New Year :: Eternal Perspective

Jonathan Edwards (the timid, bold paster, who spoke prompting a revival of repentance. The sermon was entitled, “In the hands of an angry God.” 

His prayer: — “Oh God, stamp eternity on my eyeball.”

In other words, as we read this passage - the oldest of the Psalms - we need to ask God for an eternal perspective that spans time itself. We need to see with these eyes:  with a clear perspective of eternity.

As we transition to a new year, let us reflect on all that God has provided - our testimony that informs others of His goodness! 

As we enter 2024, we need to gain a new perspective — one based on eternal values. As we delve into our lessons for today, take note of life lived for Christ! 

There are two key verses found in the psalms. 

They are:

Psalms 90:4 — For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.

Psalms 90:12 — So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.

The book of psalms is divided into 5 books. These are sections within the Psalms… Today’s passage comes from book 4 of 5, inclusive of psalm 90-106. 

Out of all 150 Psalms that we read …here is the oldest of them. 

• Written by Moses. (it’s included as a worship theme, a reminder of their days when they wandered in the wilderness because of their disobedience.)
• Placed here by Solomon as a reminder in our worship to place eternity in our heart.
• This Psalm is perhaps a new year’s message for those of Moses’ day as well as for David’s day and for our day as well. 

Psalm 19:14 perhaps is one that we reflect upon as we are into this new book or section. 

** It reads “May the words of our mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable at your sight oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”**

This is likely a psalm  that was written when Moses was in the midst of the 40 years of his wandering in the wilderness. (some believe that it may have been that which is just recorded in Numbers 11 but more likely it is what is recorded in Numbers 20 and 21.)

• Numbers 11 speaks of … when the spies were sent to survey the land in the majority vote ruled in favor of THEIR FEAR INSTEAD OF THEIR FUTURE.
• Numbers 20-21 speaks of Moses’s sister Miriam’s (sister) death and also Aaron’s (brother) death as well as his disobedience of STRIKING THE ROCK IN ANGER.

Whichever is his motivation, writing this does signal to us a clear understanding of what God‘s plan should’ve been for their future and what became their destiny. 

The Psalm was written for those who remained, and did not cross into the promised land. 

Perhaps this is placed here the Psalms that it becomes a universal metaphor for God’s people (at the times of David) during their spiritual wanderings. 

Now we read it as a reminder of our desperate need for God in our later years are we too may wander. 

In 40 years there was an accounted for the death of millions. 1.5 million to be more exact. 

** Because those under 20 were the only ones that were promised to receive the inheritance of which God gave them in the promised land. (only two are over the age of 22 were given a special privilege because of the obedience in their vision for God‘s plan for their future: Caleb and Joshua!

Moses attributes the age of years as 70 or even 80 at a time where they lived over 100. 

According to its title of this Psalm, “A Prayer of Moses the man of God,” Psalm 90 was authored by Moses. 

Since he lived around 1400 BC, this means Psalm 90 is the oldest of the psalms and Moses is the first composer of sacred hymnody.

In their worship liturgy of the Old Testament, the faith of God’s people, this psalm was to be a reminder of God‘s provision and protection of his people, and a promise to those who shall come behind them.

During the 40 years of their wandering in the wilderness, God promised that he would provide even upon their death. Two generations would pass before they could enter into the promised land, because of their lawless and unfaithful decision. The decision of the spies that cast out on God‘s provision into the promised land.

Moses likely perform many of the funerals that happened during their years of wandering. Of course, he had helpers because they were leaders within each of the tribes led by Aaron who would help. That is what priests and pastors do! 

As you can imagine, as you do the math, if there were just about 1.5 million that over a course of years - they would’ve been quite a few funerals that Moses would’ve had to cared for.

Do the math, and you’ll find that their average number of deaths each month …. 30,000 a year, 2,500 a month — 83 a day!!! 

 Questions and Answer :: https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2001/mar/page20.htm 

What’s the point of this? 

Well death was all around them. Were the numbers actually that large nevertheless, it seemed as though death occurred daily among each of the tribes represented in that wilderness experience. 

Turning aside from that negative conversation is clearly our lesson. 

