3 in the morning???

Wake up sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. – Ephesians 5:14

People ask me all the time, “Why in the world would you set an alarm at 3am to wake up and thank God?” Women going through menopause, struggling to get any sleep they can, think it’s especially crazy. They seem relieved to learn that The 3 O’Clock Wake Up Call is not for the middle of the night, it’s at 3PM, right in the middle of our busy day.

People associate a “wake up call” with a time we should be physically sleeping.  But I can say from experience, so many of us walk around day after day asleep in our faith. We are no different than God’s children, the Israelites in the Old Testament who experienced God’s incredible presence and saw with their own eyes His miracles but they still forgot Him and pursued their own ways. 

The same people who were freed from slavery and walked across the Red Sea to celebrate their salvation and victory on dry land.  In just a short time, they complained to Moses that God’s wasn’t providing for them in the desert. Can you believe it? They complained about the One who had rescued them! 

Aren’t we just the same? 

We too have been rescued. God so loved us that He gave His one and only son for our sins so we would not perish but instead have everlasting life. God sent Jesus into this world to save us and not condemn us (John 3:16-17). But aren’t we quick to forget and complain about life’s inconveniences and hardships? 

The same God who miraculous parted the waters so His people could walk through them to safety is our God today. He still performs miracles in our lives: a child is born healthy after a high-risk pregnancy, cancer shrinks with no chemotherapy only prayers, or a dream job lands in your lap and no one knew the desires of your heart except God.

Every day we have an abundance of reasons to give thanks to God but life is busy and we get swift away with tasks to do, people to see, or work to complete. That is why the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Call is so essential in our lives. It’s a daily reminder to Wake Up Sleeper and live a life shining our faith in Jesus for others to see (Eph. 5:14).

Wherever you are at 3PM not 3AM, you can pause, look up to God, give Him thanks and praise, and be reminded to stop sleep walking through life but instead live wide awake in God’s presence, power and plans for you. 

If you need a jump start to thank God, think about how thankful you are for…

• Your body, your health.
• Favorite people you love.
• Incredible places you’ve visited.
• Delicious food you enjoy.
• Sports or entertainment you like to watch or play.
• Special memories you have tucked in your heart.
• Ways you help others that make you feel alive.
• God’s hand at work in your life.
• Beautiful nature around you.
• Jesus’ saving grace for you.

These are just ten ways to give thanks to God. There are so many more. Fill your heart and mind with thanksgiving and you will no longer be a sleeper. You will be alive with Christ. 

Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. – Ephesians 2:4-5

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Generational Faith

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother and mother. 

– 2 Timothy 1:5

Paul spoke these words above in 2 Timothy as he was writing his final letter to his spiritual son, Timothy.  Paul wrote his “last words” from prison while he waited to be executed under Emperor Nero’s authority.  I imagine Timothy struggling through tears to read the letter.

Do you have a spiritual mentor who passed you the torch of faith?

Timothy had his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois who were early Christians.  These two women shared what they’d heard about Jesus from eyewitnesses who had known Jesus, seen His miracles, or were present when darkness fell over the earth from noon until 3pm, when Jesus spoke His last words from the cross.

Eunice and Lois shared their faith in Jesus with Timothy.   They told Him the true stories of Jesus’ resurrection, His last days on the earth, and His amazing grace and love for all of God’s children.  They passed the torch of faith to the next generation.  

Timothy went on to lead the church at Ephesus and to live out God’s calling upon his life.  I bet his matriarchs were so very proud of him.

Think back at the generations who have lived before you.  Do you have any pillars of faith in your family tree?  I am so thankful I do.  

My maternal grandfather, Gene, introduced me to Jesus when I was only a toddler.  I remember listening to his prayers at meal time as the family gathered around the dining room table, and I remember his prayers at church in front of the whole congregation at Christmas time.  Maybe that is why I pray with my family every night and I’m not afraid to pray aloud in front of my church.

My paternal grandmother, Jessie, taught Sunday School in her little church in Tipton, Indiana year after year.  She would sit me on her lap as a preschooler and read the Bible.  Maybe that is why I’ve taught Sunday School since I was in high school and I love reading the Bible to children of all ages now.

If you have benefitted from a spiritual heritage, give God thanks and praise today.  If you can’t find a Christian lineage in your family tree, start it yourself.  In both cases, be intentional about how you share your faith in Jesus with your family, those older and younger than you. 

