On aging GRATEFULLY

 

Psalm 37:25

King James Version

25 I have been young, and now am old; 

yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, 

nor his seed begging bread.

Are you afraid of getting old?

Or are you already old, and getting afraid?

In April 2024, we've written about the various generations:

"Which GENERATION are you?"

That means, the Greatest generation, the Silent generation, the Baby boomers, and Generation X, are the aged, and aging population all over the world right now.

Cats normally have nine lives, but humans don't.

Never believe anyone who claims they're immortal.

We don't have such luxury.

Lucky are those who have aged gracefully; not heavily.

Lucky are those who remain cheerful; not grumpy.

Lucky are those who are in good health; and not ill health.

But blessed are those who have given their lives to GOD, in service to the LORD, and to others.

Most blessed are those who followed JESUS' command to be "born of water and of the Spirit".

They are unfazed by old age.

They only care to follow His commands.

Because they know that life is but a "vapor":

James 4:14

King James Version

14 Whereas ye know not 

what shall be on the morrow. 

For what is your life? 

It is even a vapour, 

that appeareth for a little time, 

and then vanisheth away.

They know how to grow old gracefully, through GOD's GRACE.

They give thanks to the LORD all the time.

They have enough wisdom to know everything goes according to GOD's plan.

And that all happen for a reason, mostly known only to GOD.

But when you're born again, you begin to truly understand.

Only because the HOLY SPIRIT teaches you about JESUS, and Scripture.

We can understand heavenly things, through JESUS, the SON of GOD.

As JESUS declared:

John 3:12-14

King James Version

12 If I have told you earthly things, 

and ye believe not, 

how shall ye believe, 

if I tell you of heavenly things?

The mature born again looks forward to the Rapture.

He knows it can happen any time GOD wills/wants it.

And then believers all meet JESUS up in the clouds.

Oh, what a glorious day that would be for believers, both the living and the dead!

Who would envy cats with nine lives, when the believer gets eternal life with JESUS.

Believers know their "citizenship" is in heaven.

Would any sane person want to be anywhere else, but with JESUS?

2 Corinthians 5:8

King James Version

8 We are confident, I say, 

and willing rather to be absent from the body, 

and to be present with the Lord.

Through the Cross, JESUS conquered sin, death, and the devil:

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

King James Version

55 O death, where is thy sting? 

O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; 

and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, 

which giveth us the victory 

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 2:14

King James Version

14 Forasmuch then as the children 

are partakers of flesh and blood, 

he also himself likewise took part of the same; 

that through death he might destroy him 

that had the power of death, 

that is, the devil;

Sure, humans are but flesh.

Subject to ails, aches, and pains.

But we have JESUS, "The MAGNIFICENT Healer".

We only need to call on the LORD, that we may be saved.

Romans 10:13

King James Version

13 For whosoever shall call 

upon the name of the Lord 

shall be saved.

Saved from what?

Perhaps, people don't realize we need to be saved from our sins.

Sin causes physical, and spiritual death.

Many of our aches, and pains -- even diseases -- are caused by a malevolent "spirit of infirmity".

Sin can distort our face, bodies, minds, souls, and spirit.

Well, we have JESUS to save us, only if we cared to know more about Him, and the POWER He has.

Once you walk with JESUS, and walk in the SPIRIT, things become clear.

You become a new person, even if you're an "old" person.

2 Corinthians 5:17

King James Version

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, 

he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; 

behold, all things are become new.

You lose your fears.

You don't lose your tears.

But your tears are more meaningful now.

You grieve over your sins, and how you've hurt others.

You grieve at how you've displeased GOD, now that you know His laws.

You have tears of joy, at how much GOD loves you, in giving you His SON, to save us from our sins.

JESUS asked believers carry our own "cross", too.

Luke 9:23

King James Version

23 And he said to them all, 

If any man will come after me, 

let him deny himself, 

and take up his cross daily, 

and follow me.

That's what aging gracefully means.

We thank GOD for everything.

We become grateful.

Be like a contented cat.

A graceful, old cat, who's lived his years.

He may have lost his feisty playfulness, but he hasn't lost that grace.

Let our souls be as limber as ever.

Ephesians 2:8

King James Version

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; 

and that not of yourselves: 

it is the gift of God:

Related material:

The FOUNTAIN of LIVING WATERS

Which GENERATION are you?

