Think hard before you act today,
because the way you act will determine multiple outcomes
for you and others.
because the way you act will determine multiple outcomes
for you and others.
Showing posts with label today. Show all posts
Showing posts with label today. Show all posts
Monday 7 November 2011
Tuesday 8 June 2010
The Bible is a today book
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| Open bible 01 01 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
"The Bible says little to us about what to do tomorrow. It is a today book.
‘now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’
and ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts’.
Let us be today people.
Share the gospel today. Read the Word today.
Help the poor today. Share a caring word or act today.
Let us do this then, when tomorrow is today, let us do it all again."
Alan Hermann
Sunday 1 November 2009
Look for today
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Humility about the future! We don't control tomorrow. At other times in our lives we may have taken tomorrow for granted; not so anymore. Tomorrow may not come. Tomorrow something horrible could happen. Tomorrow everything we possess could be gone. In the face of these discouraging possibilities, is there anything positive we can hold onto? Absolutely! We know that God holds tomorrow in his hands. We know that because our life is hidden with Christ in God (cf. Col. 3:1-4) our tomorrow is secure. It might not be what we expect. It might not go as we planned. But, it will go as God determines and it will end up with us sharing in his comfort, victory, and glory.
Father, my tomorrows all rest in your hands. I ask that I can be useful to you today; courageous enough not to worry about tomorrow, and loyal enough to not waver in my love for you and my commitment to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
- Proverbs 27:1, New International Version
Humility about the future! We don't control tomorrow. At other times in our lives we may have taken tomorrow for granted; not so anymore. Tomorrow may not come. Tomorrow something horrible could happen. Tomorrow everything we possess could be gone. In the face of these discouraging possibilities, is there anything positive we can hold onto? Absolutely! We know that God holds tomorrow in his hands. We know that because our life is hidden with Christ in God (cf. Col. 3:1-4) our tomorrow is secure. It might not be what we expect. It might not go as we planned. But, it will go as God determines and it will end up with us sharing in his comfort, victory, and glory.
“1 So, if all of you have been raised up together with the Christ, continue seeking those things above, where the Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. {Psalm 110:1} 2 Continue thinking about things above, and do not keep thinking about earthly things. 3 For all of you died and your life is carefully concealed with the Christ in union with The God. 4 Whenever the Christ–our Life–becomes visible, then all of you, also, together with him, will become visible in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4 MHM)
Father, my tomorrows all rest in your hands. I ask that I can be useful to you today; courageous enough not to worry about tomorrow, and loyal enough to not waver in my love for you and my commitment to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday 17 July 2009
Foundation to go the distance
“Rather, encourage one another every day as long as we call it “Today.” [Do this] so that none of you ever become hardened by the seduction of sin. For in reality we only become partakers of the Christ if we hold on to the fundamentals we had at the beginning steadfast until the finish.” (Heb 3:13-14 MHM)
“Also, may we show consideration to one another, stirring up like a fire among ourselves compassionate affection and good works. May we not quit our assembling together in meetings as is the custom of some persons. Rather, continue to be encouraging, and so much more as you behold the Day drawing closer.” (Heb 10:24-25 MHM)
“On the subject of showing benevolent empathy for the brothers you do not need us to write to you, for all of you are God-taught to continue to have compassionate affection for one another. And surely you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we encourage all of you, brothers, to keep doing it even more.” (1Th 4:9-10 MHM)
“In addition, brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who are sleeping [in death]. That you do not persist in grieving as everyone else does who are without hope. For if our conviction is that Jesus died and rose again, just so, also, those who have fallen asleep believing in Jesus, The God will gather together and lead to [Jesus].” (1Th 4:13-14 MHM)
“And so all of you continue to comfort one another with these words.” (1Th 4:18 MHM)
“In response to the above, holy “brothers” –partakers of a heavenly calling–thoughtfully consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.” (Heb 3:1 MHM)
“Also, may we show consideration to one another, stirring up like a fire among ourselves compassionate affection and good works. May we not quit our assembling together in meetings as is the custom of some persons. Rather, continue to be encouraging, and so much more as you behold the Day drawing closer.” (Heb 10:24-25 MHM)
