“Live in the moment.” What does that mean? No matter what age you are, time passes quickly–too quickly. Do you ever feel that way? An act of violence, a tragic accident, a devastating illness can affect our lives at any moment. How can you make the most of each day? How can you live in the moment and make each day count for eternity? Here are ten ways that might help you get started:
1. Approach each day as if it were your first–and your last.
Living with thanksgiving, wonder and joy, yet with a sense of purpose and urgency can balance those gray activities that seem to take you nowhere–and help point you in the direction of what really matters for eternity.
2. Begin and end the day with Jesus.
Is there any other way to live? The apostle Paul said it well: “For to me, to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21 NIV). With Him, there is sweet fellowship like no other.
3. Make love your aim.
Ask the Lord to fill you with His love daily and for opportunities to share it with others. Even in a hate-filled environment, love can break down impossible walls. So many still don’t know how much God really loves them, and they are dying to know. Literally. Be willing to serve God and others wherever He asks you to.
4. Be prepared to share a reason for the hope that is in you.
God may be preparing someone to ask you. Everyone needs hope, and everyone is looking for it. Be ready to share the blessed hope that comes from knowing Jesus. Whether it’s a salvation testimony, wise counsel, or an encouraging word, you can make a difference in someone’s life.
5. Cast all your worries and anxieties on God every day, every hour, and every minute.
We add nothing to our lives by worrying. And we can shorten them if we refuse to let go of this nagging, destructive habit. Trusting God in every big and small matter builds confidence in a Faithful God Who is always in control. Jesus invites us to come and rest in Him (Matthew 11:28).
6. Pray without ceasing – for yourself and for others.
Whether you whisper a prayer, cry out to the Lord, or groan because words remain lodged in your heart, you can remain in an attitude of prayer all day, every day. And to God, it’s the heart of the pray-er that matters most to God, not the content of the prayer.
7. Treat every person as if they are special and as if they matter.
They are. And they do. Everyone matters to God. And every person on earth will meet God and give an account of his life on earth in eternity. You can make a difference by building up others, not tearing them down.
8. Praise God for every success, thank Him for every disappointment or challenge, and ask forgiveness for every failure.
Crediting God and praising Him reduces pride and arrogance. We can do nothing without Him. An attitude of gratitude – giving God thanks in everything – can turn our disappointments and challenges into valuable lessons and produce perseverance in our lives. And all of us will experience failure many times in our lives. But accepting God’s forgiveness and allowing Him to change harmful patterns moves us into a pathway of blessing and fellowship with Him. Sin breaks fellowship. Forgiveness restores.
9. Make a stand for what is good and right, even if you stand alone.
The principles in God’s Word give us the guidance and counsel we need to make right decisions. Stand respectfully, joyfully, and with integrity based on convictions, not preferences. And remember God is the One who changes hearts, not us.
10. Ask God daily for wisdom on how to make each day count for Him and for eternity.
We all have 24 hours in a day. But God doesn’t reveal how long we will live on this earth. Enjoy every moment He gives you, every blessing, and every God-ordained opportunity, always seeking to honor Him in the process. But remember this world is not your real home. Live each day with wisdom, knowing it could be your last.
What Would You Add?
What additional things would you add that might help us live in the moment and for eternity?
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord Jesus,
Make us wiser than our years, and teach us how to live each day with purpose, joy, and integrity. Help us make each day count for You and for eternity. Show us the path not of least resistance, but the road of courage, obedience, and love. With all we are and all that You are making of us, use us to make a difference in our world–now, and for eternity. You are the One we live for. You are the One we adore. You are the One we love.
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
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