2 or 3 Together - Armor of God Part 2: Battle Ready

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then … Ephesians 6:13-14

As you read the verse above, what popped into your mind as the part of your life where you need to make a stand?

STAND! When God repeats Himself, He’s calling us to wake up and listen.  His message is loud and clear. In the face of evil, darkness, or despair, we’re to stand strong, clothed in His Armor. 

Some things are harder to stand up to than others, though.

When the battle only involves me, I’m much quicker to take my stand. But if someone I love is under attack, my emotions send me on a judgment-clouding roller coaster ride.

Raising three teenagers over the past seven years has been one heck of a roller coaster ride. I know I bought the ticket, but while holding their little hands and staring at their innocent smiling faces, I didn’t really know what kind of ride I was boarding. At this point, I’ve lost track of how many times my phone has been the bearer of bad news. 

A few things I’ve learned along the way are:

• God’s light is always available to shine in darkness, if you’ll invite Him into the mess. 
• When your love isn’t enough to fix things, God will remind you that He loves your loved one even more than you do. 
• When you trust God more than you’ve ever trusted before, He’ll show up and prove Himself trustworthy.   
• He’s moved the mountains before. He can do it again. 

Last week, I gave you this list of the pieces of God’s Armor in order to make you “Battle Ready.” This week, we’re going to link Biblical truth to each one.

• Belt of Truth – Buckle God’s truths around your waist and ignore the enemy’s lies. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:31-32

 Thank you God that knowing Your truths sets me free.

• Breastplate of Righteousness – Slide it on to protect your heart from the temptations of today’s culture. Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. – Romans 3:22 

Thank you God for purifying my heart. 

• Shoes of Peace – Put them on and walk in peace following Jesus. The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7 

Thank you God for your gift of peace. 

• Shield of Faith – Grab it, lift it up, and confidently fend off the the enemy’s attacks of criticism and doubt. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes ... the righteous will live by faith. – Romans 1:16-17 

Thank you God for encouraging and strengthening my faith. 

• Helmet of Salvation –Strap it on and protect your mind from toxic thoughts that can hijack God’s plan for you. The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. – Zephaniah 3:17 

Thank you God for saving me and renewing my mind every day. 

• Sword of the Spirit – Your only offensive weapon is God’s Word! Believe it, speak it, pray it, and use it against the enemy. For the word of God is alive and active. Shaper than any double-edged sword. – Hebrews 4:12

Thank you God that your Word has power to change me and my life. 

Unfortunately, as long as we live, the battle won’t end. But if we go into battle with the One who defeated the grave, then our faith gets stronger as we stand our ground, strong in the light of His glory. 

2 or 3 Together:

1. One Mountain - What is “one mountain”, one trial, problem, or challenge you need God to move in your life? 

2. One Piece - Which piece of God’s Armor do you sometimes forget to put on? How can you remember to put it on to fight with God to move the mountain?

3. One Stance - How else can you STAND your ground, strong, and brave every day to fight against evil, darkness, or despair?

4. One Praise – Thank God for His crazy love and trust Him … if He’s moved the mountains before, He can do it again. 

5. One Song – Download this song and listen often. 

Do It Again! By Elevations Worship

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 Without Training Wheels

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)

Wouldn’t you know it, the night before Prom, an unexpected spring storm trapped our cars in the driveway under a foot and a half of heavy, wet snow.  With my husband out of town, the only way my daughter was going to make it to Prom was if her brother could plow her out in time.  

As I watched my grown son hook up the plow to the truck and go to work moving snow and ice from the driveway and down our mountain road, I flashed back to an autumn day, many years ago, when I taught him how to ride a bicycle without training wheels.

With my right hand, I held onto the seat of his little two-wheeler.  I steadied the bike as he hopped on.  Then I ran alongside him as he peddled faster and faster.  I shouted encouragement. “You’ve got this!  Great job!  Keep pedaling!”  Eventually, my legs couldn’t keep up so I let go of the bike.  Away he rode, all by himself down the street.  Smiling and laughing I yelled, “Yippee, you did it!” 

He had been terrified, but he trusted me that he’d be OK.

Adult life isn’t too different from being pushed forward on a bike with no training wheels, it’s just more complex. Think about how often God gives us the same opportunity to place our trust in Him. 

