To number our days

As the New Year continues to unfold, the Verse of the Day for January 2, 2019 offers sound advice from the Psalmist:

Psalm 90:12 (New American Bible Revised Edition):

Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Here is the more familiar expression from the King James Version:

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Proverbs 4:7 also reminds us that

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

In thinking about applying wisdom to our lives, we must recognize that wisdom is not a static entity; it is not a trophy to be displayed with pride, but wisdom connotes action; it is something that must be applied.

The Psalmist further states, “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when will you come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart (Psalm 101:2).

Wisdom is said to be the application of knowledge. We, thus, see that knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are intertwined as a three-fold cord. Furthermore, in discussing wisdom, we see that the Book of James identifies two sources of wisdom:

James 3:13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.
15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

In the Book of Proverbs we find two additional references to a synonymous phrase for “applying our hearts unto wisdom,” and they are “walking in wisdom” or “to walk as the wise”:

Proverbs 13:20

He who walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 28:26

He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

Two of the most enlightening scriptures regarding walking in wisdom occur in the New Testament:

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

To walk circumspectly, means to walk carefully, accurately, “to be watchful on all sides.”

Colossians 4:5 instructs believers to

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

The exhortation to number our days begins with today, as we learn to take one day at a time. The lyrics to the song “Day by Day” from the musical Godspell, based on the Gospel of Matthew, offer this reminder:

Day by day
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day

Walking in wisdom also involves being intentional and making deliberate choices that determine the direction and ultimate fulfillment of our purpose in God. Here is another reminder to heed the words of the Psalmist in the Verse of the Day:

To Number Our Days

Psalm 90:12

To number our days we must ascend to this place
To view another day beyond our three score years
Symbolic sum of God’s divinely ordered grace,
Flowing to each grateful heart that still perseveres.
From this summit of sweeping vistas now we see
The Great Divide where streams of understanding flow,
Unfolding golden days beyond our jubilee.
Even as we are known, so may we also know
The fullness of the love of God in word and deed:
This passion burns within as an enduring flame.
With ears near to the lips of God may we still heed
The call heard long ago when He first called our name.
Let us walk with wisdom and seek to know His ways
As we continue to learn to number our days.

We close with the Family Radio Broadcasting offering a musical reminder: “Teach Us to Number our Days.”

Prayer for the New Year

On January 2, 2016 the Verse of the Day for January 2, 2014 makes a request:

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

The King James Version provides this familiar expression:

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

In thinking about applying wisdom to our lives, we recognize that wisdom is not a static entity; it is not a trophy to be displayed with pride, but wisdom connotes action, being something that must be applied. The Psalmist further states, “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when will you come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart (Psalm 101:2).
In the Book of Proverbs we find two references to a synonymous phrase for “applying our hearts unto wisdom,” and they are “walking in wisdom” or “to walk as the wise”:

Proverbs 13:20

He who walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 28:26

He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

Two of the most enlightening scriptures regarding walking in wisdom occur in the New Testament:

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

To walk circumspectly, means to walk carefully, accurately, “to be watchful on all sides.”

Colossians 4:5 instructs believers to

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

Walking in wisdom involves being intentional and making deliberate choices that determine the direction and ultimate fulfillment of one’s purpose in God.

The Scriptures remind us that not only must we be “walking in wisdom,” but we also should be “walking by faith.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 in the Amplified Bible makes known this truth:

For we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]—

These two vital concepts of wisdom and faith merge in the following expression of our heart’s desire as we move into this unfolding New Year:

Wisdom and Faith

“Through words of wisdom and faith, I call forth blessing to come upon me and overtake me.”
Patricia King

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:5

Through words of wisdom and faith, we call forth blessing

Upon blessing to overtake us and abound,

As we press toward the mark, while each day progressing

Until all who love His appearing will be crowned.

Through wisdom and faith, we call forth that which is not,

As though it were and follow faithful Abraham,

The father of all who still believe, no matter what.

We each declare “I am all that God says I am”

And align our lives in synch with the coming Kingdom.

Through the Blood of the Lamb and our testimony

We overcome by faith and the power of Christ’s wisdom,

For nothing can deter us from our destiny.

We press toward the mark, the prize we are destined to win,

By faith, hand in hand with wisdom, her gracious twin.

Bob Fitts sings our heart’s request: “Teach us O Lord to number our days”:

Live wisely; walk in wisdom

The Verse of the Day for May 8, 2015 comes from Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT):

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Some may be more familiar with the King James Version:

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

The passage begins with an exhortation to “Live wisely” or “Walk in wisdom.” Another most enlightening scripture regarding walking in wisdom occurs in Ephesians 5:15 (NLT):

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

Correspondingly, here is the verse in the King James:

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

In this instance the term “To walk circumspectly” means to walk carefully, accurately, “to be watchful on all sides.” Walking in wisdom involves being intentional and making deliberate choices that determine the direction and ultimate fulfillment of one’s purpose in God.

