Caring For The Elderly - A Christian Responsibility
Devoted parents nurture their children through infancy, childhood and the teenage years. Even when young people reach adulthood and have their own families, their fathers and mothers continue to give them loving attention and support.
Although there is a limit to what humans can do for their children, our heavenly Father is always able to give his faithful servants loving attention and support. Addressing his chosen people of ancient times, Jehovah stated: "Even to one's old age I am the same one; and to one's gray-headedness I myself shall keep bearing up." (Isaiah 46:4) What reassuring words these are for older Christians! Jehovah does not abandon those who remain loyal to him. Rather, he promises to sustain, support, and guide them throughout their lives, even into old age. - Psalm 48:14.
How can we imitate Jehovah's loving concern for the elderly? (Ephesians 5:1, 2) Let us consider ways in which children, congregation overseers, and individual Christians can care for the needs of senior members of our worldwide brotherhood.
Cotinue- Next time: Our Responsibility As Children
5.31.2005
5.25.2005
Jehovah Treasures Faithful Older Ones
Today's world, characterized by a lack of gratitude, has little time for the elderly. (2Timothy 3:1, 2) When they are remembered, it is often because of their past achievements-what they were, rather than what they are. In contrast, the Bible says: "God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name, in that you have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering." (Hebrews 6:10) Of course Jehovah God remembers your past record of faithful works. But he also values you for what you continue to do in his service. Yes, he views faithful older ones as fruitful, spiritually healthy and vigorous Christians - a living testimony to his power. - Philippians 4:13.
Do you view the older members of our Christian brotherhood as Jehovah views them? If you do, you will be moved to show your love for them. (1John 3:18) The next article will consider some practical ways to show such love in caring for their needs.
Continued-Next time: Caring For The Elderly -A Christian Responsibility
Today's world, characterized by a lack of gratitude, has little time for the elderly. (2Timothy 3:1, 2) When they are remembered, it is often because of their past achievements-what they were, rather than what they are. In contrast, the Bible says: "God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name, in that you have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering." (Hebrews 6:10) Of course Jehovah God remembers your past record of faithful works. But he also values you for what you continue to do in his service. Yes, he views faithful older ones as fruitful, spiritually healthy and vigorous Christians - a living testimony to his power. - Philippians 4:13.
Do you view the older members of our Christian brotherhood as Jehovah views them? If you do, you will be moved to show your love for them. (1John 3:18) The next article will consider some practical ways to show such love in caring for their needs.
Continued-Next time: Caring For The Elderly -A Christian Responsibility
5.24.2005
"Tell That Jehovah Is Upright"
Older servants of God joyfully discharge their responsibility "to tell that Jehovah is upright." If you are an elderly Christian, your words and deeds can show others that 'Jehovah is your Rock,in whom there is no unrighteousness.' (Psalm 92:15) The palm tree bears silent witness to its Creator's superlative qualities. But Jehovah has given you the privilege of testifying about him to those now embracing true worship. (Deuteronomy 32:7; Psalm 71:17, 18; Joel 1:2, 3) Why is this important?
When the Israelite leader Joshua was "old and advanced in days," he "proceeded to call all Israel, its older men and its heads and its judges and its officers," and to remind them of God's upright dealings. He said: "Not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you." (Joshua 23:1, 2, 14) For a time, these words strengthened the people's resolve to remain faithful. After Joshua's death, however, "another generation began to rise...that did not know Jehovah or the work that he had done for Israel. And the sons of Israel fell to doing what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah and serving the Baals." Judges 2:8-11.
The integrity of the present-day Christian congregation does not depend upon the oral testimony of older servants of God. Yet, our faith in Jehovah and his promises is reinforced when we hear firsthand accounts of the "great work" that he has performed for his people in these last days. (Judges 2:7; 2Peter 1:16-19) If you have been associated with Jehovah's organization for many years, you may recall the time when there were very few Kingdom proclaimers in your region or country or when the preaching work faced stiff opposition. Over time, you have seen Jehovah remove certain obstacles and 'speed up' Kingdom growth. (Isaiah 54:17; 60:22) You have noted the clarification of Bible truths and have witnessed the progressive refinement of the visible part of God's organization. (Proverbs 4:18; Isaiah 60:17) Do you seek to build others up by sharing with them your experience relating to Jehovah's upright dealings? What a positive and strengthening effect this can have on the Christian brotherhood!
