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Day 6 - Friday - Connect the Testaments: A 365-Day Devotional with Bible Reading Plan - Logos

 January 28: Carpe Diem

Genesis 44; Hebrews 8–9; Ecclesiastes 11:1–4

Taking risks to make your life extraordinary is biblical if done according to God’s plan and principles. The Latin phrase Carpe Diem means “seize the day.” the idea behind this comes from Ecclesiastes: “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days” (Eccl 11:1).

Bread acts as the symbol for substance in the ancient world; the author of Ecclesiastes suggests that we should follow God’s plan, even at the possible cost of our livelihood. He then means that what we give to God, He will return. This is opposite from a self-protection mentality. The “waters” in the proverb represent chaos, suggesting that in letting go of even the most chaotic circumstances, we learn about God’s ability to give what we need.

This is further illustrated when the author says, “Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.… He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap” (Eccl 11:2, 4). In other words, there is no natural way to calculate the return on investment. Things can always go wrong. But with God, that’s not the case. He honors the work of those who diligently follow Him and give of themselves.

In the eyes of the world, not everything will work out perfectly for those who willingly give to God. But it will work out in the long spiritual haul. So, when God calls us to something, the answer is Carpe Diem. And the question we should be asking Him is, “What can I do for you and your kingdom?”

What risks are you taking for God right now? Have you asked Him what troubles He would like you to take?

John D. Barry


 Barry, John D., and Rebecca Kruyswijk. Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan. Print. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012.


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