Sunday, December 26, 2021

Reflection - Number Our Days - The Work Of Our Hands

Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 48, "The Work Of Our Hands", Page 221.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.



Life is a vapor, but that is long
PHOTO: Life is a vapor, but that is long
enough to do the right thing.
- Richard Swenson

A few years ago Carolyn and I were vacationing in a friend's condo on the Oregon coast. One morning I got up early to take a walk on the beach, access to which was gained by a winding path through thick bushes that overarched and completely enclosed it. The bushes hadn't been trimmed in some time, and they were crowding into the path making it difficult in some places to push through. Even with daylight it was a dark and gloomy place.

At the bottom of the walk there was a gate that was locked to prevent access to the condo from the beach. As I got out my key to unlock the gate, I heard a noise behind me and turned to face a large, bearded, unkempt, sinister-looking man bearing down on me through the bushes. He had a sickle in his hand.

I've been told that your entire life passes through your mind at the moment of death, but the only thought that went through my mind was that I had just bought the farm.

As it turned out, however, my "assailant" was merely the gardener making his way down the path to trim the bushes. He was a rather pleasant fellow, and after I realized that he didn't intend to murder me, we had an amiable chat.

As I moved through the gate and out onto the beach, I began to think about the tenuous (fragile) nature of life. I've already used up most of my allotted time - exceeded my three-score and ten. Life is too uncertain, too fragile, to treat it carelessly. So I frequently ask myself, "Have I left anything behind of significance? Will there be any enduring evidence that I've been here?"

Augustine of Hippo said, "Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being." Enduring greatness stems from what we are, not from what we do. Through we may seem to be doing nothing worthwhile, we can be doing everything worthwhile if our lives are being styled by God's wonderful grace. Set aside through sickness or seclusion, we can still be productive. Bedridden or housebound, our holiness can still bear fruit. "Being" is what matters.

The other lasting thing we can do is to touch as many people as possible with God's love through the kindness and compassion we show. "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man . . . a righteous man will be remembered forever." (Psalm 112:4, 6)

"We are immortal until our work on earth is done," said George Whitefield. I often think of that maxim when I see a friend languishing, bedridden and helpless, burdened with an active mind in a useless body. "Why doesn't God take him home?" I ask.

I'm reminded then that the time of our death is not determined by anyone or anything here on earth - not physicians, not actuarial tables, not the average life span of a human being. That decision is made in the councils of heaven. When we have done all God has in mind for us to do, then and only then will He take us home. As Paul put it, "When David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep" - and not one moment before. (Acts 13:36)

In the meantime, until God takes us home, there's plenty to do. "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who send me," Jesus said. "Night is coming, when no one can work." (John 9:4) Night is coming when we will close our eyes on this world, or our Lord will bring this world to a close. Each day brings one of those two conclusions a little bit closer.

As long as we have the light of day, we must work - not to conquer, acquire, accumulate, and retire, but to make visible the invisible Christ and to touch men and women, boys and girls with His love. If we have done these things, we will have done all we can do and we can rest easy. No matter what else we've done or have not done, we will not have labored in vain.

So "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1)

While there is still time, while we are still in the
body and are able to fulfill all these things by the
light of this life, we must hasten to do now what
will profit us for eternity.

- St. Benedict
Picture posted by aggroed on 31 October 2016 at 12:39 pm
Picture posted by Maria Nesa
Life is a vapor, but that is long
enough to do the right thing.

- Richard Swenson


Life is a vapor, but that is long enough to do the right thing. - Richard Swenson
PHOTO: Life is a vapor, but that is long enough to do the right thing. - Richard Swenson
Picture posted by aggroed on 31 October 2016 at 12:39 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcoZrVuJqZ1Ns64rAkWKpZPoJfhB__IBgp46_WAXue_dUrCmMiPm6NbIxHyaTh_pY64syMGU87ig8SdPfDISiICbY_LJ5bXLkt8Qg3dkAFkcuya7KSo8EjueMOvUu5xQtIWHLN1r3G2ie-Q9tns9he4zNeWI1VyZs5o_BnmJtRLBpJwYMwDCyqO3RH=s1280
https://steemitimages.com/p/pBMyo3B2Sao5vkJ89F8txCkBnbGauL9d61yEBQEuHHRzMdMfTWoo4uStJXnGCU4KdottcLreMwE6CJHZY4ecPrQvAhZrqgpiJWcBHWCDm7jQxY9xPyKsEMuzgY5wLRJD6oxDcdbbuK5AGobKbdQ9afx3qy6Q2StsRCDdYKRgYQXZBDDz
https://steemit.com/life/@aggroed/being-a-reiki-master-is-about-channeling-love-and-setting-loving-intentions



A few years ago Carolyn and I were vacationing in a friend's condo on the Oregon coast. One morning I got up early to take a walk on the beach, access to which was gained by a winding path through thick bushes that overarched and completely enclosed it. The bushes hadn't been trimmed in some time, and they were crowding into the path making it difficult in some places to push through. Even with daylight it was a dark and gloomy place.