All it takes is one or two faithful followers to change an entire family tree.  Be a part of growing and nurturing a fruitful family tree.

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Character Camp

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

– Galatians 5:22-23 

Years ago, I ran camps for young kids. Our mission was to place the pieces of God’s character into the hearts and minds of His children through interactive dramas. The kids would “step into the shoes” of children living in developing countries, learning what it was like to live without clean water and other basic needs.

I remember one particular camp where we focused on God’s compassion for the poor. I drew a picture of Jesus’ heart on a large whiteboard, dividing it into pieces shaped like those of a puzzle. I labeled each piece with a different fruit of the Spirit, writing “love” and “compassion” on the two largest ones. As I stood back to observe my drawing, a realization dropped into my own heart. Wow! That’s not what my heart looks like.

What about you? Looking at the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal.5:22-23), which character camp would you sign up for? Or better yet, which one would God nudge you to attend?

• Is God asking you to love people who are difficult to love?
• Are you constantly searching for happiness but God wants your heart full of joy?
• Is your anxious heart longing for peace each and every day?
• Do you struggle to be patient in long lines, traffic, or with loved ones?
• Is your first response in a difficult situation anger or kindness?
• Are there areas of your life that would benefit from more self-control?
• Or maybe you need more goodness, faithfulness or gentleness to rule in your heart instead of bitterness, un-forgiveness, or envy?

Life is one long character camp. God is always at work places the pieces of His heart into us. He is never done molding us into the likeness of Jesus. Once you’ve improved in one area, don’t be surprised when you round the next corner and bump into the next thing God wants you to work on. Remember…

The LORD, our Father is the potter. We are the clay. We are all the work of His hands. – Isaiah 64:8

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Go

The LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” – Genesis 12:1

Do you consider yourself to be a follower or a leader? 

What if God made us to be both, asking us to live a life where we follow Him into the unknown, while at the same time lead others behind us? 

That is exactly what God asked of Abram, the father of Christianity, when he commanded him to “Go.” God didn’t offer Google Maps for directions or Trip Advisor for the best stops along the way, He simply commanded Abram to gather his people and “Go.” 

Imagine the questions you’d have if you were in his, or his wife Sarai’s, sandals. The first one that comes to mind is WHERE? (followed quickly by WHY? and HOW?) Imagine the reaction of his enormous tribe when he announced something like “Ok, we’re heading out. So pack up and be ready go in a couple days.” 

Finally, picture the departure day. Abram, staff in hand, standing next to Sarai, with thousands of people behind them. It’s silent, save for the gentle desert breeze rustling their tunics. The entire clan, including its leader, are standing stock still at a crossroads, faithfully waiting for instruction. Waiting for God to point the way. 

Can you relate to standing at a crossroads and desperately wanting God tell you which way to go? 

Unknown territory looks like:

• Swimming with a teenager in the deep waters of rebellion.
• Preserving a marriage racked with constant conflict.
• Managing a life instantly changed by unexpected test results or a policeman at the door. 

Just like Abram and Sarai, we face the unknown all the time. These are the times of testing. Will we follow God, or will we try to make it on our own?

A truth that has been rolling around in my mind for weeks now is:

YOUR TRUST IN GOD ONLY GROWS IN THE TESTING ZONE

As you think about that, play the chorus of the song Oceans by HillSong in your mind.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.

Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me.

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander.

And my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior.

That’s why Abram could GO. He was in the presence of God. 

Giving thanks and praise to God immediately ushers you into His presence. No matter the road ahead of you or the unknown circumstances that you face, give God thanks for His goodness and His good plans for you. Eventually, God will help you walk out into the deep waters, much farther than your feet would have ever wandered. 

Yes!  When you follow God, others will follow you because your faith will become a light in darkness, a roadmap into the unknown, a hope in times of testing. 

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Shake Awake

As you think, you will become. – Proverbs 23:7

One of my favorite Bible teachers is Joyce Meyer. She cuts right to the chase telling us that if we want to be more like Jesus from head to toe, we better get rid of our “stinkin’ thinkin’."

It’s so true. What our minds meditate on sinks down into our hearts. If those thoughts are allowed to run wild, we eventually act upon them. I call it the “Head, Heart, Hands reality”. As we think, we will become (Proverbs 23:7).

