Be Born In Us

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy."— Matthew 2:10

If you missed Christmas Presence last week, we talked about the shepherds and their efforts to see the newborn King. We agreed that their best was all they had to offer Him - our pacesetters if you will - and they made it.

Can't you just see their cold breath and chests rising as they arrive? But today, let's focus on the one who didn't run. Though she trembled when she was told of the miracle, Mary waited for the promise.

As I write this, a song by Francesca Battistelli called Born In Me is ringing in my ears. The chorus:

I'll hold you in the beginning, you will hold me in the end. Every moment in the middle, make my heart your Bethlehem, be born in me.

Isn't that what we want? For our hearts to be His Bethlehem? Born in us? When you and I walk into work or school or the gym or studio; when we make dinner for the kids or visit a neighbor, we hold Him. We're His home on earth.

Mary offered to God what she was denied at the inn: a vacancy.
The shepherds offered to God the only thing they could: an audience.

As Christmas nears, let the ones who ran to Him, and the one who didn't run from Him, give us courage to do both.

–Jimmy Peña

Prayer Requests: Will you pray for me today? I have an unspoken request. And if you have a prayer request, please list it here or say "unspoken" and I, the team and the rest of the readers will pray for you by name. Grow in grace.

---

Available January 1: "Still. At the Start." - a new eBook designed with you in mind to help you rest, rejuvenate, recalibrate and pause the first week of January. Would anyone like to wait with me as we allow the rest of the field to pull away? Will you be the dark horse? 

Christmas Presence

"What do you give to someone who has everything?" That's a common question asked year after year by a countless number of people.  But what do you give someone who is everything? Well, that original question was uttered only once by a small group of eyewitnesses. Maybe the Shepherds asked each other that very thing as "they hurried off "(v. 16).

Wait, did you notice that? Long before Jesus gave the lame the strength to walk, He had shepherds running. After the angel told them the news, I doubt they hung around the fields, or grabbed a bite to catch up on the latest herder's gossip. No, the news of Jesus had these shepherds high-stepping with hearts pumping. Were they unsure of what to give God? Perhaps. But they were ironclad-certain about doing their best just to get there. Showing up out of love, out of excuses and out of breath. What they lacked in presents, they made up with their presence.

–Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: If you've been on PrayFit for a few years, you recognize today's entry. I just can't help but imagine that night, right? The announcement, the reaction, the action. Just to be near Him. What do you give someone who IS everything? You give Him everything, beginning with all you got.

Life Disrupted: As we've done over the years, we're resting, recovering and recalibrating ourselves during the first week of January. Enjoy this short video as I explain.

Advent and Health

We know the story, but we love it. Two thousand years ago, God made an unexpected trip. Because we were unable to get to Him, He came to us. God left Heaven's hall for Bethlehem's stall. He then climbed out of his crib and onto the cross for your sins and mine. Imagine, God with us. Say that out loud and emphasize a few words with me. 

God with us.
God with us.
God with us.

Amazing, isn't it? The distance He traveled for you and me. I love Christmas time. The traditions, old and new. But something about Christmas will never change, and that's the story of our Savior. 

So Jesus, we know the story, but tell us again. Show us the faith in Joseph's eyes. Reveal the awe on a shepherd's face. Convey the courage of Mary. We know the story, but take us back. Remind us that your birth began a rescue mission. We know the story, but please Jesus, we love it. Be born again.

 --Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Now and again over the next few weeks, we'll take a look at Christmas and some of the incredible themes we can apply to our health. What are some of the ways Christmas helps put your health into perspective? I'd love to know. I may even write about it, so please share. Let's have a good week, friends.

Glorify God

When advertising Hall of Fame legend Bill Backer died last year, the news may have been easy to miss. I mean, after all, who among us recognizes his name? Bill Backer...hmmm....nope. Doesn't ring a bell. But consider the phrase he implanted into our brain:

"Mmm Mmm good. Soup is good food." - Campbell
And if that phrase doesn't resonate, Bill Backer was responsible for putting Dave Thomas into Wendy's commercials. The guy was a legend; just in obscurity.

What Bill Backer did for companies, we're called to do for Christ; even as fitness-minded believers. Amid everything we set out to accomplish in the gym, it all comes down to this: Glorify God. Whether we're trying to lose weight, gain muscle, achieve flexibility, reduce blood pressure, or all of the above, the end result is to make Jesus famous.

The final product isn't our reputation, or our "likes" on social media or our status. It's God's renown. Fact is, whether or not any of those goals are achieved (if they do, consider them gifts of obedience and progenies of prudence) our job is like that of Bill Backer: promote the prize, get out of the way, deflect attention.