Imagine yourself in these different scenarios.  Be honest and ask yourself...  

Will you trust God when…

• Your prayers aren’t being answered and the waiting is long?
• God seems silent, distant, or simply says NO?
• You did the right thing, but lost the job anyways?

Will you trust God when…

• Computers crash, flights are delayed, the wedding is canceled?
• Money is tight, bills are piling up, and bank accounts are depleting?
• The medical report reads cancer, the lab results don’t make sense?

Will you trust God when…

• Relationships are rocky, your marriage is a mess?
• A car crashes, money is stolen, divorce papers are signed?
• Your child makes terrible choices, your family is in crisis?

Trusting God with all your heart when your world is turned upside down is one of the hardest tests of faith we Christians face. 

Some people walk away from God when the going gets tough.  Some try to take control and fend for themselves.  And some trust God completely, leaning into His strength and listening to His voice, waiting to be lead out of chaotic circumstances.  

Let’s work to trust God completely, from the bottom of our hearts. He will show us how to stay upright and keep on track with the plans He has for us.

You can do it!  Keep pedaling on the road of faith, and believe you will be shouting for joy and thanking God that you made it through… by trusting Him.  

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

2 or 3 Together - Armor of God

Put on the Full Armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 

– Ephesians 6:11

My eighteen-year-old daughter Abby, just completed an intense twenty-hour self-defense class. When I arrived at her graduation, I was surprised to discover that she literally had to fight for her diploma. 

The lead instructor called Abby out onto the blue wrestling mat. When the whistle blew, a large man dressed in all black snuck into the room and approached Abby from behind. He wore a huge black helmet with a white skeleton face painted on it. As he reached around Abby and threw her face-down onto the mat, I was startled by the sound of several women yelling in unison, what I was thinking to myself, “NO! NO! NO!”  It turns out they were graduates of the same program, invited back to offer encouragement. 

To my utter amazement, Abby twisted, turned, wiggled, flipped over, and freed herself from her attacker. Then, with adrenaline surging, she powerfully kicked the man twice in between his legs (where it hurts the most). He toppled to his knees, vulgar language spewing from his lips. 

Abby quickly positioned herself in the “ready to fight” stance: one hand in front of her throat, and the other outstretched, clearly communicating to the man to back off. Before he could rise to attack again, the instructor blew her whistle. Abby was victorious, worthy of her graduation certificate. 

The whole room erupted in cheers of celebration. As Abby jogged off the mat, her classmates extended their arms with high fives and hugs. I slumped in my seat, a little overwhelmed by what I’d just witnessed. 

As I’ve pictured Abby’s attacker over and over again in my mind, I’m reminded that we all have an enemy sneaking around us. He comes to steal, and kill, and destroy (John 10:10). 

Why aren’t we standing in a ready position to fight? Why aren’t we shouting “NO!”? How easily we forget that …

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  - Ephesians 6:12

God describes the armor we’re to put on every day in order to fight our good fight of faith. You can put this list in your closet as a reminder; every morning when you get dressed you’re actually getting ready for WAR!

 Each piece of our armor has a particular purpose for protection:

• Belt of Truth – Buckle God’s truths around your waist and ignore the enemy’s lies.  For example, when the enemy tells you aren’t worthy of God’s love, fight back with … I am child of God; fully loved, accepted, and forgiven by faith. Know who you are to God.

• Breastplate of Righteousness – Slide it on to protect your heart from the temptations of today’s culture. Through your faith in Jesus, God sees you as righteous and pure. So follow God’s right path which often flies in the face of what the world expects of you. Know you are right in God’s sight.

• Shoes of Peace – Put them on and walk in peace following Jesus. When conflicts arise, remember how Jesus loved and do like wise. Pursuing peace not power, will humble you and lead you to the good plans God has for you. Know who you are following. 

• Shield of Faith – Grab it, lift it up, and confidently fend off the the enemy’s attacks of criticism and doubt. Faith is your best weapon against fear. God will call you into the unknown where you must walk by faith not sight. Know God’s good purposes for you will take great faith. 

• Helmet of Salvation –Strap it on and protect your mind from toxic thoughts that can hijack God’s plan for you. Your salvation is secure but your thoughts are sometimes scattered. You must take every thought captive and align it with God’s Word. Know the truth and the truth will set you free.

