¹⁹  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
²⁴  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. – Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

We ALL “follow” various people and ideas! On social media, it is popular to “follow” someone or some page because you like their ideas on faith, politics, or whatever. We listen to our favorite news stations and media podcasts, etc., and we choose those voices that fit our view of the world and current culture.   Some of these voices are good and reasonable and uplifting, while others stir fear, rage, and outright hatred toward the other side, or tribe. Some have good motives for all they say, while others just want to manipulate us and use us to gain power, money, and control. These voices have been going on since the Fall in the Garden of Eden in Genesis! How do we, as Christians, know WHO to follow?

1) Understand that as good or evil these voices may be, NONE of them are God!

We ALL are broken, sinful people, living in a world that is reeling from the effects of that sin. Thus, every voice we hear from humanity, outside of the Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit, originates from that broken world under the influence of sin and ruled presently by Satan! James (Jesus’ brother) warned us about listening and loving the voices of the world more than God:

⁴  You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. ⁵  Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? ⁶  But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ⁷  Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:4-7 (NIV)

Does that sound a little harsh to you? Why would James say that to be friends and “follow” the human ideas of the world make you an enemy of God?

BECAUSE…

2) Jesus didn’t come to make us nicer people that just “get along” better and treat each other more nicely. He came to REDEEM AND RESTORE the earth, and all humans willing to “follow him” into his new Kingdom which will last forever!

Yes, to follow Jesus beginsby declaring that “Jesus is Lord” and believing in our hearts that God raised him from the dead! (Romans10:9) Sadly, too many Christians stop with that thought and think they’ve got a “ticket to Heaven” and just go on living the same old way and listening to the same voices!

But, trusting in Jesus not only saves us FROM sin, but it saves us FOR something much better and amazing beyond belief! We are saved to become brand new people, or new creations, that are empowered by his Spirit to slowly become more and more like him, living as new Kingdom men and women! We are to “let go” of the world’s voices and ways, and put on a new life in Jesus by following him down the road to a new Kingdom existence!

3) Jesus tells us we are all on one of two roads: one that leads to destruction and death, and one that leads to eternal life and his Kingdom!

¹³  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. – Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

The ONLY way to get on the right road is to follow Jesus! …

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6 (NIV)

4) How do we leave the path that leads to destruction and spiritual death, and turn to the Way of Jesus that leads to life and healing?

The answer is something most people, even Christians, have little understanding of:  Spiritual Formation!

Spiritual formation is not just a Christian thing: it’s a HUMAN thing!

We are ALL spiritual beings (whether you believe that or not), and you are being formed into a certain kind of human from the day you were born until the day you die. So the question you and I need to think about each day is,

“WHO or WHAT am I being formed into each moment of each day?”

Your spiritual formation will depend completely on who you listen to, who you trust, and who you most want to be like! If we continue to spend most of our time listening to sinful human voices tell us how to think and act, we will remain on the path that leads to death and destruction. But Jesus came to offer us another path, a whole new life and mindset that leads to true life in his new Kingdom that will last forever. To make that life-altering, course-altering change, we need to:

FOLLOW JESUS, AND HIM ALONE!

When Jesus called people to “follow him”, it was in the context of being a Jewish Rabbi. Rabbis were the ultimate teachers in that culture, and they would invite the very best students to “follow them”. That meant to walk with them and live with them, not only learning their specific teachings, but learn their very lifestyle and attitudes and demeanor, and as “disciples”, or apprentices, they were to become like the Rabbi and do the same things he did. Then they would “graduate” and go out and train new disciples under them to carry on the same teachings and lifestyle, and repeat that process over and over…

That’s what Jesus is calling US to do when he says to “follow him”, and then to “make disciples”!

Amazingly, most of us are not the “brightest and best” students, but Jesus calls us anyway, because he will empower us through his Spirit, (the Holy Spirit), to learn and grow way beyond our own abilities to become more like him!

Today, and for the rest of our lives, Jesus says we only have two choices:

1) Listen to the world and stay on the path to death and destruction, or

2) Trust and follow him down a new path, a new way that leads to becoming a new person who will grow to be more and more like him and live forever in his Kingdom!

