"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at 20 or at 80. Anyone who keeps on learning not only remains young, but becomes constantly more valuable, regardless of physical capacity." ~ Henry Ford, 1929

Happy Wednesday folks, this one comes to us identified as July 8, 2026. Many of you are aware that I am creeping up on an auspicious occasion, Lord providing, and, that would be my 80th birthday scheduled for this coming August. This upcoming event does give me some pause as I consider the more than 4,170 weeks along with the nearly 3 billion heartbeats in my breathing air on the planet. When the Apostle Paul came to the end of his time, he had this to say about the life he had lived: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing." (As rendered in the Webster Translation of 2 Timothy 4:7-8) I don't really see myself fitting my time into the testimony of Paul, but, I do know this: What God thinks about our time here pretty much defines what we've been able to accomplish, period. Jesus said the greatest standard to measure our lives is in this way: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40 from the NIV) I do know because of my salvation I will not stand at the White Throne Judgment, (Revelation 20:11-15), where those who have rejected God and His Son will be cast into hell, however, I will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ at what is called the Judgment Seat of Christ and it is there my works as a believer will be examined. (Romans 14:10–12, 1 Corinthians 3:10–15, and 2 Corinthians 5:9–10) Those are some sobering truths. The good news along with the best news is how God so loved He chose to provide a way of salvation for us. I am thankful for that and very ashamed of how many times I have failed Him. The point is this: Make the most important things in life as given to us by God the most important things in life. Mine and yours. More on this later as that day approaches. You with me? Good!

 

Do not get the idea I am practicing to become more and more morbid as I age. Actually, as God provides, I feel like I might have another 20 years to hang around, but, longevity in and of itself is not a great goal. Our lives should count for time and eternity. The only way to do that whether you are young or old is to get yourself aligned with God's will and purpose. Grandma Moses, the recognized brilliant painter, didn't pick up a brush until she was 76. She, by the way, was a devoted Christ follower. She lived to be 101 and she was able to experience her paintings being viewed in museums all over the world. That is a remarkable story. Don't you think so? Maybe I will, here in my office, throw some paint against the wall and call it art. You know. Like the monkeys you see on YouTube. I should think some about that one because others nearby may not think that to be a good outlet for me. I know you know what I mean. I often have prayed to have more resources so I can be of more help to others, but, in response, I've felt a good dose of conviction from Above asking me what I am doing with what I already have. Yikes. Then, I feel like I may have forgotten to say may I and it's time to start over. I was on the steps going into the choir loft at our Church many years ago and the fellow next to me said, "I know we have a great financial burden regarding our Church, so, I've been praying the Lord would allow me to win the lottery so I can take care of it." We were up against each other and this little knee jerk response came out of my pea brain, "God doesn't really care about what you would do if you won the lottery, He wants you to be faithful with what He has given to you." I actually said that. I did. I really did. I remember it well. Looks like it may be time for me to embrace the 'physician heal thyself' concept. See what I mean? Being me. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Pray for me. In fact, let's pray one for another. Just do it! Amen.