Today Is No Ordinary Day!

Book contents

Dedication
Conversation with God
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
Week 1:
Just Another Sunday
Week 2:
Why Worry?
Week 3:
Facing Tomorrow
Week 4:
Work
Week 5:
Choices
Week 6:
Change
Week 7:
Our Plans—God’s Plans
Week 8:
Hopes, Dreams, and Desires
Week 9:
Relationships
Week 10:
Faith
Week 11:
Trust
Week 12:
Testing Times
Week 13:
Temptations
Week 14:
Self
Week 15:
Responsibility
Week 16:
Emotions
Week 17:
Busyness
Week 18:
Service
Week 19:
Life Is for Living
Week 20:
Use Time Wisely
Week 21:
A New Approach
Week 22:
God Is in Our Day
Week 23:
Before the Day Begins
Week 24:
There’s Nothing Ordinary About Today!
Conclusion
Contact the Author

Foreword

The Book of Ecclesiastes contains the thoughts of “the philosopher,” a man who reflected deeply on how short and contradictory human life is, with its mysterious injustices and frustrations, and concluded that “life is useless.” He could not understand the ways of God who controls human destiny. Yet, in spite of this, he advised people to work hard, and to enjoy the many gifts of God as much and for as long as they could. Many have taken comfort in seeing themselves in the mirror of Ecclesiastes, and have discovered that the same Bible, which reflects these thoughts, also offers the hope in God that gives life its greater meaning.
Two Scriptures have proven inspirational to me in the writing of this book. Acts 4:13 recounts that members of the Council in Jerusalem were amazed not only to see how bold Peter and John were, but also to learn that they were ordinary men of no education. And Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11–12 reminds us that everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He has set the right time for everything. So all we can do is to be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive.
God is with us in our ordinary days. God says, “Day by day I am with you in the experiences of life. Days that you think are ordinary are full of My presence! Look around and see what I have given to you for your pleasure. Family, friends, work, home, vacations, and celebrations are but a few. All these are part of My gift of life to you. Enjoy the life I have given—even though it seems ordinary!”
How to Use This Study
The reflections are not linked to any specific week of the year and can be used at any time. The prayers at the beginning of each week are to help you quiet your thoughts and draw near to God to hear what He has to say. I recommend that you make these prayers your own, personalizing them as far as possible, and reflecting on the thoughts that God imparts to your heart. Try to use them daily before going on to the Scripture reading, reflection, and thought for the day. Take time to linger with the prayers and reflections and close with your own personal prayer to end this time of quiet before the Lord.