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Have you had this experience? In an unexpected way and at just the right time God gets a message to you that you needed to hear. I read this while finishing up my morning coffee and browsing on the web site of Redeemer Church, New York City.

In 1836, Charles Simeon retired after fifty-four years of ministry at the Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, UK. There he had been engaged in a ministry of expository preaching that had sent several generations of young Christian leaders out into British society. He had accomplished far more than 99.99% of ministers ever do. Yet a friend discovered that this elderly man was still rising at 4:00 a.m. every morning to light his own fire and to spend time reading the Bible, praying, repenting, and spending time with God. His friend thought this was over-kill. “Mr. Simeon,” he pleaded, “Do you not think that, now that you are retired, you might take things more easily?” “What?!” replied the old Charles Simeon, “Shall I not now run with all my might when the winning-post is in sight?”

I am neither a young man nor have I completed fifty-four years of ministry, but I needed the jolt of encouragement found in this true story. For the retirement years are clearly within sight and do not want to be found in any sense "coasting" toward that mark. I need to stay in the race with all my might.

Do you need to hear a word from God? Hang in there. Continue to read the Bible. Pray. Tell God what's going on. And then listen. I believe there will be a word for you too!

B

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