Life to the Brim
“… teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” Psalm 90:12.
At the time of this writing it is my day number 33,790.
The essence of the verse is to stress the brevity of our life. When we live in harmony with the Lord, death is simply a change of address. Our enjoyment of Him continues unabated when we step from this life into eternity. “Teach us,” to reflect on the brevity of life, that we may “gain a heart of wisdom,” that is, a heart wise and understanding. Hopefully this post will encourage readers to consider that there is a limit to life, so live it wisely.
“For inevitably life is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90: 20).
The text notes our lives are seventy years. Moses lived 120 years according to Deuteronomy 31:2 and 34:7. He did not say seventy years as either a promise or a limit, but as a poetic estimate of a life span. The emphasis is on the futility of life; even if one should live past the norm of seventy years, the end of it comes. To live with dying thoughts is the way to die with living comforts.
We should deeply consider our own frailty, the shortness and uncertainty of life, that we may live for eternity, acquaint ourselves with the Lord and be at peace; that we may die in His favor and live and reign with Him eternally.
Let the grace of God in us produce the light of good works. And let Divine consolations put gladness into our hearts, and a luster upon our countenances. Instead of wasting our precious, fleeting days in pursuing fancies, which leave the possessors forever poor, let us seek the forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance in heaven.
Jesus gave a parable that also explains what happens when we don’t “number our days.” In Luke 12:19–21 He describes a rich man who wanted only to “eat, drink, and be merry” and had no time or thought for God. The rich man believed he had years yet to enjoy his pleasures, but God required his soul that very night. If the rich man had learned to “number his days,” he would have pursued ventures that had eternal significance. We can learn from this parable that none of us know how many days we will be granted, so we must not waste them on silly, selfish pursuits that have no real value.
May no one consider this post as being morbid. Hopefully it will be encouragement to live life fully, getting all out that will be fulfilling to the individual and glorifying to the Lord. Enjoy life wisely.
The Gift of Wisdom
James 1: 5 – 8
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Scripture tells us that wisdom is better than gold! Bible verses about wisdom unlock the door to gaining insight for your Christian walk. As Christians, we can gain knowledge through the study of God’s word. “…the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).
Knowledge has been defined as the ability to take things apart, while wisdom is the ability to put things together.
Wisdom is the ability to make a practical application of insight gained through trials and profit from it.
Wisdom is knowing how to use knowledge. There are a lot of people who have a lot of knowledge who are bereft of wisdom.
The “If” in the text is a first class condition which assumes the reality of the need and views it as a standing fact.
The Greek word for wisdom is “sophia” and means “broad and full intelligence.” This wisdom is moral discernment that enables the believer to victoriously and joyously face trials. It is the capacity to apply Bible knowledge to given situations. All persons need it, but at no time more than during trials. “If any man lacks wisdom” does not imply some don’t. The “if” used means “if, and he does.”
“Let him ask of God…” Thus, the ultimate source of wisdom is identified as the Lord.
“Let him ask” does not simply give permission. It is the statement of a duty. Being in the present tense it means to do it continually.
“…it will be given unto him.” God commits himself to giving it, if we will ask for it. This should be an encouragement to pray for it.
The Greek poet Philemon called God “the lover of gifts,” not in the sense of receiving them, but of giving them.
God gives “to all men liberally,” the Greek word translated liberally is “haplos.” Liberally is usually understood to mean generously, without restraint, or wholeheartedly. It has that and a higher application here.
The person who asks and doubts is called “double-minded.” John Bunyan in his work “Pilgrim’s Progress” has a character named “Mr. Facing-both-ways.” He is like troubled waters. No two-faced person is acting in their own best interest much less the glory of God. Ask in faith and accept whatever the answer.
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” I John 5: 14,15. Ask!
By Love Compelled
I am persuaded Noah could not have stood the stench in the arc if it were not for the storm outside the arc. If you think there are troubles in the church take a look around outside of it.
The Old Ship of Zion, the church, has always had to sail in troubled waters. There is a biblical axiom that has enabled it to sail on. Believers on the vessel are charged to “contend for the faith once delivered.” It is not that they should be contentious, always looking for a fight. However, if it is to be the guardian of the faith once delivered it can expect stormy seas.
It is obvious and well documented that young adults are abandoning ship, many never got on board. The number one reason why might surprise you as it did me. It is because the church is so weak. It does not define itself by the Bible and refuses to compromise. There is no voice like that of Martin Luther who under the threat of death proclaimed. “Here I stand; I can do no other.” His conscience was as he said, “bound to the Word of God.”
The Christian perspective must always be to contend in love. It is to love opponents, but not approve their unbiblical perspective.
For ages the banner has read, “I love you, but I disagree with what you are doing.” Today that is called negative tolerance. Positive tolerance, “I love you and embrace your position.” That is supported by the modern progressive concept that one idea is as good as another. If that is true we need to dig up Hitler and apologize to him. Vladamir Putin deserves a pardon. All murder convictions should be commuted. The 9/11 mass hijacking murders are to be forgiven. Adam Lanza, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter, must be absolved. Open all prison cells. The idea of one idea being as good as another would mandate those actions.
