"Why do today what you can put off till
tomorrow?" someone has jokingly said. Many of us know the struggle
with procrastination. Some folk are stuck in the past while others always
intend to get things done in the future. We should remember the past, plan
for the future but LIVE in the present. I like the little saying
"Today is a gift; that's why they call it the Present." God's
Word has much to say about valuing and taking advantage of TODAY!
Consider with me 3 Bible verses related to our
theme. First, 2 Corinthians 6:2c "now is the day of
salvation." In a greater sense this is referring to the
Gospel era since Jesus' death and resurrection but it also is a reminder
to turn to the Lord in repentance and faith while the opportunity is available.
The Bible gives no indication of a second chance for salvation after death so
today is the day and now is the time to trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Second, Matthew 6:11 "Give us today our
daily bread". We should be aware and thankful of God's provision
today. Even if our fridge and cupboards are stocked full we should give
thanks for what we have today. Even the breath we breathe today is due to
His will - Job 12:10.
Finally, Psalm 118:24. "This is the
day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it". This verse
interestingly refers primarily to God's gift of deliverance to an individual or
the whole of ancient Israel. We also see in the surrounding verses the Father's
exaltation of the one men rejected, Jesus Christ. Some commentators
though the years have seen this verse as honoring the Sabbath Day. In a
general sense, every day including today is a gift from God. While it's
true that "Rome wasn't built in a day" let's be thankful
for TODAY and use it in some way to accomplish something positive
and spiritually beneficial!
See you Sunday (Lord willing)!
1. According to Hebrews 3: 7 when should we
respond to the Lord's "voice"?
2. What is something we should do today
and every day? Psalm 145:2
3. What does God give fresh and new today
and every day? Lamentations 3:22,23
4 Sometimes, Christians use the phrase
"Lord willing" when speaking of future plans. Consider the
basis for this in James 4:13-17.
5. What should be a part of Christian behavior
today and every day? Hebrews 3:13 (sounds like Growing Stronger to
me
)
6. Read Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 - practical
passage on taking advantage of TODAY.
7. Is there something God is moving in
your heart about today? Is there something you have been putting off that
you could do today? Is there someone whom you could thank, honor, or
encourage today? Jerry Z shared a great challenge to all of us a while
back about taking advantage of today = "Send me flowers now"!
