Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 24, 2015
A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. Job 14:5
I was born February 7, 1960. The older I get, the more I’m grateful to God for another year on earth as His ambassador. My last day here may be tomorrow or twenty years from now—only the Lord knows. In the meantime I want to make a big deal about another birthday, because it is truly a gift from my heavenly Father. Our family celebrates birthdays with a nice dinner. After the meal we take time to honor the birthday boy or girl by describing character traits we admire in their life. At the conclusion of our time—they tell us of their “spiritual birthday” experience.
Job reflected on the limitations of his days. He knew the Almighty was the author of life and death. His Creator calculated the number of breaths he would breathe. His earthly parent might forsake him, but not his heavenly Father. The One who sets the finish line of life also celebrates our life while we are here. A healthy diet and consistent cardio workouts can only get us so far—ultimately we cannot exceed our allotted time on earth. Job knew only God knew how long he had to live. Yet, he chose to worship his Creator and trust Him with his life.
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15, NKJV).
It takes time and thought to prepare a meaningful birthday celebration for those you love. For small children it can be as simple as waking up to a room full of balloons on the floor, potting a plant together in their honor or giving them three yeses for something they want to do. For adults it could be hiding multiple birthday cards around the house to be discovered throughout the day, an afternoon massage, capped off with a nice dinner. Plan a friend or family member’s birthday around what makes them feel special. A birthday celebration thanks God for His unique gift!
Most of all, birthdays are a reminder of how much our heavenly Father loves us. He brought us into the world—having known us before our conception. Remarkably, in our mother’s womb He continued our intimate relationship. Birthdays remind us of our beginnings with God. The Lord set us apart for His purposes. We are the most fulfilled when we fulfill the original intent of our being: to enjoy our Maker and make much of Him. We were born to live for the Lord —to die with the Lord—and to go be with the Lord. Birthday celebrations celebrate our life in Christ.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for birthday celebrations to celebrate Your gift of life.
Related Readings: Psalm 39:4; Isaiah 49:15; Daniel 5:26; Acts 2:28; 1 John 5:1
Post/Tweet this today: We are the most fulfilled when we fulfill the original intent of our being: to enjoy our Maker and make much of Him. #birthdaycelebrations #wisdomhunters
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