Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. --2 Corinthians 4:17

The magazine "Wonderful Word" once ran a story about an elderly Christian Englishman. While he was working with another man under the hot summer sun, he put down his heavy load to rest. As he sat by the road, a limousine passed by. Its wealthy owner sat in the back seat, being chauffeured in luxurious ease.

His fellow worker pointed to the passing limo and said, "Do you know the occupant of that car? He is an ungodly man, but he isn't having troubles like you. You believe that everything belongs to the Lord, you trust Him, and you serve Him; yet you still have to work hard in your old age for a meager living. How can you reconcile this with the love and justice of God?"

The old man replied, "Are you testing me, sir? Couple heaven with it! Couple heaven with it!"

The poor, elderly saint of God saw life's true source of wealth, for he could look beyond his earthly condition to his eternal treasures. Scripture says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).

Life can be harsh often neglecting us of comfort or wealth. But God supplies our needs for today and gives us assurance for eternity with Him. Today, you may be living in meager surroundings just as the man above. Take your situation now and "couple it with heaven," and you'll realize there is no better hope for tomorrow.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would give you the strength and faith to carry on until you meet Him. Ask Him to provide for you while you are here and keep joy in your heart that comes from Him. 

[Judy Harder]

I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. --2 Timothy 1:3-5

Godly parents leave an unforgettable impression on their families. This is often evidenced by the love and respect they receive from their children. Take, for example, the thoughtfulness that William McKinley showed to his mother. As lawyer, congressman, Governor of Ohio, and as President of the United States, he kept in touch with her every day. When he didn't see her, he wrote or telegraphed.

In mid-October of 1897, he quietly left the White House and took a train to Canton just so he could walk to church with her again. When she became ill, he arranged to have a special train standing by at full steam, ready to take him to her bedside.

Then one night she did call for him. Immediately he wired, "Tell Mother I'll be there." Mrs. McKinley died December 12, 1897, in the arms of her 54-year-old son. Her gentle, Christian virtues helped mold the President's character.

When he was gunned down in Buffalo, New York, about four years later, he showed no bitterness toward his assassin. With Christian courage he said, "God's will be done." Before he died, he asked to hear once again the hymn, "Nearer, My God, to Thee," which his mother had taught him.

Timothy had the godly influence of a Christian mother and grandmother. He was raised in a home with good morals and by family members who loved the Lord. As a result, he grew to be a great man of God.

Your parents may or may not have had the same Christian influence on you. As a Christian, you have been left with a great legacy that should be passed on to your children and grandchildren. The greatest gift you can leave behind to the younger generation is a legacy of faith.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that you would be a godly influence to your family and younger generations.

[Judy Harder]

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. --Proverbs 11:30

Years ago, an article was published that cited a number of men whose faithful witness through books and pamphlets had brought many people to the Lord. The influence of each author led to the changed life of another.

Richard Gibbs, an elderly Puritan doctor, wrote The Bruised Reed. A copy came into the hands of Richard Baxter and resulted in his conversion. Baxter later authored a volume titled Saints' Rest and Call to the Unconverted. By it many sinners were led to Jesus, including Philip Doddridge.

Doddridge became a famous preacher, hymn writer, and the president of a theological seminary. Doddridge wrote the well-circulated book, The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul, which proved a rich blessing for countless people.

William Wilberforce read it, was convicted of sin, and became a Christian statesman. After being instrumental in freeing slaves, he penned Practical View of Christianity. This changed the life of Leigh Richmond.

Richmond became a world-famous writer of tracts that influenced thousands to seek the Lord. Yes, the "fruit of the righteous" is a "family tree" of converts who keep branching out to others. You also have probably greatly influenced the life of someone at one time or another. But don't stop now!

There are young men and women who still need the mentoring and wisdom of someone who has lived a great life of faith. Through your witness, you could be helping to nurture the next Annie Armstrong, Charles Spurgeon, or Billy Graham. If you are a follower of Jesus and have an intimate relationship with Him, then you have wisdom to share that could change someone's life.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to make you an incredible influence in the life of someone else for His glory!

[Judy Harder]

April 30, 2010   

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" --Matthew 25:23

One stormy night many years ago, an elderly couple entered the lobby of a small hotel and asked for a room. The clerk explained that because three conventions were in town, the hotel was full. "But I can't send a nice couple like you out in the rain at 1:00 a.m.," he said. "Would you be willing to sleep in my room?"

