Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. --Galatians 2:20

Albert Einstein, the great physicist, was traveling from Princeton on a train, when the conductor came down the aisle punching the tickets of each passenger. Once he came to Einstein, the scientist reached in his own pocket to find his ticket, but nothing was there.

He searched in the seats around him, on the floor, in his briefcase, and in every one of his pockets, but couldn't find it.

The conductor responded, "Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it."

Einstein nodded, and as the conductor continued to make his way down the aisle, he looked back to find the physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat.

Of course, the conductor ran back and said, "Dr. Einstein, don't worry. I know who you are. It's no problem. You don't need to show your ticket. I'm sure you bought one."

Einstein looked at him knowingly and said, "Sir, I too know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going."

Do you know for sure where you are headed? Have you made every effort to know where those you love including family, friends, and acquaintances, are going after this life? If you think they might not be with you in heaven one day, begin by sharing the Gospel of Christ with them. When you leave this earth, it's not as important that others know who you were as an individual, but rather who Christ was in you.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to point you to those in your life who need to know about Him. Pray that Christ would help you live your life so that others can remember you after you are gone as "the one who lived every day for Jesus."

[Judy Harder]

O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever. --Psalm 30:12

There was once a talented young man who needed one more course to graduate college, so he relentlessly pursued his professor in hopes that he would grant him an independent study course in writing. The student expressed that he would be eternally grateful if the professor would just follow through with this one request — even though it involved extra work on the teacher's part.

Finally, the college dean agreed to the idea, but it proved to be a headache for the professor. The student skipped appointments, missed deadlines, and rejected the professor's evaluations of his writing. The young man even turned in the last assignment just hours before graduation. After all the strings that were pulled for him, you'd think the student would have been a little more grateful to the professor. But he never expressed one word of thanks!

Most of us don't ever want to be that kind of selfish, ungrateful person. Instead, it should be our goal to follow after the example of David. When David was caught up in trouble, he called out to the Lord for help (see Psalm 28:1-2). And after God delivered him from those trying times, David gave Him the thanks He deserved (see Psalm 28:6-7). In fact, all throughout the book of Psalms, David's heart and attitude of gratitude is very evident.

Do you have an ungrateful response to the Lord's graciousness? Do you beg for mercy and deliverance, only to forget what the Lord did for you once you're free from tribulation? Or do you strive to be like David who unceasingly expressed his thanks to God for His goodness?

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to show you if there is someone whose kindness you've taken for granted. Pray that the Lord would reveal to you how you can show that person gratitude today. And thank God for His goodness and mercy.

[Judy Harder]

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. --Matthew 5:12

Are you ever like the child who at the end of the day kneels by his bedside and prays, "God, thank you for not letting Mom find the candy wrappers in my pocket. And I'm glad I was able to have all the chocolate I could eat at Johnny's house today. Oh, and I can't forget to thank you for not letting Dad miss the nails I took from his workbench. Amen..."?

This attitude can characterize us as Christians sometimes. In Matthew 5:12, the Lord challenges us to look toward our hope and reward in heaven. Instead of putting emphasis on material wealth, social status, or success, Christ tells us that genuine happiness, contentment, and prosperity begin first in the heart.

There are several ways we can say "thank you" to the Lord in a meaningful and sincere way. Thank Him for the difficulties in life that have caused you to recognize your spiritual needs, to mourn over sin, and to submit to His authority. Thank Him for the joys and sorrows that have encouraged you to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to have compassion and mercy on others, to be pure in heart and holy in your lifestyle, and to be a peacemaker. Thank Him for all the things that have helped you to develop a willingness to follow His plan for your well-being.

This is God's idea and plan for true thanksgiving.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would help you learn what being thankful is truly about. Ask Him to develop an attitude of gratitude in your heart 365 days a year. And pray that He would help you to realize that Thanksgiving is not just a day, but a way of life.

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, November 26, 2009   

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. --James 5:16

Annette Cole, writer in residence at Western Baptist College, told of her daughter in a recent article. She bought a ring with a cross and rose on it over ten years ago to give to her daughter who had denounced her faith and rushed in to sin.

The Bible asks, "What fellowship can light have with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

So, how do believing parents have healthy relationships with their unsaved family members? No parent can possibly blame themselves for the incredible hurt and pain a loved one must go through because of their sin.

