At this moment, our future is a dream, a hope, a mystery.

The past is gone and only God can cover, erase, or forgive it. Often, we find ourselves dwelling on the past or eagerly rushing toward the future, forgetting the significance of the present moment. In this Sermon Recap, we’ll explore the wisdom of cherishing the gift of the present, as inspired by verses from the Bible.

The Past, Present, and Future Crosses

In the Bible, there were three crosses that bore significance beyond their physical form. One cross lingered in the past, a testament to a life that never sought forgiveness. Another cross, though, extended a beacon of hope for the future by asking for forgiveness. But it was the middle cross on which Jesus cried out, “Now is the accepted time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.” It reminds us of the importance of the now.

We’re often tempted to linger in the past, a realm we can’t change or relive. Conversely, we may rush towards a future that remains beyond our grasp. However, the past is gone, and the future is yet to unfold. Life is filled with uncertainties, and we are not promised tomorrow. All we truly possess is the present, our now.

The Gift of the Present Time

James 4:14 warns us that life is but a vapor. Proverbs 27:1 reminds us not to boast about tomorrow, for we do not know what it will bring. These verses underscore the fragility and unpredictability of life.

Yet, in the midst of this uncertainty, we have the present—a precious gift. It’s a moment to love, pray, laugh, worship, and live righteously. The past may be a repository of memories, and the future may be shrouded in mystery, but today is a present, a gift, and that’s why it’s called the present time.

A Fresh Relationship with Jesus

In our spiritual journey, the past can haunt us, and the future may seem elusive. But, like Luke 24:8 with the word “remembered” and Psalm 63:6-8 suggest, we must not lose our connection with God’s presence. David’s experience reminds us that, at times, all we have left of our relationship with God is a memory. Yet, that can change when we wholeheartedly seek His presence.

When Jesus shows up in our lives, something remarkable happens. He can turn things around, bringing us into a renewed relationship with Him.

Making New Memories

The same Peter who wept bitterly remembering the words of the Lord about his denial, was the same Peter that got up and chose to pray in his now. Then you find him in Acts 3:1-11 serving as a powerful illustration of getting back up in our now and making new, positive memories in our faith journey. We can create new memories through our faith, worship, actions of love and compassion, and reading our Bible.

Is your worship a mere memory? Do you have to remember words that God used to speak to you through His Word, or is the Bible still talking to you now? Are You still hungry and thirsty for God? Are your prayers a relic of the past? These are questions we should ponder as we strive to live in the present and make each moment count.

In conclusion, living in the now is a call to cherish the present, align our priorities with eternity in mind, and embrace each moment with gratitude and purpose. The past may hold memories, and the future may conceal mysteries, but today is a gift—this is why it’s called the present. As we navigate our lives, let us remember that tomorrow is not promised, but today is a treasure waiting to be unwrapped.

So, I leave you with this question: Is your faith and worship a memory or a living, breathing reality in the now? The answer lies in your choice to embrace the present moment, for it is in the now that we truly live.