Devout

Twenty-plus years ago, fitness was my god. I worshipped it. Maybe not on Sunday (after all, I had been a Christian for years and I wanted to please God and serve Him), but Monday thru Saturday, I was the gym's most devout follower. Daily gratification, success, and even my self-worth were gauged by my body's tightness from yesterday's workout. Ahhh, yes, I longed for it. Soon the delayed onset of muscle soreness would reveal itself, and eventually growth and repair would fill my shirts and jeans, along with my ego.

The overnight fast was devastating to my hopes of growth, so I'd gobble my quick-digesting protein along with both my fast and slow-digesting carbs faster than you can say 'high-intensity interval.' Following that meal, I'd become the judge and jury of an argument in my brain; a paranoid clash between my metabolism and my catabolism. In truth, the relentless balance between growth and leanness circled my brain like vultures. Keep the fire going but don't burn too quickly. Hold your pump, but keep your vascularity. Stay big, but don't spill over. To say nothing about the workout of the day.

The blood, sweat and tears of each gym session were like rain to the Sahara. This is what I was made for; to train, to lift, to grow, to show, to drive, to grit my teeth and push my limits. And of course, then came the day's last meal, and of course the planning, the hoping, the measuring, the needed rest and the deep sleep required to unlock the necessary rebuilding hormones to do their thing. The sun couldn't rise quick enough. ZZZZzzzzzzzz. Tic-toc, tic-toc. And....repeat.

When we seek first the kingdom of muscle, we're subject to everything it requires. We're consumed, blinded, loyal subjects. Healthy? Yep. Ripped? Uh-huh. Strong? One of the strongest. But I wasn't loving God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. I was loving me with all of those things. And of course, I'd try and give God the glory on Sunday (hoping my shoulders filled my dress shirt.) Give God the glory each day? I wasn't giving him 5 minutes. Saved? Yes. Spirit-filled? Beyond a doubt. Honoring God with my body? .............. 
Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: I loved training. I miss it. But I would do it differently if I could go back. I spent so much time honoring my body that I failed to honor God with it. Forgive the free-flow entry today. If my experience is at all helpful or speaks to the lifters among you, I'm grateful. I hope everyone has a great weekend, and I'll see you next week. (And oh, if I could still train today, I'd be training with you guys; a little old school and a lot of grace.) :-) 
 

Were It Not For Grace

As we wrap this short series, I'd encourage you to go back with me and read the list of prayer requests on Monday's entry. By all means, go back, scroll the names, imagine the voices and the timid, worried, even frail fingers typing each word. And as you do, pray for someone. Heavy hearts, lost kids, broken bodies, prodigal lives. 

Yesterday we touched on merely a few of the ways we tend to leave the safety of our heart's home. Some subtle and others not so. Some spiritual, some physical, but all real. I have my list. And you have yours. Lists of the detours, alleys and valleys that can so easily take us off course. Before we know it, we stand up, look around 360 degrees and wonder, "Where am I? What have I done?"  

Max Lucado once wrote, "Mercy gave the prodigal a second chance. Grace threw him a party." Does that quote summon a smile to begin in the corner of your mouth? It should. Does it cause a joyful tear? Then let it flow. This is good news. “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5″ 

Oh friends, were it not for grace, huh? Larnelle Harris sings that very truth - for the prodigal in us all. Wherever you are, speak these lyrics out loud. You may be at your desk at work, maybe you're about to hit the gym or the road, or maybe you're simply having a quiet time with the Lord at home. Wherever you are, imagine yourself having come home from a long journey. Not only that, you're the guest of honor at a party complete with a welcome home banner, a good meal, complete forgiveness and peace. 

“Were it not for grace
I can tell you where I’d be.
Wandering down some pointless road to nowhere
With my salvation up to me.
And I know how that would go.
The battles I would face.
Forever running but losing the race
Were it not for grace.”

