Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. --2 Timothy 3:14-15

There is a story of four ministers who were discussing various Bible versions and which ones they liked best. One liked the King James Version because of its eloquent literary style. Another one preferred the Revised Version of 1881 because it provided the most literal translation of Hebrew and Greek.

The third minister felt that the New King James Version was the most readable and easiest to understand of all. But the fourth minister didn't say a thing. Finally, one of them asked for his opinion on which version of the Bible he liked best.

The man replied, "I like my mother's translation the best."

The others were shocked by his answer, and one of them asked, "Did your mother translate the Bible into her own version?"

"Yes, sort of," the man replied. "She translated it into her life, and it was the most convincing version I've ever seen."

If you are a believer, people are watching your life. And quite frankly, your life is the only Bible some people will ever read!

In order for our lives to serve as godly examples for others, you and I must act out God's Word every single day. You can be certain that your children, grandchildren, friends, co-workers, and neighbors are watching how you live your life as a Christian. Are you a living example of God's Word to those around you?

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that your life would be a living example of God's Word so that you can point others to salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to direct your words and actions so you can be a godly influence—no matter the circumstance.

[Judy Harder]

For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. --2 Corinthians 1:5

The Chicago Tribune published a story once about 15-year-old Douglas Maurer. He had suffered from a high fever and flu-like symptoms for several days, so finally his mother took him to the hospital. It was there that Douglas was diagnosed with leukemia.

The doctors explained the disease to Douglas and said he would have to undergo intense chemotherapy for the next three years. They told him about the side effects that would follow...baldness and a bloated body...and Douglas became very depressed.

To lift his spirits, Douglas' aunt called a local floral shop to send him a flower arrangement. She told the clerk it was for her teenage nephew who had leukemia.

When the beautiful flowers arrived at the hospital, Douglas read the card from his aunt. Then he saw a second card attached that said: "Douglas—I took your order. I work at Brix florist. I had leukemia when I was 7 years old. I'm 22 years old now. Good luck. My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Laura Bradley."  For the first time since his diagnosis, Douglas' face lit up.

Douglas Maurer was in a hospital filled with sophisticated medical equipment and technology. He was being treated by some of the best doctors and nurses around. But it was a simple sales clerk in a flower shop that took the time to care. She was the one person who gave Douglas hope to carry on.

Is there someone in your life suffering from some sort of affliction who needs comfort? If so, seek to show them love, compassion, and encouragement. You could be the one person who can make a difference in the life of another who is suffering without hope.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that the Lord would help you to bring comfort and encouragement to someone who needs it more than ever today.

[Judy Harder]

Finding reward in life's challenges

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.  - Exodus 19:5

Almost everyone has heard of Paul Revere's midnight ride to warn American patriots of advancing British soldiers during the American Revolution. But few have heard of Israel Bissel, a humble post rider on the Boston-New York route.

After the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, Bissel was ordered to raise the alarm in New Haven, Connecticut. He reached Worchester, Massachusetts, normally a day's ride, in just two hours. There, according to tradition, his horse promptly dropped dead.

Pausing only to get another mount, Bissel pressed on and by April 22, he was in New Haven—but he didn't stop there! He rode on to New York, arriving April 24, and then stayed in the saddle until he reached Philadelphia the next day. Bissel's 126-hour, 345-mile ride signaled American militia units throughout the Northeast to mobilize for war.

In the Christian life, God often calls us to challenging tasks that, while difficult, ultimately bring about good. Perhaps He challenges us to step out in faith and help mend a broken relationship. Or, maybe He calls us to step out in faith and share the message of salvation with another person. While tasks like these aren't always easy, they'll always be blessed.

So be willing to do the hard things for God so that in due time, you'll receive abundant blessings!

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would give you a heart that's willing to do great things for Him even when they seem challenging.

Questions for Thought

Are you typically eager to accept challenges in life or are you more prone to do what's safe?

How can you change your perspective to be more eager to do the hard things for God, knowing that the reward will be great?

[Judy Harder]

The importance of facing life's challenges head-on

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. - 1 Corinthians 16:13

Researcher Spencer Silver from 3M was curious about what would happen if he mixed an unusual amount of monomer into a polymer-based adhesive he was working on. The result was an adhesive that would "tack" one piece of paper to another and even re-stick, without leaving any residue on the second piece of paper.

