Reluctant Retiree

Have you ever been doing something that you think is benefiting others, but you are not seeing any positive results? You’re not even given a “Thank you!” when you go out of your way to help someone. That can be frustrating. But more than that, it can lead to thinking that you aren’t doing the good that you thought you were. It can even make you want to give up and stop trying to help others.

Galatians 6:9 says, “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” While I am not advocating that we do good things just to receive some future reward, God promises to bless those who do good works. He even promises to give us the strength and power to do those good things, if we will trust Him.

So please do give up doing good things just because you don’t see any immediate impact. Persevere in doing good and the rewards will follow.

Have you ever thought about what your life inspires in people? What could your life inspire? We have all seen and heard stories of people who have accomplished great things. Many people have overcome great challenges and struggles. Others have worked hard to achieve much. What would you like others to see in you that would benefit them?

Acts 3:9-10 says, “And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” God healed this man who had been lame, and the people were stunned. If we will allow God and trust Him, He will do awesome things in our lives. These great works will inspire people with wonder and amazement. Let’s ask God to make us people who inspire others to do great things.

We don’t really have control over many parts of our lives, much to our dismay. Despite the lack of control, we can often do some things to make those areas go better for us. For instance, we don’t have control over our health many times, but we can eat healthy and exercise to pave the way for good health.

The same truth applies to our walk with God. While most of our spiritual lives are beyond our control, God has let us know what we should do to make the most of our relationship with Him and His people.

Acts 2:42 speaks of the first Christian church when it says, “And they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.” As part of the body of Christ, His church, we would do well to commit ourselves to God’s Word, fellowshipping with believers, gathering with believers, and prayers. These practices will increase our love for God and for other people.

“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'” Acts 1:9-11

We all look forward to some days when something good is expected. It could be our wedding day, the birth of our children or grandchildren, or even a big purchase like our first house.

All of these good days pale in comparison to the day when Jesus Christ returns. As foretold by the angels, Jesus will return to take His children into heaven with Him. From that moment forward, those who placed their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord will spend eternity in His glorious presence. I can’t wait. Will you be there?

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.'” John 21:17

Peter had denied that he knew Jesus three times at the trial of Jesus. It was a stunning failure from the man who had boldly proclaimed that he would never betray Jesus, and, would in fact, die for Him. After His resurrection Jesus was eager to restore Peter. So He lovingly reassured Peter of His love and Peter’s love for Him.

Paul was a zealous spiritual leader among the Jews. He did everything according to the letter of the Jewish laws. He became outraged at those who professed faith in Jesus. So he received legal permission to track these believers down and have them killed. But God had other plans for Paul and met him on the road to Damascus. Paul was transformed to the point of traveling the known world to proclaim Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Some of us may feel that we are not redeemable. We may believe that we have done so many bad things or one really bad thing. So we think that we cannot be forgiven by God. God loves to restore His people. He is rich in mercy and is eager to bring us home to Him. Come home to your Heavenly Father. Receive the healing and redemption that awaits you in His loving arms. Turn away from the hurt and pain that the world gives. God’s arms are open and ready for you.