Compassion for the Elderly

Verse of the Week

“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,

slow to anger and great in mercy.” (Psalm 145:8 NKJV)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 145:8; Job 12:12; Exodus 22:23

Compassion for the Elderly

When it comes to compassion, people are generally more patient and forgiving of certain behaviors based on situations.  They don’t get as agitated at a lost child crying, a little baby teething or a family that has suffered difficulty. Instead they go with the flow without getting emotional.

Sadly, finding room in our heart to show patience and compassion is rarely visible in dealing with the aged.  This is especially true if they are sick or uncooperative when they don’t understand something.

Compassion is something we all learn through demonstration.  Years ago, witnessing the way my husband was toward seniors helped me fully appreciate their wisdom and enjoy being around them. 

“Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.”

(Job 12:12 ESV)

My spouse’s main environment was in that age range with his father being almost 60 when he was born. He showed others how to be patient, understanding and compassionate, because of those who taught him the value of each individual.

“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.” (Psalm 145:8 NKJV)

We are to show compassion toward all mankind, but keep this in mind.  As you find yourself in the company of the elderly, be patient, gracious and full of compassion as Christ was for you. 

“You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you mistreat them, and they cry out to Me, I will surely hear their cry.” (Exodus 22:23 ESV)

Don’t get angry and mistreat them if they fail to respond properly.  Become an example for those who are watching.  Who knows, one day you might need that same understanding and compassion. (cw)

March 15^th – 21^st Daily Bible Reading

15. Matthew 18-19; Leviticus 21-22

16. Matthew 20-22; Leviticus 23-24

17. Matthew 23-24; Leviticus 25-27

18. Matthew 25-26; Numbers 1-2

19. Matthew 27-28; Numbers 3-4

20. Numbers 5-6; Ecclesiastes 1-3

21. Numbers 7-8; Ecclesiastes 4-5

*Also be sure to read a Proverb a day. 

 Daily Readings are designed to read through the entire Bible in one year. 

An outreach ministry of Shield of Faith Family & Youth Ministries®, Inc.
Copyright SOFFY Ministries/Pastor Cher. Do Not Copy.  Photo credit by SOFFY Ministries unless otherwise noted. This artwork is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.

Scripture from the KJV/NKJV of the Bible unless noted. Scripture from: Bible Gateway. Image

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A Lifestyle of Ministry

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree:
he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
¹³ Those that be planted in the house of the Lord
shall flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They shall still bring forth fruit in old age;
they shall be fat and flourishing.”

(Psalm 92:12-15)

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 71:8-24

A Lifestyle of Ministry

It’s easy to understand why a person who is widowed wouldn’t really feel like serving others or “going out” much.  Their world has been turned upside down and hope seems lost.  However, in their deepest sorrow God can use a widower to touch hardened hearts.

In the book of psalms (71:9 and 18) the writer describes a desire to still serve the Lord even in his climbing years.  Although this is good news, we need to be reminded that not all widowers are old.

No matter the age we still have a responsibility to testify of the goodness of God by sharing His faithfulness and power to those who love Him.  King David proclaimed that as long as he had breath he would keep telling people of all the Lord had done for him. This is how we need to view our remaining time here on earth.

“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what

 He has done for my soul.” (Psalm 66:16 NKJV)

“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the

 Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.” (Psalm 73:28 NKJV)

Throughout the scriptures we read how widows/widowers played a very active part in the Body of Christ.  Just to name a few things, they taught, prepared food, served tables, sewed or ministered to the next generation.  All are great things to be doing, but the reason God was able to use these gifted individuals for His service is because they wanted to serve but mainly spent much time in prayer and fasting.

If you are a widow/widower perhaps God is calling you into the mission field. 

“O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare 

Your wondrous works.” (Psalm 71:17 NKJV)

“Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me,

until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” (Psalm 71:18 NKJV)

Why not take some Bible courses to gain knowledge in training others to serve?  So many can benefit from your experiences and how your relationship with the Lord has developed.

