The Just Shall Live By Faith

Heb 11:21-22 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Both father Jacob, and son Israel, were blessed in discerning the day of their departure from this earth. They made plans that would positively effect their family and their last desire was fulfilled. A happy ending takes forethought. We may or not see our destination day to heaven as clearly, but as we finally become brave enough to label ourselves as a senior, we bravely then must make plans ahead for that day.

We are very blessed to have arrived at this point in life. When we think of those younger who have passed on before us, cut short in the prime of life that never had a clue that their exit was to be sooner rather than later, we know that God has highly favored us, and in return we must be good stewards of the time allotted us. We must bless those now that have been a blessing to us. We must make the final arrangements for the disposal of our body, rather than to leave the burdensome task to someone else. We must foresee that our progeny live on in privilege of God. We find that our final plans are one that only we can initiate if we so desire to have things done our way and God's until the last day.

We also have to realize the most important last leg of the journey in the above example of Jacob. The Scripture relates, [he] "worshipped." We return to God a profound adoration and gratitude for extending our life, for knowledge of Him, for blessings of family and friends, for unseen favor and blessing and those that are known, and primarily for the gift of salvation that we now have dwelling within us. Worship is what we will be doing in eternity. Why not begin to practice now? We perhaps cannot "perfect" worship of the Lord this side of heaven, but what a joy in improving how we relate to God while we are still clothed in this earthly tent. Make it a worshipful week by faith!

Serving Or Being Served?

Phm 1:8-9 For this reason, having much boldness [or, confidence] in Christ to be commanding you [to be doing] the proper [thing], [yet] on account of love I rather appeal, being such a one as Paul, an old man, but now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. (ALT)

Paul's ministry lasted around 30 years before he was martyred. He was indeed an aged man, not just a learned man. He had fought the good fight. He had, after his conversion, led a Christ-centered, dedicated life. He knew the day of his martyrdom when it drew near. He had no regrets and he had no fear of that day because he knew in Whom he had trusted.

Surely he had many privileges in the Lord that we may never have. On the other hand, he had many trials and persecutions that we will never have. But the whole idea when we have become an aged person, is to look back on our life with content, as he did. To know that when we die we are absent from the body and present with the Lord. We might not be accomplished people, but that will not be the question we hear from God. The question we hear, one and all, is what have you done with My Son? How will you answer that question as you ponder it today?

Have you served the poor? Have you reached out to the lost? Have you run a good race? These are just a few important questions we should be asking ourselves. If if we stumble across a no answer or two, we do have time to do something to change that answer into a yes. Wouldn't you rather, like Paul did, examine yourself daily to see if you are in the faith? Ziggy says, "Life is a trip and you only get a one way ticket." Is yours marked, destination heaven? Do something so faith-full this week that you will even startle yourself for boldly stepping out in faith.

If you take it to heart to influence someone for the Kingdom of God this week, you will have bragging rights. I would love to hear about it. I would love to have my spirit bolstered by knowing that for some of us the good years have truly begun.

Many say they will serve the Lord when they are retired. Are You doing that yet? Is it a priority? Can you be an encouragement to others that have discovered the flip side of fifty? Are you doing the proper thing on account of love for Jesus, or are you dwelling on me, myself, and my during these freedom years from child raising and employment? One thing is for certain. God will always need a voice. Is yours audible? Even if some of us are imprisoned with and old and ailing body, our spirit can never be bound. Reach out this week and try something new. What are you waiting for?

Hidden Away

Psa 13:1-3 How much longer will you forget me, LORD? Forever? How much longer will you hide yourself from me? How long must I endure trouble? How long will sorrow fill my heart day and night? How long will my enemies triumph over me? Look at me, O LORD my God, and answer me. Restore my strength; don't let me die. (GNB)

This week's selection was taken from the Good News Bible. Upon reading it we might wonder out loud why it is called Good News. It appears King David had his struggles too. We do not know the age in which he wrote this, but we can conclude he was not a young'n.

I stepped up my search for a weekly devotional for seniors. I have subscribed 3 times to a ministry devotional for that age group and have yet to receive one. I keep searching and can find no other, yet I am sure they must exist. Is this age group forgotten by people? Isn't it known by God that we need extra comfort as we go through the stage of rushing toward the term elderly? That we need something to focus on pointing us to the heavenlies rather than the earthly confines that appear to be getting the best of us?

Seeing I cannot yet find what I desire for seniors4Jesus, I will undertake to write a weekly devotional, prayerfully mindful that God does not forget us or forsake us. I hope to address the special needs of this age group, and although there are several common maladies that bind us together, this week I concentrate on loneliness. Doesn't it appear to you that David, despite his national renown, feels isolated, abandoned and at the brink of despair? Have you ever felt that way? Do you anticipate, or have experienced, as you grow older the younger people shirk away from you? You are no longer "cool" to be around? At one time your house might have been filled with many guests on many occasions. You held a party or gathering or dinner for the slightest reason. That is when you had vigor and strength to be a hostess. To do it all. To receive nothing in return for an often few days of cooking, preparing, cleaning and making sure the day would be lovely right down to the last details.

And now it is your turn to be a guest, and the invites don't come. It appears they think you might not want to make the drive? Or participate in a noisy environment? Or is it that your company is no longer festive and pleasant to be around? I am not sure what the real reason is that invites are not plentiful, but if you have insight, would you mind sharing with the curious in the same boat? Rest assured however, that God is just to remember us, even when others forget. I refuse to be lonely. How can I feel alone when God is always available, and I am closer to living eternally with Him than the first day I proclaimed Him as my very own. Lord, help us to seek out and understand all, never forsaking You in the journey to eternal life. Amen