Retirement Program (Titus 2:2-3)

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What do the retirement years offer? Well, one 72-year-old man said, “The job of the retiree is learning to live as nobody. You’re a vice president of nothing.” How true? Can golden years of a person’s life be that bad? Apparently they are for some people. For instance, doctors and therapists report that alcoholism has turned into growing problem with many older folks. They conclude that these senior drinkers have too much time and unchanneled energy, so they feel useless.  Some retirees feel that the only thing that remains for them is losing their health, their mate, and life itself.

But wait. Enough of this gloom! The Christian who reaches the retirement years does not have to be overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety and uselessness. God has a purpose for His senior saints. Proverbs 16:31 tells us that old age is a “crown of glory.” And Titus 2:1-5 makes it clear that aging believers are to maintain a good example. They are to endure the limitations of a weakened body in order to be teachers and models of righteousness for the younger generation. In contrast to those who look upon their retirement as inactive indulgence, the older Christian must continue giving his time and energy to God and to his neighbor. He finds his worth in the gratifying work and company of the Lord Himself.

Have you reached the retirement years? Praise God! Look ahead to the purposes He has for you as you walk with Him all the way. – Martin R. De Haan II

While our days on earth are lengthened,

May we give them, Lord, to Thee;

Cheered by hope and daily strengthened,

May we run, nor weary be. – Kelly

Years wrinkle the skin, but apathy wrinkles the soul.

• May 7, 1985, Our Daily Bread

A Lesson from the Oak Tree (Galatians 5:16)

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Behind our home are some beautiful oak trees. Every year during the fall season I notice that some of them retain their crisp dried leaves long after the basswood, the maples, the elms, and the walnuts become bare. Even the strong winds of winter and the early spring rains do not completely strip their boughs. But as springtime progresses, the scene begins to change. Fresh little buds start appearing at the tips of the twigs. Soon the dried remnants of the preceding season drop away because of the surging forces of new life from within.

This is a picture of the Holy Spirit’s gracious work in us as Christians. Old habits cling to our lives with a tenacity that can almost drive us to despair. Even trial and adversity do not remove all the lifeless leftovers of our fallen human nature. But Christ, who dwells in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, is at work. His powerful life continually seeks expression from within. As we nurture it through confession of sin, prayer, meditation on the Word of God, obedience, and fellowship without blessed Lord, the dead works of the flesh gradually drop away.

Do you feel discouraged? Have all your efforts to turn over a new leaf or pluck off the old ones met with defeat? Then take a lesson from the mighty oak. Thank God for the wonder-working power of the Holy Spirit within you! Keep on yielding to His gentle urgings to be kind, loving, honest, and faithful. You do your part and the Holy Spirit will take care of those “old leaves.” – Dennis J. De Haan

Two forces surge within my breast –

The one is foul, the other blest;

The “new“ I love, the “old” I hate;

The one if feed will dominate. – H. G. Bosch

If Christ is the center of our lives, the circumference will take care of itself.

• May 6, 1985, Our Daily Bread

Of Starfish and Christians (Acts 8:4)

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Did you know that if one of the arms of a starfish is severed, a new one will grow in its place? In fact, if a starfish is cut up, any pieces that contain a part of the central disc will develop into a new starfish.

Some oyster fishermen found that out, much to their dismay, when their oyster beds became infested with starfish. The fishermen cut up starfish they caught and tossed the pieces back into the water. Rather than destroying them, however, they were actually helping them multiply.

Throughout the centuries, Christians have been hated and viciously opposed in many nations. But persecution did not destroy Christianity. Even under the most dire circumstances, it has not only survived but thrived. Jesus said of His church that “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

The early believers in Jerusalem were severely persecuted, but it only resulted in their being scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. And wherever they went, they preached the Word and many more believed. In Acts 8:4-6, we read that multitudes responded to the preaching of Philip.

Yes, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, no matter how severely persecuted, continues to grow. Even the forces of hell itself cannot overcome it! – Richard W. De Haan

O where are the kings and empires now

Of old that went and came?

But, Lord, Thy church is praying yet,

A thousand years the same. – Coxe

The church – rooted in God – can never be uprooted by man.

• May 5, 1991, Our Daily Bread

Ready for Battle (Ephesians 6:11)

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Satan and his demons are occupied with many schemes, but one of their most effective is to hinder God’s people when they pray. Believers often experience demonic interference in times of intercession.

John Dorsey described the devil’s tactics and the believer’s defense in this way: “I had a battle fierce today within my place of prayer; I went to meet and talk with God, but I found Satan there. He whispered, ‘You can’t really pray, you lost out long ago; you might say words while on your knees, but you can’t pray, you know.’ So then I pulled my helmet down, way down upon my ears, and found it helped to still his voice and helped allay my fears. I checked my other armor o’er; my feet in peace were shod; my loins with truth were girded ‘round; my sword the Word of God. My righteous breastplate still was on, my heart’s love to protect. My shield of faith was all intact – his fiery darts bounced back. I called on God in Jesus’ name, I pled the precious blood – while Satan sneaked away in shame, I met and talked with God!”