I plan to write more this year on HOW following Jesus looks and how we do it! ALL of the New Testament is about Jesus, and how he calls us to put off our old selves and way of life and take on a new life and identity in him. In other words, to spend time with him, seek to be more and more like him, and do what he does. For now, I encourage you to :

1) Most importantly, read your Bible regularly and prayerfully ask God to show you through scripture how he is calling you to think, act, and have the perspective of Jesus on everything and everyone that affects your specific life.

2) Intentionally cut way back on listening to the deafening voices of this world, trying to manipulate and pull you to one “team” or another. Ask for discernment through the Holy Spirit to see God’s perspective on every issue, seeing every issue and person from Jesus’ desire to bring spiritual redemption, healing, and wholeness to the world.

3) Find and memorize or print out some verses that keep you hopeful and on the path of wanting to become more like Jesus!

I’ll leave you with two that I always find encouraging and help me keep a long-term, “Kingdom” perspective:

³³  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  -Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)

 ²⁹  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Every thanksgiving, it’s common, and certainly good and appropriate, to be thankful for our family and friends, our health, our home, perhaps your job, your faith and church, living in a great country, and certainly all the great food on Thanksgiving Day, etc. (And for many, hopefully a win for the Lions!) BUT, as I prepare for the 73^rd Thanksgiving Day of my life, I recognize more and more that by trusting my life to Jesus as a 16 year old high schooler, every significant thing in my life after that is due to that decision and Jesus directing my path from that day forward.

I was like most kids at that age: pretty self-centered, and because I got good grades, I thought I knew everything and was at times obnoxious. (At least that is what my sister and brothers told me!) But as I began to actually know Jesus and discover who he was and the power he offered me to change and become more like him, my whole view of life changed and I really wanted to be part of his plan for the world and not just live my self-centered plan for me. One of the best descriptions of Jesus in the Bible is found in Colossians 1: 15- 20:

¹⁵  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸  And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹  For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. – Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)

In my case, Jesus called a stuttering, introverted 16 year old to become a pastor and tell others about him! I laughed at the idea at first, but gave in and the rest is history. After college and seminary, I was appointed to a church in Redford Township where, in the first month, I met my future wife Claudia. We went on to get married and have our 3 wonderful sons, Josh, Scott, and Jason. They grew up, married 3 great daughters-in-law, and from that had 3 children each, giving Claudia and me 9 beautiful grandchildren. Through serving 6 different churches, we met a lot of wonderful Christian people and have many great friends from that experience today! And, since our lives in this realm include hardship and eventual death, we experienced Claudia’s death to cancer 5 years ago, a devastating blow to my family and Claudia’s as well. However, in the disappointments and losses of life, God will always give us a hope and a future. In my case, God (through the wild adventure of on-line dating) lead me to find Ellen, my beautiful Christian wife of 2 years now!  Ellen also has a wonderful family, and now I’ve gained 2 wonderful daughters and a great step-son, as well as 4 more wonderful grandchildren! And so here we stand, looking to serve Jesus together and finish the story God has for us.

As I consider my brief “genealogy” paragraph above, I realize today that in my case, more than anything…

NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE EVER HAPPENED WITHOUT JESUS!

Without Jesus…

– I would have never dreamt of becoming a pastor

– I would never have met Claudia and had my 3 sons, leading to their families and 9 grandchildren

– I would have never have had the opportunity  to meet and marry Ellen and enjoy this new life I have now together with her.

NOW, I KNOW MANY OF YOU HAVE ALSO SEEN JESUS GUIDE YOUR LIFE AND CIRCUMSTANCES! YOU HAVE SEEN HIS HAND LEAD YOU IN THE JOYS OF LIFE, AND YOU HAVE FELT HIM CARRY YOU IN THE TRAGEDIES OF LIFE WHEN YOU HAD NO STRENGTH LEFT TO DO IT YOURSELF.

