DAY 1: A Heart of Wisdom

Psalm 90

This is one of my favorite psalms—and that is saying something because I love so many of them. It is very old and was written by Moses. It is one of the most powerful refl ections on life, time, death, purpose, and God’s sovereign presence in all of Scripture.

Read this psalm twice. Make a short list of the five to eight most important life principles that give meaning to both your whole life and your death.

REFLECT:

• What does it mean to have a heart of wisdom?
• Why do you need the favor of God to rest on you? And what does it mean for God to establish the work of your hands?
• What are some best ways for you to remember the shortness (brevity and fragility) of life?
• What are three things you could accomplish that you believe would make your life full of meaning and purpose? This will be part of your legacy.

DAY 2: A Time for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1–12; Ephesians 5:15–17

Psalm 90 told us time was short and fragile.

Ecclesiastes encourages us by saying there is a time for everything.

In Ephesians 5:15–17, Paul reminds us the days are evil and we must be careful how we live. We must live wisely and well, understanding and doing the will of God.

How does each of the following quotes help you live wisely and well, making the most of the time you are given?

The ancient philosophers said, “Carpe diem” (seize the day).

Through Richard II, Shakespeare said, “I wasted time, and now doth time waste me.”

“It is looking at things for a long time that ripens you and gives you a deeper meaning.” (Vincent Van Gogh)

“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it earlier.” (Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette)

“Yesterday has gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” (Mother Teresa, attributed)

“Raging against the dying of the light sounds all very romantic, but it is about as useful as raging against gravity.” (Peter Jones, Momento Mori)

Remember, you build your identity one day at a time, one action at a time, one choice at a time. You want to string as many good ones together as you can, for a legacy worth leaving.

PRAY: Hold these thoughts in your heart and mind and pray often, thanking Jesus for the day, and for every opportunity the day brings.

DAY 3: Highly Intentional Living

Philippians 3:10–21; 2 Timothy 4:6–8; Matthew 25:21, 23

The Apostle Paul was one of the most highly intentional people who ever lived. He understood the truth of Psalm 90 and Ecclesiastes 3. He experienced the complete life transformation of conversion. Paul found new meaning and mission in Jesus. He loved life and lived life full steam ahead.

REFLECT:

• What are the most important biblical insights you learn about how you can live from the Apostle Paul?
• How much do you long to hear the words of Jesus that are used for the faithful servant/steward in Matthew 25?
• Think ahead to the day of your death and then to the day of your Celebration of Life service. What will people say about you? What kind of legacy will you have left that is celebrated by those in attendance? Here are a few more focused questions:
  • What three things do you want your family to say about you?
  • What three things do you want your coworkers to say about you?
  • What three things do you want your pastor (or closest Christian friends) to say about you?
  • Are you living one day at a time in such a way that those people are going to say these things?

DAY 4: A Great Destiny Awaits You: Glory

Today you are going to skim through several passages in the Bible. You will see the theme of glory in these passages. How is glory defi ned?

Glory: magnificence, splendor, resplendence, grandeur, majesty, greatness, nobility; opulence, beauty, elegance.

God is glorious. God possesses glory (Exodus 15:11; Psalm 19:1). And we are to always give glory to God (Psalm 86:12; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Study: But now, read on and see what is in store for you. Jot down a few key words beside each Scripture.

2 Corinthians 3:7–16 (the only long passage)

2 Corinthians 4:6

John 15:8

John 17:22–24

Colossians 3:4

2 Thessalonians 2:14

1 Peter 4:14; 5:1, 4

1 Corinthians 2:9–10. We can’t even imagine…

PRAY: In light of these passages, give thanks, rejoice, honor God, worship him with great joy, and be full of wonder and awe, for this is who you are and who you will one day fully be.

DAY 5: A Great Destiny: You Will See God

As you did yesterday, you will look at several passages to get the big picture of who you really are. I’ll tell you up front, you are someone who will see God face to face. That is the deepest longing of the heart. Face to face means intimacy of life and love. That is who you are. This is what you are made for. This is what you will enjoy forever and ever. World without end. AMEN.

Read, Reflect, Worship: Allow each of the passages that follow to seep and soak into your soul.

Exodus 33:18, 20, 23. Moses wanted to see God face to face, but he was told he could not. You will see we have come a long way since Moses heard those words. Jot down a best thought from each passage.

Job 19:25–27

Psalm 27:4

Matthew 5:8

John 17:26

1 John 3:1–3