Present Tense Living
By Pastor Johnny R. Almond
The man won’t rest until he has followed through on this. He will settle it today.
Ruth 3:18 NLT
I am—I did not say I was or I used to be. I am the God of today. Today is the day of salvation; it is also the day of service. Right now is your golden opportunity. You have a long list of good intentions that need to be translated into initiatives. Follow-through improves golf, and life. It is a sin to know what you ought to do and not do it! Procrastination is more than laziness; loitering is sin. Idleness is the Devil’s workshop—when you fool around, he will go to work and attack you.
“Someday” you plan to speak kindly to one emotionally distant. “Someday” you intend to encourage one of your friends who is down. “Next week” you will spend more time with your spouse and children. “Tomorrow” never comes. That tomorrow you have been thinking about has arrived—it is today! Quit dawdling!
There is no time like the present. In fact, there is no time except the present!
Time is My gift—a present for you. Whatever else you use this day for, remember I made it for rejoicing. It is fine to be busy, but do not forget to be merry while you are at it. Whistle while you work.
Daylight hours are no time for long naps. Now is no time for mulling over plans for noble tasks. Do not just stare up the steps—step up the stairs. You have memorized your Commander’s orders; for heaven’s sake, obey!
You intend to be all I want you to be—tomorrow. You hope to be braver and kinder—tomorrow. But if you do not get on the move, you will disappear from the scene, with nothing left when your living is through but a mountain of things you intended to do—tomorrow. You will not pass this way again. I only give you one life. Be decisive in good deeds, so you can cross eternity’s threshold without outdated to-do lists.
Do things right—own up to sins, repent of ignoble purposes, and begin today to live rightly.
Do the right things—review your activities and cull the good that is distracting you from the best. Plan your work.
Do the right things right away—keep in mind life is not a dress rehearsal. You are on the eve of victory. Do not lie down to rest on plains of hesitation, or you may die there! Waiting for perfect conditions accomplishes zero. Work your plan.
I made this workday for a reason. You can get some rest after sunset—get to work!
Time is ticking away …
Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church-Friends on a Journey of Faith
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