Take in a transfer college student into your home so you can share your faith in Christ by living out your testimony before them.  Start a weekly or bi-weekly Bible study in your home for young adults and train them in the ways of God for living in this world.

Widowers share the compassion of Christ in understanding pain, suffering and sorrow.  Through their experiences they have learned to develop a lifestyle of ministry in the way they view situations.

They are extremely valuable to the Kingdom of God.  Isn’t it time we take a look at the ministry of widowers and not just “to” widows in the Church? (cw)

September 22^nd – 30^th Daily Bible Reading

22. Isaiah 25; 1 Peter 3

23. Isaiah 26; 1 Peter 4-5

24. Isaiah 27; 2 Peter 1

25. Isaiah 28; 2 Peter 2-3

26. Isaiah 29; Galatians 1-2

27. Isaiah 30; Galatians 3-4

28. Isaiah 31; Galatians 5-6

29. Isaiah 32; Ephesians 1-2

30. Isaiah 33; Ephesians 3-4 

*Also be sure to read a Proverb a day. 

Daily Readings are designed to read through the entire Bible in one year. 

An outreach ministry of Shield of Faith Family & Youth Ministries®,Inc.
Copyright SOFFY Ministries/Pastor Cher. Do Not Copy.  Photo credit by SOFFY Ministries unless otherwise noted. This artwork is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.

Scripture from the KJV/NKJV of the Bible unless noted. Scripture from: Bible Gateway. Image 

Bible, Bible in One Year Reading Schedule, Faith Moments, Faith Moments Devotional, Inspirational Reading, Read through the Bible in One Year, Shield of Faith Family and Youth Ministries

A Lifestyle of Ministry, The Gift of Age, Serving God, Serving the Next Generation, Encouragement, Widows, Senior Citizens, Retirement, Shield of Faith Family and Youth Ministries, Faith Moments Devotional

Seniors Serving the Next Generation

Verse of the Month

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
¹³ Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be ^[a]fresh and ^[b]flourishing,
¹⁵ To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

(Psalm 92:12-15 NKJV)

September 15^th

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 46:4 and Psalm 71:18

Seniors Serving the Next Generation

Recently we were visiting with friends who were our senior.  Pastor Jim was holding a conversation with the gentleman while I chatted with his wife.

During our time together, I asked how she was still bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God.  Knowing that it was a baited question I listened as she gave examples of how people can serve the Lord with passion in their golden years.  Without hesitation she delightfully gave an answer.

The Word of God never says that Christian’s are to retire sharing the good news and their wisdom to the younger generations.  The Lord promises that He will sustain, help, deliver and carry us through life’s situations as we continue to minister in our "giftedness".

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18)

If you think that seniors or the elderly generation are long past their prime, think again my friends.  As a matter of fact, if you ask a spiritual parent for advice they will gladly give it, and the seniors that you think should be put out to pasture and graze … well, they will explain life in a way that will lead you to victory. (cw)

Here are a few examples of how seniors (or the elderly) can still bear fruit:

- Spend time in prayer and fasting. (Luke 2:37 and 1 Timothy 5:5)

- Proclaim strength for the next generation. (Psalm 71:17-18)

- Declare God’s work to the next generation. (Psalm 78:1-8)

September 15^th – 21^st Daily Bible Reading

15. Isaiah 15-16; Titus

16. Isaiah 17-18; Philemon

17. Isaiah 19; James 1-2

18. Isaiah 20-21; James 3

19. Isaiah 22; James 4-5

20. Isaiah 23; 1 Peter 1

21. Isaiah 24; 1 Peter 2

*Also be sure to read a Proverb a day. 

Daily Readings are designed to read through the entire Bible in one year. 

An outreach ministry of Shield of Faith Family & Youth Ministries®,Inc.
Copyright SOFFY Ministries/Pastor Cher. Do Not Copy.  Photo credit by SOFFY Ministries unless otherwise noted. This artwork is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.

Scripture from the KJV/NKJV of the Bible unless noted. Scripture from: Bible Gateway. Image

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The Gift of Age, Serving God, Empty Nest, Encouragement, Senior Citizens, Retirement, Seniors Serving the Next Generation

Develop an Adult Relationship with Your Children

Verse of the Month

“The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,

He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord

Shall flourish in the courts of our God.

