Saved. Alone.

"In all things give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." --1 Thessalonians 5:18

Over 100 years ago, a very successful lawyer and real estate mogul, Horatio Spafford, lost a lot in the great Chicago fire of 1870, but years later he lost much, much more. The fire left thousands homeless, and Horatio and his family spent years helping those less fortunate. Exhausted, Horatio and his wife, along with their four daughters planned a cruise to Europe. But just prior to pushing off, Horatio was called upon to stay for business. Still, he sent his family on their much-needed vacation.

The ship - the Ville du Havre - along with his kids, didn’t make it to England. Horatio learned of the tragedy through the now famous and urgent telegram from his wife. It read simply, "Saved. Alone."

I'm probably not the first person to do a poor job of summarizing the story of Horatio Spafford, but I was reminded of it yesterday while on a walk with my dog, Josey. As I turned a corner, talking to the Lord about my needs and concerns, I came across a homeless woman; mid-thirties, sunburned, sitting next to what looked like years of life in a shopping cart. I smiled, and she called Josey "perty." As I continued to walk, I thought to myself, "I'm worried about web traffic. She lives in traffic."

This week is a good reminder to hug those close to us, and to help those less fortunate. And 130 years later, Horatio can help us do just that. You may not recognize his name, but you know his famous hymn. As he boarded a ship to find his wife, he wrote these words:

"It is well with my soul. When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul!”

Good words for us to remember and repeat as we give thanks, if for no other reason than being saved alone. -Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Saved alone. Is grace sufficient? Truth is -if it were all we had - it would still be enough. On top of it, God allows a lifetime of blessings. Let's start to name them. For me, I'm thankful for my salvation, my wife, my healing, and all of you. What about you? Give me your top 3 in the comment section. Let's make a list!

PrayFit Ministries

Welcome to PrayFit Ministries, Inc., founded by New York Times Bestselling Author Jimmy Peña. Please enjoy over 2,500 fitness devotions, wonderful new merchandise and be sure to click PrayFit RISE Los Angeles 2015!

Grow in grace,

Team PrayFit

High Hopes

"Most of us go through life worried that people will think too little of us. Paul went through life worried that people would think too much of him." - D. Carson Confession. I was so skinny in high school, I never wore a short-sleeved shirt to class; not one day in 4 years. At least not during regular school hours. And shorts? Probably didn't own a pair. But then came college, old Russell gym, grad school and years of practice. After that, I wore short sleeves and shorts 365 days a year, rain or shine. As long as I was growing, I was showing. I even walked around with a bit of what we called "lat syndrome," as if I was so wide I'd have trouble fitting through the door. I had a sincere belief that I would be bigger and stronger each week, and I trained with that kind of hope. Even as a Christian, I based much of my satisfaction on my ability to pick heavy things up and set them down and to do it multiple times. Sounds kind of corny to describe it that way, but I glorified in my ability to lift stuff.

But hope changes everything.

I recently read a blurb on social media from someone saying that you can trust the iron, because "Iron will never lie to you, iron is your best friend, and you can trust it, because 200 lbs will always be 200 lbs." What a commentary. I chuckle a little, because I could have easily written that 20 years ago. Thing is, it's just not true. We can't put our trust in a weight we can lift.

Guys, hopefully something you've read this week has been a reminder that we don't base our satisfaction - our hope - in any "thing;" be it the money in our wallets, the cars in the garage, the boat hitched to the trailer (for those of you with boats), or the gifts of diligence in the gym. We can dig and dig and dig and dig, but the well of stuff - even health stuff - is dry. Bone dry. Should we strive to be the best at our calling, absolutely. Work hard? Without a doubt. But the hope on our lips, and in our hearts, and on our minds, can't be found on the scale, or in the mirror, or under the bar, or the bench, or from the PR (or via the selfie you take in its aftermath.) Our highest hope is in the person of Jesus.

