Daily Living for Seniors

[Judy Harder]

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. --Romans 5:3-4

The Bible exhorts over and over again to be filled with godly virtues and the Holy Spirit. But what does this mean exactly? How do we know if we are full of goodness when we are full of sin, for example?

Think for a moment about a sponge. Let's say you pushed down with your finger ever so slightly on a sponge and water came running out. You could immediately assume that water filled the interior pockets of the sponge, right?

The same is true of people in general. You can tell what fills a person on the inside by what comes out under pressure and in every other situation. As believers, we should always fill our hearts and minds with goodness, godly virtues, and the Holy Spirit.

Paul said, "I myself am convinced...that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again..." (Romans 15:14-15).

If someone were to push a pressure point in your life, what would come spilling out? Would it be filth and ungodly characteristics or holiness and goodness? 

Always be filled with the Holy Spirit and demonstrate godly virtues in every situation. Be prepared for the Lord to test your heart from time to time (see Proverbs 17:3). "...We speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts" (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for demonstrating His love and holiness to you, so that you can be a witness to others. Pray that He would fill you with goodness and saturate your heart and mind with His Word, so that your life will pour out godliness to others--even when the pressure is on.

[Judy Harder]

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. --Hebrews 13:8

When American author Lloyd C. Douglas was a university student, he lived in a boarding house. Downstairs on the first floor was a retired music teacher who lived in a small apartment.

Every morning, Douglas claimed they went through the same ritual. He would come down the steps, open the old man's door, and ask, "Well, what's the news?"

The old man would pick up his tuning fork, tap it on the side of his wheelchair, and say, "That's Middle C! It was Middle C yesterday; it will be Middle C tomorrow; it will be Middle C a thousand years from now. The tenor upstairs sings flat, the piano across the hall is out of tune, but my friend, that is Middle C!"

The old man had discovered one thing in his life upon which he could always depend--Middle C. For Christians, the one constant and absolute in this life, of which there is no shadow of changing, is Jesus Christ.

The Bible says that "because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. ... We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:17, 19). God sent His Son to die on the cross so that we might have eternal life with Him. He made a promise, and He kept it.

Because of this, we can rest assured that God will never change. He is ever-present when trouble comes barreling in. He is all-powerful to do exactly as He has promised. And He is all-knowing, and we should never worry because He is in control. He is the same "yesterday and today and forever."

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for being the constant reality in your life.  

[Judy Harder]

Jesus said]: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. ... If they persecute me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. --John 15:18-20

What is a Christian? In the Letter to Diognetus, dating back to the second century, an anonymous writer described Christians:

"Christians are not differentiated from other people by country, language, or customs; ...they do not live in cities of their own, or speak some strange dialect. ... They live in both Greek and foreign cities....They follow local customs in clothing, food, and the other aspects of life. But at the same time, they demonstrate to us the unusual form of their own citizenship.

"They live in their own native lands, but as aliens. ... They marry and have children...but they do not kill unwanted babies. They offer a shared table, but not a shared bed. They are passing their days on earth, but are citizens of heaven. They obey the appointed laws and go beyond the laws in their own lives.

"They love everyone, but are persecuted by all. They are put to death and gain life. They are poor and yet make many rich. They are dishonored and yet gain glory through dishonor. ... They are mocked and blessed in return. They are treated outrageously and behave respectfully to others.

"When they do good, they are punished as evildoers; when punished, they rejoice as if being given new life. They are attacked by Jews...and are persecuted by Greeks; yet those who hate them cannot give any reason for their hostility."

If you are a believer, the Bible commands you "...not [to] conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2). And you can expect the world to hate you as a result (see 1 John 3:13). Continue to be sanctified by the truth of God's Word and be in the world but not of it (see John 2:15).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would empower you to always be set apart, even when the world hates you, so that others can see the difference Jesus has made in your life.

[Judy Harder]

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. --Deuteronomy 6:6-9

In her novel about Maine, The Country of the Pointed Firs, Sara Orne Jewett describes the journey of a woman on the road to the home of a retired sea captain named Elijah Tilley. When she arrived, the woman noticed many wooden stakes scattered randomly all about the property. Each stake was painted white and trimmed in yellow, just like the captain's house.

Curious about the wooden stakes, the woman asked Captain Tilley what they all meant. He explained that when he first plowed the ground, his plow snagged on many large rocks just beneath the surface. As a result, he set out stakes where the rocks lay so that he could avoid them when plowing in the future.

