Are you paying attention? It seems like a simple thing to do, but if you spend any time with people (including yourself), you realize that paying constant attention to what we are doing or what is going on around us is not as easy as it sounds. I often wonder what some drivers on the expressways are thinking as they travel blissfully (and dangerously) unaware of their surroundings. It would be easy to come up with many more examples.
Did you know that around 8,500 people die every day in the United States? It’s not a high number given the population, but it seems we hear about someone dying at least every week. We are confronted with the reality of death repeatedly, but are we paying attention to what it means for us? Not necessarily today, but in the future? Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Our days were, in fact, numbered by the Lord before we were even born (Psalm 139:16)—but are we paying attention to what that means? How does it affect how you resist temptation? How you pursue the Lord? How you forgive others? How you spend your time?
Ecclesiastes 12:14 says, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
Even when you and I are not paying attention, the Lord always is—that should be a great comfort to us and a great incentive for us to live for Christ. I pray it is both of those for you.
God bless you!
Pastor Bill Bertsche
Executive Pastor
Thanks for these thoughts, Bill!! As Joe and I age (Joe 75 and me in my 80th year) we are more in tune with the thought of our demise. We are no longer able to deny the effects of aging and the importance of making some final plans–especially to make it easier on the second to go!! Will share with Joe, and get busy on those important details!! God is good!!