." 

OKAY. Sounds good. Short. To the point. Strong. Inspirational. But at the risk of disagreeing with something that was so very popular, even loved, I have to ask...is it true?

Is strength inevitable?
Is growth guaranteed?
Is progress promised?

Shawn Thornton once said that while we represent Jesus on earth, Jesus represents us in Heaven. While we bleed for Him, He pleads for us. Despite our sin, He's our advocate, and He's never lost a case.

John Favel famously wrote, "They that know God will be humble. They that know themselves cannot be proud."

My blog won't reach millions. My post won't win awards for popularity. It won't draw crowds or summon much attention, but then again, I'm not pleading my case. 

Despite what the fitness industry (and in some cases the "faith & fitness" industry) will want us to believe, rewards of this earth are not inevitable; especially those that require our physical effort. That's not to say that strength, growth and progress aren't - at times and under certain conditions - byproducts. But they are - under every circumstance - on loan.

Temporary treasures. Perishable gifts.

The only sure thing about every aspect of our lives is Jesus, and the grace He gives our souls. May our response to that truth be inevitable.

- Jimmy Peña

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THE RACE IS ON: 
For those keeping score, we're nearly at 20 states and 2 countries represented in the PrayFit 5K happening on April 14.

Leading the way:
#1 - California
#2 - Georgia
#3 - Arizona
#4 - Florida
#5 - Tennessee

(Ahem, where is Texas?)

No matter where you live, please register to walk, jog, run or roll with us to help families affected by disability. Go solo or form a team. (And c'mon, Texas. Sheesh.)

A Sacrifice of Praise

If you're reading through the Bible in chronological order with us through the PrayFit app, today we covered the story in Genesis of Abraham and Isaac. And as the old gospel song goes,

"The call to go to mount Moriah came to Abraham
But the offering placed before the Lord was not a lamb
He bound His only son and when the knife was raised
A sacrifice became the price of praise." 

What a story.

When Loretta and I traveled to churches during the early years of PrayFit - before I was sidelined physically - I would often use this story and song as part of a message to congregations; the crux of our message for believers was, of course, to embrace a paradigm shift in the importance of physical health -- to see a healthy heart and lower bodyfat as a means of praise. After all, something so fearfully and wonderfully made deserves attention and upkeep. I've said it before, but God doesn't need our health to get his message around the world. We do.

Well, Loretta and I and the rest of Team PrayFit are about to embark upon a new journey and new endeavors for the sake of our little call and ministry. Some things are so big that unless God is in them, they will surely fail. That's why today's reading and this old Larnelle Harris song are as real and applicable today for us as they were ten years ago. Take these words in for a second...

"When praise demands a sacrifice, I'll worship even then, surrendering the dearest things in life. And if devotion costs me all, He'll find me faithful to the call, when praise demands a sacrifice."

So if I may, I'll ask you the same question I asked congregations years ago. If we embrace the belief that our health is a means of praise -- and if praise demands a sacrifice -- what will it cost you?

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What does physical stewardship look like to you when you hear that question? Could mean some simple things: less time watching TV, pushing away from the table sooner, less cell phone, avoiding donuts on Sunday, or saying no to sodas. Or, your stewardship call may mean offering yourself in service to the local church, helping out a ministry, lending a hand to a local cause using the health you've worked hard to protect. What are the dearest things in life to you? And will they become a sacrifice of praise?

Me Time. His Terms.

I recently watched Francis Chan discuss a chapter from his book "Crazy Love" and in this video curriculum he talked about - of all topics - an autopsy. Fortunately, he said, he wasn't able to be there in person, but that maybe there's something healthy about seeing a body laying on a table and realizing that it will be us someday. Francis went on to say that "Sometimes we have too high a regard for human bodies and life on earth." 

