Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. --Galatians 5:22-23

One evening, an older Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a terrible battle inside every person. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside of us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, lies, pride, and superiority."

His grandson asked, "What is the other wolf?"

The elderly man said, "It is good—peace, joy, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."

The man's young grandson thought for a moment and then asked, "Which wolf wins?"

The wise Cherokee man replied, "The one you feed the most."

Whether he knew it or not, this wise man could have been relating the battle between good and evil that Paul talked about in God's Word.

Too often, you and I tend to let some characteristics of the "bad wolf" take over the good—even as believers in Jesus. In order to fully grow in our relationship with the Lord, we must feed the "good wolf" to live out the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

The Bible says, "your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5), thereby affecting your thoughts, words, and actions. Make a conscious effort today to display Christ's attitude to every one with whom you come in contact.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you feed the "good wolf" today. Pray that He would make you more like Christ in attitude, actions, and spirit.  

[Judy Harder]

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. --2 Timothy 3:14-15

There is a story of four ministers who were discussing various Bible versions and which ones they liked best. One liked the King James Version because of its eloquent literary style. Another one preferred the Revised Version of 1881 because it provided the most literal translation of Hebrew and Greek.

The third minister felt that the New King James Version was the most readable and easiest to understand of all. But the fourth minister didn't say a thing. Finally, one of them asked for his opinion on which version of the Bible he liked best.

The man replied, "I like my mother's translation the best."

The others were shocked by his answer, and one of them asked, "Did your mother translate the Bible into her own version?"

"Yes, sort of," the man replied. "She translated it into her life, and it was the most convincing version I've ever seen."

If you are a believer, people are watching your life. And quite frankly, your life is the only Bible some people will ever read!

In order for our lives to serve as godly examples for others, you and I must act out God's Word every single day. You can be certain that your children, grandchildren, friends, co-workers, and neighbors are watching how you live your life as a Christian. Are you a living example of God's Word to those around you?

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that your life would be a living example of God's Word so that you can point others to salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to direct your words and actions so you can be a godly influence—no matter the circumstance.

[Judy Harder]

For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. --2 Corinthians 1:5

The Chicago Tribune published a story once about 15-year-old Douglas Maurer. He had suffered from a high fever and flu-like symptoms for several days, so finally his mother took him to the hospital. It was there that Douglas was diagnosed with leukemia.

The doctors explained the disease to Douglas and said he would have to undergo intense chemotherapy for the next three years. They told him about the side effects that would follow...baldness and a bloated body...and Douglas became very depressed.

To lift his spirits, Douglas' aunt called a local floral shop to send him a flower arrangement. She told the clerk it was for her teenage nephew who had leukemia.

When the beautiful flowers arrived at the hospital, Douglas read the card from his aunt. Then he saw a second card attached that said: "Douglas—I took your order. I work at Brix florist. I had leukemia when I was 7 years old. I'm 22 years old now. Good luck. My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Laura Bradley."  For the first time since his diagnosis, Douglas' face lit up.

Douglas Maurer was in a hospital filled with sophisticated medical equipment and technology. He was being treated by some of the best doctors and nurses around. But it was a simple sales clerk in a flower shop that took the time to care. She was the one person who gave Douglas hope to carry on.

Is there someone in your life suffering from some sort of affliction who needs comfort? If so, seek to show them love, compassion, and encouragement. You could be the one person who can make a difference in the life of another who is suffering without hope.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that the Lord would help you to bring comfort and encouragement to someone who needs it more than ever today.

[Judy Harder]

Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. --Psalm 86:2

A group of botanists went on an expedition into a remote area in the Alps to search for new species of flowers. As one of the scientists looked through his binoculars, he saw a rare, beautiful species growing at the bottom of a deep ravine.

To reach it, though, someone small would have to be lowered into the gorge. The scientist noticed a local young boy standing nearby and asked him if he would help them retrieve the flower. He told the boy a rope would be tied around his waist and the men would then lower him to the floor of the canyon.

The boy was excited about the new adventure and quickly agreed. But as he peered into the chasm while the rope was being tied to his waist, he shouted, "Wait! I'll be right back." He ran off and returned shortly with another man.