OTHERS READING THIS HAVE NOT KNOWN JESUS YET, AND HAVE TRIED TO LIVE YOUR LIFE ON YOUR OWN BEST EFFORT! I encourage you to consider trusting in Jesus now, and let him guide the rest of your life from this day forward. If you do, Jesus will not only give you wisdom and direction, he will be with you, take you through any crisis, and give you a new life that will last forever. Paul encourages us in Romans 8:

Romans 8:31-32 (ESV)
³¹  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:35, 37-39 (ESV)
³⁵  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? …³⁷  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

On this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to remember God, the Giver of all good things, and look only to him for wisdom and direction:

⁵  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Enjoy this Thanksgiving with family and friends! Be thankful for all the good benefits of life and appreciate each day the Lord gives you. I leave you with a great passage of how Jesus wants us to live like him, and be thankful!

¹²  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ¹⁵  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. ¹⁷  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  – Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)

The murder/assassination of Charlie Kirk has caused an epic response around the world! Many didn’t know who he was before this, but everybody does now. He had a profound global influence on young people, and that influence appears to be growing by 10 to 100 fold after his death. Charlie was an avid Christian and seemed to emphasize his faith more than ever in the last few years of his brief 31 year life. At this point, what you or I think of Charlie doesn’t really matter so much as what we as Christian believers can learn about how Charlie shared his faith and was used by God so powerfully in that area.

It turns out that I began watching video clips of Charlie online about 2 years ago, and I was impressed with his confidence in knowing who he was, and also with his desire to share what he considered truth in relation to his faith as well as his political and world views. Of course his political views led to a lot of discussion and many differed with them. But I would like to focus on 3 major areas of Charlie’s approach that every Christian believer should consider as we interact with our friends and our culture as Christian witnesses today.

 1) OUR IDENTITY IS IN JESUS, NOT IN POLITICS AND THE WORLD’S SYSTEMS.

Many saw Charlie as an unapologetic Conservative/Republican, which he certainly was. BUT, his main identity was as a Christian, a born again member of Jesus’ Kingdom. And that should be our primary identity as well! Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians:

¹⁶  From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. ¹⁷  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ¹⁸  All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹  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. ²⁰  Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. – 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 (ESV)

When we become Christians, we are new creations, new people! We now belong to Jesus and our allegiance is to his Kingdom, first and foremost. This is our new identity! We no longer see our primary identity as Americans, Democrats, Republicans, conservative or liberal. We are now KINGDOM men and women, ambassadors for Jesus and his Kingdom.  Our truth is found in Jesus, and the Bible, God’s written word which points to Jesus. We recognize the difference between God’s pure truth and the best of human wisdom and knowledge, which is colored by sin and brokenness. We recognize that human politics at it’s best is still only human solutions to a broken world that we don’t have the ability to fully redeem and restore. Christianity, on the other hand, offers God’s perfect, holy solutions of hope and healing to a broken world when we turn to God and obey his leading!

2) WHILE WE APPRECIATE FREE SPEECH, WE RECOGNIZE IT IS FAR LESS HELPFUL AND UPLIFTING THAN GOD’S STANDARD OF CHRIST-LIKE SPEECH THAT HE CALLS US TO EMULATE!

One of the greatest privileges of being Americans is the right to free speech, and Charlie Kirk advocated for that, especially on college campuses where he felt students were only getting one view on many subjects. He would set up a tent and invite those who disagreed with him to speak first and “have a conversation”. He pushed the idea that the more we can talk with those who disagree with us, the better we will understand each other and that will lead to less violence and misunderstanding. Unfortunately, many don’t like that idea, and that appears to have led to his death.

As wonderful as the idea of free speech is, God calls his followers to a higher standard of speech!

Free speech allows us to freely say just about anything, no matter how uplifting or degrading and filthy that speech may be. But as Kingdom people, new creations made to “image” or reflect the character of Jesus, we are called to have the mindset and the vocabulary of Jesus, not the decadent, fallen world we presently live in. Here are some scriptures showing how we as ambassadors for Jesus should, and must, speak if our goal is truly to advance his Kingdom:

Psalm 141:3 (ESV)
³  Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Proverbs 15:1-2 (ESV)
¹  A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ²  The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

James 1:19-20 (ESV)
¹⁹  Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; ²⁰  for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

1 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
⁹  Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Ephesians 4:29-32 (ESV)
²⁹  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ³⁰  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ³²  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
⁵  Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Obviously, God is calling us to be different than the fallen world in how we speak. And if we don’t, God will hold us accountable for our words!…

James 3:7-10 (ESV)
⁷  For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, ⁸  but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. ¹⁰  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

Matthew 12:36-37 (ESV)
³⁶  I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, ³⁷  for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

3) How, then, should we live in this in this violent, hate-filled world?