— Larnelle Harris

It's good to be home.
Jimmy Peña

Step One

He took his promised pay; hell-bent to show them that he could make it on his own. At first, maybe life was grand; money to spend and plenty of friends. But it wasn't until he lost it all that he realized just how lost he was. But while it took many steps for him to get to the place of real despair, I like to imagine his first step home.

He knew the awful stench that he'd been noticing every day wasn't coming from the pigs, and the memory of the house where he grew up was becoming far too distant. He stands, drives the shovel into the muddy slush and says, "I'm going home."

Maybe not to a foreign land, but spiritually and even physically, you and I have made decisions that have taken us away...
"I can go without reading my Bible each day. What can it hurt?" 
"I don't have to go to church on Sunday to worship. I can talk to God on the golf course, in the gym or even from my chair."
"I pray all day, why do I need to carve out time to sit and listen to God?"
Or maybe...
"My health is isn't worth protecting."
"I'm too far gone to try now."
"I'm too old. Nobody needs me at this point. What possible good can I do?"
Or perhaps...
"I work hard, so why not show off a little. I can be proud of my work. A little pride never hurt."
"I'm in the fitness industry, and to keep up with my social media competition I need to compromise in certain areas."

Before long, we're a long way off. But what I love about the story is that while his decisions made him a prodigal, no decision took away his title: son. Foolish? Yes. Poor decisions? Absolutely. But he was already forgiven, still family, forever blood. All he had to do was come home for the party.

Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What's your "first step" toward home look like? Like we said yesterday, we're all prodigals. Isn't God good to us?

Prodigal

Before the party. Before the silhouette on the horizon. Before the look of recognition. Before the embrace, the robe, the ring, the fatted calf. Before all of that, the son - the prodigal son - decided to run home. And it wasn't his speed so much that gets us, but his direction.

Whether about our salvation, our finances, our relationships and even our health, we're all prodigals in need of a Father's embrace and unconditional forgiveness. As we begin this new series, are you in need of prayer? Perhaps you're tired of running, of being afraid, of being sad, of trying to fix the mess you've made. No matter who you are and where you find yourself today, let's run home. You've likely not squandered your inheritance, but perhaps you've squandered something else. You're wounded, broken and in need of real joy again or maybe for the first time.

This week, let's run home like only prodigals can.

Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Any prayer requests as we start the week? As always, say "unspoken" if you wish to keep it personal and private, but your name will be lifted up.

PrayFit Poll Question

Hey everyone, 
Before we get into the holiday weekend, I'd love your help. As many of you know, we're in the kitchen, the gym, the therapy clinic and on the road filming and producing PrayFit Pioneer, the new training module here at PrayFit.org. Along with specific questions about food or training, can you answer a quick poll question for me?

What's your number?
1) Runners
2) Gym (weightlifters, etc)
3) At-home exercises (weights, cardio, bodyweight-only, etc) 
4) Swimmers
5) Walkers
6) combo/other

I want to make sure that the team of culinary experts, exercise physiologists and physical therapists will be meeting your needs as we go through the next few weeks and months. After you give me the training number from the above question, if you have a specific question related to training, nutrition, injury, research, or something "other," please hit me with it. We have so much in store, and over the next few weeks when we roll out PrayFit Pioneer, we're rolling it out with you in mind. Honored to serve you with grace and truth. We'll be off tomorrow and back next week with a new series: "Prodigal." Hope you don't miss a day.
Jimmy

Soil and the Soul

In one of His parables, Jesus compares our ears to soil. Makes sense, right? After all, we are jars of clay. And I won't be the first person to point this out, but in the parable, there are some constants. The seed is a constant and the sower is the constant. But notice what's different in each scenario:

“Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.””

— Matthew 13:3-9

Hard soil (unresponsive).
Rocky soil (we hear it, but don't allow it to take root; shallow.)
Weed-filled soil (no room to grow; too many distractions choking us).
And of course, good soil. Perfect environment for deep roots, good growth.

During our week of looking at the soul, how are your ears? What kind of soil does God's word fall upon? I know for me, I think I'm often a combination of the above. Weeds of distractions? Yes. How many days have I reached for my social media before reaching for my Bible? Shallow and hard soil? Yep, that too. Sin and selfishness have too often kept God's word from being able to take root.

