by David Brenneman
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1.
If you knew that today would be your last day, how would you live it? Tragically, many people have difficulty finding an answer to this question. Many say, "I wouldn't do anything different.' Some would take the day off and spend it with family and friends. Others might use the time to rectify past wrongs. However, we must all take hold of the fact that yesterday has come and gone, tomorrow is not yet here, and all we have is now-today. What we do with the hours we're given is incredibly important
What you do with today will be indelibly printed on the pages of eternity. So how can you live to the fullest if you're forgetting what's behind and not counting on tomorrow? You must have the right focus. So consider: What is the foundation of your hope? What holds your affection? What's most important to you? Missionary C. T. Studd sounds this warning: ""Only one life, `twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last."
When you anticipate standing before Jesus, the way you should live your life becomes abundantly clear. So don't misspend your gift of time. Invest today in Him.
Jesus, I want to honor You with my life. Help me to live fully for You today and every day. Amen.
- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley.
"Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand." Proverbs 19:21.
We have so many plans these days that we have to relegate keeping track of things on our phones or our computers.
Many of these plans aren't planned at all. Commitments that are just necessary and needed while others we jump in headlong without considering the consequences or the possibility that we should have thought twice about it.
There's more than a few financial planners who will point out that each successive generation wants to achieve more in less time than their parents did.
As a result, frustration arises, sometimes marriages are in jeopardy. Relationships are strained. This is but one topic.
There's others that strained relationships. Things like accepted things even in a church. There's good things there for sure but be sure of what you participate in that it's what God wants you to be doing.
We can get ahead of Jesus and forget to be sure to include Him in our plans and decisions.
We can make choices and decisions in the ways that some did in the Old Testament and we can see how that never faired well for them. Those that went to the Lord first prospered in the situation at hand. Those who didn't, didn't.
Lest there be someone out there considering this thought: "He's too busy for someone like me", remember that you are continually before Him. That is a deceptive thought to think that your personal Lord and Savior is too busy for you.
He saved you, He cleansed you. He made you right before Him and His Father. Sealed in the Spirit. You are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that you might walk in them. Therefore He always has you on His mind.
Many indeed are the plans of a man's or woman's heart. Don't rush headlong and neglect Jesus's input in the process. We inevitably get in over our heads when we do.
"I can handle it!" is another oftentimes worn out phrase. Ever stop to consider that maybe you weren't meant to? That maybe you we're supposed to watch n wait for your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be the one to handle the situation?
Remember another Life Principle of Charles Stanley is that God never has problems only situations. We would do well to adopt that way of thinking before we create situations by forgetting that reality.
We also seem, by way of our immensely busy schedules, to quickly go past all the passages in the Gospels where Jesus intentionally got away from everyone to by Himself with His Father or when He made the Disciples stop n get away from everyone to rest.
Being intentionally busy just because you think you should be isn't healthy. I refer you to the true story of Mary and Martha.
Things we add to our lives by our decisions need to be wise decisions. Proverbs has many sayings on how you should choose wisely. Of what to do when you're indebted to someone financially. Of the wisdom of getting away to be with Jesus.
Slow down. Cut the fat out of your life that's honestly hindering your walk with Jesus. Many of us work so that's just a fact of life. Outside of that, sleeping and eating, how are you doing in inviting Jesus in your decisions? Please be sure to include Jesus in your work as well.
Colossians 3:23-24.
Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Rest when the Spirit says you should. Don't get ahead of Him.
Invite Jesus into your entire life.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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