We don't have forever, at least not in this life. Our time here is limited. Eternity is waiting and we've got precious little time to do what we're going to do while we're here. The Psalmist says, "We live for seventy years or so (with luck we might make it to eighty)." The more years I've burned through, the more that seems a very short time.
Today I turned 56 (that curious year when dyslexics retire). I'm down to 14 years; I've already spent the rest. Maybe I'll get 24 years - that'd be great - but the Bible says my time is limited. I'd like to be faithful with the time I have left.
What's that mean?
It means I walk the wilderness path with God: listening to Him, obeying Him and trusting Him to know the way I should go. I can't see the path clearly enough to lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I need to lean on Him and trust Him. I'm determined to follow His lead. It means I prioritize Sheila, honoring my wife and strengthening my marriage. This is God's first requirement of my devotion to Him. It means I live my life with honor and integrity. In this I offer tribute to my children and do nothing to bring disgrace or dishonor on them. It means I spend my remaining days helping people know Christ, love Christ, follow Christ and serve Christ. Success in life is living in God's love - loving God and loving others. Those who do that will give God glory with their part in His Story.
We don't live very long. I'd like to be faithful with the time I have left.
Psalm 103:15-19 - Men and women don't live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God's love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said. God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He's the King!
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Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you!
http://ambercox.blogspot.com/2009/09/happy-birthday-daddy.html
Posted by: Amber Cox | September 23, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Happy Birthday Mark. It blessed me to be reminded by Amber's FB status that today is your birthday. A year ago today Joe went to be with Jesus. You and Sheila have been such a hugh part of our lives. Thank you.
Love,
Joann
Posted by: joann bennett | September 23, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Happy Birthday Mark, what a great example you have been.
Posted by: Gene Ort | September 23, 2009 at 04:43 PM
Happy Birthday!!! Hope it's a great one!
Posted by: Sandy McDonough | September 23, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Happy Birthday!! I wish you nothing but the best...Thank you for being such a huge blessing to me and my family and all of the lives your words and presence have touched.
Merri DeWinter
Posted by: Merri DeWinter | September 23, 2009 at 06:07 PM
Happy Birthday!!!!!! You are loved.
Posted by: Josh Hunter | September 23, 2009 at 06:47 PM
Happy Birthday Mark! Thank you for loving your wife well, loving your children well and leading & loving GCC well.
Posted by: Jeanna Miller | September 23, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Happy Birthday Mark! The Lord put you here to lead and what a wonderful job you have done through Him. We Love you, the Michael
family.
Posted by: Steve Michael | September 24, 2009 at 09:44 AM