Longevity & Old Age

The Bible says that "Children's children are the crown of old men." Since my first grandchild is about to be born, I suppose that means I will be an old man. With that on my mind, over the last few days, I have made two notes in my Rhemas to research (1) Longevity & (2) Old Age in the Bible. Here are the results.
Longevity
1. Obedience to God's ways lengthens life. (Deuteronomy 5:33, 11:21; 1 Kings 3:14)
2. Love of God lengthens life. (Psalm 91:14-16)
3. The Fear of the Lord lengthens life. (Proverbs 9:10-11 & 10:27)
4. Obedience to and Honor of Parents lengthens life. (Proverbs 3:1-2; Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3)
5. Pure speech gives good days. (Proverbs 13:2; 1 Peter 3:10)


As for Old Age:
1. Pray for God's presence in old age for two reasons:
   (1) So that your enemies will be confounded and you can declare to them God's righteousness, salvation, strength, and works (Psalm 91:9-17).
   (2) So that you can declare God's strength and power to the younger generation (Psalm 91:18). This is one reason to deepen your life story—so that you can declare to the next generation how God has mightily worked in your life.
2. If you are in the way of righteousness, old age is glorious (Proverbs 16:31). If not, old age can be devoid of pleasure (Eccl. 12:1).
3. God's presence in the old age of the elect (Isaiah 46:4).
4. Grandchildren are the crown of old men (Proverbs 17:6).
5. Gray hair is the beauty of old age (Proverbs 20:29).
6. How should I behave in old age? “That the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things” (Titus 2:2–3)

Hyper-Inflation & the Fear of God

Our nation seems to be on the edge of a financial meltdown. Words and phrases such as ‘hyper-inflation’, ‘the devaluing of the dollar’, ‘market crash’ and many others are tossed out along with the warning to prepare. Buy gold, buy silver, store a year’s supply of food, buy ammunition, learn how to be self-sufficient or you will suffer the consequences.

As I was reading about the events that may lead to a financial collapse, I was compelled to lay all of my concerns before God and seek His guidance as to what to invest in. I didn’t know if I should buy gold or silver? Perhaps I needed to invest in foreign markets. I also needed guidance in what would be the wisest course of action: to put money toward additional food storage or to invest in commodities. To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t sure. But I knew Someone who was, so I prayed for guidance and for wisdom. I prayed for several days, waiting for an answer.

The answer came in the form of a rebuke. I had taken my eyes off God. I wanted His direction, but not Him. His Word gave me the answer.

First, this morning was Proverbs 1:30-31 “They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own fancies.” I was pursuing everything except God. I didn’t even consider going to God until after I decided the things I needed to do. Then I went to Him to see which things I should do first so I would appear wise.

Tonight, I read Psalm 33:18-19 “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.” Wow, those that fear the Lord will have His constant protection. The only thing I need to invest in is the Fear of the Lord. If everything crashes, riots start, and food is in short supply, the Lord will deliver my soul from death and keep me alive in famine, if I fear Him. The Bible is the best investment and survival manual. “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.” Proverbs 22:4