Oh, to be Christ-marketers like that, amen? The moment we walk into the gym or step onto the mat or hit the road, the ad goes live, and we're on the air to promote Him. In fact, I like to think that Bill Backer set the tone for us when he wrote, "I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony."  Me too, Bill. Me too.

- Jimmy Peña

The PrayFit Flow

Because so many of you participated in the iPrayFit Membership Drive- getting us one step closer to helping ministries near and dear to our hearts - I thought I'd sing a little. I thought I'd give us a little beat. (Approaches mic, clears throat, closes eyes.) Here's a throwback to last year's flow. This is me overjoyed because of you. My testament in a rap song; best if you read it fast. Give it up. - jp 

View fullsize

(Raffle, Yo: Someone that shares this to their social networks will receive a gift card from Team PrayFit. Use the hashtag #iPrayFit.)

Lifetime Membership Special

The membership arm of PrayFit Ministries - iPrayFit - is having an amazing, limited-time offer. Please consider joining. Thank you!

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL
No Monthly Dues. Unlimited Access. 
Regularly $99/year or $10/month
BUT THIS WEEK ONLY:

One-Time Payment of $150

All proceeds of this membership go to support ministries such as global missions and kids affected by special needs. Not only will you receive world-class fitness education, but your giving will help construct the new special needs area (restrooms, outdoor access, and more) for those with autism, cerebral palsy and other infirmities. Thank you for your purchase.

With your iPrayFit Membership, you'll have access to the education center filled with:

AT-HOME Video Tutorials: Seminars on power, strength, hypertrophy and endurance as well as sport-specific tutorials. PLUS! Learn the ins and outs of proper exercise technique, tips & strategies, as well as, pitfalls to avoid.

Body-part Target Training: Learn why and how to manipulate exercises to target specific groups of muscles from various angles. Also, we'll be demonstrating entire workouts each month that coincide with downloadable training plans available with your subscription. 

NEW RECIPE CARDS, Tips and Food Bytes: Embrace food like never before. PrayFit's expert dietitians - including JENNIFER FIELDEN and other culinary experts - will help you learn to use food to fuel your life, not rule your life. Food bytes, recipes, and much more.

SMALL GROUP CURRICULUM: for your church, friends and family. Enjoy our growing library of PrayFit Small Group Curriculum. Groups take on lives of their own. Some meet in homes, others at gyms, and some meet online. But no matter how they meet, there is only one reason why; to see health through God's eyes. And it's with our health (and our illnesses) that we serve Him and others.

Order Today and receive a signed copy of Jimmy's latest book, The PrayFit Diet---FREE. Stories steeped in grace with a 33-day meal plan, shopping lists and recipes designed by Dana Angelo White of the Food Network.

Our gift to you for becoming a new member! (While supplies last)

White Noise

Question. Do you sleep because you get to, or because you have to? Both? Reason I ask is because I recently downloaded a white noise app to help me at night. I'm hoping it helps me sleep, but I don't want it to distract my wife. I'll come back to that.

"I wanna run," I said to Letta while she was getting ready for work this morning. Her positive, grateful-laced reply came as quickly as you can say go: "Yeah...you can't...but you can walk fast!"

This is where I nodded my head and forced the corners of my mouth downward in a sort of agreeable frown. "True...(nod)...true."

Some people will tell you that they train because they "get to." They see it as favor, a blessing, something to enjoy, a means to give back to God and celebrate life and limbs and ability. And that's awesome. Lord knows I've written a few entries on the subject over the years and I built a platform on any measure of health being a gift.

And yet there are others who train because they "have to." They see it as obedience, an honor and high responsibility. Much like they would manage their money, they see exercise as temporary physical stewardship. They don't love it, but they love Him, so they take care of themselves. Obedience, after all, doesn't have to be fun. For that reason, I could argue that they are the ones truly making a sacrifice of praise.

But here's the skinny. The problem is in our hearts. We sin when we get off track by feeling self-righteous for being in either camp. Fact is, if you get to, it's only because in God's sovereignty you have to. And if you have to, it's only by God's grace that you get to. (Try saying that five times really fast.) 

Anyway, this morning as I watched the onslaught of Black Friday deals and the stampedes at the corner store, I decided to hit the gym to work back. Looking down at the pitiful light weight on the row machine, I had a flashback toward my days when I used to row 200 lb. dumbbells with rhythmic regularity. Today I have a 40 lb. limit for both hands combined. 

I got to thinking. I would love to be strong again, but I make a conscious choice to stay weak. I would love to run, but I reluctantly choose to walk fast. What camp am I in? I get to train within my limits and I have to train to reach them.

