So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

There are times when I feel old.

Two days ago I was talking with my nephew and mentioned Buddy Holly.

You know, the rock and roller of the 50s who sang "Peggy Sue" and "It's So Easy" and "Rave On."

You know, the fellow who, with the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens, was killed in a plane crash outside Clear Lake, Iowa.

Maybe you don't know. The look on my nephew's face said he had never, ever heard the name of Buddy Holly.

I felt old.

Now, I've read that Ringo Starr, you know, the drummer for the Beatles, has celebrated his 70th birthday. (And, yes, my nephew has heard of Ringo.)

The truth is the clock is ticking for all of us. It starts ticking when we're born and it will stop ticking when we breathe our last. The time in between is the unknown number of days the Lord has allotted to us.

The big question is this: "What will we do with those days?"

Psalm 90:12 tells us it would be wise for us to number those days so we might receive a heart of wisdom.

Truly, age should bring wisdom. The passing of time should teach us not to jaywalk, not to eat a steady diet of deep-fried cheese, and to brush our teeth after every meal. The ticking of the clock should also tell us that we will not live forever.

The end is coming. Our end is coming and we need to be ready. We need to recognize that when our time here is over, it will continue on in heaven or hell. It goes without saying the first is preferable to the second.

And this is where a heart of wisdom comes in. A heart of wisdom motivated by the Holy Spirit will acknowledge that our sins are many and our ability to get rid of them is zero. If we are to be forgiven, if we are to be saved, we need Jesus.

In the Person of God's Son, Jesus, our Savior, we are given forgiveness and freedom, hope and heaven. We need Jesus. That's God's truth which we need -- no matter what our age.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the time of my departure from this world is nearer today than it was yesterday. While I may not know the names of rock and roll stars or many other things, help me to know and hold fast to the Savior. Grant me this wisdom so my days might be filled with praise for You and Him. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 1-2, 10    Acts 16:22-40

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