Are you training - living - with that kind of hope? Jimmy Peña

PrayFit Hoodies In The House: Hey everyone, I'm so excited to share with you our new hoodies! The softest, highest quality fabrics with the message of grace and faith. Hope they bless you. Something for both the ladies and the gentlemen. Click here, enjoy and thank you for your support of this ministry.

Hope Tested

Hey everyone, I pulled these points from a recent Bible study and created a test of Hope for us.Ok, please put your Bibles away and keep your eyes on your own lives. You may begin.

True of False: 1. Fulfillment in life does not hinge on our circumstances. 2. Paul discovered that the “secret” to contentment was not found in things, but in a Person. 3. God’s grace is sufficient during adversity. 4. Paul discovered that God’s power is most evident when we are weak. 5. God’s grace is more than sufficient for anything we will encounter. 6. The key to maintaining hope through adversity is to view it as suffering for Christ’s sake. 7. Like Paul’s mission in life, yours is to glorify God through spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ

When it comes to our health specifically, God wants all the attention. Like we saw in yesterday's entry, He's the "God of hope" and He delivers all the hope we need when we invite Him into our hearts. I have trouble wrapping my head around that. As believers, we've never had more hope than we do at this very moment. What's easier for me to grasp is the fact that I don't have faith in it. Truth is, at any given moment of the day, you can find me feeling hopeless about my spine, or my colon issues, or this ministry, or finances, or how "influential" I am, or my future, or...or...my colon issues. (Twice - yes - don't I know it.)

What about you? Do you find it tough not to focus on circumstances or things? What about during adversity or when you feel weak? But aren't we blessed, that despite our challenges, when hope is tested, God gets all the attention. I suppose it's one way to remember that God is near and we can have the "peace that surpasses our understanding"(Phil 4:7). Hope will do that. (Every time.) Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: How did you do on the test? What's the one area where perhaps - while you believe all the points above to be TRUE - you feel less than hopeful?

PrayFit Hoodies In The House: Hey everyone, I'm so excited to share with you our new hoodies! The softest, highest quality fabrics with the message of grace and faith. Hope they bless you. Something for both the ladies and the gentlemen. Click here, enjoy and thank you for your support of this ministry.

Hope Can Change Everything

Hope. When the world mentions the word "hope," its tone is usually one of question or doubt. I hope I get an "A". I hope she likes me. I hope nobody notices. I hope....

But the Gospel tells a different story. The Bible says that strength comes to those who hope in the Lord. No question there. No sign of doubts. No hint of chance. It's a done deal. Why? God will come through for us. How do we know? He died for us. That's why Paul said in Romans 15, "May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace." Notice that? The God of hope. We have hope, because we have Him.

Are you in need of a sure thing? When dreams allude, health fails and people fall short, and all we want is a glimmer:

"We know that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." --Romans 5:3-5

If we invite the God of hope into our hearts, He delivers it on impact. He brings hope with Him. Jimmy Peña

NEW IN STORE: Hey everyone, I'm so excited to share with you our new hoodies! The softest, highest quality fabrics with the message of grace and faith. Hope they bless you. Something for both the ladies and the gentlemen. Click here, enjoy and thank you for your support of this ministry.

A Prayer of Hope

Yesterday we started living again, breathing again, hoping and running; but not away. And with so many prayer requests, there's no better place for us to go. Leading us in prayer is Rev. Scotty Smith. "Dear heavenly Father, my stuffed-up head and slightly sore throat are mere irritants, compared to the health crises many of us face as this day begins. How we long for the Day of no more cancer, no more dementia, no more heart disease, no more respiratory issues, no more Ebola and AIDS, no more disease of any kind—the Day of perfect health.

Thank you for the promise of a resurrection body that will never get sick, wear out, or die. Thank you that our life in the new heaven and new earth will not include visits to the ER, health insurance, medical bills, hospitals, nursing homes, palliative care, or funeral homes. Hasten that Day, Father, hasten it.

