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I look forward to Monday morning.
Monday morning sets the tone in my spiritual, emotional, and physical health for the rest of the week. If I get Monday morning right, I trend to do well the rest of the week. I look forward to Monday morning because I do the following “3” Power Boosts.
I don’t know whether to call this “3” Power or Spirit boosts, so over the years I think of both. I need the power of the Spirit to begin the week.
A brief theological thought before I list the “3”. The Apostle Peter writes “sanctifying work of the Spirit” as the greatest insight in positive living ever written. (1 Peter 1:2) Sanctifying means becoming what you were meant to be in Christ. I cringe when I hear people talk about diets, strength coaches, and self-improvement without also mentioning the Spirit of God.
Self-improvement without the Spirit? Think…McDonald’s without hamburgers; Jesus without miracles; your mobile device without the internet; a wedding without the bride; or no Interruptions in morning. Some things are not meant to be.
Peter writes that the Spirit’s role – God within you – is to teach, encourage, and give you the will to do what you need to be.
I look forward to Monday morning. I check in with my fitness coach. I don’t know who you follow, but my coach created my body, is infinitely familiar with my generational tendencies toward disease, and has the ability to heal and defeat the evil one.
First: Get up early. Monday morning sets my Spirit trend for the rest of the week. If I spend time with the Spirit – in the right way – I tend toward more joy, better relationships, less anxiety and more awareness of the opportunities for growth that God gifts me during the week.
Start the week wrong and you lose blessing.
Second: Have a list of three to five life orientation verses that you have memorized. Go over the verses and ask the Spirit, “What do I need to do to have this verse fulfilled in my life this week?” The Spirit will speak to you in confirmation or instruction and sometimes with warning. Learn to listen. Obey.
Peter describes the sanctifying work of the Spirit: “Grace and peace will be yours in full measure.” (1 Peter 1:2)
The OG Three:
There are verses in the Bible that are more important than others as to life impact. I want to orient my life according to these verses. If you don’t have three, it’s okay, you can use mine. Note that I have reviewed these verses so often that the verses have morphed into prayers.
My Monday morning three verses to pray are:
- Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the Kingdom of God you idiot! And all that God wants for your life with be freely given to you. God I will ask with every major decision, “Is this your will?”
- Romans 12:1 – I offer myself a living sacrifice toward your purposes. Whatever you want, whatever the cost. You love me but I want you to have joy in what I do and think. It is better for me to try and fail than to not try.
- James 1:2 – I anticipate both trials and blessings this week. I confess that I will have joy in everything this week. I will not complain, I will not talk negatively of others, and I will ask for your help.
Third: Get involved in what Jesus wants you to do. Make a commitment to be about discipling others each week. Jesus gave the command: “Go and make disciples.” There is no way that you can be faithful to Jesus without serious consideration and obedience to this verse. For 50 years I have been discipling others to love Jesus.
My legacy is those whom I have discipled. The Discipleship Commission of Jesus in Matthew 28 is God’s will for you too. Who are you discipling? Do you know how to disciple?
Final Thought: Relax. God has your week, even when you fail.