Grace for Today. You don’t need tomorrow’s strength yet—today’s mercy is enough. “If the Lord wills…” Walk humbly and breathe, receive, proceed.
Big Idea
God’s grace arrives on today’s schedule, not tomorrow’s panic. Jesus tells us not to borrow tomorrow’s troubles, and James teaches us to plan with humility—“If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” Our part is to receive new mercies this morning and take the next obedient step.
Scripture Focus
- Lamentations 3:22–23 — His mercies are new every morning.
- Matthew 6:33–34 — Seek first the Kingdom; don’t worry about tomorrow.
- James 4:13–15 — “If the Lord wills…”
- Matthew 6:10–11 — “Your will be done… Give us this day our daily bread.”
- Proverbs 27:1 — Do not boast about tomorrow.
- Exodus 16:4 — Daily manna (enough for the day).
Lesson
- Grace is delivered daily, not stockpiled. Like manna in the wilderness, God’s provision trains our hearts to trust Him today—not hoard for imagined tomorrows (Ex. 16:4).
- Worry is wasted imagination; faith is focused obedience. Worry projects “what-ifs” we cannot control. Faith asks, What did God put in front of me now? and does that.
- “If the Lord wills” is not pessimism—it’s holy realism. Planning is wise; presumption is not. Humble planning keeps God at the center (Jas. 4:15).
- Kingdom-first clarifies priorities. When we seek first His Kingdom today, the day gets reordered around what actually matters (Matt. 6:33).
- Daily bread means daily dependence. God’s will and provision meet us in the present tense—“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11).
Common Traps & Truth Counters
- Trap: “I must solve the whole week today.”
Truth: God gives today’s mercy for today’s work (Lam. 3:22–23). - Trap: “If I don’t control everything, it’ll fall apart.”
Truth: Control belongs to God; obedience belongs to you (Prov. 3:5–6). - Trap: “I’ll have peace once everything settles.”
Truth: Peace is available now in Jesus, not after circumstances change (John 14:27).
Put It Into Practice (Today)
- Pray First (1 minute): “Father, Your will be done today. I receive today’s mercy and today’s bread.”
- Name the Day’s Assignments (3 lines): One must do, one should do, one could do (bonus).
- Release Tomorrow (30 seconds): Write “If the Lord wills” over any plan beyond today.
- Next Obedient Step (10–20 minutes): Start the must do quietly and without multitasking.
- Close with Gratitude (evening): List 3 new mercies you noticed.
Reflection Questions
- Where am I borrowing tomorrow’s worry into today?
- What would “If the Lord wills” practically change about my schedule?
- Which single act of obedience today would most honor God?
Memory Verse
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Short Prayer
Father, thank You for new mercies this morning. I surrender tomorrow and receive Your grace for today. Teach me to plan humbly—“If the Lord wills”—and to do the next faithful step with a quiet heart. Your will be done in all things. Amen.