The Gospel of Peace

"..and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." --Ephesians 6:15 We've all been fitted for shoes at one time or another, and if you're flat-footed like me, you know immediately whether a shoe is gonna work or not. As kids, it was important for them to measure our feet with that little foot-measuring thing, remember? But it wasn't until your mom or dad found your big toe and you walked around a little that you and everyone else had a peace about them. A peace? Well...walk with me.

Consider the athlete. Most major sports -- from baseball, basketball to football -- have shoes that fit the game. It's simple, right? The athlete needs to be sure-footed for the surface. Sure-footed. At peace. Think of a golfer swinging a club on slick wet grass or a sprinter getting into the blocks. There's a peace in knowing you're firmly planted.

Consider Paul. When he described the full armor of God, he didn't forget the feet. In Biblical times, Roman sandals had thick spikes on the soles to ensure that the warrior was grounded, anchored, and less likely to slip. It's no wonder Paul urged for our feet to be "fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

Imagine. Athletes wear the shoe that best meets the needs of their sport. Ancient warriors dressed for battle. It's neat to consider God fitting His children - His athletes and warriors - to be sure-footed. And for every believer, one shoe fits. The gospel of peace. (Peace from head to big toe.)

--Jimmy Peña

PrayFit @ Pepperdine: Hey guys, I begin a lecture series next week at Pepperdine University. I covet your prayers as I fellowship with faculty and staff. So exciting and humbling to pull back the curtain and look at health through the Gospels' lens.

Little Is Much

I was in maybe the first or second grade, and Mom had given me a dollar to go shopping for Daddy at our school's make-shift Christmas store. I remember walking the narrow aisles, squeezing the life out of that dollar like it was something really precious. And I suppose it was, because it represented my chance to give something to Dad. And then...I saw it. I knew it right away. I had no idea if I had enough to cover the cost, but it didn't matter. Even back then I was sentimental, and that little ceramic...whatever-it-was...was cool, and it had a message written on it. So with one tiny hand gripping the gift and the other my dollar, I handed both to the lady at the counter.

I'm smiling as I type, because aren't we glad God sees the heart? I didn't know what I was giving him, but Dad knew where it was coming from. In fact, that dollar's gift is still in his office, along with his other precious memories being kept behind glass. Folks, our life is a chance to give all we have, and I like to think it warms God's heart when we do. Of course, on our own, we don't have what it takes, but God does. There's an old gospel hymn that says, "Little is much if God is in it." And when it comes to our days, He can take our little and make it much. I say we squeeze the life out of our little lives, as if it's a chance to give something back to Dad.

--Jimmy Peña

P.S.What was the present? Here it is. Well, I didn't know it then, but apparently it was an office paperweight of all things. Hey, what did I know? I was like five years old! I was just thanking my Pop for not smoking, and I meant it. And it meant a lot to him.

For Discussion: What little gift do you want to hand the Lord? Looking back, even that dollar was a gift. I didn't earn it and I certainly didn't have it on my own. But I turned my gift into one. (Chew on that sentence for a second.) Is God waiting for you to hand something over? These days Loretta and I are leaning on God's grace and wisdom as PrayFit is now a non-profit organization, needing Him to make much out of something little. But just like when I was a kid, we have to let go and give Him all we have. What about you?

Gumption

"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air."—1 Corinthians 9:26

I'm definitely old-fashioned, but who reading this remembers tryouts? I thought of it when I asked, "Who won?" to a young boy and his mom as they came back from his soccer game. His mom replied, "Oh, we don't keep score. In this league, we don't keep score and everybody plays." Hmm. I tried to hide my confusion, but had she replied in Yiddish it would have made just as much sense.

You know, if Paul were in sports, I think he would have enjoyed keeping score. The way he talked of disciplining his body like an athlete as a metaphor of life, or how passionately he wrote of running the race with endurance; something tells me, Paul would have understood the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." Of course, Paul would be the first person to teach us of grace and forgiveness, but a record of wrongs is not the issue at stake (thankfully). So the issue is more about the kind of fight we have in us for the faith, as well as for the body. Like Paul, it's time to follow our God-given, God-driven, Godly-living instincts.

Truth be told, if our health was required for Heaven, well, we'd be in bad shape. And if God kept score on our day's losses, we'd lose outright every time. But it's because of those things that we might as well toughen up. Who knows how effective we could be for the kingdom if we exercised a little more Godly gumption. Not in order to win favor, but because we have favor.

Oh, and I have to report, as my neighbor disappeared into her home, the little boy stuck his head out the front door, put his hand up to the side of his mouth as if to tell me a secret from across the street: "We won 11 to nothin'!" he yelled with a whisper. Atta boy, I thought. Gumption. He's a carrier. And so are you.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion:

Any prayer requests? What are you facing today or this week that you need Godly gumption to face? If I may, I have a prayer request, but I'm listing it as "unknown" so please lift me up. Let's play. Have a good day dear friends.

