Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

How to have wisdom along with zeal

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7

The Methodist pastor, William Sangster, told the story of an eccentric church member who tried to be a zealous Christian. Unfortunately, the man usually did the wrong thing. While working as a barber, the man lathered up a customer for a shave, came at him with the poised razor, and asked, "Are you prepared to meet your God?"

The frightened customer bolted out the door with lather on his face!

People often ask the question, "What's the right balance between Christian zeal and wisdom?" But if you think about it, that's really the wrong question to ask because it makes it seem like zeal and wisdom are in opposition to one another. A better question, then, is, "How do you have wisdom along with zeal?"

Some people are like that eccentric church member... all zeal and no wisdom. Yet there others who put aside zeal in order to be "reasonable" and "prudent." But in every situation, God wants us to take our cue from Him. So when confronted with how to have wisdom along with your Christian zeal, seek God. Pray and look to His Word for guidance. When you do, He'll show you the right path and use your zeal and wisdom in amazing ways!

Prayer Challenge

Pray and ask God to give you wisdom and zeal when it comes to making Him known!

Questions for Thought

Can you think of a time in your life when you had wisdom without zeal or zeal without wisdom? If you could go back and do things differently, what would you change?

As you look at your life today, do you think you need to work more on having greater wisdom or greater zeal? What can you do to increase one or the other?

[Judy Harder]

The power of reconciliation through Christ

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23-24

Keith Hernandez was one of baseball's top players. He is a lifetime .300 hitter who has won numerous Golden Glove awards for excellence in fielding. He's won a batting championship for having the highest average, the Most Valuable Player award in his league, and even the World Series.

Yet with all his accomplishments, he has missed out on something crucially important to him—his father's acceptance and recognition that what he has accomplished is valuable. One day Keith asked his father, "Dad, I have a lifetime 300 batting average. What more do you want?"

His father replied, "But someday you're going to look back and say, 'I could have done more.'"

There's very little that can emotionally damage a man or a woman more than a wounding statement like this from a parent. Yet the sad truth is that all too often, parents make these kinds of comments without ever even realizing their ramifications.

But in Christ, it's never too late for reconciliation. Maybe you've been wronged by a family member. Or, maybe you've wronged someone else. Whatever it is, God's desire is that you would live in peace with all people by sincerely humbling yourself and finding reconciliation through Him.

Prayer Challenge

Pray and ask God to show you where reconciliation with a friend or family member is needed in your life.

Questions for Thought

Who are some people in your life today with whom you need to be reconciled?

What are some tangible steps you can take to love those who've wronged you and begin the process of reconciliation?

[Judy Harder]

How to experience abundant grace through obedience

(B)ut each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. - James 1:14-15

Many accidental deaths result from taking risks. That's the conclusion of an organization in Canada that is seeking to decrease accidents between cars and trains. Roger Cyr, the organization's national director, puts most of the blame for fatalities on drivers who are risk takers.

"Studies have shown that when people hear a train whistle, their minds tell them to accelerate their speed," says Cyr. "About 43 percent of the accidents occur at crossings equipped with flashing lights and bells or gates." Cyr also said that many drivers "even have the audacity to drive around or under gates."

Drivers take the risks, thinking they can beat the train and somehow miss the collision. But the consequences are often tragic, because when a car and a train collide, the train will always win.

While it's easy to look at such sad statistics and shake our heads, the truth is that many people today, even Christians, do the exact same thing with sin. They think themselves to be invincible to sin's effects, and they charge headfirst into situations that often result in them succumbing to destructive behavior.

When it comes to sin, don't take unnecessary risks. Guard yourself against falling into the destructive behavior and live your life in obedience to God through His grace!

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would give you the wisdom to avoid taking unnecessary sin risks.

Questions for Thought

What are some times in your life that, as you look back, you took unnecessary risks that caused you to fall into sin?

How can you avoid falling into those same traps in the future?.

[Judy Harder]

The key to real spiritual growth

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8

It was a simple clerical error, but it could be the most expensive typo of all time. In 1978, Prudential, the largest insurance company in the U.S., loaned $160 million to United States Lines, a shipping firm. As part of the deal, Prudential got a lien on eight ships.

In 1986, U.S. Lines went into bankruptcy proceedings and started selling off assets. Prudential said it was owed nearly $93 million, the value of the lien, from the ships' sale. Or so the insurance company thought. A close look at the lien documents disclosed that someone had omitted three little zeros, thus entitling Prudential to only $92,885 instead of $92,885,000.

