Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city,
spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15
Heavenly Father, this Scripture reminds us we’re more like morning glories than aging bonsai trees. You’ve created us for your pleasure, redeemed us by the Gospel, and numbered our precious days. As our sovereign Father, how would you have us live between today and our last breath?
What should matter more, and less, to us? By your Word, Spirit, and providence lead us. Show us how to live, love, and be spent for your glory. “Bigger barns” don’t hold the same attraction they used to, Father (Luke 12:13-21). We want to be rich towards you, and spend the riches of grace on others.
How should our heavenly hope shape our earthly choices? We’re living in a pandemic of racism, hostility, and systemic brokenness. As followers of Jesus, and citizens of your Kingdom, what would you have us do, Father?
With whom should we spend more heart-to-heart time? Who do we need to forgive? Life’s not about getting even but giving grace. What missionaries, church planters, and pastors need our encouragement?
Father, we’re grateful we’re not going to merit anything by doing a better job with any of these things. It’s Jesus’ righteousness in which we boast and rest. But the Gospel frees us to ask the right questions and live a freer, more eternity-influenced life. So very Amen, we pray, in Jesus’ matchless and magnificent name.