• Sword of the Spirit – Your only offensive weapon is God’s Word! Believe it, speak it, pray it, and use it against the enemy.  There is power in the name of Jesus and the Word of God to bring victory in every area of your life. Know nothing is impossible with God.   

Finally, God reminds us to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Jesus has already won the greatest battle in history and is seated in heaven next to God cheering you on. Fight strong, stand firm, and pray every day with thanksgiving in your heart. 

You are battle ready!

2 or 3 Together:

1. Imagine … You’re walking alone at night in a parking garage. How do you think you’d respond if you were unexpectedly attacked?

2. How is the enemy trying to steal, kill, or destroy areas of your life? Which piece of God’s Armor do you need to put on first every morning? 

3. A Wake Up Call Activity – Armor of God

• Print off the pieces of God’s Armor from the blog above. 

• Put the list of God’s Armor where you get dressed every day. From head to toe picture yourself getting ready for war.  

• Another Reminder - Set a 3:00pm alarm on your phone to read - It’s War! I’m Fighting with Faith!

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

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Put it Into Action

Our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. – 1John 3:18

I exited the highway and saw an older man in a wheelchair begging at the stop light.  The car in front of me, which ended up stopping right next to the old man, was a dirty beat-up Subaru (the official car of Boulder). Because the number of heads inside, bobbing up and down to the beat of the stereo’s thumping bass, exceeded the number of seatbelts, I figured it was full of teens. 

When the driver noticed the man in the wheelchair, he quickly turned down the music and reached into the middle of his car.  It looked like he was digging around for something.  (No joke, my first thought was that he was probably going to give the man a joint to smoke to help him with his pain.) 

The light turned green but the Subaru stood still.  Suddenly, the front door flung open and the driver ran over to the man. He emptied the change cupped in his hands into a plastic bag hanging from the wheelchair.  Then, the boy quickly rifled through his jeans pockets, front and back, in search of more money.  Finding a few dollar bills, he triumphantly held them up to the sky, then added them to the bag.  

He quickly patted the older man on the shoulder as if to say “You’ve got this!” then, like a little child on a playground, joyfully skipped back to his car.  Yes, he skipped!  Inside the car, I could see hands high fiving each other and hear laughter coming from the Subaru.    

Because the light was still red, I opened my car door and walked over to the gentleman. I placed a handful of granola bars also in his plastic bag, patted him on the shoulder and wished him a blessed day.  I glanced over at the young boys and smiled.  

Then didn’t need a mom to tell them “Great Job!” though. They had already shown that the power of cheerful giving had rushed through their veins and filled their hearts with joy.  

That young boy reminded me of the mercy and love the Good Samaritan showed to a complete stranger in the Bible.  When the Good Samaritan happened upon a man beaten and left for dead in a ditch, he stopped to care.  He gave his time and money, expecting nothing in return. 

My city, like many others, is perplexed about how we’re to help people begging on our streets.  Some people ignore them.  Some call the police to have them removed.  Others care, share, and show love to these complete strangers in need.

In my mind, those teens in the dirty, beat-up Subaru are a modern day example of Jesus’ love on earth.  I believe if Jesus came back today, He’d behave just like the young boy did.  He’d give all He had, encourage with a touch, and love everyone.  (He’d probably heal the man as well.)  The young boy did all he could in that moment, which ignited a chain reaction of mercy, love and hope. 

Who can you reach out to today or this weekend to show mercy, love or help to?  Who needs help in your corner of the city?  

When our hearts fill up with mercy, we will give and help others no matter who they are, what they look like, or how well we know them. If we believe mercy and cheerful giving exemplifies God’s love on earth and increases our joy, we’ll find a way to express it soon.  And when we do, we might just find ourselves skipping a little bit too.  

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

2 or 3 Together - Comparison Trap

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14

Who knew that running on a treadmill could be both a physical and spiritual workout?

Trying to reduce my stress level while chaperoning my daughter’s out of town soccer tournament, I stepped on the hotel’s treadmill and started to jog. Within the first five minutes, my 3 O’Clock Wake Up Call alarm sounded on my phone. I reached down to turn it off, immediately thankful for a reminder that God was with me even in this closet-sized, two-star hotel gym. 

