I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are (spiritually) mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. - Philippians 3:13-15
When I was 42, I left the Army for a new life. That was in 1992 - 34 years ago. As with most people I know, when I was young I did not think much about getting older - just lived for the day confident that there would be a tomorrow. And now, here I am staring down my 76th birthday - looking in the mirror - wondering where the time has gone. And who is that guy looking back at me??? I am mindful that a good number of my friends and acquaintances have already passed. And I know what God has said about this life.
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment - Hebrews 9:27
God did not say - how - where - or when these mortal bodies of ours would die - only that we all will die if Jesus does not return while we are still living.
When God created the first Adam - Adam was created as an outer (natural) man and an inner (spiritual) man.
God created man in His own image (and likeness v26); in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. - Genesis 1:27
All was well and then something happened in the Garden and man's relationship with the Father was broken. Later Jesus, the last or second Adam was born into the world as a way to restore that relationship.
And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. -1 Corinthians 15:45
The Father's intended creation could be restored - Jesus was both God and man.
Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. - Philippians 2:6-7
As you know, for each of us to be restored spiritually we must be born again by faith. Just as Jesus told Nicodemus in John chapter 3. And on that day - the day we are reborn - we made spiritually alive and given eternal life. Eternal life does not start when these mortal bodies die and return to dust. Eternal life for each of us began the moment we were born again by the Spirit.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. - 2 Corinthians 4:16
Every time I look in the mirror I am reminded that the outward man is perishing - I just don't when - where - or how. But the inward man is being renewed day by day for eternity.
And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. - 1 John 5:11-12
So, I am not to worry about how many days I have left on this planet. God knows and that is enough for me. What I must do is live every day like it will be my last.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. - Ephesians 5:15-17
So what about you?
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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