Until It Gets To Jesus

Charles Spurgeon once said, "It's not a sermon until it gets to Jesus." Go ahead and read that sentence again, and this time let it marinate a minute before you move on. Isn't that our prayer today and everyday? That our lives would get to Jesus? Lives so moved by grace that they become sermons? 

Our approach toward, perspective about, and outlook upon our health is one of those messages. Our attempt at humble, bodily stewardship is simply a way to give back to God the life He gave us. Neat right? He gave us life. We live it out. He gave it all. We give it all back. Although, I wonder if I'm giving back as much as He gave. (The cursor on the keyboard is literally flashing on the screen as I contemplate my own question.) Do I? Am I?

With the clock ticking on a new week, our lives are ALL we have to give back. Am I emptying the tank? And I don't mean simply in sweat, but in the right way, with the right heart, for the right reasons, and for the right people? Sweat is easy. Sermons are tough. And it's not a sermon until it gets to Jesus.
- Jimmy Peña

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For Discussion: Our lives, including our health, are all we have to give back to God. What area of your life needs to be emphasized or de-emphasized in order for your health to be a sermon? Dang, that's a tough question. There goes my cursor again. What comes to mind when you think of your life as a sermon? Love to know your thoughts. For a few more in-depth questions and an explanation of this pic, click here and join me. 

*NEW* for PrayFit Members: I’m Stoppable (Part II) – I Didn’t Hear No Bell
Members if you’re in a PrayFit small group or you plan on leading one, week 2 of our “I’m Stoppable” series is loaded along with your leader guide and participant handout. Enjoy and be blessed! Not a member? Click here and join us! And thank you for your support of our little ministry.

I'm Stoppable

Enjoy Today's Devotional Video 
Following the video - PrayFit Members - be sure to join the small group discussion and in-depth questions that follow here. Also, be sure to try the "I'm Stoppable" At-Home Fitness Challenge to see how stoppable you are! Who's up for it?

If you're not a PrayFit Member get details here. 

Welcome to the “I'm Stoppable" series. Now, it may seem odd for the idea of "I can't" to be used to reach your heart, but if you surf the internet, you won't need to search long before you find someone telling you how unstoppable you are; that every goal is yours if you just want it bad enough, work hard enough, put in the time, push the limits. And I get it. I've lived it. But the truth is, we're weaker than we think we are. Now, I don't say that to make you or myself feel weak. I say it to remind us that we are weak. Tough to hear, especially in the fitness industry or among fitness-minded individuals, but I assure you it's really good news.

Recently I was sitting outside my therapy clinic. I had just taken my daily dose of 8 nerve regeneration pills to help keep my spinal cord talking to my toes as I age, and I was about to see where I was in terms of range of motion. You know, some say that the mind will fail a thousand times before the body ever will. That ain't true. Sounds good, sounds "tough," but it's false. Truth is, my body failed long before this mind, way before this heart and an eternity before my soul ever will. I'm stoppable. Which means, I keep fighting until God says I'm finished. Here comes a fighter; a weak and frail, stumbling and fumbling, sinner saved and sustained by grace and stoppable fighter. Watch me touch my toes.

As a reminder for the hard-chargers, the climbers, the go-getters, the never-quitters, and the fighters - among us...well...the fact that we celebrate our dependence on a grace-giving God - WHO can stop us on a dime whenever He wants - just may inspire us more than any goal we've ever set.

-Jimmy Peña

The Testing Place

“Our gifts and talents should be turned over to Him. They should be recognized for what they are, God’s loan to us, and should never be considered in any sense our own. We have no more right to claim credit for special abilities than for blue eyes or strong muscles. ”

— A.W. Tozer

Loretta and I have added a new book to our morning quiet times together. It's Tozer's "The Pursuit of God." Oh guys, both brutal and beautiful, this book has me trembling to turn each page unlike any book I think I've ever read. It peels away layer after layer of worldly nonsense, stripping away all levels of "self" until you're left with the unavoidable and glorious conclusion that we are here to pursue God and everything that phrase entails. Like I said, brutal and beautiful.

One section that has me shifting in my seat as I type this sentence is 'the testing point." Tozer says that if we would indeed know God in growing intimacy, we must go this way of renunciation. And if we are set upon the pursuit of God, He will sooner or later bring us to this test. We will be brought one by one to the testing place, and we may never know when we are there. At that testing place there will be no dozen possible choices for us - just one, and an alternative - but our whole future will be conditioned by the choice we make.