I recently asked a group of women what they thought was an obstacle to living a life full of gratitude to God. We agreed that often, when our heads are monopolized with negativity, we’re way out of balance. The negative thoughts significantly impact our relationship with God. We don’t have the bandwidth to thank Him when we’re…

·         Too Busy – Our head is spinning. We miss God.

·         Too Worried – Our head is aching. We delete God.

·         Too Controlling – Our head is listing. We forget God.

·         Too Insecure – Our head is shaking. We underestimate God.

·         Too Shameful – Our head is regretting. We hide from God.

·         Too Prideful – Our head is puffing. We snob God.

·         Too Selfish – Our head is self-consuming. We leave without God.

·         Too Complaining – Our head is reeling. We blame God.

How do we stop these out-of-control thoughts and emotions? We can’t do it in our own strength, because it takes a lot more than willpower. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit, alive and active in us, to break the cycle of negativity.

How do we tap into the Holy Spirit’s power? By giving thanks to God. Yes! can take a tiny flicker of barely visible light and turn it into a bright and burning torch for all to see.

Jesus modeled gratitude for us as He walked upon the earth. Before He healed, performed miracles, and shared the Last Supper with His disciples, Jesus gave THANKS. When we follow Jesus’ lead, we step off the wild ride of negativity and step into the presence of God. There, it’s only natural to say, “Thank you God for all that is good in my life.”

Every good and perfect gift is from your Father in Heaven. – James 1:17

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

How often do you feel like you’re standing at a crossroads, wishing God would write in the sky which direction you should go?

I often ask God questions like: What’s next? Is it time to go there? What about that idea? Should I make a change? Is this the plan you have for me? God, will you please just give me a sign pointing me in the direction I should go?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that gratitude, giving thanks to God is God’s will for us. Could it really be that simple?  Let’s search this scripture and see for ourselves.

Give Thanks – This spiritual habit frees you from the negativity that can hold you back from being the person God is calling you to be. 

• Think of a negative emotion that you struggle with (anger, bitterness, fear, envy…). 
• Now, count your blessings. Give God thanks for 10 blessings in your life. List them out loud or in your head. Write them down if you can.
• Can you see how focusing your mind on your blessings actually suppresses your negative emotions? If not, keep practicing. You’ll be amazed how thanking God flows your head and heart with gratitude.

In ALL Circumstances – God wants you to give thanks no matter what. Not for the bad or hard things in your life, no way! He wants you to thank Him in every situation because He is with you, for you, and loves you with an everlasting love. Focusing on God’s steadfast character and heart, gives you a plethora of things to be thankful for in any crisis, change, or conflict. 

• How would you describe God’s character? Think of 3-5 words that come to your mind when you think of who God is.

Here are a few things the Bible tells us about God. 

God is…

love. – 1 John 4:16

all powerful. – Jeremiah 32:17

merciful and comforting. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

mighty to save. – Isaiah 63:1

your Heavenly Father. – Matthew 6:9

giver of peace that surpasses understanding. – Philippians 4:7

a wonderful counselor. – Isaiah 9:6

unchanging. – Hebrews 13:8

faithful and true. – Revelation 19:11

Aren’t those wonderful attributes to remember about God? Isn’t God amazing?

Think of one challenging situation you are currently facing. Which attribute of God can you lean or during this time? Which one are you thankful for today?

When a child is struggling, we can thank God that He’s a wonderful counselor and our child’s Father in Heaven who loves more powerfully than we can fathom. When we face a huge conflict, we can thank God that He’s a peacemaker. And when we feel lost or have wandered far from our faith, we can thank our merciful God that He is mighty to save.

Lastly, if giving thanks to God leads to the plans He has for you, imagine yourself standing in front of a door that leads to God’s amazing presence. You are handed a single key. On that key is written – GRATITUDE. Your eyes widen and your heart beats faster. You are one step away from discovering God’s plans for your life. Will you take your key and unlock the door? Will you walk through the door, give God thanks and praise and then follow the plans He has for you?

Each day is an opportunity to live grateful. Will you give thanks to God in all circumstances and live out God’s will for your life?  When you do you will be grateful, thankful, and blessed. 

