**Jesus promised, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears (from the Father) He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are yet to come.” – John 16:13**

When a new year rolls around, how quick are you to make resolutions? How successful have you been at your past attempts? Have you made it to February, April, or May? How do you feel when your amazing streak of going to the gym or eating healthy is wrecked by an injury or a gallon of ice cream?

After years of failing to keep my New Year’s Resolutions, I quit. I decided failure was inevitable and far too brutal. I gave in to the idea that I wasn’t tough enough to stick to the plan. Then last year I stumbled upon a book, Atomic Habits by James Clear.

Here are a few quotes from his book. How do these concepts hit you?

“A habit is a routine or behavior that is performed regularly – and in many cases, automatically.”

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

“The difference a tiny improvement can make over time is astounding.”

“If you want to predict where you’ll end up in life, all you have to do is follow the curve of tiny gains or tiny losses, and see how your daily choices will compound ten or twenty years down the line… Tiny battles will define your future self.”

Clear’s research resonated with my struggles. It also reminded me how the Holy Spirit changes us little by little. We don’t wake up one morning and BAM we’re masters of forgiving others or patience at all times. No, every day brings battles, challenges, and choices to make.

One incredibly profound choice we make every day is, Will I be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Jesus promised, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears (from the Father) He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are yet to come.” – John 16:13

Yes, the Spirit of God is preparing us for things “yet to come.” This brings up several questions. How will we know it’s God’s voice leading us? How will know the direction to go? How will we be ready when God reveals the truth?

I think a key pattern or habit we can put in place to assure we’re ready when God reveals His truth is, spending time with God (TWG) every day.

This week what if you spent just a little bit more time with God?

You don’t have to commit to 30 minutes every day. How about one minute? Start with a tiny change and see how over time it makes a huge difference in your faith. Here are a few ways to spend a powerful minute with God.

ONE POWERFUL MINUTE COULD LOOK LIKE:

• Before your feet hit the floor, tell God you love Him and ask Him to guide your day.
• As you drink your tea, coffee, or eat breakfast, thank God for 10 blessings.
• Open your Bible and read one scripture at least 3 times.
• As you drive in your car, pray for 3 people you love.
• Invite God to go with you wherever to go that day.

These power moments can change your mood, motives, and set into motion a deeper relationship with God. Talking, walking, and listening to God every day is a spiritual habit that can set off a powerful chain reaction of faith growth.

How do you think your hours, days, weeks, months, and years would change if you spent just a little more time with God? I’m going to predict that if you start with spending one powerful moment with God in the morning and one moment being reminded of Him at 3:00 p.m., pretty soon, this pattern of practicing the presence of God will grow and you’ll begin to carve out more time with Him.

Give it a try! You have nothing to lose except one minute. It’s a precious habit that has the power to change YOU and deepen your relationship with GOD.


**3 O’CLOCK CIRCLES**
Here are 3 questions you can discuss with someone or in a circle with several others.

1. How much time do you typically spend with God every day, week, or month?

2. What are the obstacles that stand in the way of you spending more time with God? (work, kids, hobbies, life’s demands…)

3. How would your faith be different if you increased the amount of time you spend with God? Will you start with one minute in the morning and one at 3:00 p.m.?


**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 Call Movement**