“For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” – 2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT
Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.
This article consists of some pithy statements of wisdom alongside supporting Scriptures.
After each statement, identify what you intend to do in light of the wisdom shared.
In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis demonstrates that God wants humankind to attend chiefly to two things: “to eternity itself and to that point of time which they call the present. For the present is the point at which time touches eternity.”
Sir William Osler said, “Live in day-tight compartments. Let go of dead yesterdays and unborn tomorrows. The load of tomorrow added to that of yesterday, carried today, makes the strongest falter.”
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? … 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” – Matthew 6:27, 34 NLT
As I progress in my years of age it is important that we be mindful that there is a significant temptation to live in the past focusing on regrets, accomplishments, exaggerated failures or over-rated successes.
“Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” – Rom. 12:3 NLT
Accept your present reality, but always live boldly with the goal to enhance the reputation of Christ.
“Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God.” – Acts 19:8 NLT
Accept your older age and limitations but keep practicing godly wisdom because there is always a place for a sage. Find those who will listen to you—they are there.
“The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” – Proverbs 20:29 NLT
Accept your health issues, but do everything you can to improve your physical and mental vitality.
Caleb is speaking and says, 10 “Now, as you can see, the LORD has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise–even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. 11 I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then.” – Joshua 14:10-11 NLT
Every person has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God.
“… And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.” – Revelation 2:17 NLT
You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.
“Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others… Don’t look only for your own interest, but take an interest in others, too.” – Philippians 2:4
The ultimate goal is not to get our prayers answered. The ultimate goal is to extend the Kingdom of God, which is the rule and reign of Christ in us and through us.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” – Matthew 6:33 NLT
It is difficult to measure the emotional contagion of a word fitly spoken under the power of the Holy Spirit. Specific praise to individuals infuses them emotionally, spiritually, intellectually and relationally.
“Pleasant words [are as] a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24 KJV
Speaking God’s words that strengthen, encourage and comfort others (1 Cor. 14:3) are like throwing a stone in a still body of water or cannonball off the high dive, your words have a ripple effect.
“So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11 AMP
One act of kindness can make someone’s day, and that person might just make someone’s else’s day the next day as a result.
“David said, “I will be kind (gracious) to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father was kind to me.” So, David sent messengers to comfort him concerning the death of his father. And the servants of David came to the land of the Ammonites to comfort Hanun.” – 1 Chronicles 19:2 AMP
Pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on you. Lookout God is going to show up and show off in some strange and mysterious ways.
“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.” – Psalm 138:3 ESV
Please listen to the stories of ordinary people who have extraordinary faith.
“As she came in, the king was talking with Gehazi, the servant of the man of God. The king had just said, “Tell me some stories about the great things Elisha has done.” – 2 Kings 8:4 NLT
God is great not just because nothing is too big for Him; God is great because nothing is too small for Him.
“There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise…Ants, Rock Badgers, Locust, and Lizards,” – Proverbs 30:24 NLT
“For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel–these are: the eyes of Yahweh which roam to and fro throughout the earth.” – Zechariah 4:10 LSB
We don’t want our gifts to take us farther than our character can sustain us.
“So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.” – 1 Kings 10:23 NKJV
“He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the LORD. 4 In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the LORD his God, as his father, David, had been.” – 1 Kings 11:3,4 NLT
Focus less on what is unknowable and obey what is knowable— that is—follow God’s ways and obey the words of His law.
“The secret (concealed or hidden) things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” – Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV
If these resonate with you, please pass them on to others.
Attempt to integrate one or two truths into your daily routines.
I also appreciate your feedback, so drop me a line!
In Christ,
Dale