This Is the Day - Encouragement for Today - September 19, 2018
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September 19, 2018 |
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
During college and early in my professional career, I felt crushing pressure to perform at my best.
But I’ve gained a new perspective and come to realize, winning that trophy or knocking the ball out of the park is not what matters most.
More than achieving success in this world or doing well in my career, I want to be a believer. A believer, first and foremost, in God. I also want to be a believer in my teammates, in my abilities and a believer in why I’m here. A believer who’s ultimately working for the Lord and serving His purposes, more than anything else.
Think about the people you encounter in your life. Ever notice how some are life-givers and others are life-takers?
Every opportunity we have with someone is an opportunity to influence that person for the good. To give life, not just take it. Because whether we realize it or not, people are watching us. What we say and what we do matters. When we live with purpose, we can make a difference that can leave a lasting impact.
Are you taking enough leaps of faith in your spiritual life that you put what you have on the line so God can show up in a big way? I know it can be hard to do, but it’s always worth the reward. Often, we live so cautiously that we never give God a chance to come through.
You don’t have to have a dream to play professional sports or rule the world. Risk what you have for the sake of helping other people and see what God can do in your life and in others’. Put yourself out there, and do something that might terrify you or make you uncomfortable … like sharing your testimony for the first time or telling a stranger God loves her.
Remember that whatever you do, your main audience is God, not others. That’s why in Colossians, the Apostle Paul reminds us to put our whole heart into everything we do, with God’s purposes in mind. We’re called to live life for God’s glory, as Colossians 3:23 explains: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
I’ve been around so many people who are what I like to call, “one day-ers.” As in, One day, I’m going to go on a missions trip. Or, One day I’m going to tell my dad I love him. Or even, One day I’m going to have a life of purpose.
The only problem with that is, we simply don’t know how many days we will have. And that is why it’s so important to live each day as if it’s the last day you and I have. I know it sounds cliché, but imagine if we did that?
Although pursuing my dreams and giving them everything I’ve got is important, life is about more than just crushing every game. It’s about believing that God can do something significant in whatever your hands find to do — according to His purposes. This is true whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, an executive running meetings, a college student studying for exams or a retiree mentoring the next generation.
This is the day to let God do just that, even when you least expect it.
Dear God, help me to dream dreams that are too big for me to accomplish on my own. I want to have Your purpose in mind, no matter what I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (NKJV)
1 John 4:11, “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” (NLT)
Ephesians 5:16a, “Make the most of every opportunity.” (NLT)
RELATED RESOURCES:
To read more stories and inspiration about living today with purpose, check out Tim Tebow’s newest book, This Is the Day: Reclaim Your Dream. Ignite Your Passion. Live Your Purpose. You can order a copy of it or simply sneak a peek at the book’s first chapter when you visit his website.
CONNECT:
Want to try and win your very own copy of This Is the Day by Tim Tebow? To celebrate the launch of Tim’s brand-new book, his publisher is giving away 5 copies! Just share your thoughts here in our comments section, and you’ll automatically be entered to win. {We’ll randomly select the winners and notify each one via our comments section by Monday, September 24.}
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
As a child of God, what’s one risk (big or small) you could take in your life today that reflects your desire to serve Him above all else?
© 2018 by Timothy R. Tebow. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks WaterBrook & Multnomah for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.
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