What about the occasions when you have experienced Jehovah's loving care and guidance in your personal life? (Psalm 37:25; Matthew 6:33; 1Peter5:7) An elderly sister named Martha use to encourage others by saying: "No matter what happens, never abandon Jehovah. He will sustain you." This advice had profound effect on Tolmina, one of Martha's Bible students who was baptized in the early 1960's. "When my husband died," recalls Tolmina, "I felt very discouraged, but those words made me determined not to miss a single meeting. And Jehovah really did strenghten me to continue." Tolmina has given the same advice to many of her own Bible students over the years. Indeed, by offering encouragement and recounting Jehovah's upright dealings, you can do much to build up the faith of fellow believers.
Continued-Next time: Jehovah Treasures Faithful Older Ones
Older servants of God joyfully discharge their responsibility "to tell that Jehovah is upright." If you are an elderly Christian, your words and deeds can show others that 'Jehovah is your Rock,in whom there is no unrighteousness.' (Psalm 92:15) The palm tree bears silent witness to its Creator's superlative qualities. But Jehovah has given you the privilege of testifying about him to those now embracing true worship. (Deuteronomy 32:7; Psalm 71:17, 18; Joel 1:2, 3) Why is this important?
When the Israelite leader Joshua was "old and advanced in days," he "proceeded to call all Israel, its older men and its heads and its judges and its officers," and to remind them of God's upright dealings. He said: "Not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you." (Joshua 23:1, 2, 14) For a time, these words strengthened the people's resolve to remain faithful. After Joshua's death, however, "another generation began to rise...that did not know Jehovah or the work that he had done for Israel. And the sons of Israel fell to doing what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah and serving the Baals." Judges 2:8-11.
The integrity of the present-day Christian congregation does not depend upon the oral testimony of older servants of God. Yet, our faith in Jehovah and his promises is reinforced when we hear firsthand accounts of the "great work" that he has performed for his people in these last days. (Judges 2:7; 2Peter 1:16-19) If you have been associated with Jehovah's organization for many years, you may recall the time when there were very few Kingdom proclaimers in your region or country or when the preaching work faced stiff opposition. Over time, you have seen Jehovah remove certain obstacles and 'speed up' Kingdom growth. (Isaiah 54:17; 60:22) You have noted the clarification of Bible truths and have witnessed the progressive refinement of the visible part of God's organization. (Proverbs 4:18; Isaiah 60:17) Do you seek to build others up by sharing with them your experience relating to Jehovah's upright dealings? What a positive and strengthening effect this can have on the Christian brotherhood!
What about the occasions when you have experienced Jehovah's loving care and guidance in your personal life? (Psalm 37:25; Matthew 6:33; 1Peter5:7) An elderly sister named Martha use to encourage others by saying: "No matter what happens, never abandon Jehovah. He will sustain you." This advice had profound effect on Tolmina, one of Martha's Bible students who was baptized in the early 1960's. "When my husband died," recalls Tolmina, "I felt very discouraged, but those words made me determined not to miss a single meeting. And Jehovah really did strenghten me to continue." Tolmina has given the same advice to many of her own Bible students over the years. Indeed, by offering encouragement and recounting Jehovah's upright dealings, you can do much to build up the faith of fellow believers.
Continued-Next time: Jehovah Treasures Faithful Older Ones
5.16.2005
"Fat And Fresh They will Continue To Be"
Calling attention to the fruitfulness of elderly servants of Jehovah, the psalmist sang: "The righteous himself will blossom forth as a palm tree does; as a cedar in Lebanon does, he will grow big. They will keep on thriving during gray-headedness, fat and fresh they will continue to be." - Psalm 92:12, 14.
