Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
National Measures
One common way that national viability is measured is through gross national product, or GDP -- the market value of all officially recognized final goods and services produced within a country in a year, or other given period of time. In the United States, as of 2011, health spending in this country was at 18 percent of GDP, or about $2.6 trillion per year. The estimated annual health care costs of obesity-related illnesses such as hypertension, Type II diabetes and arthritis are a staggering $190.2 billion, or nearly 21% of annual medical spending. Hardly stats worth bragging about. Still, the debate on health coverage in the country rages on, leaving us fractured, polarized and still overweight. As the federal government works to find solutions, even within the framework of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the church is beginning to coalesce around a simple truth: that we can collectively drive down medical costs -- even if it takes a generation -- by becoming better stewards of our health.
"The things God calls us to do as believers require a stewardship-type outlook of the body," says PrayFit founder Jimmy Peña. "If you’re a believer who finds himself or herself unknowingly hiding behind the truth that God only sees the heart — with all due respect — a willful neglect of the body is a heart issue."
Enter the soon-to-be released PrayFit Diet by Jimmy Peña, which goes beyond its own detailed meal plans and macronutrient counts and digs into the biblical motivations -- and mandates -- for taking better care of "the bodies that carry the soul."
This message, which has been well-received in churches across the country since the advent of PrayFit in 2009, has made its way to Washington. Congressman Aaron Schock, who has received plenty of attention for his personal dedication to healthy living, had this to say about The PrayFit Diet:
"Jimmy Peña’s The PrayFit Diet provides the moral case for why every human being should be living with food discipline -- for their benefit and for the glory of God."
Schock put his belief in personal responsibility into legislative language with HR 2649, which would have provided a tax reimbursement for qualified physical activity, "in order to incentivize more Americans to take better care of themselves," he said on his website.
This is precisely where Schock's philosophy dovetails with Peña’s.
"God equipped us for a unique purpose and to accomplish it, He gave us these bodies," Peña says. "What an awesome honor to be responsible for their care."
While the costs of health care continue to spiral out of control, we can rest easy knowing that we are not powerless in this fight. Can faith fight obesity and other related health maladies? We believe it can. And like Rep. Schock says, it's for our benefit...but His glory.
The PrayFit Diet, is not only inspired by biblical principles, but it’s also supported by today’s cutting-edge science, and Peña gives you a plan to shed weight fast and the motivation to keep it off for a lifetime. By combining perfectly proportioned meals with biblically based motivation, The PrayFit Diet will give you all the tools you need to live a life that will both inspire you and honor the Lord. The PrayFit Diet is available for pre-order everywhere books are sold.
A PrayFit Special Announcement
Hey everyone. We missed you! A couple weeks ago, we signed off so we could do a little housekeeping on the site to get ready for a special announcement. Well, if PrayFit.com were a newly renovated home, please think of me as the one with the special honor of opening the front door. It's a special day. Here's a short video we made to help mark the occasion.
I can't tell you how excited we are to offer you this book. And I'm so honored by the early feedback we've received. Take a look.
"Practically everyone I know wants to lose weight and get more fit—myself included. This battle is as much spiritual as it is physical, and most exercise and diet specialists miss this, but not Jimmy Peña and his PrayFit Diet plan. Getting fit God’s way ensures you have the proper perspective on how and who God made you to be. When you have this foundation firmly in place, you will not be motivated to get fit to prove you are a somebody, but to express the somebody you are in Christ.” --Randy Frazee, pastor, Oak Hills Church/author, The Heart of the Story
"Jimmy Peña has been doing his thing in fitness for decades, but with PrayFit, he’s taken things to a whole new level. If you’re looking to build a stronger faith while also getting healthier, then The PrayFit Diet is the resource for you." --Terry Crews, actor
"Jimmy Peña’s The PrayFit Diet provides the moral case for why every human being should be living with food discipline — for their benefit and for the glory of God." --U.S. Congressman Aaron Schock, Illinois
Well, welcome back home. Like with any renovation, we're still walking around wiping away dust and smoothing rough edges but, as ever, thank you for being our guest. We wrote this for you. If you would, please share the news with your friends, family, your pastor, church leader or Bible study group. And, more than anything, we ask that you pray for us as we bring this new resource to this country and the church. Check out our home page and you'll see that we're so blessed that it's available everywhere books are sold, and we're praying for His renown as we unveil it.
Much more to come this week, with some neat giveaways, announcements and new partnerships, but for now, thanks everyone. I missed you. We've missed you. Please, make yourself at home.
--Jimmy Peña
Carry Me, Daddy
Carry me, Daddy, she says with outstretched and exhausted toddler arms. Oh just carry me Daddy. Reaching down to pick her up, her Papa knows whose arms she needs. So sweet. And while I may never hear those words, I've said them. Wait -- no -- I'm saying them.
Like I mentioned yesterday, we have something special for you coming very soon, and we need to make the site ready to present it. I promise that we'll be back with devotions in a week or so, but as we rest our fingers and calm the keyboard, there will be much work going on. Pray for us. Beyond a doubt, only by the grace of our dear Lord have we been able to do what we've done over the years and it's only by His grace that we're able to do what's next; standing on the edge of cliff, in a way.