The boy said to the head botanist, "I'll go over the cliff now and get the flower for you. But this man must hold on to the rope that will lower me down. He's my dad!"

The Bible says, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man" (Psalm 118:. This teaches us that we should never put our complete faith in man—and this includes your pastor, Bible study teacher, or closest loved one. Put your hope and trust only in the Lord, for He'll never fail you.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to hold on to the "rope" tied to your waist. Trust that your Father above will keep you safe no matter what.

[Judy Harder]

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. --Romans 5:3-4

A man named Parnell Bailey toured an orange grove once where an irrigation pump had broken. The season was dry and some of the trees were dying because they lacked water. The man giving the tour then took Bailey to his own orchard where irrigation was used sparingly.

He said, "These trees could go without rain for another two weeks. When they were young, I frequently kept water from them. This hardship caused them to send their roots deeper into the soil in search of moisture. Now, my trees have the deepest roots in the area. While others are being scorched by the sun, these are finding moisture at greater depths."

The story above is a good picture of how suffering can produce the "roots" we as believers need to survive and thrive in any season of life.

But to grow these roots, you and I must plant ourselves in God's Word to find comfort and strength when battling difficulties in life.

Being thrown into the "furnace of affliction" is a test of faith, as it forces us to rely solely on the Lord. Isaiah 48:10 says, "See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction."

Whatever trial you may be facing today—be it illness, loneliness, financial difficulty, or family struggles—remember to stay rooted in the Lord. Then you can say as the psalmist did: "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life" (Psalm 119:50).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to strengthen your faith when you are faced with affliction. Pray that He would comfort you with His Word in times of suffering.

[Judy Harder]

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of the world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  --1 Corinthians 1:27-29

Despite what our culture tells us, worldly success is temporary...and it will never bring about complete satisfaction. The number of people who have come to ruin after experiencing the world's idea of fame and fortune is astonishing. Here are just a few:

Multimillionaire George Vanderbilt killed himself by jumping from a hotel window. 
Lester Hunt, two-time governor of Wyoming and soon-to-be U.S. Senator, ended his own life. 
Actress Marilyn Monroe, writer Ernest Hemingway, and athlete Tony Lazzeri represent a group of popular people who were dissatisfied and took their own lives.   
Solomon warned those who strived for success without God: "The hopes of the wicked come to nothing" (Proverbs 10:28). According to biblical accounts, God didn't generally use successful and popular people to accomplish His work. Instead, he used everyday people like Paul, Nehemiah, Rahab, Mary, Jonah, Joshua...and the list goes on. 

What's wonderful is God doesn't require us to be "big shots" to make an impact for Him. The fact is He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom even today. And the greatest success you'll ever achieve will come one day when you meet Him in heaven!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Submit yourself to the will of the Lord and ask Him to use you for the work of His kingdom.

[Judy Harder]

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. --2 Thessalonians 3:3

A prominent Christian leader was recently traveling by plane. He noticed that a professional-looking man was sitting two seats over. The man was looking over a list and periodically bowing his head as if he were praying.

Guessing the man was a believer, the minister leaned over and said, "Looks to me like you're praying. I believe in prayer too."

The man looked up and replied, "Yeah...but I have a specific assignment. I worship Satan, and I'm praying for the downfall of Christian pastors and ministers on my list."

The minister immediately said, "Well, that would include me. Is my name on that list?"

The confessed Satanist replied, "No...not yet."

Many people don't realize...or they deny the fact...that spiritual warfare is real in our world today. But it's true! There is an unseen battle being waged between the powers of heaven and hell every minute of every day.

Here is a list of ways you can prepare yourself for battle according to Scripture: 

Know your enemy (1 Peter 5:. 
Keep yourself in the love of God (Rom. 8:38-39). 
Be strong in Christ (Eph. 6:10]). 
Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13). 
Be active in Christian witness and service (Matthew 28:19-20). 
Be quick to make right your wrong relationships (Eph. 4:26). 
Put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-20). 
Be in constant prayer (Eph. 6:18). 
Praise the Lord always (Col. 3:16). 
Be sure you are always alert and dressed for battle, and remember you are never alone!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would help you use the verses above to prepare you for spiritual battle today...and every day. 