Thorn Bushes and Dog Leashes

“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” --1 Chronicles 16:11

Amidst my usual helping of chaotic and unpredictable mornings, there is one constant in the day’s beginning: Josey. Josey is our chocolate Labrador...our very strong and excited chocolate lab. The apple of my eye. Blink blink.

Each morning Josey acts as if she hasn’t seen me in weeks. “Dad! It’s me, dad! I love you! I missed you!” (If only I started my days like that). And after our reunion, she heads to the door. Wait, let me rephrase, she attacks the door. “Okay Josey, okay!” I put her chain on, and we begin our morning adventure; she knows exactly where she wants to explore. First, she looks for the rabbits, then the squirrels, then the birds. So much to do! But it’s interesting that once we get outside, it’s as if I’m not even there. The one who opens all her doors, the one she couldn’t get enough of, was now an invisible bystander. Can anyone relate to her behavior?

Well, getting caught in some bushes today was not part of her plan. Tangled inside a bush on a steep hill, her joy turned to panic. And for the first time since emerging outside, she looked up at her master (the one who never lets go of the leash). Now, from my vantage point, all she had to do was listen to me, back up a few steps, and she’d be as free as the very bird that got her there in the first place.

Packaged in the unexpected, sometimes God speaks to us with thorn bushes and dog leashes.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: "Nothing Lukewarm"... Hey everyone, starting the week I'm reading once again Francis Chan's "Crazy Love" and man, it's a tough read. A rough read. Anyone gone through it? Whew. I tell ya, I don't want to be lukewarm, or give God my leftovers, or do anything with my life or my health or PrayFit to be a show for others. But were it not for the grace of God, I would be in a heap, because I AM lukewarm, I DO give God my leftovers and I do things with my life, my health and PrayFit to impress people. What a convicting read (again). Pride is such a battle. Chan says, "Any attention we receive belongs to God" and Dr. Stanley says, "God will never direct us to be prideful or arrogant." (Even in our industry. There are no exceptions. I've said it before, but we can't plan or train for vanity and then humbly accept praise for it (nor can we be proud of our humility on the other hand.) What a battle, huh? Hard work never justifies pride. And if we're lukewarm with our lives, Jesus spits it out. (Rev. 3:16) Ugh, tough. Rough. (God, help us love you, then help us love others, then help us deny ourselves. And thank you for your grace because we - I - can't get it right.) Oh were it not for grace. - JP

Win Ugly

Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Is there a more inspiring verse for us during adversity week? Now, does that verse mean our job situation will be transformed? Does it mean our illness will disappear or that our health will improve? No, not necessarily. But remember, it didn't always end well for Biblical characters who were called to His purpose. Paul was likely beheaded and most of the disciples were martyred. But what that verse means for us is that God is at work. In the midst of our suffering, His priorities make our trials not only more sustainable, but worth the hurt. Charles Stanley says, "Spiritual men and women emerge from adversity excited about what God had taught them. From God's perspective, our spiritual growth is more important than our comfort or pleasure."

Earlier this week, Habakkuk provided us a response to our own circumstances when he said, “The Lord GOD is my strength...(Hab. 3:18). If we've ever wondered if one can worship while being attacked, think Habakkuk.

Then sweet David. So many of you related to his story this week from your comments. During his darkest days he gave God his highest praise and provided us a song to sing during ours. How many of us are still humming that tune in the cave today? "We exaaaaaaaalt Thee. We exaaaaaaalt Thee. We exalt Thee......"

And yesterday, Jacob; tested physically to grow spiritually, and he held on until he got his blessing. If God gave me a new name, I want it to be, "He got up." The mere idea fires my belly.

Friends, let me finish the week the way I began it. I can't sugarcoat it. As believers we know we win, but adversity for the believer often means we win ugly. We need to remind ourselves of the Biblical forerunners in their strife. May we emerge from ours by following their lead; worshipping, with a limp, and a song. Jimmy Peña

Lord bless you guys. Much love from me. Have a good weekend. Thanks for being here each day...

GIVE TO PRAYFIT MINISTRIES: Well my friends, I mentioned it last week and it's official. We are a non-profit organization. I am so humbled and excited about what God is doing and what He will do. Guys, it's through your giving that all of it will be made possible. Having a heart for what we've done over the last 6 years, perhaps you'd love to be a part of sponsoring the conference or anything we're doing at PrayFit on a daily basis. If so, please click the GIVE button on the home page. You can make a one-time donation of any amount or perhaps become a monthly sponsor of any amount. Nothing is too big or too small, and we are grateful to partner with you. May all we do together bring glory the Lord.