Until then, we will pray for healing—thankful that Jesus’ finished work has secured the redemption of our whole being—mind, body, and spirit. Though we’d love for you to answer all of our prayers affirmatively, and on our timetable, we will trust and love you when you grant us sufficient grace instead of instant healing (2 Cor. 12:7-12).

Father, we will also seek to take care of these “tents” in which we live (2 Cor. 5:1-5). Thank you for good food, opportunities for exercise, the gift of sleep, clean water—gifts you’ve given us by grace—gifts you intend us to share with others. Indeed, Father, may our suffering make us more sensitive to the sufferings of others. Even as Jesus joyfully fulfilled the law for us, grant us great joy in fulfilling the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2), as we bear one another’s burdens. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ triumphant and tender name."

-Rev. Scotty Smith

For Discussion: The hope of glory is what makes this life bearable. Anyone praying for healing, say amen.

Hope Week

Remember the scene in Forest Gump when young Forest is being chased by those mean bullies? Classic. "Run Forest!" Well, I love the priceless moment when his leg braces start breaking off and falling to the ground. The look of recognition on his face in that instant - wide-eyed joy, borderline unbelief and unconfined exuberance - I think that's what hope looks like. The singing, preaching trio of Phillips, Craig and Dean have a few lines in one of their songs that goes, "It's like I woke up for the first time breathing. It's like I looked up for the first time seeing. I'm learning to live again. I'm learning to love again. I'm learning to dream again. It's like I've been born again. There's nothing but open road...I'm saying hello to life...This is what hope feels like.

You guessed it. I'm calling it Hope Week. Sound good? And like young Forest, we're not looking back. The braces are off. The chains are falling around us and we're dreaming. We're free. We're hard-charging life! The only difference is, we're not running away. Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What are we praying about today? What are we hoping in the Lord about? Let's pray together. If you'd prefer, say "Unspoken" and we promise to pray for you by name. This is the moment. Open road. Hello, life.

Off-Script

Hey everyone, if you'll allow me, I'd like to go off-script as we finish the week. I just got home from the radio panel discussion in Hollywood on "God, Religion and Spirituality" that I mentioned yesterday, and I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your outpouring of prayers and encouragement. I had the pleasure of sitting with some great guys. We simply talked. We were a small trio of men with different lives, beliefs and ideas. I loved the chance to be in the room. Truth is, for a few minutes I forgot about the cameras and the microphone and just talked about who the Lord is to me. I'm not sure how many people they had watching and listening, but I tried to share my heart with the guys that God placed in my path, as well as with the crew watching intently through the glass.

So as we finish the week, I just want to thank you for sharing your hearts and thoughts with me. You were in the room, I assure you. Please join me for a second right now to simply pray for those that heard the message in the studio, on air and online.

Amen. God is good. Jimmy

If Necessary, Use Words

Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. (Luke 11:28) I believe it was Francis of Assisi who said, "Preach Christ. If necessary, use words." Meaning of course, our actions to an unbelieving world matter more than what we say. Simple truth, amen? But I also believe in order to spread the Gospel in our industry and beyond, we have to speak up too. Gospel truth.

As Christians in the fitness industry, what an exciting opportunity we have to take God's message to our individual corners of the world. Without a doubt, someone is listening to your actions and to mine. Among countless other lessons, your daily diligence and discipline have helped them make better food and exercise choices. Imagine...your life in motion is a spark that may have extended the lives of others. Perhaps your dependence on the Lord during an illness has been an inspiration to others to help them lean on God during their pain. Some are also watching what your life says about things like pride, humility, even modesty. In an industry with no shame, you -- the Christian in the gym -- roar when you don't compromise. Fact is, whether your life is all about His hands and feet - or your own abs and arms - they hear it loud and clear. What an awesome responsibility.