King Solomon said, "It's better to go to a house of mourning than a house that is feasting, because death is the destiny of every man and the living should take this to heart." (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

Nothing like a house of mourning speech to put a spring in our step this Thursday, but seriously guys, let's set goals. Real, godly goals. What would that look like for us today? Maybe it's as simple as: Get to the gym worshipping. Train worshipping. Leave worshipping. After all, what is it about our workouts that will last 100 years from now? A few that come to mind: 1) Our conversations with God 2) the love we have for others and 3) what we did in service of the Kingdom with the health we were given.

So, smile. Train hard. Invite someone to church. Shake hands. Work. Offer spots. Pray for someone. Dig deep. Give God all the glory and deflect the praise. Fight. Ask someone to pray for you. Spend your "me time" on His terms. Push against the elements, but love more than you lift. That's crazy.

-Jimmy Peña

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PrayFit Virtual 5K Coast-to-Coast

Will you run with me? So far 14 states are represented in our virtual 5K. With California in the lead, Arizona, Tennessee, Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma and South Carolina are all in. Click here to sign up. Everyone gets medals and t-shirts, but you have to secure yours soon to be assured your medal on event day. You can create teams or go solo. Let's do this.

Limits He Cannot Exceed

As some of you know, we're reading through the Bible chronologically this year using the PrayFit app. We've jumped from Genesis to the book of Job, and we've been there a few days. What a book.

"How frail is humanity!
How short is life, how full of trouble!
We blossom like a flower and then wither.
Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear.
A person’s days are determined;
you have decreed the number of his months
and have set limits he cannot exceed."
(Job 14: 1-2, 5)

A couple of my favorite poems that I know by heart, and as Loretta will attest, I recite often around the house are, "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas and "IF" by Rudyard Kipling. I urge you to read and memorize them. I'm sentimental, of course, so they drive me. But I love the complexity, the irony, and the deep tension they expose. Indeed, bodily stewardship is truly an ever-growing tension for me; as if each ticking second of the clock beside me as I type this sentence represents the loosening stitch of the fabric of my physical self. I mean, I know I'm withering. I know I'm wasting away, and yet, I am called to fight. I'm called to steward. I'm called here on earth to nurse my dying shell with a heavenly mind.

When I got sick a few years ago, my grasp of my mortality tightened and my sensitivity to the brittleness of my body heightened. I came face-to-face with a certain truth. That my physical limit wasn't my personal best; like some passing bench press (405lb.) or my squat (550lb.); imposters disguised as my potential. I list them only to help illustrate that those mountain-top moments didn't represent my personal best. No, the most strenuous minute I've ever filled came when I realized I would never attempt to best them.

Frankly, nobody reading this sentence - or anyone who ever lived for that matter - has ever physically traveled beyond their God-given limits. Nobody. Read the verse again if need be. And while that might be a slap in the face to the motivational speaker who claims we can push beyond them, the truth is, we never exceed our limits. We merely - if rarely - find them. And I like to think, like Job realized, that in finding our limits, we meet God. 

- Jimmy Peña

The Burning Question: Guys, I'm fighting. Clawing and reaching. I may not be as able as ever, but I still "rage against the dying of the light." Knowing Heaven is in view and by faith it will make sense of earth, I'm trying to fill the minutes and days with the kind of physical stewardship that allows me to do what God asks. 

I hope I'm helping you do the same.

God Ran Ahead

Preparing for the PrayFit 5K on April 14th, the team is actively going over all the details. In fact, the heavy rain in California this week reminds me of the time Loretta ran the Big Sur Marathon in Central California. Big Sur is arguably one of the most difficult -- and beautiful -- marathons in the country. Known for it's brutal hills as much as its breathtaking views, if there's one race to run each year, this is it. But a month prior to the race, the runners were notified that due to landslides and weather, the course would need to change.

So the day before the race, thousands of runners met to get the new information and to participate in a group Q&A. You could actually feel the apprehension and tension in the air, as thousands of healthy lungs held their breath.