I have to admit, it's tough to come up for air after being so deep in study in order to deal with things on the surface; the temporary, frail and fleeting flesh. It's almost as if my workouts don't mean as much to me - which is a phenomenon that has been increasingly noticeable over the last few years in my heart - but because we know humble stewardship is a means of praise and obedience, we give it as much effort as God allows and requires, amen? 

But guys, I'm falling more and more in love with Jesus with every rep I can't perform and with my increasingly decreasing intensity, and I just want to know Him and for Him to know me. In one of Tozer's prayers - and I hope it's part of yours - he says, "Father, I want to know thee, but my cowardly heart fears to give up its toys. Please root from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that Thou mayest enter and dwell there without a rival."

Does God have a rival in your heart and mine? Does our pursuit of fitness feel so comfortable that it barges through the front door of our heart, or does it need to be invited in? Let's pursue God together. As much as I want you healthy and as much as I miss my stronger self, I want Him much more. 

- Jimmy Peña

The One That Came Back

“One of the great weaknesses of our generation is that we get so caught up in the blessing that we forget our Blesser. ”

— Pastor Shawn Thornton

I wonder if I would have come back. Ten lepers - lepers who were outcasts to society, unable to be with family and friends - saw Jesus and from a safe distance exercised faith. Let's read the powerful passage together. 

"It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” They went, and while still on their way, became clean. One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?” Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you." Luke 17: 11-19

First thing that jumps out of the story to me is the fact that they kept their distance. In that day and age, those suffering with leprosy weren't allowed near clean people, so they stuck to protocol behind an invisible, uncrossable border. Faces pressed against it, hands up, they did the only thing they could; scream. Their plea mirrored their pain. If octaves equaled misery, theirs was a high C. Then after a 'good look at them' Jesus told them to go show the priests. Catch that? They figured they were keeping a safe distance, and yet Jesus got a good look at them. Wow. (I could get a full week of lessons from that one phrase). And then, it happened. On their way to see the priests, new skin. Fingers replaced nubs. Faces filled voids. Thoughts of holding children and kissing wives ran through their minds.

Now, one of them did what I hope I would do. He stopped. Wait a second, he thought. I cried, He cared. I moaned, He gave mercy. I have to go back. 

And here's another great moment for me in this story. He came back shouting his praise. He figured if his suffering called for screaming, his healing called for hollering. But this time, no barrier. No outer marker. No holding pattern. He was clean and he knew it - and getting close to the One that made him that way was his default reaction. Like I said in the beginning, I wonder if I would have gone back.

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: I've moaned in pain over the years, and I know many of you have too. Did my praise of His healing mirror my plea for His help? Did yours? Well, we don't know exactly how far the healed man traveled before turning back to thank Jesus, but I do know it's not too late for you and me to do the same. Let's take a second right where we are and thank Jesus for getting a good look at us. If you have a praise you'd like to share with everyone, please share it in the comments section below. If you'd like to keep it private and yet raise your hand, just say "Unspoken" and we'll celebrate with you. 

Because We Are Dust

In Louie Giglio's  "Man in the Mirror" series he said, "When Heaven sees you, Heaven says I love you. Heaven says you’re a rare and beautiful treasure. It doesn’t matter if it’s a good hair day or a bad hair day; whether you’re tucking it in or sucking it in, you’re a rare and beautiful treasure." 

Go Louie.

Now, I realize the quote is a bit out of context, but Louie wasn't giving a self-help lecture. This wasn't a "believe-it-and-you-can-achieve-it" rally. No, Louie was explaining that when God looks at our lives, He sees His son. And because He does, He loves us, forgives us, believes in us and roots for us. Anyone here need to know that someone is rooting for them? Does it help to know that God - with millions of angels praising Him - is rooting for you?

God is full of compassion for us dear friends. He knows that we're clay; dust He breathed life into. Psalm 103 says, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust."  Which is why we can rest in knowing that He realizes we're gonna mess up, lose confidence, drag our feet, snub our noses, puff our chests, rush to judgement and slouch in guilt. 

Because we're dust. Beautifully formed, wonderfully crafted, fearfully made mud. Earth with a heart. Soil with a soul, and a stone face that looks in today's mirror with a question to answer: Will I believe what God says He sees?

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Who feels rooted for? If not, you should. Despite what the world says about me or you, despite how much love we get on social media or at work or at school or how many people decide to comment on your blog (wink), God is pulling for us. 