There are few Christians who have not experienced such attacks during times of earnest prayer. But as we put on the “whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11), we will be ready to “stand” when we are attacked by the enemy of our souls. – Henry G. Bosch

TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS IN SPIRITUAL BATTLE:

1. Live by the truth. 2. Be holy. 3. Be at peace with God,
2. Live by faith. 5. Believe you are saved.
3. Study and use God’s Word.

The devil can wall you around but he cannot roof you in!

• May 4, 1990, Our Daily Bread

Do it for Jesus’ Sake! (Matthew 18:33)

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One reason it’ so hard to forgive someone who has hurt us deeply is that we feel the offending person does not deserve our forgiveness. But as long as we think about the injustice done to us, we will not find within ourselves the initiative to forgive. We must look away from self, the circumstances, and the one who has wronged us, and look to the Savior. He alone can melt our hearts and dissolve our hatred. We must be willing to forgive for His sake.

 A woman once stayed after a church service to talk with the minister. She was downcast and despondent. “I do not suppose you can help me,” she said. “For years I have been unable to pray…. There is a woman who came between me and my husband, and I cannot forgive her.” The minister doubtless guided by the Holy Spirit, answered kindly, “You cannot forgive the woman for her own sake, but could you not forgive her for Christ’s sake?” At first the question did not register. Then a glimmer of hope lightened the depressed woman’s face. “Yes,” she said, “you are right. I cannot forgive her for her own sake, but I can for His sake, and I will!” With that, the burden was lifted and the gloom was dispelled.

Forgiveness is first and foremost a decision of the will, and it must always be made in the light of our relationship to Jesus. Once we recognize what it cost Him to pardon us – and how our sins hurt Him more than anyone has ever hurt us – we will accept His command to forgive others. And when we do that for Jesus’ sake, we do it for our sake as well as theirs. – Dennis J. De Haan

O Lord, it hurts when I am wronged,

It robs the joy from loving;

But Lord, You bore my sin and shame,

So help me be forgiving. – D. J. De Haan

Never does the human soul become so strong as when it dares to forgive an injury.

• May 3, 1984, Our Daily Bread

Choosing Joy (Romans 5:11)

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Most of us don’t choose a difficult life – it chooses us. But we can choose our response to it. As someone once said, “Pain is inevitable but misery is optional.” Yet, when difficulties arise, misery often seems to be the only option.

Author Lloyd Ogilvie tells of a Christian friend who was physically and emotionally depleted because of extreme pressures. A depressed mood engulfed him. when Ogilvie asked him how he was doing, he said grimly, “Well, joy’s certainly no option!” Ogilvie replied, “You’re right! Joy is no option. It’s your responsibility.”

Shocked, the friend retorted, “You talk about joy as if it were a duty.” Ogilvie responded, “Right again!” He explained that we have a duty to God, ourselves, and others to overcome our moods and to battle through to joy.

In Romans 5, Paul gave these reasons for joy: We have peace with God through Christ, access into grace, hope of future glory (vv. 1-2). We have assurance that tribulation produces perseverance, which in turn builds character and leads to hope (vv. 3-4). We have hope that doesn’t disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts (v. 5).

Fill your mind with these truths. Then, no matter your circumstances, you can choose joy. – Joanie E. Yoder

When trials come and my moods descend,

When pain and sorrows seem never to end,

As I yield to You, Lord, may I see

The peace and joy You’ve promised me. – Fitzhugh

For the Christian, joy is a choice.

• May 2, Vol. 7, Our Daily Bread

Clean Out the Garage! (Proverbs 28:13)

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I don’t know where it all comes from. Out of the nooks and crannies of the earth comes the strangest assortment of boards, broken ladders, bottles, dirt-bike parts, old tires, baseball bats, buckets assorted rakes, shovels, and garden noses – and they all seem to assemble in my garage. The space where we put the car continues to shrink until anyone who can squeeze it in should be awarded a world-class driver’s medal. So every spring and fall, or whenever necessary, I put on my old clothes, gather some barrels, roll up my sleeves, recruit one of my sons, and give the garage a good cleaning. The feeling of satisfaction that follows is reward enough for all the effort.

Some parallels are clearly seen in the Christian life. Occasionally our hearts and minds become cluttered with junk that needs to be gotten rid of. Petty hurts and grudges pile up. Little sins are allowed to collect in the corners. Broken promises need repair. Resentments occupy more and more of our life-space, leaving little room for thoughts about God and how we can please Him. Prayer is neglected; the Bible is lost somewhere in the mess. The garage of our hearts is in need of a good cleaning.

