2025-01-24
Good Morning Dear Ones,
I heard from someone this morning some very good news. It came too late for my husband, Peter, but this news should change the game plan for the careers of others. That is the presence of federal laws against agism in the workplace. As workers in our time aged, even if they were productive, they would be “downsized” in the interests of the bottom line in their fifties. This made it difficult (if not impossible) to get another job and carry on until they reached retirement age. In my husband’s case, he was let go one day early of his twentieth anniversary with his company, depriving him of a bonus that could have helped us with rising expenses for food, transportation, heating/cooling/ mortgages and insurance, and other things. At the time these problems were happening to us, it led to my husband’s under-employment (employment not commensurate with one’s education and experience) and having to move to much smaller quarters. Our health insurance was adversely affected too. My husband passed away three years ago, and I was forced to move in with my son and his family.
There are others who had much more dire situations than we did, so this morning’s news that people have taken steps to do something about this problem in our country was welcome indeed. It is not easy becoming older in this country, as discussions are on-going about altering or getting rid of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs. Programs like 401 K’s, and other types of investments are being eliminated all the time. The age to qualify for retirement is increasing, as well. All of this may seem to have nothing to do with one’s spiritual life… or does it? I’m commanded by the Holy Spirit to continue looking at that question: “After surrender to the Lord, what?” We might not have control over politics as individuals, but the trend has been swinging from one extreme to the other over time. I see our society divided as never before in my 80-year lifetime. We can only hope that it will find an equilibrium soon.
Some godly truths need to be taken seriously right away! The Lord will provide you with what you need to do His will. HE 13: 20-21, “Now may the God of peace Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Certainly, we should know this fundamental command: “JN 13: 34-35, ‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.’” I can’t help but observe the pushing and jostling of people to try to get ahead financially, oftentimes to the exclusion of caring about each other in the workplace, at home, and elsewhere. Making unnecessary judgments, lack of concern about ethics, and outright unkindness seem more prevalent than they were in the past.
A person who is quite secular in his beliefs seemed to almost take joy in trying to convince me that going to places of worship in North America isn’t necessary or popular anymore. Some of the things that faith in the Lord can provide for us are: His promise to provide for our daily needs (food, housing, and clothing [MT 6: 31- 33]; the help of the Holy Spirit [JN 14: 26]; a way out of temptation [1 COR 10: 13]; His joy [JN 15: 11]; with spiritual strength [EPH 3: 14, 16]; great blessings that correspond with things lost [MK 10: 29-30]; a chosen role in His body, the church [1 COR 12: 18].
God has a plan regarding our future. He promises that one day we will be with Him [JN 14: 2-3]; His work will be complete one day [PHIL 1: 6]; we will be like Jesus [1 JN 3: 2]; we will see His face [REV 22: 3-5]; He will wipe away every tear from your eyes [REV 21: 4].
PRAYER: O Most Gracious Lord, we are weak and imperfect in our faith at times and recognize our need for Your direction. Our society’s failings reveal that truth and the sinfulness built by the evil one into our nature. For all these failings, we prayerfully and reverently urge You to use Your power to do good to give us faith in the promises for the future You offer us in Your word. GA 5: 17, “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” We need You and we love You. Teach us to overcome the will of the flesh in favor of that of Your Spirit. You deserve the thanksgiving and praise that we offer You for being the God You are and for the blessings You give us. Our reverence and awe are Yours, in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: I’m commanded by the Holy Spirit to discuss some of the important promises the Father has made to us and His plan regarding the hope we have in them. This kind of discussion deals with the motivation we must have to make difficult choices even when provoked to let the flesh lead over the Spirit. Our Lord tells us, in MT 5: 43-44, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But to tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This may not be the easiest thing for us to do, but if the Lord Jesus challenges us to do that, rest assured it is in our best interests. Thanksgiving and praise be to Him!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn, JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2024. All Rights Reserved.
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