Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you--better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. --Proverbs 27:10

C.S. Lewis made many friends when he was a student at Oxford University--long before he became a world famous author. Many of them became lifelong friends and authors like himself. Many times Lewis and his friends would get together to discuss and read to each other their works in progress.

As a result, the sessions strengthened their friendships and their writings as well. Nevill Coghill and Owen Barfield were part of the group.   Two men were beginning to establish themselves as authors but were not nearly as profound or successful as their friend, C.S. Lewis. Lewis wrote his books more quickly than the other two and more of his works were showing up on bestseller lists in countries around the world.

Lewis' success could have meant the end of his friendships with the other two authors. But the more his books gained popularity, the more Lewis seemed to value his friends. According to Owen Barfield, not once did Lewis cause the others to feel inferior to him. He didn't allow his success to corrupt and destroy the long-standing relationships he had made years earlier.

Like Lewis, many of us would agree that friends strengthen our character, enrich our lives, and keep us grounded. Friends multiply our joy and separate our grief. But more often than not, we can't seem to find the time to sustain friendships amidst our hectic schedules and list of activities. Make time today to nurture old friendships and develop new ones. If our lives are to be fulfilled, then our friendship with others must be a priority.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would create the time and opportunities to strengthen your longstanding friendships and develop new ones.

[Judy Harder]

I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. --Psalm 32:5

As a senior adult, it is easy to brood a great deal about your past and the things you did wrong in life. And it may even seem harder to rid yourself of the guilt over past sins. Rightly so, those suffering from disabling conditions or illnesses spend a lot of time recollecting the past in general.

As we age and face physical limitations, there is a natural desire to make peace with our past. You may think it is necessary for you to seek forgiveness or make amends for your misdeeds. But it's hard to simply erase those things and memories from our minds. The power of past sins overrides our attempts to distract ourselves and move on.

In this situation, you must first confess your sin or sins to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness. If you have wronged someone in the past, consider trying to reconcile with him or her. If they are unavailable or have already passed on, then put the sin to rest in your heart and mind by giving it over to the Lord.

You may not realize it, but achieved forgiveness can often be just the thing to release the guilt you've been carrying for many years. If reconciliation is impossible, then you may seek to find comfort through confessing your sins to a close friend or another believer. There is great wisdom in our Christian heritage, and when guilt is aged and imbedded deep within someone, we may not experience relief in our daily private prayers. We can find freedom in sharing our remorse with another through whom the Holy Spirit can work to heal our past wounds.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: If you are dealing with the guilt of past sins, ask God for forgiveness.

[Judy Harder]

Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
--Hosea 10:12

There's a story about a young mother who died giving birth to her third child. No one in the family was willing to take care of the three little girls, except their great-grandmother who came forward without hesitation. When she took them into her home, she was 83 years old. By God's grace, she lived another 16 years before passing on at the age of 99—long enough to parent each of the young girls into their teenage years and early 20s.

This is an amazing and inspiring example of the reality of retirement. After retirement, there is more to life than golf, easy chairs, your favorite daily television shows, and boredom. People today are living longer than ever before and it is estimated that by 2030 there will be more people over the age of 65 than those who are under the age of 18.

Almost two million people retire every year, leaving many people free to perform acts of kindness for others. Contributing to their long lives is good health, financial stability, and life experiences. As a result, many senior adults are ready and looking for challenging and meaningful pursuits in their older age.

You may not be in a situation like the one mentioned above, but there are many things you can do as a Christian senior adult. You are called to always be a prayer warrior for the people in your life (Ephesians 6:18), and retirement provides more time for this as well as volunteering your time in your church or neighborhood. Decide that you are going to be a blessing to others who need it. When you begin to creatively use your time, God will bring blessing into your life (Hosea 10:12).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that the Lord would make you a blessing in someone's life today through giving of your time, your talents, and your prayers.

[Judy Harder]

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. --1 Corinthians 10:31

Most Christians are ready and willing to serve in some sort of ministry full time after retirement, using their talents and abilities to bring glory to the Lord. Usually, senior adults begin participating more in church activities, witnessing to those who don't know Christ, giving more to their favorite ministries, and helping those who are less fortunate.

It may seem as though the ways to serve the Lord are limited, but in fact during retirement God provides even more ways to serve Him. There are many ways believers can be involved in serving the Lord, if they will just look at the talents with which God has blessed them.