• You see we spent the first part talking about God as eternal – verse 4.

Are you someone who sets resolutions? The Bible tells us that we should! 

Psalm 90:12–

We now turned to verse 12 which reminds us to be resolute. (Resolution of a new year.)

** We are to learn to number our days against the scales of eternity.

If the scales were Godly values, we would need to weigh our resolutions in relationship to God! 

To be resolute in our priorities, putting first things first in accordance with God’s Justice. 

To be resolute in our resources, according to God‘s love.

To be resolute in our investments for God’s glory

To speak in accordance with God’s word/truth. To count for our timely mission way that is according to God‘s faithfulness.

I love what Dr. Steve Lawson observed from the Believers Chapel in Dallas. 

“We are taught to grow in wisdom. Verse 16 says to “recommission ourselves.” Verse 17 says to show us his approval. We are to make efforts in to be successful — that is to receive God‘s plan and to work in it!”

Bottom line:: Grow in wisdom into the new year! 

Vs 12 — Teach us to number our days 

Jonathan Edwards prayer: — “Oh God, stamp eternity on my eyeball.”

Jonathan Edwards, while pastoring in New York near what is today Wall Street wrote down his resolutions. He called them guidelines for godly living. There were 70 of them. (After being converted for one year. Age 18-19.)

They related to living :: For God’s glory — most focused on use of time! 

We must decide what the is the best use of time. 

Well, Time spent -or- time well spent! 

Verse 12 :: help us to number our days, according to your Will and purpose…to gain wisdom.

Psalms 90:12 —- “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”

Pastor Steve Pettit — Wrote on this as his conclusion ::

Prayer Is Essential

In verse three of Psalm 90, God calls man to return to Him. In verse 13 the psalmist calls on God to return to man. Our necessary response to the brevity of life is to cry out to God in prayer. This is what Moses does in Psalm 90:13–17.

Pray for mercy.

Psalm 90:13–14
Return, O Lord, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Pray for joy.

Psalm 90:15
Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.

Pray for blessing.

Psalm 90:16–17
Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Conclusion by Pettit:

“Moses finishes this psalm with a prayer for God’s favor (beauty) to be on His people and for their work to prosper in God’s hand. His desire is for their work to be solidified and enduring as they depend on God.

Our time on earth is short in light of eternity. We must seek God in prayer for His mercy, His joy, and ultimately, His blessing upon all that we do in this life.”

https://today.bju.edu/president/psalm-90-living-with-an-eternal-perspective/

There are only two important days in our lives. 

The day you were born.

And the day you discover why.

Teach Us to Number Our Days : https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/teach-us-number-our-days

Comparison & Compassion!

For seven straight years I rang the Salvation Army Bell at a Red Kettle. It was a great experience and an opportunity to demonstrate care to people who pass me by. There are many who struggle at this time of year! 

There isn’t time in this blog entry to tell you the many conversations I have had with widows, parents, children, and others that are hungry for hope! There are many examples of those that share in the joy of giving! 

Too often people shop for things they don’t need just to keep up with others. The latest fashion, household items, and other stuff that does not fill the need of their soul. Comparing yourself with someone else isn’t the answer. No amount of stuff can fill the hole in your heart.

Only through Christ can we discover the joy of this season! It is about giving not comparing ourselves with others that makes a difference; especially in Christ! It is through faith that we find hope. We can go from no hope to the God of all hope! President Theodore Roosevelt famously said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Many miss out because they carry a spirit of anger and find only disappointment. Too often we need reminders that God is blessing us. I love to tell the story (pictured above) of my grandkids. When they first experienced jalapeño peppers, they responded with a remarkable reminder that even with surprises, kids often respond in positive ways! (The story was published in a readers digest article.)

Today’s thought has to do with letting God into your heart. Don’t look to others. By keeping your eyes on Christ means that you will find compassion and charity! Charity is key to understanding thanksgiving; a heart of gratitude! We steel the joy God wants to give by comparing ourselves with others. 

Just like the shepherds, who came to worship the Christ, Child. Being given the opportunity to receive the proclamation that a child has been born on us, who is the savior of the world! Even the wisemen came from a great distance to witness this incredible fulfillment of prophecy bringing gifts. 

