January 8, 2021
And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain-- for He says, "AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU." Behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION"-- (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)
Today
Of all the days we live, the bottom line of the whole matter is that we only have today. This is why the Scripture says that now is the acceptable time. It is an affirmation that we live in the present. The past is gone. The future may never arrive. But now is here.
Now is the only time we can accept and it is the only time acceptable to God. The question we must answer is: What are we going to do with now? Now is the only time we really have direct influence on and God knows that.
How are you spending now? Are you either living in the past or the future? Are there things you have been putting off until tomorrow---things which you should be doing today? Are you sitting back thinking that there will come that perfect situation which will enable you to be involved? It will never come.
This is the message we need to hear at this time of year. We must live in the now in 2021, because it is the only time we have. Be thankful for the lessons of the past. Thank God for whatever future there is awaiting us - and TRUST HIM. But live now.
We must live now in terms of our personal lives and also in terms of the church. You see, we cannot simply wait for the future to come upon us. If this year is going to be lived for Jesus, it must be lived one day at a time. Every day will be today. The only time we will have to live will be now.
So, there are no resolutions to make other than the decision to live now. And the questions which you need to answer today have to do with what God is telling you to do now.
So, what are the issues which you need to deal with today? Are there sins you need to confess today? "Today is the day of salvation." God's forgiveness awaits you today if you will come to Him.
In terms of your commitment to your church, what is the Lord telling you to do today? This church is you, and is only as strong as you allow it to be by your commitment and service. Are you involved, committed, active, alive, pressing-in, dedicated, and dependable?
Are you involved in the ministry of this church by giving of your time, talents, and tithe? Without your support the ministry the church may not die, but you will certainly not receive the joy of being a part of God’s work through it. And if you are not giving to the Lord's work, both of yourself and His tithe, then you are robbing God of what is His and robbing yourselves of the blessing God will give to you.
Of all the plans you have made for your future and the future of your family, what needs to be done today? Will there be any positive change in tomorrow because of what you are doing today? A vision is merely a dream without goals and goals will not be made without plans. So, what is your plan for today.
What is the Lord touching in your life today? What will you do about it?
Whatever you do, you must do now. It is the only time you have.
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