At the bottom of the walk there was a gate that was locked to prevent access to the condo from the beach. As I got out my key to unlock the gate, I heard a noise behind me and turned to face a large, bearded, unkempt, sinister-looking man bearing down on me through the bushes. He had a sickle in his hand.


At the bottom of the walk there was a gate that was locked to prevent access to the condo from the beach.
PHOTO: At the bottom of the walk there was a gate that was locked to prevent access to the condo from the beach. As I got out my key to unlock the gate, I heard a noise behind me and turned to face a large, bearded, unkempt, sinister-looking man bearing down on me through the bushes. He had a sickle in his hand.
Picture posted by Brandon Spahn  - Dementor's Kiss

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdx0fvR8aZE7H3uVdlEULMpDvF1wX4aNRbDXTsD66Bj5OH7tTx0ROKNGl-vxQrcx-AERGEKDM7uw7vjV153loRWLi6FhpHuv_W-qzBRQdYn3Xw5KILfSNZ1UxV8Cy7K6zJ2f9vgnjCvxuqVcmkTCiTr_tbF_r6znEbg_15v97h4pnMARR1RJmHA56l=s700
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d7/3e/b0/d73eb0dbd2f17c2a948f29dd43fa7bce.jpg
https://whitesoulblackheart.tumblr.com/post/71135083359/dementors-kiss-by-brandon-spahn-please-leave



I've been told that your entire life passes through your mind at the moment of death, but the only thought that went through my mind was that I had just bought the farm.

As it turned out, however, my "assailant" was merely the gardener making his way down the path to trim the bushes. He was a rather pleasant fellow, and after I realized that he didn't intend to murder me, we had an amiable chat.


As it turned out, however, my 'assailant' was merely the gardener making his way down the path to trim the bushes.
PHOTO: As it turned out, however, my "assailant" was merely the gardener making his way down the path to trim the bushes. He was a rather pleasant fellow, and after I realized that he didn't intend to murder me, we had an amiable chat.
Picture posted by istockphoto

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFrnfK_NsnY31cm7wJC-QWJCdQi9V-iky2hKk4rczRe1ttLWYhKc5-qYUze_J0Te_cbEVPP__7lDiy-m1Awb5IjRv-IcV37mqnmI6OOx4YzoHzWnPRwA-ggZYwkcjOIEUr9QNQI0_yZ_LHkQNAgecy7v0RbvC-PmufYFXAl3jObQpQ0yYDyMrweaEh=s2048
https://media.istockphoto.com/photos/back-of-young-man-farmer-in-garden-standing-with-sickle-scythe-rake-picture-id1127880377?s=2048x2048
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/back-of-young-man-farmer-in-garden-standing-with-sickle-scythe-rake-tool-in-green-gm1127880377-297433857



As I moved through the gate and out onto the beach, I began to think about the tenuous (fragile) nature of life. I've already used up most of my allotted time - exceeded my three-score and ten. Life is too uncertain, too fragile, to treat it carelessly. So I frequently ask myself, "Have I left anything behind of significance? Will there be any enduring evidence that I've been here?"


As I moved through the gate and out onto the beach, I began to think about the tenuous (fragile) nature of life.
PHOTO: As I moved through the gate and out onto the beach, I began to think about the tenuous (fragile) nature of life. I've already used up most of my allotted time. Life is too uncertain, too fragile, to treat it carelessly. So I frequently ask myself, "Have I left anything behind of significance? Will there be any enduring evidence that I've been here?"
Picture posted by Denis Kilcommons on 05 September 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGMcg-pIX-rfndgIs-uBBRwZUxBZr9GHyjtYNYQbYPm3dkpuXiGVjTu99tUs0C4MEYiVgapUI5NYbaxHyta5hxiAk6s4iQPFdo6sKzH1tXP7rGWb6a2s3-FYHvjFzh9UTI2Xdumfk4BrS1AvRIdfKmJAanupisntuZN1ib5N43CcErOhPe1miWeLx_=s730
https://www.deniskilcommons.com/uploads/7/5/8/3/7583868/walk_orig.jpg
https://www.deniskilcommons.com/blog/walking-back-to-happiness



Augustine of Hippo said, "Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being." Enduring greatness stems from what we are, not from what we do. Through we may seem to be doing nothing worthwhile, we can be doing everything worthwhile if our lives are being styled by God's wonderful grace. Set aside through sickness or seclusion, we can still be productive. Bedridden or housebound, our holiness can still bear fruit. "Being" is what matters.