- Jimmy Peña

ANSWER: It doesn't matter, but I probably have a pillow in both camps. Regardless, the outcome of my decision is a filthy rag. Like the awful, fuzzy sounds coming out my phone at night, our promotion of our purpose can often be one giant distraction. Like white noise, it's there, but we don't always need others to hear it. Aren't we glad God sees the heart? 

Weakness For His Glory

“In all things give thanks...”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:15

A show of hands of those who find that to be one of the most difficult, curious, or at times seemingly impossible messages we can find in God's Word.

Yesterday we began listing our blessings and what we're thankful for, and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your comments. Truly, if the week of Thanksgiving reminds us of anything, it would be our ultimate and utter dependence on the Lord. When we imagine what all we have, we acknowledge that none of it is earned or deserved; from the air we breathe, to the cars we drive, to the family and friends joining us at the table. All blessings, all gifts, all God.

But then come the weaknesses of life. Those don't always make our list, right? In this selfie generation and especially in the fitness industry, we don't like to talk about our weaknesses. We'd rather boast, gloat, and promote ourselves. But friends, like we discussed on Monday, thankfulness and contentment aren't found in self-confidence, self-talk, self-esteem, self-sufficiency or self-assurance. If anything is self-evident, it's that we need a little self control. The Biblical truth? God doesn't applaud our self-reliance.

So, pause on this: One of our greatest strengths is realizing just how weak we are. If that's tough for us to admit, chances are we'd feel really uncomfortable around Paul. After all, it was Paul who said, "I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great God is to use such weakness for His glory." (2 Cor 12:5) 

Friends, make no mistake, our weakness drives us (and those around us) to the Lord. And that's one of the ways we can give thanks in all things. Call it divine irony. The tough stuff of life brings us to our knees, which just so happens to be the only place of strength.

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: At the top of Paul's list on Thanksgiving would likely be his weaknesses. Does knowing that free you to boast in yours?

Saved. Alone.

Over 100 years ago, a very successful lawyer and real estate mogul, Horatio Spafford, lost a lot in the great Chicago fire of 1870, but years later he lost much, much more. The fire left thousands homeless, and Horatio and his family spent years helping those less fortunate. Exhausted, Horatio and his wife, along with their four daughters planned a cruise to Europe. But just prior to pushing off, Horatio was called upon to stay for business. Still, he sent his family on their much-needed vacation.

The ship - the Ville du Havre - along with his kids, didn’t make it to England. Horatio learned of the tragedy through the now famous and urgent telegram from his wife. It read simply, "Saved. Alone."

I'm probably not the first person to do a poor job of summarizing the story of Horatio Spafford, but I was reminded of it recently as I turned a corner, talking to the Lord about my "needs" and "concerns," I came across a homeless woman; mid-thirties, sunburned, sitting next to what looked like years of life in a shopping cart. I smiled. She didn't. As I continued to walk, I thought to myself, "I'm worried about web traffic. She lives in traffic."

This week is a good reminder to hug those close to us, and to help those less fortunate. And 130 years later, Horatio can help us do just that. You may not recognize his name, but you know his famous hymn. As he boarded a ship to find his wife, he wrote these words:

"When peace like a river attendeth my way, 
When sorrows like sea billows roll; 
Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say, 
It is well, it is well with my soul!”

Good words for us to remember and repeat as we give thanks, if for no other reason than being saved alone.

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Saved alone. Is grace sufficient? Truth is -if it were all we had - it would still be enough. On top of it, God allows a lifetime of blessings. Let's start to name them. For me, I'm thankful for my salvation, my wife, and all of you. What about you? Give me your tops in the comment section. Let's make a list!

My Fighting Self

“In every Christian there should be a holy shyness about self and a holy boldness about Jesus. ”

— Scott Sauls

Waking up this morning, I was tempted to wallow. The start of Thanksgiving week began with a bout of body aches. But those are the least of my woes. I woke up today fighting my self.

The self is that opponent I seldom slug. I pull my punch. I love him too much. But even when I do - by grace - knock him down, he is never out. Inevitably, out of my periphery I see him getting up off the canvas. He is relentless. He is as unwelcome to me as a sunrise to the sleepless. I would know.

What's more, there are no neutral corners with him. He can't hear the bell. He won't stay down. And like a seasoned sparring partner, he knows my soft targets.

Self-pity: My sin; my guilt; my fits of anxiety and my bouts of depression; my loss of health, fitness, dignity, friendships; those are the fast jabs. Those are the blows that hit me swiftly and quickly each day. While they don't knock me out, they hurt as deeply as any. Even as I type this sentence, they make my eyes water.

