I’m dying. Rather dramatic statement, isn’t it? No, I don’t have any current medical
condition (that I know of) that makes my demise imminent. In fact, my current
life expectancy is about 22 years, according to a calculator posted by the
Social Security Administration. But, as experience has taught me, things can
change in an instant. Ben Franklin wryly observed that the only certainties are
death and taxes. Whether there are 22
years or 22 days left in this earthly journey, I am dying! (News flash- so
are you!) Some of you are feeling some
pity for me right now and thinking, “Jerry has spent too much time at the
cemetery.” Perhaps you are right. But, I prefer to think that I am living the
wisdom of God.
What do we do with this knowledge of mortality? Will we
allow ourselves to slip into a depression because of it?
Should we begin to chase the ephemeral pleasures of life ‘eating, drinking, and being merry’ desperately?
Or, should we soberly decide to live and love, making the most of every opportunity? The answer is obvious to me, but here is the counsel of the inspired Word.
Should we begin to chase the ephemeral pleasures of life ‘eating, drinking, and being merry’ desperately?
Or, should we soberly decide to live and love, making the most of every opportunity? The answer is obvious to me, but here is the counsel of the inspired Word.
James, brother of Jesus and pastor of First Church,
Jerusalem, wrote "Look here, you who
say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a
year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your
life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a
little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us
to, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15, NLT) Moses, prince of Egypt and leader of Israel,
prayed - "Lord, you have been our
dwelling place throughout all generations. … You turn men back to dust, saying,
“Return to dust, O sons of men.” For a thousand years in your sight are like a
day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. … The length of our days is seventy years— or
eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for
they quickly pass, and we fly away. …Teach us to number our days aright, that
we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:1,3-4, 10, 12, NIV)
There are so many joys to be found in each day.
We can savor a meal, lovingly prepared.
We can let the love of friend and family enrich us.
We can do our work with diligence so that there is a legacy of something improved.
We can savor a meal, lovingly prepared.
We can let the love of friend and family enrich us.
We can do our work with diligence so that there is a legacy of something improved.
In short, we invest our days, not just spend them!
All the while, we keep our mind on eternity. In Christ, that knowledge loses any fear. We can know we are held secure in His love, right with God, and ready to enter His Presence at any moment. If we have lived well, keeping accounts paid, offering love, freely forgiving, taking advantage of no one – we can anticipate a rich reward from the One who sees all, knows all, and forgets nothing.
All the while, we keep our mind on eternity. In Christ, that knowledge loses any fear. We can know we are held secure in His love, right with God, and ready to enter His Presence at any moment. If we have lived well, keeping accounts paid, offering love, freely forgiving, taking advantage of no one – we can anticipate a rich reward from the One who sees all, knows all, and forgets nothing.
Dying? Yes, we are. For me it is not the dying thing that is
so bad. It’s this aging! But that is for another blog. Keep Heaven in your heart. Walk with God today and, sooner than you think, you
will walk right over the edge of time and into His eternal life. Joy
unspeakable!
Here is a word from the Word - "Each person is destined to die once and after that comes
judgment," (Hebrews 9:27, NLT) … "so,
dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because
of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way
through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High
Priest who rules over God’s house," (Hebrews 10:19-21, NLT) "Let
us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily
trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We
do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects
our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding
its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of
all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary
and give up." (Hebrews 12:1-3, NLT)
___________
Cornerstone
My hope is built on
nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and
righteousness
I dare not trust the
sweetest frame
But wholly trust in
Jesus' Name
Christ alone
cornerstone
Weak made strong in
the Saviour's love
Through the storm He
is Lord
Lord of all
When darkness seems to
hide His face
I rest on His
unchanging grace
In every high and
stormy gale
My anchor holds within
the veil
My anchor holds within
the veil
He is Lord Lord of all
When He shall come
with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him
be found
Dressed in His
righteousness alone
Faultless stand before
the throne
Edward Mote | Eric Liljero | Jonas Myrin | Reuben Morgan |
William Batchelder Bradbury
© 2011 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG
Publishing)
CCLI License # 810055
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