Reluctant Retiree

Sometimes I have been in the midst of some circumstances and will not see or hear some important detail that occurred. Even when watching an event I can completely miss out on something important. My mind can focus on some minor detail and miss the important things.

I Chronicles 16:10-11 says, “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!  Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” The glory of the Lord fills the earth.  Ask God to open your eyes to behold His glory as it surrounds you today. Ask Him to open your heart and mind to understanding how His glory is near to you. Let Him strengthen your spirit and soul by His presence.

When we go to the store and purchase an item, we expect that this item will provide some value to us, making our lives more enjoyable or easier. When we work hard at our jobs, we expect to receive the provision of fair wages and benefits. It is so easy to have the same mindset in relationships, giving of ourselves with the expectation of receiving benefits in return.

II Corinthians 12:15 says, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” Real love is revealed when we give of our time, treasures, and talents without the expectation of receiving love in return. Removing all selfish intentions is only possible when God’s love is at work in our lives. Let’s ask God to activate unselfish love in us and through us to others.

Today we have many companies that will put your company’s or organization’s logo on t-shirts, jackets, duffel bags, or just about anything else. We walk around in clothes with these logos and represent the company.  How much we know about the business and how well we represent them is quickly apparent and vitally important to the company.

Micah 4:5 says, “For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.” To walk in the name of the Lord is to know Him well and to represent Him well. We represent Him well when we follow Him closely and our actions display His image.

As I walked on the sands of Daytona Beach, I watched the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. The light was brilliant and the colors spectacular. I happened to glance upward and saw dozens of people on their hotel balconies also watching the sunrise.  It seems that everyone is enthralled with the beauty of sunrises.

Revelation 21:22-23 speaking of heaven says, “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” One day soon we who have trusted in Jesus Christ will bask in the glory of God the Father and His Light will fill our hearts with joy.

Along the coast of Florida a narrow strip of land separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Intercoastal Waterway. This land is a premium location for developers, tourists, and residents. The sea and the river seem to refresh spirits of the weary and attract travelers to new life.

Psalm 1:2-3 says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” The person who delights in God and His Word finds living water for the soul. This water gives life, refreshes the spirit, and bears fruit for eternity. Come to God and His Word to find life and sustenance.