Self-promotion: Oh how I want to humbly brag. I long for attention, demand respect, and crave the credit. I want to compare resumes, accomplishments and reach. Look at me! Don't forget me. I've been on those shows, featured in those magazines. My sin makes me want to be regarded and rewarded. I still want a name for my self.

Self-righteousness: As if because I toe the line on various matters in the fitness industry I can think highly of myself, I privately judge and quietly pat my back. Even typing that sentence seems to satisfy me in ways I know aren't godly. I should throw in the towel, because my good works are rags.

I could go on. The fearsome battle rages. If only I could simply tell my self that I've had enough. But that's not enough. Tozer says, "Self is the opaque veil that hides the face of God from us. It can only be removed by spiritual experience. The veil is made of living tissue. It's made of the quivering stuff of which our whole beings consist, and to touch it is to touch us where we feel pain. To tear it away is to injure us, to hurt us and to make us bleed. To say otherwise is to make the cross no cross, and death no death at all. We must bring our self-sins to the cross for judgement. It is never fun to die."

That's the fight I'm talking about. That's the reason behind my pugilistic theme. As I grapple with the flu, I think that's how best to approach a week of thankfulness and gratefulness. It's deeply satisfying to think of the day when my self will no longer dare raise his fists.

That's the fight. That by His grace we are set free, forgiven, saved, delivered and healed. That's why we get up again to mix it up in the middle. Grace doesn't make us soft. Gentle, thankful, grateful but not soft. It doesn't give our self a break. 

That's the fight. That as we thank God for food, shelter, clean water, the gift of fitness, ability, motivation, working limbs and muscles that respond, we thank Him most for going the distance. For loving us that much. For seeing beyond our faults and meeting our direst need.

Someday it will come naturally for us. Until then, we do what isn't natural, easy or painless. We put up our dukes and we fight. We bring our self to the cross.

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: What are you grateful for today? What are you thankful for as you fight your fight? Clean water? Sober children? Forgiving spouses? Healed illness? Or maybe your thankfulness isn't nestled in any of these, but in knowing Heaven will make sense of earth? Love to know.

Becoming Clay

As if I have any chance of successfully conveying my spiritual experience in Israel, I find myself staring at the cursor that's blinking at the end of this sentence. Too much to write. Too rich. Too many angles. That's why A.W. Tozer's quote is so fitting. I feel like somewhere along our journey, God breathed on me.

Somewhere in Israel, I changed.

Was it when we were sailing on the Sea of Galilee? Storms were no match for Jesus, after all. Maybe it happened when I was on the Mount of Beatitudes? Blessed are the meek, the poor in spirit, the peacemakers. Or perhaps it happened when I waded into the River Jordan to be baptized; dead to sin, alive in Christ. I left the old Jimmy under the water, no doubt. I think in all of these situations, God was doing a wonderful work in me.

But I know exactly where I was when I became clay.

The white, outdoor chairs were warm from the sun. The tour was almost over and the next day would be our last in the holy land. When the pastor began reading of those six hours on Friday, I felt my skin changing. Somehow my DNA was being altered and any last pieces of my outer shell were breaking.

Walking into that empty tomb, I was Thomas touching scars. I was a flat-footed Peter looking at my feet on the waves. I was the woman at the well. I was both the mocking criminal and the soon-to-be saint. I was Bartimaeus after receiving his sight and the rich young ruler afraid to part with his toys. I was arrogant Saul blinded by grace. 

By the time he and the other pastors read about the third day and the stone being rolled away, I had become a malleable mess. To think that after all I've fought through physically - good and bad and with all the highs and lows - my frail, little body was merely a few feet away from where Jesus made it well with my soul.

Indeed, as Loretta and I took communion in that garden, Jesus wrote me a note in the dirt and I became clay.

- Jimmy Peña

Lord, thank you for waking us up with new grace and mercy. Breathe on us today. Amen.

---

For Discussion: I've been a follower of Jesus for nearly 35 years, but isn't it amazing how we can still pursue Him? Do you remember when you became clay? Say 'amen' in the comment section.

In Praise of Dave: My friend Dave and his wife Lori were on the trip. Salt of the earth. Some of you may remember them from the Summer Challenge. Well, give it up for Dave because he lost 35 pounds to prepare himself for all the walking he'd need to do in Israel. Right!? He did what he needed to do physically in order to be blessed spiritually. I remember shouting some encouragement his way while walking up the hillside of Masada; a place where ancient battles once raged. It seems warriors still visit on occasion.

God Loves Jerusalem

"On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!" (Psalm 87: 1-3)

Let me know if you agree, but I think that of all the glorious things said of Jerusalem, none is as powerful as "He loves the city of Jerusalem." Having visited the region a year ago, I wasn't sure what to expect. Of course, I was just as excited to go, perhaps even more so, but I wasn't exactly certain if the places that brought the Bible to life a year earlier would repeat their performance. (I'll come back to that.)