After all, running a marathon is tough enough, but an untested course? That's another thing altogether. But it wasn't until the race director himself took the podium that the atmosphere changed and oxygen was allowed back into the room. With one brief phrase, panic turned to peace and chaos to calm. "I've run the course," he said. "It's tough, it's beautiful, but it's ready for you."

Much like Big Sur, the course of our marathon days is unpredictable. But God ran ahead. He promises we won't run into anything that He doesn't allow. He knows the course. It's tough, it's beautiful. And because of Him, we're ready for it.

- Jimmy Peña

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The PrayFit 5K MEDAL: When the team received the options for the medal you'll receive when you run the PrayFit 5K either here in Los Angeles or from your own hometown, we could  not make up our minds. All of the options were awesome. So, I had an idea. I sent them all to Jordan's mom and asked her if she wouldn't mind asking him which one he liked. Without hesitation, he chose what you see below. It was his call to make. (Hurry and register!)

Forever Road

Queensboro Bridge. Halfway through the 2011 New York City Marathon is both where this entry was written, and where my race actually began. Nearly two months of ultrasound and countless hours of therapy weren't enough to convalesce my troubled hamstring; which unbeknownst to me was a precursor to a more severe, undetected infirmity. And with 12 miles -- or roughly 24,000 steps left to go -- the grand, lofty notion of taking just one more was in question. So I wrote this entry.

In as much time as it took a thousand runners to pass me by, I wrapped my leg in a makeshift tourniquet using stored gauze, and as many white flags as I could find in my heart. If there's one thing this most novice of runners quickly realized on that bridge, was that the next step was as necessary as the eventual stride that would be needed to cross the finish line. So this week, we'll run some of life's boroughs together.

Friends, life is simply a bridge. Work, school, money, health...all mere mile markers that remind us that we're in a race. And while we don't compete against one another, I think sometimes the most daunting of life's fights occurs when we're surrounded by fellow runners. Fellow runners who are - by nature - each hamstrung by something and fighting to turn another corner down Forever Road. Let's remember that each step is worth it if we know Who awaits us in the end.

- jimmy peña

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RUNNING MAN: Nearly a decade later, I'm no runner. In fact, the day I crossed the finish line in the Big Apple was my little, grand finale. Of course, there was no press conference salute or retirement ceremony to mark the moment, but a frail fighter had met his match; a limit that only a handful of surgeries would justify. My tip of a cap to the ability to run - something to which most don't give a second thought - was my silent bow. And although the gift of being able to absorb the glorious pounding of the pavement I have not, what I still have is a miracle; a wonder; a symphony; an instantaneous explosion of grace.

That's why I'm so excited to be able to officially announce the PrayFit 5K; a local and virtual run to benefit kids affected by disability. The good news is we don't have to be able to run in order to help. I'm asking, pleading and begging for you to join me from wherever you are. Walk it, ride it, lift it, and run it if you can.

And cover your ears, but on April 14th - although I'm not supposed to - I will be running a 5K for Jordan, for Eric and for countless other kids with special needs. They may not understand why we're doing it, but they need a place to play, some safety measures and adequate restroom facilities.

This week as we hit some of life's boroughs together, please consider helping me in this effort. For those that don't live in Los Angeles, I'm looking for 500 people to run this race virtually. Will you be one of them? I hope so. Please tell your best friend, mention it to a neighbor and alert your family that we're doing something at PrayFit for those less fortunate and that you're going to help us cross that bridge. 

Cut To The Chase

PrayFit thru the Bible in a year.
Today's reading from the new app: Gen 12-14; Matt 6

The phrase "cut to the chase" originated in scripts during the silent film era. After dramatic story lines, these mute motion pictures would routinely end in chase sequences on dusty roads. Today, the phrase has come to mean "get to the point." Fittingly, that's exactly what we intend to do.

