GOD UNDERSTANDS YOUR RACE

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." -- Hebrews 12:1 

I think God understands the marathon. Yesterday we applauded Harriette for her life of endurance, so I thought we'd stay on the track today. Many people will tell you that a marathon is all about the journey, the memories. Well, yes and no. While the memories have their moments, what awaits us at the end is really what it's all about. I mean, I loved the music at mile 12, but I didn't hang around for an entire song. It played, not so much that I would enjoy, but more so that I would endure.

When I began the New York City Marathon a few years ago, I had a running partner as well as a dedicated pacer (the pacer's name was Paul, by the way.) But a little over midway through the race, my body started to fail me (a precursor to the years of spinal issues). So when the partner and pacer ran ahead, I had to slow down. But had that not happened, I would have missed the blind man with his guide, and the woman in the wheelchair with no legs. And yes, I would have missed the two men who led me my last few miles of the race. Two men wearing identical shirts; bright yellow jerseys with black letters. Unmistakable to me. Not so much for the color combo, but for the words on their backs. On one shirt, "Father", and on the other, "Son". Oddly enough, the only comfort I could muster at the time was written on the back of two strangers.

The journey is one thing. But while our bodies fail us, friends leave us, and pacers lose us, the only real comfort is who we follow to the finish. I think God understands the marathon.

--Jimmy Pena

P.S. At dinner that night, I watched a lady limping her way through a restaurant. As she passed our table, I said, "Congratulations". She thanked me. You can always tell the runners. You can see it in their walk.

For Discussion: God understands your race, and He understands mine. What are some things you're running through today? Let's pray for each other. Does someone in your family need prayer? How's your health? If you'd rather say "unspoken" please do and we'll lift your name in prayer.

Harriette and Her Race

This past weekend, Harriette Thompson of Charlotte, North Carolina, completed the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego in 7 hours, 24 minutes, 36 seconds. And at 92, Harriet is the oldest woman ever to run a marathon, and nobody over 90 has ever run one faster.

According to Fox News, Harriette is a classically trained pianist who played three times at Carnegie Hall. She told reporters that she mentally plays old piano pieces she had performed to help her get through the 26.2 miles. (How many days of devotions could I get from that line?)

And about her first marathon - which she ran at the young age of 76 after a member of her church asked her to help raise money to fight cancer - she said, "When I got out there the first year I just planned to walk it, but everybody else was running so I started to run with them."

Wow. She planned to walk but ended up running and inspired generations because of it. Way to go Harriette. And oh, I almost forgot. She said that in her training regimen, she seldom runs more than 11 miles at a time. She saves it for the race.

-Jimmy Peña
 

For Discussion: The Bible says that life is a vapor that quickly fades. Here today, gone tomorrow. And yet, Paul encourages us to run the race we're living like we would a marathon. Call it divine irony. Life is a sprint that requires endurance. How inspiring is Harriette? (Who, by the way, has beaten cancer twice and lost her husband of 67 years to the disease.) How can we apply her example to our lives as believers, physically and spiritually?

DEFINING GRACE

How much work does it take to transform your health? If you asked a hard-gainer how much work it takes to add muscle, they'd tell you it's pretty tough. Or ask someone who's struggled their entire life to maintain a healthy weight and you may get a similar response. We need help. We get educated, seek council, take cooking classes, hire trainers, study video. And we're not even discussing unforeseen illnesses, or even problems with immodesty or pride. Whether it's for motivation, specific guidelines, disease control or humility, we need assistance in our effort of Godly, physical stewardship.

Webster defines grace as "Divine assistance given for sanctification." Now, if you think about how much help we need when it comes to health, how much assistance do you think we need when it comes to Heaven? A little? A lot? A lot, alot? That's why Webster's take on grace falls short, doesn't it? Did you catch it the first time? Assistance, right? So while I was at it, I looked that up too. To define assistance, Webster uses synonyms like "a boost, helping hand, a leg up." Makes sense to the world. We do our share of the work, and God does His. We try our best, but when our best isn't good enough for Heaven, He gives our souls a boost.

