Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge. --1 Corinthians 1:4-5

Commissioner Frederick Booth-Tucker of the Salvation Army was preaching in Chicago when a man stepped from the crowd and yelled out, "You can talk about how Christ is dear to you; but if your wife were dead, as my wife is, and you had babies crying for their mother, you couldn't say what you are saying."

A few days later, Booth-Tucker lost his wife in a tragic train accident. Her body was returned to Chicago for the funeral.

As the service concluded, the husband took his place by the casket and said, "The other day when I was preaching in this city, a man said that if my wife were dead and my children were crying for their mother, I couldn't say Christ was sufficient. If that man is here, I tell him Christ is sufficient! My heart is crushed, bleeding, and broken. But there is a song in my heart, and Christ put it there. The Savior speaks comfort to me today."

The man was present, and on hearing that, he came down the aisle to surrender his life to the Lord.

No matter the tragedies we face—death, sickness, loneliness, hurt, persecution, and so on—Christ is sufficient in them all. Isn't it comforting to know our Lord knows our pain—literally? Isn't it reassuring to know we have a God who will be there to pick us up when we fall, carry us when we're too weak, and never leave our side through it all?

If you've experienced loss, anguish, or some other affliction, trust in the Lord to walk with you through it. And use your experience to comfort the hearts of others who are also going through affliction.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to comfort you in affliction and help you to comfort those who are experiencing the same situations.

[Judy Harder]

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. --2 Corinthians 1:20

These twelve promises of God on which we can rely were listed in Our Daily Bread on January 1, 1985:

God's Presence - "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
God's Protection - "Do not be afraid...I am your shield, your very great reward'" (Genesis 15:1).
God's Power - "I will strengthen you..." (Isaiah 41:10).
God's Provision - "I will...help you; I will uphold you..." (Isaiah 41:10).
God's Leading - "When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them" (John 10:4).
God's Purposes - "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
God's Rest - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
God's Cleansing - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
God's Goodness - "No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless" (Psalm 84:11).
God's Faithfulness - "The Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own" (1 Samuel 12:22).
God's Guidance - "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way" (Psalm 25:9).
God's Wise Plan - "All things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

If you are an obedient and faithful child of God, then you can be certain He will keep all His promises (see 2 Peter 3:9)! There is assurance for your life and hope for whatever situation you may be facing in the promises of His Word!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the promises found in His Word.

[Judy Harder]

When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the LORD said to him, "You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over...I myself will drive them out before the Israelites. --Joshua 13:1,6

Joshua had accomplished much on the battlefield and in taking the Promised Land. Yet, at a very old age, his command from God to take all of the land had not been fulfilled. The Lord had to remind Joshua that his mission hadn't been fully achieved.

Isn't it interesting that God didn't look for a younger leader, but went straight to Joshua even in his old age? God went to the person who had accomplished much and asked him to continue on with His purpose. The Lord wasn't finished with Joshua, and he isn't through with you either.

Whether it's through volunteer work, a part-time job, or serving in a position at your church, God still has a purpose for you. He didn't say, "OK...when a man or woman reaches the age of 55, they are no longer of any use to Me."

In almost every Christian congregation or ministry, there are things not being accomplished that could be done by seniors. All that is required is a willing and able senior to step up and take the challenge God has presented to participate in various activities and ministries.

Joshua was virtually "retired" from his job. But, even in his old age, God called him out of retirement to continue on with the job he was to complete. Is God calling you in your later years to continue on in ministry for His purposes? Are you willing to take on that challenge today? God will continue with His work through His people, even those who are "well advanced in years."

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to show you a ministry in which you can be involved. Surrender yourself, even in your later years, to fulfilling His call on your life.

[Judy Harder]

As you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. --Philippians 2:16

George Whitefield, a great evangelist, was talking to some friends one day and relating the difficulties of ministry. He explained that he was weary and was glad his work and ministry would soon be over. He stated that he was excited to depart this old earth to be with Christ.

His friends agreed with him—all except for one, Mr. Tennant. Noting his disagreement, Whitefield said, "Well, Brother Tennant, you are the oldest among us; do you not rejoice to think that your time to go Home is near?"

