Devotions for Seniors

 Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above—where Christ holds the highest position. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things.–Colossians 3:1, GWT

Standing at the pharmacy recently, within the span of five minutes three different people approached the consultation desk asking where they could find supplements to improve their memory. Afterward, the pharmacy tech said, “Those memory supplements are a big seller. Some people say they really help them have more focus and mental alertness!”

Who doesn’t want to have better memory and focus especially as they become older. Have you noticed more difficulty remembering things or staying focused as you age? If so, it wouldn’t be unusual and may be worth having a conversation with your primary care doctor during your next visit, or, if you feel alarmed about your decline, then making an appointment would be wise.

Just as importantly are you staying sharp when it comes to focusing on the things above? Making time for prayer and time spent in God’s word daily will help keep our attitude positive, our heart encouraged, and our mind sharp concerning the Scriptures and keep us reminded how important it is to stay focused on the imperishable even while we live in these temporary bodies.

Heavenly Father, thank you for guiding us through this world and helping us stay focused on what matters now and for all eternity.   

Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above—where Christ holds the highest position. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things.–Colossians 3:1, GWT

Let’s face it, you haven’t made it this far without learning to have a positive mindset about the things that matter most. Part of your wisdom has been putting your mind on beliefs and philosophies that help support life and personal growth. As a Christian you’ve learned to put your mind on Jesus.

Paul says we are to focus on things that are above, heavenly things and matters which keep us motivated and moving toward life. There are heavenly matters and truths to set our mind on and there are excellent things we can put our mind on while on earth. Striving to be better, have an upstanding character, be a person of strength and one whose core values and principles reflect and mirror those of Christ, are all high things to aim for and a good mindset to have. 

Nothing ages us faster than having a negative, pessimistic mindset. Having a good mindset will keep us strong, youthful, moving in the right direction and support inner and outer strength.

Jesus, keep my mindset fixed on the things that matter most and will pay off I the long run.       

  He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. –Ruth 4:15 

Have you looked in the mirror and wondered if there’s something you can do to slow the aging process or age better? One article suggests some people naturally age better because they possess several traits that others may not. Some have:

A good amount of melanin which helps protect the skin and retain moisture. 

Some have a “baby” face which keeps them looking youthful. 

Some were born to youthful parents which shows that slow aging could be in their genes.

Some have facial features that are symmetrical which indicate they have better than average resistance to toxins, diseases and emotional trauma encountered in the womb.

Shiny hair, which is a sign of vitality. High cheek bones which are a good sign of healthy bones, and a fast metabolism that goes a long way in keeping those extra pounds off.

All these may be nice to have but nothing we can control; only things we need to be born with to enjoy.

God’s Word is full of promises to help us age well. Ruth 4:15 says God will renew our life and sustain us in our old age. Isaiah 46:4 says God will still be carrying us when we are old; even when our hair turns gray God will still be carrying us. Psalm 90:12 reminds us that God will help us number our days and gain a heart of wisdom, and, in 2 Corinthians Paul reminds us that though we are perishing outwardly, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

As Job reminds us as mortals born of woman, are few of days and full of trouble (Job 14:1). In between life is full of troubles that we cannot guarantee what their impact or affect will be on our aging, but we can be assured God will stick with us whether we show our age or look considerably younger than our years. 

As we go through life, we might come to see though we can do all we can to take good care of ourselves there is much more to be concerned about than how well we look on the outside as we age. As Peter wrote, it’s not the beauty achieved by outward adornment that counts most, but the unfading beauty which begins inwardly and starts with a gentle and quiet spirit that has great worth to God (I Peter 3:3-4). Having a disposition that reflects God’s nature will do more to keep us young than anything else.

Heavenly Father, some are blessed to look considerably younger than they are and others age more quickly. Neither one indicates we are blessed more or less than others. Peter is right, what counts most is our inner disposition and having a godly attitude.     

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, all who follow his precepts have good understanding. –Psalm 111:10

 Dear senior, have you thought about how much smarter you are today than in years, even decades ago? By now you’ve learned that there is a difference between having knowledge or gathering facts and having wisdom. You’ve learned you can have all the knowledge there is and have a slew of facts laid out before you, but true wisdom doesn’t come or isn’t enjoyed until you put that knowledge and those facts into action or to use. The psalmists give us another measurement for wisdom and that is when we follow the precepts of God. When we learn to live by the precepts God has laid out in the Scriptures then we’ll have entered the realm of wisdom.

When Jesus came and died in our place he became the perfect sacrifice, completing the Law and requirements of God that we could not, but that doesn’t mean we are not to do our best to follow the teachings of God as laid out in his word. The truly wise senior knows all the knowledge in the world won’t cause the favor or blessings of God to be ours. It isn’t until we settle into a lifestyle of living by the precepts of God that true happiness, true peace, true joy, and true wisdom are ours now and for all eternity.   

Dear Lord, I’m old enough to treasure wisdom and it’s my desire to know and follow your precepts as closely as I can.   

My God, keep me safe. I go to you for safety. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord. Without you, I don’t have anything that is good.”—Psalm 16:1

Are you being vigilant about your personal safety? Doing things to assure you are kept safe at home and as you are out and about? As seniors we can never be too safe or pay too close attention to the things we do (or don’t do) that assure our safety. As Christians we know God will keep us safe from spiritual enemies, but God also keeps us safe from physical or earthly enemies; those who seek to do us harm. 

Some in the younger generation use social media to tell others of their whereabouts, posting pictures of themselves away from home, on vacation, or out having a good time. This may look innocent enough and part of the keeping others informed culture, but seniors know this isn’t a wise thing to do since there are eyes everywhere looking for opportunities to break in and steal valuables or way leigh us.  

God promises to keep us safe not just from the forces of evil, but from evil predators on earth. We should do our part in being aware, being smart, and making sure we don’t work against the safety measures God puts in place.    

Heavenly Father You put a guard around us. I read my Bible and pray daily to stay spiritually safe, help me be smart in this world and not do things that work against your layers of protection to preserve our life. Amen  

  They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven—Nehemiah 1:3-4, NIV

Nehemiah had seen a lot of things in his day. Witnessed distressful situations. Received some heartbreaking news but nothing had broken him down more than the news he received concerning his hometown, Jerusalem. Its walls were torn down and the people returning from exile did not feel safe because they had no protection. Nehemiah’s heart was deeply saddened, and his first reaction was to weep, fast, and mourn before God.

Over your lifetime have you had occasion to take your grief to God? Have you, like Nehemiah discovered God is a safe place to process and navigate your losses? We are never too old to grieve our losses. We may have experienced all kinds of losses in our lifetime, and over the decades but loss never gets any easier. People may judge our grief and see it as faithlessness, but God doesn’t. God deals with the tenderhearted tenderly and patiently. God will help us navigate the difficult waters of grief and strengthen us so we can carry on with life.

Dear Lord, thank you for helping me through the tough times of grief and helping me come through so I can continue my journey on earth. Amen       

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.—I John 4:7

One of the joys my husband and I have is watching not only our adult children, but our grandchildren and great grandchildren live in the love we planted. They are a loving group of people, and we know it’s come from the love we both started and continue to show and share.

Are you planting seeds of love in your family that will continue to sprout and grow? We can leave real estate, earthly wealth, and possessions but nothing has staying and growing power like love. Leaving love legacies are more important than any other legacy. 

The love you share and plant didn’t start with you, your parents or grandparents. It goes back longer than that. God is the originator of love and all love comes from Him. When we leave legacies of love we are walking and living in the Father’s footsteps and nature.

Heavenly Father thank You for keeping me around long enough to see how my family is living in and passing on the love You started, and I continued. Amen     

   May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed—Psalms 20:4

Have you had the occasions of having a change of plans? You may have started the day or week with one set of plans in place but due to a chain of events or circumstances, found it necessary to make some changes? The same is true spiritually, with the goal and desires of our heart.

How have your desires and plans changed over the years and through the decades? When we’re young we may entertain desires that focus on career, marriage, and building wealth but as we age our desires can and usually do change. 

Our younger years may find us focusing more on earthly things than heavenly. We may be more focused on building wealth, accumulating material possessions, advancing in our career, but as we become older, our desires and focuses can shift. We might become more focused on having good health on the inside as opposed to just looking good on the outside. We might be more focused on building our savings as opposed to spending money, or making sure our character is more in line with God’s. 

We may no longer care about fame and being known and more about being known for sharing God’s love with others or being people of peace. We may give more thought to leaving a legacy of having a good character so family, friends, and grandchildren remember us this way.

Young or old, God wants to answer our prayers and give us the desires of our heart. When those desires and plans shift because of our age and life experience we can know with certainty that God will answer prayers and cause us to succeed as long as our desires are in line with His character, nature, will, and passions. 

The best way to know what God approves is to read His Word. All the answers are there. We can learn the things God hates and loves, what He’s passionate about and what He disapproves of.  

God wants to answer our prayers and give us the desires of our heart. He wants our plans for life to succeed and will make sure they do when we seek those things that are above and pray for those things that are in line with His character and will for the earth and humankind.

Heavenly Father thank You for the guidance in knowing those requests You are willing to fulfill. Amen 

  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit—Galatians 5:25

Have you noticed small things in yourself that have changed as you’ve gotten older? For example, you may be less inclined to wear something uncomfortable even though it’s fashionable. Or, that you don’t tolerate loud noises very well. Those concerts you attended in your younger years aren’t necessarily your cup of tea today. Or, that you find it annoying to wait in line for hours just to get into that new restaurant but instead are okay to wait until the hype is down and then try it out. 

There may be other things to. You don’t tend to throw your money away on frivolous things or feel open to exploring spiritual paths that take you away from God and the truths of the Bible.   

Many things change as we age. The things were willing to put up with when we were younger don’t fly as we age. Maybe it’s because we are sensing how quickly time flies, or our priorities naturally shift.

The Holy Spirit is progressive. He doesn’t stand around nor still, marking time. He’s on the move and as Paul says, we need to keep in step with Him. As we age and mature there are many things the Spirit moves us on and from. Accepting those changes and viewing them as progress can relieve us from unnecessary baggage and being emotionally, mentally, and spiritually weighed down.

Staying in step with the Spirit is one of the ways we can live that abundant life Jesus promised we can have in Him.

Jesus, thank you for the Holy Spirit who keeps me moving and in a good direction! Amen   

 Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you—Isaiah 46:3-4

God made a special promise to Israel. He had cared for them from the beginning, and He was going to care for them all the way through; until their hair was white with age.

As you look in the mirror and see gray hair coming in or perhaps that’s all there is. Or maybe you’re one that your hair is completely gone at this point. As you age have thoughts of your future care been on your mind?

