Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
Glowing With Health
"Rise and anoint him; this is the one." --1 Samuel 16:12
Believe it or not, I used to sing solos in church and school. Growing up in a musical family (on mom's side) I guess you could say it was in my blood. Too funny: my first solo in the 4th grade was John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads." I remember mother made me wear this Davy Crockett-looking jacket with leather strands hanging down from everywhere. I can assure you I wasn't much to listen to, but I bet I was something to behold. She probably still has the jacket.
Speaking of something to behold, my favorite solo in church was a song about young David called "Shepherd Boy." I thought of that old song yesterday while continuing to read about Samuel. See Samuel was the one who anointed David as the future king. The last of all the brothers to pass in front of Samuel, the Lord said, "Rise up and anoint him. This is the one."
I know I've talked about David in the past -- about how he chose stones to defeat his giant. But something in my reading caught my attention. As he was being brought before Samuel, the Bible says of young David, "He was glowing with health..." (ch.16:12) Neat right? This is the way they described the shepherd boy from the pastures of Bethlehem. The shepherd boy who would drop the armor and then drop Goliath. The shepherd boy who would hide in caves, fight entire armies, and write Psalms. And above all, this is the way they described the shepherd boy who would come to be known as a man after God's own heart.
Friends, as we close-out the week, may that be our goal -- to glow with health, if for no other reason but that our hearts are looking more and more like His.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: I doubt there's a higher compliment in all the Bible than what David is known for: For his heart to look like God's. Anyone agree? And doesn't the thought of "glowing in health" do something to your heart? It does mine. What does it mean to you?
Weekend Prayer: Lord, may the cooling of our passion for you bother us more than weaker muscle, broken bones, higher bodyfat, slower times and fewer reps. At the end of each week, we want our hearts to look like yours. In Jesus' name we pray and for His sake, Amen.
POSE NO. 3: WARRIOR II
Warrior 2 is super similar to Warrior 1, which we learned yesterday. "The benefits are similar, except Warrior 2 taps into the flexibility of the hips more than Warrior 1," says Brooke Boon, founder of Holy Yoga. "Warrior 2 is a strong pose and always reminds me of the strength of our God -- how nothing is impossible for Him and how His promises are always true. It reminds me that He is faithful even when I am faithless to believe because He can never disown Himself. That is great news, friends. For when we are weak, He is strong."
Those Who Are Listening
"Yes, Lord, your servant is listening." --1 Samuel 3:10
I've been taking meetings this week for a PrayFit project we're working on, and I find myself praying for God's will and protection more than I find myself praying for the project to actually happen. Ever been in such a place? I just want Him to be pleased. If He's not in it, I don't want to be. As I sit around listening to all sorts of voices around the room, all I want to hear is His.
In our amazing passage today, 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? And if we are as fit as necessary (or as possible), are we listening? Like, 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 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 me, I may not have the physical tools I used to, but my heart's ears still work. And God hears those who are listening. Share your thoughts below.
PREPAREDNESS TRAINING
"Faithful warriors are made for hard things…root-down warriors. Be ready to move the good news forward today. Not in your strength, but in His." And so Brooke Boon, founder of Holy Yoga, lays bare the soul of today's new pose. Yesterday, we laid foundations with downward facing dog. Today, she walks us through the nuances of Warrior I, which builds strength in our shoulders, back and core and directs our focus on the importance of physical and faith stability.
Life is a Subhead
"Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did." --1 John 2:6
Subheads are critical. Ever had to write one? Well, over the years, Eric and I have agonized over our 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: As many of you already know, the last thing we want you to be known for is your body. Good health, poor health...it's how we serve God, family and others with our bodies that matters most. How can your heart towards health help write your subhead? Please share your thoughts below.
ALLEVIATE BACK PAIN, BOLSTER CORE STRENGTH
Yesterday, we introduced you to Holy Yoga founder Brooke Boon, her love for the Lord and how her calling has helped people all over the world meet the Lord through movement. Today, we give you the same opportunity with a quick lesson on one of her most foundational poses: downward facing dog. This pose can help to alleviate back pain, bolster core strength and relieve tension in minutes. Brooke breaks it down for you, step-by-step, to help you get it right.
>> Click here to learn the pose.
BE A PART OF THE 2014 PRAYFIT TOUR
2014 is booking up! We are so excited that more and more churches are welcoming our unchanging message; one of stewardship, of faith, of humility, of endurance. The team is actively booking April and May events! Reach out to us at [email protected] for more details. As always, for churches and other non-profit events there is never a speaking fee. Talk to your pastors and leaders. Reach out to us and let's see health as a means of praise, together.
If You're Thirsty
"But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again." --John 4:14
Remember drinking from the water hose outside as kids? Nothing better, right? After football games, baseball practice or riding bikes, we had the kind of unbearable thirst only known to children. Whoever got there first knew to let the hot water get out of the line before drinking. Can't you just taste it? Best water in the world. Of course, being the youngest kid in the universe, I was always last in line, but I didn't mind. I knew that by the time it was my turn, I could just take my time.