He Held On

He held on. Wouldn't let go. Not until he got his blessing. Jacob went through something that forever changed how he related to God. The Lord weakened him physically to strengthen him spiritually. And his story finds its way into our week of adversity. Expecting the worst from his brother Esau, Jacob not only prepared practically (sending Esau gifts ahead of his arrival) but he talked to God. A lot. Then one night the Bible says he wrestled with a mysterious man. As the fight continued, the man touched and dislocated Jacob's hip. And that was enough to convince Jacob that this was no ordinary man, but in fact he saw God (v.30) so he held on, refusing to let go until he received his blessing.

Well, after fight night, battle-tested and blessed, Jacob had two new things: A limp and a name.

The limp is significant to me personally, because Jacob knew that in his new physical state, he would never be able to defend himself against Esau. He had to rely on God alone to fight his battles. Not sure about you, but I know more than ever that I'm weaker than I think. Oh, I know that goes against what the fitness world boasts, but like Jacob, even Paul understood that we rely more on God when we embrace our smallness. What did he say? "I am content in my weakness...for when I'm weak, I'm strong." But I really didn't understand that verse until I was humbled. But gracefully, I feel stronger in my weakness than I ever felt in my strength.

And as far as Jacob's new name, well, he went from "heel catcher, Jacob" to "he who struggles with God, Israel."  Indeed, there's no better way to walk through life than with a limp that says you've been with God Himself. -Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Are you wrestling? How could your present adversity help you lean more on God? Are you? What has adversity taught you about God and His grace?

Darkest Place, Highest Praise

David was no stranger to caves. From the darkest place came his highest praise. Like you, he was no stranger to adversity. I can just hear the faint echo of water as it drops around him. Every few hours he looks and listens, wondering if the coast is clear. Among other hardships, when David wrote Psalm 57, King Saul was trying to kill him (1 Sam 24). But the young shepherd did what sheep need to do and cried out loudly to the only One who could help him, the only One who could hold him, and the Only one with him in his refuge until the storm passed. From the darkness he wrote: "...I’ve run to you for dear life.
 I’m hiding out under your wings
 until the hurricane blows over.
 I call out to High God,
 the God who holds me together.
(v.1-3) I’m ready, God...ready from head to toe,
 ready to sing, to raise a tune (v.7,8) I’m thanking you, God, out loud...the deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness." (v.9,10)

The safest place for David to go until his storm passed was a cave. Some days I want to join him. I want to duck my head as I step inside, and ask the man whose heart I want to please scoot over. I then lean my back up against the wall, slide down, sit and hide. Best part is, when he starts to sing, I know the words. You do too. The end of Psalm 57 is a familiar praise. If you're in here with us - if adversity calls for the cave - this is me scooting over. From the darkest place comes our highest praise. In fact, I think David is about to sing. I say we join him.

"We exalt Thee. We exalt Thee. We exalt Thee, O God. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth."

Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Do you find comfort in hearing David sing? When you and I go through hardships, what is our default reaction? Is it to hide and sing? It's something, but caves can come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like offices, some are shaped like cubicles, others look like the gym or the living room. We know our way around caves, amen?

It's Real

I won't sugarcoat it. The adversity I'm talking about this week isn't watered-down. Friends, I'm not talking about the kind of adversity that's accompanied by "enjoyable" pain; like my old training days and the temporary, tough, voluntary and enjoyable pain that I knew would get me to my goals. No, the adversity I'm talking about is the kind many of you are going through. The kind accompanied by a pain you never saw coming. A pain you don't know if you can endure, because you don't know if it will ever end. The kind of pain that's disorienting, because you can't remember what it felt like not to hurt. The kind of pain accompanied by excruciating, debilitating, humiliating misery. Physical, emotional, financial, relational adversity. And it's real.

I've been studying Habakkuk, and this man is a Biblical role model. After sobbing and moaning miserably, screaming for God to work, he learned the brutal Babylonians would soon destroy his homeland. Yet despite his unbearable circumstance, Habakkuk provided us a response to our own: “I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength...(Hab. 3:18). And in the midst of adversity - with chaos swirling about him - we find Habakkuk worshipping.

Looking back 20 years ago, I'd often have Loretta turn up the music from the other room to ready my heart for my training. Two years ago, I begged her each day to turn up the music from the other room to drown out the sound caused by the pain of my infirmity. Same music, same body, different faith. Perhaps like you today, my spirit of enthusiasm characterized my suffering.

Guys, we have permission to hurt. We have Biblical examples of those that hurt so deep - physically, spiritually, emotionally - they wailed. Like me, like you, adversity draws it out of us. It might not be pretty, but it can be the first sound of worship. Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Habakkuk sobbed, screamed, then sang. He worried, wailed then worshipped. What an example. Is this week reaching you? What can we pray with you about?