Tom sat among a dozen or so fellow travelers catching their breath and sipping water after climbing a steep hill. Then as our wise guide gave us instructions concerning our next destination - seeing that the group was breathing heavily and sweating - he jokingly remarked in beautiful, broken English that a trip to Jerusalem requires a 3-month physical preparation. Tom slowly raised his head, took a swig of his water, wiped his mouth with his shirt and replied, "I've been training for this trip my whole life." And with that sentence, he wrote this entry.

An avid runner, Tom is in great shape. He's hit dozens and dozens of marathons and was a top ten finalist in the biggest triathlon in the world. The guy is fit. But it was his fire-in-the-belly for the Biblical context for the land we were standing on that spoke volumes to everyone on the bus. He didn't want to miss a word from the guide about how this building or that monument connected us to Christ, and if the guide began speaking too soon or wasn't understandable, Tom would unashamedly let him know. I liked him right away.

Over the course of this week, it's my honor to share some of the places and testimonies that touched my heart and how I plan to apply them to my own life spiritually and physically. I hope you enjoy the week. As far as whether the places I visited repeated their performance, well, they brought the Bible to life a second time, not doubt, but just as miraculous, they brought me to life, perhaps for the first.

I have been to the city God loves. I have seen Jerusalem. I plan on reporting on what I saw and heard. Starting with Tom; catching his breath and ready for the next hill. After all, Tom is 80 years old. And he's been training for this trip his whole life.

- Jimmy Peña

Sending PrayFit

Hey everyone,

It's been a minute since I've been able to be in my corner with you, but many of you know I've been working on a writing project for our trip to Israel. By the way, we leave soon. (What?) Indeed, we're going back to the Holy Land for an 11-day tour with about 125 people from our church family; along with an additional 100+ from around the country. I was humbled to help Pastor Shawn with a 30-day devotional for the group; what an honor.

But I wanted to say goodbye as well as to beg for your prayers. (Specifically for my ongoing health concerns and sleep issues.)

As far as our trip - among so many other places - we'll again visit the Dead Sea. We'll witness an unbelievable panoramic view from the top of Mount of Olives. We'll walk down the Palm Sunday Path, visit the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations and The Western Wall. We'll walk the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We'll look down into Nazareth and spend time in Capernaum where Jesus spent most of his life. Loretta and I will wade into the River Jordan together with our pastor and we'll sail a boat out onto the Sea of Galilee for a time of prayer.  And then...

...we will kneel where our sins were forgiven.

Suddenly anything I will ever write falls gloriously short of that sentence. We still can't describe what's in store. But in my thoughts while we're there will be all of you.

I prayed for all of you this morning from my little corner of the world; my little corner where I rehab, where I fight, where I "train." You'll notice my old belt on the wall. But mostly, this is where I come face-to-face with my smallness, frailty and dependence. For years, grace has put my faith to "work," to move, to dig deep. These days grace makes me want to be still.

Funny, many of you remember my mainstream fitness days. Some of you remember my first devotion in 2009. Others remember the books and DVDs, and still some of you remember all the surgeries, the illnesses and loss of ability. But may we be known for what we did with it all.

Because frankly, being remembered isn't my goal; at least not anymore. Truth is, I just want God to know me, and for my circumstances to be used for His glory. I'm reminded of a portion of a poem called, "The Indispensable Man" by Saxon White Kessinger. He writes, "

Sometime when you're feeling important;
Sometime when your ego 's in bloom;
Sometime when you take it for granted,
You're the best qualified in the room:
Sometime when you feel that your going,
Would leave an un-fillable hole,
Just follow these simple instructions,
And see how they humble your soul.  
Take a bucket and fill it with water,
Put your hand in it up to the wrist,
Pull it out and the hole that's remaining,
Is a measure of how much you'll be missed.

Truthfully, being remembered isn't the goal - because I won't be, nor do I need to be - I just want my little corner of the world to be a place where God is glorified and where He uses me to serve you. If you forget everything I've ever written, let that be the last to go.

Speaking of, they're calling our flight.

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: I'll miss you all. Devotions will resume later in November after my return. Thank you for your constant encouragement and prayers.

---

iPrayFit November: Also, be sure and check out all the new original recipes and meal plans that Jennifer Fielden has assembled for November. Oh guys, so delicious. 

The Worshipping Heart

Yesterday on our Facebook page, I said,

"I've lost health, friends, dignity. Personally and physically, I've lost my grip on a lot. But God's grace has a grip on me. He won't let go. That's my boast.

