Saturday, December 19, 2020

Reflection - Health and Frailties - Health and Pursuit of God

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART IV: HEALTH AND FRAILTIES, Chapter 23, "Staying Healthy", Question 2, Page 155.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


The senior years cannot be just a matter of relaxing and reminiscing.
PHOTO: What can you learn from those who suffer chronic ailments and yet have a positive perspective of life and ministry?
Many faithful servants of God served the Lord in relatively poor health. Paul had to live and serve with his "thorn in my flesh" (generally understood to be a painful chronic physical condition) even though he prayed three times for the ailment to be removed from his body (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). According to tradition, Paul also suffered from bow legs, perhaps as a result of his frequent beatings and injuries (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-27). These did not prevent him from faithfully fulfilling God's calling.

The leaders of the Reformation suffered from many illnesses and frailties. Martin Luther had a long list of troubles: piles, constipation, cataracts, fainting spells, arthritis, kidney and bladder stones, and chest pains. John Calvin was physically frail and suffered from consumption (tuberculosis), ulcerated haemorrhoids, gout, kidney stones, and other distressing ailments. He was very careful with his diet because of stomach troubles and ate only one meal a day. He died at the age of 55, having a prolific (plentiful) writing ministry and having served as the pastor of Geneva and a leading reformer.

Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers, suffered from debilitating gout, arthritis, kidney disease, and depression, and yet he worked 18 hours a day, preparing sermons, writing tracts, counselling, and lecturing. He had a view about suffering and hard work that would not sit well with today's obsession with physical health and personal well-being. He wrote:

If by excessive labour, we die before reaching the average age of man, worn out in the Master's service, then glory be to God, we shall have so much less of earth and so much more of Heaven!


How can you ensure that your pursuit of God remains top priority?
Modern sentiments may be expressed better as "Stay healthy to stay useful". But the point is that the pursuit of health should not become an idol at the expense of our pursuit of God and His glory. We must apply common sense by watching our diet and getting regular exercise (walking is a good exercise for seniors). But we must be prepared to stretch ourselves in self-giving love and serve God even in poor health. We must seek Him and His righteousness - that should always be first above other concerns and pursuits (Matthew 6:33).
Picture posted by Deacon Chuck on 15 October 2016 - Moses in prayer with Aaron and Hur on the Mountain Horeb (Exodus 17:8-16)
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http://deaconscorner.org/pray-always/

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/reflection-spiritual-habits-minister-to.html
 

What can you learn from those who suffer chronic ailments and yet have a positive perspective of life and ministry? How can you ensure that your pursuit of God remains top priority?

What can you learn from those who suffer chronic ailments and yet have a positive perspective of life and ministry? [1]
Many faithful servants of God served the Lord in relatively poor health. Paul had to live and serve with his "thorn in my flesh" (generally understood to be a painful chronic physical condition) even though he prayed three times for the ailment to be removed from his body (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). According to tradition, Paul also suffered from bow legs, perhaps as a result of his frequent beatings and injuries (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-27). These did not prevent him from faithfully fulfilling God's calling.


Many faithful servants of God served the Lord in relatively poor health.
PHOTO: Many faithful servants of God served the Lord in relatively poor health. Paul had to live and serve with his "thorn in my flesh". Paul also suffered from bow legs, perhaps as a result of his frequent beatings and injuries (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-27). These did not prevent him from faithfully fulfilling God's calling.
Picture posted by Pastor Greg Allen on 20 February 2011 - The godly old priest Jehoiada brought Joash out of the temple to be seated as the rightful king of Judah. The old priest lived to a remarkable old age of 130 years! And from all that the Bible tells us about him, he remained active and deeply involved in the work of God all the way to the end.
(2 Chronicles 24).
Picture saved by Stewart Crowther to ARC Salon 2014 Winners
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ox2NgRxQ4i5WMqnACdau2WiHM-ksiGHgJnIA4uU3OYuS1_T0QOG5b0DrEOjoqVTlEsZ_eqz9SnFzPpuucQPXgwPYmQDCgIdbv1Tu0ewsO0Bj_ijhdy4mFbqSuDBF9NAUwn7lzfeDT50/s964/022011.png
http://bethanybible.org/dev/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/022011.png
http://bethanybible.org/dev/unhealthy-dependencies-2-chronicles-241-27/
 

The leaders of the Reformation suffered from many illnesses and frailties. Martin Luther had a long list of troubles: piles, constipation, cataracts, fainting spells, arthritis, kidney and bladder stones, and chest pains. John Calvin was physically frail and suffered from consumption (tuberculosis), ulcerated haemorrhoids, gout, kidney stones, and other distressing ailments. He was very careful with his diet because of stomach troubles and ate only one meal a day. He died at the age of 55, having a prolific (plentiful) writing ministry and having served as the pastor of Geneva and a leading reformer.


