What does the Bible say about today?
Today was once tomorrow, and tomorrow will be today soon. (Anonymous)
Life may be fast-paced that you hardly have time to catch your breath, let alone stop to think about the significance of today. The Bible talks a lot about today. God wisely instructs us about the significance of each day. He wants us to understand the importance of today and how we should live. Here’s what the Bible says about today.
Christian quotes about today
“Here’s what you need to keep in mind. You no longer have yesterday. You do not yet have tomorrow. You have only today. This is the day the Lord has made. Live in it.” Max Lucado
“My desire is to live more to God today than yesterday, and to be more holy this day than the last.” Francis Asbury
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him” John Piper.
“God invites us today to live a great story with Him.”
Get right with God today
God rarely skirts issues. He usually gets straight to the point, especially when he’s giving us a warning. In Psalm 95:7-9, we read one of God’s warnings. It says,
- Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
This scripture refers to a historic moment when the Israelites, having just been rescued from the Egyptians, grumbled against God because they were thirsty. We read their complaints in Exodus 17:3.
- But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?
In desperation, Moses prayed, and God told him to strike a rock so the people could satisfy their thirst and know the Lord was with them.
Before we judge the Israelites for their sinful response, we need to look at our tendency to forget God’s provision and goodness to us. How often do we anxious about paying bills or having health problems? We forget to look back at God’s past provision for us. Like the Israelites, we may get hard-hearted towards God or our leaders because our needs aren’t getting met in the way or time frame we expect. Hard-hearted doesn’t mean we get angry with God, but we decide God won’t take care of us.
Today, God still speaks to us. He has the same message as he did back then. He wants to come to him with your concerns. He wants us to listen to his voice and trust him. So many times, people allow their circumstances to cloud their thinking about God. God’s word is our guide for life rather than our feelings or circumstances. God’s word tells us the truth about God. So, today if you hear God’s voice….take note of God’s past work and trust him.
Today is the day the Lord has made
Psalm 118: 24 says,
- This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Scholars think King David wrote this psalm to commemorate the building of the second temple in Jerusalem or perhaps to celebrate his defeat of the Philistines when he was crowned king. This psalm reminds us to stop and take note of today, a special day created by the Lord. The author says: Let’s worship the Lord and be happy today.
David’s life had lots of twists and turns. Some of the hardships he suffered were due to his own sin, but many of his trials were due to others’ sins. As a result, he authored many psalms where he poured out his heart to God, begging for help. But in this psalm, David inspires us to take note of today, rejoice in God, and be glad.
1. Romans 3:22-26 (NKJV) “even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
2. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
3. Hebrews 4:7 “God again designated a certain day as “Today,” when a long time later He spoke through David as was just stated: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
4. Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
5. Psalm 95:7-9 (NIV) “for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice, 8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did.”
6. Psalm 81:8 “Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!”
7. Hebrews 3:7-8 ” So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness.”
8. Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Is Jesus God almighty?)
9. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV) “For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
10. 2 Peter 3:9 (NASB) “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.”
11. Isaiah 49:8 “This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances.”
12. John 16:8 (KJV) “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”
Do not be anxious
There are many things in our lives today that cause anxiety. Everything from the cost of living to politics can send your blood pressure soaring. God knew we’d be anxious and stressed out sometimes. Scripture addresses our anxiety and reminds us to ask God for help. In Philippians 4:6-7, we read what to do when tempted to feel anxious.
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
In Matthew 6;25, Jesus gets specific. He reminds his followers not only does God know what they need, but he is involved with even their most basic needs like food, drink, and clothing.
- Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Then, Jesus explains to his followers how they can not be anxious when he says,
- But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6: 33-34 ESV)
13. Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
14. 1 Peter 3:14 “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
15. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
16. Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
17. Psalm 37:7 “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.”
18. Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
19. Psalm 94:19 (NLT) “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”
20. Isaiah 66:13 “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”
21. Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.”
22. Luke 10:41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
23. Luke 12:25 “And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”
What does the Bible say about today’s world?
Today’s world is no different than the days spoken of in the Bible. Scholars say today we live between Christ’s death, resurrection, ascension to heaven, and his second coming. Some call it the “end times” or “last times.” They may be correct. Scripture tells us what the world will be like in the last days.
24. 2 Timothy 3:1 “But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come.”
25. Jude 1:18 “They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”
26. 2 Peter 3:3 “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.”
27. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 “But understand is, that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
28. 1 John 2:15 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
What about living for today?
It’s important to stay focused on today while you can because before you know it, it’s tomorrow, and you’ve lost your chance to embrace today. Scripture offers us practical instructions for how we should live each day.
29. Joshua 1:7-8 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
30. Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
31. Romans 12:2 (NASB) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
32. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
33. Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
34. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 “Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”
35. Ephesians 4:1 “As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received.”
36. Colossians 2:6 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.”
37. Titus 3:14 “And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.”
38. Colossians 4:5-6 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
39. Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
40. Ephesians 5:15-16 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
41. Proverbs 4:5-9 “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” – (Wisdom from the Bible)
What does God say to me today?
Every day is a good day to remember the gospel. It’s the good news that changed your life. When you believe in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross for your sins, he forgave all our sins yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You can put your confidence in Jesus’s work on the cross today. This motivates you to live for him.
- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 ESV)
Do not worry about tomorrow
Jesus is talking to a large group of people just north of Capernaum. During his well-known Sermon on the Mount, he wisely advises his listeners,
- But first and most importantly, seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:33-34 Amplified Bible)
Jesus understood worry. He lived on earth and undoubtedly experienced the same temptations to worry as we do. Worry is a natural response to challenging situations in life. But instead of worrying, Jesus offered his listeners the antidote for worry: focus on today and seek God’s kingdom first every day.
42. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
43. Isaiah 45:22 “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”
44. Deuteronomy 5:33 “You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.”
45. Galatians 5:16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
46. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Is the Bible relevant for today?
The Bible speaks to us today. Here are several reasons why the Bible is still relevant today.
- The Bible helps us understand our origins.-Scripture explains the origins of human beings. For example, when you read Genesis, you see the beginning of the first man and the first woman.
- The Bible explains the broken world we live in. Our world is full of hatred, anger, murder, disease, and poverty. Genesis tells us that when Adam took a bite from the apple from the forbidden tree, it set in motion sin’s destruction and devastation on the earth.
- The Bible offers us hope in life-Starting in Genesis; we see God’s redemptive plan to send his son, Jesus, to be the ransom for all men and women. As forgiven people, we can live in the freedom of having a relationship with God as Adam did before he sinned. This gives us hope as we face life’s challenges.
- The Bible calls us God’s children- In John 1:12, we read, But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. God calls us his children; we know he loves and cares for us.
- The Bible tells us how to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives-Scriptures give us practical instructions on how to live. It reminds us to look to God daily for strength and grace to do what he’s called us to do.
47. Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.”
48. 1 Peter 1:25 “but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.”
49. 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
50. Psalm 102:18 “Let this be written for the generation to come, so that a people not yet created may praise the LORD.”
Start praying today that God would increase your intimacy with Him
Life gets busy. It’s important to take daily time to be with God and grow closer to God. Here are some tips on increasing your intimacy with Him.
- Have a quiet time-Set aside time each day to be alone with God. Find the best time for you, whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Find a quiet place in your home to sit and focus on God. Turn off your phone and get ready to listen.
- Read God’s word-During your quiet time, spend some time reading Scripture. Many people find it helps them to follow a Bible reading plan. There are many online, or you can use a Bible reading plan app. After you read some scripture, think about what you read. Then pray about what you read, asking God to help you apply what you read to your life.
- Pray-Pray for yourself and your relationship with God and others. Pray for your daily needs and for help to do God’s will. Pray for your family, friends, the leaders of the country, and anything else you can think of. You may want to write your prayers in a journal, and then you can look back and see how God answered your prayers.
51. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
52. Luke 18:1 “Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart.”
53. Ephesians 6:18 “Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.”
54. Mark 13:33 “Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.”
55. Romans 8:26 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.”
56. Colossians 1:3 “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.”
Encouraging Bible verses for today
Here are verses to remind us of God’s goodness to us each and every day of our lives.
57. Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” (Who is Jesus in the Bible?)
58. Psalm 84:11 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
59. John 14:27 (NLT) “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (Do not fear Bible quotes)
60. Psalm 143:8 “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” – (The love of God)
61. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Conclusion
Even though our lives are busy, scripture reminds us to focus on today. God urges us to spend time with him daily, to keep his kingdom first in our lives, and to resist the urge to worry about tomorrow’s troubles. He promises to help and care for us as we look to him.