I know some of you can relate, but Friday sometimes represents the beginning of a deep breath. The jobs, workouts, food, meals, relationships, kids, parents, friends...you've put it all in His hands, so you figure, that's exactly where you want to be. Me too. He knows whose arms we need. Whether it's at the end of a tough week or just before a leap of faith, I can't think of a more appropriate plea.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: I'll miss reaching out to you each day, but you're on my mind with every decision I'm about to make. And so....how was YOUR week? Work, relationships, health? I still have all of you in my heart and mind from the other day's prayer requests, which you can still review by clicking here. I keep going back to raise each of you up. I feel like I know you as friends. Any praises you want to share? Let's stop for a second and just thank God for things. Who's got a praise to raise?
SOCIAL NETWORKS: While we're away, please encourage others to "like," "join," "tweet" and "watch" PrayFit. Click the links below to get plugged in with the rest of the PrayFit community in 2014! Facebook HeavenUp Twitter Instagram YouTube
Grace In Numbers
"But he gives us more grace." --James 4:6
Max Lucado once wrote, "Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off." I thought of that quote yesterday while going through the vast number of prayer requests; each name was mentioned out loud and every need lifted by all of us at PrayFit, not to mention a countless number of all of you that went through them. Thank you for your prayer support. Grace in numbers.
Speaking of, how many of you reading this today are hearing the voice of grace? You eat right, get your exercise in, take your vitamins. But there's something that's been missing. Something more important. Something...deeper. A show of hands of those that have taken care of the body, but you hear God knocking on the door of your heart, letting you know He misses His time with you. Or maybe the voice inside is urging you to improve your relationship with your spouse, someone at work, or "that" neighbor. Until now, you've shrugged it off. You've done the math and you can't figure out why bother. Besides, the mirror still agrees with you, the money isn't bad, and you suppose that "If that neighbor wants to talk to me -- then, well -- they can come talk to me." But that's what grace is. It's the solution to our toughest equations.
I know sometimes the math of life just doesn't add up. We scratch our heads. We multiply our hurts and subtract our days. We feel divided, because it's not always easy to forgive, or cope, or strive, or to be modest, or patient, or try harder, or quieter. But the longer I live, the sweeter the proof is that when you carry the One, grace always solves for why.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: What is the voice of grace urging you to change? Your health? Bible study time? Other? Remember, if the Lord is urging us, He gives us the power to pull it off.
****IMPORTANT SITE UPDATE****: This is an early notice and we'll mention it again tomorrow that the site will be down next week for some maintenance and an important upgrade. We're getting ready to unveil something for you, and the much smarter ones among us need the site to work their magic. So you'll forgive the interruption but I'm confident you'll be pleased with what you see when we're through. Of course, you can still come back on a daily basis to read, listen to or watch years' worth of content! Sound good? Thanks guys. Happy Thursday.
BRING PRAYFIT TO YOUR TOWN
Sometimes, it's just a family that needs recalibrating in the areas of faith and fitness. But sometimes, it's your church family that could use a tune-up. Congregations across the country have welcomed Jimmy and his message of health as a means of praise, using it as a way to kick off a revival of sorts...and your town could be next. Contact us at [email protected] to schedule a visit from the PrayFit team! As always, for churches and other non-profit events there is never a speaking fee. Talk to your pastors and leaders. Reach out to us and let's see health as a means of praise, together.
A Prayer for Lent
For the first day of Lent, I wanted to share with you a portion of a prayer from one of my favorite writing Pastors, 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
Prayer Requests: Friends, as we begin the season, we're here for you for all the ways you'll celebrate, whether by fasting and abstaining or renewing and recalibrating. With that in mind, let's start out right. If anyone has prayer requests, let's list them and go to the cross together. As always, if you'd rather say "Unspoken" we promise to lift your name in prayer. From all of us at PrayFit, be blessed this first day of the greatest season God ever gave man to enjoy.
Oxygen Debt
As athletes, you know the feeling; hands on your knees, trying to catch your breath after a grueling set of wind sprints. 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.
You know, 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 with the wonderful Lent season fast approaching, keep that in mind. Grace allows us to breathe easy while we work. Because no matter your success or failure at whatever commitment the beautiful Holy season inspires in you, God can't love you any more than He does right now. So don't try and repay Him. Simply accept His grace, take a deep breath and sigh.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: I like what Louie Giglio says: "For Lent, I'm giving up." For some of you, Lent represents an amazing time of renewal and commitment. Perhaps you're making commitments to read your Bible daily, or give up sweets, or television. Some of you will use this time to realign yourself with healthier foods and choices to exercise. Others will take what Louie said and simply give up trying to be perfect. Well, whoever you are and whatever your needs, we're here with you. God bless you and all of us as we're mindful of the coming season where God conquered death and the grave so we wouldn't have to.
