2020 Daily Devotion - Day 181

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For some reason, it is often difficult to live in the moment. We are sometimes haunted by the past. It might be something someone did to us and damaged us as a child. Or, it might be worries we have about the future. Sometimes it is both. In terms of the past and the future, it can often be useful to seek professional counseling, because through talk therapy, it is amazing how just talking out loud about those things can give us freedom and healing. 

The truth is, the past nor the future define us. We are meant to live today. God is the author of life and He has given it to you to live today. You are meant to live to the fullest on this day.

The great cartoonist Bill Keane who developed the cartoon, “The Family Circus”, put it this way:

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”

Psalm 118:24 ESV
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

God has given you the gift of today. Now, live it to the maximum. Don’t take short cuts. Don’t let the past taint it or the fear of the future spoil it. God is truly in charge and you can move forward – TODAY.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of today. Since You are the giver of this gift, You will provide all we need to live today to completeness. Give us a “holy boldness” to do the positive and wholesome things You are calling us to fulfill. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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