ALL MY DAYS
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “So teach us to number our days that we may bet a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12, ESV
Theme: Life God’s way means using your time for His purposes, not mine.
A NEW SEASON
Obviously, Mike’s and my lives have changed a lot in a just few weeks. So, we started reading a devotion plan called, “Retirement: Insights from the Bible.” Before you shut down and tune me out, the first day would be helpful for every one of us!
We were asked to “find our number.” Obviously, any of us could die tomorrow, but when you look at your health, your family history, and your lifestyle, you can come up with a good guess at your life span. You may feel this is speculation, but our verse for the day tells us to take time to do this! Be aware of the length of your days here on Earth!
Then, we were asked to subtract the years at the end of our lives when we felt we may not be very active or mobile. The remaining number is the years of being an active adult. The author suggested that maybe you can envision a new career, hobby, or serving opportunity. I hope that is true for you! If you had more time, what would you start, learn, or pick up again?
DON’T STOP
As we heard in the Easter services, our primary purpose in life is to bring glory to God. It doesn’t matter how we do that, as long as we are obedient. If God asks me to write a devotion and I offer that as a gift to God, it is just as valuable as the under-cover missionary in China. If you play the guitar as a hobby, then sacrifice your time and your talent to lead worship, that is obedience. As you “number your days,” make sure that they are adding spiritual value to your life. Make sure that you are drawing closer to God by including Him in your plans and actions.
Make It Personal: You may be only 15 or 45. There is still an end to your days. This is not a morbid exercise, because as believers, we know where we will be when we die. This is a strategic planning session, so that we can intentionally bring glory to God every day that we live.
Pray: Lord, I thank You for every day You have given me. I am coming to realize that every day, every deed, every action matters to You. Help me prioritize You as I plan my life: my day, my week, and my calendar.
Read: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, 13-14; Proverbs 3:6; Psalm 92:14-15
Weekly Memory Verse: “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” I John 2:16, ESV