Personal, Revolutionary, Hopeful

What a neat week, huh? So many emails, messages, praises and shared love and prayers for you, the PrayFit family. If you missed any of the entries, I hope you go back and read "Run Your Route" "Heavy Burdens" "Grace Upside Down" and "The Stride of the Savior". If you'd allow me, I have a special new image to show you as we're ramping up our promotion for PrayFit RISE Los Angeles, sponsored by Pepperdine University. This pic was made into a postcard and sent to over 3,000 churches in the northern Los Angeles area. Didn't the team do well with this? Soon we'll be targeting fitness centers and schools, so I covet your prayers. Our heart is to do nothing else but make a very big deal about Jesus and His grace in the health and wellness community in this city.

I mentioned on social media a few days ago, "Like Louie Giglio once said, "This is not your kiddie pool conference." We echo that. This is a celebration of Jesus and His grace. And when we see the health He gives us through the gospel's lens, it changes everything. The Bible has something to say to each of us about our bodies (the healthy, the hurting and everyone in between.) Something personal and powerful. Collective and mission-focused. Revolutionary and set apart. Comforting and hopeful."

So as we finish the week, if you would help us pray for those receiving the invitations and please pray for all of us as we plan this special weekend, I'd be in your debt. Much love to you all. See you Monday. - Jimmy

P.S. If you can't make it to the conference but would like to be a part of what we're doing, you can donate to the non-profit convention. Just click the give button on the homepage. God bless you for your support.

The Stride of the Savior

"Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the Lord." --Isaiah 2:5Read: Isaiah 2

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 bravery, 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. 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.

Grace Upside Down

"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." --Ephesians 2:8-9Read: Ephesians 2

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

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

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

--Jimmy Peña

Question: Has your life been turned upside down? Financially, emotionally, physically? Let us be an encouragement that no matter what happens, sweet grace never lets go. Share with us how we can be praying for you today.

Heavy Burdens

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where he prayed. --Mark 1:35 Way back in the day, I would often incorporate various tools and tactics into my training in order to become stronger, better. One of my favorites was the use of big, heavy-linked chains. Yes, chains. Boy how times have changed. Seen rarely, and often only in shipyards, these chains were massive. Popeye would be so proud. Well, depending on the exercise, you attach them to the ends of the bar (which already have free weights on them) and perform the exercise.

I got to thinking about those old chains recently. See, chains provide a unique value to training. As you raise the bar higher and higher, the bar actually gets heavier. Why? As you lift the bar up, more links of the chain leave the ground. As you lower the weight toward the floor, one-by-one, the links begin piling up and the load you're carrying gets lighter. Simply put, the load is lightest the closer you get to the floor.

What are you lifting? What burden are you carrying? In many ways, our obligations and daily demands -- linked together -- create a pretty heavy load. Family, work, bills, deadlines, grades, health, illness, link, link...link. Even if you love the calling and the work, the occasional rest is necessary.

Friends, why do we stress having quiet times? Because burdens get lighter the closer we get to the floor. If the day were a heavy set of deadlifts, then the quiet, prayerful rest periods do a soul good. Matter of fact, back in the weight room, it's proven that short periods of rest help the lifter sustain the workload with greater success. Beat that with a stick. I just knew those old chains would come in handy someday.

--Jimmy Peña

P.S. For the old-school among us, sing with me some Gaither Music...

"Shackled by a heavy burden. 'Neath a load of guilt and shame. Then the hand of Jesus touched me. And now, I am no longer the same.

He touched me. Oh, He touched me. And oh the joy that floods my soul. Something happened, and now I know, He touched me and made me whole."

Run Your Route

"But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground." --John 8:6Read: John 8

Question: What do the most gifted, talented football players in the world have in common? Seeing as it's the day after the Super Bowl, I thought I'd ask. Is it their speed? Strength? Endurance? No. It's much simpler actually. They huddle before every play. If they didn't, the receivers wouldn't know where to run, the linemen wouldn't know who to block, and the poor quarterback would be left to scramble for his life! Just imagine the chaos! (Not to mention the penalties.) Sure, even though everyone knows the end zone is the ultimate goal, they still have to stop, get their routes and execute.