They shall still bear fruit in old age;

They shall be fresh and flourishing,

To declare that the Lord is upright;

He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”

(Psalm 92:12-15 NKJV)

 

Scripture Reading: 

Develop an Adult Relationship with Your Children

I once overheard two staff workers talking about their relationships with their children. One mentioned that he had a grown son who wasn’t speaking to him, while another claimed she and her daughter were best friends.

Both were empty nesters, but the woman had done something differently than the gentleman.  She developed an adult relationship with her daughter, something he had difficulty doing.

If our relationships are to flourish we need to be flexible to the needs of the other in order for God to use us in His service.  Scripture clearly says that as parents or mentors we are to continue guiding children into paths of righteousness, so that they will know how to care for the elderly in a godly manner.

“But if a widow has children or grandchildren, see to it that these are first

made to understand that it is their religious duty (to defray their natural obligation to those) at home, and make return to their parents or grandparents (or all their care by contributing to their maintenance),

 for this is acceptable in the sight of God.”

(1 Timothy 5:4 AMPC)

Encourage your children by establishing an adult relationship with them.  Get involved in your grandchildren’s lives while they are young, and observe their gifts or talents wisely. 

Pray for and support your adult children in their disciplining without questioning their methods if isn’t exactly how you did things.   Unless it is something that would bring harm to the child(ren), let God work it out through daily time in prayer. 

Keep in mind that having grandchildren may be the crowning glory of a parent, but nurturing children so that they follow after Christ is the real reward. (cw) 

“Children’s children are the crown of old men (women), and the glory of children is their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6 AMPC)

September 8^th – 14^th Daily Bible Reading

  

  8. Isaiah 5-6; 1 Thessalonians 3-5

  9. Isaiah 7-8; 2 Thessalonians 1-3

10. Isaiah 9; 1 Timothy 1-2

11. Isaiah 10; 1 Timothy 3-4

12. Isaiah 11-12; 1 Timothy 5-6

13. Isaiah 13; 2 Timothy 1-2

14. Isaiah 14; 2 Timothy 3-4

*Also be sure to read a Proverb a day. 

Daily Readings are designed to read through the entire Bible in one year. 

An outreach ministry of Shield of Faith Family & Youth Ministries®,Inc.
Copyright SOFFY Ministries/Pastor Cher. Do Not Copy.  Photo credit by SOFFY Ministries unless otherwise noted. This artwork is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.

Scripture from the KJV/NKJV of the Bible unless noted. Scripture from: Bible Gateway. Image

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Developing A Caleb Attitude

Verse of the Month

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree:
he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
¹³ Those that be planted in the house of the Lord
shall flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They shall still bring forth fruit in old age;
they shall be fat and flourishing.”

(Psalm 92:12-15)

September 1^st – 7^th

Scripture Reading:  Job 12:12

Developing A Caleb Attitude

It’s funny how differently people view “seniors.”  Even senior citizens start to think about themselves in a changed light than when they did with kids in the house.

When I began researching this topic I posed a question on social media about empty nesting and the obvious answers were:

-        Looking forward to retiring.

-        Going to travel.

-        Selling everything and settling down in a retirement home.

-        Eating out all the time, etc.

Not one of the answers included service to the Lord.  In fact most were planning on giving up their activities in the church as well.

Does this surprise you when our society thinks of the aged as “throw-aways” and useless?  It’s time to prove them wrong and take on an attitude like Caleb.

As a seasoned individual God expects His children to still bear fruit and flourish regardless of age.

“They shall still bring forth fruit in old age;
they shall be fat and flourishing.” (Psalm 92:15)

Doesn’t Job 12:12 tell us that wisdom and understanding are found in the older generation, because they have years of experience to back up their instruction?

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?

If you fall in the age group of an “empty nester” you are in the perfect position for spreading your wings in doing something brand new.  After forty years in the wilderness you might have thought Caleb was due for a good long rest, but he saw the remaining years of his life as another challenge to pursue.

