Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

 January 5, 2011   

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. --Isaiah 41:10

Snowflakes are fascinating.. They come in all different shapes and sizes.  Some appear as delicate lace doilies others as shining stars.  Yet they all have their similarities. Each snowflake has six points, is made up of molecules of hydrogen and oxygen, and is symmetrical in shape.

But did you know that the ice that makes a snowflake collects around a particle of dust floating in the atmosphere? The tiny imperfection may be as small as 1/100,000 of a millimeter in size, but it has to exist for a snowflake to form!

In the same way, imperfections in life can often be the catalysts that cause something wonderful and beautiful to happen. A "foreign invader" that crashes into our lives—such as a terminal illness, an accident, or a heartbreak—can actually turn into a source of blessing.

As it says in Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time."

When you encounter obstacles in life, remember that they give you, as a believer, the chance to let God make something wonderful happen. If you are struggling with a difficult situation in your life, seek the Lord and wait for Him to create from it a beautiful blessing. Because I promise...if you're looking for it...He will!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God that when hardships come, He makes something beautiful as a result! Pray that He would continue to transform your trials into blessings by surrounding you with His grace, love, and mercy.  

[Judy Harder]

January 6, 2011   

Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. --2 Corinthians 4:1-2

Richard Baxter, a 17th-century preacher from Kidderminster, England, was known for his passionate ministry style. He saw himself as a dying man ministering to dying people, so he always spoke as if he were preaching his last sermon and his audience was hearing their last message.

In addition to his dynamic style of preaching, Baxter spent every Monday and Tuesday instructing the children of his church. On Wednesdays, he went from house to house to make sure the needs of his church's widows, aged, and sick were met. And during the rest of the week, he prepared his sermons and wrote books.

As a result of Baxter's ministry, the town of Kidderminster was completely transformed. The small village that had once been a place full of sexual immorality, violence, and sin, eventually became a town where almost every household honored the Lord. Baxter's zeal for ministering to others and bringing them to Jesus reaped a great spiritual harvest.

Are you doing everything you can to minister to the needs of those in your family, neighborhood, circle of friends, and church? Are you a daily witness and servant to those with whom you share life?

As believers in Christ, we have a ministry...even if we don't work for a church!  Today, determine to proclaim the truth of God's love in word and action...as if you were a dying man or woman of God ministering to dying people!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to open up opportunities for you to minister to others who are lost and hurting. Pray that He would give you a great passion for serving others and bringing them to Him.    

[Judy Harder]

January 7, 2011   

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. --James 4:7

Shortly after the Civil War, General William T. Sherman's army was scheduled to march in a victory parade in [City Name, State].

The night before the parade, Sherman called General Oliver Howard to his room and said, "General, you were at the head of one of the divisions that marched with me through Georgia, and you should rightfully ride at the head of your division in the parade tomorrow. However, I've been asked to let the general who preceded you in command represent the division."

General Howard replied, "With all due respect, sir, I think I am entitled to represent my division, since I led them to victory."

Sherman said, "Yes, you are. But I know you're a Christian, and I was wondering if you would yield your rights for the sake of peace."

Quickly, Howard responded, "Of course I'll yield."

"All right," General Sherman said, "I will arrange so, and I want you to report to me in the morning at 9:00 a.m. You will be riding with me at the head of the parade."

General Howard's willingness to yield his position to his commander led to an even greater position of honor. Just the same, God blesses those who are completely submitted to Him. Psalm 51:17 says, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would give you a submissive spirit, so that you can fully be used by Him.

[Judy Harder]

January 10, 2011   

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!" --Luke 12:22-24

Worry.  At one time or another, all of us have done it.  But J. Arthur Rank says there is a practical way to handle this problem. When he doesn't have enough faith to overcome his worries immediately, he writes down the problem and puts it aside.

Then, a week or so later, he reviews the things he wrote down and usually finds that most of his worries have already passed and are no longer a concern! Rank concludes that much of his distresses are a waste of energy. When he follows the format above, he says God always steps in when he's not looking and directs things along paths he could never have seen before.