As Christians, our ultimate prize of Heaven isn't based on our performance. Jesus paid the price and defeated our opponent - the enemy - for us. But our daily walk to victory would be so much more fulfilling, rewarding and effective if we stopped each day to talk and listen to Him. Remember the verse of Him writing in the sand? Try to imagine Him doing that each day for you and me. (Because He does.) With a nail-pierced hand, He writes our routes (and rights our wrong ones) to show us how grace wins every time.

--Jimmy Peña

Run Your Route: Honored to be in the huddle with you guys. This is me looking you all in the eyes; all of us sweating, hurting, healing, working. Today's play: Hit our knees, talk to Jesus, live and love like Him as best we can, embrace grace when we fail miserably at it and give Him the glory if we come anywhere close (which adds up to filthy rags that require just as much grace.) Ok, ready? Break.

I Need To See You Move

"I need to see you move. I need to see your hand. I'm trying to live by faith. I don't know if I can. But I know you've not changed. There's nothing you can't do. I've done all that I can. I need to see you move."--Newsong Dear Lord, like it says in the chorus of this song, so many of us reading this sentence (and the one writing it) need to see you move. From ailing health to crippling financial situations, may the position of our necks mirror that of Abraham during doubt, David during despair and Moses during fear. We know that it's not only during crisis that you want us to look to you, but we're comforted to know that we can. We just need you.

Today Lord, remind us that it takes discipline to create a destiny of excellence. But more importantly, remind us also Lord that because of the cross, we've won a reward we didn't train for, work for, or ever deserve. May you prevent our pride from blinding us to the truth that our hearts and minds are not medal-worthy. Our thoughts and actions don't deserve a podium's praise. But by your grace, your face is all you see in us. Therefore, may it be your perfect performance we get lost in. May we be mesmerized by your relentless love. Give us the resolve to realize that life is a vapor-quick gift -- a vanishing moment that's here today and gone tomorrow. Help us gather for ourselves the mind of Paul that our chance at life is our chance to show the world that we live not to hoist a medal but to wear a crown. (2 Tim 4:8)

And Lord, while we need to see you move, may that same desperate plea echo inside our hearts as something you're saying to us each day. Help us respond in obedience and out of love. Like the shepherds who ran when you were born, you're still our Good News! Like an unborn John, your presence still makes us jump for joy! And like David, may we dance to a rhythm that only a life spent serving you can provide.

It's so true, Lord. You alone satisfy. And so -- much like it satisfied the men and women who fill the pages of your Word -- seeing you move is all we need. And may you be pleased with our response when you lovingly and sovereignly ask the same of us. Thank you for another week. Any health is only possible through you, and any health we'll use to glorify you. In Jesus' name and for His sake, Amen.

--Jimmy Peña

Just Plane Strong

Just getting back from Florida guys. Such a neat time with amazing people and churches. And guess what, I flew in the emergency exit row. Here's why that's cool. Some of you may remember this story, but it wasn't long after my second spine surgery that I consciously booked the emergency exit row. At that time I needed the ability to extend my hips as much as possible, so what better place on a plane than in the exit row? Well as I got to my seat, I realized that I needed help getting my carry-on in the overhead bin. I'm shaking my head as I type this, but a sweet flight attendant assisted me. Thing is, just as soon as I said thank you, I knew I didn't inspire much confidence from her. With everyone else already in their seats, she asked, "Are you sure you should be sitting in this row?" Freeze frame. In that moment, my mind traveled back to when Loretta and I first got married. Back then I was impenetrable. I felt like Superman. We had a tiny little apartment on the second floor and we had bought a stackable washer dryer for the unit. We were so proud of it. The only problem was I had nobody to help me get it upstairs. So what did I do? I put it on an upright dolly and then attached my hands to said dolly with my pulling straps, and I proceeded to deadlift it up each step. Strong legs, back, core and heart. Speaking of, Loretta's heart was in her throat, and yes, that day my brains were in my biceps.