The company had no use for the new adhesive until 3M chemist Arthur Fry began having problems in the choir loft. The slips of paper he used to mark pages in his hymnal often fluttered to the floor, leaving him frantically searching for his place. Then he remembered Silver's adhesive. Fry's better bookmark soon metamorphosed into the handy Post-it Notes that have become a fixture in offices throughout the world.

It's very often true in life that some of the greatest things are born out of challenges. Had Arthur Fry not have reached a point of frustration with his hymnal, offices all over the globe today might not be filled with those florescent little sticky notes that have now become so commonplace.

Instead of giving up when you encounter a challenge or a struggle in your life, find out what God is doing. Seek Him and ask Him what He wants to accomplish through it. Because when you have the courage to face life's challenges head-on, you never know the impact it will have!

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would give you the courage not to back down when challenges come your way.

Questions for Thought

As you look back at your life up to now, have you typically seen challenges as something to be avoided or embraced? Why is that?

What tangible steps can you take to become more resilient in the face of life's challenges?

[Judy Harder]

Appreciating the blessings of others in your life

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. - Hebrews 3:13

A story was told of a man who loved old books. He met an acquaintance who had just thrown away a Bible that had been stored in the attic of his ancestral home for generations. "I couldn't read it," the friend explained. "Somebody named Guten-something had printed it."

"Not Gutenberg!" the book lover exclaimed in horror. "That Bible was one of the first books ever printed. Why, a copy just sold for over two million dollars!" His friend was unimpressed. "Well, this one wouldn't have brought a dollar. Some fellow named Martin Luther had scribbled all over it in German."

Sometimes you don't know the value of what you have until it's gone. There are people in your life who become so commonplace... you see them every day, talk with them, but you're never truly grateful for the blessings they bring to your life. Then one day, by death or something else, they're gone, and you realize how important they really were to you.

Don't take others in your life for granted. Instead, be thankful to God for the friends and family He's given you. And let those special people in your life know you care about them while you have the time. Be diligent to express appreciation for those you have today!

Prayer Challenge

Pray and ask God to show you those in your life who need to hear you appreciate them.

Questions for Thought

Why do you think people tend to take others in their lives for granted?

How can you show those in your life who've blessed you with their friendship and love that you appreciate them and don't take them for granted?

[Judy Harder]

Living in the freedom Christ has given you

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. - Galatians 4:6-7

A little boy visiting his grandparents was given his first slingshot. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit his target. As he came back to Grandma's backyard, he saw her pet duck. On an impulse he took aim and let fly. The stone hit, and the duck fell dead.

So he panicked and hid the dead duck in the woodpile, only to look up and see his sister watching. After lunch that day, Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn't you, Johnny?" And she whispered to him, "Remember the duck." So Johnny did the dishes.

Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, Grandma said, "I'm sorry, but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally smiled and said, "That's all taken care of. Johnny wants to do it." Again she whispered, "Remember the duck." Johnny stayed while Sally went fishing.

Finally, after several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he couldn't stand it. He confessed to Grandma that he'd killed the duck. "I know, Johnny," she said, giving him a hug. "I was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. Because I love you, I forgave you. I just wondered how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.

How many Christians today have received forgiveness in Christ, but miss out on living in the freedom they have? Don't live under the impression that you still have to earn your salvation. Instead, live in the freedom that Christ has bought you!

Prayer Challenge

Pray and ask God to help you understand the freedom you have in Christ. As you grow in your freedom, shake off the yoke of slavery and experience the joy you're meant to have!

[Judy Harder]

The importance of giving substance to your faith

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. - James 2:26

A young boy, on an errand for his mother, had just bought a dozen eggs. As he walked out of the store, he tripped and dropped the sack, breaking every egg he had bought. The sidewalk was a mess, and the little boy tried not to cry. So a few people gathered to see if he was okay and to tell him how sorry they were.

In the midst of all the "I'm sorry"s and everyone making sure the boy was okay, one man handed the boy a quarter. Then he turned to the group and said, "I care 25 cents worth. How much do the rest of you care?"

That little story is a strong parallel to many people today, isn't it? You see, some tend to pity Jesus and say things like, "He was such a noble teacher," and, "What a brave thing to die for what you believe." However, when it comes to actually putting their money where their mouth is, that's where their devotion stops.

