Responsible for the Present

Good Morning,
 
In conversation with a dear friend this week, he shared with me his need to get back to the Lord.  He had drifted from where he was at one time, and missed that close fellowship with Jesus.  The joy of the salvation he once had was gone.  When one with a sincere heart repents, he can stand right with God today, leaving yesterday behind him, and not be worried about tomorrow.  If you happened to be in a similar situation to that of my friend, let me share with you a beautiful devotional I read this week.
 
LEVITICUS 9:4 "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."   Paul also quotes this Old Testament passage:  2 CORINTHIANS 6:2
 
Do not let your growth in holiness depend upon surrounding circumstances, but rather constrain those circumstances to minister to your growth. Beware of looking onward, or out of the present in any way, for the sanctification of your life. The only thing you can really control is the present--the actual moment that is passing by. Sanctify that from hour to hour, and you sanctify your whole life; but brood over the past, or project yourself into the future, and you will lose all. The little act of obedience, love, self-restraint, meekness, patience, devotion, offered to you actually, is all you can do now, and if you neglect that to fret about something else at a distance, you lose your real opportunity of serving God. A moment's silence, when some irritating words are said by another, may seem a very small thing; yet at that moment it is your one duty, your one way of serving and pleasing God, and if you break it, you have lost your opportunity.
 
H. L. SIDNEY LEAR
 
Trust Jesus this moment, and then live with Him moment by moment, standing on His word:   "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God---and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-."  1 Corinthians 1:30 
 
God bless you and have a Great Day.  Never forget that you are loved!!!

Henry