My prayer for us all is that we'll take what's constant (God and His word) and allow it to fall on good, ready, needy soil where it can sink deeply into our souls, our hearts and lives. Who's ready to do some gardening?

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: How has your pursuit of health affected your hearing of God's word? Has the gym or your pursuit of fitness choked or distracted your spiritual growth? Or in contrast, has your pursuit of physical stewardship bolstered your time with Jesus, quiet times and Bible reading? Talk to me. I'm all ears.

Souls Aboard

“You’re a soul made by God, made for God, and made to need God, which means you were not made to be self-sufficient.”

— Dallas Willard

"How many souls on board?" the voices over the radio would ask. For business, I boarded a few different vessels to get where I was going recently. I'm likely on one as you read this sentence. And as each craft approached its destination, that question would come up. Being privy to the communication between the captain and ground crew, I found myself anticipating both the question and the answer.

Because while I know what it meant, they could have simply asked for a head count or even the number of seats that were filled. Call me sentimental, but their words made it clear that we were on a vessel full of vessels; souls aboard. Your body has one. Mine too. Say it out loud. It makes a difference when you say it from a literal sense: There's a soul on board.

As we begin a new week, tackling school lunches, deadlines, meetings and conference calls, let's whisper it often and with conviction. We're more soul than body, so whether yours is battling an infirmity you didn't see coming or you're trying to make up for years of neglect, let it be known. We protect our eyes from things we don't need to see, cover our ears, close our mouths, and humbly do our best to care for the body as we get where we need to go. Why?

--Jimmy Peña

Question: Knowing you're more soul than body, how does that change your thinking in terms of your health? Does it motivate you to care for it as long as it lasts? Does it help you walk into rooms with clarity of purpose? How does concentrating on your soul affect your body?

Greatness of Soul

Over the years, I've tried to make it a point to encourage you to take care of the body that carries the soul. Not that I won't continue to cheer us on in the fight for bodily stewardship, but the more I study and grow and fail, the more certain I am that while the body carries the soul, it's the soul that protects the body; not the other way around.

John Ortberg writes, "The soul knows a glory that the body cannot rob. In some ways, in some cases, the more the body revolts, the more the soul shines through." He goes on to say that the "greatness of soul is available to people who do not have the luxury of being ecstatic about the condition and appearance of their bodes." (Word.)

That particular quote came on the heels of a story about Patricia. Patricia suffered from the effects of diabetes, a heart attack and two strokes. She went blind and lost both legs...all in her thirties. But before she died, she led a team to build a homeless shelter in Washington, D.C. At her funeral, alongside Secretary of State James Baker, standing in reverent respect were - of course - the homeless. "The only thing I can depend on with my body is that it will fail me. Somehow my body is mine, but it's not me," she said.

Greatness of soul. I'd say that's our theme.

-Jimmy Peña

He Held On

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

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

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

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

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What is the key to hanging on during the tough stuff? Are you wrestling? How could your present adversity help you lean more on God? What has adversity taught you about God and His grace?

For Dear Life

David was no stranger to caves. From the darkest place came his highest praise. Like you, he was no stranger to adversity. I can just hear the faint echo of water as it drops around him. Every few hours he looks and listens, wondering if the coast is clear. Among other hardships, when David wrote Psalm 57, King Saul was trying to kill him (1 Sam 24). But the young shepherd did what sheep need to do and cried out loudly to the only One who could help him, the only One who could hold him, and the Only one with him in his refuge until the storm passed. From the darkness he wrote:

“I’ve run to you for dear life. I’m hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over. I call out to High God, the God who holds me together.(v.1-3) I’m ready, God...ready from head to toe, ready to sing, to raise a tune (v.7,8) I’m thanking you, God, out loud...the deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness.” (v.9,10)”

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

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

Jimmy Peña

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

Adversity Draws It Out

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

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

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

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

-Jimmy Peña

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

Purpose In Adversity

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

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

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

-Jimmy

Just Perfect

In 2009, I wrote in the first PrayFit book that "our pursuit of health isn't about perfection, but about obedience and discipline. It's about progression." Over the last couple of years that line and versions of it have been used in many an Instagram image. Well, pulling that book off the shelf today - blowing the dust off of it I admit - was a neat exercise for me. So many lines and pages in that first book I wouldn't dare say today. Isn't that funny? But that's for another time and place.