But grace is more than what Webster might call a hearty helping of chicken soup for the soul. No, our souls need more than help. In fact, we don't need help, we need Him. If grace were just a boost on God's part, then you and I could boast in our works. His share. Our share. But we don't share. Health is never earned. What would ever make us think grace could be?

--Jimmy Peña

The Little Jobs

"Jimmy, come help your Daddy." As a little boy, I'd make my way to the garage, and he'd be halfway under his '34 Ford, or welding, hammering or fixing something, whistling the entire time. "Yes sir?" I'd say. Of course, I either had a baseball glove or bat in my hands. But within seconds I'd be holding a light, turning screws he'd practically completed, or he'd hammer a nail almost all the way and then let me finish it. I think back to those days a lot. He gave me the little jobs. And while they were tough, he knew I could handle them. But if I could whisper anything to my younger self, I'd say, "Ask him to show you the tough stuff." See, I'm not the best with my hands like Daddy, and not a day goes by that I don't wish I was. Can anyone relate?

You know, Jesus gives us the little jobs. If Heaven were up to our ability to be good enough or Godly enough, we'd never reach it. So He climbed on the cross to die for our sins so we can spend eternity with Him. A job nobody on earth -- below or above -- could do. He's put us in charge of things that require our effort.

So I take it back. Actually, if I could whisper anything to my younger self, I think I'd say, "Hey, don't hurry outside. He doesn't need your help, he wants your help. He just wants to spend time with you. Whistle with him. He's got the tough stuff. Just stay close."

Oh friends, may you and I -- as we tackle our little jobs on earth -- do just that.

--Jimmy Peña

Question: We can't work our way to Heaven, but God put us in charge of something that requires our effort: this body. What are you doing to be a good helper for the little job He's given you?

Pioneer: Those of you who subscribe to the daily devotion have likely received the email about our new education center launching soon. I'm calling it Pioneer. And like our entry today talks about the little jobs, Pioneer is designed to help you fulfill your God-given mission. We'll have a monthly subscription option soon, but today is the last day for the lifetime membership opportunity with no monthly dues. I hope you'll join us. Click here for more info!

Breathless

Back in graduate school, we had our share of underwater weighing assignments. Underwater weighing is regarded as the most valuable tool at determining body composition. However, in order for the subject to be seen accurately, it takes an extreme amount of effort and courage on the part of the person being tested. See, as you're lowered into the water, you have to empty your lungs, breathing out every drop of air possible.

The woman in Luke 7 defied ridicule and disregarded the rules to do one thing: to pour everything she had at His feet. Broken, she just had to break free and nothing was going to stop her from seeing her Lord. After her tears cleaned His feet and her hair dried them, she courageously emptied her alabaster bottle of valuable perfume for Jesus to breathe in.

Friends, don't miss it today. When we're empty, we allow Him to see us. When we breathe it all out, He breathes it all in. If only for today, let's pour our health at His feet like perfume and tears. Lord, here is all our praise, expressed from the top of our lungs.
-Jimmy Peña

THANK YOU: In case you happened to miss it, yesterday we announced our PrayFit Pioneer Program here on the site as a way to impact your health in a deeper way. Oh guys, I'm so excited to be launching this endeavor. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trainer, the new education center is designed to serve your needs in special ways. Thank you to those that became Founding Members! I'm only making that available to my readers for a few more days. I'm so grateful. You are going to love it. We are SO close to our initial goal! Please click the link and join the exclusive group. Founding Members get a lifetime membership and no monthly dues and will be the foundation of all we do together as PrayFit Pioneers. Thanks guys. Love you all.

Honorable Mention

One of my most vivid childhood memories was the time I entered the science fair. It was intense. I was in kindergarten, so you can imagine how involved I was in putting together my project. Well, long story short, my Dad welded a cage together and hung magnets with varying lengths of string throughout. It was awesome. You moved one magnet and they attracted and repelled like crazy. My favorite part was shaking the cage and watching everything go nuts. I think that was my unplanned grand finale during my presentation. I figured that move was sure to push me over the top. I remember looking up at the judge as if to say, "Did I win!?" Well, when we arrived back at school that night, the consolation ribbon on my project said, "Honorable Mention."