CARDIO CORNER: If you participate in athletics, or any kind of intense activity, you're well aware of the feeling right after a bout of exercise. And EPOC -- excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (often used interchangeably with the term oxygen debt) -- is the number of calories expended (above resting values) after an exercise bout.
EPOC represents the oxygen consumption the body uses to return to its pre-exercise state. The physiological mechanisms responsible for increased metabolism following exercise include oxygen replenishment; phosphagen (ATP-PC) resynthesis; lactate removal; and increased ventilation, blood circulation and body temperature. The body generally takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 48 hours to fully recover to a resting state. Studies have found that the magnitude and duration of EPOC depend on the intensity and duration of exercise. Other influencing factors include training status and gender. (Source: American College of Sports Medicine)
Great Pretenders
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness.'" --Matthew 25:21
This last week marked the end of "awards season" here in Los Angeles, including the Golden Globes, the SAGs, People's Choice and of course the Oscars. Many of these special shows have their own version of a Lifetime Achievement Award, where a peer is recognized and celebrated for just what the title suggests -- a lifelong body of work and the ultimate achievement in show business. What's interesting is that this person is someone who has dedicated their lives to either pretending to be someone he or she isn't or helping others do the same. Great pretenders.
And when they make their way to the stage, they're greeted with a long embrace from a worthy peer and a standing ovation which seems to last forever. And while there are usually dozens of roles they've played, there's usually one for which they're most remembered.
As believers, we don't earn our reward, we follow Him. Fact is, if someone were to roll tape of our greatest hits and most celebrated performances, they'd all have one main character: Jesus. There's nothing good in us, but Him. And if we act as if there is, we're not only pretending for others but we're fooling ourselves. And make no mistake, when our life is through and He welcomes us home with a lifetime achievement embrace, there will be applause that lasts forever...from us.
--Jimmy Peña
TRUTH: When it comes to our lives as believers, we don't want to pretend. Authentic Christianity is one of our utmost objectives, amen? Sharing Christ, living abundantly, modestly and humbly, working to spread the Gospel each day. Let's have a good week. Be blessed.
READ + LISTEN
If you're looking for additional inspiration, you can listen to PrayFit founder Jimmy Peña reading through an exclusive selection of devotionals right here on the site. So if you have a few additional moments, click here, open your ears and your heart and give a listen. Or, click below for one of our faves.
Marching Orders
No Strings Attached
4:00pm (Yesterday). I'm polishing my shoes, straightening my tie and Loretta is making some last minute decisions on earrings. We're dressing up. And soon my beautiful bride and I will likely be the most unrecognizable pair at the party. My name is not in lights or surrounded by a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, so I know full well that our presence won't be because of anything I've done, but only because of who I know (and who knows me).
As we close up the week, it's been a tough one for many of us. But one single thing has helped us put one foot in front of the other: grace. (A show of hands of anyone with me.) One of my favorite new writers, Pastor Tullian Tchividjian (grandson of Billy Graham) said this week, "Grace is the gift with no strings attached." Like my presence at the party tonight, nothing I've done merits the invitation, but because the host wanted me there, my acceptance is enough. (I wonder how many entry ideas I'll get tonight.)
And oh, remember a few weeks back when I talked about my truck being a gift? Same friend. And I spent the better part of the day making sure every nook and cranny of it was immaculate. Sure, I doubt he'll see it or inspect it, but I just appreciate the gift that'll get me to the party.
--Jimmy Peña
PRAYER OF SALVATION What other party can you think of that we've been invited to? What great, grace celebration is awaiting our arrival? Accepting the invitation is the most important decision we will ever make.
If you've never asked Jesus into your heart, today could be the day you do that. Dr. Stanley often helps people accept Christ as Savior with this simple prayer. I urge you if you've never taken this step to do so right now and mean it with all your heart. And if you want us to celebrate this decision with you, let us know in the comments below!
Heavenly Father, I confess that I have sinned against you; that I am a sinner. I’m asking you to forgive me for all my sin. Not on the basis of my good works or what I will do, but what Jesus Christ has already done for me at the cross. I hear and now, receive Jesus Christ as my personal savior. And choose to live for Him the rest of my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
For Daily Encouragement:
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SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/cSd8tp
Prayers For Gail
Friends, I received this email day before yesterday from a friend...
Hey Jimmy, I hope this email finds you doing well. Going to cut right to it... My dad took my mom into ER over the weekend, a CT and X-ray later = pancreatic cancer. Never saw it coming, healthy woman. Words cannot describe what we're experiencing as a family, let alone my mother. Lab results are expected in the next 2-3 days. We'll have an idea of game plan once we see the lab results and what stage she is in. Her tumor, 2-3 centimeters, is on the tip of the pancreas. Her name is Gail, in all honesty - she is my best friend. To say we're close is an understatement. Can you please pray for her, and feel free to forward my request to anyone else in your network...
Guys, allow me to cut right to it. You're my network. What does Dr. Charles Stanley say? "When someone asks you to pray for their physical healing, they are expressing their confidence in your relationship with God." Well, please let me express my confidence in yours. During your quiet time today, please lift Gail and her family up. Let's light her world.
