The Dented Bucket: Be Present, Daily Devotion

"Be Present"

TOMORROW IS NOT HERE,

THE PRESENT IS IN VIEW,

BE IN THE NOW,

THE FUTURE ISN'T DUE.

Do you often find yourself in tomorrow's field without first playing today's game?

Do you find your brain is going over tomorrow's details before today's check list is even completed?

Do you often get to tomorrow without spending quality time in today?

Do you ever get in your car and drive three miles before you realize you are even driving and then wonder how you got there?

Do you worry about tomorrow regarding that sickness, that struggle, being lonely, facing trouble, or feeling broken?

Guess what, we ALL do, in our own way. Guess what else, it's NOT
healthy!

We all face the same road blocks, but how big is your giant, how big do you make the problems of tomorrow overcome your ability to shine today? What memories are you not making because your focus is on keeping yourself from tomorrow's screw-ups? The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:12-13, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

We had our son's 1^st birthday party this weekend and I was busy Friday, getting things ready, Saturday morning cleaning, off to get the cake and last minute details. I rushed around for two days and finally it was time for his party at 3pm. I was so focused on doing everything, making everything perfect, that the party came and went and I didn't even remember all the details. I didn't get many pictures; I was too fast paced in the next moment when I should have been sitting in the present.

We are all guilty of rushing through things becoming so overloaded by our own sinful pleasures that we don't stop and soak in the joy of our surroundings.

You may not understand everything surrounding you and have concerns about tomorrow, but just for the moment you are in, be happy.

Luke 23:43, "And he said to Him, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Job 40:23, "If a river rages, he is not alarmed, he is confident."

We have got to slow down and just be in today. Don't worry about tomorrow, for we are not even secure in knowing if tomorrow will even happen.

Proverbs 27:1, "Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring."

James 4:14, "Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while & then vanishes."

Don't miss today's opportunities to be a blessing to someone else because you are too focused on yourself. Your goals are important, but we are supposed to put others before ourselves.

Philippians 2:3, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."

J JESUS

O OTHERS

Y YOURSELF

Jesus should be 1^st in our lives no matter what. He is our perfect example of how to live our lives. The true & defining statement of being a Christian is putting others ahead of us.

Romans 15:1-2, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."

God knows your desires & the things you need to accomplish tomorrow so don't let those obstacles rob you of your joy today. If you are doing things with your family, then be there, spend time with them. Be ALL there. In mind and in preens. People can tell when your mind is somewhere else and if they sense you are not there, they may feel less important. Your family deserves ALL you have to give them in the NOW!

Matthew 6:34, "So do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."

Avoid distractions that bind you to other opportunities that are less important. Release your mind of storms that may brew up, focus on the sunshine of today. Be attentive to the needs of others and let them see you calm and confident in God's word. If your friends or family always see you running around or unfocused never having time for them you will miss really getting to know them. Somewhere right now there is someone that would love to have a family of their own. To spend time with, to tell them about their day. Don't be so confident in the fullness of your life because as quick as you are moving is the same speed that everything you have can be taken away.

Don't live with the regret in your life of not giving up 10 minutes to share your joy. Listen to what others have to say, take into account their needs, their desires, and what they might need from you. Some people will not come right out and tell you what they need. That is where you are going to have to pay close attention and not miss those opportunities to read between the lines. A cry for help is the #1 unspoken need and it could mean the difference between life and death for some.

Drop everything, be in the NOW!! Giving 10 minutes to another will not completely throw your life off track; God will reward you for your efforts.

John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not let them be afraid."

Whatever your circumstance, God can give you favor. He is the GREAT I AM.

If you are sick he will be your doctor
If you are struggling he will be your provider
If you are worried he will be your peace keeper
If you are lonely he will be your friend
If you are facing trouble he will be your deliverer
If you are broken he will be your favor

Not having time for God becomes "spiritual negligence." Not having enough time or others becomes "personal negligence."

God will get your attention one way or another. He will try to get it simply by requesting you spend time in prayers, and put others first. If you do not fully submit to His request he may be forces to gain your attention in a way that "forces" you to your knees. When you are on your knees the only place you can go is up. God will make it so that the only attention you crave is His blessings mixed with healing.

Don't get too busy for God or the amazing support system God has placed in your life right now. Be in tune to the needs of those around you. Listen to what they are speaking and what they are not speaking, but merely showing through their actions.

Matthew 4:4, "Man doesn't live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Matthew 6:27, "Who of your by worrying can add a single hour to this life?"

Be resolved to live fully, freely, and joyfully.

John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal & kill & destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest."

Release the stressors of tomorrow, focus on today. Find strength for your busy schedule through God's grace & favor. Plant your feet evenly apart, and lift your hands in prayer. With your tightly clinched fists, slowly open up your hands filled with all your worries & fears, look up and slowly open your hands to God, releasing everything that is binding you down at the moment.