I got to thinking about that old science fair recently. I didn't place, but I got a ribbon. I didn't leave empty-handed.

You know, when we say "grace is enough," it's not a consolation prize. It's not a pillow for our letdown. I mean, we have our goals in life; career, relationships, even those of health and fitness, and if we don't achieve them, we know that grace is enough, right? But grace is still higher than any goal we could ever dream of, let alone achieve. And the older I get I'm finding that there’s more joy and power in preceding any goal -  fitness or otherwise - with that immeasurable truth. It's beyond comforting, yes, but I guess the key I'm learning is to check my goals at the cross first and then allow them to be molded under and bolster my ability to celebrate the only One that can satisfy, and that's Jesus. Feel me? Empty-handed grace. Not a consolation prize for unfulfilled fitness goals. It is the prize. All else is honorable mention, and most of the time, not.
-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Did this reach anyone? It reached me. LIKE today's entry or leave me a comment if you're with me. Much love to everyone.

The Respect I Protect

“I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability.
It is he who commands the respect I protect...
This soldier will - in honored glory - rest under my eternal vigilance.”

Last year in D.C., one of the most important sites I promised to show Loretta was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. And while I described the scene to her prior to our arrival -- much like the case of this entry -- she'll tell you I didn't do it justice. If you're unfamiliar, the Tomb of the Unknown is a monument in dedication to the services of an unidentified soldier and to the common memories of all soldiers killed in any war. And it's guarded. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by sentinels, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and under any weather condition. Sentinels -- all volunteers -- are considered to be the best of the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.

The amazing process is breathtaking to watch. He takes 21 steps, stops and pauses for 21 seconds, turns and marches another 21 steps. To and fro, back and forth with the utmost precision, and he doesn't stop his duty until another sentinel arrives to relieve him. The changing of the guard deserves an entry by itself. Unbelievable.

The tomb has been guarded with such reverence every second -- day and night -- since 1937. But what I find so motivating and thrilling is just exactly what they're protecting. And here begins the lesson.

Buried inside the Sentinel's Creed is a line that jumps off the page to me, and one I hope we can all apply to the body God gave us. It says, "I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect...This soldier will - in honored glory - rest under my eternal vigilance."

Chills anyone? Maybe it's just sentimental me, but these men march day and night in humble dedication and service, not to protect the marble tomb or the manicured lawn. No, they're protecting respect. (Read that sentence again, slowly.) What does it mean to protect respect? And can anyone reading this sentence apply that to the duty you and I have about our health? It's something, isn't it? They've dedicated a life of allegiance because of every soldier who's ever filled a tomb. We've committed our lives because of an empty one. And in humble reverence, it is He who commands the respect we protect.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: The scene is dripping with so much symbolism, I can't quite type. Of course it's not about aesthetics, but when we consider our lives -- our impact on others, our personal calling, our ability to share Christ -- it's an awesome reminder that our health is significant to the Kingdom. Our temporary diligence has eternal consequences. As I type, I can't think straight. Friends, all I hope is that my effort in caring for a frail body -- one that's built to ultimately fail -- is a worthy salute; one that humbly says this soul is guarded.

photo credit: John Michael Photography

A Rescue Mission

A few years ago, a group of American troops, including 22 Navy SEALs, were killed in Afghanistan. According to news reports, the troops on the ground requested additional forces, at which time a CH-47 Chinook helicopter was dispatched, carrying members of the U.S. special operations command. They died on a rescue mission.

The next day I watched an interview with the family of Aaron Vaughn, one of the SEALs killed in the crash. Of Aaron, his mom said: "Everything he did was secret, and it just feels really strange right now, that only in his death can we celebrate who he was in his life." Known as a devout follower of Christ, Aaron loved America, and there was nothing else he would rather do with his life.

At PrayFit, we honor Aaron Vaughn and all of those with him. We can't think of a more appropriate way to remember Aaron's ultimate sacrifice than to recall what Jesus did for us on Calvary. He loved us, and there was nothing else He would rather do with His life. He became the ultimate sacrifice, and died on a rescue mission.