First, read and study the Bible, pray, and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you through all this. The voices of our culture are a cacophony of on the one hand, the best of what humanity comes up with, but mostly a mixture of crazy, hateful, biased information designed to make us angry and confused and leading us to fall prey to those who want to control and use us! Remember, God wants ALL people to turn to him, repent, and begin a new life in his Kingdom, filled with his peace and joy in the midst of a broken, confused world we find ourselves in.

Second, remember that there is a spiritual battle going on for the souls of all people (Ephesians 6:12), and therefore our fight is not against each other, but against Satan and his evil forces out to destroy us! Don’t fall into this culture’s evil trap of division, labels, tribalism, hatred, and mistrust of other people made in God’s image. Our mission is to be ambassadors and reconcilers, leading others out of the darkness and death of sin into the light and life of Jesus!

How can we do this? Not by just “trying to be good” on our own best effort, but by surrendering to Jesus and living by the power and presence of his Holy Spirit dwelling within all believers. This will lead us from the speech and ways of this fallen world into a new Christ-like pattern of living and thinking:

Galatians 5:16-26 (NIV)   
¹⁶  So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. ¹⁷  For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. ¹⁸  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. ¹⁹  The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹  and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²²  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. ²⁵  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶  Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Finally, rest in your new life and relationship with Jesus! Enjoy his company, talk to him daily, and ask him to help you see others and the world as he sees them. As members of his Kingdom, we have already crossed over from death to eternal life. We will live forever, this world has no more power over us, and Jesus has already won the battle over evil for us. So let God give you his peace and joy, no matter what the circumstances around you.

God calls his people to be different in how we speak, how we act, and how we see others and the world around us. We are to be so different that the world looks at us and says, “I want what you have. I want your peace and joy”.

Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV)
¹⁴  Do everything without complaining or arguing, ¹⁵  so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe ¹⁶  as you hold out the word of life….

I leave you with one of my favorite, encouraging passages from the apostle Paul:

Philippians 4:4-8 (ESV)
⁴  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

I’ve been “retired” from being a church pastor for about 11 years now. Overall, it’s been enjoyable and meaningful. I was blessed to spend the first 6 years of retirement with my 1^st wife, Claudia, as we thoroughly enjoyed traveling to Jamaica, Africa and New Orleans on mission trips, Hawaii, Ireland, Florida, and Alaska (not all in retirement). Then I had 3 single years after she died that were not so much fun, but then God led me to find my wonderful new wife Ellen these last 2+ years, and we have both enjoyed our trips to Florida several times, as well as the Outer Banks and a recent land-cruise trip to Alaska! And we certainly hope to go more places in the future, God willing.  

Now, I can hear some saying “the word retire is not in the Bible!” While that is true, life circumstances are always changing, and there’s nothing wrong with letting go of an income-producing occupation and moving into another aspect of life where God can use you in a different way to advance his Kingdom! The tricky part of that is, are we as Jesus said, “Seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you”? (Matthew 6:33) OR, are we, like many retirees, desperately seeking FIRST all the fun and cool places to go in the world before time and physical ability runs out on us? If you are retired as a Christian believer now, have you ever wondered why God still has you here? Is it only to have fun, go on trips, and enjoy great food and friends? Is it to golf or fish or play pickle ball or cruise or enjoy great beaches and restaurants all week and all year long? And if you are not retired yet, how does God fit into your present and future plans for what you will seek and desire to do when you do “retire”?

SEEING GOD’S REALITY IN A BROKEN WORLD…

Ellen and I recently returned from a 14 day land-cruise excursion in Alaska. It was amazing and spectacular, and if you get a chance at some point in life, seeing the vastness and beauty of Alaska is well worth it! BUT, it also reminded me of the emptiness, confusion, and lack of hope in people who don’t know Jesus! As we talked to people from all over the world at dinner gatherings, many talked non-stop about the many cruises they had taken, what food to eat in certain places, and complained about short comings of cruise lines and disappointment in places they had visited. One couple had been on 12 cruises the last year, and had more lined up. It seemed like life was about finding great deals on the next great trip.