What about your life? Has it become cluttered with worldliness through spiritual neglect? If so, with the help of the Holy Spirit get rid of the junk. Take care of the dirt. Acknowledge your sins, repent, and confess them to God. You’ll find that a thorough cleaning will give new joy to your Christian life. – David C. Egner

I really meant to read His Word,

To pray with heart devout –

But things just crowded in until

My Lord was crowded out. – Willet

If your Christian lie is a drag, worldly weights are probably to blame.

• May 1, 1985, Our Daily Bread

Compared with What? (2 Corinthians 10:12)

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We are told that the average age of people living in America is now 30.3 years. The life expectancy for that same person has reached 73 years. But these numbers mean different things to different people. To the person who has reached 94, 73 is young. However, to the 13-year-old, a person who is 30 could get lost in an antique shop. I remember that when I was in the 5^th or 6^th grade I used to look with admiration and awe at 9^th-grade football players. They were old enough to be heroes, and as far as I was concerned they were the biggest, fastest, and toughest guys you’re playing on. Compared with the college or professional athletes today, those fellows don’t even rate.

Most things in life are like that. Whether we are attractive, handsome, successful, tall, or healthy is relative. It all depends on who we’re comparing ourselves with. So who are we measuring ourselves by as Christians? According to the apostle Paul in the 10^th chapter of 2 Corinthians, we make a big mistake if we try to feel good about ourselves either by looking within ourselves or by comparing ourselves with the people around us. He says that there’s no future in that kind of thinking. You see, the value and meaning of anything in life ultimately depends on how the Lord sees us, and it’s His judgment that really matters. Therefore, Paul was content to serve His Savior faithfully and leave any commendation of his life and work to God. Can the same be said of us? – Martin R. De Haan II

Just live your life before your Lord,

It matters not what others do –

Your actions will be weighed by Him

Who meters out judgment just and true. – Rae

If you must compare yourself with someone, compare yourself with Christ.

• April 30, 1984, Our Daily Bread

Who Saved the Robins? (Luke 12:7)

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God has a special interest in all His creatures. The hymnwriter John Sammis stated it like this:

“He daily spreads a bounteous feat,

And at His table dine

The whole creation, man and beast,

And He’s a Friend of mine.”

The God of the infinitely great – the One who created this universe – is also the God of the infinitely small. How encouraging this is for the Christian!

It was early June and the city workers in Hamilton, Ontario, were trimming limbs from trees along the streets. In one of the limbs marked for cutting they found a nest of baby robins. The workers decided not to touch the limb but to leave the nest alone until the young birds had flown away. Later, after the nest was abandoned, they examined it and discovered in the bottom, soiled with dirt, a little scrap of paper. Apparently the adult robin had used it as part of their building materials. On the paper were printed the words, “We trust in the Lord our God.”

Now, we don’t know if the workers saw the remarkable significance of those words, but they were illustrating God’s goodness by their caring action. And just as they took special of those tiny robins, so God takes special care to protect us from dangers we cannot foresee. Indeed, we can “trust in the Lord.”

Our heavenly Father, who takes note of sparrows and robins, will most surely care for His own children. No wonder Jesus said, “Do not fear”! – Paul R. Van Gorder

I do not know, I cannot see

What God’s kind hand prepares for me,

But I do know that over all

Rules He who notes the sparrow’s fall. – Anon.

Trust in God is the perfect cure for fear.

• April 29, 1988, Our Daily Bread

The Secret of Fruitfulness (John 15:5)

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Our new life in Christ is shown by the spiritual fruit we bear. To be productive, we must live each day in close fellowship with Christ, for He is the source of all our strength. Unless we are empowered by His Spirit, we “can do nothing” (John 15:5).

There are at least two kinds of fruits produced by saints who have learned the secret of abiding in Christ. One fruit is a witness that leads others to faith in Christ. The other one is what the Spirit creates in us – qualities like love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:22-23).

Norman Macleod, a Scottish clergyman and author, told of an 11-year-old boy who had been very ill for many years. Although he seldom had a day’s rest from pain, he maintained a radiant testimony. He was saved as a young child, and even in his sickness he experienced an ever-growing fellowship with the Lord. He was never heard to complain, though he was so crippled that he was confined to bed. He became a fruitful believer by his undaunted courage and godly character. The night before he died, he said to Pastor Macleod, “Yes, I’m weak in body, but I’m strong in Christ!”

The secret of fruitfulness is in maintaining an intimate relationship with Christ – no matter what the circumstances of life may be. – Henry G. Bosch

I am Thine and Thou art mine;

What a precious truth to me!

Lord, as I in Thee abide,

May I bear much fruit for Thee. – Felten

Fruitfulness for Christ depends on fellowship with Christ.

• April 28, 1991, Our Daily Bread