God's Purpose for Adversity

Adversity. There's not a person reading this page that hasn't faced adversity in one way or another. Whether in a relationship, a financial situation, the loss of a loved one, or perhaps even in health....adversity touches us all. This week we're going through some together. Pastor Levi Lusko says, "The largest pain calls for the loudest praise." If you're wondering how that makes any sense, this week we'll look at the likes of David. Why David? Well, David wrote many of the psalms of praise while hiding in the bleakness and darkness of what? Caves. We're gonna follow the prophet Habakkuk. In his desperation and fear of the Babylonian army, Habakkuk went from worrying, to wailing, to worshipping. And finally, we'll look at Jacob. After wrestling with God, Jacob was weakened physically to be strengthened spiritually. What better way to walk through life than with a limp that proves you were with God Himself?

If this week teaches us anything, I hope it's these things: 1) You and I have permission to hurt. 2) We need to go through our trials with a spirit of enthusiasm that characterizes our suffering. 3) It's best to bring our pain to the One who can do something about it.

Everyone with me? If I've ever wanted to encourage you to not miss an entry, it's this week. Someone you know and love - and that someone may be in your morning's mirror - needs to hear this week's message. What is your reaction in the midst of adversity? Jimmy

Welcome To The PrayFit App Well friends, it's live. Or should I say, ALIVE!? The new PrayFit App is available for download. For some it represents the most convenient way to receive PrayFit. The good Lord provides, amen? We'll be adding to it daily, but help us praise the Lord.

Add Steel To The Spine

Yesterday I shared this on social media:

"Hey guys, Been a while since I went freestyle, but if I can add something to the previous post...the fact is, don't ever let anyone try and convince you of the "health gospel." There is no health gospel. You can see health THROUGH the Gospel, but a man's health doesn't prove his spiritual strength or his relationship with the Lord. That's complete nonsense. And any "faith and fitness" blog or website that says that one of the measures of a man or woman is by his or her good health, drop them, unlike them. Run. Can our approach to fitness and health be a witness, sure, but truth is friends, they'd feel really uncomfortable around Paul, or Jacob, or Sarah, or Job. When they shove the "You-earn-your-body, believe-it-and-you-will-ALWAYS-achieve-it" and the "You-always-get-what-you-work-for gospel " in your face, kindly hand them the Gospel of grace and tell them that God will work it out, EVEN FOR THOSE THAT CAN'T WORKOUT. Trust your brother. I know it's true. Jesus loves me, this I KNOW. In sickness and in health, He loves me. Just drown out that noise and listen for HIS VOICE. Train as hard as you can for as long as you can, but stiffen your spine with God's word now. Love you all. - Peace and grace." - Jimmy

Well, next week, I'm gonna take that message up a notch with a new series of devotions on adversity and triumph. Anyone ready to read those? Cause I'm ready to write them. We'll look at the likes of Jacob and read through books like Habakkuk together. Put your seat belts on. Our greatest praise comes from our darkest days, and we're going to have a spirit of enthusiasm that characterizes our suffering. I hope you don't miss a day. Plus we have some pretty special news to share. Have a great weekend. Work hard, stay small and dependent. Jimmy Peña

The Lord Hears

"Yes, Lord, your servant is listening." --1 Samuel 3:10Read Samuel 3

I've been taking meetings this week for the next year's PrayFit RISE conference, and I find myself praying for God's will and protection more than ever before. Have you ever been in such a place? I just want Him to be pleased. As I sit around listening to all sorts of voices around the room, all I want to hear is His.

In 1 Samuel, young Samuel was awakened by God three times, but he thought Eli was calling him. And as we learned from the text, when Eli finally understood what was happening, he instructed Samuel to answer God with, "Yes, Lord, your servant is listening."

Makes me wonder: Could we already be as fit as necessary to accomplish God's will for our lives, but so focused on being as fit as possible that we miss it? (Who could write an entry with that question? Read it again. Any volunteers?) And if we are as fit as necessary (or as possible), are we listening? Like, really listening?

Anyway, Samuel ended his life as well as he started. His mom, Hannah, had trouble conceiving him but the Bible says that God remembered her. And because of that, she named her baby "Samuel" which means "The Lord hears". Maybe it's just me, but I think it's neat how the very first words from young Samuel (The Lord hears) were, "Yes Lord. Your servant is listening."

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Samuel ended up being one of the most obedient and effective men in the Bible. A priest, judge, a prophet and an anointer of kings. And, appropriate for us at PrayFit, he was the one that God told, "Do not look at his outer appearance...For the Lord does not see what man sees. Man looks at the outer appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Friends, I don't want us to ever miss what God has for any aspect of our lives. I want us to hear what God wants and for us to put everything we have to use for His glory. For me, I may not have the physical tools I used to, but my heart's ears still work. And God hears those who are listening.

