Dear God, my Father, I've learned a lot this week about how I ought to pray and to live in the right now. I'm learning not to waste energy lamenting bad things over which I have exactly zero control. I promise to pray about these matters, but to the best of my ability, I refuse to let them haunt my thoughts. Instead, with Your constant help and attention, I promise to use my energies to do what I can to brighten the place where You have put me today. Keep on reminding me that today is all I have. Help me redeem this day for Your glory and Your Kingdom. Even so, come, LORD Jesus. I pray in Your holy name. Amen.
Verses for Today:
For living in the present:
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." — Matthew 6:34
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." — Psalm 90:12
For focusing energy wisely:
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." — Philippians 4:8
For redeeming the time:
"Redeem the time, because the days are evil." — Ephesians 5:16
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time." — Ephesians 5:15-16
For brightening your place:
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:16
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." — Colossians 3:23
For Christ's return:
"Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" — Revelation 22:20
Devotional Thought
Brothers and sisters, here's what I've learned this week: Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow—it empties today of its strength. Lamenting what I can't control is a luxury I can't afford. Playing 'oh, aint it awful' is not one of the Gifts of the Spirit. I've got today. I've got this place where God planted me. I've got His strength to do the work right here, right now. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Today is mine to redeem.
