Embracing Vulnerability: Cherishing Each Day's Gift

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the ancient prayer from Psalm 90:11, "Teach us to number our days so that we might gain a heart of wisdom." This prayer is a profound reminder of the finite nature of our lives and the importance of valuing each day as a precious gift from God. In our community, which I affectionately call the "fellowship of the withered hand," we embrace our weaknesses and inadequacies, much like the man with the withered hand in the synagogue whom Jesus healed. This story teaches us that in our vulnerability, we find strength through Christ, who empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own.

Numbering our days means recognizing their limited nature and immense value. Just as we might track something precious and finite, like a box of chocolates, we should also cherish and make the most of each day. This reflection is inspired by recent personal experiences, including the memorial service of Barb Morgan and the passing of my uncle Ron. These events have prompted me to reflect on the swift passage of time and the importance of using our days wisely.

The journey of spiritual formation, as Dallas Willard describes, involves a transformation of our desires and feelings. We must strive to want what we do not currently want and to not want what we currently desire. This transformation is a significant step in our spiritual growth, leading us away from sin and towards a life filled with love, joy, and peace.

In our community, we support one another in this journey, learning to rejoice in the success of others and transforming our pain into compassion. The invitation today is to remember those who have blessed our lives and to set an alarm for 7:07, a time to pause and reflect on the goodness of God and the gift of each day. May we taste and see that the Lord is good, cherishing each day as a holy sacrament.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Vulnerability: In the story of the man with the withered hand, we learn that acknowledging our weaknesses allows us to experience Christ's strength. By coming into the light and being honest about our inadequacies, we open ourselves to God's transformative power. [01:24]

2. Value Each Day: Numbering our days means recognizing their finite nature and immense value. Like precious items we track, our days should be cherished and filled with purpose, as they are gifts from God. [02:42]

3. Transform Desires: Spiritual growth involves a transformation of our desires. We must strive to want what we do not currently want and to not want what we currently desire, leading us away from sin and towards a life filled with love, joy, and peace. [08:36]

4. Rejoice in Others' Success: Learning to delight in the success of others is a significant step in our spiritual journey. By shifting our focus from competition to compassion, we cultivate a heart full of love and joy. [09:31]

5. Reflect on Blessings: Set an alarm for 7:07 to pause and reflect on the goodness of God and the people who have blessed your life. This practice helps us appreciate the gift of each day and the wonder of God's presence in our lives. [11:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:34] - Ancient Prayer of Wisdom
- [00:50] - Fellowship of the Withered Hand
- [01:37] - Numbering Our Days
- [02:02] - Cherishing Precious Gifts
- [03:10] - Remembering Barb Morgan
- [04:04] - Joy in Ministry
- [05:18] - Menachem Begin Freeway
- [06:27] - Preciousness of Each Day
- [06:41] - Passing of Uncle Ron
- [07:46] - Spiritual Formation Journey
- [08:36] - Transforming Desires
- [09:31] - Rejoicing in Others' Success
- [10:35] - Invitation to Reflect
- [11:20] - 7:07 Reflection Practice

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 90:11: "Teach us to number our days so that we might gain a heart of wisdom."

Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "number our days" mean in the context of Psalm 90:11? How does it relate to the idea of gaining wisdom?
2. In the sermon, the pastor refers to the "fellowship of the withered hand." What is the significance of this term, and how does it relate to the story of the man with the withered hand in the synagogue? [01:24]
3. How does the pastor use personal stories, such as the memorial service for Barb Morgan and the passing of Uncle Ron, to illustrate the concept of the swift passage of time? [03:10]
4. What role does vulnerability play in experiencing Christ's strength, according to the sermon? [01:24]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "numbering our days" challenge the way individuals typically view time and daily life? What might be the implications of this perspective for one's spiritual journey?
2. The sermon mentions a transformation of desires as part of spiritual growth. How does this transformation lead individuals away from sin and towards a life filled with love, joy, and peace? [08:36]
3. In what ways does rejoicing in the success of others contribute to one's spiritual development, and how might this practice be challenging in a competitive world? [09:31]
4. The pastor suggests setting an alarm for 7:07 to reflect on God's goodness. How might this practice influence one's daily routine and spiritual awareness? [11:20]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent day that you may have taken for granted. What specific steps can you take to cherish each day as a gift from God? [02:42]
2. Consider a personal weakness or vulnerability you have. How can you invite Christ's strength into this area of your life, and what practical steps can you take to embrace vulnerability? [01:24]
3. Identify a desire in your life that you feel needs transformation. What actions can you take to align your desires with a life filled with love, joy, and peace? [08:36]
4. Think of someone whose success you find difficult to celebrate. How can you shift your perspective to genuinely rejoice in their achievements, and what impact might this have on your spiritual growth? [09:31]
5. Set an alarm for 7:07 either in the morning or evening. What specific thoughts or prayers will you focus on during this time to reflect on the goodness of God and the blessings in your life? [11:20]
6. Recall a person who has blessed your life but is no longer present. How can you honor their memory and express gratitude for their impact on your life? [10:48]
7. The pastor talks about transforming pain into compassion. Identify a painful experience in your life. How can you use this experience to develop compassion for others, and what practical steps can you take to act on this compassion? [10:21]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Vulnerability as a Path to Strength
In the story of the man with the withered hand, we learn that acknowledging our weaknesses allows us to experience Christ's strength. By coming into the light and being honest about our inadequacies, we open ourselves to God's transformative power. This vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a doorway to divine strength. When we admit our limitations, we invite Christ to work through us, empowering us to do what we cannot do on our own. This is a profound lesson in humility and reliance on God, reminding us that our true strength is found in Him. [01:24]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel weak or inadequate? How can you invite Christ's strength into this area today?