Where was I? Oh, yes, the plane. Well, no longer Superman, I knew right away that the flight attendant had a point. And the point was that the emergency row wasn't there to meet my needs, it was there so the needs of others could be met. Of course, back in my 20s and 30s, I could've pulled the door plum off the side of the plane, but alas, I switched seats.

Friends, isn't it something? Our health in so many of life's circumstances isn't about us at all. It's about what we can do for others. I guess that's why as I boarded the plane this week, it felt like the scene in Superman II, when Clark Kent goes back to that diner after regaining his power. When I was asked if I could perform the duties required to help others, I adjusted my glasses and stole Clark's line with a grin..."Yes. I've been working out."

--Jimmy Peña

UPDATE: So grateful for your prayers as I traveled. What are you grateful for today? Let's praise the Lord together.

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

During The Storm

"Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" --Mark 4:38 The disciples knew what to do. Isn't it true? They knew what to do, and they were the first to do it. Do what exactly? Well, they did literally what you and I do metaphorically. They praised Him in the storm. We know the story. First came the wind, then the waves. And with teeth chattering and knees knocking, the terrified bunch woke the only one who could put the sea to sleep.

This week is such a good reminder for me that Jesus may have been asleep in the boat, but He wasn't asleep at the wheel. And it's not that the storm wasn't threatening, or that the disciples were silly for being scared. No, the storm that night was real. But Jesus took their fears seriously.

Of all the things we can learn from this story, it's that Jesus didn't hush the storm to prove its insignificance. He hushed it to show their significance to Him.

Your storms are real. Our fears are real. But when your teeth chatter and my knees buckle, we can follow their lead, amen? They knew what to do. We can too. In many ways, we're in the same boat. Brings a lump to my throat to think He's patiently waiting for me to wake Him up.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Prayers for anyone in the storm today. Let's pray for those less fortunate and the homeless during this strong winter storm. I was traveling this weekend speaking in Florida and what a time. God bless you guys today.

We Can Take It

"We are well able to conquer it." --Numbers 13:30 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. (You know how I am with a good theme.) Well, for a couple of days next week we'll learn from Joshua and Caleb and what it meant for them to stay faithful and true to what God had called them to do. Their story of courage is both spiritual and physical and one that I know we'll be able to apply to our daily lives.

Speaking of chasing a dream, we are less than three months away from PrayFit RISE 2015; a non-profit grace, faith and fitness event here in Los Angeles. We have some wonderful preachers, teachers, writers and experts along with their ministries joining us. Some of you have asked how you can help from afar, well, if you can't be here in person, you can still be a crucial part of this conference by signing your name on the sponsor wall! Here's how:

With 100% of the proceeds going to non-profit ministry, charity and missions, the PrayFit Prayer is available in the store. The banner is made of strong vinyl, so it's perfect for your home, church facility or local gym. (Currently available in 3 colors.) Order before March 31 and your name will be added to the sponsor wall at the conference! Join Pepperdine University, I AM SECOND Students, Think Eternity, Holy Yoga, Revelation Wellness and PrayFit Ministries in supporting PrayFit RISE Los Angeles 2015!

And please join me next week. Guys, when God puts a dream in your heart, you fight for it. Thank you for the inspiration, Joshua and Caleb. Oh how we want to apply your kind of faith and courage in our lives. We can take it.

Have a good weekend, dreamers.

--Jimmy Peña

Grace and Truth

"Living by grace means daily affirming our unworthiness. We are never thankful for what we think we deserve." - Randy Alcorn Recently I was asked to attend a leadership study group at church being led by our pastor, Shawn Thornton. There's roughly 15 people in the group, and we've met for a couple of weeks so far and we plan on meeting for another three or so. It's been wonderful. A real honor and something I find myself looking forward to deeply.

Last week pastor gave us homework and asked us to read The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn. It's a tiny book. I finished it in a few hours. But guys, few books have made as much of an impact on me as this one. I hope to someday dedicate a full week's worth of devotions as it relates to health, but I admit I can't get my head around its thesis: Christlike balance.

