|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Under His Wings"1 (Lyrics) |
The other day, a friend forgot something and immediately said, "I guess I'm having a 'senior's moment'". As we age, our memories start to fail, and we can't recall even recent events as easily as before.
Some years ago, when I reached eighty years of age, my family held a party to mark the event. One of the guests, who is older than I am, surprised me by saying, "I have a gift for you."
Excitedly, I waited to find out what he was going to give me, when he said, "Welcome to the Club! Now, when you forget something, you no longer have to apologize!"
Having increasingly felt embarrassed at my failing memory, Wilf's welcome to the 80-year-old Club immediately made me feel better and has continued to do so over the years.
Even though we are trained to automatically remember basic things such as the day of the week, sometimes we fail.
A very bright, active lady came into our residence early one morning, causing us to comment that she had been out for a walk earlier than normal.
She explained that she had gone to church expecting to attend early morning mass, only to find the church locked up. Suddenly, she realized that it was Saturday, not Sunday!
We all joined in her hearty laugh, and for the next few days, we reminded her what day of the week it was.
While this teaching example was frivolous, when we are teaching young children by our example, it is vitally important.
Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (KJV)
Our brains are very complex creations. From the time of conception, they are constantly growing and developing. All through life we try to remember facts and people.
How often we are forced to admit that we have forgotten something or someone. If it is something bad, it can be helpful to forget, but too often, a lapse of memory can cause problems, such as when it comes to examinations, the necessity to help someone, or even knowing where we are going.
But the greatest problem comes if we fail to remember to remain faithful in our spiritual lives. If we forget to put God first, to pray, to read our Bible, then our memory failure is serious indeed.
I take great comfort in this verse:
Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is … a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (KJV)
How wonderful it is that God knows our intentions, even if we fail in our actions. It is essential that we be sincere in our love for Him.
While our memories may fail us increasingly as we age, may we each strive to be faithful in our love of and service to God.
Prayer: Dear Father, we love You and want to serve You faithfully. Help us to remember to do those things which You want us to do and to remember to refrain from activities that are wrong. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – In Czechia — We have, by faith and with trembling, set a target for launching off at the end of May. We are prayerfully working hard to be ready by then. God has been challenging us to ask for some "God-sized" gifts. Pray for God to prepare the team in the Czech Republic, to open the way to the hurting people, and to prepare us for His work.
Housing: "Update April 18, 2024: The judge granted the father 4 extra days of visitation per month. T is..." 
Thank you.
Amen, Vincent.
Thanks always!
Thanks, Vincent. This is comforting for a familiar problem.
Dear Vincent,
Lovely thought for the day. If only I can remember it?
Oh Vincent, isn’t it the truth! As we age our memories fade, but thankfully God will never forget us! Blessings.
I will pass this on to my dad who turned 80. It will help him not feel bad when he doesn’t remember everything. Thanks, and Blessings Vincent!
To V. Walter,
Thanks again for a full, meaty devotional.
God bless you.
Keep writing.
Dear Vince,
Thanks for sharing this humorous story. Believe me, the memory starts to go much earlier than eighty. At least this is true of me.
Please stay healthy during these trying times.
Amen Vincent… and though our memories may fail us due to illness and age, He will never fail to remember us and through His seal upon us through the Holy Spirit, He will keep safe that which we’re committed unto Him against that day.
Blessings.
Dear Vince
Thank you for this loving reminder of memory… so true. The verse you used, Hebrews 4:12, brought tears to my eyes as I am thankful that God knows my heart’s intentions even when sometimes my actions I feel do not measure up. Thank you. That verse is both comforting and encouraging.
God bless.
Dear Vince,
Thank you for another very encouraging devotional. We are so fortunate when we have our faith in God, and He carries us through so many of life situations. Yes, as we age it seems certain things disappear from our memory but as you say we must remember the love God has for us,
Take care and blessings for your special writings.
(B.C.)
Thank you so much, Vincent. Your devotionals are always great.
Today I thought you might get a chuckle out if this: I never admit to a senior moment but sometimes say, “I think my tiara’s a bit tight today.”
I think you have a wonderful sense of humour so perhaps you can suggest a gentleman’s version of this.
Many blessings,
(ON)
Hi Vincent, Something is happening in this world. I went out front this afternoon, a new neighbor drove up, rolled down his window and we just had a few words, the only socializing I had today beyond our family.
We have a very fine place where the “older” folks are living, with a separate building for those who need special care, such as my dear “sister”.
Now no one can go there, not even family. Meals are taken to their rooms, and they can’t even leave their rooms. At least a couple have each other. We’re in an isolate town and so far, the disease hasn’t hit anyone here. Much prayer is needed all over. So now it’s time for bed and have visit with the Lord after reading my devotions.