Contemplating

This was part of my devotional this morning. With all the 10th anniversary 9/11 tributes this past weekend, I recognized once again that life is short and we don't know when the finish line will appear. In the meantime, what am I doing with my life?  Am I making the most of it for me or for others? I think others is the likely intent.  I guess this guy hit home with holidays and visiting grandkids and doing what I or we want to do versus what needs to be done.  Anyway, it got me thinking again - life is short - we are only here ffor a short time. There's lots to do and I want to it.

The following are not my own thoughts but are by one of the writers on the Bible Explorer 4 program on my hard drive. He does a daily devotional so I thought I would like to share it.  Makes you think - at least it did me. Just a thought...


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 I've decided to sprint for it." Retirement? No way.


I thought of Billy Graham, who, in his late-80's, with Parkinson's disease, is still holding city-wide crusades and satellite conferences that affect millions… or more. Retirement? No way.


Or Bob Cockerel, who, in his 40's took time away from business to make trips to Africa to teach in a Bible school. When in his 60's 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 God's 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, let's 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?

see Bible Explorer 4, Facts of the Matter (Sept 13) and - for a daily devotional, check: http://www.factsofthematter.org/