Reluctant Retiree

At a very early age we learn to ask for things. The baby moves its head reflexively to find mother’s milk. The infant is constantly asking for food and toys. We put a child in Santa’s lap in the mall, so that the child can ask Santa for what is truly desired at Christmas. Some of us never grow out of this mostly selfish approach to life. Others are more focused on the needs of others.

I Timothy 2:1-2 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

God’s children are invited to come before God and have real conversations with Him. That involves far more than just asking for what we want. God is aware of our needs and is eager to provide for them. Our prayers are opportunities for us to align our thoughts and plans with His. To do this, we must not just talk to God when we pray, we must listen to what He has to tell us, especially through His Word. In addition, prayer offers us the opportunity to bring the needs of others before our Father. Doing so, develops humility in us and understanding of the lives of others. We should especially pray for those who are in authority over us. As we do, God will lead us in such a way that we can lead godly lives. Go to God frequently in prayer, but be sure to listen for His leading and graciously bring the needs of others before God.

The television game show “Let’s Make a Deal” is based upon contestants making choices. The options are limited and contain an unseen risk of losing out on great prizes. The final choice involves three doors and hints about what is behind the doors. The contestants can win big prizes or get “zonked” and lose what they already have won.

Romans 6:13 presents us with our daily and moment-by-moment choice in life. It says, “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”

Every morning and throughout our days, we are faced with the choice of doing the good and right thing or doing the wrong or evil thing. The choice we make affects our near and long-term future, including eternity. Wrong choices impact our relationships, but also affect our emotional and spiritual being. Right choices keep us close to God and protect us from the damage wrong choices burden us with.

We can only make the right choices if we have a right relationship with God. That begins with being brought from death to life, or being born again. We receive life when we give ourselves to God by faith through His grace. We must confess our sins and believe that Jesus died for our sins. Then we offer ourselves to God and trust Him to be our Lord and Savior. From that point we can make the right choices on a daily and moment-by-moment basis in the power that He provides.

I grew up in southern California enjoying the sunshine and beaches. Now I live in Indiana. The weather is a far departure from what I grew up with. I have been here 8 years and still have not adjusted. The winter seems abnormally long and the cold weather and lack of sunshine can get to me at times. So as we begin the Spring season today, I am looking forward to sunny days and warmer temperatures.

Daniel 2:20-22 says, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

As the seasons change, it is good to remember the God who controls the weather and established the seasons. Spring, Summer, Fall, and even Winter were His idea and creation. The seasons help the earth produce the crops that we need to feed ourselves. They are all part of His glorious plan created with His all encompassing wisdom and by His power. He deserves our praise as we enjoy the benefits of His creation.

I know some people, some famous and others not so much, that seem to inspire arguments and disputes. Everywhere they go people are offended and often even outraged at the actions and/or words of these offensive people. I have to admit, I have inspired my own share of arguments out of my own insensitivity and self-centered opinions. It is reasonable that people avoid these argument inspiring folks.

II Corinthians 5:18-19 says, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”

Most often the offender is charged with making the first move toward reconciliation after a relationship is harmed. The offender needs to seek forgiveness and make restitution as necessary. In our relationship with God, however, He made the move to restore peace. You see, our sinful nature caused us to reject God and go our own way. We were, in effect, kicking dust in God’s face. But it is God who sought reconciliation with us. He bridged the gap between us by offering His own Son, Jesus Christ, as the peace offering. The blood of Jesus paid the price for our offenses against God and offers us forgiveness, salvation from condemnation, and reconciliation.

God offers us this wonderful gift of reconciliation. But it is up to us to accept the terms of reconciliation by believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Until we accept the gift, we are in the unenviable position of being God’s enemies. Trust me that cannot end well. So accept the reconciliation offered by God and trust Him to make you an instrument of peace in the world.

When we lived in Nepal, we became familiar with the Sherpa people. They live in the high mountains and have become highly acclimated to the harsh conditions there. Every year adventurists attempt climbs of the highest mountain peaks in the world. Most come from out of the country in search of a literal high. These adventurers spend tens of thousands of dollars to climb. Most have also spent a long time preparing for the climb. However, none of them would be able to make the climb without the Sherpas. The Sherpas carry the heavy load of supplies and often set the trail. And yet they receive relatively small compensation and none of the glory.

God is also a burden carrier. He carries our burdens, if we will let Him. But He does so out of a heart of love for us and through grace extended to us. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” God invites us to give our struggles and troubles to Him. If we are His children, walking by faith in Him, He promises to never allow our troubles to overcome us. We will have our struggles, but God will lead us through them in His power. We just need to believe and hold onto His might and faithfulness.