Agreement Isn’t Enough

February 22, 2012

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’”  –Exodus 3:11

Read: Exodus 3

I wonder if Moses ever went back to the place of the burning bush. Oh, I know it’s doubtful, but for one of the pillars of our faith, that spot was a pivotal point in his life (not to mention for yours and mine). But Moses didn’t just agree there. He didn’t concur with some sophisticated nod like he was looking at some priceless work of art. “Hmm, yes indeed.” No, his body had to get him where his soul had to go. A simple agreement wasn’t enough. And so with ashes still on his sandals, he marched through Pharaoh’s front door to prove it.

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He Remembers

February 21, 2012

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” –Hebrews 8:12

A documentary recently left me drenched in a flood of tears. Hosted by Maria Shriver, the short movie was a touching look at Alzheimer’s, and the devastating effects the disease has on the sufferer as well as the family. From grandchildren, to children, to spouses, the idea of forgetting and being forgotten is nothing short of a nightmare. As the credits rolled, I found myself calling my wife and mother. Please don’t forget I love you, was the only thought I had as I dialed.

And then I found myself thinking of the Lord. Friends, aren’t we so glad He remembers? Affectionally, He remembers when He made us. Faithfully, He remembers when we first spoke His name, and thankfully He remembers ours. The only thing He doesn’t remember is our sin.

That — gracefully — He remembers to forget.

–Jimmy Peña

SLEEP & ALZHEIMER’S
New research reveals startling risk of being underslept

How well you sleep at night may be an indicator of you risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. A new study out of the American Academy of Neurology showed that those who spent less than 85% of the time in bed asleep were more likely to have Alzheimer’s. While it’s important to note that about half of the subjects had Alzheimer’s somewhere in their family tree, the risk remains alarming.

Need more motivation to get your z’s? Disrupted sleep can interfere with muscle recovery and the regulation of hormones that are critical for muscle-building, fat-burning and metabolism. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night to reduce risk of Alzheimer’s and to keep your fitness goals on track.

>> For the full story from Medical News Today, click here.

Make Believe

February 20, 2012

“So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.” –1 Corinthians 9:26

Read: 1 Corinthians 9

As I was leaving Gio’s Boxing Gym in Burbank (Calif.), amid the familiar cadence of speed bags and jump ropes, something a cornerman yelled to his boxer caught my attention. “Stop trying to look like a fighter and be a fighter!” he said. I literally stopped in my tracks. What a powerful statement. Just how powerful, I’d realize just moments later.

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My Redeemer Lives

February 19, 2012

“I know my redeemer lives.” –Job 19:25

Read: Job 19

In a recent sermon, my good friend Dr. Aaron Tyler said, “The story in the book of Job is a story that tests the foundations of faith.” As you know, God allowed Job to be tested beyond belief. His family, wealth and even his health were taken from him. But like Dr. Tyler said, “Job suffered faithfully.” And in a remarkable surge of faith Job said, “Etch this in stone…I know my redeemer lives.”

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He Gets Us

February 16, 2012

“For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” –Psalm 103:14

Read: Psalm 103

If focusing on creation and how we were wonderfully made has taught me anything, it’s that God gets us. He gets why we worry. Why else would He constantly encourage us to have faith? He gets why we suffer. Why else would He urge us not to lean on our own understanding? And yes, He also gets the body.

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Still Time To Dance

February 15, 2012

I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age.” –Isaiah 46:4

Read: Isaiah 46

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.)

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Be Still and Run

February 14, 2012

“Be still and know that I am God.”
“Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”

Read: Psalm 46, Hebrews 12

If you’ve ever watched a track meet on TV, you’ve noticed that as the runners enter the starting blocks, there’s a moment of absolute silence. After the athletes find their place, they kneel, bow their heads, then – pow! – off they go.

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A Training Prayer

February 13, 2012

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” –1 Timothy 4:8

Read: 1 Timothy 4

Life is not about the body, but our health is a means of praise. So this week, before that first rep, regardless of what workout you are taking to the gym with you, take a few moments and whisper this prayer, quietly taking stock of the ultimate goal: to honor the One who created you.

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Be Healthy, Quietly

February 12, 2012

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” –Matthew 6:1

Read: Matthew 6

We’ve been talking a lot lately about the importance of our physical health as a means of praise, and if that has reached your heart, we’re so blessed. If the mere prospect of a new day is reason enough to praise God with smarter choices at the dinner table, then great. Because you’re right…it’s not about the body.

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Under the Radar – By Eric Velazquez

February 9, 2012

“It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” –1 Corinthians 4:2

Read: 1 Corinthians 4

As a baby Christian (I wasn’t baptized until I was 25 years old), I really prided myself on my ability to fly under the radar. I was new to the club so I implemented a low-key initiation period where I could just live under the radar. I didn’t want any attention called to my new-found faith any more than my previous shortcomings — I just wanted to adjust to grace at my own pace, under the warm blanket of ambiguity.

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