--Jimmy Peña

IN MEMORIAM We are so grateful for those who serve in the military -- those who build their lives around defending those they will never meet, for a cause they believe in without compromise. If someone you know or love is serving in the armed forces, or if you have lost someone who wore the uniform, we salute them.

The Scars and Stripes

Driving along Malibu Canyon recently, I came across a tall, old tree in the front yard of a beautiful home. Next to the tree stood an equally tall flag pole. Now, most days I probably wouldn't have noticed, but as I went by I realized the flag was tangled around some branches, evidence of some recent high winds. Now, you may be just like me, but something stirs inside when I see the stars and stripes helpless like that. I don't know, but our symbol of freedom shouldn't be stuck to a tree. It was wrapped so tight in fact, I literally said to myself, "Oh, someone has to climb up there."

With amazing pity for my crimes and yours, our Freedom willingly crawled up that old rugged cross. We were helpless, so Someone had to climb up there. And Jesus, with His scars and stripes, embraced it.
-Jimmy Peña

A Life Worked Out

““Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.” ”

— Philippians 2:12-18 (the msg)

Dr. Charles Stanley said a few years ago, "There's no name that carries more quality, none more Heavenly, or has the power and the energy than the name of Jesus." He went on to say that those who claim Jesus as Savior must also claim Him as Lord of their lives; as the Boss. Because, "Jesus" he continued,  "has the right to call every single play in our lives." Wow. I can't have Him as Savior of my soul and not the Lord in charge of my life.

In Philippians 2:12, Paul says, "...work out your salvation with fear and trembling." He wasn't talking about working their way to Heaven through works, but he was talking about living a life worthy of the calling after salvation. In other words, Jesus is Savior, make sure He's Lord. Work it out. What a powerful passage (the message Bible has a wonderful interpretation, part of which I included above, and I challenge you to read it.)

 You know, I've been taking my training up a notch as you all know, trying new things, and this weekend I did the machine row in my routine. And I show this pic not only because I have a new back, and I'm working it out (yes, with fear and trembling even with only about 20lbs.) But it requires of me a different lifestyle. The kind of weight that I lift or the modified way I get around these days sends a message to those around me. Something is different. There's a reason why I do the things I do.

The message? By grace we have Heaven, and our message to those around us on earth needs to be that we're looking forward to it. That we're working it out. Are we forgiving, loving, showing grace, helping, serving, being stewards? What did Paul say? "Be energetic in your life of salvation." Indeed the Christian life is a life worked out.
-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Isn't grace good? We can't budge it. It crashes down on us and puts our little faith to work with whatever we have. Who's working life out today?

A Disciplined Faith

“I’m not going to offer God, my God, sacrifices that are no sacrifice.”

— 2 Samuel 24:24 (the msg)

Another translation of the verse above? I won't give God anything that costs me nothing. Continuing our week's discussion, here's a tough question: Would you forfeit your health for the Lord? More specifically, would you give up your fitness lifestyle if God asked you to?

Maybe you're a runner. An avid runner. Your calendar is marked, not with holidays or birthdays, but with 10Ks. Or perhaps you're a fitness junkie. You lift, you sprint, you jump rope, you flip tires and you repeat it...six days a week. What if God asked you to give it all up? And no, He doesn't give you His reasoning because He doesn't need to explain Himself to you. All you know is that the one passion you have in life -- that one thing that fulfills you and makes you you -- He wants you to totally relinquish. No more gym. No more road. How would you feel? Sad, confused, both? What would you do?

Well, before you say, "Jimmy, I doubt God would ever ask me to give up something like that," let's visit a couple guys who would beg to differ...

When Abraham got to the top of Mt. Moriah, he was both confused and saddened. "Daddy, where's the lamb?" asked Isaac. But Abraham took the son he loved more than life itself, set him on the altar and raised his knife.

When the rich young ruler approached the Lord and asked Him what he needed to do to have eternal life, Jesus said to sell all his possessions, give to the poor and then follow Him. But the Bible says the rich man walked away sad because he was rich.