There’s a lot to plan for and consider as we age: 

Will we be able to stay in our present home?

Is there anyone who will help give care if care is needed?

Do we have adequate insurance to cover our possible needs?

Are our finances such that we will have enough to live on?

These and so many more things could be on our mind. What a relief. God has taken a big load off our mind, not only spiritually, but in other areas. God has promised to care for us from the cradle to the grave and on into eternity. God’s care and provision for his children covers more than our eternity. It also covers our earthly life. When we walk with God and talk with God about our concerns over aging He will lead and guide us and even make sure we have our needs covered.  

God has made us and as He says, He will carry us through. All the way through.

Heavenly Father, this takes a load off my mind. Thank You for Your promise to care for all who belong to You. Your cared for me at the beginning of my life and You’ll care for me till the end. Amen  

  We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done—Psalm 78:3-4

One of our granddaughters has made it a habit to text me and her granddad at both the start and close of the day to check on us. In the morning shell ask how we are feeling, how well we slept, what we plan to have for breakfast. And at the end of the day or towards the evening hours she’ll text again. She always asks how our day was and what we will be up to as we wind down from the day’s activities. She is a great communicator and has a generous, loving heart. She is one we have called our helicopter grandchild due to her hovering and care.

Recently I realized I was missing an opportunity to plant a seed in her heart that would support her own faith journey. I will share the activities I plan to do as I wind down. Reporting I will get some reading or writing done or sometimes how I plan to work on a piece I am crocheting. These will prompt good discussion since she also loves to read and work with her hands. But I have not made it a point to include how I will spend some time in prayer and close out with a brief devotion before saying goodnight to the day. I should let her know how much peace and comfort I have found through this simple routine over the years. I think she would appreciate it very much.  

Asaph wrote we should remember to pass down to the coming generations the things we have learned about our God. Sharing with those coming behind us how loving and forgiving, gracious and kind He is. Sharing about His glorious deeds, His might, and the wonders He has done. No day is without the Lord’s goodness to us so I should have something new to share with her every day!

Good and gracious Lord, help me remember to seize each opportunity you afford to share your goodness, might and wonders with those coming behind. Amen    

 And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before—Job 42:10

We went to see our granddaughter in a stage production of Cinderella. We thought she and all the cast were awesome. The play brought back memories of childhood and put a lump in my throat as I remembered how our mother would curl up on the couch with us and allowed us to stay up a little later even if it was a school night. I surprised myself as I remembered nearly all the songs and sang along (under my breath of course). It was a delightful time and made me remember how much I love plays. On the way home I told my husband I’d like us to go to more plays, to attend the symphony more than holidays and take up horseback riding. He laughed, not at me, but, as he said, in admiration that I’ve been planning for our second act.   

Second acts. The places in life we’re ready to branch out and try new things, do those things we’ve always wanted but never had time for. The time of life we get to apply all the wisdom we’ve acquired through our decades, realign our priorities, be kinder to ourselves, and more at peace with God. 

After Job had experienced loss, sickness, emotional depression, and spiritual struggle, God promised him a prosperous second act. God was going to multiply Job’s blessings and Job would be seasoned enough to enjoy every moment of it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for second acts. May we live long enough to experience them and enjoy them when they come to us. Amen      

 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character hope and hope does not disappoint put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us—Romans 5:3-5 

Can you think back to the many types of suffering you have been through over your decades. They may not have been pleasant at the time. What sufferings are? But today, since you are past those you can see how they benefited you greatly. 

What righteous characteristics do you embody today because of the ways you have suffered in life? Can you now boast of having the ability to persevere? Is your character godlier and more Christlike? Is hope one of the emotional, mental, and spiritual attributes that anchor you, even in the darkest times and seasons? Out of His love which God has poured into your heart you now have so many wonderful characteristics that you didn’t start out in life or adulthood with. 

We could focus on the downsides of aging, which are numerous. The body may not be as strong, the mind not as sharp, the memory not as quick, we may feel aches and pains we didn’t have decades ago, but the tradeoff is awesome. God has added to us so many beautiful, godly, and righteous characteristics we could not have imagined years ago. All because we have suffered in this life, we are better people; perhaps the best people we have ever been in our life.

The wonderful part is, while there is sure to be more suffering ahead of us (thank God we don’t know yet what they are) but that also means through those sufferings not only is God with us to help us through but there are also many more beautiful characteristics waiting to be added to us.

Heavenly Father, it’s a mystery how our character is honed and matured through suffering. While we’d rather skip the suffering, what we get from it can truly be thought of as treasure. Amen   

 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.—Matthew 19:13-15, NIV 

How many decades has it been since you were a child? What memories from childhood do you still have? What about memories concerning church or having faith in Jesus? When we have been raised in the church, chances are our memory boxes are full of things like special services, special meals as a church family, maybe even serving the Lord in a special way. My husband remembers being an altar boy and I especially remember being in the choir with my grandmother and accompanying her on missionary visits to care for the elderly sick in our congregation. 

Being a child in the kingdom of God is wonderful. During the time Jesus and the disciples were ministering in different towns and villages some people brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and bless them, but the disciples balked at this and started sending the children away. Jesus caught on to what they were doing and chastised them. High five Jesus! 

Jesus welcomed children and Jesus wants us to retain our childlike faith in him our entire life. No matter how “adult” you have become in your relationship with Jesus, can you reconnect to the childlike faith and trust you had in Jesus decades ago? Can you let go of any skepticism or cynicism about faith and trusting Jesus you have acquired over the years and decades and just return to the place in your heart and mind where you accepted God’s Word for Gospel truth?

For those who can let go of their well-earned badge of independence, self-sustaining, adult-approach to religion and Bible understanding, and become a child again in the Kingdom of God, there is a great blessing in store!

Jesus, bless me at the age I am right now, to shed any barriers that have been erected because of my adulthood. I long to always be a child in your eyes and in the kingdom of God! Amen      

 “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)

It’s not uncommon or even extraordinary to spend more time reflecting on what kind of people we have been over our lifetime or if we have truly demonstrated our faith in Jesus in such a way that it shows and has impacted others.

James writes that faith and works go together. He says we cannot separate the two. What James says reiterates what Jesus said in john, that if we truly believe in him we will do the same works he demonstrated while on earth, and we will do even greater works than those.

God is gracious. Even if we have not been diligent to do that over our lifetime, our life isn’t over yet. We still have time to perform good works; still have time to demonstrate our faith in Jesus in not only practical but impactful ways that make a difference in the lives of others. 

Maybe in the past we have allowed our politics rule the thing we did and how we responded to the needs of others. Or maybe in years gone by we have not been motivated to help others have even the basic necessities of life, buying into the world’s philosophy that those who help themselves first will have what they need. Or, maybe even in our senior year we are just now truly coming to Christ and embracing Christianity; there is still time to perform works of mercy, show compassion, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, take care of the sick or make sure the imprisoned know Jesus loves them regardless of what they have done in their lifetime.     

Yesterday is gone and we can’t change what we have or have not done, who we have or have not been, but today is fresh and upon us and we can begin today to do not only the works Jesus did but even greater works than those.  

Dearest Lord, help me let go of the losses of yesterday and embrace the possibilities and opportunities to do good works today. Amen        

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. –Proverbs 27:17

Do Solomon’s words hit home? Do they make you think about the relationships you enjoy at this stage of life? Hopefully, they are good people, people who bring out the best in you. People your parents would have approved of when you were younger.

Perhaps more than making us think about the people who influence us is that we think about the ways we influence others. The way we may be rubbing off on those we hang out with or are around a great deal of time. We are good iron.

It’s a fact proven time and time again: the characteristics of the people we associate with will eventually shape or hone our character. This can work either in a positive way or negative. 

Like it or not, deny or accept it, we become like those we spend the most time with and they become like us. 

Solomon wrote about it so now we know our parents didn’t just make it up to suit their purposes. 

Just as important as the people we might become like, the ones we spend so much time with, what kind of person are we? If we are rubbing off on or influencing others, is it in a good way? Is the iron they sharpen themselves against, inspiring them to be better people?

Have they picked up some traits, characteristics, and attitudes they can be proud of. More importantly is God pleased who they have become by way of association? 

What we display most, the thoughts we speak and share with others can influence and inspire. We’re never too old to work on our relationships with others or reassess the kind of people we are around. We can make it a point to be good iron and enjoy the friendships that promote good sharpening.

Heavenly Father, Solomon’s words make us think and consider what kind of iron we are. I pray to be good iron that sharpens and influences others in a good way. Amen   

 Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves. Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, truly delightful. Our couch is green; the beams of our house are cedar; our rafters are pine.—Song of Songs 1:15-16

Are your love embers still burning bright for the love of your life? Solomon and his bride were newlywed so we might expect their love to be so passionate and steamy. By the time we reach our upper decades our true love or first love may not be with us anymore. Over our decades we may have gone through separations, divorce, or become widowed.  

Earthly love can change and the ones we love may change also. But there is one love that needs to stay passionate and burning hot. That’s our love for God.

The very first command God gave Moses to tell the Israelites and now us was, they were to have no gods before Him (Ex. 20:3) and Jesus reminded us we should  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength.” (Matt. 22:36-40). Physical strength may not be what it once was but with the strength of our heart we can still love God. We can still be in love with God. 

We may become older and many strengths and passions may leave us but we should never lose our strength or passion for loving God or loving others.

Heavenly Father keep our love for You burning hot and bright no matter how old we become in this life. Amen 

 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”—Mark 9:24

Most, if not all of us have been where the father in Mark was concerning his belief in God. Having faith in God is not always about believing in His existence, sometimes its about what He can or will do.

If we came to faith early in life, then we have spent a great many decades knowing God is real. We can clearly state the ways we see God is present, at work in the world, and real. But there is another part of faith that can challenge us at times and that’s believing what God can or is willing to do in our circumstances. 

The father wanted healing for his son. He came to the right place, the right person. But standing in front of Jesus he doubted if anything could be done. Jesus let him know all things are possible for those who believe. 

Regardless of how many times over the course of your life you have ben like the father in Mark, going forward you can know without a doubt God is not only real but is willing and able to work in your life and circumstances. You can know that as surely as you know He is real. 

Father, I do not doubt You. I know You are real and I also know You can and will work in my life according to your plans and purposes for me. Amen   

 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be oved; he who jeeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand…the LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 121:1-5, 8   

Psalm 121 is a wonderful psalm to spend time meditating on at any time of the year and especially as we close out a year and face new, unknown days. 

As a “Psalm of Ascent” it’s a good reminder to look up and see God, not only in our past, but in our unknown future. It’s a good place to be reminded who God is and what God does for his beloved creation. 