The couple hesitated, but the clerk insisted. The next morning, when the man paid his bill, he said, "You're the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States. Maybe someday I'll build one for you." The clerk smiled, amused by the older man's remark.

A few years passed and one day, the clerk received a letter from the elderly man, recalling that stormy night, and asking him to come to New York for a visit. A round-trip ticket was enclosed.

When the clerk arrived, his host took him to the corner of 5th Avenue and 34th Street, where stood a magnificent new building. "This is the hotel I have just built for you to manage," said the man.

"You've got to be joking," said the clerk. "Who are you?"

"My name is William Waldorf Astor," said the man. "And I'm most certainly not joking."

That hotel was the original Waldorf-Astoria, and the young clerk, who became its first manager, was George C. Boldt. The Bible says, "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High..." In the end, we will be rewarded for our faithfulness to the call of Jesus Christ with a lifetime in heaven for eternity.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that you would be faithful and just in all you do.

[Judy Harder]

 
Daily Living for Seniors
 
Monday, May 3, 2010   

She took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. --Genesis 3:6

Our world is certainly not a perfect world. You don't have to go very far or listen very long to be reminded of the evil and sin all around us.

The secular humanist has no real answer to the philosophical question of the existence of evil. Humanists believe falsely that humans are basically good in spite of all evidence to the contrary.

One chilling example is a study done by the late professor Allen Bloom, who asked his college students, "How do you identify an evil person?" His question was met with silence. Not one student could give him a determining factor of evil! Bloom said that our inability to identify and recognize evil is a sign of grave danger in our society.

Our society has become so perverse that we can't even recognize evil or wrongdoing. Since 9/11 you probably won't find very many people who would say there is no such thing as evil. But you probably couldn't find many who know what evil is or why it is so prevalent in our society.

The Bible has the answer to the problem of evil. It all goes back to Genesis 3 and our first parents, who yielded to temptation. Sin came into our world at that point, and it's something we've had to deal with since.

But, according to the Bible, we do have hope...and that hope is in Christ. Through Christ we are freed from the power of sin and evil. And because of Christ, we can live as people of purity in a twisted world.

My challenge to you today is to reflect that purity in how you live so that a world that is in the grips of evil will see the only hope...the hope of Jesus Christ.

LIVE IN SUCH A WAY THAT OUR WORLD WILL SEE THERE IS AN ANTIDOTE TO EVIL, JESUS CHRIST!

[Judy Harder]

Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.--Titus 2:4

There's a story of an older woman, Ms. Betty, who was known for her warm spirit and grandmotherly love toward everyone. She was the type who had numerous families over to her house for lunch after church on Sunday. She fixed the best homemade meals and seemed to fit the mold of a perfect, godly woman.

After months of praying for God to bring a new pastor along, He did. And Ms. Betty took the young pastor's wife under her wing to encourage her and model a life of service--through missions, hospitality, and other activities in the church. Before she knew it, the once-intimidated and shy preacher's wife was speaking at Bible studies and preparing mission trips for overseas.

The younger woman didn't realize it at the time, but God used Ms. Betty to plant a seed that would one day give her, along with her husband, the courage to follow Him to Brazil as missionaries. God knew that the young lady needed the influence of a servant-hearted believer like Ms. Betty to open her heart and cause her to answer God's call. Through her words and actions, Ms. Betty left a lasting impression that forever changed the pastor's wife.

How can you make a difference in the life of a young person? By simply being compassionate enough to care for them unselfishly and get involved in their lives. The Bible tells us that we can influence others through our testimony, our words (Colossians 4:6), and our teaching (Titus 2:7-8) for His glory. Don't let your wisdom and experience go to waste, for at the right time God will bless you for your faithfulness (Galatians 6:9).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to bring a young person into your life with whom you can be a mentor, encourager, influence, and friend.

[Judy Harder]

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? --Job 12:12

As people near retirement age, most begin to battle the aging process in every way possible. It may seem easy to deal with the wisdom and understanding part found in Scripture. In Psalm 92:14, it sounds fine to stay fresh and green in old age just as fruit does. But why in the world does the King James Version use the word "fat?"

Look it up. The King James Version says, "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing..." We may have to deal with a lot of things as we age, but this is a little much! You may not look any younger as the days go by, no matter how many varieties of facial creams or exercise you do. But there is one thing God's Word says you will find among senior adults...wisdom.

What could be more priceless than that? Whatever is done in life with eternal value matters. If you think about that statement, it will put all disappointing thoughts of aging to rest. You will begin to view aging in the proper perspective.

