Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. --Deuteronomy 6:6-9

In her novel about Maine, The Country of the Pointed Firs, Sara Orne Jewett describes the journey of a woman on the road to the home of a retired sea captain named Elijah Tilley. When she arrived, the woman noticed many wooden stakes scattered randomly all about the property. Each stake was painted white and trimmed in yellow, just like the captain's house.

Curious about the wooden stakes, the woman asked Captain Tilley what they all meant. He explained that when he first plowed the ground, his plow snagged on many large rocks just beneath the surface. As a result, he set out stakes where the rocks lay so that he could avoid them when plowing in the future.

In some sense, this is what God has done with the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament. The Lord has said to us, "These are the trouble spots in life. My commandments are stakes by which you can recognize these troublesome spots. Avoid these trouble spots, and you won't snag your plow."

Many people today deem the Ten Commandments insignificant because of claims that they were written only for the people of God during that time period.

But 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man [or woman] of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (emphasis added).

Take some time to study each of the 10 commandments, and teach them to your family and those you love (see Matthew 5:19). Then apply them to your own life, so you can avoid the trouble spots when you're plowing the field.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for giving us His commandments so that we can avoid getting snagged along life's path. Pray that He would remind you daily to follow each one in your walk with Him.

[Judy Harder]

When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. --1 Corinthians 14:26

Several years ago, the world watched as three gray whales, icebound off Point Barrow, Alaska, floated battered, bruised, and bloody, gasping for breath at a hole in the ice. Their only hope was to somehow be transported five miles past the ice to the open sea.

Rescuers began cutting a string of breathing holes about twenty yards apart in the six-inch-thick ice. It took some time, but for eight days, the rescuers coaxed the whales from one hole to the next, mile after mile. Each hole allowed them the chance to breath all along the way.

During the five-mile journey, one of the three whales vanished and could only be presumed dead. But finally, with the help of Russian icebreakers, the whales Putu and Siku swam to freedom in the open sea.

Just the same, worship can be considered as a string of breathing holes the Lord provides His people. We often become battered and bruised in a world frozen over with greed, selfishness, and hatred. But worship allows us to rise up for air.

Church gives us that place to breathe again and to be loved and encouraged by other believers until that day when the Lord forever shatters the ice cap.

If you are able to attend church, take advantage of worshipping with others who may be going through some of the same struggles you are. If you are unable to attend, then take advantage of the technology today that allows us to experience church services each week via radio, TV,and event the internet!

Either way, when it seems that you can't make it another 20 yards, you can find a breath of fresh air in worshipping the Lord with other believers.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the opportunity you have to worship Him with other Christians. Pray that He would provide various opportunities for you to worship with others so that you can be loved and encouraged in your walk with Christ.

[Judy Harder]

Jesus said]: "...I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." --John 14:16-17

Rolf Zettersten once wrote in Focus on the Family magazine:

"A good friend in North Carolina bought a new car with a voice-warning system. ... At first Edwin was amused to hear the soft female voice gently remind him that his seat belt wasn't fastened. ... Edwin affectionately called this voice the 'little woman.'

"He soon discovered his little woman was programmed to warn him about his gasoline. 'Your fuel level is low,' she said one time in her sweet voice. ... He figured he still had enough to go another fifty miles, so he kept on driving. But a few minutes later, her voice interrupted again with the same warning.

"And so it went over and over. Although he knew it was the same recording, Edwin thought her voice sounded harsher each time. Finally, he stopped his car and crawled under the dashboard. After a quick search, he found the appropriate wires and gave them a good yank.

"He was still smiling to himself a few minutes later when his car began sputtering and coughing. He ran out of gas! Somewhere inside the dashboard, Edwin was sure he could hear the little woman laughing."

Believers must learn that the little voice inside, the Holy Spirit, even if ignored or disconnected, tells them exactly what they need to know. Jesus said, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26).

The Lord has given us His Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and warn us of what's ahead. Listen to that still, small voice in your heart and be obedient to the Spirit's calling.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for instilling in you His Holy Spirit to guide and direct your life. Ask God to make your heart sensitive to the Spirit's leading.
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[Judy Harder]

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. --Ephesians 4:29

John Todd, a nineteenth-century clergyman, received a letter from his seriously ill, kind-hearted aunt, who raised him herself after his parents died when he was a child. She asked if death meant the end of everything, or if she could hope for something beyond. Todd responded:

"It is now 35 years since I, as a boy of six, was left quite alone in the world. You sent me word you would give me a home and be a kind mother to me. I have never forgotten the day I made the long journey to your house. I can still recall my disappointment when, instead of coming for me yourself, you sent your servant, Caesar, to fetch me.