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Trust in the Mud

When you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. – James 1:6

I’ve been asking God for some pretty big stuff lately. Nothing material, but “life-changing” stuff.  My prayers have sounded like this lately.  “God, please heal her completely.  God, keep him safe from all danger.  God, speak to me so I know what direction to go.”  I’ve been asking God to move mountains that are standing in my way and open doors that are locked shut.

We were recently hit by one of those Colorado early fall snowstorms, where one day it’s sunny and 70 degrees, then the next delivers a ten inches of snow.  The following day was sunny and warm, so the snow started to melt quickly, turning the hiking trails around my house into mud pits.  Since hiking helps reduce my stress level and is my favorite time to talk to God, I strapped on my hiking shoes and ventured out in the rain with my favorite hiking partner, my dog Henry.

Once on the trail, I realized how silly this really was.  I’d take one step forward, plant my shoe in deep, slippery mud then slide backwards as soon as I lifted the other foot to move forward.  After twenty minutes of this madness, I starting laughing out loud.  If you could have seen me, you’d have laughed too given the remarkably short distance I’d “slip-slid” up the trail.  When the trails are dry and hard packed, I’d have covered that ground in five minutes.  

Slipping in the mud that day reminds me of what my faith sometimes looks like.  I ask God to move, or help, or heal, and I take a step forward, believing God is willing, able and good.  Then life gets messy, complicated, and emotional and I slip back into doubt and try to control the situation by myself.  How frustrating!

That day in the muddy rain, I asked God to help me with my doubts and increase my faith.  I also apologized for not recognizing His leadership over me in every circumstance.  Finally, I thanked God for being with me every slippery step I take.

You can do the same.  Ask God today to get involved in your big “stuff.”  Ask Him to forgive you if you have doubted Him lately.  Then thank Him for guiding your steps day by day.  

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

To Serve

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  They ate and were satisfied. 

– Matthew 14:19-20

Did you know the famous story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people happened while Jesus was mourning the loss of his cousin, John the Baptist? Jesus was trying to escape to a desolate place to be alone with God after hearing John had been killed.  But large crowds followed Him.  In the midst of Jesus’ pain, He had compassion on the sick people in the crowd and decided to heal and help them.  Amazing!

Rick Warren, who is the author of the best selling book The Purpose Driven Life and pastor at Saddleback Church in California, was interviewed after his adult son, Matthew took his own life.  Obviously in severe grief and pain, Rick shared publicly that he and his wife intended to spend the rest of their lives equipping churches around the globe to help people struggling with mental illness.  What the enemy planned for evil, would be used for good and would certainly bless future generations.  Amazing!

Rick and Kay Warren are following in Jesus’ footsteps and so can you.  When you are hurting, disappointed, sad, or simply caught up in the busyness of your life, compassion still lives in your heart.  Take a few seconds.  Be like Jesus, look up to God today, give Him thanks, then look around for someone to help and bless. 

Studies show that when we serve others our eyes move off our own problems and shift to someone else’s situation and needs.  In the light of helping someone in need, the darkness in our lives dims.  This causes compassion to grow and happiness to happen in our hearts.  

Who can you serve?  Who can you bring a meal to, help with yard work, or call to cheer up?  When we become more like Jesus, we change the world around us.  Change your world today - Stop, Look Up, Give Thanks, and Live Out your faith in God.  Go!

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank you for being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Jealous For You

Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. 

– Exodus 34:14

My oldest daughter, a senior in high school, visited Texas Christian University, TCU, last weekend. She went to her first tailgate party and nationally televised football game. Tim McGraw sang and ESPN kicked off the pregame festivities. Through a friend, she was also invited to a postgame party with many of the football players. What an amazing experience! I could wait to tell my husband.

He wasn’t impressed with his daughter’s invitation to a postgame sorority party. And he wasn’t enthralled with her company, even if they HAD won the game. He was first and foremost protective and jealous for his daughter.

God is your protective and jealous Father. He desires to be first in your life. He is not pleased to be forgotten, overlooked, or ranked anything but #1. But isn’t that what we do all the time?

Our schedules are often so jam packed that we get to God after we tackle other things like work, kids, and sports. We forget to pray and leave God out of important decisions. God gets our left-overs, or none of us at all. That is not His plan.

Do you know what God’s greatest desire is?

It’s really quite simple. God wants to be our one and only God. He is jealous if anyone or anything takes His rightful place. 

