Reluctant Retiree

At one time or another, we have all felt the sting of betrayal. Perhaps it was as simple as a trusted friend speaking our secret to others. Maybe it is as difficult as a loved one walking away from our relationship. Or worse yet, it could be someone who was close to us actually standing against us at a vulnerable time in our lives. Regardless of the circumstances, betrayal is hard to understand and to come to grips with.

Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

For those who are in Christ Jesus, our God is the God who stays. When everyone else walks away from us or even comes against us, God stays with us and advocates for us. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. He will always be faithful to us. This brings comfort to my weary soul and life to my spirit, as it should to yours also.

To be “faithful” we must remain loyal and steadfast, true to the facts. One thing that our world could use right now is a heavy dose of faithfulness. We leave marriages at the slightest inconvenience, children are abandoned on a routine basis, we switch jobs to seek a better life, and we fail to pay our bills putting the blame on others.

Psalm 37:3 says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.” As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must seek to remain loyal to our calling from God and to the truth of His Word. We should seek to maintain a heart steadfastly committed to God and to His ways. Let us stand out in our culture as beacons of faithfulness spreading to light of God to an unfaithful generation.

When an inventor designs a new creation, He works hard at creating something useful. He makes plans and pulls together the resources to bring the idea to fruition. The work does not stop after He produces the invention. He will continue to work on the invention to make it better through design enhancements.

Revelation 4:11 says, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” It was through God’s specific design that you were created by Him and given life. His design was good and perfect, but we all have a sin nature and turn away from His purpose for us at times. But He is not finished working with you. Now He wants you to grow into His image, to become more like Him. We bring Him the praise that is due to His name as we allow Him to work in us in such a way as to become more like Him.

Some business Chief Executive Officers sit behind their ornate desks in the corner of the penthouse of a tall building. They remain unapproachable to the masses, even in their own companies. The Pope is visible to the masses of followers but few get access to speak with him. These people wield great power from lofty positions, but rarely are touched by their people.

Revelation 4:5 says, “From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God.” The apostle John is describing God’s throne. His throne is the place of His unmatched power, glory, and majesty. By the blood of Jesus, however, God has made His throne very approachable to His children. In fact, God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, leads us to the throne as our high priest, advocate, and intercessor. That means that Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf.

When we pray, we must always remember the power and majesty of the One we are speaking with. We must be sure to give Him the praise that is due to Him. God listens to the humble.

Small children readily adapt some words, like “Mama” and “mine”, into their vocabulary. Other words, like “thanks” and “please”, need to be taught to them. As we get older, we still need to learn words and phrases of kindness and generosity, rather than selfish and harsh words.

Psalm 45:1 says, “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.” If you have received blessings from the gracious God, then your mouth should always be ready to give Him praise and thanksgiving. Learn the words of grateful worship and don’t hesitate to offer them to God. It will change your attitudes and your life.