Two men, both asked to sacrifice the love of their life. One was sad but obedient. The other was sad because he couldn't be. The difference? Faith. Faith saved Isaac and spawned generations that outnumber the stars. Faith loved. Faith sensed guidance. Faith followed. Faith swallowed fear. Faith didn't walk away sad.

Now, Lord only knows what He's calling us to do (or not do) when it comes to His purpose for our lives, but is there anything we need to sacrifice in order to be closer to Him? Since He's likely not asking us to give up our pursuit of health, could it mean you and I need to carve out time alone with Him? If He's asking for time with us, do we walk away sad because we're so "fit"? Or on the flip side, if we're not honoring Him with our heart for health like He desires, perhaps stewardship is our sacrifice. Maybe the hill of discipline is our Mount Moriah. What is God asking you to do?

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: A quick glance back at the week, we began with a proclamation of being unashamed. And yesterday we resolved it was time to go to worthy war. When do you find is your best time for those quiet moments alone with Him?

Time To Live

Yesterday's entry about being unashamed of the gospel got me thinking about young David the day he floored the giant. Not sure why, but in my mind I find myself with a sling in one hand, while rolling a stone between my thumb and index finger in the other. I want to pick a fight.

With God's Word and His wisdom echoing down the corridors of my brain, tamed courage paces back and forth within my self-imposed and carefully designed cages. Friends...it seems my health, my faith, my income, stewardship, prayer life, my thought life and my sharing of the gospel with others all deserve and require a glance down at my stone and sling. What am I waiting on? What are you?

I think it's time to say, "Goodbye, comfort zones" and "So long, easy." In fact, in the time that it's taken me to write today's entry, I've realized that I don't have to pick a fight. The fight is waiting for me. It's raging. I gotta get in it. Do you?

What battles will you face this week? Will your pride be bruised? Will vanity get the better of you? Will your self-control actually lose it? Does your health need more attention? Less attention? Do you need to talk to that neighbor? Call that friend? Thankfully, whether we succeed or not, God's mercy is new each day and Jesus is in our hearts, so who do we have to fear? Let's engage. Let's get in it. It's time to mix it up. What was the word we used yesterday? Unashamed? I have my stone and sling. Got yours? If the world needs proof that grace changes people, here we come.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Let's go to the Lord together and pray for strength for our battles. Where else can we go but to the Lord? If you'd rather not be specific, please go ahead and say "unspoken" and we'll be sure to pray for you.

Unashamed

“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.”

— Spurgeon

"I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. I've stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, worldly-talking, cheap-giving, and dwarf goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, position, promotion, applause, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience. I am uplifted by prayer and labour in power. My pace is set. My gait is fast. My goal is Heaven. My road is narrow. My way is rough. My companions are few. My God reliable. My mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of my adversaries, negotiate at the table of my enemy, or ponder at the pool of popularity. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I've stayed up, stored up, prayed up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ." -Worth Dying For, Infiltrate

For Discussion: Who's fired-up to face the week? LIKE this post if you are, and an "amen" in the comment section would be a nice battle cry. This week will be the first "theme week" since the new site design. I hope you'll be here each day. 

Special Note: This weekend we began accepting applications for the PrayFit Ambassador plan for those that feel led to help us spread the word for some upcoming initiatives. If you'd like to join us, click here and send us your info!

His Work

Don't bend, twist or lift anything heavy. Avoid slipping and falling. Those were my instructions 2-years ago today. See, by sticking to those rules, the odds were in my favor for solid fusion between the new hardware and bones. With my neck's disk replacements from 2010 fully healed, it was time for my lower back surgery to take. No pressure. The doctor did his thing, but now it was up to me. Stick to the rules, and I won't ruin his work.

I can't tell you how many times over the last two years I wondered if I messed things up. Did I twist too much at the waist? Bend down too far? And yes, I stumbled a time or two. Oh the fear that set in. I wanted to go back to the surgery date and start over. This time with no mistakes, no tumbles, no wrong turns.

