Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

How To Overcome Life's Toughest Struggles

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. -  2 Chronicles 16:9

A little boy was playing in his sandbox one day. While he was playing, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox. He managed to dislodge it from the dirt, and nudged the enormous rock across the sandbox using his feet.

But when he got the rock to the edge of the sandbox, he found that he couldn't roll it up and over the little wall. He shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox. All this time, the boy's father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded.

As tears of frustration filled the boy's eyes, a large shadow fell across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy's father. Gently he said, "Son, why didn't you use all the strength that you had available?" Defeated, the boy sobbed back, "I did, Daddy."

"No, son," corrected the father kindly. "You didn't use all the strength you had because you didn't ask me." With that the father reached down, picked up the rock, and removed it from the sandbox.

Many Christians are just like that little boy—trying to overcome challenges in their own power. It's in that moment that God wants us to trust in Him. Give your struggles to God, who has the power to move the "big rocks" in your life.

Prayer Challenge

Confess to God where you've been trying to overcome your struggles on your own. Give them to Him today.

Questions for Thought

Why do you think many Christians try to overcome life's struggles in their own power?

What are some struggles today that you need to hand over to God?

[Judy Harder]

Releasing Bitterness and Embracing Grace

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." - Luke 6:35-36

It was the week before his freshman year would begin, and Bruce Goodrich was being initiated into the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. One night, Bruce was forced to run until he dropped—but he never got up. Bruce Goodrich died before he even entered college.

A short time after the tragedy, Bruce's father wrote this letter to the university administration:

"I would like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my family for the great outpouring of concern and sympathy from Texas A&M University and the college community over the loss of our son Bruce.

"I hope it will be some comfort to know that we harbor no ill will in the matter. We know our God makes no mistakes. Bruce had an appointment with his Lord and is now secure in his celestial home. When the question is asked, 'Why did this happen?', perhaps one answer will be, 'So that many will consider where they will spend eternity.'"

In a day and age when many parents' first inclination would be to call a lawyer, Bruce's parents showed grace. And while it might not have been easy to do, God gave them strength!

Maybe you've been wronged and are holding on to bitterness. If so, give it to God and show grace. In the same way you've been forgiven, you also can forgive others with the power of Christ in you!

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to show you where you need grace to cover any bitterness you may be harboring in your heart.

Questions for Thought

How does it make you feel when others forgive you for wronging them?

What can you do today to release any bitterness you might be holding in and let God's grace flow out to others?

[Judy Harder]

The best payback you'll ever have

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. - Luke 6:35

Georges Clemenceau was twice the prime minister of France, and played a major role in the treaties that concluded WWI. At the Paris Peace Conference, Clemenceau was on his way to a meeting with President Woodrow Wilson's adviser when he was shot at by a young anarchist named Emile Cottin.

As Clemenceau's car sped away, Cottin fired at least six more shots, one of which struck Clemenceau near his heart. Clemenceau very narrowly avoided death. But after Cottin was captured and the death penalty was demanded, Clemenceau asked for leniency, recommending eight years in prison "with intensive training in a shooting gallery."

It was a little good humor at a time which could've been filled with bitterness and hatred that showed Clemenceau wasn't holding a grudge against his attacker. And while most people won't ever face someone who wants to kill them, they find it so difficult to have that same kind of attitude of forgiveness.

In life, people are going to let you down and disappoint you. They are going to say bad things about you and insult you to your face. Yet how you respond to those who treat you that way says much about your relationship with your heavenly Father. So instead of harboring bitterness, forgive and show mercy to those who wrong you. It's the best payback you can have!

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to give you strength when others insult you. Pray He'll help you show them mercy instead of harboring bitterness.

Questions for Thought

Why do you think it's so difficult to show forgiveness and mercy to those who wrong us?

Think back to a time when you received unmerited forgiveness for something you did wrong. How did that make you feel?

[Judy Harder]

How to experience spiritual renewal

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." - Hebrews 12:28-29

There's a story an American Lutheran bishop tells of visiting a parish church in California and seeing a stirring red and orange banner on the wall. "Come Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!" it declared in words printed under a picture of a fire burning. But what really attracted his attention during his Sunday sermon was a sign directly underneath the banner which said: "Fire extinguisher."

Looking down at his sermon notes, the bishop laughed as he thought to himself, "So much for this parish's commitment to spiritual renewal!"