A good example of using a special talent is for those of you who know how to cook. It may seem ridiculous, but look at the possibilities of ministering to other people through this avenue. You can prepare food for church fundraisers, the bereaved and hurting, shut-ins, and others who are going through a difficult time in their lives. There are some church groups that sponsor an evening meal for the needy every week.

In Matthew 25:40, Christ said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Some may think that food preparation is insignificant, or that it is not as important as other ministries within the church. But in fact, it requires talent, time, dedication, and a willing servant to put in the hard work. Any task that is inspired by God is not too difficult or too trivial to perform. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..." (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to reveal to you what He would have you do for His kingdom. Don't be afraid to branch out and try whatever He lays on your heart.

[Judy Harder]

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God. --Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Several years ago, the Houston Chronicle published a tragic story that happened at Yosemite National Park. On October 22, 1999, sixty-year-old Jan Davis and four other parachutists banded together to protest a law. The law banned the extreme sport of parachuting off the top of the 3,200-foot El Capitan. Obviously, it was too dangerous to allow.

The protest Davis and the others participated in was created to show that the jumps could be executed safely. The first three protestors completed their jumps successfully and floated safely to the ground. Davis, an experienced paratrooper with 70 similar jumps and 3,000 sky dives under her belt, was the last to go, but her parachute never opened.

Despite her experience, she didn't escape death. She didn't adhere to the warnings of the law. As Christians, we often react to the laws of God the same way these protestors approached the government's law. God set apart certain guidelines and rules in His Word to protect us and lead us in the right direction, but we consistently protest them by trying to prove we can safely navigate through life on our own.

Unfortunately for believers, it is more often than not in the midst of our protests against His law that we discover the harsh truth in a way that might have been easier. If only we would just listen to the crystal clear voice of the Holy Spirit when making decisions and taking steps through life, we could avoid potential danger. By breaking the laws of God, it is inevitable we will either cause harm or ultimately destroy ourselves in the process.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray for strength as you seek to obey God's laws. Daily put into practice the guidelines He has laid out in His Word and you'll be surprised how generously He will reward you for your obedience.

[Judy Harder]

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this," declares the LORD. --Zechariah 8:16-17

In September 1999, NASA experienced difficulty in communication and learned a hard lesson. The Mars Climate Orbiter had been traveling to the planet for ten months and scientists were more than excited that it was finally reaching a point that would allow it to complete its mission of being a weather satellite on Mars.

However, the $125 million project destructed just 37 miles above the Martian surface in late September. The failure occurred because of miscommunication between NASA and the Orbiter. It crashed because of a mix-up in the use of English and metric units—something relatively simple in the daily dealings of NASA.

The satellite was originally supposed to be hovering 93 miles above the surface, but the system measurements were wrong and it forced the Orbiter down to 37 miles. This one minor detail completely destroyed millions of dollars invested and years of work in completing the mission. Do you think if they had clearly spoken the truth, their mission would have been successful?

Clear communication is essential for success in business, relationships, and even a Mars satellite. In your social life, church life, or conversation with others, make it a point to speak the truth in Christ's love. In our mission as believers to show others the way to salvation, it is important that we always keep our mouths clean, hearts pure, and minds focused on what pleases the Lord. Make a choice to clearly communicate godliness, truth, and integrity to everyone who crosses your path.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to help you communicate His love in the appropriate manner to those who come into your life. Pray each morning before your day begins that you would speak the truth in all conversations you have with others.

[Judy Harder]

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. --Colossians 2:8-9

When the Titanic sank in April of 1912, there was a great amount of chivalry exerted despite the desperate situation. Out of honor and respect for the men who courageously declared, "Women and children first," an organization was formed called The Christian Boys' and Men's Titanic Society just a few years ago.

The men of this organization gather once a year in April for a dinner in San Antonio, Texas and in Washington, D.C. Both of these events take place on the dates of the iceberg collision and the actual sinking of the Titanic. During the dinners, men and boys are encouraged to be godly, courageous, protectors of their families, and to practice the old fashioned chivalry displayed on that tragic day when the Titanic sank.

As Christian men and women, we should join these men in reinstating the exercise of chivalry in our country. Chivalry is the medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood. Borrowed from the French, the English word "chivalry" was first recorded at the beginning of the 14th century and is found in works as "a body of armored mounted warriors serving a lord." The qualities found in a knight would have been bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry.

