Living Purposefully: Financial Wisdom for Every Season

Devotional

Day 1: Even in Old Age, You Will Bear Fruit

No matter your age or stage of life, God’s purpose for you continues. The world may undervalue the elderly, but God’s Word declares that you remain vital, green, and fruitful even in your later years. Your spiritual vitality, wisdom, and stories of God’s faithfulness are treasures to be shared with others. Though your body may feel weak, your spirit can thrive, and your life can still make a significant impact for God’s kingdom. Ask God how He wants to use you in this season, and trust that He is not finished with you yet. [48:29]

Psalm 92:14 (ESV)
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.”

Reflection: Who is one younger person you could encourage or mentor this week by sharing a story of God’s faithfulness in your life?

Day 2: Proclaim God’s Power to the Next Generation

As you grow older, your calling to proclaim God’s power and mighty works does not diminish. Instead, you are uniquely positioned to testify to His miracles and faithfulness to those who come after you. Your experiences and relationship with God can inspire and strengthen the faith of the next generation. Pray for opportunities to share your testimony, and ask God to use your life as a living proclamation of His goodness and strength. [49:42]

Psalm 71:18 (ESV)
“So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”

Reflection: What is one specific story of God’s power in your life that you can share with someone younger this week?

Day 3: Good Planning and Hard Work Lead to Prosperity

Scripture teaches that wise planning and diligent effort are essential for a fruitful life. Hasty shortcuts and neglecting to plan can lead to hardship, but patient, prayerful preparation allows you to be ready for whatever God calls you to do—now and in the future. Whether you are young or old, it is never too late to start making wise decisions with your resources. Commit your plans to God, seek His guidance, and take practical steps to steward what He has given you. [52:15]

Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to plan more wisely for your future, whether financially or spiritually?

Day 4: Wealth Grows Through Patient Faithfulness, Not Quick Schemes

The Bible warns against chasing after get-rich-quick schemes and encourages gathering resources little by little through honest work and patience. True financial stability and freedom come from consistent, faithful stewardship over time, not from gambling or risky shortcuts. Trust God’s timing, avoid the temptation to compare your journey to others, and focus on steady, faithful growth that honors Him and prepares you to serve others. [57:49]

Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to practice more patience and consistency instead of seeking quick results?

Day 5: The Greatest Investment Is in Your Soul

No matter how well you plan or how much you accumulate, nothing on earth can secure your eternity. Jesus reminds us that gaining the whole world is worthless if we lose our soul. The most important decision you can make is to trust Jesus with your life, receive His forgiveness, and follow Him. This is the ultimate freedom and the foundation for a life of purpose, both now and forever. [01:10:55]

Mark 8:36 (ESV)
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

Reflection: Have you truly entrusted your life and future to Jesus? If not, what is holding you back from making that commitment today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on living with purpose and wisdom, especially as we consider our financial futures and the unique opportunities that come with each stage of life. God’s desire is not just for us to “retire well” in the worldly sense, but to retire with purpose—ready and able to serve, give, and go wherever He leads, even in our later years. The call to love, serve, and glorify God never ends; there is no retirement from the mission of Christ. In fact, as our responsibilities shift and our time becomes more flexible, God often opens new doors for us to bear fruit, share wisdom, and invest in others.

We are reminded that our culture often undervalues the elderly, but Scripture paints a different picture: even in old age, we are called to remain vital, green, and fruitful. Our worth is not measured by our bank accounts or our ability to earn, but by our willingness to be used by God in every season. For those who feel it’s too late to change their financial situation, remember that God is not done with you. Your wisdom, love, and faithfulness are still needed, and your hope in Christ is secure.

Practical wisdom is essential. Planning patiently—saving, investing, and stewarding resources well—enables us to be free to follow God’s call, unhindered by financial burdens. This isn’t about hoarding wealth or trusting in money, but about being wise stewards so we can maximize our spiritual impact. The principle of patient faithfulness, rather than chasing get-rich-quick schemes or relying on uncertain inheritances, is key. Consistent, disciplined investing over time—no matter your age—can make a significant difference, and it’s never too late to start.

