Hope for Older Christians

With each passing year the following promise becomes more precious.

“They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing” (Ps 92:14).

And indeed throughout scripture there are many examples of older saints tremendously used by God.

1. To be used by God late in life, we might have to give something up like 75-year-old Abram (Gen. 12;30) who left family. Are you willing to leave your home, career, and comfort?

2. To be used by God late in life, we might have to start something new like 85-year-old Caleb (Josh. 14:10) who began mountain climbing. Are you willing to start a new business, ministry, or adventure?

Through repentance and faith the aged believer may expect their latter days will be better than the former. The rest of their days will be their best of their days!

The Fear of Man versus The Promises of God

Jacob is known for wrestling with God (Genesis 32), but why were they wrestling? It was a struggle between the Fear of Man and the Promises of God (Genesis 32:9-12). Jacob was spooked by his brother Esau and 400 approaching men and so he prayed to God. In his prayer he claimed two promises God had given him.

Most Christians are acquainted with this midnight battle of the soul. Two competing realities vie for our attention, what we see and what God says. Which one will you believe? That’s the struggle!

Perseverance is the key. Jacob would not let go. In fact, he prayed all night long — a feat few of us are familiar with but perhaps more of us should attempt. Regardless, hold on to God and His promises. Don’t quit. Keep believing.

That's How I Got to Memphis

If you love somebody enough
You'll follow wherever they go
That's how I got to Memphis
That's how I got to Memphis
If you love somebody enough
You'll go where your heart wants to go
That's how I got to Memphis
That's how I got to Memphis

These lyrics by Tom T. Hall express my testimony about how the Lord led me to Memphis in 2008.

One Big Snake

The doorbell rang and my wife went to the door. It was John our neighbor who reported, “I saw some people walking down our street. They jumped and squirmed. I didn't know what was going on, then I realized it was a snake! Mrs. Martin, I am sorry to tell you this, but that big black snake was last seen entering your yard.”

Now what do you suppose we did? Did we ignore his warning? No. My wife walked around our house with a stick. The next day when I mowed the lawn, I kept my eyes peeled. We were vigilant.

God told Cain, “Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Ge 4:7).

Do we take sin as seriously as we do snakes? Shouldn’t we be alert and watch where we step?!

The Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth

Lou Gehrig retired from baseball after a hall of fame career, saying, “Today I consider myself the luckiest man of the face of the earth.” He was thankful for his teammates and opportunities to play baseball. Undaunted by his career-ending diagnosis of ALS disease, now commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, the Yankee’s first baseman went out a champion. His example inspires us to be grateful and never give in to self-pity.

Tatonka

A Christian leader in North Dakota gave a fascinating insight about the bison, explaining that these massive animals which the Native Americans call Tatonka, surivive the brutal winters by walking toward the storms, not fleeing from them like domesticated cattle. Tatonka knows the only way to survive is to go through the storm. “God give me grace to face my fears and not try to run from them.”