Thanks.
--Jimmy Peña
BRING PRAYFIT TO YOUR TOWN
Churches. Community events. Schools. Corporate events. PrayFit is on the march in 2014 with its unchanging message; one of stewardship, of faith, of humility, of endurance. The team is actively booking spring and summer events! Reach out to us at [email protected] for more details. As always, for churches and other non-profit events there is never a speaking fee. Talk to your pastors and leaders. Reach out to us and let's see health as a means of praise, together.
Light Your World
We're people watchers -- me and my best pal, Ms. Josey Wales -- and last night was no exception. Sitting outside Trader Joe's waiting for mama to finish shopping, we watched all sorts of people. Some of them even noticed Josey's grey beard and eye brows. We took it all in. But then we watched a sweet older couple arrive. He slowly got out of the driver's side only to reappear with a wheelchair and proceeded to help her out of the passenger side. After getting her situated in front of the store, moving slowly himself, he went back to close all the car doors and she simply sat there in the entry way, alone. As if the scene wasn't tough enough, what happened next really got me.
As if she were sitting in the middle of a busy subway station, most were completely oblivious to her as they passed by on both sides. Some rushing along their way, others had their faces in their cell phones. But who would blame them? Probably just ready to get home to their families and begin their night. We've all been there. But then a woman with her young son walked out, and here began the lesson.
As she and her boy walked by, the mother immediately noticed the elderly woman sitting there. Letting her son push the cart, the woman would look back with nearly every step. By the time she got to the parking lot, it was just too much for her to handle and she sent her son back to check on her. Sweet boy, too. With super thick eyeglasses, he walked up to her and after a quick, bashful glance toward his shoes the little gentleman asked, "Are you alright? I mean, um, do you need any help?" I couldn't quite hear her reply, but the little boy just nodded, smiled and ran to catch up with his mama. (Bravo, mama.)
Now, you'll forgive the long entry, but I don't know who was blessed most. Maybe the woman in the wheelchair; someone cared to ask. Maybe it was the older husband; that little boy checking on his girl was just fine with him. Maybe it was the mom; her mother may have special needs, too. Or perhaps it was the little boy; learning to notice others as well as develop courage to reach out. Yeah, I don't know. For all I know, it could've been the sentimental fool sitting on a bench with his dog.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: I love moments. I think the Lord does too. And isn't that what our health is for? To live in the moment? Make it a point today to notice something and then light someone's world. Who's in?
Stay Hungry
"And I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way." --Matthew 15:32
I bet they couldn't get enough. In fact, the sun had set three times and I wonder if they even noticed. Who was this man? The words, the wisdom, the...grace! Indeed, I bet they couldn't get enough, which is probably why they didn't leave to eat.
The bible says that the crowd remained with the Lord for three days. Now granted, you and I have heard some amazing sermons. We've been in the presence of wonderful teachers. But a three-day, non-stop lesson? Even Max Lucado would lose me and Charles Stanley would excuse me. But this wasn't just any teacher referring to Jesus. This was Jesus on the subject of Jesus. This was Love teaching how. The face of grace was offering it. And I think that explains a lot about the crowd. Each morsel of forgiveness was a feast, and they were famished. They were starving for salvation. Oh yes, they were too hungry to eat.
Friends, we all have our agendas. School, work, ministry, health. Our plates are full. But from everything we can take away from the sermon Jesus gave over those three days, let's also learn from the crowd. Let's follow their lead and stay hungry. Before we conquer the gym, the road or even the world, let's pause to devour the words they heard. Remember, there was plenty of time to eat after they were full.
So don't go too soon. Jesus is talking. Let's not leave because we're starving for the things this life can offer. Let's stay because we're too hungry for the things it can't.
--Jimmy Peña
Questions: How important is it to you to eat right today? To feed and build your body? Is it just as important to you to feed your spirit? If you compared the time you spend in the gym with the time you spend in the word, would you have to change your answer? Reading and praying is a discipline issue; one we all need to work on. Won't you start today? Remember, Jesus knew the crowd first needed their spirits fed, but He also had compassion on their physical hunger. What does that teach us about the balance He allows for in our lives?
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Convenience of exercise is one of the greatest determining factors in program adherence. For a great many people, home workouts are best. Team PrayFit's two workout DVDs provide challenging, results-driven, at-home workouts that are guaranteed to help you build a stronger, healthier body -- without having to venture out to a franchise gym. So far, the reviews on our latest DVD -- the PrayFit 33-Day Body Toning System -- are outstanding! Click here to read what others are saying! For a sneak peek at what you can expect in our newest offering, click the video player below. To order now, click here.