Scripture tells about the time Jesus stopped at the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha was worried about all the preparations not being completed, but Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to everything He had to say (see Luke 10:38-42). When Martha complained to Jesus about Mary, He rebuked her worrying and complaining by explaining that Mary had the right idea.

There are many things we can worry about: our families, our finances, our health, and so on. But the Bible tells us not to worry about anything! The next time you are tempted to worry, remember the words of Peter, "cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that the Lord would take away your spirit of worry and anxiety.  

[Judy Harder]

 January 11, 2011   

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. --Psalm 46:1

In 1873, Horatio G. Spafford, a Christian lawyer from Chicago, sent his wife and four daughters on an ocean liner bound for Le Havre, France. But in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the steamship collided with another sea vessel and sank within twelve minutes.

Miraculously, Spafford's wife was rescued and taken to Le Havre with the other handful of survivors. When she arrived, she sent a message to her husband in Chicag "Saved—alone."

Immediately, Stafford sailed for Europe to be with his grief-stricken wife. As his ship passed the approximate location where his daughters drowned, he penned these words in the midst of his sorrow: "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea-billows roll, whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul.'"

Scripture says our Lord is "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 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 1:3-4). If you are struggling through a difficult time in life, you can find comfort in the arms of God. Or, if there is a person in your life who is going through a tough time, seek to encourage them as the Lord has encouraged you.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that the Lord would use the difficulties in your life to help you encourage others who may be going through hard times.

[Judy Harder]

January 12, 2011   

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. --Colossians 4:6

There was a woman once who developed a very serious throat condition. And as a result, her doctor prescribed medication and no talking for six months! She thought this would be almost impossible with a husband and six children, but she obeyed the doctor's orders.

For the next six months, when she needed the attention of her children, she blew a whistle...her instructions became written memos...and questions and answers were written down on pads of paper she had placed around the house.

After six months, the doctor finally allowed her to talk again.   Interestingly enough, her first comments were very revealing. She said her children had become calmer and quieter, and as a result she said, "I don't think I'll ever shout again like I used to."

When asked about the notes, she replied, "You'd be surprised how many hastily written notes I crumpled up and threw in the trash before I gave them to anyone to read. Seeing my own harsh words that I would've spoken had an effect on me that I don't think I'll ever forget."

Many things come out of our mouths before we realize it—gossip, praise, slander, lying, and so on. The Scripture says, "No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. ...My brothers [and sisters], this should not be" (James 3:8-10).

Today, make a conscious effort to think about what you say. Determine to listen before speaking, to evaluate the words you use, and ensure your speech doesn't hurt others (see Titus 2:6-8).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God will help you think about what you say today...so that only good things come out of your mouth.

[Judy Harder]

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. --Romans 8:28

Many years ago in London, a talented young man began preparing for the ministry. He had surrendered his life to Christ and wanted so badly to be used by the Lord. He was a brilliant student and completed his seminary studies with honors.

Prior to his ordination as a minister, he was required to preach a sermon before a select group of clergymen. The intensity of the situation made him nervous—especially when he saw his lovely fiancée sitting in the audience. In his anxiety, he lost his train of thought as he preached...which resulted in the board not approving him for ordination.

The rejection was a bitter disappointment, and his grief increased when his fiancée broke off their engagement because he had performed so poorly. After these two events, he fought depression for quiet some time. Several weeks later, He poured out his complaint before God, and was reminded of God's promise in Romans 8:28..."in all things God works for the good of those who love him...." It was then that he experienced an incredible peace in his soul.

When the chance to preach happened again, the young man delivered a powerful sermon to the examining board and he was ordained to the ministry. Since this time, the dynamic preaching of G. Campbell Morgan has impacted thousands of people. This infamous expositor authored several Bible commentaries and 60 books on theology. Morgan left a legacy that still stirs hearts today—and the crisis he went through and overcame with God's help played a huge part.

