At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is clear: Be the Change as Jesus has changed us. This calling isn’t just for Sunday mornings or special events—it shapes every moment we live. As Pastor Jim recently reminded us, “If you have breath, you have a reason to praise, and therefore you have an opportunity.” Each new day is a gift and a chance to offer our lives back to God in worship.

Waking Up to Purpose

Think about the first moments of your day. Each breath you take is evidence of God’s sustaining power. The psalmist proclaims, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6, NIV) Every heartbeat, every inhale and exhale, is an opportunity to declare, “Lord, this day belongs to you.”

It’s easy to overlook the small, quiet moments of life as opportunities for worship. But God sees and values the ordinary. As Pastor Jim summarized, “My hands can serve you. My feet will go where you want me to go. My mouth can encourage rather than criticize. My resources can bless rather than accumulate. My time is yours to use. Allow my life to point others to Jesus.”

That’s not just a poetic reflection—it’s a practical roadmap for living the Christian life.

Study: To Love and Know God

At Lakeview, we call the first step of our “Just 3” discipleship path Study. To truly praise God with our lives, we must first know Him deeply. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37, NIV) This kind of love grows as we study the Scriptures, pray, and seek God’s presence daily.

Morning devotionals, Bible reading plans, or even a moment of quiet reflection—these are ways we tune our hearts to God’s voice. As we do, our understanding of His character and His love for us grows, fueling our praise.

Reflection:
What simple step can you take today to study God’s Word and draw closer to Him?

Share: To Know and Love Others

The second part of “Just 3” is Share—knowing and loving others. Worship isn’t confined to private prayer or Sunday songs. It overflows into our relationships. As Pastor Jim challenged, “My mouth can encourage rather than criticize.” Every conversation is a chance to share Christ’s love.

The Apostle Paul writes, “Encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV) When we choose kindness, forgiveness, or a listening ear, we reflect God’s heart and point others to Jesus.

Reflection:
Who in your life could use an encouraging word or a listening ear today? How can your words point them to Christ?

Serve: Love in Action

The third and vital part of our “Just 3” mission is Serve—love in action. “My hands can serve you… My resources can bless rather than accumulate. My time is yours to use.” Real worship is more than words; it’s love expressed through tangible acts.

Romans 12:1 urges us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (NIV) Every act of service—big or small—is an act of praise. Whether you’re helping a neighbor, volunteering at church, or simply showing patience at home, your service is worship.

Reflection:
What is one practical way you can serve someone this week as an act of praise to God?

Living Out Lakeview’s Mission

At Lakeview Christian Church, we long to see lives changed by Jesus’ love—and to be the change in our world. This happens when we embrace every breath as an opportunity to praise, study to know God, share to love others, and serve with open hands and hearts.

Let’s answer the call together:

Start each day with gratitude for God’s gift of life.
Immerse yourself in His Word and presence.
Speak words that build up and bless.
Use your time, resources, and abilities to serve others.

As we do, our lives become a living symphony of praise—one that echoes far beyond the church walls and into every corner of Portage Lakes and beyond.

Prayer:
God, thank You for the gift of life and breath. Help us to use every moment for Your glory. Teach us to study Your Word, share Your love, and serve with joy. Let our lives point others to Jesus, and may everything that has breath praise the Lord. Amen.