Me Time. His Terms.

I recently watched Francis Chan discuss a chapter from his book "Crazy Love" and in this video curriculum he talked about - of all topics - an autopsy. Fortunately, he said, he wasn't able to be there in person, but that maybe there's something healthy about seeing a body laying on a table and realizing that it will be us someday. Francis went on to say that "Sometimes we have too high a regard for human bodies and life on earth." 

King Solomon said, "It's better to go to a house of mourning than a house that is feasting, because death is the destiny of every man and the living should take this to heart." (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

Nothing like a house of mourning speech to put a spring in our step this Wednesday, but seriously guys, let's set goals. Real godly goals. What would that look like for us today? Maybe it's as simple as: Get to the gym worshipping. Train worshipping. Leave worshipping. After all, what about our workouts will last 100 years from now? A couple that come to mind: 1) Our conversations with God and 2) the love we have for His children. So smile. Invite someone to church. Shake hands. Offer spots. Pray for someone. Ask someone to pray for you. Love more than you lift. Spend your "me time" on His terms. That's crazy love.

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: If today were your last workout, how would you spend it? If you knew that by the time your hour is over, you'd be face to face the maker of your little muscles, how would your hour be filled? Would it be filled with more effort or more affection? More diligence or more dependence? More planning or more praying? I'd love to hear from you. This is important.  

The Sweetest Frame

Young Edward's parents owned a local pub where some of the biggest hearted, sweetest and most giving people on earth could be found toasting a few each night. Ed would often be found playing in the streets just outside the watering hole; "left to his own devices" legend has it. But little Ed stayed out of trouble, learning to use his hands in cabinet making and for years paid the bills.

But Edward would no doubt find his true calling. For 26 years, he pastored the local Baptist church and was adored by his congregation. When the people he shepherded offered him the church as a gift, Edward famously replied, "I do not want the chapel, I only want the pulpit; and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that." 

You may not be familiar with the story of Edward Mote. After all, he was born way back in 1797. But Edward had it right. He knew that despite his upbringing, God was calling him to something deeper and more meaningful, and he wanted everyone he encountered to know it. 

Most scholars believe Edward was often talking about our physical body and other temporary gifts as examples of what NOT to trust in. Which is why I think Ed would fit in nicely at PrayFit. Or more appropriately, I think we'd all enjoy a seat in his old church. After all, we know the words to something he wrote:        

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Thanks Pastor. The pulpit is still yours. 

I dare not trust the sweetest frame. Friends, may that be our default reaction this week. And if you know the song, sing it.

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Is your hope built on solid ground? Aren't we glad that our hope isn't in the meals we prepped last night, or the training plan we've scheduled this week? (Or in the byproducts of what all of that produces?) If it were, we wouldn't be standing for long. Have a great week everyone. Let's pray together. Let's stand on solid ground as a family. What are you in need of prayer for, and let's go to the cross together.

A Dangerous Prayer

“Why did we ever leave Egypt?”

— Numbers 11:20

Just one more day in the desert as we relaunch the PrayFit Daily Devotion, alright with you? Did you catch our verse above? The Israelites actually missed prison. Not long after the Israelites met freedom, they actually longed for captivity. Behind bars they had no choices. As inmates, they had no responsibility. Even though they were trapped, they were warm, cozy, and full. Their prayer for freedom was a dangerous one. But nothing a generation in the desert couldn't answer.

What about us? When was the last time you and I prayed dangerously? About finances, a relationship...our health? See, once they were set free, the Israelites faced the need for obedience and responsibility; so do we. Folks, our bodies are merely tools, not finished products. Better "fitness" simply means better equipped. It's tough to visit the poor from the couch, and it's impossible to see the hurting in our own mirror. But we're warm, cozy, and full (even if of ourselves). (Note: this should speak to both the fit and the not-so-fit.)

If God allows us the opportunity for better health the rest of the year, what will we do with it? Will we sit? Focus on ourselves? Will we allow a generation to wander before we see health as a means of praise? If so, why did we ever leave Egypt?

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Our "wilderness" is never permanent to God. He sees the end of the woods. How would you be praying today if you knew what He knew? The question isn't whether or not we're strong enough, but it's about how strong God is. Are you praying today for understanding and courage to accomplish His will for your life? If so, say "amen."

