March 31 - "Today"

Greetings Internet Campus,

This week we are going to look at last weekend's message about getting the most out of your day.

"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be full of joy and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24, NLV

My wife was once asked by a student..."Do you think God makes each day one at a time...or has He made them all already?" Good question. I've been thinking about that question for over 10 years and have come to this conclusion...it doesn't matter.

All I need to know is that God made today.

Let's dig out the verse a little. It addresses two elements of a typical day.

1) God is in control - He made today. He knows what's coming...and what the results will be. He makes the sun come up...the tide come in and out...and your heart beat. He tells you not to worry because tomorrow's got enough worry for itself. He will care for your needs...hear your prayers...give you strength...bless you with wisdom...and allow you to rest. He is good all the time. He made today and He is in control of it. Never lose sight of that...

2) I need to be joyful that God made today for me - Notice I didn't use the word "happy" here. Happy is a temporary feeling. Eating that last bite of cheesecake or catching the bus makes me happy. God gives me joy. Look closely at the verse...we need to be "full of joy" and "be glad" about each and everyday. What's the difference between happiness and joy? Simple. Joy is that inner elation that circumstance can't change. It is your ability to remember that God is running the show....you can just enjoy His creation. Nobody can steal your joy...but they can rob you of your temporary happiness.

Don't forget today...if you are reading this...you've got today. God prepared it especially for you. Be joyful for the next 24 hours and pray that God helps you to fill it to the rim with Kingdom-building things.

Write it Down: Write a prayer to God thanking Him for creating today. Be descriptive when you write about God's eternal character.

See you tomorrow! (Or tonight @ www.troyandsteph.com at 8:00PM (EST))