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ADVENT 2020

DAY 23: A Wake-Up Call

BY: Angela Johnson

“Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Matthew 2:13

“Get up! Flee!”  

Imagine being woken from deep sleep with such an urgent message!

The only time I came close to experiencing an alarm of this type was when I received a frantic call that my brother had been run over by a drunk driver.  It was a call that startled me out of deep sleep, and I had to wrap my mind around the urgency of the message.  He’d been standing in a parking lot taking a picture of his friends, when a drunk driver hit him, crushing his leg. My brother was seriously wounded, but alive.  I gathered my things and drove straight to the hospital.

But, Matthew 2:13 tells of an even more crucial wake-up call.  Joseph, once again, has had an angelic visitation in a dream. The message was critical.  “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

We don’t know how much time they had, but I imagine frantic chaos ensued.  I picture Joseph hurriedly gathering belongings and necessities for the 430 mile journey, while Mary desperately clutched her toddler King as they escaped through the dark covering of night.

Herod was on a blood-thirsty quest to murder the infant Messiah. He had become so paranoid that the child would dethrone him; he wanted Jesus dead. When Herod learned the Magi, who had been sent on a reconnaissance mission, had not returned with intel of the newborn king’s location, he became furious (Matthew 2:12; 16).

Can you imagine what would have happened if Joseph didn’t believe the message he’d received?  

Can you imagine if he’d doubted the validity of his dream or questioned God?

Scripture tells us of the horrific event that followed: “Then Herod, when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under…” (Matthew 2:16). This brutal act, now known as, “The Massacre of the Innocents,” fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy: “A cry of anguish is heard in Ramah — weeping and mourning unrestrained.  Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted — for they are dead.” (Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:18)

Though the actual population of ancient Bethlehem is unclear, scholars estimate 20 baby boys under the age of two were killed that night.  It was as though the desperate wails of their broken mothers could be heard even in Ramah; a village two hours north of blood-stained Bethlehem.

My heart aches for those mothers.  My heart mourns for the innocent lives lost that night.  But, sadly, this is evidence that our world has always been full of evil and is in desperate need of a Savior.

There are so many layers to the Christmas story.  It is much more than a baby in a manger. It is a promise fulfilled.

700 years earlier, the prophet Hosea foretold of the Messiah King coming out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1).  But, in order for this to happen, Joseph had to receive another wake-up call.

“Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead” (Matthew 2:20).

Joseph is a perfect example of godly leadership and submission. I am certain he had doubts, but trusted the faithfulness of God.When he responded in obedience, he didn’t question the message or ask for time to think about it.  As a result, Jesus’ life was spared and prophecy was brought to completion.

Sometimes, we cannot see the full picture.

Sometimes, we are asked to do difficult and uncomfortable things without knowing or understanding the “why” behind the request.

Sometimes, God calls us to action and we don’t have time to waste or overthink His petition.

We no longer have the luxury to assume the small acts of love and kindness that God lays upon our hearts are inconsequential. We may be one act of love away from saving someone’s life.

This world needs the news of Jesus Christ.

This world needs to see Jesus in, and through, YOU.

The people you can influence need your obedience.

Today is YOUR wake-up call:  GET UP! Don’t ignore the crucial message, we don’t have time to waste!

Daily Challenge:

Have you ever hesitated when God called you?

#Advent2020AC

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    DAY 26: From Death to Life

    by Angela Johnson December 24, 2020

    DAY 25: The Most Unlikely

    by Angela Johnson December 23, 2020

    DAY 24: Founded In Love

    by Angela Johnson December 22, 2020

    TAGS:BethlehemEgyptEscapeJesusJosephMaryWakeup
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    Angela Johnson

