Carpe Diem

Every Christmas now for years, I have received this devotional.
It is so uplifting. My favorite author is Daniel Schantz; I will share some of his words with you in future posts. Today's entry was written by Fred Bauer. He tells of an interesting statement made by Abraham Lincoln. So in honor of President's Day, I am sharing it with you.

"Abraham Lincoln noted that knowing where God is on some issues takes a good deal of cogitating. During the Civil War, an opponent of the president suggested that God was not on Lincoln's side. Lincoln's answer:'My concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.'"

The verse that he shares along with this passage is Romans 12:2.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Most of us are not in charge of leading an entire nation, but all of us need to be on God's side in our lives, because God is always right. Whether at our jobs, our homes, or with our friends and families, we need to be with God. Our decisions matter; they have an impact on people other than ourselves.

The only way to know God's will and direction for your life is to simply ask Him. Pray about it. Seek the counsel of other Christians. Read God's Word. Listen. He will show you which way to go to follow Him. One of my favorite verses to repeat when I am not sure which way to go in my life is this:

Isaiah 30:21
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"

God will speak to you. Sometimes we are just not still or quiet long enough to hear His voice. Life is short. Don't waste precious time in your life going the opposite direction of God. Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Make the most of this time God has given you. Step out in faith and listen! Start today. Make your life matter for God!

I received this quote in an email today.
"Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."

Here's another movie clip. My husband and I love using movie clips for illustration. This one was shown at a church service we both attended, and it made quite the impact on both of us.




I'm closing this with Fred Bauer's sweet prayer.
"Direct us God, when we face a tough decision,
Give us wisdom, give us courage, give us vision."