Friends, those around us who don't know Jesus, they live in silence. Our one chance to preach Christ could be their only chance to get the message. Our life is that chance. Our chance is our choice. Our choice is a voice. Let's keep talking. Let's preach Christ, even if it means use words. (And when we have the chance, let's speak up.)

–Jimmy Peña

A Prayer Request: Speaking of using words, I need your prayers today guys. I've been asked to join a panel discussion in Hollywood today. It's a live broadcast in a very mainstream, extremely secular environment. Great people and producers have graciously invited me to sit and discuss faith, God, "spirituality and religion" with a panel of others with various beliefs. I've been told I'll be the only Christian. I don't hesitate to say this is an opportunity to share Jesus with an unbelieving audience. Pray for my words, please. Thanks everyone.- JP

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 (1) repetition -- is a positive contraction. Lowering the same weight is called the negative. Now choose something too heavy to move. If nothing comes to mind, imagine trying to move a wall in your home, or even a massive boulder. Got the visual? Well, it takes more force for you NOT to move that boulder 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 actually able to move anything else, no matter how heavy it is. (And you can't imagine the power you can produce following that use of force.)

I thought of that recently concerning a PrayFit project that 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

For Discussion: Are you at a crossroads? What can we pray with you about? Let's not move a muscle together.

Honoring Our Veterans

Today, we pause to humbly offer our gratitude to those who have served or are currently in uniform for the cause of freedom at home and abroad. The dangers you face and the sacrifices you and your families make are gestures that are not lost on us.

If you know a veteran, reach out to say thanks. If you see one, take the time to offer a word of encouragement. If you are one, then we hope that you are blessed today. Join us in prayers of protection for those who so dutifully protect us or leave a few words of affirmation in the comments section below.

Veterans, today we honor you. Thank you for your service.

--Jimmy Peña

Benchwarmer

"So Sarah laughed to herself." --Genesis 18:12Read: Genesis 18

Benchwarmer. Not something that sat well with me. But during my sophomore year in high school, I endured it for the first time in my life. See, I was a baseball player, and a good one. But basketball? I probably should've hung up the Air Jordans as a freshmen. Sitting at the end of the bench during a blowout game, I hoped my friends and family would assume I was injured; maybe I twisted an ankle during warm-ups or something. But with a little over a minute on the clock, the unthinkable happened. Coach called my name.

"Reluctant" would be putting it mildly. I literally peeled myself off the chair. I removed my warm-ups from my cold body and joined the otherwise sweaty and necessary group of kids on the court. What's the use, I thought. Well, the clock ran out, we shook hands, and I put my warm-ups on as slowly as I had removed it.

Well, leaving the locker room that night to face the awkward "good game" from loved ones, Coach stopped me. He said something that I'd carry the rest of my life. He said, "I wanted to see your reaction when I called for you late in the game. Jimmy, it's never too late to make an impact."

Maybe you're wondering what kind of influence you can have. Perhaps you think it's way too late in the game for God to use you. That family member? Too far gone. That group of friends? Too set in their ways. No way God is calling me from the bench at my age, with my past. 

Folks, God has a way of doing the unexpected. And if He noticed Sarah laughing at the news of her baby on the way, rest assured He sees our reaction. So, take a minute to consider what the Spirit is whispering to your heart. If it's too lofty, too lowly, too late...God just may be looking for our reaction to His call. Carve this into your heart...If God calls for you, it's never too late to make an impact.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Happy Monday, all. Today I'm visiting Pepperdine to deliver my 4th speech. Please pray for me and for Loretta as we continue our service with faculty and staff.