[Judy Harder]

This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another." --Zechariah 7:9   

In 1935, Fiorello LaGuardia, the mayor of New York, arrived at night court in the poorest ward of the city. He dismissed the judge for the evening and took over the bench. Brought before him was a disheveled older woman charged with stealing a loaf of bread.   

She defended herself saying, "My daughter's husband has left her. She is sick, and her children are starving."   

The shopkeeper from which she stole refused to drop the charges saying, "It's a bad neighborhood, your honor, and she's got to be punished to teach other people a lesson."   

LaGuardia pronounced to the woman, "I've got to punish you. The law makes no exceptions. Your sentence is a ten-dollar fine or ten days in jail."   

However, he immediately pulled from his pocket a ten dollar bill, threw it into his hat, and said, "Here's payment for the ten-dollar fine. Furthermore, I'm going to fine everyone in this courtroom fifty cents for living in a town where a person has to steal bread so that her grandchildren can eat. Mr. Bailiff, collect the fines and give them to the defendant."   

The following day, a newspaper reported that $47.50 had been collected from a red-faced storekeeper, 70 petty criminals, and a few New York policemen!   

As Christians, it should always be our goal to show mercy to those in need. Jesus once said that those who show mercy to the others will receive mercy in return (see Matt. 5:7).   

It may be that you can visit a lonely friend, take baked goods to someone less fortunate, or pick up groceries for a neighbor in need. God was once merciful to you (Eph. 2:4-5), so begin showing the same compassion to others (1 Pet. 2:10).   

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would give you a merciful heart, so that you can minister to those who are in need of compassion.    

[Judy Harder]

Friday, February 12, 2010 

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.  --Romans 12:2 

A school teacher was approached by a small investment group, and was easily swayed by their elaborate, but risky, new business plan. So swayed, in fact, that she invested her entire life savings into the venture! 

Within months, her investment disappeared into thin air and it seemed as though her future dreams were shattered. So she decided to visit the Better Business Bureau. 

The official who greeted her listened to her story and then asked, "Why on earth didn't you come to us before you made the investment? Didn't you know about the Better Business Bureau?" 

"Yes, I did know about you," the teacher sadly replied, "but I didn't come because I was afraid you'd tell me not to make the investment." 

As believers, you and I must always consult the Lord first when making life decisions...even when you're afraid of where He might lead you! 

To discover God's will and experience His blessings, you must: 

Submit yourself completely to God and His will (James 4:7). 
Renew your mind daily through the consistent study of His Word (Rom. 12:2). 
Consistently remain in prayer to God (Rom. 12:12, Phil. 4:6, Col. 4:2). 
Be willing to wait patiently on the Lord (Psalm 27:14, 37:7, 38:15, 130:5).   
In your walk with God, daily surrender to Him and practice the simple steps to submission above. He will make his will clear to you as you face big and small decisions in life. 


PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that the Lord would give you a more submissive heart, one that completely trusts in His will. Then make a commitment to follow Him daily so that He can fulfill His purposes in your life. 

[Judy Harder]

February 15, 2010   

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  --Matthew 6:19-21 

Clovis Chappell wrote in his book of sermons, Feminine Faces: 

"When Pompeii was being excavated, there was found a body that had been embalmed by the ashes of Vesuvius.

"It was that of a woman. Her feet were turned toward the city gate, but her face was turned backward toward something that lay just beyond her outstretched hands.

"The prize for which those frozen fingers were reaching was a bag of pearls. Maybe she herself had dropped them as she was fleeing for her life. Maybe she had found them where they had been dropped by another.

"But, be that as it may, though death was hard at her heels, and life was beckoning to her beyond the city gates, she could not shake off their spell. She had turned to pick them up, with death as her reward." 

As believers, it's important to ask ourselves, Where is my treasure? Is it here on earth or is it in heaven? 

So often, it's easy for us to focus on the things on earth we think are most important. But God's Word reminds us that what we so often care most about are things that will be gone tomorrow! 

Today, I want to challenge you to be on guard against placing value on the things that won't last. Instead, pray that the Lord would help you place value on things that will last...like your relationship with Christ and your service for Him. 

PRAYER CHALLENGE:  Pray as the psalmist did: "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word" (Psalm 119:37).