The story surrounding our verse is about a woman who met Jesus at the well. She was looking for one kind of water but her Savior knew she needed another. Her life was in shambles and she was thirsty. Had she continued along the path she was on, she'd be lost forever. But the Bible says Jesus told her of her sin, and that if she drank living water, she'd never thirst again.
Folks, just like water is critical for our physical thirst, the thirst of the spirit is unquenchable without Jesus. As His children, we can't lift enough weights, run enough miles or drop enough pounds to fulfill our direst need. That's why we never place too much emphasis on the physical, but on our heart towards health. Like her well, the mirror will never quench you of anything, no matter how many times you look. So today, go to the well. Let's be kids again. His children. If it's the first time -- or the first time in a long time -- He has water if you're thirsty.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: Do you remember those days as kids? What about now? Are you thirsty, longing to be fulfilled spiritually and physically so that you can be more effective for the Lord?
INTRO TO HOLY YOGA
Learn more about the philosophy and founder of this worldwide health phenomenon
Brooke Boon wants you to be healthy. She wants you to be flexible and vibrant. But mostly, she just wants you to know Jesus. And she has devoted her life's work to helping you do all of it. The founder of Holy Yoga - an internationally thriving movement whose outreach supports mission work, holds faith retreats and develops Bible studies - Brooke is regularly confronted with the reluctance of Christians to participate in yoga programs. Here, she clears up the controversies surrounding the practice and explains what sets Holy Yoga apart from the rest of the posing crowd.
>> What is Holy Yoga? Click here for the answers!
>> Be sure to check back tomorrow as Brooke Boon walks us through the first of three foundational poses for yoga newbies.
The Home Of Your Dreams
"I was glad when they said unto me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'" --Psalm 122:1
It's the home of your dreams. White picket fence, freshly cut grass, backyard with a grill. It's that kind of home. When you close your eyes and grin, you're swinging on that front porch watching kids that miraculously -- and perhaps unfortunately -- have your nose. It's the home of your dreams. But despite your best offer, the price is too high. All the money you have can't justify the money you'd owe, so you're labeled unworthy; declined.
Say, ever been in a billionaire's bedroom? Ever walked the President's garden? Well, one thing is for certain: I will never own either. But while I've seen things that only a ton of money can buy, God is building us a mansion that no amount of money can. The offer was Jesus, the payment was His blood, and the asking price is faith. And if you've accepted, the key is yours. Interest paid. The title made to you. Home. The home of His dreams will someday be yours.
So as you and I strive for our little slice of Heaven on earth, be comforted when the world declines you. Because while He keeps asking, God knows what it's like for people to say His offer just isn't enough.
--Jimmy Peña
P.S. Sometimes the bodies that house our souls aren't exactly up to par. Whether by an unforeseen circumstance or perhaps neglect, you feel the Spirit grieve because of it. If so, we want to pray for you. What are your hurts today? What can we pray for? We want to know so we can lift you up. Either let us know or simply say, "Unspoken" and we promise to pray.
HOLY YOGA Many of you know that I've been through some health issues over the course of the last few years. Well, part of my physical therapy for both my cervical replacement and my recent lumbar spinal fusion incorporated some doctor-prescribed/approved yoga moves. Of course, my yoga was limited and supervised, but even as I came home and began my solo treatment, the stretching and strength-building benefits of yoga have remained part of my repertoire.
We get plenty of emails and requests for yoga here at PrayFit, but admittedly, we stay in our lane and leave yoga to the experts. But if you are interested in trying yoga, I urge you to try yoga...BUT from a Christian standpoint. There is one company that I am honored to share with you. Holy Yoga, led by our friend Brooke Boon, is a coast-to-coast and worldwide phenomenon that has nestled and delivered yoga within the Gospel. Beginning today and as we push forward, anything yoga-related will come from our friends at Holy Yoga. If you already love yoga or you're simply interested in learning more, I sincerely urge you to learn from Brooke and her staff.
Check back with us throughout the week as we lean on Brooke to bring you some solid, foundational points to consider for this body-and-soul strengthening practice.
>> To read ahead in the text, visit Holy Yoga's home page by clicking here!
PRAYFIT: WHO WE ARE
If you're reading this, we're blessed to have you. Whether you're a longtime reader of the faith and fitness writings we've been posting here since 2009 or a newbie who stumbled upon us in a friend's Facebook news feed, we take our commitment to you very seriously. We hope that you'll find the inspiration and practical tools necessary to become a better steward of your health.
Newcomer or not, we hope you'll take a second to read the broad strokes on who we are, what we believe and what our mission is. Our prayer is that the soul of PrayFit speaks to yours...
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