The other lasting thing we can do is to touch as many people as possible with God's love through the kindness and compassion we show. "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man . . . a righteous man will be remembered forever." (Psalm 112:4, 6) [248]


Augustine of Hippo said
PHOTO: Augustine of Hippo said, "Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being." Enduring greatness stems from what we are, not from what we do.
Touch as many people as possible with God's love through the kindness and compassion we show.
"Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man . . . a righteous man will be remembered forever." (
Psalm 112:4, 6)
Picture posted by Broke my heart on 13 November 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioPRxinQHrz3PAh5SwA-Ijfe0_aqgUOJmAwNKzMzk0VlorxkCXZx-v99bMgP6uwHx0Pbpki0zOzo2vXpRmacUteRj3S57BVvy3h4zPznylgHqs7FmurLaJ1-EQS_6X9axwPx2fakkbE2ZYvFX6Otx1MlhD_0M17OoH_idStmhA48RimzdPl2Vr4GSc=s800
https://scontent.fsin9-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/15037304_1306965102699840_7980099884543545721_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=9267fe&_nc_ohc=yFriaC9dhv0AX8PJOki&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin9-2.fna&oh=00_AT9SG8T8KSzSCKOD9Hp-nDGNrs5utAiNl9ZnBhRk-oY2bw&oe=61EC5FD8
https://www.facebook.com/1192829580780060/photos/a.1306965099366507/1306965102699840/



"We are immortal until our work on earth is done," said George Whitefield. I often think of that maxim when I see a friend languishing, bedridden and helpless, burdened with an active mind in a useless body. "Why doesn't God take him home?" I ask.

I'm reminded then that the time of our death is not determined by anyone or anything here on earth - not physicians, not actuarial tables, not the average life span of a human being. That decision is made in the councils of heaven. When we have done all God has in mind for us to do, then and only then will He take us home. As Paul put it, "When David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep" - and not one moment before. (Acts 13:36) [249]


We are immortal until our work on earth is done
PHOTO: "We are immortal until our work on earth is done," said George Whitefield. The time of our death is not determined by anyone or anything here on earth - not physicians, not actuarial tables, not the average life span of a human being. That decision is made in the councils of heaven. When we have done all God has in mind for us to do, then and only then will He take us home.
Picture posted by Patrick Pester on 29 September 2021

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk_lseN-0VW8FCRgU4BDvw5EqocLNRiV1L9e1xxBr2oE9fuxTJnejF9c_knx9e-fuh-0yoR2pAhyxAY0ib4cNtbwYdpl0pozzf6KWK1NlgGxkJ_DgGxYeXyjwKP9Gtfv3RCHs5mI9lgJqueHypl2KE-XGhBLBoq2_1JqhMUOdX5MFFnzYjVpnGBQof=s2560
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HsuXn7YwLqZoR3NsJkusWY.jpg
https://www.livescience.com/could-humans-be-immortal



In the meantime, until God takes us home, there's plenty to do. "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who send me," Jesus said. "Night is coming, when no one can work." (John 9:4) [250] Night is coming when we will close our eyes on this world, or our Lord will bring this world to a close. Each day brings one of those two conclusions a little bit closer.

As long as we have the light of day, we must work - not to conquer, acquire, accumulate, and retire, but to make visible the invisible Christ and to touch men and women, boys and girls with His love. If we have done these things, we will have done all we can do and we can rest easy. No matter what else we've done or have not done, we will not have labored in vain.


In the meantime, until God takes us home, there's plenty to do.
PHOTO: In the meantime, until God takes us home, there's plenty to do. "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who send me," Jesus said. "Night is coming, when no one can work." (John 9:4) Night is coming when we will close our eyes on this world, or our Lord will bring this world to a close. Each day brings one of those two conclusions a little bit closer.
Make visible the invisible Christ and to touch men and women, boys and girls with His love.
Picture posted by Fr. Stephen Freeman

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQgw7gDAucHbj34GObUtW8nH30OzBNhuw6qfGthFm1BKhUGUai6OahDpFkz6R-Ae-SJV16l8ov5_NQAmRJxdiv5c_FT2d9mbZSdALTQW2G-R18PR1BBlvJGfVfJ1ayQZsL_n1AmsMVKfnFxbpqt2B15nQ-EM7Yi5UKL4AHUHduwUHGK8gesRrbTu26=s550
http://www.pravoslavie.ru/sas/image/102222/222274.p.jpg?mtime=1448959202
https://pravoslavie.ru/88311.html



So "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1) [251]

While there is still time, while we are still in the
body and are able to fulfill all these things by the
light of this life, we must hasten to do now what
will profit us for eternity.