Many good things, spouses, children, friends, jobs, habits and dreams, have the potential to compete with God for first place in our lives.

Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land, God instructed them to immediately destroy all the idols in the land before they enjoyed their new home. (Numbers 33:51-53) How quickly? Immediately.

God wants you to live in your “promised land” and enjoy the life He’s given you. But first you must tear down anything that competes with God. When? Immediately.

Ask God to reveal to you what’s too important or too consuming in your life. Then give it to Him and ask Him to take His rightful place as #1 in your life. He’ll keep on you until you do. Why? Because He’s your jealous Father who loves you with an everlasting, all consuming, never ending love.

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Around We Go

We live by faith, not by sight. 

– 2 Corinthians 5:7

After surviving a three-day mountain bike ride around the White Rim Trail in Moab, Utah, I want to change that Bible verse to say: I bike by faith, not by sight. 

If I’d known how tremendously challenging this adventure in the desert was going to be, I would have made up any excuse in the world to skip it… the cat needs a bath, my pinky toes are too swollen to fit into my bike shoes or, it’s canning season and those peaches are calling my name.” (As excuses go, though, I no longer have a cat (thank God), my pinky toes are tiny, and I’ve never ever canned anything in my life.) 

I’m glad I didn’t come up with better excuses, because the ride around the White Rim Trail was quite spectacular. 

Looking back on the ninety plus mile trek through the desert, all I can say is “Thank you God.” 

Sitting at home on the couch now, I forget the pain and remember God’s incredible presence along the trail. I’m in awe of how God often reveals Himself through nature. 

Numerous stars and endless sand remind us of the promise He kept to Abraham, the Father of many nations. Breath-taking cliffs like the Grand Canyon, remind us of God’s unending, deep love for His children. Brilliant blue skies, gentle breezes, and the harvest moon reflect God’s beauty, splendor, and glory all around us. Magnificent mountains craved and shaped in unique formations towering high remind us that God is the potter and we are the clay. He is the master artist. We are His masterpieces. 

Living in nature for three days, I had a lot of time to think about God on the bike. Thousands of times my feet went around and around, every pedal stroke a complete circle. At some point in the trip, it hit me that Circles are just like our lives. 

We’re circling the calendar every year. Hours become days, days become months, and months become years. As I fell asleep under the harvest moon, I reflected on what I’d like my life to be this time next fall.

It’s important to step back from our lives every once in a while, whether it’s in the whirlwind of busyness or on a day of rest. Ask yourself.

Am I…

• Awake to God’s presence around me?
• Living close God in every area of my life?
• Inviting Jesus to lead me along the paths God has for me?
• Visualizing the ways God wants to change and grow me?
• Ever becoming more like Jesus in character and action?

When you focus on these questions, your faith will be ALIVE. You will be able to look back a year from now and see God’s hand at work in making your life more like Jesus’ and you will find lots of ways to look up and simply say “Thank you God.”

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

Pants on Fire

Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No” be no.  

- James 5:12

Are there certain things people do that drive you nuts?  One of my greatest pet peeves is being lied to. I think it happens to me so often because my “BS meter” is broken.  I’m quick to trust that people are telling me the truth.  I take their “Yes” to mean yes and their “No” to mean no.  A few mechanics, salespeople, and construction contractors have really liked this.

You’ll laugh when I tell you about our first construction project.  Prior to moving from Massachusetts after Dan’s residency, we hired a construction company to renovate part of the house we had recently bought in Vermont. I was tasked by Dan as the “project manager.” Giving this job to the mother of a newborn and two kids under five was, in hindsight, not such a good idea.  All the diapers, laundry, dishes, and round-the-clock nursing must have fried my brain, because at some point I thought that giving the contractor access to our bank account was a smart and easy way to pay their bills.  

It didn’t take long for them to get comfortable withdrawing money.  We paid for a porch roof that was mistakenly built three feet to the side of the door it was supposed to be directly over.  Then we paid for them to take it down and re-build it in its proper place.  Plumbing had to be expensively re-routed because walls were mistakenly torn down. 

I had assumed that they’d know where roofs go and which walls have pipes in them.  As they assured me these were routine hiccups and unavoidable mistakes, our renovation crept 30% over budget.  I could never get clear, honest answers and by the end, I was pulling out my hair and screaming curses into the phone.  (Sorry James, I know we’re not supposed to do that).  I was blown away by all the lies. 

