Some Reflections On Sixty-Nine Years – Bible study

As I observed my birthday yesterday, March 12th, the following are some reflections on the sixty-nine years that God has granted me on this terrestrial ball called earth (Acts 17:24-26; cf. Isaiah 42:5).

Ive learned:

1) To stay out of other peoples business (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

2) To pay creditors in a timely fashion (Romans 13:8).

3) That life is many times not fair.

4) That what seems to be true, may turn out to not be true at all.

5) That trust has to be earned.

6) That a mans word should be his bond (see article)

7) Not to lie to people or God (Acts 5:1-11), remembering there wont be any liars in heaven (Revelation 21:27).

8) That the Bible contains the solution to every problem that we will ever face on earth (2 Peter 1:2-3). Note the phrase all things in vs. 3. But we have to search (Acts 17:11) and study (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) in order to find those solutions. Then we have to make personal application of them in our lives (James 1:25; cf. John 5:19)

9) That the Bible is not a difficult book to learn and understand (on average, it is written on a sixth grade reading level), otherwise, the inspired writer Paul would not have written so much about our learning and understanding it (Romans 15:4; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 3:1-4; Ephesians 5:15-17). However, we do need to look at some basic rules of interpretation in order to facilitate our understanding of Gods revelation to us.

10) That human beings do just about what they want to do no more and no less (Genesis 11:1-6).

11) That godly parents should teach moral values to their children at a very early age (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; cf. Luke 2:52) so they will have the opportunity to become both moral and productive citizens of the country in which they live (however, its always their “choice” – Joshua 24:14-15). They will then be equipped to teach the next generation the same moral values (Deuteronomy 6:1-2; cf. Psalm 78:1-8).

12) That people dont care how much we know, until they know how much we truly care. Folks, our society needs more caring people!

13) That we really dont know what kind of an individual we’re dealing with until we get into his pocketbook. Then well find out very quickly who the real McCoy is!

14) That work is a blessing from God (Genesis 2:15).

15) That you cant judge a book by its cover.

16) That no matter how much money we have, its never enough (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

17) That our influence, either for good or evil, is far-reaching (1 Thessalonians 1; Acts 1:15-19).

18) That most people are selfish, but godly folks share their life and possessions with others (Acts 2:41-45; Acts 4:31-35).

19) That keeping our promises to people make for good relationships built on trust.

20) That this earthly life is too short! (Job 7:6-7; James 4:13-14).

21) That God is testing us here on earth to see whether or not we are the genuine article (1 Peter 1:3-7; cf. Genesis 22:1-12; Deuteronomy 8:1-3; James 5:10-11).

22) To live every day as if it were our last, for it might very well be (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Luke 12:16-21).

23) That the only two things we will take with us when we depart this earthly existence is (1) our integrity and (2) our influence (Hebrews 11:4), remembering that “Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

24) That God-designed marriage is for better, for worse, and for keeps (Matthew 19:1-6; Romans 7:1-2).