The GOSPEL on HEALING

GODLY men and women

PEACE through JESUS

BREATH in man

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

Image: Two Cats. Lithograph by Thomas Hunter, 1881. (Library of Congress)

On MAN's plans

 

Proverbs 3:5-6

King James Version

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; 

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, 

and he shall direct thy paths.

Thank GOD, I'm a cat.

Trusting in the LORD alone.

Imagine, He even gifted me with NINE lives!

The Bible says man has only one life.

Hebrews 9:27

King James Version

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, 

but after this the judgment:

And I'm just a tiny, furry, inconsequential creature.

But GOD loves me so.

All the more reason to be grateful to my Creator.

But man is a different story.

He is proud, vain, willful, envious, covetous, power-hungry.

In case you think I'm imagining it, I've got something to back me up.

SPIRIT and Scripture confirmed it.

Through real stories, parables, and GOD's laws.

Genesis 11:1-10

King James Version

11 And the whole earth was of one language, 

and of one speech.

2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, 

that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; 

and they dwelt there.

3 And they said one to another, 

Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. 

And they had brick for stone, 

and slime had they for morter.

4 And they said, 

Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, 

whose top may reach unto heaven; 

and let us make us a name, 

lest we be scattered abroad 

upon the face of the whole earth.

5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, 

which the children of men builded.

6 And the Lord said, 

Behold, the people is one, 

and they have all one language; 

and this they begin to do: 

and now nothing will be restrained from them, 

which they have imagined to do.

7 Go to, let us go down, 

and there confound their language, 

that they may not understand one another's speech.

8 So the Lord scattered them abroad 

from thence upon the face of all the earth: 

and they left off to build the city.

9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; 

because the Lord did there 

confound the language of all the earth: 

and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad 

upon the face of all the earth.

10 These are the generations of Shem: 

Shem was an hundred years old, 

and begat Arphaxad 

two years after the flood:

Jeremiah 22:13-17

King James Version

13 Woe unto him 

that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, 

and his chambers by wrong; 

that useth his neighbour's service without wages, 

and giveth him not for his work;

14 That saith, 

I will build me a wide house and large chambers, 

and cutteth him out windows; 

and it is cieled with cedar, 

and painted with vermilion.

15 Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? 

did not thy father eat and drink, 

and do judgment and justice, 

and then it was well with him?

16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; 

then it was well with him: 

was not this to know me? saith the Lord.

17 But thine eyes and thine heart are not 

but for thy covetousness, 

and for to shed innocent blood, 

and for oppression, 

and for violence, 

to do it.

Psalm 33:10

King James Version

10 The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen 

to nought: 

he maketh the devices of the people 

of none effect.

Psalm 33:11

King James Version

11 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, 

the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Proverbs 16:2

King James Version

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; 

but the Lord weigheth the spirits.

Proverbs 16:9

King James Version

9 A man's heart deviseth his way: 

but the Lord directeth his steps.

Proverbs 19:21

King James Version

21 There are many devices in a man's heart; 

nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, 

that shall stand.

Luke 12:15-21

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Take heed, and beware of covetousness: 

for a man's life consisteth not 

in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, 

The ground of a certain rich man 

brought forth plentifully:

17 And he thought within himself, saying, 

What shall I do, 

because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

18 And he said, 

This will I do: 

I will pull down my barns, 

and build greater; 

and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

19 And I will say to my soul, 

Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; 

take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

20 But God said unto him, 

Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: 

then whose shall those things be, 

which thou hast provided?

21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, 

and is not rich toward God.

James 4:13-15

King James Version

13 Go to now, ye that say, 

To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, 

and continue there a year, 

and buy and sell, and get gain:

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. 

For what is your life? 

It is even a vapour, 

that appeareth for a little time, 

and then vanisheth away.

15 For that ye ought to say, 

If the Lord will, we shall live, 

and do this, or that.

I'm not gloating.

Just thanking my lucky stars.

I'm happy not to have the intellectual capacity of man.

My needs are simple.

GOD, just GOD.

Related material:

GOD's WILL

Image: Clipart Library

If I were to WRITE just ONE article

 

On LOVING GOD:

1 John 4:19

King James Version

19 We love him, 

because he first loved us.

What would I write?

If it's just one article I have to work on?

What would I share with you?

