primarily for our instruction/ edification to make the present and future better. Now, let us consider the present. Realize that though the present is the shortest of the three segments of time, it is pivotal in realizing the transition from the regrets of the past to the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the future. What about the future? In considering the future, understand it always stands wide awake on the brink of the present and will naturally reproduce the past unless the present continually sets a new standard. The “present” or “now” (as I will refer to it in this reflection) is the shortest of the three segments of time, yet it is the most powerful, accurate, and consequential. I dare say now is the only real and “present” component of time for humanity. The past does not exist, and the future does not exist. The past can only live in the present if you, through your thoughts in the present, permit it to be present. The future can only exist in the present if you become God because God is the only one who truly knows the future due to His eternal nature. From a human perspective, both the past and future are concepts. They do NOT exist! The past once existed when it was called “now," and the future will exist when it becomes “now." That’s why I say the past and future don’t exist. The past and future are conceptualizations of one’s thoughts.
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DEVOTIONAL
tionship to the now. The future is an imaginary concept that The past is is influenced by the decisions extinct, and and reality of now. The thought the future is I’d like to leave you with is “Now” is the only real, relevant, nonexistent. The and relatable component of past and future time. The past is extinct, and derive their the future is nonexistent. The meaning, power, past and future derive their and influence meaning, power, and influence from now. Therefore, what from now. you do now is all that matters. Therefore, what The most futile endeavor you do now is all of humanity is to live in the that matters." past or future. It is a worthless endeavor because the past and future do not exist. ConseThe ability of the past to quently, to live one’s life in the negatively impact you is past or future is to take up based on your permission residence in a place of non-exin the “now." The past can istence. What a distressing only have access to the future and unfulfilling place to be!. by passing over the bridge Today, God is calling you to called “now." Your current be liberated from the prison of thought patterns are responthe past. Today, He is calling sible for your present reality you to be elevated from the and future destiny. What is apprehension of the future. impacting you now is not the Today, He is calling you into past because the past no longer the present reality of His presexists. The past is no longer ence NOW. It is His gift to you, real. What is moving you now wrapped up in this present moare your current thoughts ment. Indeed, the “right time” of the past. If your current is still NOW! Will you step thoughts about the past were away from the past, dismiss to change, you would have a the worries of the future, and totally different reality now. embrace the power of now? Hence what truly impacts you is not the past but the now. I mentioned earlier that the future doesn’t exist now. Have you ever heard of anyone who can do anything in the future? I haven’t. The only time you can do anything is now. That doesn't mean the future is not Lawel Natufe essential. The future is importPastor, Christ The Way Church ant only because of its relaand Abundant Life Church SEPTEMBER 2021
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