My Days Are Numbered

The Psalmist says, (Psalms 90:12 NRSV) "So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart." This is an admonition to help us understand that we don't have all of the time in the world to do the wise things in this world. The New Century Version translates this, "Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise."

Sometimes we view this as a negative passage. It is as though we think it is a warning. I guess it could be seen this way. Yet, there is a positive side. In order for us to think about the most important things in life, we must "number our days."

Time is of the essence in so many things. How would we think about the time spent with family if we numbered our days? How would I worship differently? How would I think about those outside of a relationship with Jesus? Many things would change if I would simply think more about that number of my days.

James says that "life is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." How true it is. Years seem like months and months click off so quickly it's scary.

So, find someone you love and tell them. Find someone who needs Jesus and share Him. Do something good for a stranger today. Take care of the important things now.

Kindness to Judas

Today at lunch I shared an incident in my life with one of our elders at Creekside. The incident involves my being wronged by other people. It is awesome how God has put me in the company of the best people in the world. It is also wonderful how He guides me in the way I should go. Though I don't always follow His advice, He continues to guide!

I had already discerned that I would forgive those who had done me wrong. After having preached on the subject of forgiveness last week, that was somewhat easier. The power of Holy Spirit has allowed me to forgive. This time at least I heeded the guidance of my heavenly Father.

I find that forgiveness frees me from pain in so many ways. I do not hold a grudge. I do not worry about it. I think through the power of God's Holy Spirit I can even treat those people with dignity and respect.

My shepherd today even has made it easier. He made the statement that Jesus walked around with, shared meals with , and even washed the feet of the one who was to betray Him. "That's right," I said. Judas was there the night of the last supper when Jesus took a towel and washed the feet of the disciples. As a matter of fact, he left that room in order to go to betray Him. Jesus is truly the greatest example and Master teacher!

So today, because Jesus could treat Judas with a servant attitude, find that person who has wronged you and treat them with kindness. Not for any other reason than Jesus living in you.

No Small Parts

Have you ever had the attitude or known of someone who had the following attitude? They say, "I am not that important. I only have a small part in the work of God's church family."

Ellen and I have been reminded again just how important "small parts" of the body are. She was walking out of our bedroom which has steps going into our kitchen. She didn't make the second step and stumped her middle toe, a "small part" of the body. We are considering x-rays today. Her whole body was in pain. That toe IS IMPORTANT!

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:22 "...Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable...." How true it is. In the same text he said, "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (12:26)

Please remember that no matter how insignificant you feel in God's family that He has a plan for your life within His great scheme of things. You are His child and THAT SHOULD MAKE YOU FEEL IMPORTANT!