This Past Sunday's Message - Birthday Reflections

Last week, I had my sermon prepared… until, Friday night.  I was driving about 9:30 and I began to think about my birthday that was approaching in just over 2 hours.  There was a song on the radio that encouraged reflection so, my mind began  to wander.  As it did, I began to reflect and think about things I’m thankful for.

Socrates once said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”  Have you examined your life lately?  As I examined mine, a couple of thoughts came to mind…

I.  I am thankful for a Savior who died for me.

John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Jesus died for me and for us.  I am very thankful for that.

II.  I am thankful for a Lord who called me.

Years ago the prophet Amos said “I am  not a prophet for the son of a prophet; but a herdsman and gatherer of sycamore figs” (Amos 7:14)  That verse is a good description of me but, the Lord called me and I’m humbled and thankful.

III.  I am thankful for a family who loves me.

Family has always been very special to me.  I am thankful for my family heritage and my immediate family.

IV.  I am thankful for friends who encourage me.

Over 30+ years of ministry, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some great people.  I appreciate their friendship, words of encouragement and advice.

V. I am thankful for a church to serve.  

I have been interim Pastor of FBC Emerson since the first of November in 2011.  I am very thankful for this opportunity.

I found the following poem several years ago in a book by John Maxwell.  It is taped inside my Bible;

The Lifebuilder’s Creed

 

Today is the most important day of my life.

Yesterday with its successes and victories, struggles and failures is gone forever.

The past is past.

Done.

Finished.

I cannot relive it. I cannot go back and change it.

But I will learn from it and improve my TODAY.

 

TODAY. This moment. NOW.

It is God’s gift to me and it is all that I have.

 

Tomorrow with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs and troubles isn’t here yet.

Indeed, tomorrow may never come.

Therefore, I will not worry about tomorrow.

 

Today is what God has entrusted to me.

It is all that I have. I will do my best in it.

I will demonstrate the best of me in it –

my character, giftedness, and abilities –

to my family and friends, clients and associates.

I will identify those things that are most important to do TODAY,

and those things I will do until they are done.

And when this day is done

I will look back with satisfaction at that

which I have accomplished.

Then, and only then, will I plan my tomorrow,

Looking to improve upon Today, with God’s help.

 

Then I shall go to sleep in peace … content.

 

Have you examined your life lately?  Why not today? 

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