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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
LIFE IS A VAPOR
James 4:14, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
James gives us a sobering reminder of the fragility and fleeting nature of life.
Just like a vapor that appears for a brief moment and vanishes, our lives, no matter how long they seem, are temporary.
This calls for reflection on how we live and what we prioritize.
Often, we live as though tomorrow is guaranteed, making plans for the future while neglecting what truly matters—our eternal soul.
But James reminds us: we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
The decisions we make today, especially about our relationship with God, have eternal significance.
In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool.
The man had a great harvest and thought his life was set.
He planned to build bigger barns, store up his wealth, and live comfortably for years to come.
However, God said to him, “This night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20).
The rich man had made plans for everything in life—except for his soul’s eternity.
This story shows us the foolishness of focusing on temporary gains while neglecting what truly matters.
We can learn from this parable that, like the rich fool, we too can easily get caught up in planning for our future on earth—our careers, finances, and comfort—without giving enough thought to our eternity.
Jesus reminds us that life is uncertain, and we must live with an eternal perspective, ready to meet God at any moment.
Ask yourself: where are you placing your priorities?
Are you storing up treasures on earth or treasures in heaven?
We all make plans—school, work, vacations, and retirement.
While planning is good, it’s critical to remember that all of this is temporary.
We may have long-term goals, but the Bible teaches us that life is short and unpredictable.
Rather than focusing on what is temporary, we should invest our time in what is eternal.
Today, take a moment to reflect on the state of your heart.
Is your relationship with God where it needs to be?
Have you allowed distractions, such as pursuing success or accumulating wealth, to overshadow your relationship with Jesus?
None of these things will last beyond this life.
Your relationship with Christ is what will carry you into eternity.
Ask yourself: if today was my last day, would I be ready to stand before God?
Matthew 6:19-20 says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”
Shift your focus toward building an eternal legacy.
Imagine waking up early in the morning to see fog blanketing the world around you. Everything seems covered, and the fog feels thick and present.
Yet, as the sun rises and the morning passes, the fog disappears, leaving no sign it was ever there.
Our lives are like that fog—a brief appearance, and then it’s gone.
We do not control when the fog will lift, just as we don’t know the day or hour of our own departure from this world.
Life is fragile, and none of us knows how long we have.
But while we are here, we have the chance to focus on what matters most—our relationship with God and preparing for eternity.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of life and for reminding me of its brevity. Help me not to be distracted by temporary things, but to focus on what truly matters—my relationship with You. Teach me to number my days wisely and to live each day in preparation for eternity. Guide me to make decisions that honor You and lead others to do the same. May I live with an eternal perspective, always aware that my life is but a vapor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Take some time today to reflect on how you spend your time throughout the day.
Write down a list of your daily activities and look for areas where you may be overly focused on temporary things.
Ask yourself, “Am I making room for the eternal?”
Make one intentional change today to shift your focus toward eternity.
This could be spending more time in prayer, reading the Bible, sharing your faith with others, or engaging in acts of kindness that point people to Jesus.
Remember: each day is a gift, that is why it is called, THE PRESENT, and we are called to use it for God’s glory.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
James Parker
Kim Mcclain
June Davis
Danny Jarrard
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher