Every morning we each wake up with a certain mindset. It usually sets the tone for the day and determines how we respond to the events of the day. I understand certain events can change during the day, which may change our emotions, but it should not change our mindset. For instance, as I woke today I thought of several who are seriously ill. One will probably not make it through the day. While this is a painful day for those who are close to this person, it will be a glorious day for the one that is sick. She has lived her life to please her Savior and will soon be with Him. It is at this moment, I must be determined to think about what pleases God. The more we think this way the more we will understand His purpose in each event of the day. The more we will be able to worship throughout the day, and the more we will be able to influence others for the cause of Christ.
First, how do you wake up? What is your first thought? Is it oh no, I have to get up and …… you finish the sentence. Each day God gives us, should be a day to rejoice in who He is. Christians should always be rejoicing in their heart no matter what the circumstances. Death may come, and horrible circumstances may arise, but we know that these things only last for a season. They are not the end, nor do they define our future. They should cause us to rejoice even more because we have something to help us that the world can’t offer. It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Does the day always bring a bright cheery feeling? No! However, the more we know about Christ, the more we should be able to rejoice in the midst of pain. Place your focus on Him, and His love for you. Think of the ultimate future with Him. Think of so many others who are far worse off than you. Think of those who have never heard of Jesus or those who are doomed to Hell, because of their choices. Living out Psalm 118:24 is a choice!
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Second, seek to serve others not yourself! We are to do good to others. At no time are we more like Christ than when we are selfless servants. God is well pleased with this attitude. We do not “have to do,” but rather, “we get to do,” because we love. It is a detriment to our testimony when we go about our lives as if our family is the only one important to us. Our service to others is a way to prove that our commitment to Jesus is real. In James 2:14-17, it is clear that we show what is in our heart by the way we act.
James 2:14-17 “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
Hebrews 13:16 “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
Did you wake up today ready to “show” your faith? Are you looking for opportunities to show Christ’s love to someone? It doesn’t need to be a big showy exhibition. We somehow have come to believe our show of love and servanthood needs to be big. That does not come from God, that comes from our egotistical attitude of wanting to be noticed. That is anti-God! Jesus said that even giving a cup of cold water was being a servant. If we look around he will provide the opportunity every day. It may be something as simple as a kind word to a family member or allowing someone to go ahead of you in a grocery store. I think if you look for opportunities you will find plenty of ways to serve. It’s up to you to decide if you are going to approach and live your day God’s way, or your way. God will not forget your labor of love nor will he forget the lack of it!
Third, seek to tell others about Jesus. This is one way we can really have a great day in the Lord. Nothing is so exciting as telling someone about Jesus. Nothing thrills my soul like leading someone to Christ. I realize the opportunity to lead someone to Christ comes seldom, but the opportunity to tell someone should come often. We must, “purpose in our heart” to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and jump in when he gives us the opportunity to weave Christ into our conversation. It may be something as simple as teaching your children throughout the day about God. You can weave him into almost every conversation. When looking at a bug or a beautiful flower you can teach about creation. When eating you can teach them about being thankful, about giving, by making something to take to a neighbor, about sin when they don’t obey, and about God’s love when you embrace them and forgive them for doing wrong.
No matter where, or how, we seek to tell others about Jesus we need to do it. Nothing thrills Heaven more than someone giving their life to Christ. The angels rejoice when that happens.
Luke 15:10 “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
While you may not witness the person you speak with today become a Christian, you will have a part in their salvation in God’s eyes if they do accept Him. You were a seed sower, a waterer, or a reaper in the harvest.
Determining you will seek to tell others about Christ is also an act of obedience. It will give you a real purpose for the day that will last forever.
God did not suggest that we rejoice in the day He has given us, it is a statement to do it. How will you obey today? Will you purpose in your heart, that you will seek hard after the Lord to serve Him and please Him in every day that He gives you? It is His day, whether you acknowledge it or not. However, when you embrace each day as His day and rejoice that you have the gift of that day, you will be the one who benefits from it.
