Seize the Day 

(July 13, 2025 service) 

Summary

Joy fills the heart when gathered in God’s presence, and today’s focus is on living fully in the present, trusting God with both our past and our future. The world often encourages us to “seize the day,” but for followers of Christ, this is more than a call to reckless living—it’s an invitation to trust the God who holds all of time in His hands. While studies show that nearly half our thoughts are consumed by regrets about yesterday or worries about tomorrow, Scripture calls us to a different way: to live in the present, knowing our past is forgiven and our future is secure in Christ.

God is not bound by time as we are. Time itself is His creation, and He is equally present in our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows. Because of this, we can rest in the assurance that our lives are in His hands. The Bible repeatedly urges us to focus on today: “Give us this day our daily bread,” “Take up your cross daily,” “This is the day the Lord has made.” These reminders are woven throughout Scripture, calling us to trust God moment by moment.

Our thoughts are powerful, shaping our emotions, actions, and even our health. Proverbs teaches that “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” The battle for peace and joy is often won or lost in the mind. Paul’s words in Philippians 4 urge us to fix our thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This is not about ignoring reality, but about choosing to let God’s truth define our perspective rather than our fears or regrets.

When we face anxieties, we are invited not just to tell God about our problems, but to remind our problems who our God is. Our identity is not defined by culture, past mistakes, or the expectations of others, but by who we are in Christ: chosen, redeemed, and secure. Like Peter walking on water, we are called to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, not the storms around us. When we lose focus, we begin to sink, but when our gaze is on Christ, we can walk in faith.

Ultimately, our story has been rewritten by God. We are adopted into His family, and our lives are now part of His greater story. Each day is an opportunity to let Him author our steps, to live in the freedom and victory He has secured, and to proclaim that today is the day of salvation.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Eternal Perspective Frees Us from Time’s Tyranny
God is not bound by the limitations of time; He created it and exists outside of it. This means our past, present, and future are all equally known and held by Him. When we trust in this truth, we are freed from the anxieties of what has been and what might be, and can live with confidence in the present. Our security is not in our ability to control time, but in God’s sovereign care over every moment. [06:41]

- The Power of Present-Minded Faith
Scripture consistently calls us to focus on today—“Give us this day our daily bread,” “Take up your cross daily,” “This is the day the Lord has made.” Living in the present is not about ignoring the past or neglecting the future, but about trusting God with both and being faithful with what He has given us now. The decisions we make today, in faith and obedience, are the seeds of tomorrow’s fruit. God’s mercies are new every morning, inviting us to seize each day for His glory. [11:12]

- Transforming Our Thoughts: The Battle of the Mind
Our thoughts shape our reality, influencing our emotions, health, and spiritual well-being. Paul’s exhortation to think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable is a call to intentional mental discipline. This is not denial, but a deliberate choice to let God’s truth and goodness be the lens through which we view our circumstances. The battle is won or lost in the mind, and victory comes as we align our thoughts with God’s promises. [15:44]

- Identity in Christ Overcomes Cultural and Personal Narratives
We often let culture, community, or even our own failures define us, but our true identity is found in Christ. We are chosen, redeemed, and secure, not because of what we have done, but because of what He has done for us. Reminding ourselves daily of who we are in Christ empowers us to resist the pressures and labels of the world, and to live boldly in the freedom of God’s love and acceptance. [19:55]

- Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Changes Our Story
Like Peter walking on water, our ability to “seize the day” depends on where we fix our focus. When our eyes are on Jesus, we can walk in faith even through storms; when we focus on our fears, we begin to sink. God has rewritten our story—adopting us into His family and giving us a new identity and future. Each day is an opportunity to let Him author our steps, trusting that the end of our story is already secure in His victory. [23:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction: Carpe Diem and Its Origins
[03:05] - The Problem of Distracted Living
[06:41] - God’s Relationship to Time
[09:30] - Trusting God with Past, Present, and Future
[11:12] - Biblical Emphasis on Today
[13:00] - The Power of Our Thoughts
[15:44] - Philippians 4: Fixing Our Minds
[17:50] - Telling Our Problems About God
[19:55] - Identity in Christ vs. Cultural Narratives
[22:00] - Cognitive Reappraisal: Choosing God’s Perspective
[23:14] - Matthew 14: Peter Walks on Water
[25:30] - Changing Your Story in Christ
[27:10] - Today Is the Day of Salvation
[28:31] - Prayer and Closing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living Fully in the Present

---

### Bible Reading

Philippians 4:7-8 (ESV)
> And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
> Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Matthew 14:25-31 (ESV)
> And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
> And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

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.

