TEXT: Isaiah 1:18-20, James 4:14
Ministering: Rev. Dr. A. A. Obe JP
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”
Today refers to the present day, the current moment, or the here and now. It is the day of salvation, the day of opportunity, and the day to serve God. Hebrews 3:13 (But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.)
Definition of Tomorrow:
Tomorrow refers to the future, the next day, or the days to come. It is uncertain and unknown, and only God knows what tomorrow will bring. – Matthew 6:34 (Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.)
Definition of Yesterday:
Yesterday refers to the past, the previous day, or the days that have gone by. It is gone and cannot be changed, but it can serve as a lesson for today and tomorrow. – Psalm 90:4 (For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.)
Therefore, the saying: “Today is the tomorrow of your yesterday, serve God well” means that every day is an opportunity to serve God and to make the most of the present moment. Believers should be encouraged to learn from the past, to live in the present, and to look forward to the future with hope and faith.
Introduction:
As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of yesterday’s regrets and tomorrow’s worries. But as believers, we are called to live in the present, to serve God well, and to make the most of every opportunity. Today is the tomorrow of our yesterday, and it’s a new chance to start anew, to learn from our mistakes, and to move forward in faith.
Observations from the text:
1. God is willing to forgive and cleanse us from our sins if we are willing to obey and serve Him. – Isaiah 1:18 (Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.)
2. Obedience to God’s commands is crucial for receiving His blessings and avoiding His wrath. Isaiah 1:19-20 (If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.)
3. God’s mercy and forgiveness are available to us every day, and we should take advantage of them to serve Him well. – Hebrews 3:13 (But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.)
What to do:
1. Make the most of today:
Make the most of today, for it is the tomorrow of your yesterday. – Hebrews 3:13 (But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.)
2. Learn from yesterday:
Learn from yesterday’s mistakes and experiences, and use them to improve your life today. – Psalm 90:4 (For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.)
3. Do not worry about tomorrow:
Do not worry about tomorrow, for it is in God’s hands. – Matthew 6:34 (Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.)
4. Serve God well:
Serve God well, for He is worthy of our praise and worship. – Psalm 100:2-5 (Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.)
Here are the remaining 6 points:
5. Obey God’s commands: Obey God’s commands, for they are for our good and His glory. – Isaiah 1:19-20 (If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.)
6. Seek forgiveness and mercy: Seek forgiveness and mercy from God, for He is gracious and merciful. – Isaiah 1:18 (Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.)
7. Live in the present: Live in the present, for it is the only moment we have. – Hebrews 3:13 (But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.)
8. Do not dwell on the past:
Do not dwell on the past, for it is gone and cannot be changed. – Psalm 90:4 (For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.)
9. Trust God for the future:
Trust God for the future, for He has good plans for us. – Jeremiah 29:11 (For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.)
10. Serve God with gladness:
Serve God with gladness, for He is worthy of our praise and worship. – Psalm 100:2 (Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, today is the tomorrow of our yesterday, and it is a new opportunity to serve God well. Let us make the most of today, learn from yesterday, and trust God for the future. May we serve God with gladness and obedience, and may we seek forgiveness and mercy from Him. May God bless us and keep us, and may we walk in His ways all the days of our lives.
Rev. Dr. A.A Obe