Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
I Like These Odds
"I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me [into the land]; as my strength was then, so my strength is now." --Joshua 14:11
Take a look at our verse again. That's Caleb talking. In yesterday's entry, he was a 40-year old, modern day Billy the Kid, only with Godly morals and a conscience. Funny, not sure if you ever saw the movie Young Guns, but when Billy the Kid (played by Emilio Estevez) was completely surrounded and in a seemingly impossible scenario, he was the only optimist. The rest of his clan of regulators had all but given up and surrendered, but not Billy. Oh no. In fact, as they realized just how badly they were outnumbered, what did Billy say? "I like these odds." That's Caleb. Courageous, optimistic, full of hope.
What about you? Imagine yourself crawling up to the ledge of a canyon to overlook your dreams. You're quiet so you don't call any attention, but down in the ravine is your heart's desire. College maybe. A different job. Weight loss. Recovery. Married life. The bank loan. Being alone. What goes through your mind? It's too late, too soon, too much, too little, too...???
Friends, if God is behind the dream -- like He was in Caleb's -- it's never "too" anything. Caleb along with Joshua were the only two faith-bearing spies to believe that with God anything was possible. And because of that, God inspired the dream that one day the promised land would be theirs. A dream and a promise Caleb never forgot. I get the chills just telling you this, but when Caleb spoke today's verse, he was 85 years old. That's right. Caleb had to wait a generation of 40 years before he could realize God's dream in his life. But he stayed faithful, fruitful, young, able and eager. Not even a lifetime of shattered dreams and heartbreak were enough to remove his resolve. All he knew was that when the time was right, he'd be ready. Even at 85 years of age, with God, Caleb liked his odds.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: Don't you just love dreaming? Me too. But now more than ever, I'm in love with the Dream Giver. God is bigger than anything I can imagine, and He wants more for my life than I could ever want. That's why I fight tooth and nail for whatever that is. I'll admit, I've been dreaming a lot lately. Studying, praying, asking, over and over. And if it takes a generation for me to realize it, I want to take Caleb's example. What about you? You don't have to tell us, but what is God inspiring you to do? And like Caleb, what work do you have to do while you wait for God's timing? Could be spiritual, financial, social or even physical. Looking down into that ravine, if God inspired the dream of yours, He may be waiting for your prep work.
BRING PRAYFIT TO YOUR TOWN
Churches. Community events. Schools. Corporate events. PrayFit is on the march in 2014 with its unchanging message; one of stewardship, of faith, of humility, of endurance. The team is actively booking spring and summer 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.
On God's Errand
er-rand: a short journey undertaken in order to deliver or collect something, often on someone else's behalf.
A couple days away from the dawn of a new year, and I can't believe how fast 2013 came and went. Anybody with me on this? It literally feels like it flew by. Last night, Loretta and I took in a Malibu sunset as a way to try and put a button on the year. I snapped this pic to memorize the moment. A minute or so before it finally disappeared, I removed my cap, grabbed her hand, and we prayed. I tell ya, if one thing a good sunset will do is shine a nice light on a year gone by.
Oh the errands the good Lord sent us on this year. And that's really what they are. Errands. Short journeys to collect or deliver something on someone else's behalf. His.
Maybe it's just me, but don't some errands feel like enormous compliments? That God would deem us able? I can almost feel your collective sigh. The job situation, the mounting bills, your husband's diagnosis, your surgery, your brother's illness, your sister's dilemma. And on the other side of that same sigh is a smile. The graduation, the promotion, the solution. You got that long-awaited e-mail, someone gave just enough, that call of forgiveness or the letter of reconciliation.So many of God's errands leave us wiping our brow, scratching our heads, smiling in joy or everything in between. Thankfully, He's the common denominator, Amen?
Suffice it say that the sunset last night represented two bookends for me. Before it disappeared, it was a light that allowed me to both remember the year and dream about the next. And as it descended and disappeared, it reminded me that God gives us a short time to fulfill our calling. Sweet friends, we're either delivering or collecting something for Him in this quick life, and I'm thankful to be on this 'God errand' with you. So this is me, removing my cap and reaching for your hand.
–Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: Health is a God errand. What an enormous blessing, obligation and opportunity. Called to honor Him with our health, battling the elements designed to destroy a body that's built to thrive while we're alive. Who's celebrating 2013 and/or ready for 2014 (or both)? One day more...
SUNRISE RESOURCES
So yes, like Jimmy said, the sun is setting on 2013 and before long, we'll be walking into the sunrise of 2014 fully charged with a fresh take on health. So here we are, once more, extending a hand...humbly praying you'll take that walk with us. Our modest collection of resources gives you everything you need to help your body thrive in the new year. If we've helped to convince you of why it helps to stay healthy, let us now show you how with one of our at-home workout DVDs.
HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT
August 25, 2010Read: Romans 5
"Hope does not disappoint." --Romans 5:5
I've always loved today's theme verse. Read it again. I've purposefully held out the surrounding verses, because I want to focus on this phrase for a second. See, when the world mentions the word 'hope,' its tone is usually one of question or doubt. I hope I get an "A". I hope she likes me. I hope nobody notices. I hope....
Well, the bible says that strength comes to those who hope in the Lord. No question there. No sign of doubts. It's a done deal. Why? God...will...come...through...for...us. How do we know? He died for us. That's why Paul said in Romans 15, "May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace." Look up and read the verse again out loud.
Are you in need of a sure thing? When dreams allude us and people fall short, and all we want is a glimmer:
"We know that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." --Romans 5:3-5
It's the ultimate catch-22. If we invite the God of hope into our hearts, He delivers it on impact.
And you know what they say about hope.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars
You don't need to pour your life savings into mass-produced energy bars. This tasty recipe from PrayFit contributor Dana Angelo White (www.danawhitenutrition.com) gives you plenty of fuel for your day -- and without the fancy wrapper.
Ingredients: Cooking Spray 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon canola oil 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups rolled oats 2 cups crisp brown rice cereal 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots 1/2 cup chopped dried figs 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions: Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, canola oil, brown sugar, cinnamon. Stir and cook until mixture just begins to bubble, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, wheat germ, peanuts, apricots, figs and salt. Pour peanut butter mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir gently with a spatula until well combined. Transfer to baking dish, cover with parchment paper and press firmly into dish. Allow to cool completely (mix will cool faster in the refrigerator). Cut into squares or bars and serve.
Calories: 240 | Total fat: 10g | Saturated fat: 1.5g | Carbohydrate: 30g | Protein: 6g | Sodium: 70mg
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is the nutrition expert for Food Network.com and the Healthy Eats blog. She is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.
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