A Powerful Statement
"Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the Lord." --Isaiah 2:5
Walking is a powerful statement. Come to think of it, there are a few biblical faces I wish I could see as they put one foot in front of the other. Try to imagine Abraham's anguished face as he walked with Isaac toward the altar; a wide-eyed Moses when his feet touched the Red Sea's floor; a groggy Lazarus coming out of the tomb; a soon-to-be-blind Saul heading to Damascus. The visionary Paul pacing in prison writing, "We walk by faith". Picture the crippled boy carrying his bed through town, or a once-blind Bartimaeus -- now turned follower -- not letting Jesus out of his sight. I'd love to have seen Simone the Cyrene heading to Jerusalem, or Simon the Cyrene leaving Jerusalem. The two mourning disciples shuffling along the road to Emmaus just before their eyes were opened, or Peter's look of wonder as he strolled across the water.
Oh, we could go on and on, right? Some of the greatest moments of all-time occurred during one of life's most basic yet powerful actions. Whether they were called, healed, leading, following or reminiscing, we get to imagine their faces of faith as they walked. But I don't think the best evidence of its power is found on the floor of the Red Sea. It's not on the island of Patmos or somewhere along the road to Damascus. No sir. How does the Bible describe the miracle moment of the Word becoming flesh? He walked among us.
Of all the ways God chose to relate to us, making footprints was one of them. And those precious feet wouldn't stop until they were nailed to a Roman cross. The hill of Calvary didn't require Paul's brilliant mind, Job's resilience, Mary's innocence, Luke's precision, Joseph's persistence or the positive encouragement of Barnabas. No, Calvary required the perfect, spotless, blameless, loving, grace-giving stride of the Savior.
Evidence of faith, of agreement, of courage, of vision, of passion and purpose, of love and amazing grace. Walking is a powerful statement.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: We know the specialness of a walk, don't we? The bride in her aisle. The soldier exiting the plane home. The surgeon walking out to a family with good news. As we start the week, what walk are you about to make? What steps of faith will you take to get your soul where it needs to go? Make no mistake, your walk is powerful statement. Say something with it today.
BRING PRAYFIT TO YOUR TOWN
Churches. Community events. Schools. Corporate events. PrayFit is on the march in 2014 with its unchanging message; one of stewardship, of faith, of humility, of endurance. The team is actively booking spring and summer events! Reach out to us at [email protected] for more details. As always, for churches and other non-profit events there is never a speaking fee. Talk to your pastors and leaders. Reach out to us and let's see health as a means of praise, together.
"Let Us Use Them"
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them." --Romans 12:6
If you have any classical music at the ready, go ahead and cue it up. (This reads better with it.) Ready? Now, imagine him. With only a candle to light the room, Mozart furiously scribbles with one hand while playing the piano with the other. His fingers can't keep up. Face buried in the music, he puts the finishing touches on a masterpiece. Although he's alone, he can hear every instrument lending its unique sound to the opus. Before a soul ever hears a note, he raises is head, closes his eyes and then...he's conducting.
Mozart left us his sheet music to follow, but if we play it out of key, it not only sounds wrong -- making dissonance out of harmony -- but it's not what the composer had intended. God -- the body's builder -- gave us the instructions on how we should build our lives and how these bodies support that purpose. Are we being worthy craftsmen, fulfilling His intentions? He certainly didn't intend for us to worship ourselves in the mirror, but we also weren't designed to sit idle in front our TVs.
No, some of us are the hands -- the reachers and the helpers. Others are the feet -- the seekers and doers. You may be the ears, the good listener or the tongue, a fine speaker. But whether yours is the back that carries, or you have the shoulders that bear burdens, we are the body. And like the bible says in Romans 12, "Let us use them."
--Jimmy Peña
NUTRITION: THE PERFECT BREAKFAST
There are a lot of strong options for your breakfast table in the morning. But when it comes to starting your day, you don’t want to tinker with anything that is less-than-effective at fueling you up right. This breakfast combo works incredibly well by providing starving muscles with the amino acids they need, while also topping off your fuel stores for whatever the day has in store for you. Powerful protein and long-burning energy, with great taste to boot. This is pretty close to perfect.
On My Knees
The wonderful and talented Christian artist Jaci Velasquez once sang:
"There are days when I feel the best of me is ready to begin. Then there are days that I feel I'm letting go and soaring on the wind. Cause I've learned in laughter or in pain how to survive...I get on my knees. There I am before the love that changes me. I don't know how, but there's power when I'm on my knees."
Where exactly am I going with this? Well, nowhere actually. We're not moving a muscle. You'll forgive the analogy, but of the three types of muscle contractions -- positive, negative and isometric -- the isometric contraction has the least amount of movement (zero movement actually) but packs the most punch. Let me explain.
Lifting a weight upward -- even the heaviest possible for just one repetition -- is a positive contraction. Lowering the same weight is called the negative. Now pick something too heavy to move. If nothing comes to mind, imagine trying to move a wall in your home. Got the visual? Well, it takes more force for you NOT to move the wall than it does for you to lift a super heavy weight even one time. (Let that bake your brain). To put it another way, you can generate more force within your muscle by trying to move an immovable object than you can when you are able to move anything else, no matter how heavy it is.