He Has Perfect Pitch

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and enter his courts with praise; be thankful in your hearts to him and bless his holy name." --Psalm 100:4 During their years at Baylor University, Brooke and Mattie were like peas and carrots; always together. Not only were they roommates, they went to the same classes, same after-school activities. Together they volunteered, worked with charities, and counseled local school children. Suffice it to say, they were tight. Brooke, the musician of the two, loves to play the sax and she's played piano since she was four years old. She's so good at music, in fact, she has "absolute pitch" or what is widely known as "perfect pitch." And it's rare. Only 1 in 10,000 people have such a gift. In other words, she doesn't need to hear Middle C on the keyboard or need a guitar strum as a reference. She can identify between any two notes without help. Mattie on the other hand, although she never learned an instrument, was likely at every rehearsal and performance.

Being an old Baylor grad myself, their story caught my attention. See, after graduating in May, Brooke moved back home to pursue her Master's degree at Colorado State. And I'm guessing Mattie will be there too. I'm only guessing because Brooke was born blind, and Mattie is her 6-year old seeing-eye German Shepherd, who according to the story, slows down before steps, avoids obstacles and stops before drop-offs. That's some pedigree if you ask me.

It's Friday. Let's step into delight. No matter what your day or week was like, let's turn our attention to the good Lord. Let's do like Brooke and find what's bright where there seems to be no light. Let's give thanks. And when it comes to health, a show of hands for those thanking God for their health today. How about a show of hands of those asking God for health today. Curious, how 'bout a show of hands for those with both hands up. Oh friends. If you're raising yours, God can see you and hear you. He sees your hurts and hears joyous praise. Indeed, He can hear both at the same time. And He has perfect pitch.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What an honor to spend time with all of you this week. This is me with my hands up. #Grateful.

He Gave Her Water

"But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again." --John 4:14 Remember drinking from the water hose outside as kids? Nothing better, right? After football games, baseball practice or riding bikes, we had the kind of unbearable thirst only known to children. Whoever got there first knew to let the hot water get out of the line before drinking. Can't you just taste it? Best water in the world. Of course, being the youngest kid in the universe, I was always last in line, but I didn't mind. I knew that by the time it was my turn, I could just take my time.

The story surrounding our verse is about a woman who met Jesus at the well. She was looking for one kind of water but her Savior knew she needed another. Her life was in shambles and she was thirsty. Had she continued along the path she was on, she'd be lost forever. But the Bible says Jesus told her of her sin, and that if she drank living water, she'd never thirst again.

Folks, just like water is critical for our physical thirst, the thirst of the spirit is unquenchable without Jesus. As His children, we can't lift enough weights, run enough miles or drop enough pounds to fulfill our direst need. That's why we never place too much emphasis on the physical, but on our heart towards health. Like her well, the mirror will never quench you of anything, no matter how many times you look. So today, go to the well. Let's be kids again. His children. If it's the first time -- or the first time in a long time -- He has water if you're thirsty.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Do you remember those days as kids? What about now that we're big kids? Are you thirsty, longing to be fulfilled spiritually and physically so that you can be more effective for the Lord? Remember, He gave her water and it was not from the well.

Bring On The Crew

"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." --John 15:2 Walk with me. There's something I want to show you because it's that time of year again. Just down this street is a row of trees. For years I've watched pruning crews pull up and do their work. I admit, it's painful to watch. Cut, snip, snap, buzzzz. And just like that, the crew cleans up the rubble and off they go, leaving nothing but a seemingly empty, barren-looking tree. And here we are. A couple of weeks ago, I took the picture on the left. To the right: the same tree today.

Now, I'm not the first person to see Heaven in a pruning process, and I won't be the last, but I've learned a few simple things. 1) The pruning process helps keep trees healthy. 2) Trees will eventually bear more branches and fruit. 3) Pruning allows more light and oxygen to reach the center of the tree. And 4) pruning trains a tree to take the shape the owner desires.

I probably don't have to say another word, but as long as we're walking, it leaves me no choice. In the area of faith, health, fitness, food, what do we need to prune? Perhaps, for starters, instead of grabbing the cell phone or logging on each morning, we instead reach for God's word or Godly devotional (cut). We can rid the pantry of unhealthy food choices and fill it with natural, healthy alternatives (cut, snip). We can park away from the mall's entrance, take the stairs, walk the block with spouses, play outside with kids. (cut, snip, buzzzz, TIMBER!!).