I'd write of how wonderful it is to love God.

I'd write of how wonderful it is to be loved by Him.

I'd write of how awesome it is to receive answers from Him.

I'd write of how important it is to be born again.

I'd write of how powerful God is.

I'd write of how loving Jesus is.

I'd write of how awesome the Holy Spirit is.

I'd write of how exciting it is to read the Bible.

I'd write of how precious the Bible is.

I'd write of how powerful the Word of God is.

I'd write of how lost a cause the devil's cause is.

I'd write of how we must be devoted to the Word of God.

I'd write of how we must be child-like with Jesus.

I'd write of how much we must trust Him.

I'd write of how we must be grateful to Jesus.

I'd write of how we must thank God all the time.

I'd write of how we are to love Jesus.

I'd write of how much Jesus loves us.

I'd write of how we are to adore God only.

I'd write of how we must all love each other.

I'd write of how we must love God above all.

I'd write of how Jesus answers prayers.

I'd write of how the Holy Spirit teaches us.

I'd write of how God gets mad.

I'd write of how God blesses us.

I'd write of what God can make angels do.

I'd write of what angels really are.

I'd write of what God can do in an instant.

I'd write of how God waits for the perfect time to act.

I'd write of how magnificent God is.

I'd write of how we must surrender everything to Jesus.

I'd write of how Jesus alerts us to the Rapture.

I'd write of how Jesus is our only salvation.

I'd write of how the days are at hand.

I'd write of how we must repent, and believe the gospel.

I'd write of how we must know the Bible, and live by it.

I'd write of how little the world knows about God.

I'd write of how magnificent JESUS is.

This post tells all.

Details can be found from our blogs.

That all may know GOD's TRUTH.

According to Scripture.

Related post:

GOD wanted me to write

GOD's GLORY blogs

born again classics

Image: Wallpaper Flare

WALKING with JESUS

 

Proverbs 30:5

King James Version

5 Every word of God is pure: 

he is a shield unto them 

that put their trust in him.

What does it mean to walk with JESUS?

What is expected of us?

What are we to do?

How are we to be?

Here's where SPIRIT led me:

Psalm 16:11

King James Version

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: 

in thy presence is fulness of joy; 

at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 25:9

King James Version

9 The meek will he guide in judgment: 

and the meek will he teach his way.

Psalm 25:10

King James Version

10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth 

unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 48:14

King James Version

14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: 

he will be our guide even unto death.

Isaiah 48:17

King James Version

17 Thus saith the Lord, 

thy Redeemer, 

the Holy One of Israel; 

I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, 

which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

Hosea 14:9

King James Version

9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? 

prudent, and he shall know them? 

for the ways of the Lord are right, 

and the just shall walk in them: 

but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Micah 6:8

King James Version

8 He hath shewed thee, O man, 

what is good; 

and what doth the Lord require of thee, 

but to do justly, 

and to love mercy, 

and to walk humbly with thy God?

John 8:12

King James Version

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, 

saying, 

I am the light of the world: 

he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, 

but shall have the light of life.

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.

Galatians 5:16-18

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, 

ye are not under the law.

Ephesians 2:10

King James Version

10 For we are his workmanship, 

created in Christ Jesus unto good works, 

which God hath before ordained 

that we should walk in them.

In contrast, those who don't walk with CHRIST do these:

Galatians 5:19-21

King James Version

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, 

which are these; 

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, 

emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, 

revellings, and such like: 

of the which I tell you before, 

as I have also told you in time past, 

that they which do such things 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Related posts:

JESUS is the WAY

PEACE through JESUS

GOD's WILL

GOD's WAYS

GOD's WISDOM

Image: Alexander Nadrilyanski

BECAUSE i'm no scholar

 

1 Peter 2:2

King James Version

2 As newborn babes, 

desire the sincere milk of the word, 

that ye may grow thereby:

Thank GOD, I'm no scholar.

Otherwise, I'd have split hairs with other scholars.

There will be endless debates.

On everything.

I leave them to that.

I prefer going straight to the WORD of GOD.

The BIBLE tells me EVERYTHING I need to know.

In the clearest, and most peaceful manner yet.

I prefer listening to the HOLY SPIRIT.

He teaches me everything that matters to JESUS.

He's a precious GIFT from GOD.

I prefer praying to JESUS.

He answers really fast.