We get sleepy and need rest, but God doesn’t. God is always watching over and watching out for us. He will not let any enemy overtake us. God was with us as this present year came in and he will be with us as we close it out and already waiting for us as a new year begins. 

We will leave a lot of things behind as the clock strikes 12 midnight but not God! God goes forward with us. In fact, God is already waiting I the new year for us! He’s already seen the year we will face and already made plans to help, deliver, heal, comfort, and provide for us.

If we start feeling a bit anxious about the new year and what it may hold, we can do what the psalmist did: lift our eyes from earthly fears and look up to the hills. God is there!

Father, as we close out this year let our heart be encouraged knowing you are already waiting for us in the new year. Amen   

 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him, then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

How do you approach gift-giving times? What kinds of gifts are you giving others, especially those closest to you? Do occasions such as Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries challenge you; make you rack-your-brain for that perfect gift to give; one that fits in line with your budget or the person it’s intended for? 

By the time we have reached a certain time of life we may not be trying to get caught up in the foray or hecticness of the Christmas season. Running from one store to another, spending hours online choosing the right gift. Trying to accomplish shopping or gifting loved ones and friends the way we once did in our youth. Many don’t have the physical or mental energy to pull it off and many are living on limited or fixed incomes which makes gifting many, or even a few, impossible.  

However we approach Christmas, and however we gift or don’t gift, we can be assured that God’s gift of salvation came to us free of charge. God’s gift of his own Son Jesus is for those with earthly wealth and riches, those living on fixed incomes, and those with no incomes. 

Christmas reminds us how blessed we are to have a heavenly Father who saw our great need and no gift—not even one that required sending his Son Jesus—was too much to send. 

We may not have riches like the Wise Men that visited Jesus and it may sound cliché but even when we cannot give from our pocket or purse, we can give from our heart. We can share what and who we know with those who need to know the Savior personally. 

Long after their earthly and material gifts have stopped working, or been lost, or forgotten because we are willing to share the One we know and love, the One who loves and knows us, they will have the best part of Christmas with them every day of the year and for the rest of their lives. 

Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving that makes him the best gift we can give to others. 

Christ, give me a fresh way to tell the old, old story of your coming to earth to save lost souls. Help me recognize those who may be rich in material possessions but poor in spirit, and empty in their soul so I can share your love and reason for coming with them. Amen 

 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46-47, ESV

Our senior years can be a reflective time where we are thinking back over our life. Examining places and events in our lives that were impactful. If we’re like king David, we may even be asking God to search us so we can see those ways about us that keep us from being the people God designed or wants us to be. Senior years can also be a time we are regretting the things we did or didn’t do, the things that were kept from us or we didn’t boldly step into by faith. After decades of life there is sure to be much to reflect upon and think about so it’s natural to magnify some of the bad or hurtful things that have taken place.

Mary’s canticle of praise challenges and reminds us to focus on magnify that which is good and let our soul rejoice in God our Savior. When we magnify God, we make him bigger than everything else, we zoom in on his activity in our life, we put him under the microscope and come out praising him. 

There are some days as we reflect on life and decades past, we may need to dig a little deeper and look beyond what seems to be reality and know there is something and Someone greater at work: God our Savior! We can rejoice in him.  

Dear Lord, as I live out these senior years help me to see you and magnify you instead above all things, events, and people. Amen          

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

Have you noticed as you shop—whether online or in person—how many products have changed? How shopping has changed drastically even from the days before the pandemic? Many products you can find online but not in the physical store and vice-verse. Now, the shopping experience includes sharing space with the large carts built for packing multiple online orders at once. 

Other things in the world have changed too. Technology we need to keep up with or may be unfamiliar. The ways many jobs are performed now, many can work from home or remotely.       

As we get older one of the things we may find ourselves repeating again and again is “it’s not like it used to be.” In many regards as much as things stay the same, they are also different.

How comforting to know as much as things change some things also stay the same. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. The same loving, gentle, forgiving, kind, compassionate heart Jesus has had from the beginning and people encountered when he was walking on earth in human form, is the same Jesus with us today in the Spirit. 

Because Jesus is the same our lives are still blessed. Our sicknesses are still healed. Our need for peace is still supplied. Our hopes are still fulfilled, and our needs met. Because Jesus is the same his name is as powerful as ever and his death is still the answer for our sin condition.         

Jesus, thank you for your consistency and sameness! Amen 

 But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:8, 10, ESV)

By now you’ve probably lost track of all the setbacks you’ve experienced in life. most you’ve long forgotten, but there may be some that stand out in your memory and have earned their place in the setback-hall-of-fame because of their significance and the impact the outcome had. 

When you look at life do you tend to see it through the lens of the glass half empty or the glass half full? When you encounter a setback what’s your initial reaction? 

As long as we live on earth setbacks are not only possible, but they are also inevitable. Learning how to handle them can make all the difference in going forward and continuing our journey in faith and hope. 

God promises to be with us. He reminded Israel he had chosen them, they were the offspring of Abraham and they didn’t need to be dismayed because he would strengthen, help, and uphold them with his righteous right hand.  Relationship with God affords us to trust in his promises to get us through anything, including setbacks. Setbacks may come but they are not the end of our story or final outcome when we trust in our loving and faithful God.     

God, thank you for your faithfulness and sustaining presence to help me get through and experience victory after a setback. Amen     

By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them (Matthew 7:16-20)

Have you made it your goal to live an integrous life? If so, then you have surely blessed others and been a blessing to God as your life honors and glorifies him.

Jesus said a tree is known for the fruit it bears. Whether you think of yourself as a tree planted by the waters of Jesus or a branch on Jesus’ vine, living as a person of integrity you will bear, not only abundant fruit, but fragrant fruit. Your words and actions will speak for themselves. You’ll have no need to defend yourself. You’ll be free of worry if you are saying the right thing or doing the right thing. You’ll have peace of mind, and your family will never be ashamed of you. 

You may not have much money in the bank. You may not have expensive jewelry or real estate to bequeath. You may not have an abundance of material possessions. You may not wear all the name brand clothes that are so popular with many. You may not have popularity or fame, but if you have integrity that is the best fruit you can bear; it’s the best legacy you can leave.

Lord, may I be known by the fruit I bear and let that fruit’s name be integrity. Amen    

And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. Genesis 2:19 

Does this still amaze you? God created animals, fish, and birds but he didn’t assign their names. Instead, God had the animals pass by Adam and whatever Adam called them is what we call them today: lion, tiger, humpback whale, bluebird, all these names and more came from Adam. In one species alone, hundreds even thousands can exist. For example, there is not only one kind of bird but to date we know there are about 10,000 species worldwide. 

What a wonder, God created humans with the ability to think, reason, and problem solve but he wanted Adam to see his ability also.

When we use our brain to serve God’s purposes, we also glorify God. Our old nature will think perverse and corrupt thoughts which lead to perverse and corrupt actions but the mind that is led by the Spirit thinks good and does good. When we use our brains as Adam did, we can fulfill the purposes of God, bless the world, and bless others.

As long as we can, we should challenge our brain to learn more and expand in knowledge then use the knowledge we gain to glorify God!

  God, may I always use my brain to think good thoughts which lead to good actions that glorify you. Amen

 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, ESV) 

As you look back over your life how has your view of events changed? What situations or events that seemed so hopeless or irreparable at the time ended up having a surprise ending? 

One of the things aging does for us is give us the opportunity to view our life circumstances from a different point of view. Sometimes, we are too close to see the goo that can or will come out of something terrible, it takes being able to look through the lens of heaven, look through God’s eyes and perspective before we can see something great taking shape. 

Pain can blind us to God’s workmanship. Earthly perspectives can cloud heaven’s activity. But asking God to give us a change of view or heavenly perspective can give us new hope and put joy back in our spirit. 

Paul’s words encourage us today to remember the power of God which is always at work to create something new and amazing and if we need to hear it as we age then imagine how a younger generation needs to know and be reminded this powerful promise of God!

Gracious God, thank you for the reminder and especially being reminded that those who may not have lived as long as I have could use this word from the Good Book. Whenever I am in contact with a younger generation going through tough times provide an opening where I can share this uplifting promise from you. Amen         

 No prolonged infancies among us, please. We’ll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are easy prey for predators. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love. (Ephesians 4:13-14, MSG)

Could there be a greater more worthy aspiration than to grow up or mature in every way, especially in our faith? Christian maturity is a running theme of Paul’s letters to believers. New or seasoned, young, or old, male, or female, Paul wanted everyone to aspire and attain a mature unity of faith.

Can you proudly say and see how you are so much different today than when you were a child or in your youth? Are you like many of us who cringe inwardly when we think back over our youthful years that were perhaps filled with indiscretion and shameful, even regrettable activities. Relieved we have grown up and gotten past those seasons by the grace of God. As Paul has written elsewhere, when we were children we did childish things but when we because an adult we put those childish ways behind us (I Cor. 13:11). 

Physical maturity is going to happen whether we like it or not. All we need to do is keep living to become chronologically older. But spiritual maturity must be sought and desired; it is an intentional activity and pursuit. The benefits of having spiritual maturity are beyond measure and rewarding. The person who becomes spiritually mature increases in knowledge and understanding and is protected from false teachings or being pulled down into religions that do not lead to God, Jesus, or heaven, just to name a few. When we desire and work at attaining spiritual maturity, we work for something that is within our grasp by the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit and experienced within our lifetime. 

Gracious God, thank you for this promise that is within our reach when we make it our life goal and spiritual aspiration. By the help of the Lord we will attain it. Amen          

 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son whom, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5   

It was one alert after another. Initially the meteorologist’s report included severe storms were expected within 24 hours showing us in detail how the systems were moving into our area, how rapidly they were approaching and how strong the winds would be. Severe weather alerts on our phone as well as Alexa kept us reminded that there were not only storms to be aware of but tornadoes. When the storms hit, we weren’t surprised or taken unaware, we didn’t have to wait until the sky darkened or the tree branches started swaying back and forth or the rains began pouring from the sky to know the storm had arrived, we were well prepared and ready to ride the storms out.

Thank goodness for new technology that helps us be prepared for approaching storms and many lives are saved through them. God has given us an inner alert system. You’ve probably relied upon it and used it for some time now. As you become older is your inner warning system; your intuition or “gut instinct” as some call it, becoming stronger? Are you doing a much better job paying attention and heeding what it tells you to do or not to do? 

Reading God’s Word, listening to sermons, reading material that points us to Christ are all excellent ways of listening to Jesus. Paying attention to our instincts is another way that we can know what Jesus is saying to us. Our bodies may grow old but the instinct and intuition God has given us does not grow old or wear out, in fact as we age our intuition gets sharper and we get better at recognizing when God is speaking to us. If Jesus wants us to know anything about our intuition right now, He might be saying “don’t second-guess it.” Go with what we’re feeling. Let your inner warning system lead and guide you.