REGISTRATION for PrayFit RISE coming soon!

PrayFit Rise is the first faith and fitness conferences of its kind; an experience that celebrates Jesus, His love, our growth in grace and service to the community while seeing health through the Gospel’s lens. Promoting PrayFit Rise is Exercise Physiologist and New York Times bestselling author Jimmy Peña - founder of PrayFit Ministries.

PrayFit RISE will allow everyone of all ages to celebrate faith while learning to live a healthier, humble, modest, service-driven, grace-filled life.

Spanning across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, invitations will touch as many as possible and marketed as a celebration of Jesus, His love and grace, faith, fitness, food and more! Preachers, world-renowned Christian speakers, dietitians, fitness experts, surprise celebrity visits, and one of America’s most adored Christian bands will be on-hand at PrayFit Rise to make it an unbelievable experience for everyone.

To partner or to become a sponsor, send us an email at [email protected]. Venue to be announced in the coming days!

In The Meantime

It's well-documented that 20 years ago when Yankees ownership asked then professional scout Dick Groch if he thought Derek Jeter would be going to Michigan after high school, he famously replied, "The only place this kid is going is Cooperstown." Few predictions have ever proved more true. We've merely had two decades to see what Derek Jeter would do in the meantime. You know, blessed with having a master's degree in clinical exercise physiology, I can tell you why muscle reacts the way it does. I can detail why our cells become oxygen-efficient through cardiorespiratory training. In my sleep, I can meticulously diagram the energy systems. I can discuss the finer points of the overload principle and how the body reacts to less, more or the same stimulus from one day to the next. The chemical reaction of fiber damage? Yes. Agility, flexibility, endurance, atrophy? Yep, those too. Like I said, I can explain a lot about this body, but my feeble self can't explain why God gives grace to the soul inside.

All I know is that if you were scouting me the day I accepted Jesus as my Savior, the only place you'd be certain I'd be destined for is Heaven. What I would do in the meantime - college, grad school, marriage, a publishing career, PrayFit.com, PrayFit Ministries and a lot of stumbles, strikeouts, falls and falters - surely wouldn't deserve it or prove it, but unlike Cooperstown, Heaven isn't dependent on votes.

Yeah guys, ever since I was a kid, I've always been passionate about things in my life. I'm all in. Sentimental. And my favorite athlete of all-time is about to take a final bow. He'll climb out of the dugout one last time to tip his cap to the crowd and to those of us watching at home. And I promise you that I'll be standing in the middle of my living room when he does, holding my wife with one hand and tipping my cap to baseball's Captain with the other. It won't be pretty in the house of PrayFit. After all, between the day of Mr. Groch's prediction of Jeter's destination to the moment of his ultimate induction into baseball's promised land, I watched what he did in the meantime. Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Guys, is anyone a thinker like me? Somebody please say 'yes.' Do you ever hold sand in your hand and think of Abraham and the stars and the length of eternity? Do you ever let neat things like baseball and legends and halls of fame remind you of Jesus and grace and love and faith? Because of the Cross of Calvary, we're assured Heaven. Oh Lord, what would you have us do in the meantime?

Glowing With Health

"Rise and anoint him; this is the one." --1 Samuel 16:12 Believe it or not, I used to sing solos in church and school. Growing up in a gospel-singing family I guess you could say it was in my blood. Too funny: my first solo in the 4th grade was John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads." I remember mother made me wear this Davy Crockett-looking jacket with leather strands hanging down from everywhere. I can assure you I wasn't much to listen to, but I bet I was something to behold. She probably still has the jacket.

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

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

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

Friends, like we said yesterday about having ears for what God hears, may that be our goal -- to glow with health, for no other reason but that our hearts are looking more and more like His. --Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: I doubt there's a higher compliment in all the Bible than what David is known for: For his heart to look like God's. Anyone agree? And doesn't the thought of "glowing with health" for that reason do something to you? Just, wow.

Keep Your Ears Open

We got to Balboa park on Saturday morning at the perfect time. I got the perfect parking spot under perfect weather. Loretta, about to run her 5 miles, and me, about to do my pull-ups, push-ups and modified dips. A kiss goodbye and "be careful," and we were set. Just, perfect. Wait, my music. Where's my iPod? Many of you know that sometimes you just want to get lost in your music for a training session, a walk or a good run. Well, Saturday I wanted my ears thumping and my heart pumping. I was ready to take things to another level, test the boundary, push my limit. Sometimes music is the perfect training tool, so I turned my truck upside-down but no iPod. Grrr.

Well, I got to the overhead bar and dips station and began to warm up, but before my first rep, I heard a gentleman talking to a friend about her upcoming wedding. He said with love, "He needs to know how important Jesus is to you and that you want to get married in church and that you need your relationship to honor God." He went on and on. Then she responded by describing the difficulty she faced. He'd volley and she'd return. It was a sweet conversation.