Colossians 4:5 also introduces the concept of “redeeming the time.” The following portion of this blog entry is an excerpt from an Examiner.com article: “Don’t waste your time: Redeem it.”

As we mature in our Christian walk, the Scriptures exhort us to make the most of our time, “to redeem the time.“ Ephesians 5:15-17 in Amplified Version puts it this way:

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise–sensible, intelligent people;

Making the very most of the time–buying up each opportunity–because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

We find similar words of encouragement in Colossians 4:5 (Amplified Version)

Behave yourselves wisely–living prudently and with discretion–in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.

Time in the Word Ministries discusses the verb “redeeming” in the phrase “redeeming the time” which is translated from a Greek word which means “to be in the marketplace.” Literally it means “to purchase out, buy up; buy out of the hands of a person; to set free; to buy off, to secure for oneself or one’s own use; to buy up from the power or possession of any one.”

The word “time” in this instance does not refer to time in a general sense, rather the Greek word from which it is translated refers to a “ moment; a specific point in time. The term “a kairos-moment or season” is used to describe–a strategic moment; opportune time; moment or window of opportunity that God creates when something must be done now. We must cooperate with Him now to accomplish what we need to accomplish.

One way of understanding the concept is to see it as being in the right place at right time to purchase exactly what you need because the price is right. You are passing through the department store and you hear the “blue light special” for the item you came in to purchase at a reduced price.”

This idea of time as a quantity or entity to be purchased is powerfully expressed in this prophetic exhortation from Dutch Sheets:

“. . . We must buy or purchase the opportunities or opportune times God creates for us. We must be willing to spend our money; we must be willing to spend our time. It is a season for readjusting our priorities; it is a time when we begin to think very differently; because [of] the opportunities that God has created now we must spend whatever is necessary and purchase those. We are going to have to spend our time, our money, our talents, our energies, our efforts, much prayer time; we are going have to be ready to do whatever it takes to do what God says in order to purchase those opportunities that are coming. Tell my people that I’m about to create a season of tremendous opportunities . . . a season of ‘suddenlies’. . . I’m about to move them into a season where opportunites are about to come very, very quickly and they’re going have to be ready to move into them very quickly.”

The essence of “redeeming the time” is also captured in this poem:

Time

So teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.                              

Psalm 90:12

Our lives begin with a handful of coins.

To wisely invest or squander each dime

The daily choice, though the Bible enjoins

Us to walk as wise, to redeem the time,

As a wise buyer with talents would keep

His eye on best buys sought before the chime

Should ring to bring each soul to his brief sleep

Or those who remain shall be gathered to

The bosom of the Father, there to reap

Their rewards, as each shall receive his due.

Time is fixed; we cannot borrow nor lend.

The coins we are given seem far too few.

Life is the sum of the coins that we spend

Before our time in life’s market shall end.

The accompanying video, while not the usual musical selection, shows the amount of time that we have, and it urges us to “redeem the time” which is part of our walking in wisdom:

Teach us to number our days

The Verse of the Day for January 2, 2015 comes from Psalm 90:12 (KJV)

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Proverbs 4:7 also reminds us that

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

In thinking about applying wisdom to our lives, we recognize that wisdom is not a static entity; it is not a trophy to be displayed with pride, but wisdom connotes action, it is something that must be applied.

The Psalmist further states, “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when will you come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart (Psalm 101:2).

Wisdom is said to be the application of knowledge. We, thus, see that knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are intertwined as a three-fold cord. Furthermore, in discussing wisdom, we see that the Book of James identifies two sources of wisdom:

James 3:13-18

¹³ Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

¹⁴ But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

¹⁵ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

¹⁶ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

In the Book of Proverbs we find two additional references to a synonymous phrase for “applying our hearts unto wisdom,” and they are “walking in wisdom” or “to walk as the wise”:

Proverbs 13:20

He who walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 28:26

He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

Two of the most enlightening scriptures regarding walking in wisdom occur in the New Testament:

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

To walk circumspectly, means to walk carefully, accurately, “to be watchful on all sides.”

Colossians 4:5 instructs believers to

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

Walking in wisdom involves being intentional and making deliberate choices that determine the direction and ultimate fulfillment of one’s purpose in God. Not only are we exhorted to walk in wisdom, but the scriptures also remind us that “we walk by faith and not by sight.”

The following poem makes a connection between wisdom and faith, as we enter further into 2015, the New Year, which some have declared to be a year of great faith:

Wisdom and Faith

“Through words of wisdom and faith, I call forth blessing

to come upon me and overtake me.”

