GOD’S TIME

DEVOTIONS FOR THE CAPTIVES
September 28, 2024
Saturday after the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Readings- Psalm 87, 90 * 136, Hosea 1:1-2:1, Acts 20:1-16, Luke 4:38-44
“So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.” (Psalm 90:12)

God does not consider time the same way we do. We think these days few.  He sees us within all eternity.  We know much toil and trouble in this age and often never consider God’s view of us.  He knows the flip side: We were forever created from his eternal love for limitless joy. True wisdom comes from understanding that we are destined for eternity. Indeed, the only thing we affect during these few days we have in this age is the eternity that stretches out beyond it.
The days of our life are seventy years
    or perhaps eighty, if we are strong;
even then their span is only toil and trouble;
    they are soon gone, and we fly away. (Ps 90:10)
In this age, these few days seem important enough.  But when we consider unlimited eternity, these days count for practically nothing.  But not quite nothing.  As I said, these days are of greatest importance because how we live them determines our eternity.  We are very foolish if we fail to consider that the wrath of God is as great as His love for us (verse 11).  Eternity stretches before us. Which side of eternity do you want: Eternal wrath or eternal joy?
“Teach us to number our days.” Wake every morning and on your knees; ask Him for a wise heart. Hear the great and saving acts of the Lord in your morning scripture readings and consider that He who “neither slumbers or sleeps” will protect you from disaster (Ps 121:4). He who loves you more than you love yourself will instruct you in your waking and sleeping.  Turn again and again to Him throughout the day, loving Him and your neighbor, making glad those around you.  And when affliction strikes (as in these days it must from time to time), Remember that He surely will make you glad as many days as you have been afflicted (verse 15). In your work, do all things well for your Master above, as He will receive your report. When the day is done, go to your knees with thanksgiving.  This evening, Psalm 136 is a good prayer for me. Finally, when the lights are low, consider where you saw God during the day.  Consider also your actions.  When did you imitate Christ?  When did you reject him? When did you sin against your neighbor?  Make your confession confidently, knowing He forgives it all as it is boldly said. Ask Him to watch over your heart, mind, and body through the night and awake again with the light of Christ.
Amen
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.