"How can you retain your spiritual vigor despite advancing years? The secret of the palm tree's perennial beauty lies in an unfailing source of fresh water. Likewise, you can draw sustenance from the waters of Bible truth by your study of God's Word and by association with his organization. (Psalm 1:1-3; Jeremiah 17:7, 8) Your spiritual vitality makes you a precious asset to fellow believers. Consider how this proved true in the case of elderly High Priest Jehoiada.
Jehoiada was probably over a hundred years old when ambitious Queen Athaliah seized control of Judah by murdering her own grandchildren. What could elderly Jehoiada do? For six years he and his wife hid the only surviving royal heir, Jehoash, in the temple. Then, in a dramatic move, Jehoiada proclaimed seven-year-old Johash king and had Athaliah executed. - 2 Chronicles 22:10-12; 23:1-3, 15, 21.
As the king's guardian, Jehoiada used his influence to promote true worship. He "concluded a convenant between himself and all the people and the king that they would continue as the people of Jehovah." At Jehoiada's orders, the people tore down the house of the false god Baal and removed its altars, images, and priest. It was also under Jehoiada's guidance that Jehoash restored temple services and carried out much-needed temple repair work. "Jehoash continued doing what was right in Jehovah's eyes all the days of his that Jehoiada the priest instructed him." (2 Chronicles 23:11, 16-19; 24:11-14; 2Kings 12:2) When he died at the age of 130, Jehoiada was given the exceptional honor of burial with the kings because "he had done good in Israel and with the true God and His house." - 2 Chronicles 24:15, 16.
Perhaps poor health or other circumstances limit what you can do to promote true worship. Even if that is so, it is within your power to 'do good with the true God and his house.' You can display zeal for Jehovah's spiritual house by attending and participating in congregation meetings and by sharing in the field ministry whenever possible. Your ready exceptance of the Bible's counsel and your loyal support for "the faithful and discreet slave" and the congregation will have a strengthening effect on the Christian brotherhood. (Matthew 24:45-47) You can also incite fellow worshippers "to love and fine works." (Hebrew 10:24, 25; Philemon 8,9) And you will be a blessing to others if you act in harmony with the apostle Paul's counsel: "Let the aged men be moderate in habits, serious, sound in mind, healthy [vigorous," And American Translation] in faith, in love, in endurance. Likewise let the aged women be reverent in behavior, not slanderous, neither enslaved to a lot of wine, teachers of what is good." - Titus 2:2-4.
Have you served as a congregation elder for many years? "Use the wisdom that comes with advancing years unselfishly," is the advice of one longtime congregation elder. "delegate responsibility, and share your experience with others who have a willing spirit...See the potential in others. Develop and nurture it. Build for the future." (Deuteronomy 3:27, 28 ) Your genuine interest in the ever-expanding KIngdom work will result in many blessings for others in our Christian brotherhood.
Continued-Next time: "Tell That Jehovah Is Upright"
Calling attention to the fruitfulness of elderly servants of Jehovah, the psalmist sang: "The righteous himself will blossom forth as a palm tree does; as a cedar in Lebanon does, he will grow big. They will keep on thriving during gray-headedness, fat and fresh they will continue to be." - Psalm 92:12, 14.
"How can you retain your spiritual vigor despite advancing years? The secret of the palm tree's perennial beauty lies in an unfailing source of fresh water. Likewise, you can draw sustenance from the waters of Bible truth by your study of God's Word and by association with his organization. (Psalm 1:1-3; Jeremiah 17:7, 8) Your spiritual vitality makes you a precious asset to fellow believers. Consider how this proved true in the case of elderly High Priest Jehoiada.
Jehoiada was probably over a hundred years old when ambitious Queen Athaliah seized control of Judah by murdering her own grandchildren. What could elderly Jehoiada do? For six years he and his wife hid the only surviving royal heir, Jehoash, in the temple. Then, in a dramatic move, Jehoiada proclaimed seven-year-old Johash king and had Athaliah executed. - 2 Chronicles 22:10-12; 23:1-3, 15, 21.
