Song: “I Live By Faith” by Faith In The Blues

Good morning, my friends!

Thank you for joining me for another edition of Starting Our Day Together. I pray you’re healthy, encouraged, and ready to embrace whatever God has planned for you today.

One of my favorite lines from the movie The Shawshank Redemption is this:

“You better get busy living, or you better get busy dying.”

While that’s not a Bible verse, it expresses a profound truth. Every day we wake up, we make a choice.

We can simply exist—going through the motions, replaying yesterday’s disappointments, worrying about tomorrow, and letting life pass us by—or we can truly live.

Jesus made this remarkable statement in John 10:10 (ESV):

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Notice that Jesus didn’t just promise life after death. He promised an abundant life beginning now.

That doesn’t mean a life without problems.

It means a life filled with purpose, peace, hope, and joy because we are walking with Him.

Sadly, many people stop living long before they stop breathing.

Some have been hurt so deeply that they no longer dream.

Some have failed so often that they’ve stopped trying.

Some are so consumed by fear that they’re afraid to step into what God has prepared for them.

They’re alive physically, but spiritually and emotionally, they’re simply waiting for the days to pass.

But that’s not God’s design for His children.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:15–16 (ESV): “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

Time is God’s gift to us. Every sunrise is another opportunity to love someone, encourage someone, forgive someone, learn something new, serve the Lord, and become more like Christ.

Ask yourself this morning:

• Am I chasing God’s purpose or just surviving?

• Am I growing in my faith or simply repeating yesterday?

• Am I investing in relationships that matter?

• Am I making today count?

The cemetery is full of people whose dreams were never pursued, whose gifts were never shared, and whose purpose was never fulfilled. Don’t let that be your story.

God has given you today. Use it.

Love boldly.

Forgive quickly.

Laugh often.

Serve faithfully.

Trust God completely.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” season before you begin living. The perfect time to honor God with your life is today.

As Moses prayed in Psalm 90:12 (ESV): “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

Today, choose to get busy living—not merely for yourself, but for the glory of God.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of another day. Help us not to waste it by living in fear, regret, or complacency. Fill us with the courage to pursue Your purpose, to love others well, and to walk faithfully wherever You lead. Remind us that every breath is a gift and every day is an opportunity to glorify You. May we truly live the abundant life that Jesus came to give us.

We ask this in His precious name.

Amen.

My friends, remember this today:

Life is measured not simply by the years we live, but by the purpose for which we live them. So don’t just count your days—make your days count.

Until next time, have a blessed day, stay encouraged, and keep walking with the Lord.