God's Grace for these Days
I am still up long after I should have been in bed. Part of the reason is that I have an achy knee and the other matter is that I have much on my mind. I will talk with you about some things, where I am not bound by concerns for confidentiality, at a later time. Let me just make one statement for tonight and then I am off to try to settle in.
Determine with God's help to live your life for His glory making the most of every moment.
I am becoming more acutely aware of the truth that I have read in Scripture for more than 35 years and for the most part have failed to fully appreciate. That truth is simply this: life is brief (Psalm 39:5; Psalm 90:10; James4:14). The sudden death of Ben Marsh and Jerry Falwell serve as very real reminders of the fact, but in truth it is not something that I have just started thinking about in the last 10 days in which I have learned of their deaths.
My own physical life is bearing witness to the fact. I battle high blood pressure, diabetes, and joints that are wearing out. Doctors have recently cautioned me of needed "course corrections" in my life if I am to have the health I need to continue involvement in meaningful ministry and not see these health concerns spiral out of control. I don't share this to alarm you or get you to feel sorry for me. Much of the physical maladies that I endure are a product of heredity and my own poor health choices. Heredity I can't do anything about, but I can make better choices related to the stewardship of the body God gave me and by His grace I will.
But aside from all of that, all of us are a heart beat from eternity. A stray bullet, a drunken driver, a "silly and senseless accident," or a physical malady can take us away suddenly. Right now is the time we have to make a difference. By yielding ourselves to God and realizing the "lateness of the hour," we can use the time we have wisely and have an impact that will live beyond these physical bodies of ours.
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:11-12 ESV)
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV)