Think of the lessons, skills and talents you have been developing over the past years in your life.  These particulars made you the person you are today, and they are what make you valuable to God and mankind.

This week write down the things you have achieved or still want to, and press in to moving forward.  Seek the Lord and like Caleb, you will flourish in God’s courts with blessings to fulfill your next assignment. (cw)

September 1^st – 7^th Daily Bible Reading

1. Esther 1-2; Revelation 11-12

2. Esther 3-4; Revelation 13-14 

3. Esther 5-6; Revelation 15-16

4. Esther 7-8; Revelation 17-18

5. Esther 9-10; Revelation 19-20

6. Isaiah 1-2; Revelation 21-22

7. Isaiah 3-4; 1 Thessalonians 1-2 

*Also be sure to read a Proverb a day. 

Daily Readings are designed to read through the entire Bible in one year. 

An outreach ministry of Shield of Faith Family & Youth Ministries®,Inc.
Copyright SOFFY Ministries/Pastor Cher. Do Not Copy.  Photo credit by SOFFY Ministries unless otherwise noted. This artwork is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.

Scripture from the KJV/NKJV of the Bible unless noted. Scripture from: Bible Gateway. Image

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The Gift of Age, Serving God, Empty Nest, Encouragement, Senior Citizens, Retirement

The Gift of Age

Verse of the Month:

^“ For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

 (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

August 22^nd – 31^st

Scripture Reading:  Proverbs 20:29

The Gift of Age

The kids are grown and have moved out of the house … so what’s next?  Actually, in the eyes of the Lord my friend, your days of service are just beginning.

By the time we have raised our children adults have a lot of knowledge, wisdom and patience under their belts.  In reality, it’s the best time to seek the Lord for new avenues of service.

Yes, wrinkles (“laugh lines”) may have begun to set in and the hair may be thinner or whiter, but there’s something to be said about the “gift of age.”

King Solomon, the wisest person recorded in the Bible, gives empty nesters and seniors a word of encouragement.

Those grayish hairs are your brand, crowning glory, beauty and mark of honor among mankind.  This applies to both man and woman. 

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head (suggesting wisdom and experience). (Proverbs 20:29 AMPC)

You may be looking forward to retirement, traveling or spending time with the grandbabies, which is great in itself.  However, don’t disregard the good things the Lord has promised to all His children, and by the way, retiring isn’t an option when it comes to serving God.

Beloved in Christ age isn’t working against you, it’s working for you.  God still has good plans for you.

In prayer, meditate on the things of the Lord.  Reflect back on the paths God already set before you and ask Him to open doors to new ways of serving Him.  Who knows, you may get to travel in missions!

It’s time to get excited, because the greatest phase of your life is just beginning. (cw)

^“ For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

 (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

August 22^nd – 31^st Daily Bible Reading

22. Ezra 3-4; Psalm 112

23. Ezra 5-6; Psalm 113

24. Ezra 7-8; Psalm 114

25. Ezra 9-10; Psalm 115

26. Nehemiah 1-3; Jude

27. Nehemiah 4-5; Revelation 1-2

28. Nehemiah 6-7; Revelation 3-4

29. Nehemiah 8-9; Revelation 5-6

30. Nehemiah 10-11; Revelation 7-8

31. Nehemiah 12-13; Revelation 9-10

*Also be sure to read a Proverb a day. 

Daily Readings are designed to read through the entire Bible in one year. 

An outreach ministry of Shield of Faith Family & Youth Ministries®,Inc.
Copyright SOFFY Ministries/Pastor Cher. Do Not Copy.  Photo credit by SOFFY Ministries unless otherwise noted. This artwork is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.

Scripture from the KJV/NKJV of the Bible unless noted. Scripture from: Bible Gateway. Image

Bible, Bible in One Year Reading Schedule, Faith Moments, Faith Moments Devotional, Inspirational Reading, Read through the Bible in One Year, Shield of Faith Family and Youth Ministries, The Gift of Age, Serving God, Empty Nest, Encouragement, Senior Citizens, Retirement