    Angela holds a Master’s in Public Health, two bachelors degrees, and is a registered nurse. Motivated to continue learning and help others, Angela left a full-time position in corporate wellness to pursue a career in nursing. After a short time as a labor and delivery nurse, Angela felt the calling to stay home full-time with her children. And 5 1/2 years ago, she felt a deep calling for connecting mothers and was able to begin the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) and MOMSnext ministry at her local church. Within the past 2 years, Angela recently transitioned out of her position at her local ministry and now works with MOPS International as an area Ministry Coach in Central Ohio. Because of the profound impact that working with women and mothers has had on her life, both professionally and personally, Angela continues to work to encourage and equip women to realize their God-given potential. She has been on a journey to come alongside women to help them grow in their intimacy with the Lord and she is excited to help other believers mature in their faith. Angela enjoys writing, public speaking, singing, worshiping, leading Bible Study, crafting, playing outside with her kiddos, shopping, going out to dinner with her husband (without the kiddos), and spending time with friends and family.

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    Hello, Im Angela
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    Hello, Im Angela

    I’m a follower of Jesus Christ, wife to Derrick, and mother to 3 beautiful children — Elliott, Elias, and Eleanor. I have a passion for teaching and sharing the Word of God through the written and spoken word.

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    School's back in session.👩‍🏫⏰🗒✏️🖍✂️🖌 Whether you've got kiddos in school or not, we ALL thrive on routine. What do YOU do to prepare yourself for the day? - Do you set out clothes the night before? - Do you pack all the lunches ahead of time? - Do you get up before the rest of the house? - Are you a crazy person shoving people out of the door? As moms, it's often said that we're the gatekeeper of the home. Do you find this to be true? Do you feel that you're the one setting the tone for the rest of the family? Tell us how you start your day!👇🏽
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So this mom began to pray and ask God what she could do in between "home-schooling" and "pivoting" with the rest of the nation.

As she began to talk to God, she felt a deep call to action. 

She began to become indignant with the feelings of helplessness and the constant defensive responses to the "new normal." She was provoked to action but wasn't sure what that looked like until God reminded her of something she'd tucked away in her heart seven years before.

In early 2013, she'd begun attending a Bible Study with a group of women she didn’t know well. And as the ladies introduced themselves, one woman stated that she was a stay-at-home mom, but, more than that, she was "raising warriors." 

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We don't have to be caught on our heels, helplessly dodging the blows this world throws at us.

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Someday, our children, our "arrows," will be launched into the world but they need precision and direction. 

That's why this ministry, born out of divinely inspired determination, is dedicated to helping YOU be intentional in YOUR parenting as we raise future warriors for the Kingdom of Heaven.

We hope you find a tribe here that will inspire, educate, and provide resources for you to parent with purpose.

So to all of our fellow Warrior Raisers...

Aim your arrows well. 🤍🏹

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    Psalm 127:4 is the benchmark verse for the Warrior Raiser ministry. Why's that, you ask? Well, the story goes something like this... Once upon a time, a mom was sitting in her living room chair with the news on mute. She watched her three kids run around the house stir-crazy because they'd been cooped up for weeks. You see, it was the middle of a global pandemic and country-wide shutdown, and no one knew what the future held. So this mom began to pray and ask God what she could do in between "home-schooling" and "pivoting" with the rest of the nation. As she began to talk to God, she felt a deep call to action. She began to become indignant with the feelings of helplessness and the constant defensive responses to the "new normal." She was provoked to action but wasn't sure what that looked like until God reminded her of something she'd tucked away in her heart seven years before. In early 2013, she'd begun attending a Bible Study with a group of women she didn’t know well. And as the ladies introduced themselves, one woman stated that she was a stay-at-home mom, but, more than that, she was "raising warriors." The statement was simple, yet profound. We, who are blessed to be raising children, have a divine purpose. We are not defenseless. We don't have to be caught on our heels, helplessly dodging the blows this world throws at us. That's why Psalm 127:4 is the hallmark verse for the ministry--because we are warriors, raising warriors. Someday, our children, our "arrows," will be launched into the world but they need precision and direction. That's why this ministry, born out of divinely inspired determination, is dedicated to helping YOU be intentional in YOUR parenting as we raise future warriors for the Kingdom of Heaven. We hope you find a tribe here that will inspire, educate, and provide resources for you to parent with purpose. So to all of our fellow Warrior Raisers... Aim your arrows well. 🤍🏹 #warriorraiser #aimyourarrows #Psalm_127_4 #warriorraisers #warriormoms #jointhetribe #motherbettertogether #divinedetermination #parentwithpurpose
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This is why using different translations for your Bible study is essential. I started reading it in my ESV study Bible and wondered, “Hmm, how do the other versions say this same passage?”

