Numbering Our Days

Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. (Ps 39:4)

Why would David want God to reveal to him the date he was going to die? Because he wanted to be reminded how little time we have to serve God in this world. In the previous verses David tells of the powerful conviction he felt when he remained silent in the presence of evil. Finally he speaks when he can remain silent no longer (v3). But why do we ever put off doing what we know we should do? We delay because we are lazy or selfish or afraid. We act like we have all the time in the world, but David knew differently. “Each man’s life is but a breath.” (v5) What God has called me to do I must do now and not later. “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you!” (Lk 12:20) That is how God rebuked the man who hoarded his wealth in Jesus’ parable. Lord, forgive me for wasting my time when I should be “about my Father’s business.” You have given me one life to live, and I want to live it for you. Remind me how short my days are when I am tempted to procrastinate. Amen.

Money Can't Buy Security

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall. (Pr 18:11)

There is a big part of me that wants to amass the biggest nest egg I can. I long for security and I want to think that in my old age I can know that I will be well provided for. Without even realizing it I find myself putting my trust in money rather than the Lord. But this trust is poorly placed. No matter how big the nest egg, it cannot guarantee my security. I must not hold on too tightly because of fear. My faith is in the Lord. Even in the midst of some future catastrophe, I can trust him completely. He is sovereign and he loves me – what more security could you ask for?

Digging Up Your Talent

Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will product its fruit. (Mt 21:43)

In this Parable of the Tenants, the wicked tenants kill the master’s son and refuse to give him the master’s share of the fruit. It is clearly very important to God that we who have been entrusted with his kingdom bear fruit. In my timidity, this is the very thing I have not done. I am like the wicked, lazy servant who buried his talent (Mt 25:26). Lord, I don’t want to bury my talent any more. I want to be in the game, getting roughed up sometimes, but bearing fruit for you. Thank you that you have been helping me see how I need to change. Thanks you for your Holy Spirit who will empower me to change and to act on your behalf. Thank you for your great patience with me.

Watch Your Flocks

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds. (Pr 27:23)

We must give careful attention to whatever God has entrusted to us. Good stewardship requires diligence and steadfastness.