The clerical error was corrected, but it cost Prudential millions in legal fees and contract negotiations, all of which could have been avoided if only the contract were correct in the first place.

In the Christian life, the little things matter. Not with regards to salvation—that's already settled if you're in Christ. But when it comes to growing in God's grace and deepening your relationship with Him, it's the small, daily acts of love that serve as steps toward a more fulfilling relationship with God.

So remember, focus on the small things. Spend nuggets of time in God's Word. Find everyday ways to show His love to others. It's those small acts that will help you grow in big ways!

Prayer Challenge

Pray and ask God to show you how you can grow in His grace through small, everyday acts.

Questions for Thought

Why do you think many people become frustrated and quit when trying to make dramatic changes in their spiritual lives?

What are a few small practical things you can implement in your life today that will help you grow spiritually?

[Judy Harder]

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. --1 Corinthians 10:31

Most Christians are ready and willing to serve in some sort of ministry full time after retirement, using their talents and abilities to bring glory to the Lord. Usually, senior adults begin participating more in church activities, witnessing to those who don't know Christ, giving more to their favorite ministries, and helping those who are less fortunate.

It may seem as though the ways to serve the Lord are limited, but in fact during retirement God provides even more ways to serve Him. There are many ways believers can be involved in serving the Lord, if they will just look at the talents with which God has blessed them.

A good example of using a special talent is for those of you who know how to cook. It may seem ridiculous, but look at the possibilities of ministering to other people through this avenue. You can prepare food for church fundraisers, the bereaved and hurting, shut-ins, and others who are going through a difficult time in their lives. There are some church groups that sponsor an evening meal for the needy every week.

In Matthew 25:40, Christ said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Some may think that food preparation is insignificant, or that it is not as important as other ministries within the church. But in fact, it requires talent, time, dedication, and a willing servant to put in the hard work. Any task that is inspired by God is not too difficult or too trivial to perform. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..." (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to reveal to you what He would have you do for His kingdom. Don't be afraid to branch out and try whatever He lays on your heart.

[Judy Harder]

How to recognize and overcome evil

July 18, 2012

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21

John was driving home late one night when he picked up a hitchhiker. As they rode along, he began to be suspicious of his passenger. John checked to see if his wallet was safe in the pocket of his coat that was on the seat between them, but it wasn't there! So he slammed on the brakes, ordered the hitchhiker out, and said, "Hand over the wallet immediately!"

The frightened hitchhiker handed over a billfold, and John drove off. When he arrived home, he started to tell his wife about the experience, but she interrupted him, saying, "Before I forget, John, do you know that you left your wallet at home this morning?"

It's human nature to jump to conclusions about others we perceive to be different than us. That's because evil has been characterized in our culture with a "this and not that" mentality. For most, evil is what happens when a terrorist attacks a crowded building, but it's not what happens when a clean-cut employee gossips about a coworker. Yet the Bible says that both are evil.

As Christians, we must come to recognize evil wherever it is. Yes, we have to see it in ruthless killings of others. But we must also learn to perceive it in our own lives as well as those around us.

Evil is evil, no matter what flavor it is. So pray that God would give you wisdom to discern what's right and what's wrong, and strive each day to overcome evil with good!

Prayer Challenge

Pray for discernment when it comes to recognizing evil in your daily life and strength to overcome it.

Questions for Thought

What are some pictures that come to mind when you hear the word evil? How have we been conditioned to think that way?

How can recognizing evil in all its forms help us to overcome it?

[Judy Harder]

How to experience the fullest life possible

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13

Thirty years ago, 33-year-old Larry Walters decided he wanted to see his neighborhood from a new perspective. He went down to the local army surplus store one morning and bought 45 used weather balloons. That afternoon he strapped himself into a lawn chair, filled the balloons with helium, and cut his tie-downs. He took along a BB gun, figuring he could shoot the balloons one at a time when he was ready to land.

Walters, who assumed the balloons would lift him about 100 feet in the air, was caught off guard when the chair soared more than 11,000 feet into the sky and into the middle of the air traffic pattern at Los Angeles International Airport. Too frightened to shoot any of the balloons, he stayed airborne for more than two hours, forcing the airport to shut down and causing long delays in flights from across the country.

Soon after he was safely grounded and cited by the police, reporters asked him, "Why did you do it?"

"Because," he said, "you can't just sit there."

Many Christians today are content with "just sitting there" and letting life happen to them. Sure, they'll go to church on Sunday and read their Bibles during the week, but they never really engage others with their faith.

Don't just sit there. Take action and do something bold for Christ. When you do, you'll experience the fullness of life God has for you!

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would show you where He wants you to do something bold for His name.

Questions for Thought

When's the last time you really did something outside of your comfort zone? How did it make you feel?

What's one way you can get out of your comfort zone today and do something bold for Christ?

[Judy Harder]

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. --Colossians 2:8-9

When the Titanic sank in April of 1912, there was a great amount of chivalry exerted despite the desperate situation. Out of honor and respect for the men who courageously declared, "Women and children first," an organization was formed called The Christian Boys' and Men's Titanic Society just a few years ago.

The men of this organization gather once a year in April for a dinner in San Antonio, Texas and in Washington, D.C. Both of these events take place on the dates of the iceberg collision and the actual sinking of the Titanic. During the dinners, men and boys are encouraged to be godly, courageous, protectors of their families, and to practice the old fashioned chivalry displayed on that tragic day when the Titanic sank.

As Christian men and women, we should join these men in reinstating the exercise of chivalry in our country. Chivalry is the medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood. Borrowed from the French, the English word "chivalry" was first recorded at the beginning of the 14th century and is found in works as "a body of armored mounted warriors serving a lord." The qualities found in a knight would have been bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry.

As believers in Christ, we must not fall to the deception of our culture that chivalry is completely dead. We are warriors for Christ in this battered world and our primary duty is to serve the Lord. Today, begin practicing the system of kindness toward those you come in contact with, godliness to those around you who are non-believers, and an upright witness to the world for the glory of Christ who lives within us.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to instill in your heart the age-old idea of chivalry so that you may be a witness for Him and bring Him honor.

[Judy Harder]

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. --John 14:27

All of us experience undue stress. Stress is that subtle, yet building, pressure that robs us of our well-being, peaceful state of mind, and sometimes our health. How many times have you thought to yourself, "I've got too much to do and too little time to do it!"?

Stress affects us all, although it may seem that some have developed immunity to it. In reality they have simply learned how to handle it successfully. It should be our goal to learn to control the stress we face. If we don't, then our bodies are likely to experience changes. Stress affects the brain, the gastrointestinal tract, the skin, your sleep habits, your immune system, and most importantly, your spiritual life.

Everyone feels the pressures of life, whether they want to or not. But you don't have to live life as though you've been hit by an 18-wheeler when you lay your head on your pillow every night. To rid your life of stress, claim the promises of Scripture. The Bible says, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3).

In addition, you'll want to refrain from telling yourself you shouldn't be relaxing when you finally get the chance to do so. Size down your responsibilities and just say no when you begin to feel an incredible amount of stress. Create some quiet time—possibly even in a very quiet place—to read Scripture, pray, get alone with God, and write out your feelings. And most importantly, plan some quality for yourself—alone.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: If you are feeling extreme stress in your life, ask God to help you relieve it and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

[Judy Harder]

And he [the LORD] passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin. --Exodus 34:6-7

There was a pastor who experienced one of the most unusual reactions from a church member during the benediction of the service one Sunday morning. A lady who was sitting on the back row pulled a gun on the pastor during the closing prayer claiming he hadn't preached from the book of Revelation that morning like she needed.

The older lady said that a sermon from the eschatological book was very important in the feud she was having with another church member. This story is true, and happened only a few years ago.

Anger is not a sin, when managed correctly and in the way God intends. Even Jesus became angry when he entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling there (Matthew 21:12). But, He had good reason, for what the moneychangers were doing was dishonoring to the Lord (Matthew 21:13).

God doesn't say, "Thou shall NOT be angry." He created the emotion. But, anger is one of the most intense emotions a person can have, and it is one of those that can easily fly out of control. Poorly managed, it can lead to irrational decisions and actions, and even hurt those you love.

Ask yourself, "When I get angry—do I act positively or react negatively?" If you react, then there is a problem in your control of the emotion. We are to become angry, managed in a healthy way, when we see things that are displeasing to the Lord. When you see your anger begin to turn to destruction—stop! Give it to Jesus and learn to handle it in a way that is pleasing to Him.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you keep your anger controlled and positive, seeking only to honor Him in all that you do.