Each Day

TITLE: Each Day
DATE: May 19, 2019
TEXT: Psalm 118:24 - (ESV) -24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to celebrate with a few people who had managed to reach their 100th birthday. Don’t be surprised when I tell you that all of them, along with age, had two things in common. 

First, all of them had a birthday party. Some parties were elaborate occasions with all kinds of skits and singing performed by any relative who had a modicum of talent. Other parties were put on by relatives who were overflowing with reverence and respect for their honored oldster.

And the other thing they had in common? Well, if you thought about it you could probably guess…all of them, somewhere during the course of the festivities, were asked, “What is the secret of your longevity?"

I've been amazed at some of the responses I've heard to that question. Some elderly have said, "I owe it all to good, clean living.” Others have replied, "It's because I smoke three cigars a day and drink a quart of brandy before lunch."

But the best answer I ever heard came from a little old lady who had obviously put some serious thought into how she would answer the unavoidable question. At her birthday party, one of her great-great-nephews was the one appointed to ask the question.

The Guest-of-honor waited long enough to make it appear as if she were mulling it over. After the pregnant pause, her face brightened and she, with a twinkle in her eye, replied, "I can’t say for sure, but I kind of think it’s because I didn’t stop breathing. As near as I can tell, most people ruin their chances of reaching 100 when they stop breathing. Not breathing is what stopped most of my friends from living as long as I have."

Both family and friends roared their appreciation of her light-hearted outlook at life.
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I wish there were more folks like her. Indeed, as I go out and talk with people, all too often I see them dwelling on the dark and depressing side of life.

Physical ailments, troubles in the world, deflation, inflation, and a host of other pains and problem will occur and when they return, they will do their best to leave you discouraged, defeated and disheartened.

If that's true for you, I encourage you, by God’s grace, shake it off!

The truth is, every day ‘we’re breathin’ God gives us a shot of having joy in Jesus.  Every day that God gives His forgiven and adopted children is an opportunity for them to share the peace and the hope which they have in their Savior. Every day is a day that the Lord has made and the Savior’s redeemed can rejoice in it.

So, folks, if the grumps have managed to get you down, then let the Lord lift you up! The Lord is with you as long as you keep breathin’ and because of His Son’s blood-bought salvation, will continue to be with you long after you stop.

THE PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for every day that You have given me. Help me rejoice in the little and big graces which come from Your hand. Let my Redeemer be my resolve in the world, even as He will be my joy in the next. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html