Live Well—All life-events are but tiny specks of time compared to eternity with God
Late last night, Darrell and I returned from taking Sydney to the airport. I was driving, so when we reached our driveway, I hopped out to grab the mail. It was extremely dark (and cold) outside, so I quickly climbed back into the vehicle without stopping to read the retrieved mail. Upon reaching the house, I saw that one piece of mail was a thick envelope from a dear friend, and what I discovered inside caused me to pause. For the past few years, I have kept my day-to-day plans on my digital calendar, but this precious friend (Ms. Ruby) had gifted me with a small paper calendar, one filled with empty white squares. Immediately, I returned in my mind to the time when these paper calendars were readily accessible and used by many. Truly, it had been years since I held one of these in my hands, and as I thumbed through the calendar, I noticed Bible verses printed at the top of each calendar page.
At the top of the January 2026 page was this printed verse:
“The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
(The Psalms 33:11 NASB)
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.”
May we each consider the length of eternity as the LORD intended for His creation, and may we ask:
What does God know about my life?
GOD is Sovereign & Providential
“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, . . .”
(The Book of Ecclesiastes 3: 11a NASB)
Therefore, the one who has just died or the one who has just been born, the passing of life and the birth of new life are both in God’s perfect timing. This simple paper calendar resting in my hands reminds each of us with this truth. We see the white squares, not yet filled with scheduled things to do; we find ourselves hopeful that we fill the moments with worthy, meaningful activities.
Before this calendar was gifted to me, a friend suggested a book: The Fourth Quarter of Your Life. (Thanks Larry) I recently did a quick browse of the book from conclusion to introduction, reading back-to-front to see the whole purpose of the book as noted through the chapter titles. The book proposes four life-quarters (1-20; 21-40; 41-59; 60-80) with eighty-plus as “bonus time.” I am not sure where you reside in your life-quarter, but in a few months (in August 2026), I will step into the fourth quarter. Each person needs to live WELL.
The bondservant to God, the apostle Paul, wrote:
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect,
(The Letter of Paul to the Philippians 3: 12-14 NASB)
but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;
but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
So, with the new calendars resting in our hands and looking forward toward the new year, may we find ourselves—“forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, [May you & May]I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
As resolutions are made, we set life-goals, make life-plans, and strive to make life-changes. May we also allow ourselves to ask some deep life-questions:
- Have we set our mind to consider eternity with Christ? If not, then what is holding us back?
- Have we given our hearts to Jesus? If not, then why are we waiting?
- Do we have obstacles in our lives that hinder our walk with Jesus? &
- Do we walk as closely as we should with the Lord, in an intimate relationship?
The Lord desires this of His creation because GOD knows everything & controls all things. The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to make a change. Will we begin today?
We may observe one who lives into his eighties or nineties—OR—We may see a baby just beginning life, but time passes & cannot be slowed or stopped. Live Well—All life-events are but tiny specks of time compared to eternity with God.
Even if we cannot fathom the length of eternity; still, we know from reading the Bible that it exists. Remain resolute in the truth of God. The worst persecution on earth IS to have NO access to the Kingdom of God.
It is good to make godly resolutions, and they will help keep us on the right road with God throughout the new year. Begin by reaffirming your relationship with God.
Ask God to reveal your areas of weakness and sins that might have hindered your spiritual growth. As He does, repent and confess your sins, asking God to forgive you. Ask God to give you a new vision for the year ahead, to refresh and help you see your life from His perspective. Allow Him to renew your commitment to His vision and purpose for your life. Resolve means to stand firm, so resolve yourself to be faithful to God’s purpose in your life to glorify Him in all areas. Pray and study God’s Word, recording the teachings of the Lord. However, do not set out to do this just once but DAILY. Frequently remember that it is only by God’s grace that we are able to grow in Him.