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Philippians 4:7-8, what does Paul say will guard our hearts and minds, and what kinds of things does he tell us to focus our thoughts on?
2. According to Matthew 14, what happened to Peter when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wind and waves? [23:14]
3. In the sermon, what are some of the ways the Bible encourages us to focus on “today” rather than being consumed by the past or future? [11:12]
4. What does 2 Corinthians 6:2 say about the importance of “today”?

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes thinking about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable? How might this affect a person’s daily life and mental state? [15:44]
2. The sermon mentions that God is not bound by time and is present in our past, present, and future. How does this truth change the way a believer might view regrets or worries? [06:41]
3. When Peter began to sink, Jesus said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” What does this reveal about the connection between faith, focus, and fear? [23:14]
4. The sermon says our identity is not defined by our past, culture, or others’ expectations, but by who we are in Christ. Why is it important to remind ourselves daily of our identity in Christ? [19:55]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon shared that almost half our thoughts are about the past or future. What is one specific worry or regret that often distracts you from living in the present? What would it look like to trust God with that area this week? [03:05]
2. Paul tells us to “think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). What is one negative or anxious thought you struggle with, and how could you intentionally replace it with something true or praiseworthy? [15:44]
3. The pastor quoted, “Don’t just tell God about your anxieties—tell your anxieties about God.” What is one practical way you can remind yourself (or your problems) of God’s power and promises when you feel overwhelmed? [17:50]
4. The sermon talked about how culture, community, or our own failures can try to define us. Is there a label or expectation you’ve been carrying that doesn’t line up with your identity in Christ? How can you start to let go of it? [19:55]
5. Like Peter, we can start to “sink” when we focus on our fears instead of Jesus. What is one area of your life where you need to fix your eyes on Jesus right now? What would it look like to do that this week? [23:14]
6. The sermon said, “Each day is an opportunity to let Him author our steps.” What is one decision or step of faith you sense God inviting you to take today? [25:30]
7. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “Now is the day of salvation.” If you have not yet trusted Christ, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you share this “good news” with someone in your life this week? [27:10]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for the courage to live fully in the present, to trust God with their past and future, and to fix their eyes on Jesus each day.

Devotional

Day 1: Fix Your Thoughts on What Is True and Good
The mind is a battlefield where our thoughts can either lead us into anxiety and defeat or into peace and victory. God calls us to intentionally focus our minds on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. When we allow our thoughts to dwell on God’s goodness and promises, we experience His peace that surpasses understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The choice of what occupies our minds is ours, and by fixing our focus on God, we can overcome the worries and distractions that seek to consume us. [13:40]

Philippians 4:7-8 (ESV)
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Reflection: What is one recurring negative thought you need to replace today with a truth about God’s character or promises?


Day 2: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus in the Storm
When we step out in faith, it is easy to become distracted by the storms and challenges around us. Like Peter, we may begin to sink when we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on our fears. But when our gaze remains fixed on Christ, He sustains us even in the most turbulent circumstances. The greatest way to seize the day is to keep our focus on Jesus, trusting Him above the noise and chaos, and letting His presence define our reality rather than our problems. [20:55]

Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV)
"Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.' And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'"

Reflection: In what current situation do you need to intentionally shift your focus from your fears to Jesus, and what would that look like today?


Day 3: Your Story Has Been Changed—You Are God’s Child
No matter what story you were born into or what your past holds, when you are adopted into God’s family, your story is rewritten. You are now part of God’s narrative, included in His promises, and your identity is found in Christ. This new story means your failures, victories, habits, and hopes are all in the hands of the Author who writes beautiful endings. Living from this new identity empowers you to make decisions today that reflect God’s glory and purpose for your life. [23:14]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV)
"Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to embrace your new identity as God’s beloved child, and how can you act from that truth today?