Failure can often cause us to question the calling God has placed on our lives. But many times we can't see the big picture. Friend, whether you can see it or not, God is working in your life—but sometimes He works behind the scenes.

If you are a believer and have experienced failure, don't give up! God can use that failure to produce success and blessing in your life according to the promises in His Word.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to turn your failures into triumphs, and thank Him for the promises of His Word.

[Judy Harder]

January 14, 2011   

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. --Ephesians 6:11

According to scientists, Arctic polar bears feed almost entirely on seals. In order to capture their meals, the bears often have to resort to sinister tactics.

For example, a polar bear will actually swim underwater and make a tiny scratching sound on the underside of the ice next to a seal's feeding hole. When an unsuspecting and hungry seal hears this sound, he instinctively dives in for a quick bite to eat...only to become a quick dinner for the polar bear!

If you think about it, this cunning method of hunting is very similar to the way Satan works to entrap us in our Christian walk. So many times we instinctively respond to that familiar "scratching sound," only to become a victim of his evil schemes.

Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that the "thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

As believers, we are the prime targets to satisfy Satan's insatiable and deadly appetite. But the sooner we realize that we have a very real enemy who's looking to devour us, the better able we'll be to avoid becoming a quick meal for the devil.

Be self-controlled, alert, walking in the Holy Spirit, in His Word, and always in prayer, because Scripture says Satan "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:. As you walk daily with Christ, be on the lookout!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you resist the many temptations this world has to offer. Pray He would help you submit to Him completely, and pray that He would provide a shield around your life to protect you from the devil's schemes.
 

[Judy Harder]

January 17, 2011   

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" ...But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." --Mark 5:30, 32-34

During the 1890's, a small newspaper reported that Julia Ward Howe, a woman dedicated to helping free slaves, asked a United States senator to help liberate a black man who was in a dangerous situation.

The politician said, "Madam, I'm so busy with plans for the benefit of the whole race that I have no time to help individuals!"

Angry by his lack of compassion and sympathy, Howe quickly replied, "I'm so glad our Lord never displayed such a calloused attitude!"

In our busy lives, we must never forget our service to others in the name of Jesus. Timothy was a true servant of the Lord. Paul said of him, "I hope...to send Timothy to you soon...I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because...he has served with me in the work of the gospel" (Philippians 2:19-22).

People like Timothy, the apostle Paul, and Christ's disciples worked to spread the Gospel of Jesus and serve others as Christ did. Are you serving the Lord and others consistently? It is your responsibility as a believer to always put aside the busyness of life, position, and social status to serve others in the name of Jesus. When you learn to have an obedient and servant heart for Him, He'll accomplish great things through your life, things you may not have thought possible.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to show you opportunities to serve others in His name.  

[Judy Harder]

January 18, 2011   

Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.  --James 4:8-10

Many years ago, J. Wilbur Chapman, an American evangelist and pastor, wrote the following about the impact of prayer in his life:

"At one of our missions in England the audience was exceedingly small, but I received a note saying that an American missionary was going to beseech the Lord on behalf of our work. The man was known as 'Praying Hyde.' Almost immediately the tide changed. Crowds began to pack the hall, and many accepted Christ as their Savior.

"Meeting Mr. Hyde later, I said, 'Brother, I want you to pray for me personally.' He came to my room, turned the key in the door, and dropped to his knees. He waited five minutes without a single syllable coming form his lips. I felt hot tears as they began running down my face. Although he had said nothing, I knew I was in the presence of God. Then with upturned face and with eyes streaming, he said, 'O God!' and was still again.

"When he seemed to sense that he was in full communion with the Lord, there came from the depths of his heart petitions such as I had never heard. I rose from my knees to know what real prayer was!"

Jesus warned us not to pray like hypocrites who "love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. ...But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:5-6).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Today, go into a room by yourself and spend some time alone in the presence of the Lord in prayer without any distractions. Ask for His Holy Spirit to move, and then wait and listen for His still, small voice.