In some sense, this is what God has done with the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament. The Lord has said to us, "These are the trouble spots in life. My commandments are stakes by which you can recognize these troublesome spots. Avoid these trouble spots, and you won't snag your plow."

Many people today deem the Ten Commandments insignificant because of claims that they were written only for the people of God during that time period.

But 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man [or woman] of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (emphasis added).

Take some time to study each of the 10 commandments, and teach them to your family and those you love (see Matthew 5:19). Then apply them to your own life, so you can avoid the trouble spots when you're plowing the field.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for giving us His commandments so that we can avoid getting snagged along life's path. Pray that He would remind you daily to follow each one in your walk with Him.

[Judy Harder]

When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. --1 Corinthians 14:26

Several years ago, the world watched as three gray whales, icebound off Point Barrow, Alaska, floated battered, bruised, and bloody, gasping for breath at a hole in the ice. Their only hope was to somehow be transported five miles past the ice to the open sea.

Rescuers began cutting a string of breathing holes about twenty yards apart in the six-inch-thick ice. It took some time, but for eight days, the rescuers coaxed the whales from one hole to the next, mile after mile. Each hole allowed them the chance to breath all along the way.

During the five-mile journey, one of the three whales vanished and could only be presumed dead. But finally, with the help of Russian icebreakers, the whales Putu and Siku swam to freedom in the open sea.

Just the same, worship can be considered as a string of breathing holes the Lord provides His people. We often become battered and bruised in a world frozen over with greed, selfishness, and hatred. But worship allows us to rise up for air.

Church gives us that place to breathe again and to be loved and encouraged by other believers until that day when the Lord forever shatters the ice cap.

If you are able to attend church, take advantage of worshipping with others who may be going through some of the same struggles you are. If you are unable to attend, then take advantage of the technology today that allows us to experience church services each week via radio, TV,and event the internet!

Either way, when it seems that you can't make it another 20 yards, you can find a breath of fresh air in worshipping the Lord with other believers.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the opportunity you have to worship Him with other Christians. Pray that He would provide various opportunities for you to worship with others so that you can be loved and encouraged in your walk with Christ.

[Judy Harder]

Jesus said]: "...I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." --John 14:16-17

Rolf Zettersten once wrote in Focus on the Family magazine:

"A good friend in North Carolina bought a new car with a voice-warning system. ... At first Edwin was amused to hear the soft female voice gently remind him that his seat belt wasn't fastened. ... Edwin affectionately called this voice the 'little woman.'

"He soon discovered his little woman was programmed to warn him about his gasoline. 'Your fuel level is low,' she said one time in her sweet voice. ... He figured he still had enough to go another fifty miles, so he kept on driving. But a few minutes later, her voice interrupted again with the same warning.

"And so it went over and over. Although he knew it was the same recording, Edwin thought her voice sounded harsher each time. Finally, he stopped his car and crawled under the dashboard. After a quick search, he found the appropriate wires and gave them a good yank.

"He was still smiling to himself a few minutes later when his car began sputtering and coughing. He ran out of gas! Somewhere inside the dashboard, Edwin was sure he could hear the little woman laughing."

Believers must learn that the little voice inside, the Holy Spirit, even if ignored or disconnected, tells them exactly what they need to know. Jesus said, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26).

The Lord has given us His Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and warn us of what's ahead. Listen to that still, small voice in your heart and be obedient to the Spirit's calling.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for instilling in you His Holy Spirit to guide and direct your life. Ask God to make your heart sensitive to the Spirit's leading.

[Judy Harder]

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. --Ephesians 4:29

John Todd, a nineteenth-century clergyman, received a letter from his seriously ill, kind-hearted aunt, who raised him herself after his parents died when he was a child. She asked if death meant the end of everything, or if she could hope for something beyond. Todd responded:

"It is now 35 years since I, as a boy of six, was left quite alone in the world. You sent me word you would give me a home and be a kind mother to me. I have never forgotten the day I made the long journey to your house. I can still recall my disappointment when, instead of coming for me yourself, you sent your servant, Caesar, to fetch me.

"I remember my tears and anxiety as, perched high on your horse and clinging tight to Caesar, I rode off to my new home. Night fell before we finished the journey, and I became lonely and afraid. 'Do you think she'll go to bed before we get there?' I asked Caesar.