Have you ever wondered if grace "took?" After a mistake, a tumble, a stumble, have you ever thought, "Surely God can't forgive me again" or "When I got saved, did I mean it enough? Like, enough enough?" After my slip and fall, the first thing I imagined was that I ruined the doctor's work. He gave me a brand new chance and I blew it. But I have good news. I am still in good shape. All systems still go. Grace happened.

Aren't we glad that God gives us a brand new heart? His. And thankfully -- gracefully -- when God looks inside and looks at your life and mine, He doesn't see our sin, He sees the blood of His Son. He doesn't see a heart held together by a very thin thread; as if one more fall would sever the relationship. No, when you and I accept Him as Lord, there is perfect, permanent fusion; based not on our ability to stick to the rules, but all because of what He did at Calvary. We try to avoid slipping and falling - yes - but there is peace in knowing that grace took. We can't ruin His work.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: I think health is a healthy reminder that we can't earn grace. A show of hands of those who feel motivated to take better care of themselves physically because of what God did for you spiritually? Is there a better reason to take care of ourselves? I guarantee there isn't.

Breakthrough

“I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

— Mark 2:11

It took four men to get him near Jesus. Four men who wouldn't stop until they made a breakthrough, literally. The Bible says that "when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying." Reading this story a few weeks ago, some things dawned on me. First, the breakthrough -- the realization that there was no other option; no Plan B. Jesus was in the healing business and their friend was buying.

Then, before Jesus does for the paralytic what the man thought he needed most, Jesus says, "Your sins are forgiven you." (Wait, what? His sins? Why not first heal his legs?, I wondered.) Then Jesus answered my question when He asked the scribes, "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk?'"

In case there was any doubt of His ability to forgive sins, Jesus went ahead and said to the paralytic, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." A paralyzed man carrying his prison back home is enough to quiet the doubters. And here's my last thought...he carried his bed home. Jesus put him to work. He didn't say, "Tell others what I did for you," or "Show off your legs." No, carrying his bed said it all.

You'll forgive the long entry, but all I want to do is carry my bed. Our blessing of health is an opportunity to go to work; for family, friends, those less fortunate, our health is a means of praise. Someone you know needs a breakthrough. I did. And I'm betting the healed man in our story lifted other people's burdens from that day forward, wouldn't you agree? If you do, pick up your bed. Let's go to work.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Who are you in today's story? Are you in need of a breakthrough? Dealing with an illness, infirmity or other struggle? Perhaps you're a friend, helping someone through the roof by praying for them, listening to them? Maybe you feel like you're one of the crowd, the onlookers, not really engaged either way, be it with your health or the health of someone else. Well, we know who we are NOT in this story, so let's go. Who needs prayer? Let's lift someone through the roof. Let's place someone you know and love as close to the healer as we know how to. As always, simply say "Unspoken" and the team and readers will pray for you.

Within Reach

“...make disciples of all nations...”

— Matthew 28:19

Watching an online gospel project yesterday, I found myself buried inside the messages of some of the smartest, godliest men and women I know. From Paul Tripp to John Piper, from Randy Alcorn to Matt Chandler. My heart was invaded by the gospel across all sorts of topics from leadership to worship. And then David Platt met me (and you) right where we are. He said there's a difference between the lost and the unreached. He had my attention.

In so many words, he explained that the people we work with, or the neighbors we live next to are not unreached. "How do you know?" he asked. "Because we're there," he said. They have access to the gospel because they have access to us. They may be lost, but they're within reach.

Wow. The fitness industry - like any industry - is full of those that don't know Jesus as their Savior. But the good news is, it's also full of believers that love Jesus. Followers that can help them make the connection, to encourage, to invite to church or to Bible study or for coffee. Followers disguised as fitness enthusiasts strategically placed to energize and authenticate what Paul said in 1 Timothy 4:8.

No, they may not have Christian neighbors living next door. They may not have a godly boss or co-workers. Chances are their friends will never talk to them about the Lord. But one thing's for certain. They're in our gym. They have access to the gospel because they have access to us. They may be lost, but they're within reach.
Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What are some ways you and I can authenticate and energize 1 Timothy 4:8? Is the gym a place where we can train in godliness through evangelism? Is there a way that we can become more vocal about Jesus where we train? What are some challenges to that? And if you have a story about how God has opened up the door in special ways, please share it.

