Reluctant Retiree

We all have our morning routines designed to prepare us for the day ahead. We refresh our bodies with food and cleaning. We prepare our minds by accessing everything we need for the day. But what do we do to prepare our spirit to function well during the day ahead?

Psalm 90:14 says, “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” How would our days be different if we started by considering God’s love for us. Remembering we are loved would change our outlook and attitudes. Instead of dragging ourselves to work or school we can rejoice in what God has for us in the new day. We will have sense of expectation looking for God’s blessings in this day. Every morning we make a choice to enjoy God’s love and blessings or to reject Him to live the day our way. Make the right choice today!

The task of acquiring a house is exhausting. First comes the search, spending many hours looking at houses. Then comes the negotiation on price and terms. Once that is agreed upon, then the endless paperwork begins. After that comes moving day with its own burdens and struggles. Now we have a house. But it is not yet a home. The home comes when we pour our love into each other. We build up our home when we build each other up.

In John 14:23 Jesus speaks of another home when He says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come and make our home with him.” Those who love Jesus have a special relationship with God. They will do whatever Jesus asks because they are assured of His love. And Jesus promises that both He and the Father will make their home with us. They actually come to live with us, but also in us. They make their home with us to encourage us, build us up, and pour out their love, grace and mercy to us. I enjoy my home on earth, but the home that Jesus and the Father have made in me is wonderful in every way.

Generally, quality and production standards raise over time. In business, the goals are to produce more at lower cost to maximize profits. Scientists and technicians seek more precise data measurements to more accurately assess theories. In virtually every aspect of life we desire to improve by holding ourselves accountable to higher standards.

Has the standard by which love can be assessed also risen over time. Jesus told His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” Jesus gave the disciples a new standard for love. The old commandment called us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This new commandment requires that we love one another like Jesus loves us. So until we love selflessly and sacrificially like Jesus. God still wants us to love to that higher level.

Of course, we can’t love like Jesus without the help of God. We must surrender to His love in order to love like He does. We must confess that we have fallen short in giving this higher love and ask God to purify our hearts from selfishness and self-centeredness. With His help and power within us we can begin to grow in His love.

“Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him.” John 12:37

As we drive on the highway, we recognize the signs and follow their directions to get where we want to go. Some signs warn us of dangers. We also search the skies for indicators of incoming weather. We scan news articles for financial trends and social clues. We are practiced at looking for signs of what will be, but quickly forget the signs of past activity that impacts today and our future.

According to the verse above, Jesus performed many signs, that is miracles, to demonstrate who He was and what His kingdom is like. The Jews of His day witnessed the signs, but quickly forgot what He had done. Thus, the miracles that Jesus had done were not enough for them to believe in Him. They had forgotten what He had already done for them and they wanted more.

Let’s not be like those people. Let’s remember what God has already done for us; the healing touches, the protecting power, the generous gifts, the mercy when we fall, the life given to us and family, the patience when needed, and the hope for the future. We must search our hearts and memories to remember God’s works on our behalf. Then we can rejoice in faith that He will continue to work for us.

When I am hiking I think about the ultimate victory of reaching my destination, but I am also careful with each step along the way. Each step can bring its own set of dangers. Icy paths and holes can trip me up and can cause me to fail in reaching my destination. Observing the dangers and taking prudent steps helps me to go where I want to go.

Life is similar. If we take the right steps, though they may seem small, we make progress to where we want to go. If we, however, take the wrong steps, we are sidetracked and may never reach the goal.

I John 5:4-5 says, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Small steps of faith and obedience to God lead to great victory. Small steps of disobedience and unbelief lead to resounding defeat. If we want to overcome our failings, weaknesses, and sins, we must begin with believing that Jesus is the Son of God. Then,by taking small steps of faith we will find the victory and freedom we desire.