“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24).

How many times do you wake up with an extensive list of things bombarding your mind for the day? It happens to us all. Thankfully, when my mind begins to rush me into the day ahead, the Holy Spirit reminds me to stop, slow down, start over, and begin where I need to, at the foot of the cross! I humbly bow and begin to thank and intercede to our Heavenly Father for life, strength, and effectiveness in someone else’s life throughout the day.

We are here today only because of God’s grace. He is the one guiding us and the world. I remember a news story about an eighteen-year-old young man who, in desperation, told a caller to let his mom know he loved her. He then lowered his head, and the police around him began to shoot. He did not live to see the next day.

Life is a precious gift from God. How will you live today? Each day is a new beginning, one we have never seen before, filled with God’s promises of hope and peace. We decide how to approach each day. We can choose self-pity, or we can walk in God’s power.

If we believe that He is sovereign and truly does order our footsteps, then we can faithfully see all the potential this day has. But walking in God’s power isn’t something we are meant to do alone. The Holy Spirit empowers. us to spread His love; therefore, we must move from isolation into community—becoming doers of the word and not just hearers. The early church understood this perfectly. In Acts 4:32, they modeled a phenomenal concept called koinonia, a Greek word meaning deep, shared fellowship: “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.”

When we live out this kind of radical, connected fellowship, we can make this world a better place by sharing and living out the Christ who lives within us. Then, possibly so many tears of mothers will not fall because, for some unknown reason, their children have given up hope and chosen to die, rather than live.

We are our brothers’ keepers, so again, I ask you, what will you do with this day to influence and brighten the path of someone else’s life? “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16)

Whatever we have planned today, let’s make sure it includes pointing someone to God’s love and saving grace. In the book of Mark, chapter 4, Jesus relates a parable of the sower and the seed. Will you be a receiver and giver of the word? Someone just like that despondent young man needs hope; our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the only hope for this lost and dying world. “And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?” Mark 4:21.

This day is full of God’s new mercies and opportunities to serve. Let us start right where we are, temporarily forgetting ourselves and our own issues and concentrating on another who really needs to hear a word of comfort from the Lord. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Jesus can lift and save any downtrodden soul, for truly one day love lifted me!

Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.

He’s the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be–
Be saved today!

Grace and peace be yours. Spread the good news: Jesus saves!