My summary of the book? Truth is the price tag of our redemption. Grace pays it. The paradox? God hates sin as much as He loves sinners. (Like I said, it's baking my brain but my heart loves it.) Jesus was perfect in grace and truth, and He is our example as leaders. And if I may add, as husbands, wives, employees, bosses, parents, fitness enthusiasts and the not-so-enthused.

When it comes to PrayFit Ministries, I want nothing more than to follow Jesus in all we say and do. For years, we've tried to keep a balance of grace and truth in our approach to health. Never putting too much emphasis on the body while being careful not to put less emphasis on it than God would have us.

The Conclusion? We need the direction of truth about our bodies to help us do what we need to do for His renown, and we need the constant reminder of grace that allows us to achieve any of it. - Jimmy Peña

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 anxious 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 elderly woman. 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?

Heal The Wound, Leave The Scar

Recently on Twitter, one of my favorite authors and PrayFit RISE keynote speaker, Scotty Smith, had such a neat question for us. He said, "In the new heaven/new earth, I want to sing like Steve Perry, love like Mother Teresa and paint like Makoto Fugimura. You?" I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to fashion my response. "Dance like Fred Astaire," made my list. So did "Tell a good story like Max Lucado" and "Play baseball like Derek Jeter." Hey, it's Heaven! And while Loretta and I laughed together, I began to wonder what Paul, John, or a battered Job will be doing in eternity. Right? I mean, the Bible is full of men and women who endured life -- individuals who really lived lives of faith, and have the scars to prove it. Reminds me of the old song that said, "Heal the wound, but leave the scar. A reminder of how merciful you are."

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

--Jimmy Peña

Walking On Rooftops

Yesterday Pastor Shawn Thornton gave a wonderful sermon about the prideful heart, and he used King Nebuchadnezzar as an example. Loretta and I couldn't take notes fast enough. For those of you attending PrayFit RISE here in Los Angeles on April 11th, you'll have the opportunity to hear Shawn Thornton teach. You'll love him. Our church has a simple mission statement; to be a church that lives and loves like Jesus. Well, as far as King Nebuchadnezzar, he let his pride get the better of him. As he walked along the roof of the palace in Babylon he boasted, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” Notice a theme in his words? Which I have built...by my might...for my glory...of my majesty.

It's easy for us in our industry to go wandering out onto the roof of our palaces, isn't it? Oh we may not be tyrants, but we forget where our gifts come from, and we tell the world that hard work justifies pride, vanity and arrogance. But Nebuchadnezzar - one of the most powerful rulers the world has ever known - said it best. After 7 years of living like a beast, walking on all fours and eating grass, this once self-praising and prideful king proclaimed, "I praise the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just, and those who walk in pride He is able to humble."

Guys, this week, let every meal, every rep and set, every run and lap, let each element of training help us as temples - God's church on earth - live and love like Jesus. If that's not our mission statement - if that's not the purpose of our effort - we might be walking on the roof. Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: The world tells us it's all about self: "It's your body that you built by your own might and for your glory. Show it off." What can Christians in our industry do to show the world we're not listening?

Missing Faces

The fact that you're getting this email today can only mean one thing: I didn't make my plane. Friends, thank you so much for your prayers and wishes for healing. After a tough, grueling few days of prayer, rest, medicine and consideration, I thought it best I stay back. Yep, I've said it before, but God doesn't need our health to get His message around the world. We do. When we don't have our health - for whatever reason - it's tough to get out there, amen? And as much as I wanted to share the stage with the other honored guests, it turns out the best way for me to honor God with my body is by staying put. I doubt anyone will throw their arms up in protest or demand a refund, but in case anyone notices the program is missing a face, I hope they know I missed seeing theirs.

