Reluctant Retiree

Two weeks ago we hiked the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail from Abshire Park toward Middlebury. The wildflowers were in full bloom and we were awestruck by the array of colors. Today we hiked the same trail, but almost all the flowers were gone. The wildflowers had bloomed quickly and just as suddenly had lost their flowers.

James 1:9-11 says, “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” So much of what we do and what we take pride in fades away quickly. How much wiser would it be to invest our lives in the things that really matter and last forever? Let’s consider changing what we do and how we think, so that we are aligned with the will of God. Then our efforts will be rightly directed and our labor will not be in vain.

When we give gifts, we think about what the other person needs or wants. We want to give something that pleases them. Our desire is to honor them and demonstrate our love.

Hebrews 13:15-16 says, “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” We don’t offer animal sacrifices to God, but we can offer sacrifices that please Him. First we can simply acknowledge God for who He is and what He does. Praise befits His nature and blessings. Second we can do good works. Good done in the power of the Holy Spirit bears fruit and is a form of worship. Thirdly, we can share what we have with those in need. This sacrifice acknowledges that everything we have has been given to us by God. God is pleased when we offer these three sacrifices, as they reveal His blessings to us and His divine nature. These sacrifices honor God and demonstrate our love for Him.

Where is the most secure place you have ever been? Perhaps, you felt secure in the arms of a loved one. Maybe you need security options like reinforced walls and doors to feel secure. Perhaps, you never feel completely safe and secure, so you live in fear most of the time.

Psalm 23 gives us insight into true security while it describes where God is for the believer. “He leads me in paths of righteousness”. To do that God must be in front of us, leading the way. “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” In this picture of the shepherd, God is at our right hand and at our left hand. “You anoint my head with oil”. To do that, God remains above us. And, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”. His goodness and mercy emanate from Him as He follows with us.

His love surrounds us, so we can rest in peace and security, knowing that He protects us at all times and in every circumstance.

We have all watched a marathon race where someone jumps out to a quick lead. The runner may hold the lead for a long time, but fades near the end, so that someone else wins the race. The runner was quick but did not have the endurance to continue running fast for the whole race.

Hebrews 12:12-13 says, “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen you weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” Life is a marathon. Unfortunately, we often treat it as a sprint. We work hard at doing the right things, but do not have the strength within ourselves to continue to do the right things for long.

We need help! God promises to provide the help we need to endure in doing righteousness. He comes to live within the life of each believer in the form of His Holy Spirit. It is by the Holy Spirit’s power that we can endure. Therefore, accept the gift of the Holy Spirit by faith, and be made strong for endurance in righteousness.

As I began my hike this morning, I noticed the cool breeze. It seemed to bring refreshment to my body as I walked. I felt stronger than the day before and my attitude improved. Like a cold drink on a hot day, the breeze renewed my soul.

II Corinthians 4:16-17 says, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” For the believer, God is constantly at work within us to renew and refresh our souls. Though we are getting older and our bodies are wasting away with time, God is bringing health and vitality to our inner lives. So much is He working within us that our afflictions seem small and the rewards are beyond comparison to anything that we receive in the world.