Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

May 12, 2011   

Daily Living for Seniors
     
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]

 May 13, 2011   


Daily Living for Seniors
     
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]

May 16, 2011     

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]

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. --Proverbs 24:3-4

There may be times when you ask: How do I handle my financial needs? Do I need to plan for the days to come?

One thing all Christians need to understand is the basics of simple, commonsense financial planning using God's principles. We should always have faith and depend on God for our finances, but it doesn't mean waiting on Him to deliver manna to us each and every day.

God is our Provider, but He expects us to help ourselves as well. If you can develop some financial goals, then you'll be on the right track. Ask yourself: Where am I financially? How do I get to my destination?

In your plan, write down visible objectives and measurable goals you can work toward. Start by committing God's portion to Him first—tithes and offerings. Then, design a strategy to control and eliminate the use of credit (if applicable). And last, you'll want to determine in your heart and mind that you will be content in the goals God has for you financially.

It is wise to seek Christian counsel in the financial decisions you make. But, everyone has an opinion, and only you and God know your needs best. If you need someone to help you with you financial goals, then look within your own church for someone you trust that can give godly advice. If needed, they may even help you balance your checkbook, prepare your finances for the future, and help you pay your bills.

It is never too late to get started with a financial plan for your life. There are people in your life who want to help you.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Seek wisdom from God in planning your finances for the future. Ask Him to lead you in developing a plan—even through the guidance of a fellow believer.

[Judy Harder]

Friday, May 27, 2011     

Daily Living for Seniors
     
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? --Mark 8:36

Around 200 years ago, the tomb of the great conqueror, Charlemagne, was opened. The workmen were shocked by what they saw.

His body, sitting upright, was clothed in the most elaborate kingly garments, with a scepter in his bony hand. And on his knees lay the Holy Scriptures, with a lifeless, bony finger pointing to Mark 8:36: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

Amazing, right? So often, people place more emphasis on what is gained in this world, how successful one becomes, or how much is achieved, rather than focusing on their spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ.

Martin Luther once said, "I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."

What are you holding onto today? It may be someone or something, but remember that material things we hold on to in life will eventually pass away. Nothing that we ever gain in this world will last. Only two things shall endure forever: the Word of God, and the souls of the men and women who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be" (Matthew 6:19-21, NLT).

What are you investing in right now?


PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to help focus your heart and mind on the things above and witnessing to those around you who are lost.  

[Judy Harder]

May 30, 2011     

But seek first his kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. --Matthew 6:33

Our Daily Bread published a story about a missionary, Hudson Taylor, who wrote in his journal about his trust in God's faithfulness to provide. It said:


"Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning... He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all... Depend on it, God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply."

You may be concerned whether or not you are going to have enough to live for the next year, month, or even week, but God promises to take care of all of our needs. His provision was sufficient in Genesis 22:1-14 for Abraham.

God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Abraham surely was tormented by the Lord's request, but he obeyed God and took his son to the altar anyway. Tied up and bound on the altar, as Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, God provided a ram in the thicket. And Abraham called the place, The Lord will Provide.

Abraham was obedient to God, and in return He provided. If you are wondering whether or not God will provide all your needs—rest assured. "Don't worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist more than food and clothing? ... And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? ... Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs" (Matthew 6:25,30,32; NLT).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for providing all your needs and begin to put your complete trust in Him from this day forward.  

[Judy Harder]

 May 31, 2011     

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven... --Matthew 5:12

There was a woman diagnosed with a terminal illness and given three months to live. So, as she was getting the last days of her life "in order," she contacted her pastor to come to her house in order to discuss certain issues regarding her final wishes.

After their discussion of what she wanted for her funeral service, she said to the pastor, "There's one more thing that's very important. I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The pastor looked bewildered at the woman, and she quickly responded, "Does that surprise you?"

The pastor said, "Honestly, I am a little puzzled by your request."

To which the woman replied, "In my many years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the main course dishes were being cleared, someone would lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew something better was coming...like rich chocolate cake or a deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful! So, I want people to see me in the casket with a fork in my hand and when they ask, 'What's with the fork?' then I want you to tell them, 'Keep your fork...the best is yet to come.'"

As believers, we don't usually envy people who've died, unless we know where they're going. Christians never say goodbye for the last time. That's the joy of being a born-again believer...we will see the ones we love again and we will meet Christ Jesus for the first time. Challenge yourself to be an everyday witness to those around you who are lost, so they will also have the chance to experience what is to come.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for salvation and that death is not the end for Christians, but just the beginning.  

[Judy Harder]

June 01, 2011     

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. --Proverbs 18:24

There was a "Ziggy" cartoon recently that pictured the short, pudgy guy sitting alone in a boat. He was drifting on the water toward a tunnel with a sign above it that read, "Tunnel of Meaningful Relationships."

Loneliness plagues so many people in our society. Surprisingly, a study by the American Council of Life Insurance revealed that the loneliest group of people in America is college students. Then come those who are divorced, welfare recipients, single mothers, rural students, housewives, and the elderly.

Chuck Swindoll, noted author and preacher, pointed out how lonely people can be from an ad posted in a Kansas newspaper. It read: "I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.00."

The person who placed the ad wasn't joking either...because there were those who actually answered the ad. It was only a matter of time before the person who placed it was getting 10 to 20 calls a day. The sharp pain of loneliness was so intense that some were willing to do anything just for 30 minutes of companionship with someone else.

Life may seem lonely for you, but there is a friend we have that sticks closer than a brother—Jesus. Lean on Him in your darkest hours. Jesus experienced loneliness on the cross. While He was perfect as God, He also experienced the same things we do as human beings. And even though Christ felt abandonment on the cross, God was there the entire time, seeing Him through it all.

If you are lonely, know that Jesus is constantly holding your hand as you walk through life. You will never be lonely with Him by your side.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to take away your loneliness, and thank God for His constant presence in your life.  

[Judy Harder]

June 02, 2011     

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. --Psalm 92:14

There was a couple who had been married for over 50 years. One day, the wife said to her husband, "Things really have changed. You used to sit close to me."

The husband said, "I can take care of that," and he moved closer to her on the couch.

The wife continued, "And you used to hold me tight."

He gave her a big hug and said, "How's that?"

The wife finally said, "Do you remember when you used to nudge my neck and nibble on my ears?"

The husband jumped up from his cozy seat and left the room. "Where are you going?" she said.

"To get my teeth!" the husband shouted back.

So many people dread old age because it is associated with loneliness, physical deterioration, and a retreat from inactivity. But once a senior, there's no need to lose that excitement in your life. And there's no need to spend all your time reminiscing about days past.

Just to sit and think is no way to grow old. God doesn't expect us to cease to live before we die. History tells us there are so many people who have made great contributions to society after the age of 65--after retirement!

Here are some seniors who did remarkable things in their old age:

·   At age 73, Galileo made his greatest discovery, the pendulum clock.

·   At age 69, Hudson Taylor was still working on the mission field, opening up new territories in Indochina.

·   And at age 85, Caleb took on the great giants (Joshua 14:10-15).

We are never to retire from spiritual activity. God would not keep you here on this earth, if His purpose for you were fulfilled. So, get out there and continue serving Him!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to reveal to you His continued purpose for your life.