Physically, I have irreversible bone loss and disk degeneration and unrecoverable colon function. I have trouble sleeping. Working on getting my mind right. On the shallow end, my muscle will never thrive like it once did. I can't run, twist or jump. But my physical state doesn't determine my call to steward the body God gave me. So I keep tryin. Fighting.

Spiritually, well, that's far more important. I need clear eyes and a clean heart. New morning mercy. I'm growing in grace because of how much I need it. My sin is met by amazing grace. Wow. He's holding on to me.

Free-flowing this Thursday. On my way to edit something for you guys. It's a gift to me and from me. Hope you enjoy it when it comes out. Typing in tears as I listen to "Holding On" by Josh Baldwin. Just Jimmy being Jimmy.
Grace. Period."

Yesterday's emotion and reminiscence had me raising the banner verse Psalm 139:14, "I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Let's look at the verse for a second.

"I will praise you." In other words, the outflow, the attention, the adoration, the praise is appropriately leaving the Psalmist. Nowhere in that verse is there any sense of a longing for attention from the writer.  

"Fearfully and wonderfully." Adverbs that divinely and miraculously qualify the verb, made. 

Made. Created, done, finished, completed, approved.

Fearfully and wonderfully made. In other words, completely dependent upon; nothing until made something. The created (that's us) totally releasing all honor and glory to the Creator (God) for the most basic of reasons: being nothing without Him. 

A.W. Tozer says, "The worshipping heart does not create its Object." Guys, the fact that we're fearfully and wonderfully made says something profound about us, but not nearly as profound as what it says about God.

Our workouts are a begging. Our workouts are an ovation. You and I aren't "creating" when we train. We're not making, or building, and we're most certainly not improving God's work. But every move, every step, every rep, set and stretch is a glorious unfolding and an instantaneous, miraculous unveiling. Just...not of us.

-Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: The worshipping heart does not create its Object. What makes our workouts worship is not the effort or the byproducts, but the target of our affection. Does this connect with anyone? Hope you have a good weekend.

In The PrayFit Kitchen NOVEMBER!
Jennifer has out-done herself once again for each of us. Her new, original 2-day meal plan is full of fresh ingredients and real food. She designs these special for you. Won't you join us at the table! She's created recipe cards for each meal, shopping list and the summary meal plan. Amazing.

I Am The Least

Please read the first part of Judges 6 with me: "Yet again the People of Israel went back to doing evil in God’s sight. God put them under the domination of Midian for seven years. Midian overpowered Israel. Because of Midian, the People of Israel made for themselves hideouts in the mountains—caves and forts. When Israel planted its crops, Midian and Amalek, the easterners, would invade them, camp in their fields, and destroy their crops all the way down to Gaza. They left nothing for them to live on, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey. Bringing their cattle and tents, they came in and took over, like an invasion of locusts. And their camels—past counting! They marched in and devastated the country. The People of Israel, reduced to grinding poverty by Midian, cried out to God for help." (v. 1-6)

Pretty bleak times for Israel. Enter, Gideon. Hiding in a wine press, Gideon is threshing wheat in private to avoid being seen by the Midianites when the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, "God is with you, mighty warrior."

Now, this exchange is where this gets good for me, because first, I can imagine Gideon looking over his shoulder when he replied, "Who, me? My family is the weakest, and I am the least of them." But the angel of the Lord knew what Gideon was capable of - and probably knew the future - and addressed Gideon by his God-given character and future reputation and said, "Go in your strength." (v. 14)

Wow. This wasn't some pep talk: You can do it, Gideon. This was a description: God is with you, man of valor and you've already done it.

What's on your plate? Big meeting at work? School stuff? How's your health? Let's go to Him together as a family. List your prayer requests for the week or simply say "unspoken" and we will all pray for each other. Gideon knew he was the least, but with God he had a future. Like us.

- Jimmy Peña

IN THE KITCHEN: Our resident dietitian, Jennifer Fielden, is preparing and praying over so many new meal plans and recipes for you in the iPrayFit membership. Enjoy. We're here to serve you. We also have recipe cards for all of her delicious meals for you to download.

Bring Me To Life

“But about the day or the hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father knows.”

— Matthew 24:36

Goofing off with Loretta in the truck outside of Trader Joe's, we were asking Siri (the male voice) some questions on our phones. Have you ever done that? Well, from updates on baseball scores, weather and traffic, he had all the answers. And then in jest, I asked him something nobody knows the answer to. I inquired, "When's the end of the world?" His answer hushed the truck.

Loretta and I sat silent, staring at each other with wide-mouthed grins. Typically, Siri will check the internet or offer some type of helpful pathway for most questions. But instead, he made a wish.