"I remember my tears and anxiety as, perched high on your horse and clinging tight to Caesar, I rode off to my new home. Night fell before we finished the journey, and I became lonely and afraid. 'Do you think she'll go to bed before we get there?' I asked Caesar.

"'Oh no!' he said reassuringly, 'She'll stay up for you. When we get out o' these woods, you'll see her candle shinin' in the window.'

"Presently we did ride out into the clearing, and there, sure enough, was your candle. I remember you were waiting at the door, that you put your arms close about me--a tired and bewildered boy....

"Some day soon God will send for you, to take you to a new home. Don't fear the summons, the strange journey, or the messenger of death. God can be trusted to do as much for you as you were kind enough to do for me so many years ago. At the end of the road you will find love and a welcome awaiting, and you will be safe in God's care."

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the hope of eternal life with Him as a believer.
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[Judy Harder]

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. --Proverbs 4:23-27

A former police officer once told of the tactics of roving bands of thieves. The group of thieves would enter a store in a unit. One or two of them would separate themselves from the group, and the others would start a loud commotion in another section of the store.

This grabbed the attention of the clerks and customers. And as all eyes were upon the disturbance, the accomplices would fill their pockets with merchandise and cash, and leave before anyone suspected anything.

Hours--sometimes even days--later the victimized merchant would realize things were missing from the store and call the police. Too late--they'd already been deceived and robbed.

This effective strategy is often used by Satan as well. Believers are seduced into paying attention to the distractions, while evil agents ransack our lives and ultimately leave us confused, lost, and devastated. So what does the Bible say about this? Always be on guard!

Paul warned believers several times about this scenario:

·         "...I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3).

·         "...Be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil" (Romans 16:19).

·         "So be on your guard!" (Acts 20:31).

·         "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Don't be distracted by Satan and his roving band of demons. Instead, "be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to guard your heart and mind, so that you won't be seduced and deceived by Satan.

[Judy Harder]

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.. --1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Charles Osgood, well-known CBS radio newsman, once told the story of two ladies who lived in a convalescent center. Each had suffered horrible, incapacitating strokes. One lady's stroke left her left side completely restricted. And the other's right side was severely damaged and paralyzed.

Both of these ladies had once been accomplished pianists in the past. But after their strokes, they both gave up hope of ever playing again.

But because of their love for music and the piano, the director of the center sat them both down at the piano and encouraged them to play solo pieces together. Over time and with some practice, they began to play beautiful pieces together in perfect harmony and a lasting friendship developed as a result.

What an amazing picture of how the church of Jesus Christ can work together! One member cannot do everything alone. Instead, it takes two or more of God's people working together in harmony to accomplish His will in bringing the world to faith in Christ.

The Scripture says, "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:29-31).

It may be that God has called you to one specific job within His church. Or maybe He's asked you to do something extraordinary within the Body of Christ. Whether you are a greeter, Sunday school teacher, or visitor of those who are sick, do it all for the glory of God as a precious member of His church!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the many members of the Body of Christ. Pray that He would make you effective in ministering to others wherever He's called you to serve.  
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[Judy Harder]

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. --Colossians 3:17

In Loving God, Charles Colson tells the story of Telemachus, a fourth-century Christian and monk. Telemachus lived in a remote village and spent most of his time tending his garden and praying.

One day, God told him to go to Rome. The monk responded obediently and set out on foot. Weeks later, he arrived at the city's gates to witness a great festival taking place. He followed the crowd through the streets toward the Colosseum.

Inside, he saw the gladiators stand before the emperor and say, "We who are about to die salute you."

Telemachus realized they were going to fight to the death for the entertainment of the crowd, so he cried out, "In the name of Christ, stop!"

As the games began, Telemachus pushed through the crowds, climbed over the wall, and dropped to the arena floor screaming over and over, "In the name of Christ, stop!" The crowd thought this was part of the show, so they began laughing. When they realized it wasn't, their laughter turned to angry shouts.