Other people loved the beauty of Alaska (as did we), but it was for some a form of worship of the mountains, lakes, and animals. One interesting trail guide ended our bus trip with a 20 minute reflection on “Mother Nature” and the mystical power of the Alaskan mountains, rivers, and animals to bring deep meaning and some sense of peace to his life. The sad thing was, he was worshiping a false “Mother Nature” concept, and missing the bigger idea of the God who created all this and can offer him new life and so much more! As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” Instead, he settled for God’s creation rather than God himself. As Romans 1:25 says, “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worship and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised”.

SO, IF WE “RETIRE”, HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO LIVE, AND WHAT SHOULD OR SHOULDN’T WE DO?

Many retirees have a “Bucket List” of things to accomplish before we die and “kick the bucket”. It’s OK to have fun and go places, but God is more concerned about HOW you live and represent him in this stage of life, and whether you point others to the hope of eternity that he offers to everyone. Our ultimate purpose is to bring others into the Kingdom, and we are all called to be a part of that mission.

SO, I’m not going to tell you directly how to live your life, but I think we can all focus on some biblical perspectives that can help us navigate this time of life.  

Here’s a biblical “Bucket List” that I think every Christian believer should consider…

1) ARE YOU LIVING DAILY IN A WAY THAT REFLECTS JESUS IN YOUR WORDS, ATTITUDES, AND ACTIONS?

We don’t ever “retire” from growing to become more like Jesus! Sometimes older Christians (and younger ones too!) turn into whiners and complainers, always talking about their aches and illnesses and what they can’t do anymore and how life is “over”. Hey folks, the pain is temporary, death has been defeated, and we’re going to live forever! Act like it!

Be thankful, be future-oriented, and focus others on the good things God gives us.

In Philippians 4, Paul gives us wonderful advice:

⁴  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:4-8 (ESV)

2) ARE YOU LIVING DAILY IN A WAY THAT REFLECTS GOD’S ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE ON YOUR LIFE AND THE FUTURE NEW HEAVEN/EARTH?

If you truly have repented and believed on Jesus to save you and give you eternal life, you WILL live forever with a new physical body on a completely restored and combined New Heaven and Earth! Earth itself will be restored to its’ original sinless existence, and we will be too! As I looked at the vast mountains of Alaska a few weeks ago, I imagined having a new, strong body that will never die or get weak and tired, and I imagined being able to climb and explore those beautiful places. No matter how awful life may be at times here, its’ going to be amazing in the new Kingdom! Tell others that good news by your words and attitude! Paul reminds us of this in Romans 8:

¹⁸  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ¹⁹  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope ²¹  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. ²²  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. ²³  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴  For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.- Romans 8:18-25 (ESV)

ARE YOU LIVING DAILY IN A WAY THAT LISTENS TO THE HOLY SPIRIT AS HE LEADS YOU TO SHARE THE HOPE YOU HAVE , AND INVITE OTHERS TO REPENT AND RECEIVE FORGIVENESS, SALVATION, AND ETERNAL LIFE BY TRUSTING IN JESUS?

It’s not enough just to treat people well and help them out with their worldly needs. If we deeply care about our family, friends, and everyone we meet, we will continue to pray for them and ask God to use us wherever he wants to share the hope of the gospel. We want everyone to enter the Kingdom of God and enjoy an amazing eternity with us! We can freely offer our time and service in our families, communities, and churches, always striving to see those we encounter as Jesus sees them.

I pray that each of you, whether you are retired now or will be in the future, will entrust this time of life to God’s leading. He has a plan for each of us and desires to use us for his Kingdom and his glory. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with enjoying life and relaxing a little, and taking time to appreciate God’s amazing created world. But that’s not our main mission, and I think we all want to have God use for his Kingdom and finish our faith journey well!

Consider these thoughts:

–  God will help you finish what he began in your life!
⁶  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

– Don’t let temptations and distractions keep you from God’s plan!

¹  Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, – Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

– Don’t look back, finish well, and be blessed in your future life as well!

²³  “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:23 (NIV)