This year for Christmas, spend a few minutes reading the Christmas story so that you too can be reminded of the incredible blessing that we have in Christ. 

Luke 2:6-11 — And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

Merry Christmas 2023

Merry Christmas is such a wonderful season’s greeting. I think that would be wonderful if we said it year-round and not just during the holidays. It is a blessing to share with friends and family the wonderful joy we have experienced this last year. Here’s a throwback for ya! (A graduation with Cindi’s parents.)

🎅 _________________ 🎄

Certainly, it is not without difficulty at times, yet we can thank the Lord in each circumstance, because of his abiding presence in the midst of those times. This year has been a powerful reminder for me to remain patient; that is to wait on the Lord.

Toward the end of 2022, the Lord impressed on me, but it’s OK to be in a spirit of advent all year long. I even posted my Facebook profile telling the world. Here are a few things I thought I’d share with you.

The year kicked off in its usual way, with much to be done in the journey of each day. God has walked with me and my family reminding me that Jesus is with me, which calms my stay! 

I’ve been serving with Youth for Christ in northern Indiana for a year and a half now. Wow, God has a strange way of showing me how to depend on him. Having to raise personal support is no easy task, but God reminds me that all I need to do is take his hand and he will guide me the rest of the way. 

We moved to the Marion area in 2006. Cindi has served at Taylor University ever since. Her role there as Program Assistant for the psychology department and testing office has been very fulfilling for her. That was over 17 years ago. Our kids have graduated both from high school and college in those years. 

This last year has seen exciting experiences. It’s hard to believe that all of our children have not only purchased their own homes, but it called upon me on many occasions to help repair those things that were broken. I think that’s what being a dad means.

Recently, Jeremiah has married Destiny. In October we celebrated the addition to our family. We are grateful to join in on this occasion and I was even the preacher for the wedding.

Celebrations abound in our family. We make everything a celebration from birthdays to accomplishments that only, through God’s, divine intervention, have been accomplished.

Jon remains a Sheriff deputy, K-9. He has been serving for nearly 10 years and is specially trained as a canine handler. His partner is  Jaeger. It’s been cool to see how he is raising our Grandchildren, Ellie and Jase. They are now ages, nine and eight years old. They are full of energy. We get to have them on several occasions over the weekend, which is great joy! 

Our daughter-in-law, Staci, is graduating from the law-enforcement Academy. It was a terrific time to celebrate in July when she was sworn in as an officer for The Elwood Police department. Of course, I had a little bit of fun.  I gave her a gift and her expression says it all. She has been a tremendous blessing to our family. Her wit and smile make for enjoyable get togethers and we appreciate all that she represents in the lives of our grand children.

As many as you know, Josslyn graduated with her masters degree in social work. It is never easy growing up as a young adult and taking on responsibilities, but we are blessed to have her in our lives. She has so much potential and it’s exciting to see the love and compassion she has for people. She’s reminded often of the people that she has served that tell her that they were impacted by her work in their lives.

Of course, we have a few animals, including two cats and a dog. The newest edition was a gray kitten. He has seemingly chosen me, which, if you know me, is quite funny. He cuddles with me. He does bite Cindi but I think it’s because, when we took him in, he had a tail that needed to be surgically removed. I don’t think the cat has forgiven Cindi. 

Over the year I have had the opportunity to write weekly columns in the local newspaper up until the last couple of months. Good Words is a short, spiritual-focused article. I now try to publish them on my Facebook and my blog to keep this small ministry going. I also have opportunities to preach on weekends. It’s a joy to be able to share the word with different congregations.

Cindi continues to teach Sunday school at our local church. She has been doing this for over 15 years consecutively. The elementary age students run up to her on Sundays and hug her. She puts a lot of work into it and has had terrific mentors in her life.

Of course, much can be said, but Facebook is one way to keep up on our busy lives. We enjoy attending our weekly Bible study group together, as well as being together with family and friends.

God has been teaching us to be patient this year. I’m always going back to my life verse of Philippians 1:6. “He who created a good work within you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”