I thanked God for my heathy body and the health of my family. As gratitude grew in my heart, I smiled in the mirror. I had a lot to be thankful for.

A few minutes later, another mom from the soccer team jumped onto the treadmill next to me. Stuffing in her ear buds in tightly, she took off running. I glanced at her treadmill screen to see her speed, no luck. So my eyes honed in on the speed of her legs… faster than mine. Then I glanced at her stomach… flatter than mine. I jiggled. She glided. She looked like a gazelle. I looked like a plodding elephant.

Enough of that. Instead of getting swept away by the wave of comparison, I chose to compete. I cranked up the speed of my treadmill to match hers. Bring it on soccer mom!

Very soon, my breathing became fast and loud. Sweat poured down my forehead, blurring my vision. Blinking furiously and wiping my eyes made things even worse.

Off balance and half blind, I stumbled and was shot backwards into the wall behind me. Startled and embarrassed, I faked a smile to show I was OK, then limped back to my room, alone and defeated. 

Back in my room, I berated myself: Why can’t I run fast anymore? Why is she skinner than me… we’ve both birthed three children? Why is weight loss so much harder for me than most of my friends? 

God gently reminded me that my race is not her race. 

My mind drifted back to 3:00pm, when gratitude to God lifted my spirits. What happened? I’d fallen into the comparison trap. I could hear Andy Stanley’s words in my head …

“There is no win in comparison.”

God was right. I’d learned the hard way, again. Gratitude is a good place to remain because comparison can definitely be quite dangerous.  

How often are you caught up comparing yourself to others? Are your eyes constantly looking around or are you looking to the One who marked out your great race?

There will always be people faster, smarter, richer, or prettier than us. But if we run our own race and thank God for how He uniquely made us, then gratitude will lead the way to a happier, healthier, and safer life. 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. – Hebrews 12:2

2 or 3 Together Questions:

How many times today have you compared yourself to someone else?

What would happen if, instead of comparing yourself and taking inventory of what you think you lack, you started counting your blessings and thanking God for what you do have? Is it more than you’d thought?

A Wake Up Call Activity – Gratitude Circle (… my husband doesn’t think anybody will do this, but we did it in Bible Study last night and it was fantastic. Prove him wrong and try it.)

• With a group of people, go around the circle and have each person complete this sentence quickly: I AM THANKFUL FOR … 

• Continue circling and being thankful for 5 to 10 rounds, depending on the size of your group and how much time you have together.  

• When you stop, ask each person if they feel less or more grateful then when you started.

• Ask each other - What health and spiritual benefits do you think gratitude triggers?

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

Stinkin' Mess (a re-visit)

God’s love keeps no record of wrongs. 

– 1 Corinthians 13:5

Do you ever feel like the condition of your house mirrors that of your soul?  When the kitchen looks like a bomb went off and you can’t walk from one room to another without stepping over piles of dirty laundry, don’t you feel a mess inside?  If the bathroom looks and smells like a Porta Potty, do you just hold your nose and quickly escape?

I do, and I’m guessing I’m not alone.  

Recently, the concept of our surroundings reflecting our souls was taken to a whole new level for me.

I had taken our dog, Henry, for a quick jog on a bike path during my daughter’s soccer practice.  Because the local law says to “scoop the poop,” I stuffed a green plastic bag in my jacket pocket… just in case.

Sure enough, Henry went for it in plain sight of several other runners.  So, as a law abiding citizen, I stuck my hand in the bag and picked up the soft, steaming mess (one of the grossest feelings ever). With no trash bins nearby, I carried the bag with me.  When we came to the part of the path where dogs can run off leash, I unhooked Henry and draped the leash around my neck.  Off we ran.  Boy, did that poop bag stink.  I couldn’t wait to get rid of it.

Finally, we reached an official “poop drop” bin and I hastily made my deposit.  We ran on.  The stink followed us.  The bin had been overfilled and I had been blown back by its stench, but we should have run clear of it by now. The poop smell must have gotten caught in my nose.  The more I ran, though, the more it smelled.

When we got back to the soccer fields, I pulled the leash from around my neck to hook Henry back up and saw it…“OH CRAP!”  

Henry had dragged his leash through his poop while I had been preparing the scoop bag.  When I draped the leash around my neck, I’d essentially perfumed myself with poop!  I jumped up and down, disgusted.  I couldn’t believe the mess I’d gotten myself into.