And when the rubble at our feet is cleared away, we're left with more time for the Lord, healthier options to eat and better alternatives to spark metabolism. Yep, I'm not the first person to see Heaven in a pruning process, but if you and I can 1) get healthy, 2) bear more fruit 3) allow His light to hit us more deeply and 4) take the shape spiritually and physically that our Owner desires, I say, "Bring on the crew."

Thanks for the walk. This is my stop.

--Jimmy Peña

Goliath Had Brothers

"Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the stream." --1 Samuel 17:40 Before David hurled the stone at his giant, I picture him down at the stream, tossing them one at a time in his hand. See, I have a feeling he measured a few before finding just the right one for his particular overgrown nuisance. Did you notice the verse? He "chose" five stones. He made decisions based on his needs and abilities. "Too light.” Toss. "Too small." Toss. "Ah, that’s the one!” After all, David knew what he was up against and planned accordingly.

What about you? In the area of health, you might be facing some big issues. Is it your diet? Your training consistency? Maybe you can’t find the right routine? In the area of faith, perhaps you need to dig deep into God's word, carving out time on your knees each day. Well, whatever the case, take a stroll down to the stream with David. Kneel down with him and gather some ammo. If the pebbles you’ve been flinging at your giant-size goals aren’t making a dent, then reload. You know what you’re up against. The key is to do like David did and find it. Remember, His fight was worth it and so is yours.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Some scholars believe David chose more than one stone to be thorough, in case he missed. But not me. I'm with those that think David chose five stones because he knew Goliath had brothers. Anyone going to the stream today? I'm in.

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". 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. As we end the week, 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.

"No Mas" - Part II

He saved others, why doesn't He save Himself? Some of those at the foot of the Cross stood in absolute wonder. And why not? They had velvet rope access to the miracles. They saw the blind see, the lame walk and the mute talk. They were eyewitnesses to His power and might. And yet there He was. Hanging on a cross to die. You'll forgive the long entry, but I knew before I began today's follow-up to yesterday's "No Mas" that I wasn't going to get it right. Too many lessons to be learned, let alone teach in so few words.

First, we could easily see this strictly from an athlete's perspective. The crowd around the ring that night had seen Duran for years. They knew his power, speed and heart. Because of that, what he did was beyond their comprehension. To put it into perspective, imagine Michael Jordan at the free throw line in a tied Game 7 of the NBA Championship. With one second on the clock, he gives the ball to the ref and walks off the court unwilling to take the shot. Impossible? Well, that's what the crowd witnessed that night when Duran said, "No mas."

Or, we could also see this from Sugar Ray's standpoint. He demanded answers. Cheated out of the glory that should come with victory, Sugar Ray took it upon himself to find out what happened. And we all know from yesterday's entry how that ended. His peace came when he stopped trying to be rewarded for his work. (That thought deserves an entry for the fitness enthusiasts among us.) But of the two boxers that fateful night in 1980, I can relate mostly to Duran -- the one who stopped striving. The guy who couldn't go the distance. The quitter. Yes, that's me.

Spiritually, I quit fighting my own battle when I was an eighth grader. I knew then what I know now -- that no matter how good I tried to be or how hard I worked, I was at best a wretch. A no-good sinner in need of grace. Accepting defeat, accepting my smallness, accepting Jesus as my Savior...and it set me free forever.

Physically, however, I thought I quit fighting the biggest battles a long time ago when I hit my physical, personal prime of strength or ability. But in truth, I quit just a few years ago. It was then that I realized something. Our fittest, strongest, healthiest moment should serve as life's awesome reminder of just how small and weak we really are. Sure, I press on (as I type in tears), but I quit believing the enemy's lie that health was somehow earned. Make no mistake, our health is grace dependent.

