Psalm 90:12: "Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
It is possible to grow old optimistically and graciously. Larue Lindquist of Barnabas International wrote recently in a newsletter telling about Ted. W. Engstroms book entitled "The Most Important Thing A Man Needs to Know About the Rest of His Life."
Engstrom tells us to not give in to anger, fear, and resentment about the aging process. Rather, he wisely tells us to embrace aging with acceptance and thankfulness because this will lead us to transformation.
Meditate On This!
What you will be....you are now becoming.
This day is shaping your future days.
Today shapes tomorrow.
"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephes. 5:16
Communication: 4 things that are necessary.
- Identification: Must be able to meet the person where he/she is at
- Translation: Must be able to speak at there level of understanding
- Persuasion: Must see your passion for what you believe
- Justification: Why what you are saying is right.
What is the meaning of Life?
In order to answer this question we must understand what it takes to give life meaning.
4 things that happen in order to give life meaning.
- Sense of wonder - the alternative is boredom
- Knowledge of the truth - the alternative is subjective truth
- Experienced love - Unconditional love only comes via Christ
- Security - the world has no real sense of security, only the Lord can bring authentic security.
When these four things happen then you will have meaning to life. The older you get the more it takes to fill your heart with wonder and only God can fill that void.
I Corinthians 3:13: ". . . his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work."
Professional athletes have the newspapers everyday telling us how they performed. Whereas statistics can be part of understanding performance, the skipper and general manager have a better idea of just what the player is doing on the field.
We see 0 for 3, and the skipper might have seen a ball hit to second base advancing a runner, a long fly ball that scored a run, or three line drives, but right at someone.
In the same way, God is one that will judge the things we do here on this side of eternity. He has a better idea of just how we are doing.
Meditate On This!
The judgments described here are for Christians only. In Romans 14:10 and II Corinthians 5:10, this judgment is labeled the "begma" (Greek) or the judgment seat of Christ. As we read this, we must realize that only those who have the proper spiritual foundation upon which to construct life will be able to appear. That foundation is Christ. Once that foundation has been laid, it is up to the believer to build the super-structure throughout the years that God allows. That super-structure may consist of the valuable and lasting gold, silver, and precious stones, or the unworthy wood, hay and stubble.
Also remember that on that day, all of our works will be declared and revealed by fire. Remember this judgment is not to determine salvation or eternal destiny, but to determine rewards. What kind of things in your life do you feel are bringing eternal reward? Maybe you need to adjust some things that are happening in your life now to be acknowledged more at the eternal awards banquet rather than here on earth.
I Corinthians 15:49: "And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven."
This story is told of Bishop Thoborn. He had a cherished photograph of his son who had died. It was imperfect, however, and so blurred that the boys features could not been seen clearly. Because it was the only photo he had of the child, he took it to an artist to have it restored. Three weeks later, Thoborn received a sharply detailed, neatly framed picture, and was amazed at its clarity. It was as if his son was again before him. The clarity had actually been in the old photo, but it took the artists touch to bring it out.
Meditate On This!!!
God is in the process of cleaning up your picture! He wants you to not only see who you are, but more importantly to see who He is. Perhaps your picture of Jesus is one that is muddled. Possibly over the years it has become less impressive than before. Maybe today you need to reread the words of Jesus in the Scriptures. Get a fresh new understanding in love and look at our Savior.
This is a monumental task to do, but only you know as you ask the Holy Spirit to show you how tarnished your view of Christ is.