Suddenly, one of the gladiators plunged his sword into the body of Telemachus. He fell to the sand and his last words were, "In the name of Christ, stop!" Then, a hush fell over the Colosseum and one man in the upper rows stood up and walked out. Soon, others began to follow and in silence everyone left the Colosseum.

On that day in B.C. 391, the last battle to the death between gladiators in the Roman Colosseum was fought. It was all because one tiny voice that could hardly be heard above the uproar spoke the truth in God's name.

Won't you be that small voice in the darkness and commotion of our culture today?

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that others might be sensitive to hear the message of truth spoken by you in God's name.
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[Judy Harder]

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. --Psalm 40:10

Peter Cartwright was a nineteenth-century, circuit-riding Methodist preacher. But more importantly, he was known for being uncompromising in his faith.

One Sunday morning, as he was preparing to preach, he was told that President Andrew Jackson was in the congregation. Some of the elders warned him not to say anything out of line or there would be trouble.

So when Cartwright stood to preach, he said, "I understand that Andrew Jackson is here today. I have been requested to be guarded in my remarks. Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn't repent."

The congregation was shocked by Cartwright's bold sermon and wondered how the President would respond. However, after the service, President Jackson walked by to shake hands with Cartwright and said, "Sir, if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world."

As Christians, we are not called to be "guarded" when it comes to sharing the Gospel message with the world. Instead, we are to be bold and outspoken in proclaiming the truth.

In Psalm, King David wrote, "I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD" (Psalm 40:9).

Scripture says that we are a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that [we] may declare the praises of Him who called [we] out of darkness into His wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).

The world needs more Christians who will be uncompromising in their faith. Will you be that kind of Christian--just as Peter Cartwright was? Won't you be bold enough to declare the faithfulness and salvation of God today (Psalm 40:10)?

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would give you the opportunities to boldly share your faith. Ask Him to give you the right words at that time that will bring others to Christ.
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[Judy Harder]

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins ... But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. --Ephesians 2:1, 4-5

The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial is astounding for its simplicity and meaning. Etched carefully in the black granite wall are the names of 58,156 Americans who died in that gruesome war. And since its opening in 1982, the striking monument has stirred deep, and sometimes painful, emotions in many people.

Some visitors walk the length of the memorial slowly and reverently, but without a pause. Others stop before certain names to linger where they recognize the name of a son, sweetheart, or fellow soldier. They wipe away their tears and remember the legacy those lost lives left behind.

For Robert Bedker, Willard Craig, and Darrall Lausch--three Vietnam veterans--a trip to visit the memorial must be especially moving because each man can walk up to the long ebony wall and find their own names carved in the stone. Because of data coding errors, each of them was incorrectly listed as killed in action upon the monument.

Dead, but truly and completely alive--this is a perfect description of every believer in Jesus Christ. Just as Christ suffered death of the flesh and was made alive by the Spirit, so are we as Christians made alive in the Holy Spirit (see 1 Peter 3:18). And we are called to die to ourselves every day and walk in the Spirit of Jesus.

Every day we should thank God for raising us up from the mire and muck to live in glory with Him. Because of the death of Jesus on the cross, we can rest peacefully knowing that we will be alive forever with Him in heaven one day. Praise God!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for making you alive in the Spirit as a believer. Pray that He would help you die to yourself and your sins every day, so that you can be more like Him.
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[Judy Harder]

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. --1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Winston Churchill, the great preacher of yesteryear, planned his own funeral that took place at Saint Paul's Cathedral. Included in the service were many great hymns of the church and the eloquent Anglican liturgy.

At his direction, a bugler, stationed high in the dome of the cathedral, was to play "Taps" after the benediction signaling that the day is over. Then immediately afterward, Churchill instructed another bugler, positioned at the other end, to play the tune "Reveille"--"It's time to get up. It's time to get up. It's time to get up in the morning!"

This was Churchill's testimony to all--though it was the end of his time on earth, it was a time of joy for he was getting up to go home to be with the Lord. At the end of history, the last note for all believers will not be "Taps," but instead "Reveille."

Believers can have hope for the day when death comes. When you take your last breath, know that your soul will go to be with Jesus in heaven and will one day be reunited with a new body when He returns. Death is not the end for the believer, it is just the beginning.

"We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ... For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thessalonians 3:14, 16-17).

Praise God! The worst things are never the last things.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the future you have with Him in heaven.
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