"'Oh no!' he said reassuringly, 'She'll stay up for you. When we get out o' these woods, you'll see her candle shinin' in the window.'

"Presently we did ride out into the clearing, and there, sure enough, was your candle. I remember you were waiting at the door, that you put your arms close about me--a tired and bewildered boy....

"Some day soon God will send for you, to take you to a new home. Don't fear the summons, the strange journey, or the messenger of death. God can be trusted to do as much for you as you were kind enough to do for me so many years ago. At the end of the road you will find love and a welcome awaiting, and you will be safe in God's care."

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the hope of eternal life with Him as a believer.

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, July 1, 2010 

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. --Proverbs 4:23-27

A former police officer once told of the tactics of roving bands of thieves. The group of thieves would enter a store in a unit. One or two of them would separate themselves from the group, and the others would start a loud commotion in another section of the store.

This grabbed the attention of the clerks and customers. And as all eyes were upon the disturbance, the accomplices would fill their pockets with merchandise and cash, and leave before anyone suspected anything.

Hours--sometimes even days--later the victimized merchant would realize things were missing from the store and call the police. Too late--they'd already been deceived and robbed.

This effective strategy is often used by Satan as well. Believers are seduced into paying attention to the distractions, while evil agents ransack our lives and ultimately leave us confused, lost, and devastated. So what does the Bible say about this? Always be on guard!

Paul warned believers several times about this scenario:

·         "...I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3).

·         "...Be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil" (Romans 16:19).

·         "So be on your guard!" (Acts 20:31).

·         "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Don't be distracted by Satan and his roving band of demons. Instead, "be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to guard your heart and mind, so that you won't be seduced and deceived by Satan.

[Judy Harder]

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.. --1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Charles Osgood, well-known CBS radio newsman, once told the story of two ladies who lived in a convalescent center. Each had suffered horrible, incapacitating strokes. One lady's stroke left her left side completely restricted. And the other's right side was severely damaged and paralyzed.

Both of these ladies had once been accomplished pianists in the past. But after their strokes, they both gave up hope of ever playing again.

But because of their love for music and the piano, the director of the center sat them both down at the piano and encouraged them to play solo pieces together. Over time and with some practice, they began to play beautiful pieces together in perfect harmony and a lasting friendship developed as a result.

What an amazing picture of how the church of Jesus Christ can work together! One member cannot do everything alone. Instead, it takes two or more of God's people working together in harmony to accomplish His will in bringing the world to faith in Christ.

The Scripture says, "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:29-31).

It may be that God has called you to one specific job within His church. Or maybe He's asked you to do something extraordinary within the Body of Christ. Whether you are a greeter, Sunday school teacher, or visitor of those who are sick, do it all for the glory of God as a precious member of His church!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for the many members of the Body of Christ. Pray that He would make you effective in ministering to others wherever He's called you to serve. 

[Judy Harder]

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. --Colossians 3:17

In Loving God, Charles Colson tells the story of Telemachus, a fourth-century Christian and monk. Telemachus lived in a remote village and spent most of his time tending his garden and praying.

One day, God told him to go to Rome. The monk responded obediently and set out on foot. Weeks later, he arrived at the city's gates to witness a great festival taking place. He followed the crowd through the streets toward the Colosseum.

Inside, he saw the gladiators stand before the emperor and say, "We who are about to die salute you."

Telemachus realized they were going to fight to the death for the entertainment of the crowd, so he cried out, "In the name of Christ, stop!"

As the games began, Telemachus pushed through the crowds, climbed over the wall, and dropped to the arena floor screaming over and over, "In the name of Christ, stop!" The crowd thought this was part of the show, so they began laughing. When they realized it wasn't, their laughter turned to angry shouts.

Suddenly, one of the gladiators plunged his sword into the body of Telemachus. He fell to the sand and his last words were, "In the name of Christ, stop!" Then, a hush fell over the Colosseum and one man in the upper rows stood up and walked out. Soon, others began to follow and in silence everyone left the Colosseum.

On that day in B.C. 391, the last battle to the death between gladiators in the Roman Colosseum was fought. It was all because one tiny voice that could hardly be heard above the uproar spoke the truth in God's name.

Won't you be that small voice in the darkness and commotion of our culture today?

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that others might be sensitive to hear the message of truth spoken by you in God's name.