In addressing the church Jesus said, “Go you into all the world.” Many have distorted that to mean bringing all the world into the church via compromise. That sellout is the weakness of which youth are referring. They know the church is to be salt and light, but feel a better analogy is pablum and sugar.
Instead of infighting the church should take the high road and stand in rank defending sound doctrine knowing that doing so is to call down fire on itself by outside forces. No churchman wants that, but the battle lines have been drawn by an unfriendly hand. The Christian community must be advocates of peace while serving as proponents of biblical truth.
In every era, Christians have been called “to contend earnestly for the faith once and for all delivered to the saints.” Some struggles recur in every generation. Battles such as the veracity of Scripture or the person and work of Jesus are perennial ones. The church, again and again, has to articulate and defend these doctrines. The church doesn’t determine the truth; the truth determines the church.
This post is an appeal for Christians to be activists not only in the church, but in society in general. By love compelled “contend earnestly for the faith.”
Let us commit ourselves, “So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14).
Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” (John 15: 18).
How to Improve Your Memory
Many grow up thinking the number of brain cells at birth was the most we’d ever have. Following that concept it leaves us addled and confused onto the steps of the financially ruinous nursing home.
While it’s true that cognitive function does slowly decline over time, there are steps you can take to help maintain a strong, healthy brain as you age.
We grow brain cells all the time. We completely rebuild—and quickly—the cells we have. We’re basically involved in a continuous remake.
Our brain is a series of circuits and pathways, and every time we do, think, or experience something, we fire a pathway. If a certain pathway fires enough times, in the right way, our brain will reinforce that circuit so we can fire it more quickly and accurately. Neuroscientists say, “what fires together, wires together.”
Perhaps you have heard that your brain is like a muscle. It’s a cliche, but it relates to four key points of learning, backed by good science:
1. To make a change we need action. Make a decision to exercise your brain and do it.
2. To make a change we need to struggle. Extend yourself and expect to struggle.
3. Making a change takes time. You wouldn’t go to the gym and do exercises to build your biceps and standing before a mirror the next day conclude they are no larger and quit.
4. Everyone can change. Believe it. These four steps can work even for you.
We need to deploy the same approach to learning and develop . So many times we try something once or twice, we don’t see results immediately. and go, “I guess I can’t learn that.” Yes you can.
One of the best known ways to grow new brain cells and improve your memory is to memorize Scripture. It might be very hard for you at first, but expect to struggle. As you stick with it you will realize it is working and even enables you to memorize more easily. Don’t let the struggle stop you, persist. It takes time to hide His word in your heart. The residual benefits are that we improve our mind, and hence our lifestyle.
Two principles need to coexist:
* A growth mindset = I believe I can grow, and
* Neuroplasticity = you can grow.
The growth is both mentally and spiritually by memorizing Scripture.
In doing so you will not only learn Scripture, but you will develop new brain cells that can be used to become more proficient in other mental activities.
“Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2: 15).
To Control Your Conduct, Control Your Thoughts – Part Five
Romans 7: 22 – 25
The brain is sophisticated and complex. Here is an elemental insight. Negative thoughts produce certain chemicals in the brain. Positive thoughts produce other chemicals. In turn these chemicals tend to attract thoughts that produce them. Therefore, if you have been thinking negatively you have a negative chemical flow. This causes more negative thoughts. If you have been thinking positively you have a positive chemical flow and will tend to continue to think positively. You have a preset mindset.
The matter of doing the right and not doing the wrong comes down to mind over matter as noted in Romans 7: 25, “So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, and with the flesh the law of sin.”
It is a matter of mind over matter and the mind only prevails if it is under the control of Jesus Christ. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Is this a time when our Lord would have you reset your mindset? It takes conscious practice. Start with these. Resolve:
Without stopping to appreciate what you have you tend to devalue it. All of us have things for which to be grateful.
Our text says “I delight in the law of God” (Romans 7: 22). Learn to get pleasure from God’s way of seeing things.
The text also says, “I thank God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7: 25).
If you consider every activity a positive adventure it takes on new meaning and inspires others.
Pre-program your mind on the Word of God. This can enable the development of a Biblical worldview.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Many need a renewed mind. The good news is you can have you and the Lord working together. You can be confident the Lord will do His part in the renovation. There awaits, therefore only your will.
Getting the right chemicals to start flowing takes a will to do it. The Lord will not superimpose on your will, BUT He will impose on your will His will. Your response determines if the floodgates of renewal will open wide and allow His incoming influences.
As hard as it is to change on the outside, it seems infinitely harder to change on the inside. If there is anything we know about human nature, it is that people change slowly, if they change at all. Think about the struggles of your own life. What would you change about yourself on the inside if you could? Make a list of changes in your life you would like to make. What spiritual resources do you desire to make changes you know need to be made? Ask the Lord for His help by aiding your will in achieving them.
Take time in making the list and then review as to what you must do as your part to develop the new spiritual you.