Especially to a childlike heart.

Sometimes, even before I've finished a prayer.

Before I write, I ask Him simple stuff like:

"What do You want to tell people?"

"What do You want written?"

"Which verse do I use?"

For my personal questions, I ask JESUS:

"What do You want me to do?"

"How do You want me to be?"

"How do I get through this?"

On my own, I'd be lost.

Only through JESUS, could I be of any use.

Do scholars turn to GOD?

Do they pray to JESUS?

If they did, I tell ya, the answers will be easy.

They won't need to write, or research, volumes of books.

They won't need to debate.

They won't have factions.

All the answers they need are in the Bible.

Honest.

And it's all so consistent.

Because:

Hebrews 13:8

King James Version

8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, 

and to day, 

and for ever.

And He's the ONLY WAY I know HOW.

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, 

and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.

His SPIRIT guides me all the time.

Who needs to be a scholar?

The TRUE born again trusts in the LORD alone.

Jeremiah 17:7

King James Version

7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, 

and whose hope the Lord is.

Because I'm no scholar, naturally, I like to learn fast.

I like easy answers, to hard questions.

Here's what SPIRIT and I created for you:

SCRIPTURE proof

Man's QUESTIONS

BORN AGAIN articles

Image source: Png Img

CONTENTMENT

 Philippians 4:11

King James Version

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: 

for I have learned, 

in whatsoever state I am, 

therewith to be content.

It's good to be content.

To appreciate what you have.

Not to aspire for what's not there.

"Don't you have any ambition?" 

Cats my age would say, "Been there, done that."

Nothing smug about it.

It just is.

"Oh."

As if that would do it.

But let me explain.

I am content, because I am simple.

I was born simple.

I shall die simple.

1 Timothy 6:8

King James Version

8 And having food and raiment 

let us be therewith content.

Early on, I was trained to make do.

And that I can't necessarily have all I want.

When you're young, you rebel at the idea.

When you get older, you begin to accept.

When GOD makes you born again, it's PURE joy.

The struggle stops.

Philippians 4:12

King James Version

12 I know both how to be abased, 

and I know how to abound: 

every where and in all things I am instructed 

both to be full and to be hungry, 

both to abound and to suffer need.

When you have CHRIST, you have strength to keep going.

Philippians 4:13

King James Version

13 I can do all things through Christ 

which strengtheneth me.

What can the world offer that I don't already have?

I am grateful for many things.

I have GOD, the Bible, family, a few caring relatives, and friends.

I have the work given me.

I have you reading my blogs.

I am instructed by SPIRIT each day.

I have JESUS to turn to.

He gives me peace, love, joy.

Can the world say that about itself?

Does the world give you peace?

Does the world love you?

Does the world give you lasting happiness?

I found all that in CHRIST.

Related material:

JESUS

BORN AGAIN articles

WORD of GOD

Image source: Whatsapp Images

GOD and I have a LONG history TOGETHER

 Psalm 116:1-2

King James Version

116 I love the Lord, 

because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, 

therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

Oh, to be loved by GOD!

How patient, and merciful, He has been toward me!

We have such a long history together.

He waited, till I came around.

He didn't laugh at my many errors.

He didn't mock my foolishness.

Neither did He get mad.

But I did see Him frown.

He kept giving me chances.

A chance to right myself.

I didn't know it then.

But He's got forever.

I don't.

Despite the nine lives they say we have.

I'm glad He made me born again 32 months ago.

I'm glad He gave me His SPIRIT to teach me.

I'm glad He led me to the Bible.

I'm glad I'm more interested in knowing Him.

Rather than looking feline good.

Or being fed the best gourmet cat food.

Scraps off the table don't bother me.

I'm too busy studying His WORD, you see.

He knew I was a scaredy cat once.

Hounded by bad dreams.

Even seemingly prophetic dreams.

Other cats merely slept peacefully.

Curled in funny ways.

But it was different for me.

GOD knew I had a tough heart.

A stout heart.

And a growing waistline to go along with it.

Such is age.

But such is wisdom.

When looks don't matter.

Only GOD matters.

Yes, we have a long history together.

And one day, GOD has a mansion reserved for me.

A warm, cozy bed would do.

Where no dogs would bother me.

My needs are simple.

I just want to be with GOD.

Image: Unsplash

Updated 28 December 2023