Anyway, back to that line about perfection and obedience. Something I read by Pastor Tullian recently made me think of it. He wrote, "
 

“When your meaning, your significance, your security, your protection, your safety are all riding on you, it actually feels like slavery. Life is harder and heavier when the things we crave the most depend on our “making it happen.” When we equate our value with some attribute or ability (what others think of us, how much is in our bank account, our relative stature in our community) so that without that attribute or ability we cease to matter, life is harder, not easier. We become weary and heavy laden.”

— Tullian Tchividjian

It's upside-down from our pursuit of health in many ways, right? At least in some cases (and for at least a while) health and fitness is about progression, consistency and effort. All things I completely support and endorse if you have the gift of ability. But such adjectives aren't congruent with the life of a believer. Why? God's law demands absolute perfection; utter flawlessness, unblemished, untainted, pristine perfection. Live a perfect life and you get to go to Heaven. The standard is the highest standard that has ever been set. But because we can't even begin to describe how miserably we can actually describe how bad we miss it, God sent His Son. If our future in Heaven were similar to our pursuit of health - dependent upon our ability to stay consistent, be progressive and our continuous unwavering effort - we'd be in trouble.  Tullian continues: 

“So, the Christian life is a progression. But it’s not an upward progression from weakness to strength—it’s a downward progression from strength to weakness. Christian growth is not, “I’m getting stronger and stronger, more and more competent every day.” Rather, it’s “I’m becoming increasingly aware of just how weak and incompetent I am and how strong and competent Jesus was, and continues to be, for me.””

When it comes to our bodies, I'll continue to teach progression, consistency and effort. But when it comes to our souls - my soul - I choose perfection. Since Jesus is perfect and God sees Him not me. 
 

Jimmy Peña

Take Another Step

I'm gonna wear this song out. Seems I can't enough of the ditty by Steven Curtis Chapman. It's called "Take Another Step." Play, repeat, play, repeat. Thing is, I want to wear this song out; out on my walk, out to my therapy, out to the store. Let's walk and talk.

My eyes had not yet adjusted. After turning out the lights last night, I stood in pitch blackness. You know the feeling. Though your eyes are wide open, you can't see the end of your nose. So I did what you do. I didn't budge. I reasoned that in my condition the last thing I need to do is trip and fall. But Loretta's eyes had already adjusted to the dark. "You're fine, take another step." And there it is. What had to happen for me to move? I needed to have faith that Loretta could see in the dark.

We encourage babies to do it. Patients that surround me at rehab need to hear it. From someone discouraged because they haven't lost a pound, to someone trying to overcome the loss of a loved one, it's the most basic, difficult and necessary action any of us have to do to get through.

Are you in the dark today, unable to budge? Fearful about something? Timid or unsure? The light of your circumstances has gone out and you're standing there blind with your eyes wide open. Friend, He knows how you feel. But He sees in the dark. After all, He is the light. Just close your eyes, hold on to Him and take another step. And another step. And another step. And another step. Before you know it, you're wearing the song out.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: As you step out the door, is putting one foot in front of the other as tough literally as it is theoretically? I hope we can be an encouragement to you to keep going. Praying for you, hoping for you, helping shine His light so you can find your way. If you'd like us to help you pray about something, let us know. We're right here.

(I encourage you to go to iTunes and download the new CD by Steven Curtis Chapman called, "A Glorious Unfolding." When you get to "Take Another Step" turn it up for me.)