I thought of that yesterday when all the preparation we've put into a pitch/project for PrayFit came to a crossroads, with all roads needing to be traveled. One direction, positive, the other will generate a negative. But even though I'm able and obligated to do both, I did what many a better Christian has done before me and what many will do after me. I got on my knees. There is no greater force than going to the Lord and not moving a muscle. Fact is, I can't lift enough weight, run enough miles or swim enough laps to compare to what I get from spending time with my Savior. It changes me. I don't know how, but there's power when I'm on my knees.
--Jimmy Peña
PRAYER WARRIORS: Before your workout, whether you're a runner, lifter, swimmer, walker, please hit your knees today. I covet your hearts. Of all the names that come to mind, I beg you to let mine be one of them. Thanks guys.
DID YOU KNOW? Speaking of muscle contractions, you can withstand more weight negatively than you can positively. Meaning, you're stronger during a negative contraction than you are during a positive one. I think that deserves an entry. Anyone agree?
Jars of Clay
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are hard-pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." --2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Today's verse is as motivating as it is convicting. Take a look again. Notice what he said. "Treasure in jars of clay". That verse is coming from a man who was given 39 lashes five times, beaten with rods five times, pelted with stones, shipwrecked three times, and who would go without sleep, food and clothing; all because of his heart for churches, people, and the message of the inconceivable grace of Jesus.
Compare what Paul said to something I read on a picture quote recently where someone boastfully warns, "Before you judge me, step into my shoes and walk the life I'm living, and if you get as far as I am, just maybe you'll see how strong I really am." I admit, I'd love to hear Paul's graceful response to such a misstatement, because if the most influential man this side of Christ knew anything, He knew where his power and strength came from and from where it didn't.
But today's verse is also a comfort, not simply because of the physical metaphors of hardship, but for the reason to get up at all. "So that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." See -- to Paul -- surviving the shipwreck or sustaining the beatings weren't so much as death defying as they were life-revealing.
And to think, you're a jar of clay, too. So am I. A malleable, bendable, breakable, fillable and spillable jar of clay. I know, some days we feel more like a piñata than a Godly jar of clay. But if it's any help, just remember, if you hit a piñata hard enough, what happens? People get the treasure inside. And that's what I get from Paul. He bled Jesus. He bled the treasure.
So dear friends, let's invite others to step into our shoes and live the life we're living. And when they get as far as we're going, maybe, just maybe, they'll get to see exactly just how strong we're not.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: The jar of clay typing this sentence has been known to lose his wallet, his truck keys, and his health, to say nothing of his daily sins and filthy rags of good deeds. I've said it before and I'll say it again, getting up from a trial doesn't reveal our strength. The fall reveals that. Getting up reveals God's grace. What are you thanking God for today? Any praises? What has He given you the health, strength and grace to continue? As for me, I have one. You're reading it.
DEFINING INTENSITY
The fitness world continues to parade high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as one of the best ways to improve body composition, improve athleticism and increase general health markers. You may be thinking, "I'm not really capable of high-intensity training." Hey, we're right there with you. Even the youngest and healthiest among us get uncomfortable with the idea of pushing your physical limits. But here's the good news: intensity is relative. And you may be able to start reaping the benefits of this simple training principle today, no matter where you are on your health walk.
BRING PRAYFIT TO YOUR TOWN
Churches. Community events. Schools. Corporate events. PrayFit is on the march in 2014 with its unchanging message; one of stewardship, of faith, of humility, of endurance. The team is actively booking spring and summer events! Reach out to us at [email protected] for more details. As always, for churches and other non-profit events there is never a speaking fee. Talk to your pastors and leaders. Reach out to us and let's see health as a means of praise, together.
The Point Of It All
Hey everyone, As we're about to resume devotions after the long weekend, I wanted to help set the stage for those who are new (and there are a lot of you, so welcome and thank you). And to those who have been with us for weeks, months or years, you know how much I cherish you; not sure there's a word I can type that can best express it. But put plainly, Jesus is the point of our story. He's the point of our ministry. And the PrayFit veterans among you know that it's not simply a catch phrase. Amidst the waves of an out-of-balance fitness industry, we treat that truth like the life-preserver it is. We cling to it. Eyes closed and white-knuckled, we clutch it. He's the point of our health we can't miss.
As often as we can, we strive to help you see fitness through a biblical prism and allow God's word, characters, examples, stories and parables to guide, motivate, encourage, inspire, and transform our daily lives. You'll hear me say it often, but health is a faith battle. No matter where you are -- fit or unfit, healthy or ill -- the bible has something to say to you about your body.
No matter where you are -- fit or unfit, healthy or ill -- the bible has something to say to you about your body.
So as we begin a new chapter at PrayFit, let this simple prayer help. Some of you have read it before and for others it's brand new. Either way, let it be a reminder that the weight you hold in your hands means nothing if you let opportunities to witness slip through them. More muscle is not your mission. Fitness is not your frontier. And on the other hand, if you're not honoring Him with your body, may this be a reminder that you were wonderfully created for an abundant, healthy, vibrant life; a life designed to follow Him and recruit others to do the same.
