TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS<\/p>\n
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“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Basically to “number our days aright”<\/strong><\/em> is to listen to and obey Jesus. It is to make good use of money, talents and time. It will give “a heart of wisdom” which is knowing God.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Money, time and talents can be used for good or evil. For instance, money is only paper that represents our exchanging of possessions, yet our use of it shows our love for Jesus and others. Money is mentioned often. Among the directions about use of money: <\/p>\n Honoring money before God is “greed, which is idolatry”<\/strong><\/em>. It can even lead to wandering “from the faith”<\/strong><\/em>: <\/p>\n If we obey Jesus we do not have to worry about money: <\/p>\n I am blessed with a husband with a good income so I don’t have to work for money. I am careful about how I spend and give money. For instance, I buy most of my clothes at a second hand store. I get nice clothes, and if I end up not liking some of them, I haven’t lost much money. I make mistakes, but hopefully learn from them. God often lets us make mistakes so we will learn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A person who uses his talents is usually rewarded: <\/p>\n We even receive more talents if we use what we have: <\/p>\n I am blind in one eye and deaf in one ear which limits me, but the Lord has given me amazing opportunities. I am a deejay for a Christian radio program. Even though I am not technically minded, I can do all that is necessary to have a program. Though we live quite a ways out of town the radio studio is next to my husband’s work so I go to work with him three days a week. If he is away on a trip I can get a ride with neighbors.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I teach Christian Education at noon hours three days and even though I lack some of the skills, I have good help. So God provides all that is necessary for me to do what I can for Him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n God ultimately wants us to use our time to help others come to know Him. This may mean getting to know Him better ourselves or helping those who believe to be able to increase in their faith: <\/p>\n One way I make the best use of my time is to memorize Bible verses and say them while doing exercises. I find a verse that is as long as the exercise (or find an exercise that needs as much time as the verse I have chosen).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For instance one verse is: (See below if you are interested in applying this idea and need suggested verses.)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To make wise use of our money, talents and time we can do is to pray and ask the Lord to direct our steps. He does anyway, but we need to be in sync with Him: <\/p>\n That relationship is partially explained in the following passage: <\/p>\n God does direct our lives: \n“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9<\/strong> God gives us free choices in many areas, but He ultimately has control over our lives. <\/p>\n Our steps are directed by Him and He loves us and controls all things. He will help us use for money, talents and time for His glory if that is our desire.<\/p>\n \nI do my exercise to these verses:<\/p>\n \n“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. <\/p>\n “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. <\/p>\n “This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n "If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! <\/p>\n “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair–every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,” Proverbs 2:1-12<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. <\/p>\n “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20-21<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9-14<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:17-19<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, <\/p>\n “If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!” Proverbs 24:10<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” Proverbs 24:11<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n " `Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ‘” Matthew 6:9-13 Luke 11:2-4<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:23-26<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” Ephesians 5:15-17<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 Basically to “number our days aright” is to listen to and obey Jesus. It is to make good use of money, talents and time. It will give “a heart of<\/p>\n
\n“Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11<\/strong>
\nAcquiring or withholding money dishonestly dishonors God:
\n“Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:9<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10
\n“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15
\n“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
\n“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.” Matthew 25:16<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” Ephesians 5:15-17<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
\n<\/strong>I need to be reminded of this every day—that we can rejoice always. This is possible if we pray continually. We can give thanks in all circumstances if we understand Romans 8:28<\/strong>:
\n“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” Romans 8:28<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
\n<\/strong>If we are seeking Him and obeying Him, we will want to do as He directs. He wants to give us good things, and we can even rejoice in trials because He gives us the strength we need. When we look back we can see that what happened was for our good, the good of others and for God’s glory.<\/p>\n
\n“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13
\n<\/strong>God causes those who believe to want to do He wants and to act the way He wants. Those who believe are His friends and do obey (at least eventually). If we don’t obey we will be disciplined in love until hopefully we do:
\n“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12
\n“because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Hebrew 12:6<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?” Proverbs 20:24
\n“To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.” Proverbs 16:1<\/strong> Even what a person says is controlled by God.<\/p>\n
\n“The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.” Isaiah 26:7
\n“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23
\n“The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverb s 16:33<\/strong> Even what appears to be chance is determined by the Lord.
\n“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm” Psalm 37:23<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nDo not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil.” Thessalonians 5:16-21<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
\nThe fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
\nThey are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
\nBy them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
\nWho can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
\nKeep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
\nMay the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:7-14<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThose who hate the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever.
\nBut you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." Psalm 81:13-16<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHe makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
\nHe trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
\nYou give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
\nYou broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.” 2 Samuel 22:33-37 Psalm 18:32-36<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
\nPray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:10-20<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nhe restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
\nWash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
\nFor I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
\nAgainst you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
\nSurely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
\nSurely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
\nCleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
\nLet me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
\nHide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
\nCreate in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
\nDo not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
\nRestore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
\nThen I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
\nSave me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
\nO Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
\nYou do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
\nThe sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:1-17<\/strong><\/p>\n