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Saturday, April 25, 2009

Life After 90

Yesterday, Gloria and I attended a birthday lunch to honor three former members of a church I had served as senior pastor. Two are 92; one is 93. Each of them lives alone and pursues a fairly independent lifestyle. One still drives. The other two decided only recently to stop doing so.

Living beyond 90 is quite a feat. But living faithfully for the Lord and manifesting joy at that age is not only a remarkable accomplishment but also a testimonial to His sovereign will and goodness. Ultimately, the Lord determines the length of time we spend on earth, but each of us is responsible for what we put into the time.

If I live to 90, I hope I can still sit up and take nourishment. More importantly, I hope I can nourish the lives of others. Moses alluded to life’s days in Psalm 90. Here are two excerpts: (1) Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom; and (2) Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (verses 12, 14).

Happy birthday, Enid, Bob, and Pearl!

On a personal note: I finished writing my second book for golfers and sent it to a literary agent yesterday.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

More Than Coffee and Sweet Rolls

Paul thanked God for the fellowship of the Christians at Philippi (Phil 1:3–5). I don’t think any friendship is quite like that Christians enjoy as they partner together to serve the Lord. “Fellowship” involves something far more significant than having coffee and sweet rolls in a church’s fellowship room. It involves working together to advance the cause of Christ. The Philippians exemplified this kind of fellowship by supporting Paul as their missionary (4:10–19).

Fifty-two years ago I graduated from Moody Bible Institute with 256 other seniors in what we all believe was the most closely knit class in the school’s history. At our 5oth class reunion in February 2007, we decided to establish an endowment fund that would benefit Moody students for years to come as they embark on short-term overseas mission trips. We set a goal of donating $57,000 as a class. Two years later, the fund’s balance is roughly $47,000. Soon we will reach our goal.

About 50 of our class members are in Heaven now, but the rest of us are in our seventies and are actively staying in touch. Facebook and e-mail keep us informed. Many of us are still involved in ministries. I am thankful for this ongoing fellowship, and I am also thankful for the fellowship of many friends acquired through the years since I graduated from Moody.

Why not thank the Lord today for your Christian friends and for the privilege of serving the Lord together, each in his or her own “corner of the vineyard”?