As believers in Christ, we must not fall to the deception of our culture that chivalry is completely dead. We are warriors for Christ in this battered world and our primary duty is to serve the Lord. Today, begin practicing the system of kindness toward those you come in contact with, godliness to those around you who are non-believers, and an upright witness to the world for the glory of Christ who lives within us.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to instill in your heart the age-old idea of chivalry so that you may be a witness for Him and bring Him honor.

[Judy Harder]

And he [the LORD] passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. --Exodus 34:6-7

There was a pastor who experienced one of the most unusual reactions from a church member during the benediction of the service one Sunday morning. A lady who was sitting on the back row pulled a gun on the pastor during the closing prayer claiming he hadn't preached from the book of Revelation that morning like she needed.

The older lady said that a sermon from the eschatological book was very important in the feud she was having with another church member. This story is true, and happened only a few years ago.

Anger is not a sin, when managed correctly and in the way God intends. Even Jesus became angry when he entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling there (Matthew 21:12). But, He had good reason, for what the moneychangers were doing was dishonoring to the Lord (Matthew 21:13).

God doesn't say, "Thou shall NOT be angry." He created the emotion. But, anger is one of the most intense emotions a person can have, and it is one of those that can easily fly out of control. Poorly managed, it can lead to irrational decisions and actions, and even hurt those you love.

Ask yourself, "When I get angry—do I act positively or react negatively?" If you react, then there is a problem in your control of the emotion. We are to become angry, managed in a healthy way, when we see things that are displeasing to the Lord. When you see your anger begin to turn to destruction—stop! Give it to Jesus and learn to handle it in a way that is pleasing to Him.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you keep your anger controlled and positive, seeking only to honor Him in all that you do.

[Judy Harder]

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. --1 Peter 5:6-7

In the book, A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Jack Canfield and Mark Hansen use an illustration to talk about answered prayer.

The story goes that Pastor John Ramsey was used to receiving a rose boutonniere to wear on his jacket each Sunday. After services one day, a little boy came up to him and asked if he could have the rose he was wearing.

Ramsey knew it would go in the trash when he got home, so he gladly offered it to the boy and asked why he wanted it.

The boy replied, "I'm going to give it to my granny. My parents divorced last year. I was living with my mom, but she got married again and wanted me to live with my dad. I lived with him for a while, but he said I couldn't stay, so he sent me to live with my grandmother. She is so good to me--she cooks, takes care of me, and loves me--so I want to give her the rose."

Pastor Ramsey stood staring at the boy with tears in his eyes. He pointed to the large vase full of fresh flowers sitting at the altar and said, "Take those to your granny because she deserves the very best. That little flower isn't enough."

The boy's eyes lit up and he shouted, "What a good day! I asked for one flower, but got a beautiful bouquet instead!"

When we come to God with our prayers, we aren't much different than the pastor and boy in this illustration. Oftentimes, we don't notice that when we bring our pain or hurt to the Lord seeking a small remedy, He points us to a greater solution and comfort and asks us to take that instead.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the answered prayer that you so often take for granted.

[Judy Harder]

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. --Psalm 71:18

Old age is one of the most rewarding periods of life. And more so for those who have found the absolute joy in a loving and personal relationship with the Father through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. The "sunset years" can better be known as the "golden years."

In his book, The Best is Yet to Be, Henry Durbanville wrote:

"I feel so sorry for folks who don't like to grow old...I revel in my years. They enrich me...I would not exchange...the abiding rest of soul, the measure of wisdom I have gained from the sweet and bitter and perplexing experiences of life; nor the confirmed faith I now have in the...love of God, for all the bright and uncertain hopes and tumultuous joys of youth. These are the best years of my life...The way grows brighter; the birds sing sweeter; the winds blow softer; the sun shines more radiantly than ever before. I suppose 'my outward man' is perishing, but 'my inward man' is being joyously renewed day by day."

The strength and beauty of youth is meant to be more physical and is temporal. But, God determined the strength and beauty of growing in age to be spiritual and to last for eternity. 

In Joshua 14, we see that Caleb inherited the land of Hebron because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly. "So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out" (Joshua 14:10-11).

God gives strength spiritually to those who wholeheartedly follow after Him. Make a commitment today to enjoy the "golden years" of your life and the days God has given you, so that you can make a dramatic difference in this generation for Him.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to help you make the most of your days for His glory.