He Gave The Sea Its Limit

Let's stay in the desert for a while, shall we? If you're familiar with the story of Moses - who we mentioned yesterday - leading the Israelites out of Egypt, you know that Pharaoh had a change in heart; to hard. Ultimately, he chased Moses and his people to the brink of the Red Sea. And that's where I want us to stand. Look down at your feet where they meet the water.

Ever stood at the edge of the ocean? My wife Loretta and I visit the ocean often to pray, watch the sunset, dream. And I always find it amazing that God tells the waves how far they can go. That's not me being merely mesmerized by His creative nature and the moon's gravitational pull. It's a literal awe of what the Psalmist wrote, "...I was there when he gave the sea its limit..." Psalm 8:29

Slow down the words as you read them, " gave the sea...its limit." You and I have limits. When we set "personal records" in the gym or otherwise, they're not indicators of strength, but indicators of limits. And that's good news, because God has none. Not sure about you, but I am more in awe of the innumerable, unsearchable, unreachable number above my personal record than I am at the pitiful few below it.

And I think that's why standing here at the edge of the Red Sea is appropriate for us as we seek to honor God with our health the rest of the year. Why would God lead Moses to what looked like a trap? After all, a hard-hearted Pharaoh was at his back and unforgiving waves were in his face. Well, are you at your wits end? Is a family member struggling with an illness? Are you feeling the pressure of your past mixed with a daunting future? If so, then there's your answer. He led Moses to his limit in order to lead us through ours.  Now would be a good time to look down at your feet. 

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Are you at your own Red Sea? Are you trusting God to see you through to the other side? What are you doing to show God you trust Him with your current circumstance?

Our Healthiest Request

When God said to Moses, "I myself will go with you. I will do what you ask, because I know you very well, and I am pleased with you" (Ex 33:12), what was Moses' response? He stuck around. That one phrase from God - I will do what you ask - had Moses scratching his chin. So what did he ask for? More money? Power? To be liked by the ungrateful Israelites? Or what about health? Surely he wanted clear eyes, strong muscle, fast feet? Perhaps a bit less waist around the waistline, or maybe a little youth in his step? No. Moses wanted nothing of that. "Please show me your glory" he said. (v. 18)

And Moses wasn't alone. Amid painful and dangerous circumstances, who would have blamed David for requesting refuge? Not me. Knowing what David had been through, we may have anticipated his plea for safety, or even the ability to fly. But David set his heart on the pearl and his eye on the prize. "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." (Psalm 27:4)

With our short Summer hiatus coming to an end, I want that to continuously be our plea and our most earnest desire. Like David, to seek Him in His temple and to seek Him with ours.

I can live with an aging body. I can live with weakening muscle, a slower metabolism, a crumbling spine and an ever-receding hair line (although I wouldn't mind keeping a little on the top.) Yes friends, I can live without my body, but I can't live without my Jesus. May our health be one of the many reasons why the lost are found. May 'seeing His glory' be our healthiest request. 

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Anyone miss me? :-) Well, I missed you guys. I am fully aware that my need to write for you far exceeds your need to read me, but glory to God for allowing me back into your homes and lives. What is your heart's desire this week? If God said to you what He said to Moses, what is your reply today?

P.S.
Some of you know I've been working with Team PrayFit over the last 2 months in launching PrayFit Pioneer, and I covet your prayers as we strive to serve people in that new area. 

Good To Be Home

Whew. As I type this sentence, I find myself catching my breath. I've missed you! Last week Loretta and I drove to Texas for her sweet grandmother's funeral. Family, heartache, memories, celebration. "Grandma Mague" loved Jesus, and spent decades serving her local church and community. It's just tough to say goodbye. Many of you have been in our shoes.

Well, driving back to California I had all of you on my mind. I realize you've been witness to all of the new things happening at PrayFit, and I just want to thank you for praying for the team and for what we're trying to do. Our goal is to help the fitness industry find Jesus. Plain and simple. Yes, we're teaching fitness and nutrition, but above all, we just want to please the Lord and help others see Him through us. 

Next week, we'll resume our daily devotions but I just wanted to take this Friday as an opportunity to thank you and ask you to pray for us. PrayFit Pioneer is a means to continue the ministry and to help us accomplish what all God has placed on our hearts. If you know someone that might benefit from the monthly membership of training, nutrition expertise and the upcoming small group curriculum, please share this PrayFit Pioneer link with them.  So much in store, and I'd be incredibly honored to serve those you love. And if you're at all interested in joining the membership, sign-up today. The PrayFit sales team has applied a 40% discount that expires today. Promo code: Launch

Anyway, thank you again. Whew. It's good to be home. Pray for us.
 