Day 2: Cherishing Each Day as a Divine Gift
Numbering our days means recognizing their finite nature and immense value. Like precious items we track, our days should be cherished and filled with purpose, as they are gifts from God. This perspective encourages us to live intentionally, making the most of each moment and appreciating the beauty of life. By valuing each day, we align our lives with God's purpose, finding joy and fulfillment in the present. This mindset transforms our daily routines into opportunities for gratitude and growth. [02:42]

Psalm 39:4-5 (ESV): "O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!"

Reflection: How can you intentionally cherish today as a gift from God? What specific actions can you take to live with purpose and gratitude?


Day 3: Transforming Desires for Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth involves a transformation of our desires. We must strive to want what we do not currently want and to not want what we currently desire, leading us away from sin and towards a life filled with love, joy, and peace. This transformation is a journey of aligning our hearts with God's will, allowing His Spirit to reshape our desires and priorities. As we grow spiritually, we learn to desire what is good and holy, moving away from selfishness and towards a life that reflects Christ's love. [08:36]

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."

Reflection: What is one desire you have that you know is not aligned with God's will? How can you begin to seek transformation in this area today?


Day 4: Rejoicing in the Success of Others
Learning to delight in the success of others is a significant step in our spiritual journey. By shifting our focus from competition to compassion, we cultivate a heart full of love and joy. This practice helps us to see others through God's eyes, celebrating their achievements and blessings as if they were our own. Rejoicing in others' success fosters a sense of community and unity, breaking down barriers of envy and comparison. It is a reflection of Christ's love, which calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. [09:31]

Romans 12:15-16 (ESV): "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight."

Reflection: Think of someone whose success you find difficult to celebrate. How can you intentionally rejoice in their achievements today?


Day 5: Reflecting on God's Goodness and Blessings
Set an alarm for 7:07 to pause and reflect on the goodness of God and the people who have blessed your life. This practice helps us appreciate the gift of each day and the wonder of God's presence in our lives. By taking time to reflect, we cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing the many ways God has blessed us through others. This reflection is a reminder of God's faithfulness and love, encouraging us to live with thankfulness and joy. [11:20]

Psalm 103:2-5 (ESV): "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Reflection: Who are the people that have blessed your life recently? How can you express your gratitude to them and to God today?

Quotes

"Teach us to number our days so that we might gain a heart of wisdom, and I long for that for me and for you. I'm so grateful to be a part of this community of the withered hand as I think about so many of you who I know and who I love, who I am so grateful for." [00:37:36]

"Coming into the light and being honest about who we are and celebrating personal inadequacy is what makes us all together something that I feel so deeply a part of the fellowship of the withered hand, and in that fellowship we need help to number our days." [00:82:47]

"Teach us to number our days because they are such great gifts and they go by so quickly, and I have been thinking about that a lot over the last couple of days. A couple days ago I got to be a part of a zoo memorial service for Barb Morgan. She died recently at the age of 92." [00:182:72]

"Teach us to number our days because every one of them is so precious. Every one of them is a gift that is given to me from God that I didn't deserve and that I can use to bless somebody else. Teach us to number our days." [00:384:72]

"It is a major step forward just to sincerely desire not to not sin, that too, but to have different feelings, feelings that lead away from sin. At that early stage one has to strongly want to not want what one now wants and to want to want what one does not now want." [00:500:08]

"I can't make myself feel desire for something or stop feeling desire for something, but at a higher level order I can say I want to be the kind of person who wants different things. I was talking to a very good friend this morning who was talking about a struggle that I know very very well." [00:527:20]

"I'd like to learn to rejoice and delight in the success of other people. I'd like to experience love and joy and peace. I was talking to another friend last night, four of us were gathered together, three of us had quite close relationships with our fathers." [00:571:27]

"Through the inversion of the cross and the kingdom has turned into great love, and he was telling us about a little girl that was a part of their church and she didn't have a dad and when she was pretty young he could tell she needed braces and she would never get them." [00:600:64]

"Think about somebody who blessed your life a long time ago, who is no longer present on this earth, and remember them with great gratitude and thank God, and reflect on how quickly the days from that era and this one have gone past, and ask God for a heart full of wisdom." [00:640:80]

"Set your alarm for 707, depending what time you listen to this, 707 in the morning or 707 in the evening, and when that alarm goes off just pause and reflect again on the goodness of the people that God has brought into your life, and what a wonder it is to have the gift of a day." [00:671:27]

"It is like a holy thing, it is like a sacrament, like this little piece of chocolate sea salted onion. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Teach us to number our days. God bless this day for you, guard your heart." [00:695:44]

"Thanks for joining us. There are emails that go along with each episode, and if you'd like to receive those you can go to become new dot me, subscribe, and there you can also sign up to receive daily text alerts. We'll see you next time." [00:728:48]

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Transcript
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