As the king's guardian, Jehoiada used his influence to promote true worship. He "concluded a convenant between himself and all the people and the king that they would continue as the people of Jehovah." At Jehoiada's orders, the people tore down the house of the false god Baal and removed its altars, images, and priest. It was also under Jehoiada's guidance that Jehoash restored temple services and carried out much-needed temple repair work. "Jehoash continued doing what was right in Jehovah's eyes all the days of his that Jehoiada the priest instructed him." (2 Chronicles 23:11, 16-19; 24:11-14; 2Kings 12:2) When he died at the age of 130, Jehoiada was given the exceptional honor of burial with the kings because "he had done good in Israel and with the true God and His house." - 2 Chronicles 24:15, 16.
Perhaps poor health or other circumstances limit what you can do to promote true worship. Even if that is so, it is within your power to 'do good with the true God and his house.' You can display zeal for Jehovah's spiritual house by attending and participating in congregation meetings and by sharing in the field ministry whenever possible. Your ready exceptance of the Bible's counsel and your loyal support for "the faithful and discreet slave" and the congregation will have a strengthening effect on the Christian brotherhood. (Matthew 24:45-47) You can also incite fellow worshippers "to love and fine works." (Hebrew 10:24, 25; Philemon 8,9) And you will be a blessing to others if you act in harmony with the apostle Paul's counsel: "Let the aged men be moderate in habits, serious, sound in mind, healthy [vigorous," And American Translation] in faith, in love, in endurance. Likewise let the aged women be reverent in behavior, not slanderous, neither enslaved to a lot of wine, teachers of what is good." - Titus 2:2-4.
Have you served as a congregation elder for many years? "Use the wisdom that comes with advancing years unselfishly," is the advice of one longtime congregation elder. "delegate responsibility, and share your experience with others who have a willing spirit...See the potential in others. Develop and nurture it. Build for the future." (Deuteronomy 3:27, 28 ) Your genuine interest in the ever-expanding KIngdom work will result in many blessings for others in our Christian brotherhood.
Continued-Next time: "Tell That Jehovah Is Upright"
5.09.2005
- Thriving During Gray-Headedness
The Psalmist likens the righteous to palm trees 'planted in the courtyards of our God.' They " keep on thriving during gray-headedness." Another version reads: " In old age they still produce fruit." (Tanakh) Do you not agree that this is an encouraging thought? Graceful, upright palm trees were a common sight in Oriental courtyards in Bible times. In addition to their decorative value, palms were prized for their abundant fruit, with some trees continuing productive for over a hundred years." By remaining firmly planted in true worship, you can similarly "go on bearing fruit in every good word." - Collosians 1:10.
Jehovah expects Christians to produce "the fruit of lips" - words spoken in praise of him and his purposes. (Hebrews 13:15) Does this apply to you as an older person? It certainly does.
The Bible contains examples of older ones who fearlessly bore witness to Jehovah's name and purposes. Moses had already exceeded his "seventy years" when Jehovha commissioned him as his prophet and representative. (Psalm 90:10; Exodus 4:10-17. Advanced age did not prevent the prophet Daniel from giving a feaarless witness regarding Jehovah's sovereignty. Daniel was probably in his 90's when Belshazzar summoned him to interpret the mysterious handwriting on the wall. (Daniel, chapter 5) And what about the aged apostle John? Toward the end of his long career, he found himself imprisioned on the isle of Patmos "for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 1:9) Very likely you can remember many other Bible characters who produced "the fruit of lips" in their later years. - 1Samuel8:1, 10; 12:2; 1Kings 14:4, 5; Luke1:7, 97-79; 2:22-32.
