Each Day is a Gift

"This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:23-24

Just moments before I was planning to sit down to work, my phone rang.

I have individual ringtones for my various inner circles so I know if I need to go running, even if I'm in the midst of flow for something important. On this occasion, it was a ringtone seldom heard... the standard any number song.

My curiosity was piqued, so I did run for it.

Y'all, can I just say... God is so good.

On the other end of my phone was one of my spiritual mentors, one of the people I would model my faith-walk after if it wasn't for the fact that there's only one man I'm supposed to model after.

He said something along the lines of, "I know I normally text, but I just thought, no, today I'm going to call."

You know how sometimes you just need a soul-hug? This man has a particular gift for bestowing the kind of beatific energy/presence that grants just such a blessing.

We spoke of many things.

We talked about the mandate of believers to love their neighbors, no matter what they believe or where they stand in the world.

We spoke of the privilege it is to be a vessel of and conduit for the love of God. (We're simply human after all, so we're not going to get it right on our own the way we would and could if we would simply allow ourselves to be used.)

We relished the realities of sharing Godly love, one believer to another.

But, when we were speaking of the challenges of this world and what it is to seek in prayer the path He would have us take and walk it out in obedience, he said to me... My father used to tell me all the time, each day is a gift. It's a gift! Whatever path He has you on. I just had my 76th birthday and I still remember each morning that every single day is a gift. Everyday! And, I really live the truth of it. We must remember that His mercies are new each morning and each and every day truly is a gift, an opportunity to live in His joy and peace, to share His grace and mercy and love. (That was paraphrased and I know I didn't get it just right, but the heart of it is true.)

What a blessing to be reminded of the fresh freedom of every single day, to be nudged just a little further down this road I'm called to be on by a man whose heart is so very for the Father.

I hope that reminder and encouragement are now effectively passed along to you!

He also reminded me of the indescribable connection each of us has to the Creator. When we communicate with Him and really get in touch with the power of that connection, it leaves us breathless. It's such a privilege. An experience that transcends words or explanation.

And all of it is just a glimpse of what it is to be in relationship with Him and to stand for Him.

We live in a challenging time on planet earth and in current common culture for people of faith. Thank God, in most parts of the world we still have the right to stand and speak, but it's not often well received. So, as people of faith in the world, perhaps we can all benefit from my phone call with a precious wise counselor.

Let us remember...

... to love our neighbor well, no matter who they are.

... to love our companions on this journey of faith, that we might fill each other up.

... to connect deeply, in soul-moving ways with the Creator of all creation.

... to know the privilege it is to belong to Him, to walk in His ways, to live it up and live it out.

... to stand powerfully as children of God in a weary world, spreading salt and light.

... to remember that His mercies are new each morning and live each day revitalized.

And,

... to truly know in our bones that each day is a gift from the Maker of the heavens and the earth.

It really is such a privilege to be here and to be His, to live this life in partnership with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. May we remember the TRUTH of that day by day and allow it to infuse our every heartbeat with His presence, both within and in the way we show up in the world.

Abba Father,

I can't think of better words to round out this message than the Stewards Prayer. I honestly don't know who wrote it or where it came from, but I imagine they won't mind if I borrow it here today. I pray on behalf of all of Your children that You would be present and clear each and every day, that our hearts would cry out for the answer to these words and when we receive Your answers, that we would live by them...

"Lord,

What do You want me to do today with all You've trusted me with? To honor You? And, to advance Your kingdom?"

Thank You, God, that each day is a gift from You, filled with promise and potential, and most of all, Your presence. Thank You for helping us remember that, always.

Heavenly Father, this we pray, day-by-day, in the name of Your Son,

Amen.

"Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" ~ Lamentations 3:21-23

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow." ~ James 1:17

"Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." ~ Genesis 2:7

May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.

Bonus song of praise... ♥

Sharables! ...and, hey, thanks for sharing. ♥

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