The Bible says that faith is of the utmost importance. But faith itself is only proven when there are works behind it like giving your money, your time, and even your very life to Christ. So instead of just giving Jesus your words, give Him your works and add substance to your profession of faith!

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to empower you to add substance to your faith by giving your money, your time, and even your very life to Christ every day!

[Judy Harder]

What is the foundation of your life?

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." - Matthew 7:24-25

On November 25, 1895, a cornerstone of ice was laid in Leadville, Colorado—the beginning of the largest ice palace ever built in America. In an effort to bolster the town's sagging economy, the citizens staged a winter carnival. On New Year's Day of 1896, the town turned out for the grand opening.

The immense palace measured 450 x 320 feet. The towers that flanked the entrance were 90 feet high. Inside was a 16,000-square-foot skating rink. But by the end of March, the palace was melting away, along with the hopes of Leadville. You see, the tens of thousands of visitors who were anticipated to come did not, and those who did come spent very little, leaving the town's economy in shambles.

Many Christians today also build their own "ice palaces" that eventually melt away. Perhaps they've trusted in money for their security. Maybe they've become codependent with another person to the point where they trust in them for everything. Or, it's possible they've allowed their possessions—their home, their car, or their "toys"—to become their idols.

Each of these things will melt away when summer comes. Money won't last forever; people will let you down; and your possessions won't follow you to heaven! So instead of building castles of ice, build your life on the rock of Jesus Christ so that when summer comes, you'll be standing strong!

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to reveal to you things you've built your life on that have no eternal significance.

Questions for Thought

What are some "ice palaces" that many people build their lives on today that eventually melt away?

How can you be diligent to keep your life founded on the rock of Jesus Christ instead of temporary things?

[Judy Harder]

How to break free from the bondage of sin

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1

In one of his most famous sermons, Pastor J. Alistair Brown told a story of how he passed a massive oak tree as he was walking through a park one day. A vine had grown up along its trunk and had gotten taller and taller. The entire lower half of the tree was covered by the vine's creepers. The mass of tiny feelers was so thick that the tree looked as though it had innumerable birds' nests in it.

The tree was in danger. This huge, solid oak was being taken over; the life was being squeezed from it. But the gardeners in that park had seen the danger. They had taken a saw and severed the trunk of the vine—one neat cut across the middle. The tangled mass of the vine's branches still clung to the oak, but the vine was now dead. This eventually became plain as weeks passed and the creepers began to die and fall away from the tree.

Brown went on to explain that it's so easy for sin, which begins so small and seemingly insignificant, to grow until it has a strangling grip on our lives. And yet, Christ's death has cut the power of sin. Yes, the "creepers" of sin still cling and have some effect. But sin's power is severed by Christ, and gradually, sin's grip dries up and falls away.

Maybe today you find yourself entangled by sin's creeping vines. But the good news is that in Christ, you're dead to sin and alive to God! So take heart that even when sin seems to have you, you have the power of Christ in you to throw off its bondage and live in freedom!

Prayer Challenge

Pray and ask God to help you throw off sin's entangling vines and live in the freedom Christ has purchased for you!

Questions for Thought

What are some areas in your life where the vines of sin have entangled you?

How can you break free from those old ways and embrace the freedom Christ has given you?

[Judy Harder]

The reward of living for today

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. - Romans 13:11

J. Vernon McGee once attributed the secret to his longevity and ongoing strength to the fact that he took 12-14 vitamin pills a day.

One day he saw a man much older than he, and McGee bragged, "There isn't a thing I can't do today that I couldn't do when I was 16!"

The old-timer was astounded, "Really?"

"Yes," McGee replied. "It just shows what a pathetic 16-year-old I was!"

Dr. McGee was onto something that it seems people miss today. So many adults tend to look back on their past and think, "Everything was so great back then," or, "I wish I could just go back and be young for one day." What they don't realize is that there is a tendency in all people to romanticize the past and downplay the present... to see days gone by as better than today.

But God calls us all to have a much healthier outlook. He wants us to have a healthy, balanced view of the past, and look at today as a blessing.

When you're tempted to over-romanticize the past, think about all you've learned since you were very young and count your blessings today. Don't live for what's gone; live for what's here and experience the joy of renewal each day!

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would give you the perspective of living your life not in the past, but anew each and every day.

Questions for Thought

What are some stages in life that, as you look back on them, you tend to think were greater than they actually were?

What are the blessings or life lessons you have today that you didn't have when you were younger?