Ultimately, the greatest investment is not in stocks, bonds, or real estate, but in our souls. Jesus offers true freedom and eternal life to all who trust in Him. As we plan for the future, let’s do so with a heart set on God’s purposes, ready to serve and bear fruit in every season. Whether young or old, God’s not finished with you yet. Take a step this week—financial or spiritual—toward living fruitfully for His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

1. Retirement is not an end, but a new beginning for God’s purposes. Even as our bodies age, our spiritual vitality and capacity to bear fruit remain. Scripture calls us to proclaim God’s power to the next generation and to remain vital and green, regardless of our age. Our culture may sideline the elderly, but God’s kingdom values their wisdom and ongoing contribution. [48:29]
2. Wise financial planning is a spiritual discipline that enables greater freedom to serve God. Saving and investing are not about trusting in wealth, but about stewarding resources so we can respond to God’s call without being shackled by financial worries. Patient, consistent planning—rather than chasing quick fixes—prepares us to be available for God’s work in every season. [44:48]
3. Your value in God’s eyes is not determined by your financial status or ability to earn. Even if you feel it’s too late to change your situation, God is not done with you. Lack of resources has never been an excuse for God to stop using someone; your wisdom, love, and faithfulness are still needed, and your hope in Christ is unshakeable. [54:00]
4. The principle of patient faithfulness applies to both finances and spiritual life. Wealth gained quickly or through shortcuts often disappears, but steady, disciplined effort—gathering “little by little”—brings lasting fruit. This principle is echoed in both Scripture and practical financial wisdom, reminding us that consistency over time is more powerful than any quick win. [57:49]
5. The ultimate investment is in your soul and your relationship with Jesus. No amount of financial security can guarantee eternal life or true fulfillment. Jesus offers freedom, purpose, and hope that surpasses anything this world can offer; saying yes to Him is the most important decision you can make, and it’s never too late to start. [70:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:10] - Community Prayer and Blessing
[40:58] - Introduction: The Reality of Retirement
[42:17] - The State of Retirement in Canada
[44:07] - Wisdom for the Younger Generation
[44:48] - Freedom to Follow God’s Call
[46:01] - Plan Patiently, Live Fruitfully
[47:14] - Retiring to God’s Purpose
[48:29] - Vitality and Fruitfulness in Old Age
[49:42] - God’s Ongoing Call in Every Season
[50:19] - Saving as Wise Stewardship
[52:15] - The Power of Planning
[54:00] - God’s Not Done With You
[57:49] - Patient Faithfulness Over Quick Gains
[59:43] - Principles for Building Your Future
[61:40] - The Power of Compounding and Starting Early
[66:12] - Practical Investment Advice
[70:55] - The Greatest Investment: Your Soul
[73:20] - Next Steps and Community
[75:08] - Living Fruitfully in Every Season
[76:58] - Announcements and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 92:12-15 (ESV) — > The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
> They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.
> They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,
> to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Psalm 71:17-18 (ESV) — > O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
> So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me,
> until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Mark 8:36 (ESV) — > For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 92, what is promised to the righteous, even in their old age?
In Psalm 71, what does the psalmist ask God for as he grows older, and what is his purpose in asking?
The sermon mentioned that our culture often sidelines the elderly, but what does Scripture say about their value and role? [[48:29]]
What does Jesus warn about in Mark 8:36 regarding the pursuit of worldly gain?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the Bible emphasizes fruitfulness and vitality in old age? How does this challenge cultural assumptions about aging? [[48:29]]
The sermon says, “There is no retirement from the mission of Christ.” What does it mean to “retire to God’s purpose” rather than from it? [[47:14]]
How does wise financial planning relate to spiritual freedom and availability for God’s call, according to the sermon? [[44:48]]
The principle of “patient faithfulness” is highlighted in both finances and spiritual life. Why is consistency over time so important, and what are the dangers of seeking quick fixes? [[57:49]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to see retirement not as an end, but as a new beginning for God’s purposes. If you are retired or approaching retirement, what is one way you can use your time or experience to serve God or others in this season? If you are younger, how can you prepare now to be available for God’s call later in life? [[47:14]]
Our culture often undervalues the elderly, but Scripture calls them “vital and green.” How can you personally honor, learn from, or support someone older in your life or church this week? [[48:29]]
The sermon says, “Your value in God’s eyes is not determined by your financial status or ability to earn.” Have you ever felt “disqualified” from serving God because of your age, finances, or circumstances? What truth from Scripture or the sermon can help you move forward? [[54:00]]
Wise financial planning is described as a spiritual discipline that enables greater freedom to serve God. What is one practical financial step you could take this week (no matter your age) to steward your resources better for God’s purposes? [[44:48]]
The principle of “patient faithfulness” means gathering “little by little.” In what area of your life—financial, spiritual, or relational—do you need to practice more patience and consistency? What is one small step you can commit to this week? [[57:49]]
The sermon says, “The greatest investment is in your soul and your relationship with Jesus.” Is there a spiritual practice or relationship you want to invest in more intentionally? What would that look like for you this week? [[01:10:55]]
At the end of the sermon, everyone was encouraged to write down one financial or spiritual step to take this week. What is one step you feel God is prompting you to take? Would you be willing to share it with the group for encouragement and accountability? [[01:15:08]]

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Transcript

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