You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers....So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90

You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers....So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:5-6, 12

This evening, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper.  Today, the post focuses on what Piper refers to as a "rehearsal for death" where we look at the last day of the year as an opportunity to examine if we were to die today, could we say that we kept the faith (as Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:7-8)...do we continue to run with endurance through all of life's ups and downs - counting the blessings God pours out for us and staying close to him...even pushing ourselves (and others) closer to God.  I pray that I do press on closer to God and stay close to Him.  God, help me number my days!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God who showers me with blessings every day - with breath and life - to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God!  My sin of worry and other sins continue.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal LIsa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. v15-16

Paul encourages us to live life with urgency because no one know the hour or the day of Christ's return (Matthew 24:36) but also because our own days are numbered (Moses - Psalms 90:12).

My Prayer: Your will, design, acts - everything You do is perfect.  I, on other hand, am far from perfect and I am broken...sinful and broken.  Yet You chose me and are doing a good work in me...I am not worth such love and blessing...I am disobedient and lazy.  Thank You that You love me and bless me but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me turn from my sin of laziness and help me turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Heal her and cure her of this cancer - forever.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin.  Help me overcome my laziness and love and serve You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.