Not exactly sure how it happened, but it wasn't long before I - an imperfect stranger - was sharing his testimony of grace and of my wife and how good God has been. We had the nicest time encouraging one another and boasting about the Lord. An hour later, here comes Loretta from her run. I asked their names and we all shook hands. We had become such fast friends, I asked if we could all pray together and we did. Then Loretta and I said goodbye, jumped in the truck and went home. I never did one pull-up.

I start the week with this quick story, because whether it's at work, or school or even in the gym, it's so easy for us and even expected of us to block everything and everyone out. And trust me, I get it. But had my music been blaring in my ears, I never would have heard them talking, never would've had the chance to share the Lord, and we certainly wouldn't have been praying together in the middle of Balboa park on a perfect day for a workout. Now, I'm not suggesting we don't get into the zone or turn up the volume, but I am suggesting that someone we're around this week just might need your ear or mine. Let's make sure they're open.

God, You're the music. Give us Your ears today and each day this week, Lord. Help us listen for the things You'd have us hear. Drown out the noise. What You have to say to us is life's melody - our favorite song - and we don't want to miss a note. So please turn up the volume of our hearts toward You and toward the needs of others. Ears thumping, hearts pumping. In Jesus' name, and for His sake, Amen.

Jimmy Peña

P.S. Getting out of the truck at home, guess what I found? :-)

For Discussion: Can I ask a favor? If you're listening, say 'amen' in the comments section. And friends, a new song I'd like you to carry in your heart this week comes from a brother in Christ, his name is Smokie Norful and his new album is called "Forever Yours." Bless your life and download it from iTunes, and the song I'm talking about is called, "Imperfect Me". Here are a few of the words:

When I'm a bird with one wing, A song with no melody, Somehow I fly and sing Because of how You see me. Imperfect me. What do you know that I don't? And how do you hear...hear that song in me? I say I'm lost, You see I'm free. How do you see the good in imperfect me?

Jesus Is The Reward of Trust

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine." --1 Peter 1:7 Some of you may recognize this story from my latest book, but in 2006, I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams by sitting down for an exclusive one-on-one conversation with Sylvester Stallone. He was promoting a new product, and so my editor-in-chief -- knowing just how special the moment would be -- sent me to chat with him. The interview was scheduled just a few months before Rocky Balboa would hit theaters.

Walking into the host hotel, I remember Loretta straightening my tie before I headed up to the suite to conduct my interview. It was a moment I'd never forget. I even carried my master's thesis with me so Stallone could sign it where I had given Rocky praise nearly a decade earlier. Sitting there, just the two of us, was both surreal and motivating, to say the least. I remember wishing that I could convey just how much of an influence he had been on my life. But before I could, he said something that I repeat to myself to this day. In fact, you've likely heard it repeated in commercials or motivational videos. But to one of my questions, he said:

"Jimmy, in my next film, I wrote that the world ain't all sunshine and rainbows, and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much can you take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. But you gotta...take...the hits."

Faith. That fireproof, battle-tested, unquenchable reservoir. It's why we take the hits, amen? It's how we move forward. It's not only the means we need to get back to our feet, it's the reason we try. Faith in Jesus. He's the reward of trust.

--Jimmy Peña

P.S. Stallone signed the acknowledgments page of my thesis. Neat moment. He wrote, "Keep punchin." I am, Sly. I am buddy.

For Discussion: What hits are you taking this week? What can I and the community help pray with you about? List it here and I promise we will lift your name and need in prayer. If you'd rather not be specific, simply say "Unspoken" and we promise to raise you up.

GIVE TO PRAYFIT MINISTRIES: For those that haven't been on the site yet this week, we're humbly announcing that we are a non-profit organization. I am so humbled and excited about what God is doing and what He will do. Everything - from our daily devotions to the new small group curriculum we're developing and ambassador programs, to next year's PrayFit Rise Conference - will all fall under the non-profit umbrella of PrayFit Ministries. If you'd like to be a sponsor of all we're doing, please click the GIVE button on the home page. You can make a one-time donation of any amount or perhaps become a monthly sponsor of any amount. With all my heart, I thank you for any commitment you make toward helping us with this mission of changing hearts, transforming communities and helping others see health through the gospel's lens.

A Sane Estimate

My faith has never moved a mountain. The Bible says, "Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of faith that God has given to you." (Rom. 12:3) That verse demands a week's worth of devotions, amen? Reminds me of a short story Max Lucado once told,

"An elementary–age boy came home from the tryouts for the school play. “Mommy, Mommy,” he announced, “I got a part.  I’ve been chosen to sit in the audience and clap and cheer." When you have a chance to clap and cheer, do you take it? If you do—then your head is starting to fit your hat size!”