Bottom line, if you also struggle with “too many-words syndrome” ha! Perhaps this gentle reminder…along with a quick flip over to James 3 for further clarification…will help!!!

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#WarriorRaiser #IfItsInTheBibleItsTrue #ShutYourMouth #TooManyWordsLeadsToSin #MuzzleMyMouth #TranslationsHelpClarify #MakeTheBibleFun
    I’ve been reading through Proverbs again - I often feel it’s just a beautiful place to center myself. There’s so much wisdom, instruction, and honestly — conviction.

But today, God knew our WHOLE family needed this gentle reminder. 

Maybe because there’s only a week before school starts and everyone’s on each other’s LAST nerve…but our words have been pretty toxic to one another.

So as I was talking through my Bible reading this morning with my kids - they thought it was hilarious that the Bible actually says “keep your mouth shut.”🤐🤫😶

This is why using different translations for your Bible study is essential. I started reading it in my ESV study Bible and wondered, “Hmm, how do the other versions say this same passage?”

Bottom line, if you also struggle with “too many-words syndrome” ha! Perhaps this gentle reminder…along with a quick flip over to James 3 for further clarification…will help!!!

PS. This is a new life verse for me!🫢🥴🫢

#WarriorRaiser #IfItsInTheBibleItsTrue #ShutYourMouth #TooManyWordsLeadsToSin #MuzzleMyMouth #TranslationsHelpClarify #MakeTheBibleFun
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    I’ve been reading through Proverbs again - I often feel it’s just a beautiful place to center myself. There’s so much wisdom, instruction, and honestly — conviction. But today, God knew our WHOLE family needed this gentle reminder. Maybe because there’s only a week before school starts and everyone’s on each other’s LAST nerve…but our words have been pretty toxic to one another. So as I was talking through my Bible reading this morning with my kids - they thought it was hilarious that the Bible actually says “keep your mouth shut.”🤐🤫😶 This is why using different translations for your Bible study is essential. I started reading it in my ESV study Bible and wondered, “Hmm, how do the other versions say this same passage?” Bottom line, if you also struggle with “too many-words syndrome” ha! Perhaps this gentle reminder…along with a quick flip over to James 3 for further clarification…will help!!! PS. This is a new life verse for me!🫢🥴🫢 #WarriorRaiser #IfItsInTheBibleItsTrue #ShutYourMouth #TooManyWordsLeadsToSin #MuzzleMyMouth #TranslationsHelpClarify #MakeTheBibleFun
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So excited to have you on this journey, Jill! 

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    No one succeeds without a tribe.

My friend, Jill Sisson, is a behind-the-scenes kinda lady, but @travelbookbleu deserves so much public praise!

She’s become a friend and is challenging me in new ways.

She’s a nurse turned film guru and I am learning from her every time we meet!

So excited to have you on this journey, Jill! 

You’re part of the Warrior Raiser Tribe now!♥️🏹

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    No one succeeds without a tribe. My friend, Jill Sisson, is a behind-the-scenes kinda lady, but @travelbookbleu deserves so much public praise! She’s become a friend and is challenging me in new ways. She’s a nurse turned film guru and I am learning from her every time we meet! So excited to have you on this journey, Jill! You’re part of the Warrior Raiser Tribe now!♥️🏹 #warriorraiser #fruitfulfilming #fruitfulbiblestudy #biblestudymoments #biblestudybehindthescenes #nursetobibleteacher #nursetofilmmaker
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    A few weeks ago, I gave a message called Making Mosaics at my home church @adventure.church. 

