The Gift of Today

May 4, 2020 Monday Message:

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

Every 24 hours God gives us a new day, but it’s up to each of us to make the most of it. Each day is a free gift from God, but if you had to buy it, would you be getting your money’s worth?

Each morning God gives you a yellow pad, and at the top it says “Agenda” or “Things To Do Today.” You can fill the page with anything you choose – good things, bad things, fun things, stupid things – anything! Start numbering down the left side of the page, and then fill in all the lines.

You want to put God first on the list, which is as it should be. Then perhaps something for the Kingdom, and something for your home church. Maybe spend time with someone still searching for the Lord. Take a meal to a shut-in. Help out at the food shelf. Facilitate a small group or Bible study. Tithe. Offer a ride to someone who can no longer drive. Put good stuff on your agenda.

Perhaps in your old life you had some bad things on your list. For the moment, don’t worry about that. Just keep adding good things to the top of the list. Pretty soon the bad things will get pushed off the bottom. “Yes, Satan, it sounds like it might be fun to sin, but I just can’t find the time! My calendar is full with all the good stuff!”

In the musical “The Music Man,” Professor Harold Hill sang, “The idle brain is the devil’s playground!” Never were those words more true than during our current shelter-in-place pandemic. As Christians, we should do everything possible to keep our brothers and sisters connected, and to give each other’s lives structure. We’ll get through this easily if we’re part of a team, and the accomplishments of our team give our lives purpose.

So get your money’s worth out of each day. Fill up your agenda with the good stuff. Love God, love your family and love your neighbor.

May the Lord keep his hand on you and your loved ones during these trying times.

Blessings,

Norton Lawellin, Worship Pastor

Jesus in the City Fellowship.

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406