50 years old and considering time

So, now I'm 50.

I don't see how it matters much. Even though things on my body sag more than they used to and I've got hair where I don't even think hair should need to grow from, I really don't think it matters all that much.

I've got a pretty good idea where I've been as much as a an whose eyes have been opened by God and who thinks about such things can. I mean I think so. I have a pretty good idea where I'm going even I can only imagine what it will be like when I get there.

Jesus as master craftsman.

I have a very full life with lots of activity and very real choices that have to be made about getting down on the floor and playing with my daughter or letting the kids and grandchildren (her nephews) do that. She wants them more than she wants me at times like that but I think it is important and so here goes...

Ironically, something about energy conservation, better diet, hydration and sleep I think makes me more qualified to "get down" than I was when I was in my twenties. My legs shake less now. My bones definitely feel more brittle and I am stronger (perhaps that should have been -but I am stronger-but I am reluctant to edit it.)

Time is the single rarest commodity, cannot be purchased, no matter the amount of wealth that is offered, it is like love in that, but is dispensed with at a whim-unlike love.

Love goes the wayside all to often, primarily because at that time something else seems more important. IE, I broke up with her for another girl or I broke up with her because she was smothering me....Time on the other hand.

We dispense with time like no amount of waste matters when the opposite is true. It is the single rarest commodity there is and yet we waste it. Perhaps that is part of why it is so rare. If you've got a dream your busy but so many people don't have dreams, only pipe-dreams. Many humans have things they would like to see come true but are not interested in putting in any efforts to make sure they do come true unless those efforts are at the finish line (and they are still strong like at the start line.) However, finish lines come at the end of long races with much racing already done.

Life is not a sprint. Accomplishing significant things that you've dreamed of-also not a sprint.

If you spring a marathon you lose. Worse, you may lead others to do the same and there ya go...

So, let's guard our time and spend some of it on things that really matter like investing in our kids, while we also invest the appropriate amount in make a dream come true.

Oh, and by the way, a real dream, a dream that is worth investing in, helps others, loves, and encourages greatness in those around us. A real dream advances the kingdom of God. Any other dream is destined to turn into a nightmare as we face God and answer that all-important question, what did you do with the time I gave you?

He already knows the answer as things stand now but He is willing to help us change it if we cry out to Him.

God, help me use my time wisely, In Jesus' name, amen

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Pastor Dan

Other Ways to Connect With Me or Our Ministry

Here is a grouping of information that someone might find useful.

Please connect up with me by any and all of these ways. P.Dan

Psalm 112 Acrostic paraphrase by the Body of NH

Psalm 112-English Acrostic (Written by NHF attendees August 25, 2019) Hallelujah! A man who fears the Lord is blessed, But this man greatly delights in His commandments. Children of his will be mighty on earth; Deemed blessed in the generation of the upright. Extreme wealth and riches are in his house, Forever his righteousness endures. Guiding light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous. It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; Just in judgement He will maintain his cause. Kept unshaken he will always be; Likewise, the righteous will be remembered forever. Messages of evil, he will not fear; Naturally, trusting in the Lord, His heart is steadfast. Oh, his heart is upheld, he will not fear, Persevering until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries. Quite willing He has given to the poor, Righteousness of this man endures forever; Sovereignly, His horn will be exalted in honor. The wicked will see it and be vexed, Ultimately, gnashing his teeth and melting away; Villainous desire will perish.

Does a Christian Need Church?

I had a dear friend of mine disagree with me sharply as to whether the Christian needed to be in the church or not. We quoted some verses and the end of our conversation was that he was unconvinced. He went his way which didn't work out all that well and I went mine. He's working his way back into the church now. That doesn't mean I was right or that I am smart or anything like that. I am an ordinary person with a lot of flaws. I tend to believe that that is who God wants working for Him. We are supposed to bring our stuff and let Him deal with it. We are supposed to lay these things down at His feet so to speak. That being said, I could get some very important things wrong in my life time and indeed in my walk with Christ. Still, whenever you quote the New Testament or whenever you think about the actions of the apostles realize that these things were done in the context of the local church. These things were written to, preserved by, and enacted by the local church. The universal church was the the universal church because it was the sum of the local churches and those who were finding their way into the local churches. Each of us has Jesus to help us get along in life. But I don't read that He died for all of us and suddenly convert to Universalist theology. The church is the "it" that the gates of hell will not prevail against (Matt 16:18) and we are in this together. The church is not an organization and rules and democracy can easily screw up what God is trying to do in His people especially if people are not walking with Him in the first place. No amount of rules or democratic processes can make a group of people into a church. Jesus has to do that. Incidentally, Jesus seems to have the complete control over what church remains a church if you think about the "putting your lamp out," statements in revelation. That bottom-line is this, if we are His body and He is the head then we had better get working together under His direction. There's a reason why God did not put your parts in mason jars and connect them by long-range circuitry. You are meant to be a cohesive unit and so is the body of His people. These and other truths lead us to be loving, forgiving, merciful, and kind toward other members of the church while His holy nature leads us to subject ourselves to the accountability of others. He is a great God and Has designed a great system in which you may deny your need to participate (and that you are needed) and He allows that freedom. However, while He allows freedom, He has expectations. Whether it is New Heights Fellowship Baptists Church of Toledo or not, you are meant to function as part of a local body of believers. One of our Personal Trainers may be able to help you sort out which body, what is a body and what isn't, or you may just want to listen to the voice of God and let Him point you in the right direction. We are willing. He is patient. But it's time. Please accept the truth about Jesus Christ and begin anew today to live your life for Him.