Patricia King

 

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.

I Corinthians 2:5

 

Through words of wisdom and faith, we call forth blessing

Upon blessing to overtake us and abound,

As we press toward the mark, while each day progressing

Until all who love His appearing will be crowned.

Through wisdom and faith, we call forth that which is not,

As though it were and follow faithful Abraham,

The father of all who still believe, no matter what.

We trust in the faithful Word of the Great I Am

And align our lives in synch with the coming Kingdom.

Through the Blood of the Lamb and our testimony

We overcome by faith and the power of Christ’s wisdom,

For nothing can deter us from our destiny.

We press toward the mark, the prize we are destined to win,

By faith, hand in hand with wisdom, her gracious twin.

 

Family Radio Broadcasting offers a musical reminder: “Teach Us to Number our Days.”

Psalm 90:12: Applying our hearts unto wisdom

The Verse of the Day for January 2, 2014 provides this exhortation:

Psalm 90:12:

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

In thinking about applying wisdom to our lives, I recognize that wisdom is not a static entity; it is not a trophy to be displayed with pride, but wisdom connotes action, it is something that must be applied. The Psalmist further states, “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when will you come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart (Psalm 101:2).

The exhortation to number our days begins with today, as we learn to take one day at a time. The lyrics to the song “Day by Day” from the musical Godspell, based on the Gospel of Matthew, offer this reminder:

Day by day
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day

Day by day
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day.

In the Book of Proverbs we find two references to a synonymous phrase for “applying our hearts unto wisdom,” and they are “walking in wisdom” or “to walk as the wise”:

Proverbs 13:20:

He who walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 28:26

He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

Two of the most enlightening scriptures regarding walking in wisdom occur in the New Testament:

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

To walk circumspectly, means to walk carefully, accurately, “to be watchful on all sides.”

Colossians 4:5  instructs believers to

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

Walking in wisdom involves being intentional and making deliberate choices that determine the direction and ultimate fulfillment of one’s purpose in God.

The following poem composed a number of years ago refers to “walking in wisdom” in the context of renewing the mind and maturing in Christ.

A New Song: Changing the Way We Receive the Word

 To change or remain the same is always a choice:

Either to conform to the world or be transformed,

To act to express our lives in the middle voice.

We face each new day, renewing our minds, reformed

To embrace a new way of receiving the Word.

To rise to another level demands a price:

To follow in the footsteps of Jesus, our Lord,

We must renew our minds and a make a sacrifice

And mature in Christ, as we walk forth in wisdom.

Our apostolic model will thrive and abound

To become a major influence for God’s Kingdom.

We bring forth fruit one hundredfold sown on good ground.

Sing a new song, for praise prepares us for worship:

The ultimate expression of our true sonship.

The accompanying video, while not the usual musical selection, shows the amount of time we have and urges us to “redeem the time” which is part of our walking in wisdom or applying our hearts unto wisdom.

 

“Words of Wisdom”—a daily dose of “words to the wise”–Day 14

This blog entry is another in a series featuring a daily dose of “words to the wise,” poetically expressed from the Book of Proverbs.

In thinking about wisdom this morning, I recognize that wisdom is not a static entity; it is not a trophy to be displayed with pride, but wisdom connotes action, it is something that must be applied. The Psalmist declares in Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” and further states, “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when will you come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart (Psalm 101:2).

In the Book of Proverbs we find two references to walking in wisdom or to walk as the wise:

Proverbs 13:20

He who walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 28:26

He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

Two of the most enlightening scriptures regarding walking in wisdom occur in the New Testament:

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

To walk circumspectly, means to walk carefully, accurately, “to be watchful on all sides.”

Colossians 4:5 instructs believers to

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

Walking in wisdom involves being intentional and making deliberate choices that determine the direction and ultimate fulfillment of one’s purpose in God.

The following poem composed a number of years ago refers to “walking in wisdom” in the context of renewing the mind and maturing in Christ.

A New Song: Changing the Way We Receive the Word

“Praise prepares us for worship.”

 Jimmy Mitchell

 

To change or remain the same is always a choice:

Either to conform to the world or be transformed,

To act to express our lives in the middle voice.

We face each new day, renewing our minds, reformed

To embrace a new way of receiving the Word.

To rise to another level demands a price:

To follow in the footsteps of Jesus, our Lord,

We must renew our minds and a make a sacrifice

And mature in Christ, as we walk forth in wisdom.

Our apostolic model will thrive and abound

To become a major influence for God’s Kingdom.

We bring forth fruit one hundredfold sown on good ground.

Sing a new song, for praise prepares us for worship:

The ultimate expression of our true sonship.

The accompanying video, while not the usual musical selection, shows the amount of time we have and urges us to “redeem the time” which is part of our walking in wisdom.