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Listen while you read: "Praise Him All Ye Little Children"1 (Lyrics) |
Time is a continuum of the past, the present, and the future. We can learn from things that happened in the past, but we can never return to relive the past. It is history!
We spend much time and effort trying to influence the future. It is good to plan ahead, but it is easy to fall into the trap of worrying about things that we can't control. Jesus said:
Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NIV)
All we ever have is the present, and that is where we should always be willing to take action.
I have a niece who is an experienced doctor. Some months ago, when discussing a heart problem that I have, she said, "It is life-limiting but not life-threatening." She was telling me to be positive and active and not to worry about things that I can't control.
At all ages, we have challenges, but today — in the present — it is our challenge to actively show our love for God by demonstrating love for others.
A neighbour in my residence hangs a plaque with sayings on his door each day. The day when I was writing this devotional, the plaque was entitled, The Clock of Life:
- The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hand will stop
At late or early hour.
Now is the only time you own.
Live, love, and toil with a will.
Place no faith in tomorrow,
For the clock may then be still.
Some years ago, I was given a book by Dr. Spencer Johnson entitled The Precious Present. The writer sets out the truth that we all have the gift of the present with which to do something.
The Book of Ecclesiastes is very thought-provoking. I particularly like these verses:
Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 – Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is meaningless. (NIV)
The most significant action that we each have to take is to accept the gift of Jesus as our Saviour. Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 NIV)
2 Corinthians 6:1-3 – As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. (NLT)
Prayer: Dear Father, help us to realize the importance of now. Help us to take action, first in accepting the gift of Your Son and our Saviour, and then in sharing Your love daily in our actions with others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Thursday, April 18, 2024 – In East Asia — Pray for more partners who become trainers in our house church planting network in East Asia. We are asking God for around ten of these trainers for each district in our region. May the Lord grant them courage in their next step of faith.
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Well said Vincent!
Blessings.
Enjoyed your devotional so much!
The Lord bless you.
Great inspiration for today, Vincent.
Thank you. I will show God’s love to others.
A great post as always. Thank you and God bless, Vincent!
Thank you, Vincent, for sharing this meaningful devotional with us. Blessings.
Thanks once more, Vincent, for sharing the joys and happiness of your life with us all.
Brother Vince, I enjoyed today’s devotional very much, you have such a beautiful writing style thank you!
Thank you for your wisdom as you share those special scriptures and poem. Keep on writing and encouraging us in our journey.
Thanks for this, Vince. It’s a timely reminder!
Bless you and your love for your neighbor!
(BC)
Hello
This is a very good devotional. So true, to live each moment God gives us!! God bless you as you shine the light of Jesus where ever you are!
As we age, I think we worry more over every ache and pain and think, I will wait until tomorrow until l feel better, but then the opportunities of the present may escape us.
Thanks for your insights.
Greetings Vince,
My thanks for another of your excellent devotionals. Truly we must live each day with love and obedience to our loving God and do good each day that we have. Blessings for your inspiring writings.
(B.C.)
Good morning,
I am now a very old lady, 90 years old.
Thank you for your thought-provoking devotional, especially the poem.
My Grandmother used to say that whenever we were wanting haste for something.
It has brought back lovely memories.
I enjoy the thought-provoking devotional.
Bless you for all the devotionals you take time to write.
God be with you.
Blessings.
Thank you, Vincent for these thoughtful and lovely reminders of living in the moment.
(BC)
Hello Rtn. Vince
Thank you for the Daily Devotional. The theme of your message “Time For Action” certainly fitted in well with the conversations and presentations at Rotary International held recently.
As you pointed out so well in this Daily Devotional now is the Time for Action. It is important in Rotary, but it is even more important in our daily lives. There is so much good that can be done but we just don’t know how long we have to do it. So, as you suggest, we better get at it while we have been given the TIME.
Sincere Thanks.