Indeed, He's the point of your health I don't want you to miss. If you're looking for a life-preserver, you're in real good company. Grab hold. Welcome to PrayFit.
--Jimmy Peña
COMING THIS FALL!!!
Details soon, but please be praying for His renown. PrayFit Rise will be a celebration of grace and health. A time where faith and fitness collide. We'll have speakers, experts, wonderful preachers and some very special guests. The venue for this unique and groundbreaking event is about to be unveiled and early-bird registration is soon to begin. Most importantly though, please pray for us as we plan and prepare to roll this inaugural event out. Thank you!
A Prayer About The Ultimate Romance
Hey everyone, for my birthday yesterday, Loretta got me what I'd mentioned to her a few weeks ago -- a new daily prayer devotional by Reverend Scotty Smith called Everyday Prayers. And appropriately, being Valentine's Day, Pastor Scotty writes the perfect prayer for the occasion. I wanted to share it with you. A Prayer About the Ultimate Romance
"I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me." --Song of Solomon 7:10
Dear Lord Jesus, it’s the weekend in our culture in which red hearts, overpriced cards, dark chocolates and cut flowers abound — Valentine’s Day is upon us. For some, it’s a day of incredible kindness, sweetness and gratitude. For others, it’s a day in which brokenness, loneliness and emptiness are magnified. For all of us, it should be a day in which are deepest longings for intimacy and connection find their way home to you, Jesus, the consummate lover.
I praise you for how generous you’ve been to me, in giving me rich tastes, tangible expressions, and a sensate celebration of genuine love in my marriage. There’ve been times when I’ve wondered how heaven itself could hold more joy than what I’ve known with my spouse…
But I equally praise you for showing me, time and time again, that no one human being (or any number of them)… no human romance story… no torrid love affair can possibly fill the vacuum in my soul that’s uniquely Jesus-shaped. Even the best marriage is two broken people, two redeemed sinners who will ultimately not be enough for the other.
Grant me, no, grace me with a deeper and richer experience of belonging to you, Jesus. You’re the ultimate Spouse. I know this, but I want to know it. One moment I believe you truly desire me, and in the next I’m filled with disconcerting unbelief. It’s in those times when I’m not alive to your pursuit of me, love for me and delight in me that I place unrealistic demands on other relationships. Instead of a steward, I become a user of others. Instead of a servant, I take up a scorecard to measure them by my expectations. Forgive me and free me from all such nonsense.
Let me love as you love me, until the day my betrothal becomes the day of great banqueting — the Day I long for more than any other… the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. So very Amen, I pray, in your tender and tenacious name.
--Scotty Smith
Scotty Smith is the Pastor for Preaching, Teaching and Worship at Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Told you he was good. Thanks for reading. And blessings to everyone on Valentine's Day. Scheduling note: the PrayFit Daily will resume on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18. Are you subscribed? If not, click here.
Walking Joshua To Class
"So Joshua ordered the officers of the people." --Joshua 1:10
I used to dread 5th period math. Oh, I was fine with numbers, but it was the getting to my math class that had me shaking in my little boots. Each day that semester, a small group of bullies would hang out by my locker, calculating ways to torment me until one day, I got smart and asked my Bubba to walk me to class. Little did they know that the skinniest kid in school was the younger brother of the toughest. They -- uhh -- they did the math.
In our passage today, Moses has just died and the responsibility fell on Joshua. In preparing Joshua to address the people, you notice God say things like, "Nobody will be able to stand against you," (v. 5) "Be strong and courageous," (v. 6) "Be strong and very courageous," (v. 7) and then again God finishes his holy encouragement with, "Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (v. 9)
God walked Joshua to class.
You know, I don't remember ever being scared again on the way to math. Not because of who I was, but because of who walked with me that day. If you notice, God didn't tell Joshua, "Chin up, you have the power, trust your instincts, believe in yourself." No, God knew Joshua could stand tall because he wouldn't be alone. And what was Joshua's response? After nine verses of God's assurance, we learn Joshua didn't hesitate. That's right. He ordered. He commanded. He pushed forward in faith and trust.
Folks, faith says that there aren't enough problems waiting around today's corner that can add up or stand up to the One you bring with you. Life hits hard. Life can bully. And if we rely on our "selves," we do have reason to fear. But like Joshua and that skinny fifth grader, you and I don't walk to class alone.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: Hope you've enjoyed taking a look at Joshua and Caleb this week. Such dreamers and fighters. What are you facing that needs your absolute faith and trust that God is with you? Health, financial, relationships, hardships? What can we be praying with you about?
Additional Reading: Hey everyone, the grandson of Billy Graham writes a wonderful blog on The Gospel Coalition. His name is William Graham Tullian Tchividjian. Oh guys, the Gospel Coalition, specifically Pastor Scotty and Pastor Tullian have been an enormous source of strength for me over the last month or two. Tough times have really compelled me to dig deep into grace and trust. These giants of the faith have really helped. I post this particular entry from Pastor Tullian because it speaks about how it's not our strength. It's a must-read. If you take the few extra minutes, enjoy. I want to be just like these guys.