Now I admit, the sentimental side of me could have easily formed a lump in my throat, but I assure you, I pulled it together. It's just a computer after all! But his sense of urgency to enjoy life was something to take to heart. Amen? Even though he didn't know the answer, he gave us one.

Bring me to life for one glorious day. Wow. Is that your heart's desire? What do you burn inside to do? Share Christ, celebrate health, spend time with family, make a difference, run on the beach? I'm guessing all of the above and more. Well, me too. And yeah, maybe with a little ice cream.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Like Siri, you and I don't have the answers about the end of the world or the end of the day for that matter. That's why we have to choose now. To accept Christ, to share Christ, to serve Him, to come to life! Along with that comes perhaps better food choices, fitness activities, as well as time for adequate and holy rest. What can we pray about with you today? List it below or simply say, "Unspoken" and we promise to lift you up. We don't have the answers, but we know Who does. Let's ask Him for one more glorious day.

If...Then

In a 2015 article, writer Erin Brindley of The Village Church delivers some serious wisdom. She writes:

1. "If God fashioned man out of the dust of the ground to be a bodily being (Gen. 2:7) and declared this culmination of creation very good (Gen. 1:31), then our bodies can’t be inconsequential." 

2. "If God created us as material beings made in His image and gave us the mandate to cultivate the earth and fill it with His image (Gen. 1:26-28), then our bodies must have purpose." 

3. "If Christ came in the flesh (John 1:14) and in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily (Col. 2:9), then the body bears eternal significance." 

4. "If all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, have been created by Christ and for Christ (Col. 1:16), then what we do to our bodies either supports or betrays our worship of Christ." 

Let's put a pin in that, shall we? Those who know me understand that at PrayFit we live within a tension; a tension that we walk like a tightrope when it comes to the complexity of bodily stewardship; trying never to put too much emphasis on the body that we lose sight of what's most important, but never de-emphasizing the truth that we are made in God's image. And in order for us to follow Him and tell others about Him, He gave us arms, legs, skin, eyelids, lips and receding hairlines. Well, that last one He reserved for the really cool kids.

Friends, I am convinced that if we're not careful, "seeing health (or illness) through the Gospel's lens" can become no more than a catchphrase. We have to mine God's Word for the indisputable truths nestled throughout. From Genesis to John, we have irrefutable evidence of the precious origin and the eternal significance of these temporary jars of clay. 

Like I've said before, honoring God with our bodies means something different for each of us. For some, it may mean a more dedicated approach to exercise, better food choices, more rest. For others, it may mean a pumping of the brakes and renewed sense of perspective and purpose.

Stewardship is never showy, but it's not lazy. Stewardship doesn't start in the gym and end in a flex, but rather it begins and ends in a heart where God is pleased.

Physical stewardship happens when our approach to the body proclaims God's image is cherished and His will is pursued in the process.  

- Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: If...then. Feel the tension? Anybody with me on the tightrope? Love to know your thoughts.

Take Notice

“Foot washers never allow the pace of life to distract them from the purposes of God.”

— Shawn Thornton

Remember my best pal Ms. Josey Wales? If not, she was my chocolate lab. She made her way into many a PrayFit devotion before she passed away last year. We were tight.

Well, the latest message "Foot Washers" at Calvary Community Church reminded me of my girl and one particular moment we shared.

Josey and I were people watchers. Sitting outside Trader Joe's one night, we were waiting for Mama to finish shopping. We eyed all sorts of people. Some of them even noticed Josey's grey beard and eye brows. We took it all in. But then we watched a sweet older couple arrive. He slowly got out of the driver's side only to reappear with a wheelchair and proceeded to help her out of the passenger side. After getting her situated in front of the store, moving slowly himself, he went back to close all the car doors and she simply sat there in the entry way, alone. Like the scene wasn't tough enough, what happened next really got me.

As if she were sitting in the middle of a busy subway station, most were completely oblivious to her as they passed by on both sides. Some rushing along their way, others had their faces in their cell phones. But who would blame them? Probably just anxious to get home to their families and begin their night. We've all been there. But then a woman with her young son walked out, and here began the lesson.

As she and her boy walked by, the mother immediately noticed the elderly woman sitting there. Letting her son push the cart, the woman would look back with nearly every step. By the time she got to the parking lot, it was just too much for her to handle and she sent her son back to check on the elderly woman. Sweet boy, too. With super thick eyeglasses, he walked up to her and after a quick, bashful glance toward his shoes the little gentleman asked, "Are you alright? I mean, um, do you need any help?" I couldn't quite hear her reply, but the little boy just nodded, smiled and ran to catch up with his mama. (Bravo, mama.)