No, my faith has never moved a mountain. Live long enough, serve the Lord long enough, and you begin to realize your role. I'm learning my part. I hope you are too. That's one of the main reasons I started PrayFit, and one of the primary areas this ministry will continue to focus on.

Next week we begin a new series (I'm so excited) because our health plays a part in the bigger story. How we approach that role means everything. After all, growing in grace as a Christian in the fitness industry means realizing that honoring God with our body has nothing to do with intensity, but has everything to do with intent. Guys, it's time to quit cherishing exaggerated ideas of ourselves and time to start answering the smaller questions: What have we done, what are we doing and what will we do for God and others with the gift of health God gives us? Talk about a measurable, sane estimate. - Jimmy Peña

GIVE TO PRAYFIT MINISTRIES: The blessing is true: We are a non-profit organization. I am so humbled and excited about what God is doing and what He will do. Everything - from our daily devotions to the new small group curriculum we're developing and ambassador programs, to next year's PrayFit Rise Conference - will all fall under the non-profit umbrella of PrayFit Ministries. If you'd like to be a sponsor of all we're doing, please click the GIVE button on the home page. You can make a one-time donation of any amount or perhaps become a monthly sponsor of any amount. With all my heart, I thank you for any commitment you make toward helping us with this mission of changing hearts, transforming communities and helping others see health through the gospel's lens.

Pull, Together

I'll never forget it. I was 19; the newest member of a very small band of brothers. We weren't an official group on the Baylor University campus, by any means, these "Russell Rats." We had no membership roster, no board of directors or rules and regulations to speak of, but we were very exclusive. And although we weren't organized, we did pay our dues -- dues of a different kind that were collected daily. As far as acceptance into the group, well, it just happened. Call it a nonverbal recognition of pure heart. If you had it, you were in. And rather than Greek letters across our chest, we had chalk and sweat across our backs. There was no mistaking our crew. In the late 80s, a small family of guys came one by one into the best (and only) fitness center on campus, Russell Gymnasium. The gym itself was actually a corner hole-in-the-wall within a bigger auditorium of basketball courts, with a two-tone, green concrete wall separating the outdated Universal equipment and rusty dumbbells from the courts next door.

Well, one sunny Waco afternoon, at a campus-wide celebration called Diadeloso (Day of the Bear), the group decided to enter itself into the annual tug-of-war competition. We wanted nothing more than to show the fraternities what real strength felt like. After a lot of hooplah, we marched -- in slow motion if I recall -- onto the sand. We could hear the audible gasp from the opposition. We nodded to one another with pre-victory smiles. After all, not only were we obviously strong, we had ourselves a plan. We reasoned that because we outweighed the competition, only half the team would pull when the whistle blew. And when one of us gave the signal, the rest of us would begin pulling. Trust me. We had it covered.

Well, we found our grip as our competition found theirs. I remember they were a preppy bunch. Handsome. But no doubt mismatched. We did our best not to giggle. The referee raised his hand to alert the start of the match and the whistle blew. And?!.....We got crushed.

Within 20 seconds, we were pulled across the line. It felt as if the rope was somehow cleverly tied to a Ford F-150. What happened you ask? Well, a couple things actually. First, they had seven guys and we had six. Completely fair because the only limit was total weight, but an extra pair of arms pays off come to find out. But I think we lost miserably because we were overly confident and planned poorly.

Why the long stroll down memory lane? Well, if I learned anything that day as I lay face down, swallowing dirt and pride, it's that we can never underestimate the enemy in life, and we can't wait to start pulling. Plainly said, we have to give it all we have, never saving anything for the second half, the second set, the climb down, or the swim back. We can't wait to share Christ, visit the widow, give to the needy. The fact that you're reading and I'm typing means we're knee deep in sand and it's quick.

Friends, we have to be humble constantly and plan wisely. In every area of life, be it with quiet times, workouts, relationships, school, work...a humble heart and wisdom will please God every time. So hang on tight. And when the sun comes up and you've given God your day, just start pulling.

--Jimmy Peña

P.S. Four years later, I led a team of seven onto the sand. We won every match but the last one; to a team of...eight.

For Discussion: Are you waiting to pull with your life? Your quiet times with the Lord? Your health? If I can help you start pulling, talk to me. I want to help. And if you have similar memories where you were humbled, please share!

GIVE TO PRAYFIT MINISTRIES: Well my friends, I mentioned it last week and it's official. We are a non-profit organization. I am so humbled and excited about what God is doing and what He will do. Everything - from our daily devotions to the new small group curriculum we're developing and ambassador programs, to next year's PrayFit Rise Conference - will all fall under the non-profit umbrella of PrayFit Ministries. And we need you. Pulling together never meant so much to me. I'll say it again. We need you.