-Jimmy

Dress Like A Man

“Dress for action like a man;
I will question you, and you will make it known to me.”

— Job 38:3

Dress like a man. This isn't God telling Job how great his manhood is. Actually, this is God telling Job how great his manhood isn't. God is putting Job in his place. Pastor Paul Tripp says that God tells Job to put his best "person pants" on, because He is going to ask him a couple of questions. See, God is drawing a line of distinction between a creature and a Creator. In the next verse God says, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding. Who determined the measurements? You surely know." 

Does your fitness or general health as a dependent, created being help produce awe, wonder and worship inside you? Or does it produce a desire for you to be worshipped; for others to be in awe of your story and in wonder of your achievements. But God was doing for Job what we need to happen for us. Here's the picture God was painting: I'm God, you're not. Get dressed. Lift some weights. Get pumped. Feel the fullness of your manhood! Ready? Good. Because in all your "human" ability, you can't answer Me.

Awe, wonder, worship. That's what all this health stuff is about; to enable us to look up while being face down. The fitness industry - and even the "faith & fitness" industry - wants you to think it's about you; how you're enough. But in truth guys, it's when we realize that God is God, and we're not, that we actually get it; that our greatest achievements in life (especially our perception of physical strength) are a distraction if we allow them to be, especially when we buy the lie that we deserve anything. The line of distinction between the created (us) and the Creator (God) will never be crossed.

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: This week - thanks to our Founding Members - we plan to launch PrayFit Pioneer, and if there's anything I want to get across to the mainstream fitness industry is that we are NOT the point. PrayFit Pioneer - while a teaching tool of all things training and nutrition - will be a game changer of perspective for many people. Please help us pray for its launch. Over the next week, you'll be seeing emails in your inbox that are also going to thousands of others who don't know our message; who don't know what grace does to our paradigm of health. Whether you join the membership or not, please pray for all of those that have never known their health as a means of praise. Each week, the library of fitness, training, science and nutrition will grow, and it will all be nestled deep within the safe confines of the gospel. Will you help me?

Still Time To Dance

You remember 8th grade dances, right? I sure do. I was the king of holding up the wall. Turn down the lights on a basketball court, add some streamers, some 80's music, and you had yourself a dance. Just...without the dancing. (No way I was crossing the outer marker.)

I thought of those dances this week while on a television interview in the Midwest. Referring to the senior citizens watching her show, the host asked me if it was ever too late to start an exercise program or to improve your health. Instantly I was transported to those last ten minutes of my 8th grade dance. Knowing my dad would be pulling up any minute to get me, I knew I didn't have another minute to spare. So I took a deep breath, swallowed any last drop of moisture left in my throat (gulp), and I defied 8th grade logic. I walked across the three-point line and asked the first girl I saw to dance. Best 10 minutes of the year for me.

And that's my answer to the host's question. Our life and our health are precious at any age. So if it's been a while since you've exercised or even if you've never crossed the outer marker, consider each sunrise the upbeat He's playing for you. So get crazy. Defy logic and move those arms and legs. Even if Daddy (Abba) says it's almost time to go, it's not too late to ask, "Can I have this dance?"

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Yesterday we talked about working backwards from Heaven and how that mentality helps us tackle "today." How does that mentality help you get on the dance floor?

Working Backwards

Losing stuff is easy. It's finding it again that takes a little work. But what do we do? We work backwards. Be it car keys, a book, maybe a wallet -- we mentally retrace our steps until...ahh, the lost is found.

You know, I think that's the way God intended us to live. He said to Seek first His Kingdom, because He wants us to secure our future so we can sing "Blessed Assurance" for a reason. When you look at it that way, you and I are just working backwards. After all, why would He ensure our final step, only for us to be unsure of our next one?

So if you're facing tough times, do just that: work backwards. Misplaced your courage? Lost your will for a healthy life? Wondering if God sees you where you are? Well, you'll find what you've lost and what you're looking for, so long as you retrace His steps: The view of the cross changes everything.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Monday is the perfect day to have a "work backwards" mindset, amen? What can we pray about together? Let's bring Heaven down to earth. Let's summon our future to the here and now. Any prayer requests, spoken or unspoken?

