Reluctant Retiree

When a person gets married many things change. A new family is formed. A new relationship is established. Often a new name is given. A new home is made for those in this new relationship. The relationship is designed to grow and mature over time. It may even grow in number as children come.

Romans 9:25 says, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.'” When we gave our lives to believe in Jesus Christ, our whole nature changed. We have become God’s people and His beloved, having been adopted into His family. We become His beloved even though we were formerly not among His children and people. We are now called to be like Him and do things consistent with His family name.

Sometimes the gifts we receive have a deeper meaning than is readily apparent. We may receive a family heirloom that has important meaning to the family. Someone may give us a gift that meets an emotional or mental need of the moment. Or perhaps we become the recipient of something with historical significance.

Romans 5:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Though him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Those who trust in Jesus for salvation and redemption receive much more than these two unsurmountable gifts of God’s grace. We have also received God’s justification, meaning we receive no condemnation for sin. The blood of Jesus also paves the way for us to have access to God by His grace and to know the hope of the glory of God. So along with salvation and redemption, we receive justification, access to the Father, grace enough for each day, hope, and participation in the glory of God.

Over the years we have received many gifts. The most special gifts are those that either meet a need in our lives or were handcrafted expressions of love for us. Those gifts have an enduring place in our hearts.

Psalm 118:23-24 says, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” God prepares and specially handcrafts each day for His purposes and your good. Open your heart to receive these gifts and offer thanksgiving to the One who made each day. Make the most of each day by rejoicing in His marvelous works on your behalf.

Recently, I discovered that I am living in bondage to expectations. Some of these expectations are from my own thoughts of what kind of person I want to be. But some of these expectations are from what I expect others want from me. These expectations hold me captive and don’t allow me the freedom to be who God wants me to be. This kind of freedom allows the real me to be expressed and proclaim the goodness of God.

I Peter 2:16 says, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” Jesus has made the believer from sin and death. We should use our freedom to be the people God wants us to be and not as an excuse to simply do what we want to do. This freedom allows us to bear witness of His truth, power, and love.

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Two thousand years ago a baby was born and the world was changed. This baby, Jesus Christ, also bears the name, Mighty God. He made everything new. Those who place their trust in Him benefit with new birth, new life, new covenant, new purpose for living, new relationship with God, and new hope for each day and for eternity.