Jesus I may be aging on the outside but inwardly, in my soul I am getting stronger and more aware. Amen      

 If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.—Colossians 3:1-2       

  If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.—Colossians 3:1-2       

What do you feel too old for? Sometimes people will say something like, “I’m just too old to go down that road again,” or I’m too old for that kind of foolishness!” If I’m within earshot I may offer an “Amen to that!”

Recently I determined I was too old to worry about money. Worrying over money and finances is such an emotional, mental, and soul wearying activity. I have been practicing what Paul wrote in Colossians; setting my mind on things that are above. Not by pretending that earthly problems and cares don’t exist or matter, or by convincing myself that money doesn’t count in this life; because it definitely does, but by talking to God about my money concerns and then turning our needs over to Him to take care of. My worrying over money will not make more money appear; it won’t make things disappear that are there it will not change our financial status; it will only add to my worry-plate. 

I've noticed a shift and that something has changed since I’ve had this conversation with God. Since I’ve set my mind on things above, like God’s goodness, God’s perfect timing, God’s promise of provision, God’s protection, and grace, I’ve been more at peace and as I’ve been enjoying peace about money and finances everything has been taken care of. Thanks be to God! 

Since practice makes perfect, I’ll keep putting my mind on things above and letting God take care of the money part; He’s much better at it than I am.

Dear Lord, at any age worrying over money can be draining and doesn’t do one bit of good. Whenever I’m tempted to worry about or over money remind me to set my mind on things above—like Your precious promises—and that sets me free o have peace of mind instead of a troubled mind. Amen   

 And never will I leave you nor forsake you—Deuteronomy 31:6-8

My husband was walking on the treadmill while listening to country music artist Kenny Rodgers. He’s one of our favorites we’ve enjoyed listening to throughout our years together. As Kenny sang his hit song “Through the Years,” I felt a sentimental wave sweep over me. It made me think of the decades we have shared together. We’ve had some tough times but some very good times too: more good than bad. By the end of the song, I was thanking God for all the times we had had together and that’s a reason to rejoice and praise God, but the greatest reason any of us have to praise God and the most enduring, longest running relationship and presence is the one God has established with His created beings.

God’s promise to never leave nor forsake us is better than all the money in the bank. Better than any promise of fidelity or companionship we enjoy in human relationships. God’s promise to be with us for always, to the very end of the age is all we need when times get hard and even when others go away.

In any marriage or long-term relationship someone is bound to leave the other. It does not have to come because there is abandonment or breaking up, but as life naturally comes to an end for one. But even so, God is still with us, faithful to the end through the years. Faithful in goodness, faithful with mercy, faithful with love and grace. 

Dear Lord thank You for being with us until the very last, being with us all through the years. Amen 

 My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle and come to their end without hope—Job 7:6 

We don’t have to be grieving or processing loss, in the middle of a health crisis or other ordeal in life to recognize or feel the way Job was feeling after he had lost so much over a brief span of time. Everyday life with all the normal things that take place can bring an awareness of how brief earthly life is. 

At times I’ll look in the mirror see a new wrinkle here or there; gray hair now turning white in some places and wonder where time has gone. How did I become a senior so quickly? It seems like it was just yesterday that I was a teenager, a young woman or wife and mother in her twenties and thirty’s! 

Faced with the brevity of our lifespan does not have to make us depressed or downcast. We don’t need to go forward saddled with regrets over what we have or have not accomplished in life, nor live in fear and dread about the years ahead. Instead, even if we’ve never been one to pay attention to the passing of time we can begin to become more aware that it’s a good practice to be about the things that are most important.

What’s on your most important things-to-do list? Being kinder? Letting those close to you know their importance and how much you treasure them? Forgiving others—even yourself for past mistakes and failures? Being more available to God?

Awareness that the weaver’s shuttle flies swiftly does not have to be a bad thing or lead us to despair and hopelessness it can and should make us better stewards of our today.

Heavenly Father, even in my senior years may I become a good steward of my time. I still have things that are important to accomplish. Help me set right and godly priorities in life. Amen 

 And I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened.—Luke 11:9-10 AMP 

As you age and mature on your faith journey have you, like most—lost count of how many times you’ve needed to pray for something before seeing God move or experiencing the desired and prayed for outcome? I can remember praying for my oldest granddaughter over the course of a year, adding a small glass stone each time I prayed for her and about her circumstances. Before the prayer was answered I had accumulated close to 300 shimmering glass stones. They glistened from the clear glass vase I kept them in. When her change had come, I said a prayer of thanksgiving, tied a silk bow around the vase and gave it to her as a reminder of God’s power, faithfulness and that He answers our prayers.

It’s human nature to want our prayers answered right away but at times—more times than not—we need to return to God and pray that same prayer or need for as long as it takes. Getting older has many benefits. One of those can be learning to patiently wait on the Lord and knowing—because we’ve learned—that God is always at work and will send our answer in due season and in accordance with His will and plans for our life. 

Because we’ve experienced God’s faithfulness and timing firsthand, we can share that nature of God with others who may be chronologically younger and newer  in their Christian faith. Our firsthand account and personal testimony will encourage them to keep going, growing, and praying persistently. 

Thank You, Lord, that my journey of faith has allowed me opportunities where persistent prayer is necessary. Let me use my personal experiences to encourage someone who is discouraged that their prayers have not been answered [yet]. Amen        

 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.—Psalm 138:3

I’ve been working on my upper body strength. I’ve noticed one of the things to weaken as I age is my upper body. My arms need a lot of work, so I do a little everyday to build up in this area. Just because I am aging doesn’t mean my arms need to be weak. I was pleasantly surprised while pulling weeds in my flower bed recently to detect a muscle that didn’t used to be there! I said to myself, “way to go, Cheryl! Good job!”

There are numerous ways we can gain physical strength and there is another kind of muscle and strength God develops in us also: the strength of our soul. It works like this: as we call on God more and more, He strengthens our soul or spiritual muscle. The same result and benefits we get from doing pushups or lifting weights we get in a spiritual sense when we pray to God. As we increase our prayers God increases our strength of soul. Before we know it, we are stronger, our soul (emotions, spiritual heart, attitude, etc) can endure more, we don’t give out as easily, we have soul stamina where we used to have only flab and couldn’t make it through tough times very well. 

We witness to others that just because we are aging does not mean we can’t endure or persevere or press through the difficulties of life that continue to come. Strengthening of soul is a gift of God that never ceases as long as we are on earth.

Thank you, God for this precious gift of soul strength! Amen    

 The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old—Proverbs 20:29. 

I read an article recently that made me chuckle. Well, it was actually the comments posted in response to the article. The article was an informative one alerting seniors to the places where they could get a discount. Some grocery chains, drug stores, restaurant, hotels, etc. Even though many on the list were not in my area I did find a couple near me and plan to take advantage of “senior” shopping day and receiving some of the discounts on things I frequently buy. The chuckle came from those reading the article who aren’t 60 and above, feeling it unfair that seniors get all the breaks and best deals in town.

As I exited the website, I thought about the benefits that come with aging. The things that happen to the body get a lot of attention—and rightly so—as it’s said the squeaky wheel always gets the most attention. Certainly, changes with our bodies as we age call for a lot of attention and care, but there are benefits even greater than the discounts we receive when we shop or dine or stay in certain places. There are spiritual benefits. As we age in the Lord there is not only increased wisdom, but life experience that strengthens our faith, a deepening of spiritual awareness, a mature perspective of troubles, trials, challenges, a different, more mature perspective on relationship with others and God. These are all good things to bask in and take advantage of. 

Aging in the Lord we are reminded God has gifts in reserve for us. Like the discounts at the places we shop, eat or visit. We’re blessed by the things God has in reserve for when we reach that point in life. Blessings we cannot enjoy without becoming older and having some decades under our belt.  

God, as we continue life we are walking into new blessings in every area of life. While the obvious aspects can get most of our attention help us to also see the other side: the unexpected spiritual and relational blessings that are waiting for us in senior years. Amen   

 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.–Proverbs 24:27, ESV 

Do you find yourself getting smarter, wiser as you age? I think I am! I’m discovering—just as you may be—that aging has its advantages. As we become older, we can see life differently. It gets much easier to weigh matters out, prioritize, and work smartly. I was turning over a section in our yard to put in a new flower bed. With each shovel I was thanking God not only for the physical energy, but for the wisdom He continues to pour into my life and showing me how to apply His wisdom to new areas of life even when it comes to doing things in season and in a timely fashion.

Solomon’s nugget of wisdom is befitting in so many ways. In Solomon’s time the younger men were taught to apply this wisdom so they would be ready financially and spiritually when the time came to get married. Today as seniors we can apply Solomon’s proverb to everything from prioritizing our daily tasks to how we manage our finances smartly. The more we consider this nugget of wisdom the more places we can see how it fits and will benefit us presently and in the long run.

God’s wisdom is wasted on the foolish, it may not always be appreciated by the young, but it can enhance the life of seniors and help us have a fuller life that we can enjoy today and I the years to come. 

Thank You, Lord for sharing heavenly wisdom with me. It’s not wasted on me, and I will put it to good use! Amen.               

 My people, hear my instruction; listen to what I say. I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past—things we have heard and known and that our fathers have passed down o us. We must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the LORD, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed.—Psalm 78:1-4, HCSB

What are you passing on or down to others and especially younger generations so the skill or knowledge you have doesn’t die out or disappear? Maybe you are the keeper of family recipes and can make the best pies or cakes. Those are excellent to pass down. I’m so happy I’m not the only one who can make my mother-in-law’s dinner rolls. Our daughters can now make a mean roll that will melt in your mouth and I enjoy it whenever they are the one who provide the rolls for a family gathering. Other skills I have felt it important to pass down have been needlecraft, crochet, sewing. Even before having a class in Home Economics in school, I learned these skills from my grandmother which allowed me to be far more advanced than my classmates.

We’ll do well to pass down things we are skilled at and also our religious beliefs. Our faith in the Lord and the way we practice that faith are important to share with younger generations. There are so many ways we can inspire them and cause their faith and relationship with Jesus come alive and prosper. 

Just as Paul reminded the young pastor Timothy his love of the Lord was handed down through his grandmother and mother. Our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and their children will have something to say about what was passed down to them through us.