Waving A Legacy

Willy "The Waver." That's how he came to be known. If you went to Baylor University or lived in the area in the late 80's and early 90's, you knew of Willy. He walked everywhere. And every few steps, he'd stop and wave; to cars, to people, to buildings, to everything, to nothing. Willie became a fixture in the city. Rumor had it that he was a war veteran. I remember seeing his story featured in the local paper years later. Pictured, of course, waving.

When you hear the name Barnabas, what comes to mind? Encourager, right? What about John the Baptist? Bold or maybe even radical? Indeed, scroll the Scriptures and reputations accompany names. Lifestyles beg legacies. Not sure if you've been watching the A.D series on NBC about the disciples and apostles, but it's fascinating to me to think of the men and women who started it all. And whose names we now associate with characteristics we aim to emulate. All because of a carpenter who taught them how to carve a life of love.

Fast-forward 2,000 years and here we are. You may be about to hit Monday traffic or you're getting ready to start a load of laundry or perhaps it's gym time or that morning walk; just sinners saved by grace, trying to live and love like Jesus, needing our health to get His message around the world. This week, I hope you're encouraged to put one foot in front of another. To give grace away. To love unconditionally. And to make the kinds of decisions physically that allow you to fulfill your mission and with a legacy that makes a statement. And if you're not sure where to begin, keep it simple. Start small. Wave.

-Jimmy Peña

Prayer Request: Dear friends. I have a prayer request today. Loretta's grandmother (Grandma Mague) has been diagnosed with an inoperable tumor on her liver. Doctors say the cancerous tumor is the size of a grapefruit. They don't give her long to live and will be sending her home to be with family. If you could be praying for her, for Letta's Daddy and the rest of the family, I'd appreciate it. And if you have your own family member that needs prayer, please list it in the comments sections. Let's go to the Lord together, waving to our Father in Heaven for help, healing and hope.

Life is a Subhead

“Write a good one...”

Subheads are critical. Ever had to write one? Well, over the years, I've agonized over my share. For those who may not know, a subhead is that little, tiny sentence under the title of an article, short story, book or manuscript. It's more than the summary sentence and greater than any synopsis. Extract the root of a 10,000-word body of writing and distill it down to one pivotal, all-encompassing core phrase, and there's the subhead. In fact, every one of those 10,000 words -- every paragraph or sidebar -- is subject to it. And above that, it can make the difference between someone reading more or leaving the store. Make no mistake, although it's short and sweet, it's powerful and nothing means more to the author than someone being drawn to the story.

Our lives are subheads in a way. I remember as the fitness editor for magazines, my purpose was to help people shape their bodies, but I wanted my words to help shape souls. I wanted a different subhead. And I'm grateful you're reading it.

The office worker who refuses to gossip, that's a subhead. The cashier at the supermarket who -- after standing on her feet 12 hours -- still asks, "How are you?" and means it, that's a subhead. The second string athlete who out-hustles the starter -- subhead. What's yours? Are you a teacher, lawyer, assistant, stay-at-home mom or dad? Friends, we have the honor and privilege to agonize over our daily subheads, constantly rewriting and revising to get it right. Why? Simple. Someone reading us may choose to turn the page. Our lives are short and sweet, but they're powerful and nothing means more to the Author than someone being drawn to His story.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: How can our approach to health be a subhead that draws someone to the Author?

Sending Sandie

Everyone please bring it in real close and take a knee. I'd like us to circle around a PrayFit teammate that needs our prayers. One of our dearest, closest, bravest friends is taking a trip, but not just any trip.

After her no less than 23-hour flight, she'll be in some of the most dangerous regions of Thailand, training women, delivering Bibles, helping disciple. She's everything PrayFit hopes to be in a ministry; all wrapped up in a godly exterior doing the Lord's will. Look up Proverbs woman in a modern-day dictionary and chances are you'd see her face.

In an email earlier this week, she said, "God has given me many new challenges to take this journey. He has wrapped me in prayer. I feel equipped with armor, safe and secure."