Accepting the fact that your relationship will be shallow with someone you love who is lost is difficult. Our lives may be the only Bible they ever read. From our actions may come the only way people will ever see Jesus Christ. Finally, out of our mouths may come the only kind and loving words they will truly ever hear.

As Christians, we want to constantly quote Scripture or share godly wisdom with those who are lost, but they've probably heard it numerous times. The most you can do is to commit them to the Lord and pray daily for them. Do not let their sinful lifestyle invade your life and home, though. Instead, continue to love and pray for them, and offer a listening ear when needed.

A wrong word or action may seem like it can break a fragile relationship with one who does not want to associate with you and God's way of living. But, do not cease communication. Be the example of God's love and grace in their lives that will set the example.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God's will be done in your relationship with the loved ones in your life who don't know Him. Ask Him each and every day to bring them back safely into His arms.

[Judy Harder]

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. --1 John 4:4

There is a story of one Christian man, a deacon and very involved in his church, who was sitting in traffic and late for work. His car was plastered with bumper stickers that read, "Honk if you love Jesus!" and "Jesus is my hero!"

He had already sat through three red lights, and the lady in front of him was talking on her cell phone and trying to apply mascara all at the same time. When the light turned green, she wasn't paying attention, and continued to sit at a stand still, holding up traffic.

The man began honking, shouting from inside his car, and shaking his fists at the lady to move on. Finally, after traffic began to creep forward, the man noticed red and blue flashing lights behind him. As he pulled over and rolled down his window to greet the officer, he said, "What did I do wrong? I'm late for work, and you're holding me up!"

The officer responded, "Sir, is this your car?"

The puzzled man growled back, "Yes! Who else do you think it belongs to?"

The policeman replied, "Well, when I saw the bumper stickers on the back of your car and the way you were acting back there, I thought the car must be stolen!"

It's easy for us to become frustrated and impatient with the world. But, many of us often come too close to tarnishing our witness for Jesus because of our words and deeds. Decide to put on the full armor of God each morning in prayer and God's Word, so others will see Jesus in you.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to help make you a shining witness of His love, kindness, and gentle spirit each day as you interact with those who don't know Him.

[Judy Harder]

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. --Matthew 5:23-24

On a television magazine show not too long ago, there was an incredible story of forgiveness. A family of six was camping out, sleeping in tents in a public park. In the middle of the night, a man cut a hole in the tent and carried away their 7-year-old daughter.

Immediately, the mother began to pray for the kidnapper and made a commitment to forgive. A year later he called and the family learned what the mother knew in her heart all along—the child was dead.

The mother said, "Forgiveness is hard work, but it is the only thing that will set you free."

Unwillingness to forgive allows bitterness to creep in to our hearts and plant roots. Hebrews 12:15 says, "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

Bitterness can spread to those around us, and if it is left to harden in the heart, it is almost seemingly impossible to remove. Scripture is clear about wiping away the offenses in our life, and doing it quickly.

If you feel like someone owes you something or if there is something standing in the way of you not thanking God every day for the blessings you have, bitterness can begin to set in. All you need is a few cleaning tools to scrub away the stains of bitterness—compassion and forgiveness.

If you harbor bitter feelings toward someone in your life—a family member, a church leader, or a friend—then immediately approach that person and learn to forgive them. Make a commitment, today, to begin the spring spiritual cleaning in your life.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to daily clean out the grime of bitterness in your heart in order that you may reflect an accurate image of Christ to those around you.

[Judy Harder]

...God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." --Hebrews 13:5

Timothy Blackburn, author of The History of the Future: A Commentary on Revelation and Matthew 24, told the story of when he was a young child falling asleep in the car on the way home from church.

Blackburn said that he would sleep in the back of his family's 1959 Chevrolet, as they traveled many miles from the church where his dad served as pastor. He remembers sometimes waking just enough to feel his dad gently pick him up and carry him to his bed. Other times, he would actually be awake, but would pretend to sleep so he could get a free lift. And occasionally, he wouldn't wake at all until the next day, discovering that he'd been carefully tucked in his bed.

He said: "He cradled my head in his arm to support it. What a comforting feeling that was! I felt secure and protected; there were no worries. The problems of the day didn't matter. I knew my dad was protecting me at that moment. I did not worry about school the next day—I was in my father's arms."

At any age, we want to feel safe. And thankfully, we have a heavenly Father to comfort us. Through each step we take in life, He gently guides and directs us, even carrying us along some of the way. We are safe and sound in His arms, and no one can snatch us out of His hands (John 10:27-30).

