July 15-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
Three Keys to Preparing for Purposeful Retirement by Michael Blue, Executive Director and General Counsel for the Ron Blue Institute.
“Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.” These were the dying words of C.T. Studd spoken as he lay thousands of miles from his homeland in the middle of the jungles of Africa. He lived a life that exhibited his profound trust in the Lord’s ability to provide.
After becoming a wealthy and famous cricket player in England, Studd felt God leading him to go to China as a missionary. Heeding the call, he sold all his earthly possessions and went. His childlike obedience led him from China to India and ultimately to Africa (the latter against the advice and desires of those closest to him). He died with very few earthly possessions to his name. Yet, he died praising God.
C.T. Studd understood the purpose of his life and as a result lived with great contentment and faith. He knew that he existed to bring glory to God, and he desired to make His name known. His confidence rested entirely upon his faith in his Provider. The words of Hebrews 13:5 aptly describe his life, “be content with what you have, because God said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’” C.T. Studd was content with what he had because he had the one thing he needed — that everyone needs — God.
While C.T. Studd’s story may not be the normal picture of retirement, his life exemplifies what it means to live purposefully to the very end. His contentment and faith allowed him to thrive until his final breath. Unfortunately, for most people retirement is not filled with this kind of contentment and faith, but rather with consumerism and fear.
July 16-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
Three Keys to Preparing for Purposeful Retirement by Michael Blue, Executive Director and General Counsel for the Ron Blue Institute.
The prevailing view of retirement today is that it is a reward for a lifetime of hard work. It is a time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the spoils of life. When we aim for this type of retirement, enjoyment and pleasure turn out to be our number one priority. It becomes necessary to accumulate as much as possible so that all contingencies and lifestyle goals can be satisfied. These aims and goals are inherently self-focused, and anything that threatens our accomplishment of them becomes a problem to overcome. Ironically, while freedom is the goal of this type of retirement, true freedom eludes those who follow this approach.
Why? This mentality reveals both a love of money and a fear of loss. The Bible is very clear of the dangers of loving money. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus warns us, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Jesus doesn’t say that it is difficult to serve God and money. He says it is impossible.
As much as we want to be able to love money and love Jesus at the same time, we must make a choice. A retirement that focuses on maximizing our enjoyment of all we have accumulated while protecting against material loss, puts its faith in the money and not God. This is the danger of which Jesus warns. Not only does this type of focus bring fear and consumerism, it also draws us away from God.
July 17-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
Three Keys to Preparing for Purposeful Retirement by Michael Blue, Executive Director and General Counsel for the Ron Blue Institute.
So, how do we experience true freedom and contentment in purposeful retirement?
Looking at the life of C.T. Studd we can learn a few things. First, he put his trust in God for everything. He made decisions and aligned his life in a way that evidenced that faith.
Second, he exemplified contentment. Even though C.T. Studd lived with very little he was surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. His life was rich in many things and in many ways. He did not long for more and better stuff, he simply enjoyed and shared the blessings God supplied.
Third, he counted the treasures of this world as rubbish compared to the love of Christ. He understood the grace he had received and set his heart on eternity. As a result, he lived with peace, joy, and faith during the here and now. Only when we set our minds on the things to come are we able to fully enjoy the good gifts that God gives us today.
A thriving and purposeful retirement is available for everyone regardless of what their bank account says. Purpose and contentment come as a result of seeking God’s kingdom above all else. God will never leave us nor forsake us. Trusting that promise allows us to live every day of our lives, including retirement, with great power and purpose.
July 18-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
More Beautiful with Use and Time by Tami Heim, President & CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance.
Many things become more beautiful with time and use. Age refines and ultimately transforms them into something of inestimable value. Purified by testing and trials, they contribute much more than when they first existed.
We see this pattern repeat itself over and over again in life. When we discover it, we recognize the rhythm of God in it.
The rich sound and tone from a well-used Stradivarius violin takes our breath away, especially those with a trained ear. Without use, however, it is said that even this magnificent violin goes to sleep. Keen observers say that its tone dies. The violin sounds sleepy. But, if the instrument is played regularly, it can gradually wake up. The sound becomes more beautiful with use and time.
I ache when I think of the brevity of life. What would happen should I fall asleep? What opportunity would I miss to serve my Master? I know I am His workmanship and long to do every good work He planned for me. I know that all my experiences in life were not just for me, but also for the profit of all.
1 Corinthians 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
And I’ve learned that when I don't make the most of those opportunities, I miss out. My tone sounds sleepy.
Four decades ago, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I determined that I didn’t want to live another day without Him at the center. That decision led me to the hardest of places. God perfected and pruned me to soften my heart, break my spirit, and increase my dependence on Him alone.
July 19-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
More Beautiful with Use and Time by Tami Heim, President & CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance.
Just like the violin, once in the hands of the Master, my life started to produce music. With more use and time in His hands, my life filled with beauty, joy, and pleasure.
Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
In the later seasons of life, we are tempted to opt out, slow down, and indulge in setting our own agendas. It’s easy to justify it after years of hard work and sacrifice. It’s enticing to kick back and claim ownership over the time we think we have left. But I believe there is a better choice. We can choose to strip down and run even harder the race before us, with our eyes on the prize of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus,the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
I believe God’s best work in us and through us is planned for us in the days we are closest to home.
Hunter S. Thompson, wrote in his book, The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a Ride!’” While Thompson’s life and example was not one guided by faith, I can easily adapt his sentiment. That’s how I want to finish and fall into the arms of Jesus.
July 20-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
More Beautiful with Use and Time by Tami Heim, President & CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance.
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he instructs Timothy on what is necessary to remain useful. Paul’s message is timeless, relevant and meaningful for every season of life. As you look to steward well your experience and to put to work the wisdom you’ve gained, consider four imperatives (see 2 Timothy 2:22-26).
1. Flee Youthful Passions. Let go of the desires that filled your mind in your youth. They will tempt you now if you give them space. Possessions, position, wealth, celebrity and success are fleeting. Remember what He has for you is so much more than all of these.
2. Pursue Holiness. Wholeheartedly pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Run hard with like-minded people and call on God from a pure heart. Slowing down is not an option in His plan.
3. Reject Controversies. Ignore the silly and useless debates that work to consume you and end in senseless or hurtful division. Instead, be an agent of gentleness, and keep your focus on the one true thing that is the only thing that matters.
4. Trust God. Choose each day to put your heart on the altar to be altered. Sacrifice selfish desires and get ready for service. Don’t ever opt out and miss what is the good and acceptable will of God for you (see Romans 12:1-2). As pastor Robby Gallaty often exhorts, “The gospel came to you on its way to someone else.” Every day is a gift loaded with new opportunities for faithfulness.
I give thanks for how God decided to use my husband and me on the other side of fifty. We said “Yes, God” to illogical career shifts, unlikely moves, third-world mission trips, and international adoption. Our ministry service has puzzled some around us, but in obedience, we have come to know indescribable joy. He’s done “immeasurably more” than we could imagine.
Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”
Does this mean that life has been easy? No way! But we would not trade a day of it. And now, as we enter our sixties and beyond, we hope the sound of our lives becomes more beautiful with use and time in the hands and service of our Master.
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
Three Keys to Preparing for Purposeful Retirement by Michael Blue, Executive Director and General Counsel for the Ron Blue Institute.
“Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.” These were the dying words of C.T. Studd spoken as he lay thousands of miles from his homeland in the middle of the jungles of Africa. He lived a life that exhibited his profound trust in the Lord’s ability to provide.
After becoming a wealthy and famous cricket player in England, Studd felt God leading him to go to China as a missionary. Heeding the call, he sold all his earthly possessions and went. His childlike obedience led him from China to India and ultimately to Africa (the latter against the advice and desires of those closest to him). He died with very few earthly possessions to his name. Yet, he died praising God.
C.T. Studd understood the purpose of his life and as a result lived with great contentment and faith. He knew that he existed to bring glory to God, and he desired to make His name known. His confidence rested entirely upon his faith in his Provider. The words of Hebrews 13:5 aptly describe his life, “be content with what you have, because God said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’” C.T. Studd was content with what he had because he had the one thing he needed — that everyone needs — God.
While C.T. Studd’s story may not be the normal picture of retirement, his life exemplifies what it means to live purposefully to the very end. His contentment and faith allowed him to thrive until his final breath. Unfortunately, for most people retirement is not filled with this kind of contentment and faith, but rather with consumerism and fear.
July 16-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
Three Keys to Preparing for Purposeful Retirement by Michael Blue, Executive Director and General Counsel for the Ron Blue Institute.
The prevailing view of retirement today is that it is a reward for a lifetime of hard work. It is a time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the spoils of life. When we aim for this type of retirement, enjoyment and pleasure turn out to be our number one priority. It becomes necessary to accumulate as much as possible so that all contingencies and lifestyle goals can be satisfied. These aims and goals are inherently self-focused, and anything that threatens our accomplishment of them becomes a problem to overcome. Ironically, while freedom is the goal of this type of retirement, true freedom eludes those who follow this approach.
Why? This mentality reveals both a love of money and a fear of loss. The Bible is very clear of the dangers of loving money. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus warns us, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Jesus doesn’t say that it is difficult to serve God and money. He says it is impossible.
As much as we want to be able to love money and love Jesus at the same time, we must make a choice. A retirement that focuses on maximizing our enjoyment of all we have accumulated while protecting against material loss, puts its faith in the money and not God. This is the danger of which Jesus warns. Not only does this type of focus bring fear and consumerism, it also draws us away from God.
