Reluctant Retiree

Sometimes when people ask “What can I do for you?” it is a question out of compulsion. For instance, when you are browsing in a retail store and an employee asks this question because it is store policy or the manager has instructed them to do so. But when you have a need and someone asks you “What can I do for you?” the question is sincerely appreciated, especially when that person has the desire and ability to give the help you need.

In Luke 18 when Jesus was passing a blind man on the road begging Him, He asked the blind man, “‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me recover my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Recover your sight; you faith has made you well.’ And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God.” Jesus has the power to grant this man his request. But more importantly, Jesus’ desire was to help him.Jesus is asking you, “What do you want me to do for you?”

You must ask Him for the miracle He wants to do for you. You are one request away from a miracle. His has the power and authority, along with an earnest desire, to grant your request. Go ahead and ask Him for what you need.

Sometimes I think that I know something and know it well enough to make an informed decision. That is when things tend to go really wrong. I find out that either I did not have all the necessary and correct information or that my reasoning process was faulty. We all know people who believe that they know it all and are not shy about telling others of their wisdom. Later we observe them making grievous mistakes because they did not, in fact, know it all.

Luke 10:21 says, “In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.'” God chooses to reveal Himself to those who are of humble mind and heart rather than to those who think themselves to be wise and strong. Rejoice! It is the humble who understand that they do not know it all and instead need wisdom from our Heavenly Father. It is to these people that God chooses to reveal Himself. Those who believe that they are wise reject the Lord’s wisdom and suffer the consequences.

“Better Together” is a slogan and saying that is used under many situations today. I have seen churches, charity organizations, disaster affected areas, and businesses using this phrase to inspire unity and drive effectiveness. But just being together can be useful or harmful. We have differing personalities, tastes, and values, which can bring discord and unproductiveness. It is only when we share the same objectives in humility that being together produces unity and productivity.

Luke 10:2 says, “And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'” God’s work is plentiful and many more people still need Him. Will you join His laborers and bring in the harvest? Will you allow God to use you to bear fruit for Him and glorify His name? Will you draw upon the Holy Spirit’s power to unify and bear fruit?

What do you see when you look into the mirror? I am not just thinking about your personal appearance. What kind of person do you see? Do you see a confident and positive person? Or rather, do you see someone who is negative and discouraged? At one time or another we will see both types of people when we look into the mirror. But one habit, that of constantly judging others, will affect our attitude and the way we see ourselves.

Luke 6:37-38 says, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you.” We need to go easy on other people, forgiving them rather than complaining about them. After all Jesus has forgiven us in His act of great mercy on the cross. When we refuse to judge and condemn others, we are less likely to judge and condemn ourselves. When we forgive others, we are more likely to forgive ourselves and see the positive person in the mirror. Let’s work on forgiving others as Christ has forgiven us. The world and our relationships will benefit.

Have you ever felt like you were invisible. I sure have and often. I can be in a group situation and feel like no one values my presence or contributions to the group. I am an introvert and also have difficulty hearing, especially in group settings. So I contribute to my own feelings of invisibility. But it sure is nice when others ostensibly put effort into including you.

Luke 8:37 says, “For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” Nothing we do is hidden from God, as He even knows our thoughts, attitudes, joys, struggles, hopes, and dreams. He is deeply interested in us and understands us in more ways than we know. He wants to include us in the works that He is doing around us and is just waiting for us to ask Him to help us.