Do Not Lose Heart

2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

One thing about pastoring an older congregation (on average) – there is never a dull moment – health wise. Whether it is an older member falling down the steps or having a car accident (not their fault) – or battles with Covid-19 – cancer – dementia – surgeries – general falls – etc. We have a 97 year old who is still active in worship – from his wheelchair (thanks to his son and daughter-in-law). We have others in their 90’s and upper 80’s who are still in leadership positions and very active in the life of the church. We have younger folks as well – in their 70’s – 60’s – 50’s and so on – who have their own battles with health and life. It is a very interesting congregation. One my father served when I was in Junior High through my College years.

One thing about life – as we get older – is that our bodies will not always be in great shape. Even if we keep our weight down and stay active – things happen. Even if we use skin treatments and take plenty of vitamins – eat a healthy diet – and get good sleep – the body will not last forever. That is one reason – even with all the attention we give or do not give our bodies – it is our spirit we should be most focused on. The body may decay – eventually – but our spirit will live eternally. It will live eternally with God or eternally without God – our choice.

What Things Matter?

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

What do we spend our time thinking about these days? As a sports nut – I’ve been thinking about the Orioles and the Nationals – with the baseball season on hold right now because millionaires and billionaires are fighting over money. If they ever play – some fans will stay away. The NFL draft is fast approaching – as free agency will also be in full bloom soon. How will your favorite team improve themselves? As I write this post – the NBA season is moving toward the end of their season – teams are prepping for the playoffs (or looking forward to the off-season. The Wizards are not doing well this season – but – still have a chance to make the expanded playoffs. They added a new player last night and they played very well. The NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments are coming soon – March Madness. Maryland women’s team has played well this season – the men’s team better hope for a good Big Ten tournament. In the golf world – the Masters will be played soon – I will be watching. These things matter little in the scope of things – but my focus has been on them some today.

If you’re not a fan of sports – I’ve read on my Facebook feed – that some have been focused with family. Now family is something that matters – but it might still be less than an eternal endeavor. Some have been trying to figure out their pets – how to get them to obey them – a worthy cause – but less than eternal as well. Some have gone out to dinner – one of my daughters FaceTimed me heading to dinner recently – another worthy effort – but not of eternal value. And so on goes our list…

Focus on God – Live Out Our Faith

2 Corinthians 4:18

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

I love this passage. It so speaks to focusing on the eternal rather than the temporal. Focusing on the things of God and the promises of God rather than on what we can see with our eyes – understand with our minds – or hold in our hands. Unfortunately – many of us often focus on what we can see rather than what has been promised.

An example of this is Abraham and Sarah. They were promised by God that they would have many descendants – but late in life they couldn’t see the promise fulfilled so they took things into their own hands. Sarah gave Abraham her maidservant Hagar to bear him children because she was barren (Genesis 16). Of course God wasn’t late in fulfilling His promise – God gave Abraham and Sarah a child – Isaac – and he did become the father of a great nation – the Hebrews. Hagar’s son did as well. His name was Ishmael – and he became the father of Muslims.

The Joy of the Lord

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Happiness is circumstantially driven – while Joy is spiritually derived. This is one of my favorite sayings. I believe I created it some 35 plus years ago. When I did a Google search for these words – the first and only post that matches is this devotional thought I posted online last year. I’ve used that phrase for 3-4 decades.

The meaning of the phrase is that things or circumstances make us Happy – but Joy comes from our relationship with Jesus. Happiness is temporary – while Joy is lasting – even eternal.