David died at the age of 70, but before he died he said, “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed [shōwed] Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to every one that is to come” (Psalm 71:18 KJV). David retired from his throne possibly as much as four years before his death. Retirement is normally the process of handing down responsibilities to succeeding generations. What are some goals for retirement? First, do not wait until retirement to be happy. Practice happiness now or blessedness today. “Blessed [Greek, makarios, happy] is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:46). Second, do not look at retirement as doing nothing, instead look at it as an opportunity to serve the Lord in ways not possible before. “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). Third, look at retirement as a gift from God that you do not deserve and carries responsibilities unique to your new circumstance. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). Fourth, relish the opportunity to get to know the LORD better, especially through prayer and the Word. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). Fifth, use your time to better serve elderly parents and take care of your family circle. “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12). “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2Timothy 1:5). Father, may we aspire to retire to be better know and serve You. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen.
Commandments
Obey My Voice
“Obey My voice [Hebrew, qôl, voice, sound, noise], and I will be your God” (Jeremiah 7:23 KJV). The NET and NIV just as correctly translate this as “obey Me,” since the emphasis is on the command. But, do we obey the voice of God? Is that righteous thought in your head the voice of God, which should be obeyed? We have come a long way since we have confined the voice of God only to the inspired, canonized Scripture. We are rightly concerned that anyone can claim God spoke to them in their thoughts; but, are we so biblically illiterate that we cannot discern the false from the true? “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). Let us again be a people sensitive to the voice of God, though it be a small voice, in our head.
Be Content
“Be content” (Luke 3:14; Philippians 4:11; 1Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5 KJV). Content with poverty, injustice, and hate? Obviously not, for we are taught to “deliver the poor and needy” (Psalm 82:4) and “love thy neighbour” (Matthew 22:39). Content with God is the answer. Contentment makes us grateful to God. Our only discontent is with any sense of not seeking the highest good of Him who is the Only Good. “There is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18). Instead of hating ‘it when that happens,’ our contentment exalts our Good God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
We Need A Miracle 