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Marching Orders
"When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in." --Joshua 6:5
Looking at Caleb and Joshua this week, it's tough not to jump ahead at a familiar story. After all, Joshua could relate to our steep challenges. His neck cramped as he surveyed the impregnable wall of Jericho. "Gonna need a bigger army," he whispered out of the side of his mouth. You might be saying the same about your predicament. Has your health retreated? Does something at school or work have you hoping for reinforcements? If so, stand next to Joshua as he listens to God's strategy.
"But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. Then the wall of the city will fall down flat."
"That's it?...That's the plan!?" I wonder if Joshua paused when he heard the order. After all, he was among men of war (v. 3) and probably dressed for the occasion. Not sure if he hesitated, but I know we sure do. When we have to respect a less than respectful boss, or when it seems the rules only apply to us, obeying God's marching orders is sometimes the last thing we want to do (or actually do), especially if we're ready to fight.
But we all know the story. Joshua's army walked around Jericho for seven days without making a sound or saying a word. Then when it was time: the trumpet, the shouts, and the walls came tumbling down. God's enemies might have laughed and scoffed for a week, but being obedient has never proved popular or easy, just effective.
So the next time we feel like taking the wall ourselves, let's wait with Joshua. He listened, walked without talking, then praised God on day seven. Sooner or later, like Jericho, the world will see we're not just walking in circles.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: Before Joshua even realized that God was at work, the Lord was preparing the city for destruction by instilling fear into kings throughout the region. Heaven’s directions included an unlikely battle plan, but because Joshua obeyed, God’s people triumphed. If you're like me, you need God to go ahead of you. A show of hands of those who feel me? Like me, you know a battle is coming, but as long as the good Lord has prepared the enemy, we've got this. Together. Talk to me.
"Sooner or later, like Jericho, the world will see we're not just walking in circles." --J.P.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Country Baked Frittata
"I can’t call this a true frittata or a true quiche," says PrayFit contributor Kimberly Fuller, NASM-CPT, CES. "It's a mish-mash of both — the ingredients of a frittata, but baked like a quiche. You can call it whatever you want, I'll just call it good and healthy! The nutritional value of this dish is just as appealing as its flavor and presentation. Per serving, it's 142 calories with 8 grams of fat, 7.5 grams of carbs and 10 grams of protein. Hungry? Eat two servings! Your body will use it well and thank you later."
I Like These Odds
"I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me [into the land]; as my strength was then, so my strength is now." --Joshua 14:11
Take a look at our verse again. That's Caleb talking. In yesterday's entry, he was a 40-year old, modern day Billy the Kid, only with Godly morals and a conscience. Funny, not sure if you ever saw the movie Young Guns, but when Billy the Kid (played by Emilio Estevez) was completely surrounded and in a seemingly impossible scenario, he was the only optimist. The rest of his clan of regulators had all but given up and surrendered, but not Billy. Oh no. In fact, as they realized just how badly they were outnumbered, what did Billy say? "I like these odds." That's Caleb. Courageous, optimistic, full of hope.
What about you? Imagine yourself crawling up to the ledge of a canyon to overlook your dreams. You're quiet so you don't call any attention, but down in the ravine is your heart's desire. College maybe. A different job. Weight loss. Recovery. Married life. The bank loan. Being alone. What goes through your mind? It's too late, too soon, too much, too little, too...???
Friends, if God is behind the dream -- like He was in Caleb's -- it's never "too" anything. Caleb along with Joshua were the only two faith-bearing spies to believe that with God anything was possible. And because of that, God inspired the dream that one day the promised land would be theirs. A dream and a promise Caleb never forgot. I get the chills just telling you this, but when Caleb spoke today's verse, he was 85 years old. That's right. Caleb had to wait a generation of 40 years before he could realize God's dream in his life. But he stayed faithful, fruitful, young, able and eager. Not even a lifetime of shattered dreams and heartbreak were enough to remove his resolve. All he knew was that when the time was right, he'd be ready. Even at 85 years of age, with God, Caleb liked his odds.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: Don't you just love dreaming? Me too. But now more than ever, I'm in love with the Dream Giver. God is bigger than anything I can imagine, and He wants more for my life than I could ever want. That's why I fight tooth and nail for whatever that is. I'll admit, I've been dreaming a lot lately. Studying, praying, asking, over and over. And if it takes a generation for me to realize it, I want to take Caleb's example. What about you? You don't have to tell us, but what is God inspiring you to do? And like Caleb, what work do you have to do while you wait for God's timing? Could be spiritual, financial, social or even physical. Looking down into that ravine, if God inspired the dream of yours, He may be waiting for your prep work.
BRING PRAYFIT TO YOUR TOWN
Churches. Community events. Schools. Corporate events. PrayFit is on the march in 2014 with its unchanging message; one of stewardship, of faith, of humility, of endurance. The team is actively booking spring and summer events! Reach out to us at [email protected] for more details. As always, for churches and other non-profit events there is never a speaking fee. Talk to your pastors and leaders. Reach out to us and let's see health as a means of praise, together.