Tennant answered bluntly, "I have nothing to do with death. My business is to live as long as I can, and as well as I can, and serve my Savior as faithfully as I can, until He thinks it's time to call me Home."

So many people rush through life, speed through personal devotions, and pray with one eye open and glued to the clock. But, there is no excuse for you to feel life should speed by like a flash of light and you should give up. It is important to tend to your spiritual life before anything else. Now is the perfect time for you to spending time studying God's Word. You can keep a journal of daily thoughts, memorize Scripture, or use various Bible study books to provide a more in-depth study of a particular topic, book, or theme.

It's never too late to learn new things, grow spiritually, or deepen your walk with the Lord. When you begin to consistently walk with the Lord and spend time with Him, you'll begin to see other areas of your life improve.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to help you deepen your walk with Him until He calls you Home. Pray that He would continue to put a desire in your heart to serve Him until that day.

[Judy Harder]

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. --Deuteronomy 4:9

There are 50 million grandparents in the U.S. and they are playing an increasingly important role in American families. Although some grandparents are having little contact with their grandchildren. Some children, teenagers, or young adults are more familiar with television celebrities than they are with their own grandparents.

Things such as geographical location or busyness can always make it difficult for a family to truly be together, but your children and grandchildren have much to gain from you. "Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life" (Job 12:12, HCSB).

The Foundation for Grandparenting (www.grandparenting.org) says research indicates that the grandparent-grandchild bond is second in emotional importance to the bond between parents and children. There are many benefits for families who bring the generations together. Through close intergenerational relationships, children and grandchildren learn they are a part of something greater—history. And people who have contact with those who are older tend to think beyond their own generation.

As a senior, you represent stability, security, and heritage. You can offer unconditional love, encouragement, and support, and you are an important connection to the past. You are wealthy with wisdom and experience that can be shared with younger generations. And even if you don't have children or grandchildren, there are young people in the world today who long to be mentored by you and your generation.

The connection you make between generations will benefit both you and those who are younger. The younger generations can gain from your knowledge, and you will feel younger being in touch with their generation.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Seek wisdom from God in connecting with the younger generations and passing on a legacy of faith. Ask God to bring about a young family member or a younger person in your life to whom you can guide and mentor.

[Judy Harder]

Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. --2 Corinthians 1:4

There's a story of a lady who kept an ordinary cardboard box sitting on a bookcase in her home. The box was filled with notes, cards, and letters, offering love and encouragement at a time when her life was filled with sadness.

She was housebound for several years caring for her husband who had Alzheimer's disease. As each card arrived, it provided her and her husband with a cheerful message telling of the sender's prayers, love, and support. The words on the cards were often exactly what she needed to make it through the day.

When her husband passed away, and she moved to rebuild her life without him, she began sending cards to others who were experiencing the same kind of pain, remembering how much they helped her.

It doesn't take long to send a simple note saying, "I'm praying for you" or "You are in my thoughts today." With the technological advances of our world today, it's easy to send someone a quick e-mail of encouragement, but there is still nothing like holding a card in your hand, knowing that the sender took time to think of you and your situation.

George William Childs, American publisher who lived from 1829-1894, once said, "Do not keep the alabaster box of your love and friendship sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier. The kind things you mean to say when they are gone, say before they go."

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to make you a blessing today in someone's life who may need a note of encouragement and love. Continually pray that His presence will surround those in your life who are going through difficult times.

[Judy Harder]

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. --John 15:13

A recent study of senior adults in the British Medical Journal showed that older people who spend quality time with friends live longer, happier lives than their non-social peers. Social activities reduce stress, enhance well-being, and create a sense of belonging. This includes activities such as volunteering your time, dining out with friends, or just socializing with others.

It's easy to say, "I can't go out with my friends often" or "I'm too busy to do anything." But, the connection between friends is so important that it should be a priority. If you're dealing with feelings of loneliness, isolation, or depression, an active social network of friends will help you fight them off. Plan to go out with your friends regularly from week to week. This will be a wonderful prescription for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Some of your closest friends can be in your own family—brothers, sisters, cousins. Strengthen your family ties by staying in touch with those you love and already know. Even if your family is scattered across the country or globe, make an effort to remain in contact. Families are forever.