You've likely seen her name within PrayFit over the years. She's our most dedicated reader and has commented on nearly 1,000 devotions. Sweet, special lady and family. Her late husband baptized my parents, dedicated me as a baby, led me to Jesus, baptized me, married Loretta and me, and was a missionary until he went to be with the Lord just a couple years ago. And his dear wife continues his life's work with her own. And every missionary trip she takes overseas, she never fails to mention that she probably won't have internet to comment on PrayFit. Well, I'm hoping we can comment for her.

Please say a prayer wherever you are as you read this for my Sister "Sandie" Powell as she travels with her team to the underground mission field. She doesn't know I'm doing this, but just in case she has access to internet while she's there or when she's on her way back, maybe leave her a comment letting her know you were praying for her. I'd appreciate it.
Jimmy

P.S.
For those that happen to have my first PrayFit book from 2009, flip to the first few pages and see the dedication. That's for Sister Powell. And it's still true.

Your Servant Is Listening

“Yes Lord...your servant is listening.”

— 1 Samuel 3:10

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

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

Makes me wonder: Could we already be as fit as necessary to accomplish God's will for our lives, but so focused on being as fit as possible that we miss it? Or on the other hand, some of us need to be as fit as possible in order to be as fit as necessary! Whichever the case, are we really listening?

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

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Samuel ended up being one of the most obedient and effective men in the Bible. A priest, judge, a prophet and an anointer of kings. And, appropriate for us at PrayFit, he was the one that God told, "Do not look at his outer appearance...For the Lord does not see what man sees. Man looks at the outer appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Friends, I don't want us to ever miss what God has for any aspect of our lives. I want us to hear what God wants and for us to put everything we have to use for His glory. For some, that may mean more focus on the body and for others it may mean putting to better use the gifts you already have. Either way, I'm honored to be listening with you. We're here, Lord. Listening for You.

It Was Time To Race

As I waited to see if we were going to witness the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, I found myself thinking about my favorite horse of all time, Citation. Citation competed in the 40's. Amazing horse, and most experts see Citation in the top 3 horses of all time (Secretariat, Man o' War) and Citation was one of only three non-humans on Sports Illustrated's list of the top 100 athletes of the 20th century. 

What I love about Citation is the story about the time when he won his last race. See, he'd reached his limit and was set to be retired. Well, as they attempted to take his picture in the winner's circle, he wouldn't settle down. He was so excited, they had trouble putting the flowers on him. Nobody could contain him until his trainer entered the scene. He took Citation and turned him around and then the trainer asked the crowd to make an opening so that Citation could see down the track.

Immediately, Citation grew calm. His head lowered. His ears peaked. His body stilled. Then the trainer called for the flowers and the photographer and for everyone to gather round. They got their picture.

When asked what made the difference, the trainer said, "All you ever had to do was point Citation toward the track. All you had to do was let him know it was time to race."

Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What do you take away from Citation's story? I get so much. Focus is one thing. Purpose is another. And of course, the trainer who knew what to do. I'd like us to look at the start of this week much like that very moment when Citation fixed his eyes on the track. Is that ok? Whether about our health, family or career, you and I are divinely called and gracefully equipped for a purpose today and this week. Are you focused on it? God knows where to lead us and how to get our attention. 
 

Looking Back

"Come, follow me." -- Matthew 4:18-20

Whew, Friday. Looking back down the week's mountain, some of us wonder how and why we made it. I know I do. That Monday meeting, Tuesday's test, Wednesday's wreck...well, you get the point. But it's ok to look back. Moses looked back at the sea he crossed. Daniel looked back at his bed in a lion's den. And Jesus? He looked back too. Of all the memories He had on Friday, our future was one of them. 

So let's look back in awe and wonder. And while we do, let's remember that Jesus finished His week to give us purpose in ours. Whew, Friday. He's How, He's Why.

Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Yesterday many of us shared prayer requests and I hope you help us pray for each one by name. Today, let's announce what praises we have to share. Victories and overcoming moments of the week, shall we? Let's give God the glory together for the week.