At PrayFit, we believe that a pursuit of health is simply about enabling us to follow Christ with reckless abandon. Frankly, everything we have should help us chase Him; our money, our time, and yes, our bodies. The fitter we try and keep ourselves, the better able we are to serve; not for health's sake, but for heaven's. Like John Piper says, "I run because it helps me be a better Pastor. I sleep better and I'm more patient with people." Pretty cool.

So, let's get to the point. As it's been said, let's follow so close that we're "covered in His dust." God is Producer and Director. And our storylines of life will become motion pictures of grace...the sooner we cut to the chase.

- Jimmy Peña

My Fitness Goals: So, let's do it. Getting ready for a PrayFit-sponsored trip to Haiti in July, here are a few of my personal fitness goals as promised yesterday:

1.) Dramatically improve my flexibility. The key to my spinal longevity, according to my surgeon, is flexibility. Not core strength, not muscle, not power, but flexibility. And so while I'm working on full-body flexibility, I'm gonna work on being so flexible, I can do a split. (Lofty.)

2.) Although I can't lift heavy weight, I am allowed to manipulate my own bodyweight. Part of my chest, shoulder and triceps routines is the push-up. I am incorporating the decline push-up now, where my feet are elevated above my head. My goal is to be able to perform a full set of hand-stand push-ups (wall-assisted for balance, c'mon, one goal at a time).

3.) Work my way up to hundreds of miles a week and month on the bike down in my cave. I'm slowing building up resilience of my spine and tailbone to withstand the posture.

Your turn. What are your goals? And any weightlifters here specifically? If so, I have something cool for you.

PrayFit 5K MEDAL UNVEILED! 

The PrayFit 5K & 1-Mile Walk-n-Roll
APRIL 14, 2018

Benefitting kids affected by disability, the PrayFit 5K & 1-Mile Walk-N-Roll will be hosted by Calvary Community Church in beautiful Westlake Village, California and is certified by the USA Track & Field Association. The registration comes with finisher medals, t-shirts and age group awards for the 5K. The 5K is chipped timed. Hurry and register.

(Not local? GO VIRTUAL! We need you. All those registered - LOCAL AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY - receive medals and t-shirts.)

Here are some specific needs your walk, run or lift will help meet:
Safety: Currently all of the kids affected by special needs must travel upstairs to get to their specially-equipped room.
Playground: With the new move, the kids will have unimpaired access to the outdoor playground they need and enjoy.
Restroom Facilities: We are in need of upgrading and modifying the restroom facilities in the new special needs location.

Expect Delays

Well, here we are nearing the end of the first week of 2018. We took a different path to begin the new year; choosing to rest, to read, to pray, to wait. In fact, take a look at the scene from Hidalgo I referenced in my latest eBook. What you're about to see is the start of a 3,000 mile race across the Sahara with the crowds chanting. Or in our case, when the ball drops in Times Square. I'll see you at the end of the beginning.

Did you catch what he told his horse? "What I tell you, little brother? It's all for show" just before the race began; an endurance race, no doubt.

Like I said in the eBook, the start of each year is a lot like this clip. Loud, exciting, and a hopeful show. But before you know it, the crowds are out of sight and then begins the real battle, the strategy, the actual race. That's why I knew 5 days without training would do far more good for my soul than it would do harm to my body.

You know, thinking about 2018 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 saying, "That one, God. Yes! Let's conquer that!" And by His grace, we chase them.

Well, a few years ago as my wife and I began what seemed like our own race across the Sahara (actually, we were just going state-to-state following Christmas break), I saw a sign: DELAYS AHEAD. I didn't give it much thought. A few miles later: EXPECT DELAYS. I looked at my watch. "Hmm. So far so good." So I shrugged, turned up the radio and set my cruise control. But sure enough the next sign read: "EXPECT EXTREME DELAYS SOON, JIMMY." 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 4-hour trip had quickly become eight.

