God's Retirement Plan
by Bro. Shaun Ogdie
09/05/2023
2 Timothy 3:14 - “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;”
God’s Retirement Plan? Simple, it is to “CONTINUE.” I could end this devotion right here but my Pastor has asked me to have at least four hundred words so I will “continue.”
All jokes aside, I am noticing a disturbing trend among my generation and the generation ahead of mine. It seems that we are staying faithful to church while raising our children but the moment they leave our house, we leave the Lord’s house.
Now I am not here to criticize trips, vacations, etc. In fact, as I write this, I am getting ready for a trip with my wife to spend a couple of days in the Great Smoky Mountains. My wife and I are starting to have those “what should we do after the kids are gone” conversations. I’m looking forward to the days when we can travel and play all the golf courses in America or fish some of the best bass lakes. However, why would I ignore the very Heavenly Father who allowed us to raise three godly daughters, protected us in a godly home, and provided us with the finances to do it all?
We live in such a “what have you done for me lately” society that we easily forget all that the Lord has done for us in the years past. I’d hate to lose it all tomorrow because of my lack of faithfulness.
Why we must “CONTINUE?”
1. For His Name’s Sake
I John 2:12 – “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.” We could never repay all that the Lord has done for us. Why do we reach a point in life where we think we have “done enough”?
2. For Our Families Sake
When I was at my lowest point in my life, it was my father and mother’s example and constant prayers that got me back in church and saved my family from disaster. Your kids are still watching every move you make. In some cases, you are now the only Bible your kids are reading. Ephesians 6:13-14a – “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Stand…Now we all know the verse continues from there, but I stopped verse 14 on that one strong word, “stand.” I’ve had parents come to me about their backslidden young adult children and every time I always tell them to stay faithful to church and pray without ceasing. Had my parents gotten out of church or quit on God, I promise you I would not be in church today. They have a heavy influence on my life. Today I serve the Lord because of all He has done for me. However, as a young, shallow, unlearned Christian, I was in church because of mom and dad’s influence first. At my lowest point, I remember wanting what they had. Now I know and have what they have.
3. For The Sake Of Younger Christians
Where are the Bro. Picketts of today? Had it not been for Bro. Harold Pickett’s influence on my life, I would not have progressed as quickly as I have in the music ministry. I was so blessed to know him and work with him.
There are Christians looking up to you today. What kind of example are you setting for them? Can they even find you in church if they looked? What does your spiritual retirement plan look like? Will you CONTINUE in the faith no matter your age or circumstances?
Acts 14:22 – “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
09/05/2023
2 Timothy 3:14 - “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;”
God’s Retirement Plan? Simple, it is to “CONTINUE.” I could end this devotion right here but my Pastor has asked me to have at least four hundred words so I will “continue.”
All jokes aside, I am noticing a disturbing trend among my generation and the generation ahead of mine. It seems that we are staying faithful to church while raising our children but the moment they leave our house, we leave the Lord’s house.
Now I am not here to criticize trips, vacations, etc. In fact, as I write this, I am getting ready for a trip with my wife to spend a couple of days in the Great Smoky Mountains. My wife and I are starting to have those “what should we do after the kids are gone” conversations. I’m looking forward to the days when we can travel and play all the golf courses in America or fish some of the best bass lakes. However, why would I ignore the very Heavenly Father who allowed us to raise three godly daughters, protected us in a godly home, and provided us with the finances to do it all?
We live in such a “what have you done for me lately” society that we easily forget all that the Lord has done for us in the years past. I’d hate to lose it all tomorrow because of my lack of faithfulness.
Why we must “CONTINUE?”
1. For His Name’s Sake
I John 2:12 – “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.” We could never repay all that the Lord has done for us. Why do we reach a point in life where we think we have “done enough”?
2. For Our Families Sake
When I was at my lowest point in my life, it was my father and mother’s example and constant prayers that got me back in church and saved my family from disaster. Your kids are still watching every move you make. In some cases, you are now the only Bible your kids are reading. Ephesians 6:13-14a – “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Stand…Now we all know the verse continues from there, but I stopped verse 14 on that one strong word, “stand.” I’ve had parents come to me about their backslidden young adult children and every time I always tell them to stay faithful to church and pray without ceasing. Had my parents gotten out of church or quit on God, I promise you I would not be in church today. They have a heavy influence on my life. Today I serve the Lord because of all He has done for me. However, as a young, shallow, unlearned Christian, I was in church because of mom and dad’s influence first. At my lowest point, I remember wanting what they had. Now I know and have what they have.
3. For The Sake Of Younger Christians
Where are the Bro. Picketts of today? Had it not been for Bro. Harold Pickett’s influence on my life, I would not have progressed as quickly as I have in the music ministry. I was so blessed to know him and work with him.
There are Christians looking up to you today. What kind of example are you setting for them? Can they even find you in church if they looked? What does your spiritual retirement plan look like? Will you CONTINUE in the faith no matter your age or circumstances?
Acts 14:22 – “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
Posted in Living for God, Relationship with Christ
Posted in 2 Timothy 3, Continue, family, faithfulness, example
Posted in 2 Timothy 3, Continue, family, faithfulness, example
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