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One doesn't think of old age until we reach 80 or 90; then it hits us. We are getting old. I am old! But can anyone really say that and still have great expectations? Is there any indication in the Bible that the Lord has plans for our old age?
The Old Testament says this in Isaiah 65:20 — "Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed." (NIV 2011) The Old Testament numerology is confusing at best. I don't understand. How long does the Lord give us here on earth in this country?
Many people in Malawi to this day die in their 40s, and only recently, the Canadian and American age range has neared 100. A hundred years old? Wow! We need to think and pray, to know how the Lord calls us to serve Him at this age. How can you and I serve the Lord effectively at our age, wanting to influence others now where we live or have been placed, which is often in an old-age care facility?
I remember reading long ago the story of a man, much loved by the community around him and by the local congregation for his faithful praying. He spent many hours every day praying for all who asked, and the Lord heard his prayers. That is something that we can do as we age, for much praying marks the life of a saint — a man or woman who is close to the Lord. With the church suffering a lapse in attendance with fewer and fewer younger folk coming out to services, except for funerals and Christmas, every church needs many prayers concerned for everyone. Are you known for your praying?
Which way does the Lord want us to go? Here is what God is saying to us: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." (Ephesians 6:18 NIV 2011)
Yes, we need to be praying at every age, and every congregation needs to make a concerted effort to draw prayers into the fold of Jesus' love. Again, are you known for your praying? Are you blessed, living to such an age? Be thankful for the years the Lord has given you. Here is a new way to look at years gone by: "Blessed are the old folk, for they have been living in the stream of God's love for many years."
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, You died in Your thirties, but You live now into eternity and in us who trust in You. You call us into Your service at every age, for all who serve You are energized by Your Spirit. Thank You for the years that You give us before calling us home to You. Make plain, O Lord, how we can serve You today, for regardless of our age, You call us to serve and follow You. Amen.
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Wonderful reminder Iris.
Thank you for today’s devotional Iris.
Excellent, well thought out devotion. Thanks.
Thanks again Iris for continuing in your special way to write and share these devotionals. Thoughts and prayers with you and also Dorothy.
Good morning Iris, Thank you for your devotional makes the shoe fit as I will be 80 soon. I am comfortable with it and am too busy to waste time thinking poor me.
Good Morning, Iris: Thank you for your meditation, even though I’m just a child in my mid 70’s.
I’m so glad you’re writing for this daily devotional.
Hello
It’s been such a long while I haven’t read one of your devotions.
Please don’t stop writing your devotion and keep good always. Best wishes to Mrs. Ford,
God’s Blessing,
(Trinidad)
Iris,
What a blessing your devotional has been for old and young alike. Prayer; no matter our physical/mental state, or circumstances faced in this life, we are all able to offer our own special form of prayer – a mighty weapon of spiritual warfare, praise, comfort, and help in a time of need. PTL.
Blessings.
Dear Iris:
Thank you for today’s message.
Age is just a # and to know before we were ever conceived in our mother’s womb, the Lord knew how many days on this earth we would live!
I feel He keeps us here while we carry out the work He has called us to accomplish!
And you are a faithful servant!
Thanks Iris for your thoughts on a problem of younger attendance at church BUT:
“more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of” Tennis anyone in The Passing of Arthur.
We must keep on praying and believing until God sends out youth and young people to worship him. And yes, I know you know that.
Blessings.
Dear Iris,
Thank you for a timely devotional (for folks like me, at least — in my 80’s).
Keep writing.
I, too, love writing.
Yes, we can pray in our old age too.
With love, and prayers for you and for those you care for and take care of.
Still going strong Iris!
Good memories of a retreat with the topic of “Stones”. You had a great boulder brought into the room for our last sessions!
Keep on building on the “Rock” of Jesus’ salvation!
My minister is presenting the “Good News” in a way that brings many along – he says; “It’s OK to belong before you believe, join us in trying to find our way.”
Very winsome!
Thanks Iris for challenging us who are aging to love God more and pray more. Besides being the active participants and leaders in church activities and even the choir, we also are volunteers in community service groups. Some of us are writing memoirs. At 91 I am still a director and membership secretary for one group and a director in an environmental society. Where are the young and middle aged families?
Please pray for us to cope with too much to do and to influence all whom we love.
Dear Iris,
I remember a time when in my early seventies that my service for him took a turn for not being able to be as active as I once was that I said, “all I can do is pray.” Well, with that statement, God led me into an active prayer life. My prayers are for my Christian and non-Christians friends. I have had many answers to my prayers. Many have come and asked for me to pray for them. Or, I have found myself offering to pray for others. What a privilege! “Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)
God bless you for bringing up this important topic.
Dear Iris,
I was blessed by your devotional. In my ministry I am sustained daily by the prayers and encouragement of seniors across Canada. I am always perplexed by anyone who says they can ONLY pray. That is the most important ministry of the church.
Blessings.
Dear Iris,
Thank you so much for your Devotional. Your question about being “known for your praying” is such an important one. I will be sharing your devotional.
Blessings.
Dear Iris,
Thanks for the thought for today.
We are all created to Praise God. So whether in this world or the next, that is what we will be doing for ever more!
Blessings,
(England)
Hi Iris,
Been thinking of you. Glad to see your devotional this morning; it is most encouraging.I’m off to our prayer team meets this afternoon. There is a prayer program starting soon with mentors and prayer every day. We are praying for direction for all churches and also for direction of the National Church.
God Bless.
Thanks for putting a new and great view of ‘old age’ in your devotional.
My husband and I got to 70 – busy and not having much time for watching the years go by. We are now approaching 80 and having a different, but blessed life. How good God is – never failing to be there and take care of the moment. We all need to ‘tell it like it is’ that others might know His grace and care throughout life when they have made Christ their Saviour.
My dear friend in Christ. You sure hit the nail on the head. You have given us something to look forward to & not just living in the past.
God bless.