This is the Day Ch 9

• Living with a tight grip on resources, time, talents, and money creates a false illusion of control, hindering one from truly living.

Encounter in Prison

• The author met an inmate named John in a prison infirmary who was heavily tattooed and shackled.
• John joked about being accused of stabbing someone.
• When asked how to pray for him, John initially requested prayer for his mother, who was going through a tough time, rather than for himself.
• Despite his external toughness, John was wrestling with emotions like guilt and doubt.
• The author shared God's love for John, explaining that Jesus sacrificed himself for him.
• John, though moved, declined to accept Jesus at that moment, but expressed he might one day and would think of the author if he did.
• The author left the infirmary with a heavy heart, sensing John was under conviction but fighting it.

The Illusion of Control

• People often fight for control over aspects of their lives, struggling to trust Jesus during difficult times and give Him their future.
• Worrying and living in fear to control uncontrollable events is common.
• Focusing on the present moment allows one to loosen their grip, open their heart, and live with an open mind and spirit, willing to follow God's lead.
• The love of money can lead people away from the true faith and cause sorrow.
• The love of money becomes problematic when you let it control your decisions, your impulses, and your actions.

Living with Open Hands

• The author's parents modeled generosity, trusting God and giving what little they had to help others.
• The disparity between the wealthy and the needy highlights the need for encouragement, hope, and the love of Jesus.
• Living with open hands allows one to make a difference in at least one person's life by using their talents, abilities, resources, and money for good.

The In-Between Moments

• While trying to make an impact, sometimes one misses opportunities due to discomfort or inconvenience.
• The author recounts missing an opportunity to connect with a man with a cane at an airport due to feeling sick and wanting to avoid a scene.
• He asked God for another chance and then encountered a veteran with prosthetic legs.
• Despite wanting to rest on the flight, the author felt compelled to offer his first-class seat to David, a veteran who lost his legs in Afghanistan.
• The author ended up sitting in coach and engaging in conversation with two women.
• One of the women shared a story of divine intervention and how maybe it meant something that I had sat down next to her.
• The author then offered to pray with her at the airport.
• Being willing to be open and not miss another opportunity allowed God to step up.
• Being ready to give can create some of the biggest moments in someone's lives.
• Be ready to give in the in-between. Sometimes these can end up being the biggest moments in our lives.

Make This Your Day

• Be open to opportunities to help, encourage, and share the message of hope that Jesus brought, even when not feeling well or wanting to be alone.
• Open your heart and give of your resources, time, talents, or finances.