Significant To The Kingdom

On a recent flight home, I took my usual aisle seat. Here's the thing, I have to get the aisle. With as much water as I have to drink, not to mention the need to stretch my back and these hips -- unfortunately -- I'm that annoying guy on a plane. You know, the one who walks the length of the aircraft the entire time? Yeah, that's me. But at this point, I'm in my seat, buckling up and here she comes.

With the help of her daughter and a couple of flight attendants, the elderly women needed lots of time getting to her seat. The scene literally brought tears to my eyes but she finally got situated and everyone proceeded to their respective posts. I was leaning, chin in my hand looking at her, when she glanced my way.  I smiled as she widened her eyes and gave me a "Whew, I made it" look. I could tell she had a good sense of humor. Sweet thing. I don't know why, but I reached over and touched her sweater and nodded as if to say, "You did good." I liked her right away.

Well, midway through the flight, after a few hours of glances and grins, she had to use the lavatory. I watched the interaction with her daughter. I listened to the prep work, the planning, what to hold on to, what not to do, where to put her feet, how far away it was. Folks, I was in the presence of a fighter, strategizing at 30,000 feet.

But I close the week with this quick story because as we taxied to our gate and we began to exit, I felt a pat on my forearm. "You're such a nice person," she said. (Gulp, lump in throat, c'mon Peña, hold it together.) We exchanged "God bless you's" and I went on my way. Guys, I can't tell you what that pat on the arm did for me. Trust me, it's never too late to make an impact on someone. Your health is significant to the Kingdom; through your impact on others, your specific calling, your ability to serve and more. It took work for this silver-haired saint to raise her arm and reach mine. But while it was shaky and frail, it landed. And the impact on me was eternal. No matter your age or ability, your health is significant to the Kingdom.

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Who made an impact on you this week? Physically, spiritually? Care to share someone you may or may not know that lifted you this week? Please share.

There Is A Life About To Start

“Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men?It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again. When the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drums...there is a life about to start when tomorrow comes.”

— Les Mis

If you know this song, it has a particular cadence. Yes indeed. Grace has a certain beat. And it builds.

Scotty Smith once wrote, "Lord, thank you for giving me back the control that I had given to others over my heart." Amen and amen. "Others" can be people, idols, insecurities, goals, (insert your "others" here). When we get out of step when it comes to our relationship with the Lord - much like when we get out of our physical groove - our hearts tend to miss the beat. Nothing is more paralyzing to our souls than being out of God's will. Shame sets in like rust to a gear.

But thankfully, Jesus paid our sin debt which means God loves us as much as He ever has or ever will. And He'll never love us less regardless of how good or bad we act. In fact, God loves us as much as He does His own Son because our lives are hidden in His. And that's what I mean about grace having a certain beat. We can count on it. It is life's inexhaustible incentive and our eternal metronome. We can sing like a man who would not be a slave again and we can do it with the fight of our lives!

Guys, the closer we get to the Lord - each day nearer to Heaven - the greater the unmistakable echo grows. We may be fitness-minded, sure, but we're marching in the crusade nonetheless. Let's give all we can as we join the fight. Hearts under His control. Stand with me as I stand with you. We have a banner to advance.

Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Anyone taking back control of their heart today? Whether about health or otherwise, are you finding the beat?

Beginning To Rain

“Noah did everything God commanded him.”

— Genesis 6:22

We spend an incredible amount of time on this earth waiting. We wait at traffic lights, elevators, DMVs, for mail, for appointments, for that phone call, the offer letter, for good news, for any news...you name it, if we want something, sometimes we have to wait.

Noah knew what it was like to wait. Imagine him hammering the side of the ark with one hand while waving to passing neighbors with the other. "Evening! Yeah. I'm building an ark! For the, uhh...um...for the flood! Have a good night!" 

The West coast is currently in one of the worst droughts in history, but for a few hours on Saturday afternoon, we opened all the windows and doors just to hear it, to smell it, and to praise God for the rain. Droughts help us rediscover our dependence. 

Like Noah, are you waiting for God to storm into action? You've been preparing for so long, and each day you're looking for a few clouds and that first drop. Trying to get into that college? Get that new job? Making drastic changes to better the health of your family? If so, hammer while you wait. We all know Noah's story. The rain finally came, and Noah's purpose was revealed. Good thing he kept building. And that goes for us too. Let's open the windows and doors, the clouds are forming, the drought may almost be over.
Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Let's go to the Lord together in prayer. What are you on your knees for today? Anything we can pray about? Be specific or say "unspoken" and we promise to lift your name today.

