Greetings,
From time to time we find ourselves in situations where we are confronted with our own mortality. Intellectually we know that our lives are physical and have a limited tenure. We all know that it is appointed for man to die. But we manage to mentally push that certainty back down the road. It is very difficult for us to live life as though today is going to be the last day. If we could, we may approach each day quite differently.
Last Sabbath, just as members gathered for the beginning of services in Concord, California, a member had some friendly banter with others, then engaged in pleasant conversation with an elder. Suddenly, in an instant, his life was over as he experienced a serious medical situation. This tragic event left a strong impression on all present.
While we all know Christ admonished “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44), the more natural approach to life is expressed by the Psalmist this way: “Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever, their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish” (Psalm 49:11-12). God has created human life with a limited and unknown number of days. These days are days of preparation for those called at this time. These are days for the Creator to create His righteous character in His sons in preparation for the Kingdom of God and the God family.
Don’t let the days slip aimlessly by. Take time to “… number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). We need to follow the Apostle Paul’s admonition to, “… redeem the time, because the days are evil … understand what the will of the Lord is … and be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:16-18).
Use each day of life that God gives to us to be doing what we know we should be doing.
Your prayers are requested for a trip that Cliff Veal and Marshall Stiver are about to undertake. They will visit the members in the UK, Germany, Rwanda and Madagascar over the next couple of weeks.
Warm regards,
Brian Orchard