Even as senior adults, we are never walking alone, and God is the first to rescue us when our hearts are broken and we don't know where to turn. What a loving Father we have!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for carrying you when times were rough in the past and ask Him to help you feel safe and secure in the days ahead.

[Judy Harder]

Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. --1 John 2:6

The "mother" of the Salvation Army was Catherine Booth. Campbell Morgan said, "Wherever Catherine Booth went, humanity went to hear her. Princes and peeresses merged with paupers and prostitutes."

One particular night, Mrs. Booth and Mr. Morgan happened to be in the same meeting. A large crowd of "publicans and sinners" was also there. Many came to Christ that night because of her message. After the meeting, Booth and Morgan went to a glamorous home to be entertained. The lady of the manor said, "Mrs. Booth, that meeting was dreadful, wasn't it?"

Mrs. Booth replied, "What do you mean?"

The lady responded, "When you were speaking, I was looking at those people opposite of me. Their faces were so terrible, many of them. I don't think I shall sleep tonight!"

Mrs. Booth asked, "Don't you know them?"

The hostess replied, "Certainly not!"

Mrs. Booth said, "Well that's interesting...I didn't bring them with me from London; they are your neighbors!"

In Matthew 19:19, Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This New Testament command originated in the Old Testament, Leviticus 19:18: "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself." God gave these instructions to show His people how they were to treat others and live in a community of peace with one another.

It may be hard to love some people—even those who may be in your church circle of friends—but we love the Lord by showing our love to others. When we love others with God's love, even the unlovable, He's able to transform lives and hearts.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to help you love others just as He would. Thank God for His abounding love for you, so that you may share it with others.
 

[Judy Harder]

do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. --Romans 7:15-18

There's a story of a wealthy man who went duck hunting with his hired help. They traveled in a horse and carriage, and along their way a rim came off one of the wheels. As the hired hand hammered it back on, he accidentally hit his finger. With that, he let go with a few bad words, but then quickly fell to his knees asking God's forgiveness.

The man prayed, "Lord, it's so difficult at times to live the Christian life."

The man's boss responded to his prayer, "I know you're a Christian, but tell me why you struggle. I'm an atheist and I don't have problems like that."

The employee didn't know what to say. All of a sudden, two ducks flew overhead. The wealthy man raised his gun and two shots rang out in the air. He shouted to his hired help, "Leave the dead one and go after that wounded bird!"

His employee pointed at the duck that was fluttering and struggling desperately to escape and said, "Boss, I've got an answer for you now. You said that my Christianity isn't any good because I have to struggle. I'm like that wounded duck struggling to get away from the devil. But, you're the dead duck, Boss!"

The Apostle Paul struggled just as we do in the Christian life. Battling the devil in this spiritual war is merely evidence of God working in your life. As a child of God, you've been forgiven of your sin, so Satan has to work even harder to get you to fail. But don't despair because God has empowered you with the Holy Spirit so that you may have victory over sin through salvation in Him.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that your heart would be set on Jesus and that the struggle in your life would drive you to your knees in prayer to Him.

[Judy Harder]

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. --Psalm 119:11

Noted Bible teacher E. Schuyler English told about a Bible distributor, Michael Billester, who visited a small town in Poland shortly before Word War II. Billester gave a Bible to a villager, who was converted after reading it. The new believer then passed the book on to others. This cycle of conversions and sharing of faith continued until 200 people had become believers through that one Bible!

When Billester returned to Poland in 1940, this group of Christians met together for a worship service where he was to preach the Word of God. It was usually his custom to ask for testimonies, but this time Billester suggested that several in the congregation stand and recite verses of Scripture.

One man stood and said, "Perhaps we have misunderstood your request. Do you mean verses or chapters?"

These Polish villagers had not memorized a few select verses of the Bible, but instead whole chapters and books. Thirteen people knew Matthew, Luke, and half of Genesis. And another person had committed the entire book of Psalms to memory. That single copy of the Bible given by Billester to the one new believer had certainly done its work.

In this story, transformed lives bore witness to the power of the Word of God. Are you passionate about learning and memorizing God's Word? Are you sharing what you know with those who do not know Jesus? 1 John 2:5 says, "But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him." Determine today to hide the Word of God in your heart and pass along its truth to those you come in contact with each day.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to open your heart to His Word so that you can hold tightly to its truth. Pray that He would give you opportunities to share the Bible with others.