Thank You, Lord, for so many wonderful things we can pass down and keep on sharing. Thank you, that we can share our faith in Jesus to inspire the hearts of others. Amen           

 And there was the prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years…and then a widow until she was eighty-four…and coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem—Luke 2:36,37,38

I bet by now you have a strong witness to what the Lord can do. A unique and awesome testimony to share with others what the Lord has done for you and in your life and circumstances. Not much can compare to the testimony of a seasoned believer. We have a lot under our belt, a lot of decades lived, and a lot of experiences and stories to tell. The older we become the more we have to share with others about who Jesus is and what God can do. 

The prophetess Anna had lived a long time upon the earth and had seen just about everything but that day she saw something that sent her into the streets to share with others. She was up in years and for that time, she was well advanced but that day she had new energy and a brand new testimony to add to the one she already had. With her own eyes she had seen the Christ, the Messiah; looked into his beautiful face and knew He was real flesh and bone and that meant God had not only fulfilled His promise, He was up to something big. 

Your testimony about the living God is more important than ever. When you tell others about the miracles and wonders God has performed in your life it will not be theory or just Bible talk, it will be from your personal experience. You know a thing or two about the Lord’s power to heal, deliver, protect, provide, and save because you’ve experienced a thing or two!  

You are living your best, most impactful time as a believer. You have so much to share with others, so much you have learned, so much you are living through presently that will attest to God’s goodness and grace. The testimony of Anna continues through you. 

Lord, I have opened my life to Your guidance, my heart as Your throne, and I will open my mouth to testify among others all You can do and have done. Amen                       

  These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them—Matthew 10:5

Did you know that: 

 --Only 3.6% of people over 65 years old are in nursing homes.

 --Elderly men are likely to live with a spouse while elderly women are more likely to live alone.  

--Studies have found that most people feel their happiest or feel their happiness increase in the later decades of life—from their 60s to their 80s.

--More than 20% of Americans will be over age 65 in the next decade.

--Older people are everywhere, not just in Florida.

--75% of older Americans are women.

Some are uncomfortable when confronted with facts and would rather not know or want to ignore them. But that’s like the ostrich mentality. Sticking our head in the sand and being exposed in other areas.

When Jesus was preparing the disciples to go out into Galilee, He took time to give them some hard facts, some strong truths. Because they listened to Him and took in what He said, their mission trip was successful. When we are willing to embrace facts for what they are we can experience success and have good results in whatever decade of life we are in.

Our senior years can be fulfilling, satisfying, and exciting. We can feel comfortable to educate ourselves about the facts, embrace the facts we learn as truths that can serve us for our good and help us live a life that glorifies God and testifies to others the faithfulness of God.    

Jesus, You carefully instructed the twelve based upon the facts You knew firsthand. They experienced victory and were successful because they listened and took to heart everything You said. Help me become wise and pay attention to facts. The facts are not my enemy, in fact they give me an extra layer of protection and help me make wise choices and become prudent. Amen    

  Oh that they had such a mind as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants, forever!—Deuteronomy 12:29

Have you noticed how being obedient to God’s commands becomes easier with age? Perhaps that’s one of the perks of aging we don’t often consider. It’s not just about being “too old to sin.” As one elderly member of our church who is approaching her 90th birthday, stated recently. It’s our decreased desire to live in opposition to God’s commands. After living for decades, experiencing times of God’s chastening, living through times we have disappointed God and being heartbroken, we are not as quick to sin as in our younger days. 

The Israelites had good reason to fear God and take His commandments seriously. They had witnessed the power of God at work when disobedience was at work. After God laid down the law and the consequences of sin, they eagerly agreed they were willing to obey God. God replied to Moses it would be good if they were always so willing.   

As we age might pray more about the areas, we find obedience challenging. We are aware that we’ll never stop sinning as long as we are in these earthly bodies. Until the day we die we will sin in thought, word, and deed, as John the Apostle said, but we can rejoice that we don’t transgress as often or as willingly and that we want to obey God more and more. 

Father, I know I’m never too old to sin or get caught up in sin, but it’s not my desire to disobey your commands. Keep me from sin and help me obey you always. In this way, help me to see old age as a blessing.  

 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing…--Matthew 14:17-19, ESV

Not everyone in the large crowd was aware of what Jesus had done, but the disciples were. Those closest to the Lord knew they had started out with such a small—a hand full of biscuits and two small fish—but God miraculously multiplied what they had to feed everyone. It’s a reminder for us today, not everyone in the world will be aware that God has this kind of power, but we will know. Knowing what God can do with our little can encourage and inspire us. Knowing God can work miracles with our little can fill us with fill us with joy, give us peace and confidence that we need.   

Not everyone will have to count dollars or pennies after retirement or as they age. Some don’t have money concerns. But for those who do, being reminded of the power of God to multiply, and make sure that a little can not only go a long way but become more than enough is important. Knowing God can take a little and make it more than enough can keep stress away and give our heart peace and joy. We can enjoy each day of life without the nagging worry of whether our little will be enough to carry or sustain us.

Lord, may I always be mindful that I don’t need an overabundance. All I need to do is give whatever I have to you. You can make my little more than enough to cover and supply my needs. Amen     

  Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News about the kingdom, and healing all kinds of diseases and sicknesses…Jesus said tohis followers, “There are many people to harvest but only a few workers to help harvest them. Pray to the Lord, who owns the harvest, that he will send more workers to gather his harvest.”—Matthew 9:35, 37-38, NCV

My husband is a second-career pastor. He had a career in business administration, working for the city of Indianapolis, overseeing a program that trained people for jobs. He was instrumental in starting the program for those with nonviolent crimes to serve their sentence at home, which allowed them to keep their jobs and be with family. He has been in church-work for close to 50 years and a pastor for close to 40. While in seminary many of his classmates came from lustrous careers and lucrative fields. There was an airline pilot, an owner of a Fortune 500 company, and many others who, even as late as being in their 70’s felt the call from God to serve the Church.     

Jesus knew firsthand the labor shortage was great in the Christian Church. The need for more laborers and church-workers dates all the way back to when the Church was first formed. 

You might have felt or sensed the Holy Spirit calling you into church work and maybe felt it was too late to pursue or answer the Lord’s call. Gods says differently. In fact, He’s been known to employ second and third career people to fill positions in the field and become someone who uses their later years to become a harvester of souls for Christ. Second or third career preachers, teachers, and healers come with a wealth of experience, expertise, and wisdom. If you are willing God is waiting and has a place for you.     

Lord, if there is something you want me to do in your kingdom simply speak the word and I am willing to go and do…    

 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks and to speak of him to all who were watching for the redemption of Jerusalem—Luke 2:38

It’s more than a moving and beautiful story to be read during Christmas. The way Simeon was blessed by God to prophecy over Mary and Jesus and Anna became an evangelist as she spread the good news that the long-awaited and expected Messiah had been born. Simeon and Anna remind us how God’s promises are always being fulfilled and never fail, how the Holy Spirit will speak to and guide us until the last breath in our body is gone, and that we are going to be used by God to minister to others. As David prayed to God in Psalm 71, “Lord, I may be old but I’m still available and useful to serve your kingdom. Through the lives of Simeon and Anna we can see God at work.

In an age where Senior Ministries are flourishing, we can see how God continues to multiply the number of people to be on the battlefield to minister, touch hearts and save souls for the kingdom. After Anna saw the Messiah, even at 84 years old, she went out into the village to share her experience of seeing the Savior with her own eyes. 

Both Anna and Simeon exampled exceptional devotion to the Lord and how a devotee of the Lord will be blessed. God will use your lifelong devotion to Him to draw others to him and learn of Him personally. He will make you to be like Simeon to bless and Anna to spread the good news of Jesus.

Lord, we can all become a Simeon and Anna I the lives of others. We too are excited to share what we know and who we have seen in Jesus. Amen           

 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. –Psalm 18:35 

My husband went to the doctor for his physical. We waited for some test results to come back and when they arrived, we looked at them together. One was good news and the other not exactly what we expected but we were glad for some clarity of what he’s dealing with it and now we look forward to learning how he might manage his pain better. We look forward to hearing what his doctor says about a plan of care and going forward.

As we age our bodies will change. Not all change is bad news even when it’s something we will need to pay closer attention to, change the way we do things or implement something new. Change comes with aging and life but we’re never without the support of God.

David wrote that God supported him through difficult times and when his enemies were pursuing him. That’s what God does: He supports us! We can count on God to be here with us, supporting us through every season of life. When we are supported by God’s right hand, we have His care, his strength, His power, His compassion. Everything that is part of being in a relationship with Him. Whether we are dealing with medical conditions, financial troubles, trials, or enemies like David, we are supported by God, He will not let us fall through the cracks! 

Dear God, there is no better or more comforting feeling than knowing I am supported by you. I am not in this alone! Amen            

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people. –Exodus 13:21-22, ESV 

If you’ve had to tackle the jumble of Medicare, then you already know how complicated it can be. You need help just making your way through the maze and mass of information. In the end, after hours, days, possibly weeks and months of immersing yourself, after doing the research, reaching out to experts, you come away with a deeper understanding. You’ll know that basic Medicare—Parts A and B—covers medical and hospital. But if you want more extensive coverage for prescription drugs or additional services, you’ll need to secure Part C which you can find through many Medicare Advantage plans. It’s time-consuming but in the end its worth it because you’ll be fully covered and have a greater peace of mind.

The Holy Spirit will help guide us through spiritual matters, but He’ll also guide us through the complexities of everyday life. He’ll help us move our way through the various seasons and stages of life. 

Because the Holy Spirit is with us, we can make sound choices and good decisions and be able to have a better handle on our present and future. Just like the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire which guided the Israelites through the wilderness, the Holy Spirit is that for us today.

Thank you for the Holy Spirit who guides us through every complexity of life, Lord. today I am especially grateful that He is guiding me through…

The LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land I will show you. I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.” So Abram left Haran as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. At this time Abram was seventy-five years old. –Genesis 12:1,2,4

There is a senior community not far from us that looks like a place I could settle in. Each time we drive past I think of how nice it would be to live there. There are no two-story homes, none of the homes have basements; everything is on one floor. The yards are a nice size—not too big—and the houses are not extremely close together to assure privacy. Senior communities are becoming more and more popular. We don’t live in a senior community, but we moved to a new neighborhood and community several years ago. Our home is just right for us: no basement, no second story. The yard is not too big for us to keep up and we anticipate enjoying many years in this location.

About the age God called Abram out of his hometown of Haran to serve him in an unknown land is the age we may find the need or choose to leave our homes or communities, the place we have made friends, know our neighbors, raised children, gone to church, worked, and shopped to make our home somewhere else. We might be downsizing, moving because our present home is too much to handle, too expensive to live in, or too far from family. 