Now, you'll forgive the long entry, but I don't know who was blessed most.
Maybe the woman in the wheelchair; someone cared to ask. Maybe it was the older husband; that little boy checking on his girl was just fine with him. Maybe it was the mom; her mother may have special needs, too. Or perhaps it was the little boy; learning to notice others as well as develop courage to reach out. I'm not sure. For all I know, it could've been the sentimental fool sitting on a bench with his dog.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Are we noticing others enough to help them? Are we so consumed with our agendas, our phones, our workouts, and our busyness that we miss opportunities to be an influence on others for the Kingdom? The gym or the studio may be the place for us to look up, see people and wash some feet.

October Nutrition: The wonderful Jennifer Fielden has out-done herself again in the iPrayFit membership; both from a fitness standpoint as well as in the kitchen. She designed an amazing 2-day meal plan for you to enjoy. You can also download all the recipe cards. Here are just a couple of examples. Enjoy! Click here to enjoy them all!

A Life Worked Out

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

— — PHILIPPIANS 2:12-18 (THE MSG)

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

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

 So, I've been taking my training up a notch trying to get ready for another trip to the Holy Land this November, and this weekend I did all sorts of new things. Some light weight, extended time on the bike (with my old belt on of course) and even some back work, believe it or not. And I show this pic not only because I have a new back, and I'm working it out (yes, with fear and trembling), but it requires of me a different lifestyle. The kind of weight that I lift or the modified way I get around these days sends a message to those around me. Something is different. There's a reason why I do the things I do.

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

- Jimmy Peña

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

Prayer Request: And if I may ask, I'd love your prayers. I'm having some old health issues showing some signs (some of you know what I'm referring to) and I'm also having some sleep issues. So, if you think of me, say a prayer please.

NEW LOOK: Does anyone notice some slight changes to the site? Hopefully things are a little easier to see and we have some really cool things to come. In fact, check it out, Jennifer Fielden is serving up some amazing 2 and 3-Day meal plans at iPrayFit each month and we're delivering recipe cards and shopping lists along with it all. So blessed. (Please let me know what you think of the site.)

Give It Away

Continuing our discussion from Monday, take whatever health you have and give it away. Sacrifice it. Be generous. Wait, what? What exactly does that mean? How can we bottle that up? Being generous with our time is measurable. Being generous with our money is calculable. Being generous with our resources is tangible. But short of donating a kidney, what in the world does it mean to be generous with our health? How can stewardship of our bodies be a pathway to generosity? Is it not enough to lose a few pounds, build some muscle, increase endurance, lower blood pressure? Isn't that what brings glory to His grace? Actually, no.

Matt Chandler doesn't mince words here when he says, "I don't care how much you're in the gym, how chiseled your abs are, how much you can bench press, what you can squat...do you really think God is impressed with that? Nobody stands in front of Everest and is impressed with their physical form. You say, "I crossfit." You can cross all you want bro, but do you think that the God that spoke the earth into being and put it as a tiny piece of His creation is impressed with your physical body that he calls it a sacrifice holy and pleasing to me? Please."

I tell ya, the more mistakes I make and the longer I try and help others renew their perspective of the body, the more I'm convinced that God wants my heart renewed by his grace and for my body (RE: my life as woven together as members I call limbs) to simply obey his commands and love others.

Like those much wiser than me, I believe we were made to worship. But I have fooled many people over the course of my life into supposing that when I train "I'm worshipping." I've even written poems about it and published chart-topping books with chapters with said theme.  And while I do know there have been times where that's been true, where my heart and mind have been in His presence as I perform a certain stretch or when I'm on the bike in tune to His will, I also know I'm full of nonsense in so many ways. And nobody knows it more than the God of the universe that I mock when I secretly, privately and oftentimes publicly glory in my own physical accomplishments. 

Truth is, God doesn't need my lift or my grit. He doesn't need my squat, my flexibility, my PR, my competitive heart. He doesn't need me. He doesn't need me strong, fast, thick, or thin. He doesn't need me lighter, quicker, more intense or less.

He doesn't even need me around.

And yet somehow in his immeasurable grace and mercy He just wants me and loves me. He wants a relationship with me. He died on the cross and made the sacrifice for all my sins, so I don't have to work my way to Heaven, but I simply need to accept Him by grace through faith.

Which leads me a long way to the point of this entry. The most generous thing we can do with our health is offer it up as a living sacrifice because of the sacrifice He became for us. And our living sacrifice has NOTHING to do with our performance in some gym, how well we plan our meals, or in the byproducts of our diligence. But our living sacrifice has everything to do with hearts being changed by the grace of God and in the spiritual change that occurs with and through our bodies as a result.

- Jimmy Peña