The Lord has carried you this far through trials, tribulations, joys, and pains. So no matter how frustrating this age can be at times, the Lord has assured you that He'll carry you the rest of the way through life right into heaven. Capture the wisdom and understanding that God has given you in your golden years, and use these blessings to make a difference for Him!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you gain a positive perspective on life. Pray that He would help you use the wisdom He's blessed you with to have an impact on the lives of others who are hurting, lost, lonely, or younger than you.

[Judy Harder]

Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." --Deuteronomy 33:12

Consumers lose millions of dollars each year due to identity theft. Identity theft occurs when a person's social security number, credit card number, phone number, address, and other personal information is discovered by a thief who uses the information for his own personal gain.

As as result of this, many people have purchased paper shredders for their homes to help prevent the theft of their mail or private information from a trash can or dumpster. While this kind of theft can almost ruin a person and is a great travesty, we must be wary of having our true identity stolen.

Satan steals a person's potential in Christ by convincing them they are not worthy of God's forgiveness, grace, and love. He rips off others by using peers to influence them in negative ways or creating enormous amounts of guilt. Through fear, guilt, and shame, Satan can prevent many from discovering God's ultimate purpose for their lives.

The devil's goal is to keep you confused about your spiritual gift and purpose, trying to dilute your true identity in Christ. Remember that God loves you and you are "precious and honored" in His sight (Isaiah 43:4). You are valuable. So much so, that Christ hung on a cross for your sins. How's that for value? And you are capable of being all that God's called you to be because He has specifically gifted you to serve and honor Him (see 1 Peter 4:10).

It may cause some problems to have your personal information robbed by the common thief, but it would be even more devastating to have the sneakiest crook of all steal your identity in Christ.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to guard your heart from Satan's crooked ways. Pray that He would strengthen your identity in Him each day.

[Judy Harder]

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. --Romans 12:4-6

Have you ever met someone who was gifted in a certain area? And you wished you could have that same talent? Maybe you've had a close relationship with someone who had a gift of teaching, or a special talent in music. A person gifted in a specific way has exceptional abilities in that particular area.

But usually regardless of how gifted that person is in one area, they are not gifted in every area of their life. No matter how good the beautician is, she must still depend on others to fix her car or hook up her cable. No matter how talented the surgeon is, he must still find others to take his family portrait or sing at his daughter's wedding.

In the church it is the same. There is a spiritual God-given gift that every believer in Christ has. And everyone is to use their gift to serve the Lord and His kingdom (see 1 Peter 4:10). Paul mentions several spiritual gifts throughout his letters including serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy (Romans 12:3-8).

Most people are born with natural talents, but only believers are blessed with spiritual gifts. Every Christian, young and old, should be using their spiritual gifts in ways to bring blessing and encouragement to others (see Philippians 2:3-4). And, most importantly, we are to use our spiritual gifts to bring honor and glory to the Lord.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: If you still don't know it, ask the Lord to reveal to you your spiritual gift. Ask Him to help you find a place to use your gift. Pray that He would use you to bring blessing, encouragement, and hope to others through your gift.

[Judy Harder]

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds. --Philippians 4:6-7

While pastoring Guttenburg United Methodist Church in Guttenburg, Iowa, Karl Goodfellow conducted an experiment with his church members regarding prayer. Pastor Goodfellow planted soybean seeds in two pie pans. He then asked them to pray over only one of the tins and leave the other to "Mother Nature."

After a few weeks, the congregation was amazed to witness the superior crop produced from the seeds that received prayer. This act of prayer became the start of a special ministry to pray for farmers by name. Today, it is called the Safety Net Prayer Chain and now has over 5,000 people praying for 50,000 farmers individually. Even though the crops are part of their prayers, warriors are praying for more than the growth of their seeds. As a result of their prayers, they have seen miraculous protection and provision take place in the lives of the farmers.

The most intimate communion with God comes only with prayer. Ask people who've faced tragedy or trial, heartbreak or grief, failure or fear, loneliness or discrimination. God says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds" (Philippians 4:6-7).

You won't believe the changes that will occur in your life when you come before God in prayer. Begin practicing prayer frequently throughout your day and see how much closer it brings you to the Lord. When you finally fall to your knees and pour out your soul to Him, you'll find yourself saying, "I can't explain it, but I feel a peace like I've never felt before."

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Spend time today praying to God through praising, thanksgiving, and petitioning. Pray that you would sense His Spirit in your conversation with Him.