Last night my wife and I watched the movie After Earth, starring Will Smith. She had never seen it, while I have watched it a couple of times already. I’m a big Will Smith fan, as is she. There is a quote from him we have up which says, “Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too.”
Like I said, I’m a fan, of his movies and work, and of who he is. So, in the movie, there is a quote by him in which he tells his son, “Root yourself in this moment…” His son is freaking out and is having trouble being calm in the midst of his surroundings. This has stuck with me. This is an important thing to remember for all of us, to be rooted in the moment.
“No one is promised tomorrow. Scripture teaches that “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Jonathan Edwards resolved that “I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.” Live every day prepared to meet God, because one day you will.” This is from yesterday’s Denison Forum.
I spent some time this morning praying and searching for direction. I was reminded of what Jesus said in response to the query from a lawyer of “What shall I do to inherit eternal life? And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” And he (the lawyer asking the question) answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (The lawyer was quoting Deuteronomy 6 and Leviticus 19.) Then Jesus answered, “You have answered correctly; (then Jesus quotes Deuteronomy and Ezekiel) “DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.””
Last night we also read some with our kids and talked to them about the one most important thing we can do here on earth and that is to love one another. God calls us to it clearly above. I am reminded of another quote from that movie. Will Smith said, “Fear is not real. The only place fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination, causing us to fear things that, not at present and may not ever, exist. That is near insanity. Now do not misunderstand me; Danger is very real, but fear is a choice. We are all telling ourselves a story….” So, as I chewed on this again and then read with my kids, I was empowered by God’s love for me. I was reminded of what He went thru for me. I was reminded Thru my love for my own children of how my Father wants what’s best for me, which isn’t what’s easiest. I am now encouraged by the songs we are recording to be released this year, and trying hard to listen to God’s direction for my life. I tend to get caught up in the small details which feed my arrogance and pride. I tend to choose fear. I’m an easy target for the enemy. But, I will not go quietly. I am blessed with great enthusiasm and tremendous strength of commitment. I stay the course. God gave that to me. He may even give it to my children. I pray that I will be an example for them and that I will stay the course with Him just for today. Today I have woken up, alive and well. Today I will give thanks and I pray that I will live for Him as I love everyone I meet. I pray that I will spend this day looking for God’s fingerprint in everything, thus recognizing His amazing ways in each moment of this blessing we call life. Good days, bad days, struggle, suffering, or celebration, life is a gift. Open it up with anticipation as you open the door to this day. My prayer for each of you is that you see God’s amazing love in whichever way He has set up for you to see it, but that you see it today because you submitted to Him and allowed Him to fill you up, as was intended. Hallelujah and peace be with each of you today.