Do you ever specifically set your alarm clock an hour earlier in the morning just to have more time reading the Bible?

I do that once in a while- but it doesn't always end up the way I hoped it would. If you're at all like me, it's mornings like this that the

snooze button becomes your best friend.

The awesome part is that God has the power to transform rushed and hectic mornings into profound revelations about him.

Let me explain.

A few days ago, I was having one of these hard-to-get-out-of-bed days. But, I made up my mind that no matter how late I might be, I'm still going to spend a few minutes reading my Bible. I opened up to Revelations and a few underlined words really caught my eye. In almost each chapter of the book, I had the word "overcomes" underlined with a bold black pen.

It really got me thinking about what "overcoming" meant to me. Once I read all the verses together, a beautiful tapestry of promises was woven into my heart.

I was taken away by the remarkable promises that God made to those who overcame! Yes, overcoming is difficult- no matter what it is we're overcoming. But, God wants us to know that there is a reward for those who do overcome.

Here are the promises God has for you:

"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (2:7)

"He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death." (2:11)

"To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it." (2:17)

"He who overcomes will, like them (those who have not soiled their clothes), be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my father and his angels." (3:5)

"Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name." (3:12)

"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne." (3:2)

Now I am no theologian, but, I can tell that these are some powerful statements! Especially that last promise... God gives us the right to sit on Christ's throne! Can you believe it?

I was simply in awe of God when I read all these verses. God is willing to give me the most beautiful of treasures and the most honorable of priveledges! Who am I to deserve such things?

That led to revelation number two. I realized that to be granted these promises, I had to overcome. That means overcoming my bad habits, my sinful desires, my temptations, and all the other things the world throws at me.

As I analyzed myself and my overcoming failures and successes, I realized I've failed more than I've overcame. Although this was a hard bit to swallow, I knew I had to turn to God for strength to overcome in the future.

Alone, I am nothing. With Him, I can do anything.

What about you? Are you an overcomer?

Or is the snooze button still calling your name?

Good morning Lord
How are you doing?
The world's on hold
The coffee's brewing

Just you and me
The morning still
I come to You
To get my fill

Your Word is sweet
It leads me on
This world is harsh
But I hold on

Without you, Lord
I'm incomplete
So bless me God
In today's feat

I need Your peace
To live in me
And grant me eyes
So I may see

Where I can serve
And praise Your name
That all I do
Would bring You fame

I want to see
The world in need
So that my words
Can plant the seed

I want Your heart
To live in mine
And that through me
Your light would shine

All this I pray
In Jesus name
For its through Him
I'm not the same

He gave me life
And this I know
Each day's a gift
To me bestowed

That's why I'm here
Before Your throne
Before the sun
It's rays has shown

My mug is empty
But I'm filled
In awe of You
My heart is still

This moment here
Will get me through
This day ahead
Just me and You

A few days ago I had a really great conversation with my dad.

We talked about everything. Our dreams. Our ambitions. Our perspectives. Eventually we got on the subject of church and ministry.

In Ukrainian, pastors, deacons and preachers are called "slyzhutelya," meaning "those who serve." Well, it got me thinking.

What does serving really mean?

When we put on our best suit and tie and preach in front of a congregation, is that serving? When we do our hair and make-up and sing in the choir or worship group, is that serving?

It seems all too easy. The fact of the matter is these things are actually profitable for us. We are often praised for our great voice, our preaching and teaching skills, and our good looks. Because we're up on stage where everyone sees us, we also gain recognition and possibly popularity.

But is that what serving is all about?

The Bible gives us several good examples of servanthood. The one that stands out the most is the story of the Good Samaritan. Unlike the other travelers on the road to Jericho, the Samaritan saw the need of the wounded man and filled it. It's that simple.

The Samaritan did what was necessary and was not afraid to get down and dirty. In fact, he gave the beat-up dude superior treatment and even payed for his hotel stay!

Did he need to do that? No. Could he have walked by like the rest of the folks? Sure. But, what makes the Samaritan different from the other guys is that he served unconditionally and compassionately. Not because he had to, but because he wanted to.

Serving means helping people without expectation of anything in return. It means being ready to get your hands dirty, and sometimes even the new suit (or dress). It means putting others before yourself. And, not caring if anyone sees you.

Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against preachers or worship leaders. In fact, I value their ministry and their talents. I just think tasks we often call "serving" are actually obligations and responsibilities.

It reminds me of the Michael W. Smith song where the lyrics say, "I give you more than a song. For a song in itself is not what you have required."

So think about it. Do you have what it takes to serve unconditionally?

Are you willing to pull over and change a flat tire for that little old lady on the side of the street (even if you're wearing a crisp white shirt)? Are you willing to hug the homeless kid (who hasn't taken a shower for weeks)? Are you willing to give away your lunch (knowing you'll be hungry for the rest of the day)?

Or is your definition of "serving" something that serves YOU more than anyone else?

Think about it.