Reluctant Retiree

“therefore, behold, I will do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder.” Isaiah 29:14

Christmas reminds us of the most wonderful event of history. God took the form of man to bring us salvation and to be with us. He continues to do wonders around us and for us every day. Let’s open our eyes and our hearts to behold these wonders.

“For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” James 1:11

Some pursue wealth and its privileges, only to find that someday they belong to someone else. Some pursue beauty and its rewards, only to surrender to the inevitable decline. Some pursue fame and the adulation of others, only to discover the fickle attention of the masses.

The glory available in worldly pursuits is temporary and does not satisfy the soul. We should, therefore, direct our efforts to the pursuits whose glory will remain forever. Every kindness that we extend toward those in need brings eternal benefits. Every prayer offered on behalf of the hurting soul glorifies the Lord of the poor and suffering. Every praise of God exalts His name and draws others into His presence. Every telling of the good news of Jesus Christ has the potential to bring eternal salvation. Pursue the things of eternal glory and they will endure forever.

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of the cross.” Colossians 1:29-20

All of us desire peace in our homes, neighborhoods, communities, country, and world. Yet, everywhere we look we see anger and even rage. Whether it is a small dispute over a single incident or a war between nations, people don’t seem to get along with each other.

So it should not be a surprise that everyone is or has been an enemy of God. We disagree with God’s actions in our lives, His plans for us, and His means of communication with us. Every action that we take in opposition to His will demonstrates our enmity with God.

The good news is that God has made a way for the chasm between us to be bridged. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to sacrifice His own life so that we can be reconciled with God. God accepts this offering. But it remains for us to accept the terms of the peace treaty that God offers. God signed it with the blood of His Son. We must sign it with humbly accepting God’s mercy and grace. Then we must seek to walk in accordance with His will.

“And on the seven days of the festival he shall provide as a burnt offering to the Lord seven young bulls and seven rams without blemish on each of the seven days; and a male goat for a sin offering.” Ezekiel 45:23

In the Old Testament the Israelites were required to do very specific things. They celebrated the festivals on regulated days, with specific offerings, and particular purification rites. Over time the people forgot the meaning of each part of the festival and began doing these acts as routine requirements of laws. They even left God out of their festivals.

We are in danger of the same misguided routine celebration. Christmas can become a set of rules to follow. Please don’t let your Christmas devolve into a list of things to do. This Christmas remember all that Jesus came to do for us. Let’s celebrate Jesus this Christmas and remember Him!

It is amazing how we can justify our own lies. We say, “It’s just a little white lie.” Or we can feel like our small deceit will not harm anyone. We think that any false flattery or exaggeration has no impact. This is particularly true when we are trying to make ourselves look better in the eyes of others.

Unfortunately for us, God has a much different view of our deceptions. Ephesians 5:6 says, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” God demands complete honesty. His own words always prove to be true. He promises that the person who tells falsehoods will receive His judgment. Instead of offering words of false flattery and exaggeration let us follow God’s example and always speak the truth in love.