If you're struggling with brokenness...
this message is for you. 

If you've ever wondered, "Why, God?"...
this message is for you.

If you have a story of restoration...
this message is for you.

Check it out on youtube or at adventure.church.

#warriorraiser #makingmosaics #hehealsthebroken #restoration #scarstellastory #adventurechurch 

Link in Bio or visit Adventure Church's YouTube LINK:
https://youtu.be/k6HHkutjSpQ
    A few weeks ago, I gave a message called Making Mosaics at my home church @adventure.church. 

If you're struggling with brokenness...
this message is for you. 

If you've ever wondered, "Why, God?"...
this message is for you.

If you have a story of restoration...
this message is for you.

Check it out on youtube or at adventure.church.

#warriorraiser #makingmosaics #hehealsthebroken #restoration #scarstellastory #adventurechurch 

Link in Bio or visit Adventure Church's YouTube LINK:
https://youtu.be/k6HHkutjSpQ
    A few weeks ago, I gave a message called Making Mosaics at my home church @adventure.church. 

If you're struggling with brokenness...
this message is for you. 

If you've ever wondered, "Why, God?"...
this message is for you.

If you have a story of restoration...
this message is for you.

Check it out on youtube or at adventure.church.

#warriorraiser #makingmosaics #hehealsthebroken #restoration #scarstellastory #adventurechurch 

Link in Bio or visit Adventure Church's YouTube LINK:
https://youtu.be/k6HHkutjSpQ
    A few weeks ago, I gave a message called Making Mosaics at my home church @adventure.church. 

If you're struggling with brokenness...
this message is for you. 

If you've ever wondered, "Why, God?"...
this message is for you.

If you have a story of restoration...
this message is for you.

Check it out on youtube or at adventure.church.

#warriorraiser #makingmosaics #hehealsthebroken #restoration #scarstellastory #adventurechurch 

Link in Bio or visit Adventure Church's YouTube LINK:
https://youtu.be/k6HHkutjSpQ
    A few weeks ago, I gave a message called Making Mosaics at my home church @adventure.church. 

If you're struggling with brokenness...
this message is for you. 

If you've ever wondered, "Why, God?"...
this message is for you.

If you have a story of restoration...
this message is for you.

Check it out on youtube or at adventure.church.

#warriorraiser #makingmosaics #hehealsthebroken #restoration #scarstellastory #adventurechurch 

Link in Bio or visit Adventure Church's YouTube LINK:
https://youtu.be/k6HHkutjSpQ
    A few weeks ago, I gave a message called Making Mosaics at my home church @adventure.church. 

If you're struggling with brokenness...
this message is for you. 

If you've ever wondered, "Why, God?"...
this message is for you.

If you have a story of restoration...
this message is for you.

Check it out on youtube or at adventure.church.

#warriorraiser #makingmosaics #hehealsthebroken #restoration #scarstellastory #adventurechurch 

Link in Bio or visit Adventure Church's YouTube LINK:
https://youtu.be/k6HHkutjSpQ
    A few weeks ago, I gave a message called Making Mosaics at my home church @adventure.church. 

If you're struggling with brokenness...
this message is for you. 

If you've ever wondered, "Why, God?"...
this message is for you.

If you have a story of restoration...
this message is for you.

Check it out on youtube or at adventure.church.

#warriorraiser #makingmosaics #hehealsthebroken #restoration #scarstellastory #adventurechurch 

Link in Bio or visit Adventure Church's YouTube LINK:
https://youtu.be/k6HHkutjSpQ
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    A few weeks ago, I gave a message called Making Mosaics at my home church @adventure.church. If you're struggling with brokenness... this message is for you. If you've ever wondered, "Why, God?"... this message is for you. If you have a story of restoration... this message is for you. Check it out on youtube or at adventure.church. #warriorraiser #makingmosaics #hehealsthebroken #restoration #scarstellastory #adventurechurch Link in Bio or visit Adventure Church's YouTube LINK: https://youtu.be/k6HHkutjSpQ
    2 weeks ago
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