Hope-Full Living

Noah’s family — his wife, three sons, and three daughters- in-law — lived among corrupt and violent people. “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). “By faith Noah ... constructed an ark for the saving of his household” (Hebrews 11:7). Today we remember how “eight persons, were brought safely through water” (1 Peter 3:20). Through the same faith that saved Noah’s family from t...

We make many decisions throughout life. Some decisions are deliberate. We carefully weigh our options then make the best choice. Other decisions must be made quickly because life depends on an immediate choice. Such immediacy is common during a health crisis. Hearing the words “you need emergency surgery, or you will die” is difficult. A quick decision must be made. Any life crisis brings uncertai...

Here are some ways to help you experience God’s presence in your life. “Talk to him.” Jesus wants us to talk to him. He wants to know all the details, whether good or bad, about your concerns, hopes, and joys. The Lord is near to all who call upon him. “Wait on him.” It is vital that we set aside time for waiting on him. If he is to be our priority, we will set aside specific times giving our full...

Morning is my time for expressing gratefulness for God’s provision; thanking him for and reminding myself of family, a home, church family, a safe place to worship, a new day. I begin the day with gratitude for all he provides. Through the day, I thank him for guidance and for answers to those frantic arrow prayers in stressful situations that arise. Evening is my time to remember his comfort in t...

In Psalm 144, David recalls God’s help in subduing his enemies. He’s looking to God for future help with great confidence, but he’s also reflecting on how God has helped him in the past (vs. 1-4). As we age, we remember how God has been there for us in the past. While we navigate the waters of aging, we also praise God for being here with us right now, and we’re confident knowing he’s faithful and...

When my children were young, they frequently objected to what they saw as unfair treatment — a household chore, an early bedtime, or a punishment they viewed as too harsh. Their protest of “It’s not fair!” was usually met with our response: “FAIR is a four- letter word, and we don’t use those in this family.” But as adults, we see that bad things happen to good people every day. Isn’t God supposed...

There it was, in black, white, red, and a touch of green, my fourth final-last chance-you-won’t-get- another-opportunity notice to renew my subscription. With a renewal I would receive a booklet of grandma’s cookie recipes, be entered in the magazine-for-life drawing and would never miss an issue through the automatic renewal process (fine print “current price”). If you’re feeling a slump in your...

How do you deal with insomnia? Do you toss and turn, anxiously fretting your way through precious night hours, praying for sleep to find you? A friend of mine recommended reading the psalms. He will get up from a restless night, grab his glasses and Bible, and head for the living room where, for a time, he’ll be transported into the land of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. When someone asked him...

Working my way through college, I drove a Chicago city bus. Some of the routes went through some pretty rough neighborhoods. People on the bus trusted that I would get them home safely. In training, we were told if a robber got on the bus, don’t confront him but make sure the passengers somehow got off the bus to safety. In our daily walks, often we are approached by the devil who wants to rob us...

When the first stems appeared, I broke into a smile. Within a week, a beautiful bed of tulips decorated my yard. I had purchased the bulbs on a trip with friends and planted them when I returned home. On our trip, we were enriched by visits to historical sites, tasting new foods, and taking in the amazing beauty of the countryside. Now those tulips give me a visual reminder of God’s blessings. Eac...

Along with sandwiches, fruit, chips, and cookies, we frequently pack family members’ lunch boxes with love notes. Such sweet surprises brighten their day with encouragement and reassurance that we love them and want the best for them. Not everyone uses lunch boxes or bags. Nevertheless, our plan remains the same, to find different ways or places to express our affection. Beside a dinner plate, ins...

Our Lord, Jesus, did not move about ordering people around. The goal for his ministry and life was to help people live in this world with a divine purpose. He did not threaten. He did not put others down. He did not belittle. And he did not use power to get people to live as he wanted them to live. His restraint was remarkable. His understanding of the anguish in the lives of others was remarkable...

As children of faith, we serve as ambassadors for Jesus Christ, extending his love to people around us. We listen to their troubles, send cards of encouragement, buy groceries for them, and send texts that show we care. We drive those unable to drive, we read to those who cannot read, we sing with them, we offer companionship and reconciliation. We pray together. This Bible verse reminds us that t...

Many people seek a friendship with God. This requires trying to avoid intentional sinning. Fortunately, as a senior, the temptation to do wrong is not as attractive as it once seemed. Experience has taught me that what sinning promises is never what I need. Most importantly, sin leads to hurting God, ourselves, and others. When I repent of my mistakes and request God’s forgiveness, he gives me the...

I confess that for many years I have practiced an on-and-off habit of procrastination. Most tasks are completed in a very timely manner, but others are put off until just before the deadline. Projects always get completed, deadlines are always met — albeit, sometimes, at the very last minute! Encountering other procrastinators is quite interesting. God nudges me to be especially understanding and...

The words we use either honor or dishonor God, ourselves, and others. So, at every moment, let’s choose words of kindness that uplift and connect us with God as we interact with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. The words the Lord placed in our hearts and our minds hold great power. Language can heal and unite, but if we feel tired, fearful, or bitter we may lash out, intentionally or uni...

As the years go by, we acquire items from memorable trips, children’s crafted gifts, or the “must have” items, regardless of a true need. Suddenly we realize we live with so many items we are running out of room, and they may have lost their special meaning. We realize that many of our “prized collectables” are just clutter that our children will have to deal with once we are no longer here on ear...

Funerals are extraordinary occasions — a time to see old friends, make some new acquaintances, and a time to remember. Funerals today are often called “a celebration of the life” of that individual. But they are much more than that. They are celebrations of the baptismal life that we all now share. At any age, we have freedom from the burdens of sin. Daily we are released from the chains of guilt...

After just a few days in kindergarten, my granddaughter, Elli, in a disgruntled voice asked, “Who signed me up for this?” Her first impression of school did not meet up with all she had heard about it. Even as adults, there are times, when embroiled in an unpleasant situation, we might wonder “who or what got me into this?” However, I am thrilled and thankful to be signed up for heaven. My name wa...

God has made it known to the observant eye that he likes things that consist of threes. The three entities are cyclical. They form a circle. For instance, the sun, moon, and stars are all round in form. Take the heavens, the sea, and the earth. What about infant, youth, and old age? Or there is morning, afternoon, and evening. And what about, faith, hope, and love? Which brings us to the cyclical...

When I look in the mirror, I discover more imperfections: a new wrinkle, another hair on my chin, a growing laugh line. No matter what cream or age-defying remedy is available, my face can’t hide the truth. I’m getting old! I also see other imperfections when I look at my face. I see the reflection of a miserable sinner. I know I need to do an about face and repent of my sins, but I can’t change a...

God’s love for us calls for a response. God’s great gift of forgiveness anticipates action on our part. The apostle Paul makes a case for this in his second letter to the Corinthians. His theme is reconciliation. Paul begins by outlining God’s love action on our behalf. “... God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reco...

As children, we played “hike and seek.” It would be incomprehensible if our friends hid, and we didn’t seek them. If conscience is still alive, people hide when they sin. In love, God seeks. God looked for Adam and Eve hiding among the leaves of Eden (Genesis 3). He desired to give them the promise of a Savior (Genesis 3:15). As an explanation for visiting the outcast tax collector, Zacchaeus, Jes...

Have you noticed how many products use some form of “renew” in their name? A quick search found skin care products, vitamins, windows, and swimming pool water treatments! It’s not just senior citizens who realize our bodies are declining, and it’s not just seniors wishing to avoid that decline. God is in the business of renewal. He promises not only an eventual renewed body that will never wear ou...

There are days when I am tired or lazy, busy with small things. I know I am God’s hands and feet. But I convince myself that today is my day to do nothing. My energy is spirit-filled to go out into the world and do your will. I want to clothe the naked and feed the hungry. I want shoulders strong enough to stand on, yet soft enough to cry on. Some days I am caught in the temptation to want my thou...