God promised Abram, he would bless him but he also promised that Abram would be a blessing to others. Whether we relocate out of choice or necessity, moving or leaving what is familiar doesn’t have to be seen as negative or unwelcome but rather, more like a new adventure, a chance to expand our witness territory. Moves, in the fall or winter of our life can give us a new place and new people to share Christ with others. Who knows, someone in our new neighborhood, community, or facility may learn about Jesus and become a Christian because of our influence. 

Jesus, when we need to move from that which is familiar to new and unknown places help us to see it as an opportunity to share you in a new place with new people. Amen               

I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.—John 21:18, NLT  

It's not uncommon anymore to be asked some weighty questions when we visit the doctor or need to go to the hospital for something. “Do we have a power of attorney in place? What about a living will? Have we filled out the paperwork for who we want to receive our medical information and how much can they know? Who will make our health-care decisions if we can no longer do so? What are our wishes and desires (if) something should happen to us? On and on they might go. If you’re squeamish about these matters, then this isn’t your most comfortable spot but it’s necessary. 

My husband and I are pretty open with our adult children about these matters. We're not shy about stating and sharing with them what we want and what we do not want. One thing they will not be able to say is that they had no idea what our aging and final end-of-life wishes were. 

My children and family know my desire is to live independently as long as possible. I’ve often asked ask the Lord to keep me around only as long as I can have independence and enjoy mobility—even if I cannot drive the entire time at least let me be able to get around my home by myself.         

Even with that we can know it’s a high probability, if we live long enough that we’ll be in the very position Jesus talks about in John 21. We'll experience dependency upon others to help us get dressed. We’ll experience being taken to or having to go places we aren’t interested in going. We'll experience not being the one behind the wheel of life or our car.  

While we can’t know for certain—for none of us knows our future that completely—only God—we can begin to put the best set of plans in place that will serve us should life turn in that direction. We can give careful thought to who would be our best and most caring caregivers if they are needed. We can have those not so-pleasant conversations with our loved ones or those closest to us that may be empowering even now. 

As we make plans for our future and just-in-case scenarios we can seek Gods guidance and ask for wisdom to make the best decisions today for the time of life we might not be the ones making those critical decisions and choices. 

Jesus, we pray for wisdom to make those necessary and critical decisions about aging and end of life. We have no need to feel nervous or squeamish, for you did not give us spirit of timidity nor fear but one of boldness and self-control. Amen 

He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb—Romans 4:19

It can be a stark reality when we come to grips with our age, especially if we know we are past our prime or time of being able to do or accomplish something we really wanted to do or experience in life that is usually done in our younger years. 

Abraham longed for a child. He wanted to have an heir more than anything, but his wife Sarah was not able to have children. Even though they were up in age and past the time people have children he still held onto hope in God and clung to the promise of God to give him an heir. His faith in God did not disappoint him, and he and Sarah had a son at ninety-nine and one-hundred years of age.

With the advancements made in medical science and technology many things are possible to experience in old age today, even more than years and decades. Things we never thought possible can happen. God is good to let us see and experience new miracles and blessings in our youth and as we age. One thing is for sure old or young, past our prime or not, whatever God ordains to will be. We can never count God out. He’s full of surprises from every generation and every age. We can be like Abraham and never lose heart or faith in God because what God has planned for us we will have and experience.  

Prayer Starter…

Lord, although I often look at my age and count something out You have the last say in all matters and areas…       

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs.—Daniel 1:8-9

Over the past month my husband and I have made it a point to integrate a healthier lifestyle into our daily and weekly routine. I returned to yoga and stretching routine, eliminating junk food, and not eating beyond 7 in the evening. While I am in my area stretching, I can hear the wheels of his stationary bike turning at a rapid speed. During meals he will say, how much of this do I have? How many calories is this? As we both approach birthdays we agreed we wanted to become better versions of ourselves so we can be stronger going forward. 

Seniors everywhere are doing something, introducing something, returning to something that assures they will be better versions of themselves. 

Whether it’s physically, mentally, or spiritually we can do that and it’s never too late. We all know we won’t be alive on earth forever but while we are here there is nothing to stop us from becoming better people. We can determine from whatever state we can to be better, stronger, healthier, more of the things that are good to be more of.

Daniel had a set of principles he lived by, and he determined he was not going to defile his body with the king’s food. Daniel was willing to risk punishment, but he felt strongly about his eating habits. He gave the king a way of seeing that his way of eating was better and would have better outcome than his peers who ate the king’s nutritionally poor diet. And it turned out just the way Daniel said it would. When we are striving on becoming the best versions of ourselves and our mind is set on doing what’s right and we know our God is with us we can experience success just as Daniel did! God is about self-improvement also! 

Father, as I undertake those habits and practices that will result in a more mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthier version of myself I ask your blessing and strength of commitment. Amen    

And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.”—Genesis 21:6

I have an elderly neighbor whom I enjoy talking with. She will be 90 years old soon. She has seen a lot of changes over her lifetime including the death of her husband twenty years ago. But through sicknesses, loss, limitations, and challenges she has managed to keep a good outlook on life and the world around her. There is not a time we talk that we don’t find something to laugh about. I love and appreciate Dorothy’s sense of humor. I believe it has played a big part in her staying so mentally engaged and sharp even though she was diagnosed with dementia not long ago. 

Conversations with Dorothy remind me of what Sarah said after the birth of Isaac, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” Sarah did not mean or imply people would be making fun of her but that they would be rejoicing over and with her because even in her old age she had conceived and given birth. They knew she had struggled and even felt grief and disappointment over her issues with infertility. God’s miracle in her life would have brought them great joy also. 

God is not through with us and even when we are old and gray, he still surprises us in ways that can bring a smile to our face and put laughter in our heart. He can and will introduce new things that cheer us up and add years to our life. We may not desire to become pregnant and conceive a child at ninety-nine but there are other things we may have given up on having or experiencing in our lifetime where God may still surprise us.

Solomon wrote that “a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Prov. 17:22) What a good reminder to ask God to give us or renew our joyful heart after we experienced painful loss and disappointment in our life. We can be encouraged to pray that we don’t suffer with a crushed spirit that sucks the life out of us for the remainder of our days.  

Lord, we pray for healing in our life and even after our journey has been filled or dotted with pain, loss, and disappointment we ask you to not only renew our strength but give us a joyful heart and put laughter back in our spirit and life.  

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
 we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a]

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39) 

This truth is a wonderful reminder that while we will certainly experience troubles, hardships, and persecution as we live on earth, we have the promise of God that we will never be separated from the love of Jesus because of them. 

These words are especially comforting as we age. The trials and hardships we experience are not unique to us as we age but can cause us to live in fear. What if our finances run out? What if our health fails us? What if we face hunger or homelessness as so many do? What if death of our spouse happens and we’re not prepared? What if we are cut off from others? What if tragedies strike or catastrophic events hit us? All these are scary thoughts. Only God knows for sure if they will be our experience. But one thing is certain: we will never be separated from the love of God through Christ Jesus and because we will never be separated from his love we will never be separated from his care and mercy and grace. 

Only God knows the future and we are not to worry in advance only know when and if these difficult things come into our life, he is with us all the way. We will never be separated from him or his care. 

Gracious Father, we are both comforted and strengthened by your promise to never be separated from your love. Help us remember this when we are feeling afraid of the future. Amen 

And the man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him. Then they said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see that will come of his dreams.” (Genesis 37:17-20, ESV)

Through Joseph’s story and journey as we read in Genesis, we are reminded of the fierceness the enemy comes for us, he will use anything and anyone to do as Jesus said in John 10:10 “kill, steal destroy.” He is intentional about his efforts to bring destruction and keep God’s plans from being fulfilled but God I just as determined to make sure they are manifested. 

Dreams and visions are God’s prophetic messages for us, meant to be fulfilled, give him glory and honor and us satisfaction and fulfillment. 

Joseph had to wait until everything lined up for him to experience the dream of being elevated and set over Egypt that God had planned. God did not allow the twists and turns of Joseph’s journey to derail his plans for him.

How did you manage to keep the dream God gave you alive or do you struggle even now to grasp it and put it into action? Even if—to date—you are still trying to live out the dream and put something solid in the works, don’t give up or be discouraged. Don’t panic. As God told Job in the last chapter, “Your later will be greater than your former.” Job was not a spring chicken. His youth was far spent but God was not finished with is life. Even after Job had lost possessions, adult children, land, wealth, and health but God’s plans for him—his dreams for Job—would still be fulfilled.

Whether the dream for your life was revealed as you slept or something you felt stirring in your spirit God will help you and support you to make it your reality. There is no age limit even where you are at today God can open doors, provided needed resources and build a support system so you can be strengthened to move forward in faith and confidence.

Prayer Starter…

Lord, I believe in your word to Job, “that my later will be greater than my former”. Today I pray about my dream of…      

They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power]; Each of them appears before God in Zion. (Psalm 84:7, AMP)

You might have family members who are older than yourself. Those you consider among the aged? Those who have gotten weaker in body but yet you see they are strong in the Lord? Throughout the decades our family can see how we become physically weaker, yet somehow seem stronger than ever. They notice we may not be able to do the things we once did, physically. We may ask for more help, or it may take us longer to get a task done than it once did. Becoming weaker as we age is a part of life, and we don’t have to fear or dread aging, just know that it’s a part of our journey. What we lose in muscle and strength we more than gain in spirituality and spiritual strength. 

Prayer Starter…

Lord I won’t panic or grieve the strength I no longer have but I will rejoice in knowing I am moving from strength to strength in the way it counts most. Today I thank you for strength in my… 

 I 

 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25, NIV)

A good friend recently shared her deceased husband’s view of getting through life. He said, “It sure takes a lot of work to stay here.” We all laughed because we knew no truer words could be said. Whether it’s about trying to regain health, staying well, or aging it take a lot of work to stay here.

Sometimes in our hard work to stay here we can experience weariness or feel faint. The work to stay becomes a bit much for us, overwhelming. 

Thank God he promises and does refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. As the psalmist wrote God knows we are just dust, fragile people (Ps. 103:14). We can’ take very much especially when difficulties and trials come back-to-back, one after another. We grow faint and become weary and the journey feels too much but God comes in to refresh and restore us so we can keep on going until the time he says the journey is complete.

I recently wore an outfit that’s been around for quite some time. Every time I wear it, I get many compliments. Some even ask if it’s new? Each time I give the same response, “Oh my, no. it’s old enough to vote!” That always gets a laugh. The last time I wore it I was asked how I manage to keep it looking so fresh and brand new. My response was “I’ve learned how to care for it and as soon as I take it off, I launder it and put it away for the next time.” 

One day my outfit will have gone its last mile. Nothing lasts forever but until then it will hold up because I’ve learned to care for it.