See Majesty

Max Lucado once wrote about a musician playing in a D.C metro station. After a day of playing - and accepting donations - the young man made about thirty bucks. Only one person out of thousands that passed by recognized him as renowned violinist Joshua Bell.

Max writes, "You can't fault the instrument. The Stradivarius-built treasure was worth 3.5 million dollars. You can't fault the music. Bell successfully played a piece by Johann Sebastian Bach that Bell called one of the greatest achievements of any man in history. But scarcely anyone noticed. No one expected majesty in such a context."

Wow.

Well guys, perhaps unsuccessfully, I tried to wrap my head and heart around a theme this week. About noticing others in the gym, seeing the fitness center and its dwellers as a captive audience; to simply notice; to be ready to serve God when it's time; to see majesty in our context.

When Jesus sent the disciples to all nations to preach the Gospel, He didn't put conditions on it. "Go and make disciples - just not at their place of business, or at school, or in the government, and by no means disturb their workouts." No, on the contrary. It's in the most unlikely of places - and even in the busiest of places with the busiest people - that we're called to see Him in them. "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me."

I say the next time we get to the gym, we keep our eyes open for the one with the violin.

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion:  Do you have someone in mind that you could serve as someone in need? Who do you know or see at the gym each day that may be ignored by everyone (for any number of reasons)? Is God calling you to stop and listen?

Friends Lift

The two lived on the same block as kids. Both had strict, loving parents. Daily chores included loading hay, carrying feed and helping in the fields. Their young backs were growing strong because of it. After school and homework, they'd meet up in the streets to play childhood games till dark. They were tight-knit. Best pals.

As it turned out, the two had a mutual friend that lived down the street. Their same age, he couldn't walk; paralyzed from birth. But that didn't stop him from telling a good joke or razzing the game's underdog. He was part of the crew. One of the boys.

As years passed, they grew into strong and able men with families of their own. Except, of course, for the one who was crippled. His two buddies checked on him daily though. He had a place at their table on holidays. He was the full-time ref in neighborhood competitions. They worshiped together each weekend. Indeed, after all the years, still tight.

Well, when news arrived that He was in town, the two ran toward each other's homes. In fact, they met in the middle and took turns catching their breath as they talked about their plan. Strong boys became strong men, and carrying their friend all the way across town to the One they say was able to work miracles made all those childhood chores worth it. And in fact, those chores made it possible.

The crowd around the house made it tough to get inside through traditional means. Holding the ends of the bed, the two looked at each other as if sharing the same memory; hauling hay, hoisting feed, playing games and growing up. Only one thing left for friends to do. Lift.

Most of us are familiar with the actual Biblical account of the friends who lifted their friend through the roof to be healed, but isn't it neat to wonder what got them there? What we do know is that Jesus was pleased with the faith of those guys. And they exercised that faith with their backs. You know, I like to imagine the three of them walking home together don't you? Who knows, maybe they played a street game for old times sake. Someone had some catching up to do. 

Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: You never know who your health is for...

Easy To Miss

“He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’”

— Luke 24:17

Yesterday's entry about seeing the gym as a mission field reminded me of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Some of you remember me writing about them, but I love this scene.

There they were, walking toward Emmaus together. It was late in the day, their heads hung low as they kicked-up dust with each reminiscent step. After minutes of silence, one would remember something Jesus said, bringing a grin to both their faces. After all, these two heard and saw things not written in the Bible.

After another quiet mile or so, the other would bring up "that time when," and the two would smile, shake their heads, laugh and cry. Who would blame them? They missed their friend. Not the miracle maker or the water-walker, but just Jesus. The same Jesus who would tell a good joke at night, sending all the guys to bed laughing. And the same Jesus that listened to their stories with the anticipation of one who didn't already know the ending. Jesus was easy to miss. Even when He was walking right next to you.
-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Have you seen Jesus this week? Maybe in the doctor that gave you the news of your blood sugar? Perhaps it was the homeless man who wanted nothing more than for you to look him in the eye and smile? Or maybe it was at the gym. Same spot, same routine, same greeting. There to improve their body, but desperate to find their soul. Friends, Jesus may not walk beside us like He did on the road to Emmaus, but He walks among us. Let's remind each other not to miss Him, because it's easy to do when we're not looking. (Anyone remember yesterday's challenge?)