Thursday, October 7, 2021

OLD AND GRAY HEADED (Psalm 71:18a)

Today’s Reading: Psalms 70-71

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

The fortress of Masada stands high above the Jordan Valley floor. It was here that Herod built his highly protected palace to which he could escape if necessary. Later it was used by Jewish freedom fighters who, for a time, resisted a Roman siege. I suggest that everyone should try to view the movie, “Masada.” It was in this area where David hid from those who sought to destroy him. He may have had this scene in mind as he sang, “You are my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 71:3b).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Psalm 71:18

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.

 

The words, “Let God be magnified” (70:4b) are what this blog is all about. Our meditations are a magnifying glass which enlarges our vision of God.

God is with us at every stage of life: in mother’s womb, at birth, in our youth, and in “old age when strength fails” (71:6-9). David even declares his confidence that he will be resurrected from the dead! “You…(God) shall revive me again and bring me up again from the depths of the earth!” (71:20b). Our key verse magnifies our vision so that we can see clearly that old age is simply a continuation of our service to God and of our relationship with Him. Would to God that none of us, when we reach old age, will fail to reach out to the next generations with the Good News of God’s provision for the human family. Who is more equipped than an older person with years of experience to relate to those who are younger the facts of God’s faithfulness and unfailing love? “No-o-o-body!” With the word “nobody,” some of us will think of a former mayor of Toronto, Mel Lastman, who puts his special spin on that word in an appliance commercial currently on television.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that my old age will be productive in blessing those who are carrying the heavy responsibilities of middle age and by inspiring children and young people with my stories of Your involvement in my life. In Jesus’ Name I ask this request, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m quite old now and that prayer and the key verse fits for me. It may not be a fit for all who read this blog, so I encourage everyone to offer a prayer to God that fits age, family responsibilities, and other considerations. Crossroads has published a book of my stories, but I find that many young people may not take the time to read it. Therefore, I take the time, whenever I know I’m not unwisely intruding, to tell my stories as briefly and effectively as possible (if I knew how to underline on this keyboard I would underline the word “briefly!”). I pray fervently that God’s Spirit will communicate through my words the message needed. Recently, I had the opportunity to share a couple of my stories with a teenaged girl. Her mother said that when she arrived home she proceeded to straighten up her life and even her bedroom. This mother begged me to keep on communicating with young people.

Yours to urge everyone to communicate God’s love and faithfulness!

David

9 thoughts on “Thursday, October 7, 2021

  1. Thank You, Father, for the faithful ones who went before us. You have Your faithful ones in every generation, so please help all Your children today – young and old – to exalt You in what we say and do, in private and public. You said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” May we lift You up in our praise and service, with great gratitude, in Jesus’s great name, amen

  2. Praise God (from whom ALL blessings flow)! I have found that God is remarkably close in my advanced years! Lord, help me to encourage and teach the next generations (especially, now, as Christianity is being taken from many opportunities, ie: public schools, sporting events, and, governmental affairs). Father, in Jesus Name, send out labourers into the fields. Shine Jesus, shine, in all the earth. Amen and amen

  3. Iam involved in helping out at a YWAM ministry in Muskoka. For parents of young people. Look up YWAM. A dts discipleship training school. Hood ray to strengthen your relationship with Father Son and Holy Spirit. 6 month journey including outreach. Helps my wife and I to stay connected to the next generation

  4. Amen. It is so important for us to reach out to the younger generation and lead them to the Lord. I find myself asking often for forgiveness of my own failings as a young parent and not at that time fully understanding or ignoring the importance of teaching these values to them. I am working on teaching the importance of praying and listening for the answers now in all of our life decisions.
    Prayers and blessings for all fellow bloggers.

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