At the soccer fields, there were no bathrooms, just Porta Potties without running water.  My car had only dry napkins, so with the little water left in my water bottle, I moistened one and scrubbed my neck like I was rubbing off… well yes … dog poop. 

I threw out the evidence and sat in the car waiting for my daughter’s practice to end.  Almost immediately after getting in the car, she said, “Mom, this car stinks like dog poop.”  Defenseless, I quietly replied “It’s not the car honey, it’s me.”

How often do we get ourselves in huge stinkin’ messes?  We can’t blame anyone else when we wake up with regret or remember the hurtful words we said.  How painful!

Aren’t you thankful that God’s love cleanses us completely?  His word says that He removes our messes, mistakes, our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).  That’s far!  Thank you God, we can’t smell ‘em from that far away.

Today, no matter what messes you wallow in, step over, or clean up, be grateful that God’s love keeps no record of wrongs and Jesus’ blood poured out for you, cleanses you of all your mess ups and sins (1 John 1:7).  That’s stinkin’ awesome!

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

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No Fear Here

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” – Hebrews 13:5-6

Has spring sprung where you live?  Are the trees blossoming pink and white? Are yellow, purple, and blue flowers pushing their way through the hard ground?  (Or is everything still under a blanket of snow?)  Isn’t spring such a wonderful, hopeful time of the year?

Where I live, in the mountains of Colorado, spring is when the elk migrate through the land surrounding my home.  I’ve witnessed their arrival now for more than a decade now, but each time I drive around the corner and see the herd grazing in front of me, I’m amazed by how massive they are.  

Years ago, the kids and I pulled into the driveway to find a massive bull elk with gigantic antlers standing on our front porch, blocking the door.  Instantly I was caught in a moment of helplessness, frozen in fear.  

He was too big to ignore and way too dangerous to approach.  Minutes ticked by with the two of us just silently staring at each other.  Then, like waking from a dream, it occurred to me to honk the car horn.  Startled by the obnoxious noise, the elk galloped off the porch, past the car, and down an embankment to rejoin the herd.   

Why had it taken me so long to arrive at this simple solution to our problem?  Fear. 

Fear has a way of clouding our minds, making a situation much more difficult than it actually is.  Fear also paralyzes, stunts our spiritual growth, and blocks us from living our best life now.  

God must have known fear would have too much power over us.  That’s why His word reminds us not to be afraid three hundred and sixty-five times (once for every day of the year, it turns out.)  God knows that the enemy would love to use fear to steal our joy, stop us in our tracks, and block God’s good path for our lives.  It’s time to lay on the horn and shout out, “I will not be afraid!” Claim it and live it!

This is a perfect week to put a few spiritual practices in place that will safeguard you from fear.  As we walk toward Easter Sunday, I challenge you to do these three things every day this week.

• Wake up 10-15 minutes earlier than usual to spend alone time with God. Talk to God honestly.  Hand over your fears and ask for His loving guidance to lead you through your day. Imagine yourself making a wonderful trade with God.  You give Him your fears and He gives you His courage and confidence, His strength and renewed faith.

• Then, thank God for never leaving you. Thank Him for always walking with you.  And thank Him for being your faithful helper.  Declare to God that you will not be afraid. (Heb. 13:4-5 – there is power when you pray scripture) 

• Lastly, write down a quick list of what you’re thankful for.  Remember every good gift you have received is from your Heavenly Father (James 1:17).  God is your loving and good dad.  He longs to give you the desires of your heart.  Writing down your gratitude helps your mind store God’s goodness. 

I encourage you to write down scripture and your list of thanks on a 3x5 card or on your phone, so later in your day when fear rears its ugly head, you can pull out your list and be reminded that God is with you and for you.  Like an alarm, fear can be a Wake Up Call to your soul to start thanking God for who He is.  

Don’t let fear freeze you.  Instead, let God’s perfect love drive out all fear so you can follow Him wherever He leads you next.  

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

2 or 3 Together - Walk, Run, SOAR!

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40: 30-31  

Last night was the final game of the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament, or “March Madness,” as it’s commonly called. My house will be a lot quieter now without my husband shouting at the TV. I had watched a few games, but didn’t notice, until the player introductions last night, how many of them were close to seven feet tall. That’s huge!

