RETIREMENT Is there a time limit on losing our lives for the Gospel? I dont think so. (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33)(1 John 3:16) When does one fold up his tent to go and play? In my weariness, I dreamed of hitting that magical age of retirement and cruising a bit. You know, buy the big sedan, throw in the sticks, and meander across the country. Ease up. Back off. Slow down. In a word, retire. Then I read of missions expert, Dr. Ralph Winter, who along with his wife, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His response? I can see the finish line, and Ive decided to sprint for it. Retirement? No way. I thought of Billy Graham, who, in his late-80s, with Parkinsons disease, is still holding city-wide crusades and satellite conferences that affect millions… or more. Retirement? No way. Or Bob Cockerel, who, in his 40s took time away from business to make trips to Africa to teach in a Bible school. When in his 60s he was diagnosed with cancer, he bought a one way ticket and disappeared into the bowels of that continent to finish what he had started. Retirement? No way. Or Mother Teresa, who died at 87, with 3 garments to her name, and $100.00 in the bank. Herself feeble and ill, she continued feeding and loving the disenfranchised to the very end. Retirement? No way. I am reminded of that farmer who made it big. Or rather God allowed him to make it big by blessing his land. So he dreamed of larger barns and party time. Wanted to cruise. And Gods answer? No way! The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself… I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods… Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry. But God said to him, You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you… ? This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God. (Luke 12:13-21) QUESTION Tell me, is there a fire burning in your soul for the things that break the heart of God? Most everyone in the world knows about Coca Cola, but have yet to once hear the name Jesus. Yeah, lets visit the grandkids, take the cruises, and play golf now and then. But retire? No way! Personally I have made a decision to sprint for the finish line, giving it 110% until I drop. How about you? ~ Facts of the Matter: Daily Devotionals.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 13:23:17 +0000
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