The Response

“Worship is our response to God for who He is and what He’s done, expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live.”

— Louie Giglio

As you lace up your shoes for a run - (those whose ears adjust to the frequency of the beckoning road) - you anticipate your feet responding for the sake of your calling. One foot in front of the other; stride, plant, flex, push, extend, over and over again. Your brain tells your feet to move, and your arms to swing, and your core to stabilize as your lungs expand and contract to supply the oxygen required with of course, the heart driving it all - all in perfect harmony.
And then, the response. You run.

Do me a favor and close your eyes for about ten seconds and imagine the sound of a runner on a gravel road in the early morning when it's quiet. Listen for the sound of each step as well as the rhythmic regularity of each breath. Tat....tat....tat....tat....inhale-exhale....tat....tat....tat....tat....inhale-exhale........

Ever thought of life as a response? Not as a reaction to the things of life, but as a response to God for life. Louie Giglio says, "Worship is our response to God for who He is and what He's done, expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live. We inhale salvation, we exhale praise. That's worship." 

Our health is a means of praise. In Acts 17, the Bible says God gives life and breath to all things. He GIVES life and He GIVES breath. And then, the response.
Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Worship is bigger than the muscle we build and faster than our feet can move, because in truth, it has nothing to do with either of those things. Much like the runner is dependent on the heart to power each step, worship is a spiritual heart issue. If there is no heart, there is no worship. What does your heart sing when you train? Or maybe it's time to train so your heart can sing. Whatever your response is, that's worship.
 

I Believe

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

— Psalm 121:1

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

I believe. What a powerful statement. Down through the centuries men and woman have staked their lives and their eternity on those two tiny words. As we welcome you back to PrayFit Ministries after our short break, we're going to wrap our hearts around that thought.

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

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

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

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

— For King and Country

Friends, I hope the mountain you face this week reminds you of both the Psalmist and the blind beggar. They lifted their eyes and believed. May you and I believe that God is right here pulling us through. The weakness, sickness, brokenness. All of it. His. Mountains are no match. Let's close our eyes, take a deep breath, exhale and utter those two precious and powerful words: I believe.

Jimmy Peña

For Discussion:
1) I still believe faith is the most powerful tool God gave us to conquer life's obstacles, and 2) I am more certain than ever that any health we have is a gift of grace. And when we embrace our faith by the grace of God, it changes everything. Glad you're here, guys. I've missed you. Some really neat things are coming to the site. Hope you like the new look. Somebody give me a shout. 

PrayFit RISE Conference Recap

Hey everyone, our audio/visual team has completed our short video recap of PrayFit RISE Los Angeles! So exciting to see. I wish we could do it all over again. Hope you enjoy this and please share it with your friends and loved ones. None of it would be possible without you. Also, the new PrayFit website is coming along so nicely. God-willing we will launch it next week! You're gonna love it.

See you soon! Jimmy

PrayFit RISE Los Angeles

PrayFit Ministries Update

Hey everyone, Wow, what a week we've had. Thank you for your prayers and wishes for our PrayFit RISE Conference in Los Angeles last week. Bless God. All we wanted to do was serve God, share Jesus, and help anyone who walked through the doors to see their health with the eyes of grace, and He blessed our time. And we even had visitors from 10 states that traveled to L.A. to join in the festivities. Glory to God. 

It was such a special day, I can't quite put things into words, and none of it would have been possible without you. (The video recap is being made as we speak, and I can't wait to show you.) And what's more, God has inspired us to do it again. This time, we're heading to Dallas. Dates to be determined, but we've spent the last week and will spend the next few weeks formulating the conference. Stay tuned!

On that note, we are also going to Jesus for wisdom for our new PrayFit small group curriculum and PrayFit Ambassador programs we're launching soon. We are also going to be working to finalize the website redesign that I mentioned a few months ago. So much in store.

Just wanted to give you all an update. Devotions will continue soon. I miss you guys. Jimmy