The leader of the Reformation suffered from many illnesses and frailties but having a prolific (plentiful) writing ministry and having served as the pastor of Geneva and a leading reformer. PHOTO: The leaders of the Reformation suffered from many illnesses and frailties but having a prolific (plentiful) writing ministry and having served as the pastor of Geneva and a leading reformer.
Picture posted by Prayers God Answers

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax3g9-PaXzGVEou2qsu2P_f9304LIzq33AVR0FzdnL3ihmbWlbCAlbtvWPaHX5VsqpTZw3XQtv16oaQUQD3quUnr8kGByILcljzbLtv6J44hzxeSVr8XndG2dVrmPSFvT-5DjeOK1Os0/s1600/jesus_with_oldman.jpg
http://www.god-answers-prayers.com/god_answers_prayers_gallery/img/jesus_with_oldman.jpg
http://www.god-answers-prayers.com/god_answers_prayers_gallery/jesuswithanoldman.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/06/reflection-spiritual-journey-older.html



Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers, suffered from debilitating gout, arthritis, kidney disease, and depression, and yet he worked 18 hours a day, preparing sermons, writing tracts, counselling, and lecturing. He had a view about suffering and hard work that would not sit well with today's obsession with physical health and personal well-being. He wrote:

If by excessive labour, we die before reaching the average age of man, worn out in the Master's service, then glory be to God, we shall have so much less of earth and so much more of Heaven! [86]


Charles Spurgeon wrote: PHOTO: Charles Spurgeon wrote:
If by excessive labour, we die before reaching the average age of man, worn out in the Master's service, then glory be to God, we shall have so much less of earth and so much more of Heaven!

Picture saved by nexSocial Stick Healing to Stick Healing, Pinterest
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https://talktalkhealing.tistory.com/2662
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/09/reflection-imitating-christ-difference.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/more-seniors-in-singapore-seek-long.html



How can you ensure that your pursuit of God remains top priority? [1]
Modern sentiments may be expressed better as "Stay healthy to stay useful". But the point is that the pursuit of health should not become an idol at the expense of our pursuit of God and His glory. We must apply common sense by watching our diet and getting regular exercise (walking is a good exercise for seniors). But we must be prepared to stretch ourselves in self-giving love and serve God even in poor health. We must seek Him and His righteousness - that should always be first above other concerns and pursuits (Matthew 6:33).


Modern sentiments may be expressed better as 'Stay healthy to stay useful'. PHOTO: Modern sentiments may be expressed better as "Stay healthy to stay useful".
But the point is that the pursuit of health should not become an idol at the expense of our pursuit of God and His glory. We must apply common sense by watching our diet and getting regular exercise (walking is a good exercise for seniors). But we must be prepared to stretch ourselves in self-giving love and serve God even in poor health. We must seek Him and His righteousness - that should always be first above other concerns and pursuit
s (
Matthew 6:33).

As the Covid-19 pandemic worsen, our government declared a 'Circuit-Breaker' to take effect, which is equivalent to a lockdown. Many charity works were seriously affected, and many needy organisation were in need of funds. Some of these organisations were operated by single elderly uncle who can be found near the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) stations or hospitals. May we be like the Scripture's 'despised Samaritan' but who had a ministry mindset, offering his help while in difficult conditions.
Picture posted by Public Transport Council
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https://www.ptc.gov.sg/images/default-source/default-album/bo9y1525.jpg
https://www.google.com.sg/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ptc.gov.sg%2Fcaring-sg-commuters%2Fcaring-blog%2Fcaring-commuter-blogpost%2Fmeet-mr-tan-a-wheelchair-bound-commuter&psig=AOvVaw35WULoHJmZMtpFEyj0M-6X&ust=1602160952091000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=2ahUKEwi9j9PkwKLsAhUDDbcAHSoTCaMQjhx6BAgAEA4
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/reflection-spiritual-habits-minister-to.html



There are the serious distractions caused by our aging and poor health.
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that there are those who suffer chronic ailments and yet have a positive perspective of life and ministry. Many faithful servants of God served the Lord in relatively poor health.

Help us to be like Paul who had to live and serve with his ‘thorn in his flesh’ even though he prayed three times for the ailment to be removed from his body. Paul also suffered from bow legs, but these did not prevent him from faithfully fulfilling God's calling.

Other leaders of the Reformation had also suffered from many illnesses and frailties. Martin Luther had a long list of troubles: piles, constipation, cataracts, fainting spells, arthritis, kidney and bladder stones, and chest pains. John Calvin was physically frail and suffered from consumption or tuberculosis, ulcerated haemorrhoids, gout, kidney stones, and other distressing ailments. Help us to learn from their prolific writing ministry and having served as the pastor of Geneva and a leading reformer.

Help us too, to learn from Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers, who suffered from debilitating gout, arthritis, kidney disease, and depression, and yet he worked 18 hours a day, preparing sermons, writing tracts, counselling, and lecturing.

May we keep in mind his encouragement, ‘If by excessive labour, we die before reaching the average age of man, worn out in the Master's service, then glory be to God, we shall have so much less of earth and so much more of Heaven!’

Lord, help us to ensure that our pursuit of God remains top priority by stretching ourselves in self-giving love and serve God even in poor health. Help us to seek Him and His righteousness - that should always be first above other concerns and pursuits. May this be the modern sentiments of ‘Stay healthy to stay useful’.
Let our pursuit of health not to become an idol at the expense of our pursuit of God and His glory.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by Nancy Arruda on 05 July 2017
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https://www.universalsky.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wuus-July-2017-News.jpg
https://www.universalsky.com/whats-up-in-the-universal-sky-july-2017-astrological-newsletter/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/09/reflection-imitating-christ-difference.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/more-seniors-in-singapore-seek-long.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/12/reflection-jonah-runs-god-pursues-with.html


Reflection - Health and Frailties - Health and Pursuit of God
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART IV: HEALTH AND FRAILTIES, Chapter 23, "Staying Healthy", Question 2, Page 155.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012




Other Books


Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 
 

Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART IV: HEALTH AND FRAILTIES, Chapter 23, "Staying Healthy", Page 153-154.

[86] Charles H. Spurgeon, An All Round Ministry: Address to Ministers and Students (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1960), 126-127.
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.