As we begin to think about, pray for and jot down fitness goals for the upcoming year, we can expect delays. Even though we might hit the new year at full speed, the chances of a few roadblocks are high. But let's not quit or lose heart. Physical stewardship doesn't mean we always get what we work for. It means we always know Who we work for. And that makes all the difference for dark horses like us.

- Jimmy Peña

Application: I have some physical goals that I'm gonna share with you tomorrow. Will you think about sharing yours with me then too?

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ANNOUNCEMENT: 

The PrayFit 5K & 1-Mile Walk-n-Roll
APRIL 14, 2018

Benefitting kids affected by disability, the PrayFit 5K & 1-Mile Walk-N-Roll will be hosted by Calvary Community Church in beautiful Westlake Village, California and is certified by the USA Track & Field Association. The registration comes with finisher medals, t-shirts and age group awards for the 5K. The 5K is chipped timed. Hurry and register.

(Not local? GO VIRTUAL! We need you. All those registered - LOCAL AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY - receive medals and t-shirts.)

Here are some specific needs your walk, run or lift will help meet:
Safety: Currently all of the kids affected by special needs must travel upstairs to get to their specially-equipped room.
Playground: With the new move, the kids will have unimpaired access to the outdoor playground they need and enjoy.
Restroom Facilities: We are in need of upgrading and modifying the restroom facilities in the new special needs location.

Shade

The confetti is all but cleaned up, the streamers are in the trash, and the calendar is brand new. Deep breath...ah, so this is 2018!

But it doesn't take long for things to feel normal again does it? For some reason, the commute this morning is still bumper to bumper, co-workers are still grumpy, and junk food options are available at every corner. Seems last year's ho-hums and habits still cast their shadows.

This week, we're resting our physical pursuits. I haven't been shy about that. Some of you are enjoying the new eBook, others are digging into the upgraded Bible plan on the app, and others are just taking a deep breath before January 8th rolls around. 

The reason we're being so deliberate this first week is because a new year is only new if we make it that way. For you and me, a change in year only matters when it changes in here (this is me pointing to my heart). So starting today, no matter what seems old, let's find a way to make it new. Our morning workouts don't happen unless we've spent time in God's word. That commute? Try seeing it as an extended quiet time with the Lord. Those co-workers? Be the only one in the office unwilling to gossip. And at lunch, be the first to push away from the table as a way to praise the Lord for the gift of health. Slowly but surely, we'll realize the difference is in us. Seems those weren't shadows after all. It was shade.

- Jimmy Peña

Let's Pray:
As we seek shade this week, who else but my friend Scotty Smith to lead us in a first week prayer?

Heavenly Father, whether or not 2018 is going to be a “happy” New Year, remains to be seen. But as in 2017, there won’t be a day this year you’ll fail to send us new mercies and give us sufficient grace. You’ll steadfastly delight in us, and rejoice over us with singing, no matter the happenstance, circumstances, or providences. Because of Jesus’ finished work, your love for us is irrepressible, immeasurable, and inexhaustible. That will be the most predictable and reliable truth in 2018. Hallelujah!

In response to the words you spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, this is our prayer for 2018. May it be a year filled with knowing you better, boasting in you more robustly, and serving you more joyfully. Though our desire for approval and power, riches and relationships, comfort and control will be unrelenting, may intimate fellowship with you seize our hearts, shape our schedules, and consume our days. Our only New Year’s resolution is to believe the gospel more fully and gladly.

May the gospel compel us to love mercy, work for justice and walk humbly with you in 2018. Don’t let us forget that all of history is tied to your commitment to redeem a Bride for Jesus from every nation, tongue and people group. Show us our place in that story.

May we dance and suffer, work and pray, serve and love all to your glory. Reveal more of Jesus to our hearts; bring gospel-renewal to our churches; and advance your kingdom in our cities. May we live each day this year confident of your great love, resting in your sovereign rule, and longing for Jesus’ return. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.