But suffice it to say that of all the things our health exposes, our frailty is one of them. Our world is in God's hands, even when it's wrecked by the common cold. I've been through worse, so have you, but the things we've talked about this week concerning our unique God-given traits and gifts could not have come at a better time for me. And with that, I'll wish you a good weekend. I think my hot tea is just about ready. Jimmy Peña

Norman Rockwell, Josey Wales and Castor Oil

I confess, I tried to avoid it. Honestly, I did everything I could, but I just couldn't shake the flu that bit me last weekend. So yesterday - with my speech in Iowa just a couple days away - I dragged myself to the good doctor. Had a good streak going, too. I hadn't been to the doctor for something normal in a while. And yet, this is me making a bluuhhhhh sound. Not good guys. I'm sick. But aren't you thankful for good doctors? Granted, I avoid medicine like Ms. Josey Wales avoids the veterinarian, but if you've read my latest book, The PrayFit Diet, you know I have a great spine surgeon as well as colon surgeon (both of whom I kept well-clothed and fed over the last five years) but I also have an amazing general practitioner. His office is lifted right out of a Norman Rockwell painting; minus the castor oil and lollipop on the way out of course. "Neeeext?!" My name is called, and I know help is near.

Is it just me or does simply describing symptoms to your doctor make you feel a little better? Before anything is administered, as we sit on that bed and that thin, weird paper, just verbalizing what's going on inside seems to help. I don't know, maybe it's chemical. Maybe it's the assurance we get from the row of diplomas and degrees on the wall behind him. Or maybe it's because I trust him and he really knows me. Not sure, but simply expressing my hurt is healing.

Must be one of the reasons God wants us to pray without ceasing -- even on days when we can't pray without sneezing. Next? He's calling us. Help is real near. Let's tell Him where it hurts. His healing never ends. Have a great weekend everyone. Here's hoping I make it to Iowa.

--Jimmy Peña

P.S.For those who aren't familiar with who "Ms. Josey Wales" is, here you go. She's helping me get all better. #mybestpal

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Care In The Corners

The Bible says, "We all have different gifts each of which came because of the grace God gave us." (Romans 12:6) I can just see Michelangelo painting his chapel when I read that verse. It's well-documented that if you were to ask Michelangelo about his gifts, he would tell you that he could taste the stonecutter's tools in the milk of his wet nurse. He knew what he was born to do. The last couple of days, we've looked at our unique, God-given gifts. Some of you even took the time to think about your specific lists. And despite our vast differences -- as if it were a mystery the other foot would fall -- we do have one amazing similarity. You can see it in every mirror. It rings in every ear. Do you know what it is? Between the singers among us, the writers, brick layers and those with the gift of hospitality, sales, law or manufacturing is a divine thread of commonality. The one trait all of us have is: choice. And I must say, choice becomes us all.

When Michelangelo was asked why he took so much time on painting the corners of the Sistine Chapel even though nobody would see them, he famously answered, "God will." Choice.

"Why does the earth spin? For Him. Why do you have talents and abilities? For Him. Everything and everyone exists to reveal His glory. Including you." -Max Lucado

It's no Sistine Chapel, and it won't summon sightseeing tours a hundred years from now, but when it comes to this little website, I take each word extremely seriously. Loretta will attest that not one word gets to you until it really gets to me. It's what I was born to do. And make no mistake, when it comes to the stewardship of our gifts - our little corners of God's chapel on earth - we have a choice.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Can you think of one of your gifts that you cherish with Michelangelo-like care? Even if nobody sees? If so, don't doubt for a second that it doesn't fill God's pride jar to watch you care for it in humility. After all, He made it especially for you to enjoy. And it's His delight that matters.

What's My Line?

What do I do well? Ever asked yourself that question? Yesterday, when I encouraged you to begin jotting down your unique qualities and strengths, what made the list? If, for instance, you dislike running, I doubt wind sprints came in at number one. But if you love cooking, I'm betting that "recipe-creator extraordinaire" may be front and center. If so, what time's dinner? In one of my favorite movies, A Few Good Men, Jack Nicholson gives one of his best performances. And in a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of it, cast members recall the first time they all sat around reading the script together. Everyone was simply reading and going about the business until it was Jack's turn. In character, holding nothing back, Jack delivered the line as if the camera was in his face. Witnesses say the room immediately sat up in its collective seat and rehearsal took on new meaning from that day forward.