God knows we won’t be around forever. Our earthly life will wrap up and he’ll bring us home to heaven but until then he will keep on refreshing us when we get weary and satisfying us when we feel faint. We can count on him to do just as he promises.

Prayer Starter

God you are so gracious and loving, so generous and giving. Thank you for promising to restore us when we grow weary and satisfying us when we feel faint… 

 Responding to Urgent Requests

So Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When Jesus heard this he said, “This sickness will not end in death. It is for the glory of God. This has happened to bring glory to the Son of God.” Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. But when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days. (John 11:3-6)

It was the call no one wants. My sister called to say she was in the hospital and had suffered a stroke. She began the conversation by saying, “I’m doing better now.” That one word “now” was enough to let me know she hadn’t been okay and something had happened since I last spoke with her a few days prior.

As we age we will get those kinds of calls. In fact, someone may be making a call like that on our behalf. We can expect to receive news we don’t want to hear. A family member or dear friend may not be well. We’re concerned but we can’t get to them as quickly as we’d like, or not at all. 

Jesus was away ministering when he received word that his friend Lazarus was not well. Jesus response was to wait two more days before he left where he was to go to his friend in need. Of course Jesus could have been there in a millisecond but he chose to wait because he had a greater purpose in mind. People didn’t know that but he did. When he arrived after speaking with Lazarus’ sisters Martha and Mary, he called Lazarus from the grave and gave him his life back.

We’ll get calls we can’t respond to right away. My sister was not well but I couldn’t go to her at that moment. I was grateful and it was comforting to know her daughter could get to her. But even if I had been able to go immediately my presence could not have made her well. It may have encouraged her but I could not have cured her. 

When we cannot make our way to the one in need, the one hurting, or sick we can take comfort in knowing they are not alone. We want to be there but something may delay us or make it impossible for us to go to their side yet, Jesus can be by their side quicker than we can ask him to. In fact he is already there.

Prayer Starter...

Jesus, when I cannot go to my loved one or friend in their time of need may I take comfort in knowing you are with them and will never leave their side. Today I am concerned for my…        

A Man or Woman Full of Integrity

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus, he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. (Luke 19:5-6, NIV)

The story of Zacchaeus has such a dramatic outcome. Instant change. Zacchaeus started out that day being his usual or normal self, but by the end of that same day he was someone totally different. He went from being a man who had no  ethics in his business practices to someone who was as full of integrity and displaying the true definition of what repentance means: turning.

Does the story about Zacchaeus make you reflect on your life? In your journey have you had the opportunity to run your own business? Were you fair with people? Not charging more than was right? Making sure you didn’t overcharge for goods or services? 

When we read our Bible, whether we are reading the Old Testament Book of Law, the Psalms, Proverbs, Gospels, or any of the Epistles we see quite a bit written about character. God wants us to have an upstanding character. He wants us to reflect him and the Savior in the things we do and way we live. We cannot be cheats or liars and think we look like him. God is fair, righteous in his actions and never unfair or unethical. That’s the way Jesus lived life on earth and his goodness drew people to him.   

It’s a good feeling when we know we’ve been fair, or people of integrity, had good practices and were ethical in our behavior but if we don’t have that kind of peace and know we have not been that kind of person we can talk to the Father and ask his forgiveness. 

Zacchaeus repented that day. Jesus forgave him and Zacchaeus responded by changing his ways. God always holds out that opportunity for us as well. Even if our life has not been one of displaying great ethics we don’t have to continue that same path all our life. We can confess, ask forgiveness, receive the forgiveness of God, then turn from our ways also just like Zacchaeus.

Prayer Starter…

Thank you, Lord, for opportunities to become better no matter how old we become. Today I want to talk to you about...         

 Key Verse to Read and Treasure

For I know the plans I have for you—Jeremiah 29:11

For Insight

Moses had plans for his future. We can be pretty sure it didn’t include leading a million plus people through the desert in his eighties. Maybe he just wanted to retire, read some good books, enjoy family time. 

Growing up I felt a strong call to join the Carmelite Nuns and live in a cloister prayer community. All during my teens I planned for that lifestyle and was excited about my future as a nun. But God had other plans for me. I married, have four loving children and more than a dozen amazing grand and great grandchildren. Life did not go the way I planned but as I look back, I see how God caused his plans for me to lead me to the place he wanted me and made my life a joy and satisfying.      

God had other plans for Moses and when he spoke to him from the burning bush. He let Moses know what his plans were. Moses struggled with God as he stood beside that bush. He tried to find all kinds of excuses why he could not do what God was sending him to do. He didn’t want the assignment God was laying at his bare feet. But God was not persuaded, and Moses was elected as God’s leader for his people. Because Moses came around to what God wanted for him Moses experienced a blessing he would have otherwise missed out on. 

Even if we have managed to evade or avoid doing what God has formed us to do, eventually God will win. The plans God has for us may take us off the path we have or were formulating but in the end we will see how the path God chose for us—even as far back as our mother’s womb were not just for his glory but our joy and fulfillment.    

We’re never too old for God to fulfill his plans for our lives.    

Lord, let us say “yes” to you whenever you touch our heart or speak to us about the plans you have for us. Amen   

 Key Verse to Read and Treasure

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.—Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

For Insight

I read a story recently about a woman who is 104 years old. Hers is a wonderful account of God’s grace and love. While there was so much to learn from her life and admire about her character and faith, I was especially impressed how she has made it a point to journal the miracles God has brought to her beginning as far back as her teens because that is when she felt inspired to start writing them down.

She shared how she had polio as a child and could not walk for several years, but one night, as she lay in her bed at age twelve an angel came to her and told her she would walk again. Three years later she was walking and never despised the  clunky braces that helped her legs strengthen and keep her balanced. 

At age 19 she was hit by a car and was hospitalized for six months in traction. They all thought she would die, but she survived even though she lost use of her right hand she never stopped praising God for the miracle of life. 

At age 35 her husband became ill and died suddenly. She was left to raise three small children alone. Somehow making ends meet doing laundry, and cooking for others. She always felt it was a miracle they were never without food or shelter. 

At sixty-five she was diagnosed with breast cancer and experienced remission three times. Each time amazing the doctors by her strength, determination, and faith in God to bring her through.  

On and on her story went on and on she recounted the miracles God kept sending to her. At 104 she feels confident as long as she is alive God will keep performing miracles in her life in fact she knows each day of life is another miracle in her book of miracles.   

As we age we can see wrinkles, our bones may ache a little (or a lot) more, we experience many setbacks, disappointments, and changes, but there is one thing we can be certain of, and that is the miracles of God will keep coming. As long as we live God’s miracles arrive right on time.  

The psalmist Asaph wrote, “God, you are the God who performs miracles, you display your power among the people.” Like Aspah, this is the God we get to tell others about and assure younger generations of; that keeps them hopeful and living with expectation.

Lord, people like Isabelle help us remember how great you are and how your miracles refresh us over and over. Thank you for never leaving us nor forgetting to bless us with miracles. Amen     

 Key Verse to Read and Treasure:

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more alone—Isaiah 43:25 (NIV)

For Insight

How’s your memory holding up? Are you doing things that support healthy brain function? I’m a fan of games and activities that support having a strong memory. Word puzzles, picture puzzles, little things that test recall and lengthen memory. 

As we age, there are a lot of things we want to retain: strength, independence and we want to hold onto our memory as long as possible. We’re blessed to live in an age where there are over-the-counter supplements we can purchase as well as medicines our doctor can prescribe and recommend which aid our memory and learning the foods that nourish and support good brain health. 

With everything we want to hold onto as we age it might be odd to say there is something we want to forget. As we strive to be more like Jesus, more like our heavenly Father, one thing we want to lose is our ability to recall past sins.   

What a powerful message and example God brings to Israel. They had sinned against God in terrible and blatant ways, yet God promised not only to forgive their sin but forget it by throwing it into the depths of the ocean. God knew when sins were forgotten they could not hinder a new start or going forward. This might be one area all of us could use some work in: releasing the past sins of others and ourselves. Being more intentional about forgetting the sins others have committed against us and the sins we have committed against others and God so we can move forward.

Too much thought about past sins can weigh us down and we miss the new life God is extending to us. Whenever the people of Israel talked to God about their sins of the past God asked what sin (Ps 103:12-14). That’s what he says to us also whenever we bring up sins of the past. What sin are you talking about? Is that the same sin I threw into the ocean? 

While we are remembering the bygone days and sharing stories of our children when they were younger, of friends, and of ourselves, we might do better to leave out the stories that bring up past sins. Past sins can also bring up past hurts, disappointments, and unhealed wounds. When we determine not to not spend time dwelling on the sins of old and focus more on the good and godly things that produced good outcomes then we can enjoy the rest God promises those who keep in step with him.

Father, let us remember the things that are worthy of being brought forward into our older years but help us forget the sins of the past. Let them stay where they belong: in the depths of the ocean.    

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

I turned away from God, but then I was sorry. I kicked myself for my stupidity! I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days. (Jeremiah 31:19, NLT)

For Insight

Ooh! Ouch! Who hasn’t looked back on their youth or a period before they grew up, matured in age, behavior, attitude, perspective on life, and spiritually? Looked back at a time they made terrible mistakes and had disregard for the feelings of others, disregard for their own wellbeing or what pleased God, remembered how they behaved in despicable ways and has not been ashamed or felt guilty about how they were at that time?

Guilt has to do with our actions and shame has to do with who we are. And in some ways the two cannot be separated. On this journey we will do terrible things. We will look back over our life and be embarrassed about the things we have done or the person we were at the time. Because we are all growing up, constantly changing, and a work in progress as the Holy Spirit is at work in us, we will have periods of life and seasons we are not proud. Perhaps we’re even ashamed of ourselves. But we’ll be relieved to know God still loves us despite anything we may have done or the kind of person we have turned into. God will  not only forgive us if we turn back to him, he will help us become the kind of person He has planned for us. God forgives our past so we don’t have to feel guilty or carry shame forward with us.

One example of how God deals with his people is how he dealt with the nation of Israel. Although the northern kingdom of Israel had sunk into the most degrading sins God still loved them. There was a remnant who turned back to God and repented of their sins and because God is true to himself and his promises, he forgave them. He released them from their guilt and they had no need to feel shame and they were set free to move forward in him. The past was gone the new had come.

That’s exactly what we need today and God is gracious to cover us. We make mistakes, we have failures, we do terrible things, our past is filled with more than we can bear to look at but God’s acceptance and forgiveness helps us let go of the past and move forward without guilt or shame.   