“On the subject of showing benevolent empathy for the brothers you do not need us to write to you, for all of you are God-taught to continue to have compassionate affection for one another. And surely you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we encourage all of you, brothers, to keep doing it even more.” (1Th 4:9-10 MHM)
“In addition, brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who are sleeping [in death]. That you do not persist in grieving as everyone else does who are without hope. For if our conviction is that Jesus died and rose again, just so, also, those who have fallen asleep believing in Jesus, The God will gather together and lead to [Jesus].” (1Th 4:13-14 MHM)
“And so all of you continue to comfort one another with these words.” (1Th 4:18 MHM)
“In response to the above, holy “brothers” –partakers of a heavenly calling–thoughtfully consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.” (Heb 3:1 MHM)
“[You were taught] to put away the old person–that is, your former course of conduct–who was corrupted by seductive desires.” (Eph 4:22 MHM)
“Therefore, continue to comfort one another and building one another up just as you continue to do.” (1Th 5:11 MHM)
“preach the Word urgently in season or out of season, convince, reprove, and encourage with all tolerance and art of teaching.” (2Ti 4:2 MHM)
“Therefore, continue to comfort one another and building one another up just as you continue to do.” (1Th 5:11 MHM)
“preach the Word urgently in season or out of season, convince, reprove, and encourage with all tolerance and art of teaching.” (2Ti 4:2 MHM)
“In contrast, Christ as a Son [was faithful] over [God’s] House. We [“brothers”] are the House of that One–but only if we continue steadfast in our confident boasting regarding the Hope until a finish.” (Heb 3:6 MHM)
“But, “faith” is hoping for something, [hoping for] the reality of things without visible proof.” (Heb 11:1 MHM)
“But, “faith” is hoping for something, [hoping for] the reality of things without visible proof.” (Heb 11:1 MHM)
“For, indeed, these [human fathers] disciplined us for a few days according to what seemed [right] to them. However, [the Spiritual Father] does so for our benefit that we may partake of His holiness.” (Heb 12:10 MHM)
“But rather all of you continue to rejoice because of sharing in the sufferings of the Christ, so that you might also rejoice in exultation at the revelation of his glory.” (1Pe 4:13 MHM)
“That is that the non-Jews are to be joint heirs–and joint body [members] and joint partakers of the promise incorporate in Jesus Christ through the good news.” (Eph 3:6 MHM)
“But Christ as a son over his own house: whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” (Heb 3:6 Webster)
“But rather all of you continue to rejoice because of sharing in the sufferings of the Christ, so that you might also rejoice in exultation at the revelation of his glory.” (1Pe 4:13 MHM)
“That is that the non-Jews are to be joint heirs–and joint body [members] and joint partakers of the promise incorporate in Jesus Christ through the good news.” (Eph 3:6 MHM)
“But Christ as a son over his own house: whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” (Heb 3:6 Webster)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1 Webster)
Monday 6 July 2009
It is Today
It is Today
Today has come as yesterday
we said if our Lord still tarries,
then during the daylight hours
yet for some
in the darkness of night,
to His Judgement seat
we have been borne.
And in the midst of a great multitude gathered
I seem to stand alone
waiting for my name to be spoken
by the righteous Judge.
It is today.
Yet sometimes I am distracted
in this waiting,
and from the reflections of my past
as I watch as others are granted
the prize, eternal life.
Still more and more distractions and
then on seeing some
who have slept
within the earthy bowels
awaiting trumpet sound.
Was I at times reproachful
of those who'd run their race?
In the Judge's mind
they yet now have
received their immortal place.
It is today.
Another in the midst of the throng
I had not seen for years.
What was his name, I can't recall
and ponder why he left.
A lonely man who found God's truth
then oft times more alone
and 'though this pearl of great price he found
not so with those "in Christ".
And hearsay among some brethren
had I ever played a part
a destructive little past time
which human nature loves.
And those who longed to be a part
did I yet cast aside, and considered them not worthy
to be in company of the bride.
It is today.
And the brethren that offended me
did I put this in the past
and forgiven and forgotten
or harboured till this day.
Did I rejoice in things of beauty
the preaching of His word
to all the world around us
the coming of our Lord.
And on and on I go
with reflections of the past
of circumstance that may have changed
or no, it just won't be.
Pardon? My name has been called
I must stand before His seat, the righteous Judge,
probation is now past.
It is today.
-------
1999 Kay McGrath
Today has come as yesterday
we said if our Lord still tarries,
then during the daylight hours
yet for some
in the darkness of night,
to His Judgement seat
we have been borne.
And in the midst of a great multitude gathered
I seem to stand alone
waiting for my name to be spoken
by the righteous Judge.
It is today.
Yet sometimes I am distracted
in this waiting,
and from the reflections of my past
as I watch as others are granted
the prize, eternal life.
Still more and more distractions and
then on seeing some
who have slept
within the earthy bowels
awaiting trumpet sound.
Was I at times reproachful
of those who'd run their race?