Max Lucado once wrote, "Nobody else has been given your lines. The Author of the human drama has entrusted your part to you alone. Live your life, or it won't be lived."

Friends, what do you well? What do I do well? Answer: Our life. Nobody does our life like us. And those qualities of yours, your gift of giving, your ability to memorize, your high endurance, your heart for the homeless, your mind for math, your quick wit...those are the things that God used to form your role. And the world around you -- kids, friends, parents, teachers, spouses, bosses, staff -- they need you to speak your lines like you mean them.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: The world will sit up in its collective seat when believers speak their lines. And when in comes to health, it's no different. When the Pastor tells a church to consider physical stewardship, we sit up. When a fitness-minded believer says full armor isn't half naked, we sit up. Our lives, our lines, our roles have to be lived. Nobody else can. Nobody else will. God is life's Casting Director, the world is His stage and our parts are ours to make a big deal about Him. Ask yourself, "What's my line?" and live it.

God>You>Mold>Broken

Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work." What a powerful verse, don't you think? Good for us all on a Monday. I want you to keep this verse close to your heart this week, because everything we talk about is going to point us back to a pretty unique idea. What is it? That nobody else on earth was given your unique dreams, abilities, disabilities, faults, pitfalls, troubles, successes, weaknesses, fears (and the list goes on and on.) God>you>mold>broken. Speaking of special, this week I have a neat honor of delivering the keynote speech at a health fair in Iowa. Along with sharing what health looks like through the gospel's lens, I've been asked to draw a crowd - wink wink - for USA Summer & Winter Olympian, Lolo Jones. I leave on Thursday, so I'm afraid this week will be cut short. But everything I'm about -- my nerve, heart and sinew -- will be poured into those few hours on stage talking about my Jesus and the health He's given me to do so. Why? It's what I was made to do. God>me>mold>broken.

Yes indeed. Keep the verse close this week, because the unique idea? It's you. It's me. We're originals. Classics. Rare sightings. Precious findings. And you and I have a special work to do. That work guys -- no matter what it is -- has a purpose; to make a very huge deal out of the God who gave us the life to fulfill it.

Jimmy Peña

Homework: Be thinking of some of your unique qualities. Start your list. Are you....organized? Have the gift of singing? Writing? Are you a leader that people follow? Are you a listener that people pour into? Jot some things down. You'll need them this week.

Where Else Would We Go?

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself....But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God...2 Cor. 1:8-11(NIV) Notice what Paul said in the verse above? "Far beyond our ability to endure...that we might not rely on ourselves."

I can't think of a better place to finish the "I'm Stoppable" series than at the feet of the One who isn't. After this kind of week - and after praying through the needs and requests yesterday - where would we go but to the Lord? And I think I'd like Pastor Scotty Smith to lead us to the Kingdom...

Dear heavenly Father, there are some lessons in this life of grace I seem to have a hard time remembering, or at least accepting. My limits and insufficiency is certainly one of them. The magnetic pull of the “cult of competency” is always lurking. Forgive me for not wanting to need the gospel, your Spirit, and community as much as you say I do.

Thank you for the gift of Paul’s story. Thank you for an apostle of grace who boasted in his weaknesses that Jesus might be the hero. Thank you for the model of a lover of God who was utterly dependent on the God he loved. I want to follow Paul as he followed Jesus.

So, Father, as this day begins, I forsake the illusion of my competency and cast myself on you, the God who raises the dead—beginning with Jesus. I’m not facing deadly perils, but I am facing people I love that I cannot fix, injustices in the world that I cannot right, old lingering wounds that I cannot heal, stubborn addicts that I cannot rescue, an aging process that I cannot reverse, cold marriages that I cannot thaw, and my own heart that I cannot change.

Grant me grace to accept my limits and faith to trust you more; and a greater willingness to let friends enter my struggles and carry my burdens. I know you to be the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; I want to know you that way much, much more. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ kind and grace-full name." -Scotty Smith

Have a good weekend, everyone. Thanks for the week. Jimmy #ImStoppable