If you are in a situation where you don't have many friends, there are still avenues where you can to get out and meet others—senior adult clubs, volunteer organizations, social groups, and church. The more people you interact with daily, the better chance there is for you to form close friendships. As you grow older, you will lose friends for various reasons, so make it a priority to increase your social network now and you will be rewarded with a lifetime supply of great friends.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the friends you do have. And if you are in need, ask God to bring you friends with whom you can relate and develop meaningful relationships.

[Judy Harder]

Love your neighbor as yourself. --Matthew 19:19

Oftentimes it can be hard to be nice to your neighbors when their Christmas party lasts until 2:00 a.m., their dog uses your flowerbeds for a toilet, or their children use your property for a playground. When this happens, it might be hard for you to be "neighborly."

Your "neighbor" is basically anyone you come in contact with— the grocery store clerk, the person waiting behind you in line, the cable guy, or the plumber who charges extra on the weekends. We don't choose the people God brings across our paths. He usually puts people in our way to whom He wants us to show His love. Even if their culture, lifestyle, personality, or religion is different, God says these differences are exactly why we should try harder to show His love.

Even in the sticky relationships that often come with tension, we are to love others which shows our love for Him. 1 John 4:20 says, "If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen."

In today's society, people are pushy and oftentimes downright nasty in their attitudes and actions. But, even when those people have seriously annoyed or offended you, there is little excuse for treating them with disrespect. Christ walked among prostitutes, thieves, and hypocrites—yet their lives were changed by His love. As a believer, you have the power to show the same kind of transforming love to your "neighbors."

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to create in your heart a love for the unlovable and to see others through His eyes. Pray for those who come across your path who are uneasy to love, that Christ may change their hearts.

[Judy Harder]

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. --John 15:2

There was a man who would stop by the garden market each spring and buy a plant or bush. He loved working in his garden caring for the plants.

One year, he bought a flowering patio tree with small purple flowers that bloomed all spring, summer, and fall. In late fall, he would carry it to the barn, put it in an empty stall, and water it once or twice a month. It was dormant and showed no signs of life in the winter.

In the spring, when he brought it back to the patio, he set it next to a window. Each day, he watched it...hoping it would show some life again soon. He took the pruning shears and shaped it, cared for it, and hoped for the best. After a few weeks, he noticed a few green leaves sprouting out of the dead branches. And a month later, almost all of the branches were covered with leaves.

If the man hadn't taken care of the tree and cut the dead branches, it wouldn't have looked so beautiful for the spring, summer, and fall. In the same way, Jesus sees the dead, unfruitful branches in us and cuts them away.

The dead branches can be relationships that control our lives, material things, attitudes, or pride in work or ministry. Only the Lord knows each person well enough to know the exact branches that need to be cut away. And the dormant times may feel like God is distant. But, He is caring for us and watching over us all the time.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for knowing you so well, that He knows exactly which branches to trim, so you can be more fruitful.

[Judy Harder]

The memory of the righteous will be a blessing...  --Proverbs 10:7

Memories link us to our past and guide us through our daily lives. It's easier for some to recall names and phone numbers, while others have a more difficult time remembering these things. Normal memory loss or forgetfulness will afflict all of us at some point in our lives—whether it's due to disease, aging, or stress. 

To stimulate your memory, be sure to exercise regularly. There are numerous benefits from exercise, especially memory retention. It doesn't have to be strenuous—just a mild form of aerobic exercise, such as walking for 15-20 minutes a few times a week, or moving your arms and legs around several times a day. It's a chain reaction—physical activity encourages good sleeping habits, which gives your brain the rest it needs, and in turn, helps with alertness and good memory.

It's also important to establish a routine. People benefit from having a routine dealing with daily tasks. When one task is remembered, it then triggers a series of memories. Daily tasks include things like brushing your teeth, taking medication, reading a book, and even parking the car in the same spot each time.

Your memory will also increase by organizing your personal space. You can avoid hours of searching for that "lost" item by eliminating clutter throughout your living place. Use those extra closets to organize the extra items sitting around your house and label things so you will know what's where.

While this may not seem like a devotional, God desires for us to help ourselves and He'll help us as well.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to help you take control of the things in your life that can help you enhance your memory skills. Thank God for the alertness and memory that you have today.