Do you have wounds from people lying to you?  I’ve learned the hard way that un-forgiveness keeps these wounds open and leads to scarring rather than healing.  The bitterness hurts only me, not those who wronged me.  When I finally forgive, I feel set free.  It’s not easy, which is probably why Jesus told His followers that forgiveness is something you have to do over and over again.  

Looking back, if instead of cursing the construction company owner I had prayed for him every day at 3pm, it would have sped up the healing process and been a happier person.  When you pray for someone who has wronged you, as tough as that sounds, it softens your heart and positions you to better see them from God’s point of view.  Give it a try and see how prayer does indeed have the power to heal your heart and relationships.  It really works!

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

It's Hip to be Thankful

I will give thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.

 – Psalm 7:17

As life is ramping up to warp speed this fall, with school, sports, and seemingly endless obligations (and it’s not even the Christmas season yet) I thought I’d bring back a post from last year…

Sitting alone in a hipster coffee shop in Boulder, Colorado, I’m likely the only one referencing the Bible for insight on the decision I will make later tonight. In this town of legalized marijuana, thin women in yoga pants, and million dollar homes, you’d be hard pressed to find someone reading a Bible in one of its many coffee shops. 

Upon further observation, I realize I’m not the only one sitting alone.  Out of the roughly thirty people in this coffee shop, only two are engaged in conversation.  Laptops and cell phones are the most popular lunch-time companions here.  

Trying to pretend I’m getting something from my bag, I scan the room.  Despite the diversity of patrons, I see a lot of repetition and conformity; computer keys banging, earbuds stuffed in tight, empty coffee cups, and distant, stressed out faces.

Any joy that might have crept in off the street seems to have been extinguished.  The upbeat music can only partially obscure the sense of isolation and loneliness I am feeling in this room. Before getting up to leave, I’m struck by three questions:

• Why are we living such isolated lives these days?
• Why has technology taken the place of real live conversations between people?
• Why are we more stressed out and anxious than ever before?

God must be looking down on all the crowded coffee shops and bustling businesses, patiently waiting for us to remember…. Remember what?  Remember Him. His constant presence, His powerful love, His incredible gifts, and His amazing plans for us.  How can we remember God in our busy and stressful lives?

As I ponder these questions, one word pops into my mind - thankfulness.

When we give thanks to God, He gets the credit for everything good in our lives.  Our hearts grow closer and we begin to walk out our days together.  When storms of life rock our worlds, a steadfast relationship with Jesus secures us.  He never changes.  His faithfulness, love, and righteousness remains steadfast in the face of our stress.  So I will give Him thanks at all times (1Thes. 5:18).

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

The Love Challenge

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 

– 1Corinthians 13:4-8

If these passages sound familiar, it’s probably because you’ve heard them read at a wedding. It’s a logical choice that many couples make. I chose them myself, over twenty years ago. 

I thought it would be easy to love my husband as the Bible described: always patient and kind, never envious or boastful, proud or selfish, and certainly never easily angered or resentful. I’d always be trusting and hopeful. I pledged to love like that.

I was recently honored with the job of reading at my dear friend Mary’s wedding. Blessed with remarkable wisdom in her 70s, her verses of choice came instead from Colossians chapter 3:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. – Colossians 3:12-16

After the highs and lows of twenty-some years with my spouse, I realize that the love described in 1 Corinthians, my wedding passage, is impossible to put into practice. No matter how hard we try. The love described in Colossians 3, Mary’s passage, is attainable, and we can reach for in our families and close friendships. 

Why is this love possible? Because it reminds us…

• Of our identity to God. We are chosen, holy and dearly loved.
• It is God’s love flowing through us that enables us to love others like He does.
• To “put on” or choose the attitude of love – compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. It’s a daily choice to love others the way God loves us.
• We’re forgiven by God so we’re called forgive others.
• To continue to spur one another on to love even when loving is hard. 
• Giving thanks to God for our loved ones will allow us to walk in love even when the road is unknown or challenging. 

Let God’s lavish love flow through you to your family or friends. 

LOVE CHALLENGE:

Chose one person to love intentionally this week. Write their name on a sticky note, a 3x5 card, or as a reminder on your phone. Plan on ways to show overflowing love to this person, and follow through. You’ll enjoy each step of the way.  

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement