Why Today is Important

Loaf of bread

“Daily bread is all God can give you. Yesterday’s bread is gone.” Jim Cymbala

Jim Cymbala

I didn’t know what to expect from Brooklyn Tabernacle pastor and author, Jim Cymbala. Even though I lived in the New York City area for several years, I never visited his church nor have I read his books. However, I felt more anticipation about his message than any other speaker at the Global Media Summit. It was as if God was saying, “He will have a word for you.”

So with pen in hand and notebook open, I tuned everything else out and locked into this man of God.

Cymbala’s sermon was about the importance of living in “today.” How many of us spend unnecessary energy worried about what happened twenty, ten or five years ago? Cymbala said, “Yesterday is either going to paralyze you are help you.”

whats next

Then Cymbala said something that hit me square between the eyes, “Many people miss today because of tomorrow.” I am a futuristic thinker, what about you? I am a planner, analyzing every possible scenario that can occur, (most of which don’t occur) and often find myself dwelling in the future rather than doing what the Bible calls “abiding.” It’s a great attribute for event planning, but not so great for living in the moment. I often catch myself thinking about what’s next, and pray a silent prayer to God to help me focus on what’s now.

Moses and Israelites

Cymbala used the story of the Israelites in the wilderness who gathered daily manna from God for their sustenance. The manna spoiled after one day so no one was allowed to stockpile more than a day’s allotment. “I need daily direction; daily spirit. When I wake up God will provide fresh food,” Cymbala said.

Do you worry about yesterday?

Are you focused on a year from now?

Cymbala’s message brought to life a verse I repeat often, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

As a wave of conviction overcame me, the Brooklyn shepherd ended with a story about a New York City undercover narcotics detective who attended his church in 2001. The policeman’s wife became pregnant, so because of the danger of his job, he asked to be reassigned to another, less perilous position. He was assigned to what appeared to be a sleepy job at the World Trade Center. However, on September 1, 2001, the policeman lost his life when terrorists commandeered and navigated two planes into the Twin Towers. Cymbala drove his message home with that story. We are not guaranteed tomorrow.

woman praying

Since being blessed by this direct message from God through Jim Cymbala on Friday, my daily morning prayer has changed.

Lord, thank you for today.

Please guard my life today.

Show me what I’m to do today.

Equip me to overcome my shortcomings today.

Love your people through me today.

If you are dwelling on the past, or worried about the future, try living in today, one day at a time.

 

 

 

 

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4 Comments

    1. Thanks Jenny. Praying you and Cru are going strong for the Lord! Hope to see you again in the near future!

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