When it comes to spiritual renewal in our lives, many Christians carry around a spiritual fire extinguisher because they're afraid of looking too "extreme" in what they believe or are afraid people will think they're crazy. But if you look at those who've followed Christ most closely in the pages of the Bible and throughout history, you'll find that while many of them were looked down upon for their faith, they were also well respected among believers and non-believers alike for sticking to their convictions.

So instead of trying to control the fire of the Holy Spirit in your life, let it burn free, moving to every area and consuming all you are as you're transformed by the renewing of your mind!

Prayer Challenge

Offer your entire self to God and allow Him to consume everything you are!

Questions for Thought

If someone were to ask those whom you interact with every day about how committed you are to God, what do you think they would say?

What are some areas of your life today in which you need to let God's fire burn away the impurities and give wholly to Him?

[Judy Harder]

Avoiding what hampers your heavenly focus

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2

On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister became the very first man in recorded history to run a mile in less than 4 minutes. But within 2 months, John Landy eclipsed his record by 1.4 seconds. So on August 7, 1954, the two met together for a historic race.

As they moved into the final lap, Landy held the lead and it looked as if he would win. But as he neared the finish he was haunted by the question, "Where is Bannister?" As he turned to look, Bannister, just behind him, took the lead and won the race. Landy later told a reporter, "If I hadn't looked back, I would have won!"

As Christians, one of the most important things we can do is to focus on what really matters—God. But the problem is that very often, we become so consumed with the minutia of daily life that we allow it to take our eyes off of the ultimate prize. This causes us to become distracted, often losing ground in our walk with Christ.

But if we keep our eyes on Jesus and don't allow sin and distractions of the world to pull us aside (Hebrews 12:1), we'll maintain our heaven-focused perspective on the challenges when they arise. So don't let the small stuff take your attention away from what really matters. Keep your head forward and your eyes on the cross, and you're guaranteed victory at the finish line!

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would help you stay focused on Him when you're tempted to let life's challenges distract you.

Questions for Thought

Can you think of some times when you've allowed earthly distractions to come between you and God?

What are some potential distractions you have in your life today you should be careful not to let hamper your heavenly focus?

[Judy Harder]

Who can you really trust?

Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. - Psalm 146:3-5

In the early 15th century, the kings of both Italy and Bohemia promised safe transport and safe custody to the great pre-Reformation reformer, John Hus. Both, however, broke their promises, leading to Hus being burned at the stake in 1415.

The great British statesman Thomas Wentworth had once even carried a document signed by King Charles I which read, "Upon the word of a king you shall not suffer in life, honour, or fortune." It was not long, however, before Wentworth's death warrant was signed by the very same monarch!

If anything is sure in life, it's that there's very little that's sure in life! This is especially true when it comes to putting your faith in the rulers of the world. Yet so often, Christians are as guilty as anyone of saying, "If we can only get so-and-so elected, things will be great." History goes to show this just isn't the case.

In whom do you place your faith? Is it in the princes of the world who talk a big game and promise you anything that will get them more votes? Or, are you firmly committed in your faith to Jesus who is eminently greater than any earthly ruler? Princes will let you down, but Jesus never will!

Prayer Challenge

Pray for wisdom and discernment when it comes to politics—that you'd stay committed to Jesus, who is greater than any earthly ruler!

Questions for Thought

What are some instances when you've been guilty of trusting in man more than you trust in God?

What attitude should you have when you support a political candidate or cause that will help you stick to your convictions but avoid creating an idol?

[Judy Harder]

Love your neighbor as yourself. --Matthew 19:19

Oftentimes it can be hard to be nice to your neighbors when their Christmas party lasts until 2:00 a.m., their dog uses your flowerbeds for a toilet, or their children use your property for a playground. When this happens, it might be hard for you to be "neighborly."

Your "neighbor" is basically anyone you come in contact with— the grocery store clerk, the person waiting behind you in line, the cable guy, or the plumber who charges extra on the weekends. We don't choose the people God brings across our paths. He usually puts people in our way to whom He wants us to show His love. Even if their culture, lifestyle, personality, or religion is different, God says these differences are exactly why we should try harder to show His love.

Even in the sticky relationships that often come with tension, we are to love others which shows our love for Him. 1 John 4:20 says, "If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen."

In today's society, people are pushy and oftentimes downright nasty in their attitudes and actions. But, even when those people have seriously annoyed or offended you, there is little excuse for treating them with disrespect. Christ walked among prostitutes, thieves, and hypocrites—yet their lives were changed by His love. As a believer, you have the power to show the same kind of transforming love to your "neighbors."