No mas. No more. We may not step into a ring, but we do have wars raging inside our hearts -- battles of our own making we need to quit. You may need to quit comparing yourself to the world. You may need to stop trying to keep up with the Joneses. You may need to quit social media, get your nose out of your phone and into your Bible or good book. You may need to stop procrastinating about your health, or that job application or that goal. You may need to quit trying to work your way to Heaven.

I warned you I wasn't going to get this right, but friends, all I know is that when Jesus said it was finished, what looked like defeat was really our Lord going the distance for us. That's why I quit. My hands are up. Are yours? The raging war is won. The victory is ours for the claiming. Freedom for the taking. Both the Prize and the Fighter are Jesus; Who we win by decision.

--Jimmy Peña

"No Mas" - Part I

No more. I don't want to fight anymore. The 1980 rematch between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran will forever be remembered by two words: No mas. For those who don't know the story, Roberto Duran, the toughest and most relentless fighter of his era decided he was done fighting midway through the eighth round of their championship bout. And with two words he sealed his legacy. I recently watched a documentary surrounding Sugar Ray's quest to uncover the real reason Duran called it quits that fateful night. A stomachache -- as one of many reasons given to media from Duran - could not have been - according to Leonard - the truth. So in Leonard's mind, even though he won the fight, he didn't beat him. He needed closure. It's a remarkable film, but something Sugar Ray said in the last frame was a knockout.

For much of his adult life, Sugar Ray lived with alcoholism. And he acknowledged that when he finally told his story to the world, he felt free. Naturally, he related his sickness and years of isolation to how he reasoned Duran must have felt all this time. But alas, when Sugar Ray and Duran as much older men stood face-to-face, Duran stuck to the original story. And Leonard left Panama much like he left the ring in 1980 -- in disappointed wonder.

But then it occurred to him -- and here's where today's entry actually begins -- that in order to have closure, he had to give Duran his own. And in one of the most poetic statements I've ever heard, he did just that. A statement that -- to me -- echoes all the way back from that eighth round when Duran threw his arms up accepting defeat, to this very day, as Sugar Ray finally drops his own. As if issuing a ten count backwards, Sugar Ray mercifully picked each other up off the canvas and said, "As far as I'm concerned, He doesn't have to fight anymore."

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Guys, I sure hope you check in tomorrow for "No Mas: Part II." But I'd like to know: When it comes to your faith or your health, what do you get from Duran's plea, "No more. I don't want to fight anymore" - and Leonard's eventual response, "He doesn't have to." I'd love to know your thoughts. See you tomorrow. Lord bless you all.

A Holy Climb

Because of the blessing of the new app, we have thousands of new readers to our daily devotions each day. What a humbling honor. So grateful you're here. If you're new, we have a few common mountains we climb -- a few objectives as we make our way up some pretty steep hills. For some, PrayFit is a place of encouragement to begin or continue an exercise program or sensible eating plan. Others don't need such nudging on the health side, but have come to enjoy the fact that we're nestled in God's word and steeped in grace. It's a holy climb, really. And that's what we chat about each day as we scale this hill. As one hand digs for its stronghold, we remind each other of our need of greater health in order to live abundant lives, serving and doing. And as we secure our grip with the other, we echo the truth that no amount of health or fitness, muscle or endurance is worth anything if God isn't behind each motive.

Maybe it's easy to imagine yourself clinging to the side of this cliff with the rest of us. For whatever reason, either by neglect or something that blindsided you like an unforeseen illness, you're stalled or hurting physically. Or perhaps your fitness is just fine, but you're so focused on reaching the summit of health or even body image that you're missing the purpose of it all. Well, wherever you are on this hillside, I hope and pray you spend some time with us each day. It's my experience that the more we focus on Christ, the stronger we are to either get over hurdles or to get over ourselves.

Make it a holy climb -- one you make only by reaching for His hand.

--Jimmy Peña