In the Judge's mind
they yet now have
received their immortal place.
It is today.
Another in the midst of the throng
I had not seen for years.
What was his name, I can't recall
and ponder why he left.
A lonely man who found God's truth
then oft times more alone
and 'though this pearl of great price he found
not so with those "in Christ".
And hearsay among some brethren
had I ever played a part
a destructive little past time
which human nature loves.
And those who longed to be a part
did I yet cast aside, and considered them not worthy
to be in company of the bride.
It is today.
And the brethren that offended me
did I put this in the past
and forgiven and forgotten
or harboured till this day.
Did I rejoice in things of beauty
the preaching of His word
to all the world around us
the coming of our Lord.
And on and on I go
with reflections of the past
of circumstance that may have changed
or no, it just won't be.
Pardon? My name has been called
I must stand before His seat, the righteous Judge,
probation is now past.
It is today.
-------
1999 Kay McGrath
Friday 30 January 2009
Man's plans prevailed by God's purpose
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. - Proverbs 19:21, New International Version
Dutch version / Nederlands > Gekoesterde plannen volgens God plan uitgeoerd
"What are your plans for today?" If you are like me, you prayerfully try to plan your day. You make appointments with people in the future so you can address their needs, hear their concerns, or discuss issues and projects. But, we need to always live humbly, recognizing that none of our plans will be of value unless those plans come from the Father! Holy God and righteous Father, please bless me as I seek to discern your will in my decisions today. I recognize that each breath that I take is a gift and that each success is because of your grace. Please use me to your glory and help me find your path for my life. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
2013 update:
Friday 26 December 2008
Rejoicing in the day
—This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (v. 24)
Believers should live in a state of rejoicing because believers have a unique comfort. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ know that there is a purpose and meaning to life. We didn't crawl out of the primordial slime and are simply trying to be among the fittest that survive. We also know that our future is solidly in the hands of our Creator. We also know that our past misdeeds are forgiven. We can move forward by living in today because both the past and the future are taken care of.
The Lord made this day. Perhaps the meaning of this is simply that God caused the sun to rise and shine. Let me suggest another possible meaning too. Maybe the "day" the Lord has made is the circumstances in our lives. Maybe what we are being told that this day with all of its joy and all of its challenges is a gift from God to be enjoyed.
How sad is it for those who cannot rejoice in today because they want yesterday to be different than it was or are worried about tomorrow. Don't you know people like that? They are miserable today because of something someone did or said to them in the past. They are miserable today because they think something bad could happen in the future. Both past and future are God's business, not ours. God has given us today and today only to rejoice and be glad in. We should never let the past or future interfere with our present rejoicing. We can only do one thing at a time in the moment we are in. Whatever moment God has given us—whatever task God has given us—let us do it unto the Lord and savor it.
I sometimes ask worrywarts why they are giving up today for something that MIGHT happen in the future. Isn't the real enemy our diabolos or lack of faith? If we can change our thinking, wouldn't we be much better off? We can rejoice here and now.
Tucker
+++
2016 update
Believers should live in a state of rejoicing because believers have a unique comfort. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ know that there is a purpose and meaning to life. We didn't crawl out of the primordial slime and are simply trying to be among the fittest that survive. We also know that our future is solidly in the hands of our Creator. We also know that our past misdeeds are forgiven. We can move forward by living in today because both the past and the future are taken care of.
The Lord made this day. Perhaps the meaning of this is simply that God caused the sun to rise and shine. Let me suggest another possible meaning too. Maybe the "day" the Lord has made is the circumstances in our lives. Maybe what we are being told that this day with all of its joy and all of its challenges is a gift from God to be enjoyed.
How sad is it for those who cannot rejoice in today because they want yesterday to be different than it was or are worried about tomorrow. Don't you know people like that? They are miserable today because of something someone did or said to them in the past. They are miserable today because they think something bad could happen in the future. Both past and future are God's business, not ours. God has given us today and today only to rejoice and be glad in. We should never let the past or future interfere with our present rejoicing. We can only do one thing at a time in the moment we are in. Whatever moment God has given us—whatever task God has given us—let us do it unto the Lord and savor it.
I sometimes ask worrywarts why they are giving up today for something that MIGHT happen in the future. Isn't the real enemy our diabolos or lack of faith? If we can change our thinking, wouldn't we be much better off? We can rejoice here and now.
So do not worry; do not say, `What are we to eat? What are we to drink? What are we to wear?' It is the gentiles who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all. Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God's saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt. 6:31-34 NJB)
Have a great week, Tucker+++
2016 update
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