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to create in your heart a love for the unlovable and to see others through His eyes. Pray for those who come across your path who are uneasy to love, that Christ may change their hearts.

[Judy Harder]

Your most priceless possession

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." - Matthew 13:44

Vincent van Gogh first began to experiment with impressionist techniques during his Parisian period, the time from 1886 until 1888. The Dutch artist wrote to his sister in 1887: "Last year, I painted almost nothing but flowers to accustom myself to colors other than grey, namely pink, soft or vivid green, light blue, violet, yellow, orange, beautiful red."

In 1993, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam announced that it had authenticated a previously unknown work of the painter from the Parisian period. Purchased at a French flea market after World War II by a Swiss family and kept in their attic, Still Life (Vase With Flowers) fetched millions of dollars at auction.

Quite often, we don't see the immediate value of what we have. This is especially true when it comes to our riches in heaven. You see, what you have in Christ is much more valuable than any riches the world could throw your way. Yet many people treat their relationship with Jesus as an inconvenience or a burden they're just hanging onto in hopes of eternal life.

The most priceless possession you have is your salvation in Jesus Christ. God's great gift to you will never be surpassed in its value. So treasure it... and consider it more valuable than anything else you own!

Prayer Challenge

Thank God for the salvation He's offered to you in Jesus Christ. Pray that you'd continue to hold Him higher than anything else!

Questions for Thought

Have there been times in your life when you've treated the world's riches as more valuable than your relationship with God?

How can you avoid thinking of Jesus as just insurance against hell and move to a point where you're building a real relationship with Him?

[Judy Harder]

The memory of the righteous will be a blessing...  --Proverbs 10:7

Memories link us to our past and guide us through our daily lives. It's easier for some to recall names and phone numbers, while others have a more difficult time remembering these things. Normal memory loss or forgetfulness will afflict all of us at some point in our lives—whether it's due to disease, aging, or stress. 

To stimulate your memory, be sure to exercise regularly. There are numerous benefits from exercise, especially memory retention. It doesn't have to be strenuous—just a mild form of aerobic exercise, such as walking for 15-20 minutes a few times a week, or moving your arms and legs around several times a day. It's a chain reaction—physical activity encourages good sleeping habits, which gives your brain the rest it needs, and in turn, helps with alertness and good memory.

It's also important to establish a routine. People benefit from having a routine dealing with daily tasks. When one task is remembered, it then triggers a series of memories. Daily tasks include things like brushing your teeth, taking medication, reading a book, and even parking the car in the same spot each time.

Your memory will also increase by organizing your personal space. You can avoid hours of searching for that "lost" item by eliminating clutter throughout your living place. Use those extra closets to organize the extra items sitting around your house and label things so you will know what's where.

While this may not seem like a devotional, God desires for us to help ourselves and He'll help us as well.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to help you take control of the things in your life that can help you enhance your memory skills. Thank God for the alertness and memory that you have today.

[Judy Harder]

The importance of getting quiet each day

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." - Mark 6:31

Studies show noise affects human behavior. In one experiment carried out by psychologists, a student leaving a library intentionally dropped an armload of books. In 50% of the cases, a passerby stopped to help the student pick up the books.

Then the experimenters brought out a lawn mower without a muffler and started it near where a student would again intentionally drop the books. But this time, only about 10% of the people who passed by stopped to help. It was clear that the behavior changed because of the earsplitting sound of the nearby lawn mower.

In experiments in Los Angeles, researchers found that children who lived in neighborhoods near the airport could not complete certain tasks undertaken when jets were landing and taking off as easily as children who lived in quiet neighborhoods.

So what is it about quietness that makes us comfortable? No doubt, when high levels of concentration are required for a certain task, the best way to be sure you can focus well is to have peace and quiet. Yet quietness does more than help us concentrate, it gives our minds rest from a hectic world.

This is why it's important to get away for some time each day and be quiet. Use this time to focus on God and deepen your relationship with Him. You'll be much better prepared to deal with the busyness of life when you spend time recharging in a daily quiet time.

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would give you the discipline to dedicate time each day to recharging and focusing on Him.

Questions for Thought

What are some things you like to do when you unplug from the busyness of life and spend some quiet time?

How do you think spending some regular time alone every day would better enable you to deal with daily tasks?