Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." --Mark 2:1-5

Many people read this story and wonder why Jesus would address the spiritual needs of this man before his physical needs. Maybe Jesus was teaching the Christians of the day something that Christians in this century need to learn again.

Good health includes the whole of us--body, mind, and spirit. There is a connection between faith and healing. Some of the first hospital visits by first-century Christians were in response to Jesus' command to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, take in the stranger, and visit the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:34-40).

History tells us that in the Middle Ages, priests served as physicians and in the eighteenth century, those who wanted to practice medicine, had to first gain permission from the bishop. As time went on, the connection between faith and health began to disconnect as medicine moved forward in achieving the treatments of illnesses and developed greater understanding of where disease began. With the advances, came the exclusive responsibility of physicians and hospitals to take care of the sick, and the role of spiritual caretaker fell on the church.

Today, there is a renewed interest in faith and health, and how the connection between the two impacts those who are aging. In the Handbook of Religion and Health, the authors show a link between physical health and spiritual welfare. Here are some things to consider: religious people have healthier lifestyles; senior adults with a deep, personal religious faith have a strong sense of life satisfaction; and religious faith appears to protect the elderly from cancer and cardiovascular disease.

So, as a senior adult, stay connected to your church, ask for help or support from those in your church, and read your Bible and pray daily.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for life, and ask Him to renew you in mind, body, and spirit.

[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]

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]

Friday, May 28, 2010 

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]

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]

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 

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]

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.

[Judy Harder]

You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. --Acts 22:15

Many years ago, a new preacher moved to a large city. One day, he rode the bus from his home to the downtown area. After taking his seat, he noticed the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much in change.

He thought about it and finally told himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it."

Then he thought, "Oh, it's only a quarter. Who would even notice? Besides, the bus company will never miss it. Just accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet."

When the bus came to his stop, the preacher paused at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "You gave me too much change."

The driver smiled and replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I've been thinking lately about going to your church. I wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday."

When the preacher stepped off the bus, he grabbed hold of the nearest light pole. As tears filled his eyes, he prayed, "Oh God, I'm so sorry. I almost sold your Son for a quarter."

Just as John was sent to testify to others about Christ, so are believers to be a witness "so that...all men might believe" (John 1:7). Your life is the only Bible some people will ever read. People are always watching to see how you live. Be on guard and remember that you bear the name of Jesus on your shoulders when you call yourself "Christian."

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to help you walk upright with Him every day, so that others will come to know Jesus as a result of your life and testimony.

[Judy Harder]

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. --Isaiah 64:8

During the Great Depression, a good man lost his job, used up all his savings, and forfeited his home. His grief was multiplied by the sudden death of his wife just weeks later. The only thing he had left was his faith, and it had been weakened.

One day, the man walked about looking for work when he stopped to watch some men doing stonework on a church building. One of the men skillfully chiseled a triangular piece of rock that didn't seem to fit in the formation they were creating. So the man shouted to the artist, "Where are you going to put that?"

The man pointed toward the top of the building and said, "See that opening up there near the spire? That's where it goes. I'm shaping it down here so it will fit up there."

Tears filled the poor man's eyes as he walked away. The worker's words rang clear and spoke deeply to his heart giving new meaning to his difficult situation.

You may be reading this and going through a difficult time yourself right now. It may be something even too troubling to talk to anyone about. But you can know for certain "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).

Each blow of the hammer and chisel in your life may hurt.

But have faith. These difficulties are only temporary! Sometimes the most painful blows bring about the greatest inner strength. Keep praying and believing that the Master is shaping you down here so you will be fit up there.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to turn your tragedy into triumph, and strengthen your spirit when life painfully hammers you from all sides.

[Judy Harder]

Monday, June 7, 2010   

Get rid all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. --Ephesians 4:31-32

Isn't it amazing how often we kick the devil out of our lives, only to let him leave his bags behind? Think about it. Maybe you once made up with a friend or family member after an ugly fight, but you were still resentful and angry. Well, you let the devil leave his bags!

Perhaps you once said, "I forgive you," but you couldn't seem to forget what had happened and have peace in that relationship. So you let the devil leave his bags.

At one point in time, perhaps you decided to release past hurts and disappointments caused by loved ones, yet you forgot to dig up the bitterness in your heart that had taken root. You let the devil leave his bags.

When even one small piece of the devil's baggage is left behind in your heart and life, you continue to be captive in his embrace. If you want him out of your life, then make sure he takes his bags with him when he goes.

Instead of holding on to old stuff, the Bible encourages you to escape the trap of Satan who has taken you captive (see 2 Timothy 2:26). If you stay rooted in prayer, faith, and God's Word, then you can fully release any baggage in your life that belongs to Satan and live in the peace of God.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: If you have let Satan keep his bags and hold captive some area in your life where you don't have peace, then pray and release that baggage to God and experience joy and freedom from the grasp of the devil.