God, your forgiveness and acceptance heals and sets us free to move forward in life without shame or guilt. This is a true gift. Thank you. Amen 

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?—Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

For Insight

I was talking with my good friend Linda and learned she is getting married. As we talked, we both reflected on how long she’s been wanting to be married again. Wanting to have someone she could spend and enjoy the remainder of life with. Since her first marriage she has learned how to enjoy and live in singleness without complaint and being patient in the Lord. She’s been active in her community, had worked she’s enjoyed, active in her church, loved times with her family and friends, but always desiring to have that someone special to share life with. This is a great time as she experiences new blessings from God even in her 70’s: a fiancé and a new job. God is at work and bringing her new blessings.       

Linda’s news of her engagement and upcoming marriage made me remember the promises and ways of God and how he keeps on doing new things. Even when we are old and gray God is always blessing us with new things and we should never stop believing in or praying for the “new” God can bring.

When we’re younger it’s natural to anticipate and look forward to new things but as we age it’s easy to give up on having or experiencing anything new. It’s good when we have learned to make ourselves content, but we should never be so content we don’t leave room stop remembering God is able to bring and do new things also. 

Aging is a good time to check ourselves and make sure our trust in God’s promises include trusting he can do anything he wants, whenever he wants, at whatever age he wants. One day we will all experience the ultimate “new” thing and that is going home to heaven where everything is made new. Until then we’ll enjoy whatever new thing he does in our lives on earth. 

Lord, thank you for the blessing of new. Thank you for the new you have brought to those such as Linda, who are experiencing something new with great joy. May we never give up on anticipating the new you can bring. Amen  

Activity: 

Have you given up on experiencing anything new in life because you feel too old? What new things would you like to experience? Are you remembering there's nothing too hard for God?         

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?—Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

For Insight

I was talking with my good friend Linda and learned she is getting married. As we talked, we both reflected on how long she’s been wanting to be married again. Wanting to have someone she could spend and enjoy the remainder of life with. Since her first marriage she has learned how to enjoy and live in singleness without complaint and being patient in the Lord. She’s been active in her community, had worked she’s enjoyed, active in her church, loved times with her family and friends, but always desiring to have that someone special to share life with. This is a great time as she experiences new blessings from God even in her 70’s: a fiancé and a new job. God is at work and bringing her new blessings.       

Linda’s news of her engagement and upcoming marriage made me remember the promises and ways of God and how he keeps on doing new things. Even when we are old and gray God is always blessing us with new things and we should never stop believing in or praying for the “new” God can bring.

When we’re younger it’s natural to anticipate and look forward to new things but as we age it’s easy to give up on having or experiencing anything new. It’s good when we have learned to make ourselves content, but we should never be so content we don’t leave room stop remembering God is able to bring and do new things also. 

Aging is a good time to check ourselves and make sure our trust in God’s promises include trusting he can do anything he wants, whenever he wants, at whatever age he wants. One day we will all experience the ultimate “new” thing and that is going home to heaven where everything is made new. Until then we’ll enjoy whatever new thing he does in our lives on earth. 

Lord, thank you for the blessing of new. Thank you for the new you have brought to those such as Linda, who are experiencing something new with great joy. May we never give up on anticipating the new you can bring. Amen  

Activity: 

Have you given up on experiencing anything new in life because you feel too old? What new things would you like to experience? Are you remembering there's nothing too hard for God?         

 Key Verse to Read and Treasure 

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good—I Peter 4:9

For Insight

My husband and I were reflecting on decades of ministry and the many experiences we’ve had. While we’ve had a plethora of trials, by the grace of God we’ve also had more than our share of triumphs. Again, and again witnessing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit at work, personally as well in the lives of others, more times than we can count. Even now, slowing down in ministry we’re blessed to be on the receiving end of the Lord’s gracious power. Even now trials are accompanied by triumphs, victories, and opportunities for witnessing to others what a great and powerful God he is.

As we take stock and look at life from where we are, can any of us (honestly) say God has not made sure our lives have balanced out, even though at times, we have not felt that way. As Jesus said in John 16:33 in this life we will have trouble. Trouble is guaranteed to all who enter this world. But there is another guarantee God is with us, God will sustain us, God will make sure though we have sorrows and heart aches, traumas and disappointments we will also have joys and peace and healing. 

At the end of our journeys our stories will be different but one thing will be true somehow God made sure to balance our joys and sorrows so we could remain hopeful and strengthened.    

Jesus, how blessed we are to experience balanced lives. There are more than trials to endure, you assure we experience triumphs and are blessed to know of heart, soul, and spirit. Amen.

Activity: Write a timeline of trials and triumphs enjoy how God has balanced life.

 Key Verse to Read and Treasure:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come—2 Corinthians 5:17

For Insight

Do you know people, even in old age that have experienced a transformation? Maybe their attitude has been made brand new or their heart changed. Maybe they never accepted Christ as Lord and Savior and in their younger years resisted anything having to do with Christianity but now, they know and love Jesus. 

Whether we are 60, 70, 80 or beyond we can experience transformation in any and every area and become a new creation in Christ. Dispositions can soften, peacefulness can enter where once there was only unrest, joy may replace sorrow, patience can be a new way of living, a loving heart can replace a hardened one, bigotry, hatred, pride, all can be replaced with the “new” God brings. 

Even though we give up on people changing and may have been waiting years, even decades for that change to take place, God lets us know it's never too late. Being a new creation can happen as long as we have breath. Paul’s words encourage us to remain hopeful for ourselves and others and especially to never give up on prayer.  

Jesus, it’s never too late to experience your transformative powers that make life and relationships more enjoyable. Amen

Activity: Pray daily the Holy Spirit will both fill and transform you

 Key Verse to Read and Treasure

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us--Romans 8:37

For Insight

We experienced the death of two family members in proximity. One mid-life and the other 98! At different places in life, yet both knowing the sustaining love of Christ. During the services we reflected and were comforted they knew Jesus’ love so well. 

As we continue our earthly journeys, we are reminded how Christ’s love is with us through every age. Powerful enough to carry us no matter what we go through, what tragedies, losses, or disappointments we experience. 

Paul wrote, what shall separate us from the love of Christ: tribulation? Distress? Persecution? None of these! In all things and circumstance even to old age we are conquerors because the love of Christ remains the sustaining force over and with us. It lifts and carries us through everything we encounter. 

As we age, we might forget many things but not this. There is not a birthday that passes that we are not reminded how many years and decades the Lord’s love and power has sustained us and it is through him we have overcome so much, come through so much, been victorious in so much. We can own the title and know in our heart we are truly more than Conquerors!

Jesus, your love is our power and makes us conquerors. Amen

Activity: Reflect on how God’s love through Christ Jesus has sustained you over your live span. 

 Key Verse to Read and Treasure:

But now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13 

For Insight

A friend of ours had a bad fall while she was away in Florida. She injured herself and has had a slow recovery. Thank God nothing was broken, and the fall wasn’t fatal. However, she was badly bruised inside and out. Her road to recovery has been slow but she has managed to stay encouraged and reminded how much the Lord loves her. As she says she lost a lot of mobility for a time, but she never lost her faith in God, her hope to get better, and the love that has always sustained her in life.  

Just like the love of Christ is encouraging for my senior friend it is our encouragement also. Many people—even the aging— don’t know the love of Jesus so they miss being comforted when life is challenging or experiencing crisis. My husband and I are reminded daily we may be getting older, but we still have opportunity and strength to share Jesus’ love through sermons, writing, praying with and for others. 

When everything wraps up in this life and even as we age, just as Paul writes, there are only three things that remain the most important to have and they are having faith in the Lord, being hopeful in our heart and soul, and being vessels of love just as we receive the love of God through Christ Jesus. 

After living a full and rewarding life, no matter what we have experienced or amassed these three are the most important for us to hold onto and no matter what we have gained or lost if we have faith, hope, and love we are in a good.      

Thank you, Jesus, that your love isn’t hard to share. May more and more people not only read about but experience it firsthand. Amen

Activity: Determine to share the love of Jesus with someone in your community who is getting older.

 Key Verse to Read and Treasure:

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent—Psalm 71:9 

For Insight

David was leaving or had left the throne. No longer king. His children were grown and living their own lives. The kingdom wasn’t his to run anymore. What was he going to do now?

Psalm 71 gives us insight into David’s concerns in old age. He didn’t have the same strength or vitality he once had but he pleaded before God not to forget him. He was old, had gray hair, couldn’t move as fast as he once did, was no longer a king or out leading a group of men fighting wars, but as he said to God, there were things he could do. He asked God not to count him out.

Do you have some of the same concerns as David as you age? True, you’re no  longer a young person, you may be older but not ready to be counted out (just yet). David was concerned but God also wanted David to know there was much he could do to serve God and others.

The assurance we see in Psalm 71 can encourage us today as we age. In fact, as we read our Bible, we encounter many stories that can make us hopeful to stay “in-the-game” serving God and others throughout our life. After all Moses was in his sixties before God called him into service leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. A strong reminder that 65 and beyond does not mean automatic retirement or endings but can also be continuations and new beginnings. 

The way you serve the Lord may change as you age (or it may not). But God always has a plan for you, just as he did at the beginning of your life. Talk to him about serving in old age, then listen and watch for the opportunities he will put before you.                 

Lord, as long as we have breath may we serve you wholeheartedly, proving old age does not have to being side-lined. Amen 

Activity: Read and Reflect on Psalms 71 and Psalm 90:10 

 Key Verse to Read and Treasure

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people--Luke 1:68

For Insight

It’s amazing what a little visit can do for us. How a visit can lift our spirit and put us in a good frame of mind. 

During the height of the Pandemic our children and grandchildren gifted us with an Alexa Show so we could enjoy little visits together. It was their solution for sharing meals, reading stories, and enjoying one another’s company even though we could not be in each other’s homes at the time. To this day whenever we hear “Call from…” we break into a smile and prepare for a time of sharing and being refreshed.

Jesus enjoyed visits with friends also. He must have needed those times of being with and seeing friendly faces, relaxing, having conversations over meals. In the Gospels we read about him visiting Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He was comfortable in their home and they with him. These little visits must have been refreshing to him emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Even Jesus needed a place to laugh, relax and enjoy the company of good people.   

God created us for community. The people who make up our family and keep us encouraged don’t have to be blood relatives, just those the Lord has brought into our lives through creative ways. Through them we are refreshed with hope, strengthened in faith, and supported in family.  

Aging can be isolating and especially during extraordinary times such as those we have experienced of late, but God always has new and creative ways to make sure we stay connected and can enjoy healthy relationships with others.  

Father, thank you for making us part of community, giving us others with whom we share hope, and faith, blood relatives or not they are family.   

Activity: Call or facetime a family member you have not spoken with or seen for some time.