Based on “Unlimited Opportunities, Part 7” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 2/26-27/11,
Message #MB452; Daily Devotional #5 - “Regret”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): There are two days in every week about which we should not worry—two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its aches and pains, and its faults and blunders. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday, and we cannot erase a single word we said, or change a thing we did. The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, and its large promise and potential. Tomorrow also is beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow’s sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds—but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn. That leaves only one day—today. Any man can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities—yesterday and tomorrow—that we are liable to break down. —Illinois Medical Journal[1]
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. (Lamentations 3:39–40) Regrets, life is full of them. Many people are stuck in the choices they made yesterday. They regret their decisions to the extent where they will not allow themselves to enjoy today. They are forever punishing themselves. We cannot change yesterday, but we can gain knowledge from it. Remember the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. Pastor Mark once said "A life unexamined is not worth living." As we examine, not worry, about yesterday, we can learn from our actions. Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; (Psalm 26:2) Test everything. Hold on to the good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): We make choices every day. Some are good, some are bad. God gave man the privilege of choice. With that privilege comes awesome responsibility to live in the results or consequences of those very choices. Yesterday is finished. It cannot be changed. Live for today in all its fullness. This brings to mind a Scripture everyone knows. ...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, ...as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15) Only worry about what God has planned for you today and do it in His strength and power to see the eternal results only He can bring. Unlimited potential! Yesterday is over; tomorrow will come. Live for today.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Matthew 6:25-34
wm
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
[1] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times. Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.