Guys, it's through your giving that all of it will be made possible. Having a heart for what we've done over the last 6 years, perhaps you'd love to be a part of sponsoring the conference or anything we're doing at PrayFit on a daily basis. If so, please click the GIVE button on the home page. You can make a one-time donation of any amount or perhaps become a monthly sponsor of any amount. Nothing is too big or too small, and we are grateful to partner with you. I've never been very good at selling merchandise, and I know I'm not very savvy at fundraising, but all I know is what the good Lord has placed upon my heart to do with my life and this ministry. May all we do together bring glory the Lord.

God Saw Fit

What a good week dreaming with you. I just love you all. If you missed any of the entries, I sincerely hope you go back and read them and pray for those that shared dreams, hopes and prayer requests. Trust me when I tell you, it was a neat and powerful week. Anybody agree? This is me sitting back in my writing chair next to my lamp, reading glasses atop my head, exhausted with a smile. And speaking of dreams, I'd like to share with all of you a dream of mine that God saw fit to let us fulfill. Earlier this week, Loretta and I received word that our little publishing company, including this website, our travels to churches and the curriculum we're developing, as well as the upcoming PrayFit RISE faith and fitness conference is now considered a non-profit organization. PrayFit Ministries Inc., is now the parent company to all we do for the cause of Christ at PrayFit.com.

We're so grateful for what the Lord is doing and what He's working out, and we're so thankful to each of you for being here to share grace, express love, offer hope and lift dreams. We would not be here without you. So, thank you. And well, somehow that seems like a good way to close the week. Glasses folded. Lamp off. Goodnight friends. Welcome to my wildest dream. Jimmy Peña

P.S. I have just been reminded that Monday is a holiday and we will be back to devotions come Tuesday. Have a great Labor Day Weekend. Be safe, get good rest and we'll see you next week. Grow, in grace.

With God...Any Wall

As we've been talking about dreams this week, I've been constantly bombarded with this thought: What if my dreams are not God's dreams for my life? Have you ever asked yourself that question? I know, it's brutal. Moment-to-moment, from one objective or dream to the next we should be asking, "Lord, is this wall for me to climb?" Cause guys, if it's not, we don't want to climb it, regardless of what we'll find or see or "achieve" by scaling it. What's going on inside us this week? How will we be impacted if our dreams came true? Will we be closer to the Lord? Cause here's the kicker: God will never commit to a dream of ours that does not fit what's best for us as it relates to our relationship with Him. (Feel free to slowly read that mouthful of a sentence again.) If we have dreams that are not God's will, Dr. Charles Stanley says that, "He [God] loves you enough that He will derail you to protect you. And when He sends you a signal that it's not of Him, and you go through it anyway, He'll let you suffer the consequences of disappointment, pain and loss."

Wow. Mouthful. Heart-full. Been there, felt that. Am I alone? Friends, this week is the perfect opportunity for us to recalibrate our dreams. We know that He wants the best for us - can give us the best for us - and will give us what's best for us. So together, as a family that spans around the globe, let's ask: "God, what are your dreams for my life?" Can we do that together? Before you hit the gym, the road, the cubicle, the chores, the books, let's ask Him that question.

Truth is, apart from Jesus, no dream will never bring contentment. So let's distill them. Let's send them through the will of God. Do you feel like doing that today? I do, personally. They may be physical goals, financial, relational, and of course, spiritual.

And whatever we find when we're done, we know that God desires that we know Him, spend time with Him, depend on him, and trust Him. And the more we do that, the more His dreams become the only ones we want. Remember the opening question today? Well, Psalm 18:29 says, "With my God, I can scale any wall." Indeed, we can't do everything we want to do, but we can do anything God wants us to do. And if He says the wall is ours, we take it. -Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What wall are you praying about? Health related? Financial? Relational? Unspoken? And finally, Psalm 18:29 has a few key phrases, what's your favorite? I know mine.

With God, I Like My 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 In the book of Numbers 13:30, the Bible says, "We are well able to conquer it." As a quick reference, of the twelve spies to survey the promised land, the Bible says that only two came back positive that they'd be victorious with God's help. Two dream chasers. Two true believers. When everyone else was negative, these two were wide-eyed and hopeful. We can take it, they said. I'm talking of course about Joshua and Caleb.

Now take a look at today's top verse. That's Caleb talking. See, when he and Joshua first surveyed the promised land, Caleb 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 sir. 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 during DREAM WEEK? Imagine yourself in the old West, crawling up to the ledge of a canyon to overlook your dreams. Shhh, 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 heartbreak were enough to remove his resolve for the dream God placed in his heart. 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. I like my odds. What about you? 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. Who's with me? Who likes their odds?

(photo credit: pxleyes.com)