Carpe Diem

I'd like to share a devotional message I got in my email today. Last night, my Bible study group started our new study on hearing from God. To me, hearing from God and speaking to Him are directly related, so this message seems to fit perfectly with the themes we began discussing last night. A great way to look at the start of a new year and those New Year's resolutions we all feel compelled to make.

"And the Lord answered me and said, "Write the vision and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that reads it."

Vision, themes, goals - all compose the lives of those individuals who see life as fleeting moments slipping through their fingers. Seizing the day, they embrace each year with expectancy, passion and determination to fulfill the purpose that God has for their lives. Susanna Wesley claimed the souls of her children. Anne Graham Lotz found a lifetime pursuit in treasuring her intimacy with the Father. Beth Moore's hunger and thirst has positioned her to feed many. Priscilla Shirer isn't looking back; rather she is stretching ahead, expecting great things of God. What about you and me? Have we spent time on our knees crying out to God for direction, goals and themes as we head into 2010? God-focused goals will always lead us beyond what we imagined and will spill over, touching the lives of the people He leads into our path. We may never know the true impact our life goals have made until we reach eternity, but we can redeem each moment by living surrendered to His vision for our lives.

"Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Father, teach us the value of redeeming every moment that You give us to make a difference in this world. Help us to set God ordained goals surrendering them at Your feet to accomplish Your purposes."
(written by Janet Martin)