Today is a new day and so let’s choose to live it to the full right now, without regret and without excuse. Don’t let the mistakes of the past keep you from choosing to do what you know is right today. There is no reason why and no excuse why you can’t choose to do it right now and make things right. We all have freewill and so we all get to choose. Now, the ball is in your hands, choose wisely!
Seizing “right now”, the Present Opportunity: Letting Go of Past Regrets
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Key Takeaway:
The key takeaway from this verse is to not let past mistakes or failures hinder your present and future actions. Instead of dwelling on past shortcomings, focus on the opportunities of the present moment and press forward towards your goals.
Application:
As fathers, it’s essential to model this mindset to our children. We can put this into practice by teaching our kids the importance of learning from mistakes, letting go of past regrets, and embracing the opportunity to make positive choices in the present. Encourage your children to focus on their goals, aspirations, and the potential they have to make a difference right now, regardless of past setbacks.
Responsibility in Action: Doing What is Right, Right Now
James 4:17 (NIV) - "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them."
Key Takeaway:
This verse emphasizes the responsibility we have to do what is right when we know what is expected of us. Making excuses for not doing what we know is good and right is considered sinful behavior.
Application:
As fathers, it’s crucial to instill in our children the value of taking responsibility for their actions and choices. We can lead by example by consistently doing what is right, even when it’s challenging or inconvenient. Teach your children the importance of integrity and the impact of their decisions on themselves and others. Encourage them to always strive to do what is right, regardless of the circumstances.
Making the Most of Every Moment: Living Wisely Right Now
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil."
Key Takeaway:
This verse highlights the importance of living wisely and making the most of every opportunity that comes our way. It reminds us that time is precious, and we should seize the moment to do what is good and righteous.
Application:
As fathers, we can apply this principle by prioritizing our time and investing it wisely in activities that align with our values and responsibilities. Teach your children the importance of time management and the significance of using their time productively. Encourage them to seize every opportunity to make a positive impact on their surroundings and to live their lives in a manner that reflects wisdom and discernment.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: NEVER TOO LATE
Verse: Luke 23:43 (NIV)
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Let’s be the dads who are ready to join Jesus in heaven. Let’s be the dads who aren’t waiting for the right time or place to decide but today choose to receive Jesus so that He will receive us into heaven. Don’t you want to be with Jesus in paradise?
Are you ready to go to heaven right now?
Today’s Devotional kicks off with a story of a pastor asking kids who wanted to go to heaven. It’s interested to read the story and hear the reasoning behind the one little boy who said no. His mom had said he had to go straight home after church and so if the pastor was wondering who wanted to go today, he couldn’t. Where are you at today? Are you ready to go to heaven?
When is too late, too late? Decide right now.
Today’s Devotional goes on to speak of how only once in the Bible does call out Jesus inviting someone to go to heaven. Do you remember the story of the 2 thieves getting crucified at the same time as Jesus? Let’s check out the story and see how having the right heart, making the decision before it’s too late, and even making it at the last moment can impact how and where you spend eternity.
‘Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”’
Luke 23:32-43
Today’s Devotional points to how it is never too late while we are living to place our faith in Jesus. Let’s be the dads who model repentant hearts and cry out to Jesus in order to model it for our wives, kids, and world so they too can make the decision before it is too late. Today’s Devotional closes with this point: “Don’t make the eternal mistake of thinking you’ve waited until it’s too late to believe.” Choose to believe today!
THOMAS BROOKS
