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”

Use of Appropriate Pronouns.

There is much being said about the use of pronouns today. Identifying the correct use of appropriate words that describe people and concepts is highly debated. Today, I want to address the essential use of the correct pronoun. It is essential that the correct pronouns be used to describe the essential element of people and leadership. 

No, this is not an article on the use of pronouns to describe a person’s self-identified language. I am not addressing the use of a politically correct pronoun. It is not an article on how to apply the use of pronouns that people demand be used to address their preferences. Many want their sexual orientation to be properly used when speaking to someone. 

I would only say that those usages are summed up by the pronoun “I”. Almost all self-identified pronouns that are debated today are elements of individuality! It does not, despite the criticism I may receive even stating such a position, identify a community. It is a personal use of self-identifying language that many may say builds community by way of diversity. Yet, all such use of these type of pronouns are self-based, therefore a form of me-ism.

Today’s blog deals with leadership at its basic core. It is neither dictatorial or meant to create hierarchy in organizational structure. The proper use of leadership pronouns does create a unity however. 

The Bible talks about the proper use of pronouns. While this blog entry is not debating whether we should change gender-based language in the scriptures. While many will debate the dominate use of man in the Bible, I contend that this too is a related issue where gender-based interpretation is argued as a form of self-identified use of me-ism. We want the Bible to speak exact language use without any contextual understanding of the original language used.

Inclusion is important when interpreting the Bible. It is a book written to include everyone with the message of the gospel. While this is not a blog entry to debate these arguments often debated in terms of egalitarianism or sexism accusations. I am not debating these points because they too are argued as part of me-ism, no matter how articulate one may be in their point. 

The Apostle Paul is often identified as a sexist. His writings are argued as male dominate focused and therefore sexist! Yet, I don’t find these arguments as without personal bias on the part of those debating these ideas. Therefore, I find them lacking and can be labeled “me” centered; self-centered in nature.

So, that is the point of today’s post? It is a post on the importance of inclusion. It is important to understand that the Bible is meant to be a declaration of the voice of God and the message of the Gospel story; the saving message of God’s love for all. 

When God calls us to faith, it is with the intention of unifying the body of Christ. 

Consider the writings in Thessalonians.

Look at how many times Paul includes his disciples in describing his ministry to the church of Thessalonica:

• "OUR gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power." (1:5)
• "OUR coming to you was not in vain." (2:1)
• "WE proved to be gentle among you." (2:7)
• "WE were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also OUR own lives." (2:8)
• "WE wanted to come to you." (2:18).
• "But now WE really live, if you stand firm in the Lord." (3:8)
• "For you know what commandments WE gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus." (4:2)
• "WE urge you brethren..." (5:14)
• "Brethren, pray for US!" (5:25)

The use of the pronoun that is inclusive not exclusive is key to understanding the point of scripture. The body of Christ is a unit. While each one must receive the personal means of salvation, the unity of the body is important. 

The use of the proper pronoun is important. It is not I but we and our. Proper use of pronouns matters.  

A Christlike leader doesn't have to be the center of attention. A leader whose ego has been crushed by God doesn't push his own agenda, nor does he crave attention. - J. Lee Grady was editor of Charisma for 11 years before he launched into full-time ministry in 2010.

Much of my thinking here today comes from reading the following article. 

Who Believed in You?

This week (and throughout the year) we have the opportunity to tell a young persona that we believe in them.

I am fortunate since I have had many that believed in me. Youth worker volunteers, pastors, bosses, teachers, and many more have spent time with me. They saw me and heard me. What a great blessing I have experienced! 

My home life, like so many others was not always perfect. I had parents and siblings that I know loved me. They looked out for me. They provided for me. Yes, no family is perfect! I needed some other people in my life to demonstrate their care for me. Teachers and others took time with me and spent their resources on me. I have no complaints.

This week especially I had the opportunity to hear how caring adults can impact the lives of young people. Wow! We can make a difference! Some spend time with young people. Others helped to secure the future for the impact of a caring adult. Youth organizations do this everyday! Businesses committed resources. People sacrificed to provide. Impressive commitments were made!

The organization I serve, Youth for Christ in Northern Indiana is doing ministry with a focus on young people. I get to participate by telling the stories of impact. I get to recruit resources that provide for ministry with young people. My focus is with Campus Life. I get to ask for the partnership of people that provide time, resources, and talents that coordinates with schools and local community organizations to get involved.

I wish I had time to share with you how God surprised us this week in our campaign to empower people to tell a young person that they believe in them. I can’t begin to tell you the many ways that God showed up! Resources that we needed were provided! Our campaign raised over $500,000 in funding that supports youth workers and volunteers that are dedicated to provide ministry and the gospel of Christ to young people!

For now, check out the impact videos and stories we shared. See the financial resources that God provided. Go to: WBIY.org for details. 

Thank you to all that give of your time, talents, and resources. It is true that what we do here today echoes for eternity. It’s not just a movie slogan. God works through people. Whether it’s an investment of your time or your resources, if done for the Lord, and as part of your worship, God blesses it! What we do is for God’s glory. But, it makes a difference in the lives of the next generation of young people that we get to invest in to.