As I watched them warm up, easily touching the 10 foot rim, I thought of the wingspan of eagles. Less interested in the game than my husband was, I went online to look a few things up. Did you know that the average adult bald eagle’s wingspan is between 6 and 7.5 feet? That’s basically the size of most March Madness basketball players. 

With eagles on my mind, as I watched the basketball players tire of running up and down the court, I put two and two together and thought of Isaiah 40:30: “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.”.  

God’s truth in Isiah is a Wake Up Call for so many of us who wish we could turn back the clock and regain our youth, wipe away the wrinkles, and have fitter bodies once again. God reminds us that no matter what our age is, we too can soar like eagles when we look to Him, place our Hope in Him, and find our strength from Him.

… those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40: 30-31  

If you’ve ever watched an eagle soar, you’ll agree that they’re beautiful, strong, and majestic. They seem fearless. This is probably why, in 1782, the United States chose the Bald Eagle as our national bird, a symbol of freedom. 

God desires for each one of us to be bold, courageous, and fearless as we live out our faith in Jesus. He calls us to a life of freedom and confidence. But just like a baby eagle, we have to learn how to soar. We have to be pushed from the comforts of the nest and learn to fly. God’s word shows us the way.

If we want to soar like an eagle, first we must …

• Walk – Walk with Jesus each day. Lean in and listen to His guidance and His ways. Walking with Him will eventually cause us to walk like Him.

• Run – Run the race God has marked out for each of us. Look to Him for direction, not to others or to the world. The plans He has are uniquely designed for you. 

• Soar – Soar with other eagles who are also running their race of faith. Together we can encourage one another to keep our eyes lifted and keep flying higher. 

Another interesting eagle fact (it was a long game): When caught in a storm, an eagle turns her face into the wind, and launches directly into it. She catches an updraft and flies above chaos, riding out the storm by soaring in the sunshine and blue skies. 

Closer to His son, high above the storm, is where God calls you. There you will find His power to strengthen you, energizing you to soar.

2 or 3 Together Questions:

1. Walk – What distractions block your path from following Jesus every day?

2. Run – What is one thing you know that God is calling you to do during this season of your life?

3. Soar -  How can you encourage one another to walk with Jesus this coming week? How can you take the first step in running the race God has marked out for you?

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

Company's Coming

People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 

– 1Samuel 16:7

My house is currently filthy.  I had to go back upstairs this morning to put on socks so my bare feet wouldn’t stick to the kitchen floor.  Yuck!

As I walked into the laundry room in search of socks (because who’s got time to put them into drawers), I passed by a pile of miscellaneous Christmas items and thought “for crying out loud Laura, it’s almost Easter and these things are still here.” 

If those red and green decorations could have joined in the ridicule, they would have shouted, “Hey, we’re still here!  When are you going to put us in the Christmas bins where we belong, huh?  When, woman, when?”

I guess it’s time to invite people over. 

A few hours before company arrives, I morph into what my husband calls “psycho cleaning lady.”  I dust every surface, mop every floor, wipe down the counters, neaten the cabinets, and scrub the toilets (do I live in a frat house?)  The smallest bit of dog hair or smudge on a mirror can’t escape my wrath. I’m lost in the pursuit of making my home look as if no one actually lives there.

Don’t judge me. How many times have you thrown piles of clutter into a closet and closed the door?

Aren’t you thankful that our relationship with God is so vastly different?  He sees the clutter, messes, dirt, and dust bunnies, yet still loves us completely and unconditionally.  The cleanliness of our house is not His concern.  He’s only concerned with the condition of our hearts.

If I allow my heart to align more with God’s, I see the condition of my house not as filthy but as blessed.  

• The dishes pile up high in the kitchen sink because five people eat family meals together in this house.  I’m happy.

• The laundry room stinks from sweaty soccer socks and workout clothes because we’re all healthy and can run and play.  I’m thankful.

• The kitchen floor is sticky because I’m spending more time writing than cleaning. I’m joyful. 

Look around your house, where do you see blessings instead of big messes?  Where is there evidence of life and love?  How can you see beyond the clutter and clearly see yourself and others the way God sees you?

When you do, happiness happens, gratitude grows, and joy jumps in your heart.

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