Reluctant Retiree

I don’t particularly care for driving long distances. For me, it is physically uncomfortable. For most people, it is difficult to maintain the alertness required for a long period of time. Our minds wander and our bodies tire. But we must maintain a high level of alertness to avoid the dangers inherit in this type of travel. Alertness can also serve us well as we see the wonderful sights that come our way in our travels.

Ephesians 6:18 says, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

As we go about our daily lives, we should persevere in alertness to identify the good things God wants us to do and to avoid the bad things that tempt us away from Him. How? By praying at all times. Having an attitude of prayer throughout the day keeps us in the presence of God and alert to His leadings. Prayer also makes us alert to the opportunities that He gives us each day to do good for others and honor Him. As we are following His leading daily, we are also alert to the temptations that try to attract us, but, in His presence and by His power, we are able to resist

Recently, we were in Erie, Pennsylvania, and went to the Presque Isle State Park. From the point on this peninsula, we could see far and wide over Lake Erie. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful view. We basked in the sunlight and enjoyed the peaceful lure of gentle sea waves. We could only imagine what was on the other side of the lake, as the horizon captured our attention.

I Corinthians 2:9 says, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” God’s ways are far beyond our own and His thoughts are far above ours. So what He has planned for our futures and for eternity, we can only receive small glimpses of His plan.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, we can know that in your future on earth and in heaven, God has prepared the best for you. Trust Him as your Heavenly Father to provide good things for you. In Jeremiah 29:11 God speaks and says, “For I k now the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

What is the most glorious place that you have ever visited? Name a location that has inspired you and brought you overwhelming peace and joy. For me, it is the ocean. As a kid in Southern California, I often went to the beach to relax, enjoy the waves, and find peace in the ocean views.

Revelation 22:1-2 says, “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city, also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

As those who trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, this is the scene that awaits us in heaven. The Lord has filled the earth with His glory, but what awaits the true believer, in heaven glory even surpasses what we find on earth. That is because we will dwell in the presence of God Almighty. All pain and suffering will be gone and He will heal us completely. Use the anticipation of this glory to motivate you to follow Jesus closely and to serve others.

In our disaster relief adventures we have seen how water permeates nearly everything. Walls do not stop storm surge water from seeping through them. Many barriers are ineffective from stopping the flow of water from hurricanes and floods. While the water eventually dissipates, the evidence of its past intrusive action is everywhere.

John 4:13-14 says, “Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'” Water soaks in and through everything. Let the living water of Jesus permeate you completely, so that you become just like Him. Let His living water give you eternal life and let it nourish you. May you become an true representation of His image and may your life bring Him glory as this water flows in you and through you onto others.

Matthew 6:8 says, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

Our God is also our Heavenly Father who perfectly and completely provides for our needs, protects us, loves us, cares for us, draws us close to Himself, helps us, and enjoys our presence. As his children we should follow Him, listen to Him, honor Him, seek HIs presence, and love Him with our whole hearts.