It Is Never Too Late!

“It is never too late,” means that God is able at anytime and always! What a phrase! Have you ever said to someone that you believe in the God of second chances? No matter what, God is always extending His grace to even the most undeserving and seemingly un-reachable. If you have air in your lungs, there is hope!

Hope makes it’s last stand where all seems lost! Hope! You know, we can live without a lot of stuff but we cannot live one day without hope; from no hope to the God of all hope! 

Do you know someone that is seemingly beyond reach? We all know someone like that but today, I want to remind myself and all who each this that God does not give up easily! He gave all that He had through Jesus Christ in order to extend hope, even to the most extreme situations.

I love to end many benedictions with Ephesians 3:20-21:  

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

This verse is so very meaningful. It means that God is able, no matter what! I believe that God can do anything but it also means that we need to bend to His Will. 

After all, we read that the source is God, through Christ! It says according to the power that is Christ in us! Power to change. Power to excel. Power to accomplish. Power to do! The source is found in God’s Will for our lives. 

He can do immeasurably more! Without limit and without the ability to measure is what we discover through Christ! This should shock us at our core! This should rattle our natural assumptions. This should blow our minds! God is not limited.

Yet, let us not forget that while there is purpose, the results are not for ourselves alone! It is for God’s glory that He acts on our behalf. It is not for temporal things. It is not for my gain. It is for God’s glory!

This means that it is not just for this side of heaven! It is for God’s Kingdom sake. It is without limit but for all who would receive it! 

How do you know if someone needs encouragement? Truitt Cathy, Founder of Chick-fil-A said, “If they are still breathing!”  Tell someone that you know a word of encouragement! Take time right now to remind yourself of the only hope we have can be found in Christ. 

 

How God Is Answering My Prayers.

Prayer is fundamental to my faith. Having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ frames my religion. It’s about having a relationship with a personal God.

God speaks to us in many ways. Foremost, I believe, God speaks to us through the Bible. God‘s Word is filled with principles and promises, that guide our every decision, every action, and throughout each day. God chooses to connect with us. He desires a relationship with us.

I don’t consider God an equal; God is far greater! He is awesome and perfect, holy in every way. It is through Jesus Christ that I have a personal connection with the living God. This relationship is available to anyone who chooses to humbly accept His Grace and build a relationship that begins with prayer. Prayer for salvation begins this redemptive relationship. 

This brings me to my main point. God is answering prayer!

God hears and answers prayer. In my case, there’s been a variety of times that he has answered very specific prayers of mine. Not that I could tell God what to do yet, I believe it’s through the Holy Spirit that pray. God knows the desires of my heart. God knows before I ask him but, I think He loves to hear from us.

God has answered my prayers in very specific ways. 

Sometime I’ll have to share those stories with you one on one, but for now, believe me when I tell you that God has been answering my prayers. 

God has chosen to answer my prayers, because I believe it is according to His Will that I pray. Prayer is simply the alignment of my will with God‘s will. God certainly understands my situation and even during time when I don’t receive a direct answer, He has given me faith and hope to carry-on during the in-between.

I have prayed for others and have received confirmation that what I have prayed is being answered. 

Most recently, I felt the Holy Spirit encourage me to stop by and visit with a pastor. It’s not unusual for me to make cold calls, and to make introductions on behalf of ministry, but in this case, it was a very meaningful experience on a personal level.

My heart was heavy and I sensed that the Lord was encouraging me to seek the encouragement of a minister. Though not a familiar relationship yet, when I walked in I explained how unusual it is for me to ask a stranger to pray with me and join me in my need for myself as well as the need of another person. 

In my prayer, I felt really led me into a particular church. There I met a Pastor and his wife, whom I shared what was most concerning to me. It was ironic and an answer to my prayer. They shared with me that they too experienced the same thing that was heavy on my heart  in their family. Wow! God certainly was leading and it was the encouragement that I needed.

God chooses to answer our prayer, though not in the way we may want yet, in the way that is best suited for each situation. God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what the answer needs to be that would draw us into a deeper faith and walk into a relationship with God.

The Bible has much to say about prayer. The point of this article is to not answer the theological truths related to the subject but to remind us that God is indeed interested in answering our prayers. He is able! 

Take time even now to read through your Bible to find passages related to prayer. The following article to be of helped to you from Country Living. 

Prayer is seeking God in all things. It is what builds up our relationship with God. It is what builds up our faith.

Although, God doesn’t answer all of our prayers according to our will, but He does hear and answer prayer according to His Will for our lives. The verse in the Bible that is considered my life verse is from Philippians 1:6. It’s a reminder to me each and every day. The New Living Bible translates it this way: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

The more that we surrender our will to God’s Will, the more we become aligned with God’s plan. Certainly, we can intercede on behalf of others, but it is God’s work that we must trust. God is able, but we must be willing. As we seek His plan, and those whom we pray for do as well, we discover that God’s plan is always good. It is for God’s Glory that prayers are answered.

God desires to hear from us, and he’s willing to answer our prayers according to His Will. God loves that we are in conversation with him which builds our faith and our walk with Him. Since we live in an imperfect world, we must expect that God is willing to be in the journey with us, as we seek Him.