- St. Benedict


While there is still time, while we are still in the body and are able to fulfill all these things by the light of this life, we must hasten to do now what will profit us for eternity. - St. Benedict
PHOTO: While there is still time, while we are still in the body and are able to fulfill all these things by the light of this life, we must hasten to do now what will profit us for eternity. - St. Benedict
So
"let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (
Hebrews 12:1)
Picture posted by Tkach Valentyna on 13 August 2020 at 10:31
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-mcZooYUA6hujyi5UhaZdRiOH-KjezwDH3n9hBQZt-AAHTTZLGt7T3WZyp243RhMGy8HA1L4_-D5BBVNHOFc1NrYkj1xPwohmp8Ow2WFc769B2iGnXxKlb94MwoH-hafmYbWd_PHbXwoEXHrQxqIse6TpFN9cFrSArJJAf1mtgsFu393as3Xr4YKY=s1200
https://zycie.news/crops/37a151/1200x900/2/0/2020/08/13/divkvQJe9fgAmAvK6x283bGeEVryaHVXSDuVAzC6.jpeg
https://zycie.news/ciekawostki/22941-chlopiec-mieszkal-w-sierocincu-pewnego-dnia-aleksandr-spojrzal-na-mezczyzne-i-powiedzial-tato-czekalem-na-ciebie-cale-zycie1



Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that life is of tenuous nature.  We may already use up most of our allotted time. But life is still too uncertain, too fragile, to treat it carelessly. It is questionable whether we have left anything behind of significance. And Will there be any enduring evidence that we've been here.

We may question ourselves whether we wish to be great. We learn that enduring greatness stems from what we are, not from what we do. Through we may seem to be doing nothing worthwhile, we can be doing everything worthwhile if our lives are being styled by God's wonderful grace. Our holiness can still bear fruit. ‘Being’ is what matters.

Lord, help us to do the other lasting thing; to touch as many people as possible with God's love through the kindness and compassion we show. Because ‘Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man . . . a righteous man will be remembered forever.’

We learn that ‘we are immortal until our work on earth is done.’ We are reminded that the time of our death is not determined by anyone or anything here on earth - not physicians, not actuarial tables, not the average life span of a human being. That decision is made in the councils of heaven. When we have done all God has in mind for us to do, then and only then will He take us home.

In the meantime, until God takes us home, help us, as long as it is day, to do the work of him who send us. Night is coming when we will close our eyes on this world, or our Lord will bring this world to a close. Each day brings one of those two conclusions a little bit closer.

May we work as long as we have the light of day - not to conquer, acquire, accumulate, and retire, but to make visible the invisible Christ and to touch men and women, boys and girls with His love. May we do these things, so that we will have done all we can do and we can rest easy. No matter what else we've done or have not done, we will not have laboured in vain.

We pray that we can run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

We pray that while there is still time, while we are still in the body and are able to fulfill all these things by the light of this life, may we hasten to do now what will profit us for eternity.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
"
Picture posted by Wallpapertip
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjvRd3kNccWCAG2pPkOVdec4rnEur5ZUittj32oKxioymqoc4k38zP-r3lHVf5-Hgq4FcEMpWml3N8G54Bp8CitkZZF8hAKoPvvDckA_5bSS1laJU3B4Ua67l23JEM1nibNqBKkH0pe64TMRsdhcMbzCDXaRuDswmuIzvWeJFhk49ZYLrY-W5SQZBb=s1440
https://www.wallpapertip.com/wmimgs/91-911023_cross-wallpaper-jesus.jpg
https://www.wallpapertip.com/wpic/ooJJwm_cross-wallpaper-jesus/


Reflection - Number Our Days - The Work Of Our Hands
Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 48, "The Work Of Our Hands", Page 221.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.



Other Books


"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html


Reference
[1] From "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Copyright © 2008 by David Roper, ISBN 978-981-11-7184-0, Chapter 48, "The Work Of Our Hands", Page 221-224.

[248] Psalm 112:4, 6

[249] Acts 13:36

[250] John 9:4

[251] Hebrews 12:1


Links


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Acts 13:36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13%3A36&version=NIV

Hebrews 12:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A1&version=NIV

John 9:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+9%3A4&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV

Psalm 112:4, 6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+112%3A4%2C+6&version=NIV