July 17-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
Three Keys to Preparing for Purposeful Retirement by Michael Blue, Executive Director and General Counsel for the Ron Blue Institute.
So, how do we experience true freedom and contentment in purposeful retirement?
Looking at the life of C.T. Studd we can learn a few things. First, he put his trust in God for everything. He made decisions and aligned his life in a way that evidenced that faith.
Second, he exemplified contentment. Even though C.T. Studd lived with very little he was surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. His life was rich in many things and in many ways. He did not long for more and better stuff, he simply enjoyed and shared the blessings God supplied.
Third, he counted the treasures of this world as rubbish compared to the love of Christ. He understood the grace he had received and set his heart on eternity. As a result, he lived with peace, joy, and faith during the here and now. Only when we set our minds on the things to come are we able to fully enjoy the good gifts that God gives us today.
A thriving and purposeful retirement is available for everyone regardless of what their bank account says. Purpose and contentment come as a result of seeking God’s kingdom above all else. God will never leave us nor forsake us. Trusting that promise allows us to live every day of our lives, including retirement, with great power and purpose.
July 18-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
More Beautiful with Use and Time by Tami Heim, President & CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance.
Many things become more beautiful with time and use. Age refines and ultimately transforms them into something of inestimable value. Purified by testing and trials, they contribute much more than when they first existed.
We see this pattern repeat itself over and over again in life. When we discover it, we recognize the rhythm of God in it.
The rich sound and tone from a well-used Stradivarius violin takes our breath away, especially those with a trained ear. Without use, however, it is said that even this magnificent violin goes to sleep. Keen observers say that its tone dies. The violin sounds sleepy. But, if the instrument is played regularly, it can gradually wake up. The sound becomes more beautiful with use and time.
I ache when I think of the brevity of life. What would happen should I fall asleep? What opportunity would I miss to serve my Master? I know I am His workmanship and long to do every good work He planned for me. I know that all my experiences in life were not just for me, but also for the profit of all.
1 Corinthians 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
And I’ve learned that when I don't make the most of those opportunities, I miss out. My tone sounds sleepy.
Four decades ago, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I determined that I didn’t want to live another day without Him at the center. That decision led me to the hardest of places. God perfected and pruned me to soften my heart, break my spirit, and increase my dependence on Him alone.
July 19-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
More Beautiful with Use and Time by Tami Heim, President & CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance.
Just like the violin, once in the hands of the Master, my life started to produce music. With more use and time in His hands, my life filled with beauty, joy, and pleasure.
Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
In the later seasons of life, we are tempted to opt out, slow down, and indulge in setting our own agendas. It’s easy to justify it after years of hard work and sacrifice. It’s enticing to kick back and claim ownership over the time we think we have left. But I believe there is a better choice. We can choose to strip down and run even harder the race before us, with our eyes on the prize of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus,the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
I believe God’s best work in us and through us is planned for us in the days we are closest to home.
Hunter S. Thompson, wrote in his book, The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a Ride!’” While Thompson’s life and example was not one guided by faith, I can easily adapt his sentiment. That’s how I want to finish and fall into the arms of Jesus.
July 20-Purposeful Living
Edited by Gary G. Hoag and Tim MacReady
More Beautiful with Use and Time by Tami Heim, President & CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance.
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he instructs Timothy on what is necessary to remain useful. Paul’s message is timeless, relevant and meaningful for every season of life. As you look to steward well your experience and to put to work the wisdom you’ve gained, consider four imperatives (see 2 Timothy 2:22-26).
1. Flee Youthful Passions. Let go of the desires that filled your mind in your youth. They will tempt you now if you give them space. Possessions, position, wealth, celebrity and success are fleeting. Remember what He has for you is so much more than all of these.
2. Pursue Holiness. Wholeheartedly pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Run hard with like-minded people and call on God from a pure heart. Slowing down is not an option in His plan.
3. Reject Controversies. Ignore the silly and useless debates that work to consume you and end in senseless or hurtful division. Instead, be an agent of gentleness, and keep your focus on the one true thing that is the only thing that matters.
4. Trust God. Choose each day to put your heart on the altar to be altered. Sacrifice selfish desires and get ready for service. Don’t ever opt out and miss what is the good and acceptable will of God for you (see Romans 12:1-2). As pastor Robby Gallaty often exhorts, “The gospel came to you on its way to someone else.” Every day is a gift loaded with new opportunities for faithfulness.
I give thanks for how God decided to use my husband and me on the other side of fifty. We said “Yes, God” to illogical career shifts, unlikely moves, third-world mission trips, and international adoption. Our ministry service has puzzled some around us, but in obedience, we have come to know indescribable joy. He’s done “immeasurably more” than we could imagine.
Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”
Does this mean that life has been easy? No way! But we would not trade a day of it. And now, as we enter our sixties and beyond, we hope the sound of our lives becomes more beautiful with use and time in the hands and service of our Master.
Posted in Daily Devotionals