Day 4: Today Is the Day—Seize the Present Moment
God calls us to live in the present, not paralyzed by regrets of the past or anxieties about the future. Today is the day of salvation, the day to proclaim good news, to love, to forgive, and to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Each day is a gift from God, and He invites us to seize it by trusting Him, laying aside our burdens, and stepping into the opportunities He provides right now. [28:31]

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."

Reflection: What is one step of obedience or act of love you can take today that you have been putting off for another time?


Day 5: Let God Author Your Story and Direct Your Thoughts
When you surrender the pen of your life to God, you allow Him to write a story more beautiful than you could imagine. This means daily choosing to let God’s truth, not culture or others’ expectations, define you. By giving God editorial control, your thoughts and actions become aligned with His will, and your life becomes a testimony to His faithfulness and creativity. Trusting God as the Author brings freedom, purpose, and hope for every chapter ahead. [25:50]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: In what practical way can you surrender control of your story to God today, allowing Him to shape your thoughts and decisions?

Quotes

If we trust in God, if we have faith in God, if we believe that God can, that God is able, or that God’s promises are true, that God’s promises are sure, that they are going to take place, then there are certain things about what consumes our time that can be taken care of. Knowing that our past has been forgiven, knowing that it is God who has numbered our days, knowing that it is God who has us in his hand—for those of us who are in Christ Jesus as believers, we know that our future is secure, that our name is written in the Lamb’s book of life, that Christ has secured our destiny. Thank God for that. [00:04:43] (00:00:52 seconds)  #SecureInGodsPromise Edit Clip

I have no idea what goal you’re going after, what problem you’re trying to solve, what habit you’re trying to break, but I know what the Bible has to say is the secret to our success. It’s going to happen as you seize today in the decision that you make today, and for that there has to be a mind shift in our mind, a change in our perspective, a change in the way that we look at time and what we are bound to. [00:07:48] (00:00:33 seconds)  #MindShiftForSuccess Edit Clip

What might be can’t dominate or dictate to us what currently is, because we believe in a God who is in control. And because of that, I know that it is all handled, and perhaps, just perhaps, I need to focus on what he is calling me to do now. [00:08:20] (00:00:23 seconds)  #PresentOverPossibilities Edit Clip

The Bible tells us that the battle is won or lost up here in our minds, in our thoughts. That’s when and where and how we need to take control of our current circumstances. We can’t control what has taken place, but I can control how it is affecting me today. [00:09:34] (00:00:28 seconds)  #GodBiggerThanWorry Edit Clip

We allow others’ expectations to dictate for us, when what is critical is what God has to say. If you allow it, culture will name you, culture will dictate to you, culture will tame you, culture will hold you back. In some circles they’ll say, but that’s what God does, is he tames and he holds back. Consider cancel culture—cancel culture will chew you up and spit you out. You have to know who you are. You have to know who you are in Christ Jesus. You have to know whose you are. [00:15:50] (00:00:51 seconds)  #ChooseWhatYouFocusOn Edit Clip

You have to be reminded daily, every day the mercies of the Lord are new. You have to be reminded every day the Lord bless you and keep you. You have to be reminded every day that you are a chosen priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging. You have to be reminded every day that you are blameless and your sin has been forgiven. You have to be reminded that you are a redeemed people, that you are sealed by the promise of the Holy Spirit. You have to be reminded you have a hope and a future and it’s dictated by God. [00:16:40] (00:00:51 seconds)  #SpeakFaithToCircumstances Edit Clip

Those 60,000 thoughts that are running through your brain during the course of a day can then be focused on giving glory and honor to God, because your story is in his hands. Your story has been put to the hands of an author who knows how to write beautiful novels. [00:26:14] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

You give him authorship, you give him editorial control, the pen is in his hand, you place the keyboard in front of him and you allow him to write the best work going forward. [00:26:42] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip