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“So teach us to number our days, that we may
apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12

It is often spoken of how so many people die at the end of the year. I'm not sure that it is the number of people as much as it is the fact that they were so close to making it to the next year. One of my well, loved co-workers was killed in a car accident on day 360 of 2014. Just think, 5 more days and he would have made it to 2015. Usually when sudden death happens we respond by saying we don't know the day, the hour, or the minute that our time on earth will expire.” But one the thing we do know is that there is an expiration date. Hebrews 9:27 We say it, we know it, but as children of God, what are we doing in response to it? Romans 13:11

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 ( KJV)

Close calls with death often trigger comments of, “God spared me because I have a purpose to fulfill. He allowed me more time.” Then after a while we tend to forget and go back to the status quo. Lord “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NLT) Realizing that life is short should cause us not to take our remaining time for granted. It should help us use the little time we have more wisely and for eternal good. Only what we do for Christ will last. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 And our good works will follow us to heaven. Revelations 14:13

The shelf life guide for food (StillTasty.com), list categories that tells you how long the product is likely to remain at its absolute best quality when unopened or when it's time to toss it - Use-By, Best if Used By, Best By, Best Before - Expires On Date. We too have sort of a shelf life.

Use-By, Best if Used By, Best By, Best Before- “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4

1. Because we have an appoitned expiration date we must learn to number our days that we may apply wisdom to do what we were called to do. As children of God, having eaten and received of the Bread of life (John 6:51) we are called to lead others to receive and feed on that same Bread. We have been called and purposed before the foundation of the earth. Ephesians 2:10. We have been given the Holy Spirit and gifts/talents to build and advance God's kingdom (Romans 12:6) (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), and commanded to be fruitful (John 15:16) But no use or improper use can render us spiritually useless to the kingdom and terminated. (Matthew 25:24-28, Matthew 5:13, Matthew 21:19) The only way to remain effective is found in John 15:5-8.

Expires On : "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" Hebrews 9:27

2. Because we have an appointed expiration date we must learn to number our days that we may apply wisdom to choosing life or death in our everyday decisions especially concerning our health. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) Not only can we be rendered useless spiritually, we also have an appointed physical expiration date. [How, when, and where will it come? Only God knows. So does this mean our fate is sealed? Does this mean we have absolutely no control over when we will die? The answer is both yes and no, depending on the perspective.

The answer is "yes" from God's perspective because God is omniscient—He knows everything and knows exactly when, where and how we will die. Nothing we can do will change what God already knows will happen. The answer is "no" from our perspective because we do have an impact on when, where, and how we die. Obviously, a person who commits suicide causes his own death. A person who commits suicide would have lived longer had he not committed suicide. Similarly, a person who dies because of a foolish decision (e.g., drug use) “expedites” his own death. A person who dies of lung cancer from smoking would not have died in the same way or at the same time if he had not smoked. A person who dies of a heart attack due to a lifetime of extremely unhealthy eating and little exercise would not have died in the same way or at the same time if he had eaten healthier foods and exercised more. Yes, our own decisions have an undeniable impact on the manner, timing, and place of our death. www.gotquestions.org ]

Expired: “For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end .” Luke 22:3

3. Because Jesus too had a an expected end, lived to do God's will, and fulfilled His purpose, we must learn to number our days that we apply wisdom to following Jesus example. Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4 Like Jesus we have an expected end,“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord , thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ” Jeremiah 29:11 And our purpose must be fulfilled.

The message In the Garden for 2015 is the Expiration Date is sure Physically and, by Choice, Spiritually. Be mindful of the brevity of life and how few days you have left. Many lives are depending on the fulfillment of your purpose before you Expire. So many of us are more committed to lending our talents to the world and even for our own selfish gain. (Matthew 16:26) Such as the gift of our voices God has given, that sit in the church every Sunday and watch the choir sings, the announcements be made, and sometimes with criticism. But that same voice will be used to seek record deals, wedding engagements, talent shows, speaking engagements, etc. That same voice will leave church early because of a gig that pays money. Yet the house of God is suffering. Your gift of organization, management, teaching, cleaning, decorating, yes even the gift of giving are being used by some to start or support their own organizations. They take what is God's and place it somewhere else, such as social clubs which become more important in their lives than serving God. The building of club memberships become more important than the building of God's Kingdom. Satan is subtle and tempts those desires that should be nourished and focused for the Lord. Hmmm...... (James 1:14)

This year look at what club, group, organization, even job, career, and/or business you are in and ask yourself, “Do I do more for that group than for the church?” Take the time to number your days by asking, What do I want to see happen in my life in buliding God's kingdom before I die? What small step could I take toward that purpose today?

God says, "________________(insert your name), tomorrow is not promised and there is an expected end already appointed for you. This year make sure you ponder your thoughts and steps daily in building My Kingdom and drawing those, I have placed in your space of influence, to Christ. Your gifts must be used in the place of worship I have ordered your steps to. No excuses allowed.

"Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NLT)
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