Quoting the Hebrew prophet Joel, the apostle Peter declared: "' 'In the last days,' God says, 'I shall pour out some of my spirit upon every sort of flesh [including "old men"],...and they will prophesy.' " (Acts 2:17, 18; Joel 2:28) Accordingly, in these last days, Jehovah has uses elderly members of the anointed class and of the "other sheep" to declare his purposes. (John 10:16) Some of these have faithfully been producing Kingdom fruitage for decades.
Consider Sonia, who became a full-time Kingdom publisheer in 1941. Despite a long struggle with chronic illness, she regularly conducted Bible studies in her home. "Preaching the good news is part of my life,"explained Sonia. "Actually, it is my life. I refuse to retire." Not long ago, Sonia and her sister, Olive, shared the Bible's message of hope with Janet, a terminally ill patient whom they met in a hospital waiting room. Janet's mother, a devout Catholic, was so impressed by this loving interest shown to her daughter that she accepted the offer of a home Bible study and is now making excellent progress. Could you seize similar opportunities to produce Kingdom fruitage?
By courageously pressing on in the Kingdom-preaching work despite the limitations of advancing years, older Christians are following in the footsteps of the faithful Israelite Caleb, who accompanied Moses in the wilderness for four decades. Caleb was 79 years old when he crossed the Jordan River into the promised land. After fighting in the ranks of Israel's victorious army for six years, he could have rested on his laurels. But no, he courageously requested the challenging assignment of capturing the "great fortified cities" in the mountainous region of Judah, an area inhabited by the Anakim, men of unusual size. With Jehovah's help, Caleb did "dispossess them, just as Jehovah promised." (Joshua 14:9-14; 15:13, 14) Be assured that Jehovah is with you, as he was with Caleb, as you continue producing Kingdom fruitage inold age. And if you remain faithful, he will grant you a place in is promised new world. - Isaiah 40:29-31; 2Peter 3:13.
5.05.2005
Today instead of doing what I had mentioned in my last blog, I decided to write something that Andy Rooney said on "60 Minutes" a few weeks back and I agree with him. Here is what he said:
I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Causian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, Or Miss White America; and see what happens...Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.
I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason.....that is why there are no girls allowed....Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! Are you listening Martha Burke?
I think if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it is an opinion.
When 70% of the people who get arrested are black where cities are 70% of the population is black, that is not a racial profiling, it is the Law of Probability.
I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English!
My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over an disrespect ours. I think the police should have every right to shoot your sorry ass if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word "freeze" or "stop" in English, see the above lines.
I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or taz breaks, etc........ so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store or any other business.
We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our livess in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document; and open to their interpretations.
I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor.
I know pro-wrestling is a fake, but so are the movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them.
I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better, and put your name on the building.
It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid; and smack their little behind when necessary, and say "NO!"
I think tattoos and piercing are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And please, stay home until that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me french fries!
I am sick of "Political Correctness." I know a lot of black people, and not a single one of them was born in Africa; so how can they be "African-Americans?" Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a "European-American because my great, great,great, great, great, great, grandfather was from Europe. I am proud to be from America and nowhere else.
And if you don't like my point of view, tough....
I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Causian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, Or Miss White America; and see what happens...Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.
I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason.....that is why there are no girls allowed....Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! Are you listening Martha Burke?
I think if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it is an opinion.
When 70% of the people who get arrested are black where cities are 70% of the population is black, that is not a racial profiling, it is the Law of Probability.
I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English!
My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over an disrespect ours. I think the police should have every right to shoot your sorry ass if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word "freeze" or "stop" in English, see the above lines.
I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or taz breaks, etc........ so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store or any other business.
We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our livess in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document; and open to their interpretations.
I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor.
I know pro-wrestling is a fake, but so are the movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them.
I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better, and put your name on the building.
It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid; and smack their little behind when necessary, and say "NO!"
I think tattoos and piercing are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And please, stay home until that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me french fries!
I am sick of "Political Correctness." I know a lot of black people, and not a single one of them was born in Africa; so how can they be "African-Americans?" Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a "European-American because my great, great,great, great, great, great, grandfather was from Europe. I am proud to be from America and nowhere else.
And if you don't like my point of view, tough....
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