Blessed are the old who have reached the end of their lives and are not afraid of death. For them, there will be no more pain or sorrow, nor will they need to rise up at dawn to labor for food. The Lord’s grace will be upon them as they lay down to rest, and he will watch over them while they are asleep. And when the time comes for them to die, God will gather them into his arms and welcome them into his kingdom, where there will be peace and joy for all eternity.
In this sermon, we have been reminded what it means to live a full life—a life that is complete with love, joy, and peace. In our lives as Christians, we must remember this truth: that God wants us all to enjoy every moment of our lives on earth so that we may look forward with joy to his coming again in glory. The world has many problems that seem hopelessly complicated, but God has provided us with answers and solutions that only require us to trust in him completely.
Many seniors in nursing homes may feel lonely or isolated, especially during times when they are unable to see their loved ones in person. By preaching Sermons for Seniors in Nursing Homes we are able to show love and encouragement, and we can uplift their spirits and let them know that they are not forgotten.
Sermons for Seniors in Nursing Homes
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a story that helps us understand what it means to love our neighbor. The Samaritan was an outcast, both due to his race and because he was a foreigner in Israel. He was also the only one who helped the injured man. It may seem like he should have just stayed home, but instead he went out of his way to help this stranger—and he did it sacrificially!
You might be tempted to dismiss this story as irrelevant if you don’t live near any biblical sites or museums. But think about how much we depend on people outside our immediate circle every day: our postal carrier, our babysitter, maybe even your doctor or dentist (who doesn’t live in your town). All these people play important roles in our lives and we need them; they’re part of God’s plan for us—to love each other regardless of circumstances and help each other when needed.
1 Corinthians 13
1 Corinthians 13 is a classic passage on love. It is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible, and preachers all over the world frequently quote it. The list below is not intended to be exhaustive—there are many more aspects to love than these six, and they’re not all equal. For example, if you see your brother sinning against you seven times in a day, you can forgive him just as often (Matthew 18:21). But this list will help you understand what Paul meant when he said that “love never fails.”
The Parables of Jesus
The Parables of Jesus are short stories that Jesus tells to teach moral lessons. They are like fables, or folk tales, with a moral lesson in the end. The most famous parable is the story of the Good Samaritan, which teaches us that it’s important to help others even if they’re not friends or family members.
There are many other parables in the Bible as well. Here’s a list:
- The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) This story teaches us that God will forgive our sins if we ask him to and repent of them. It also shows how God loves all sinners equally, no matter what they’ve done wrong!
- The Parable of Lazarus and Dives (Luke 16:19–31): This story teaches us about heaven and hell; it tells about a rich man named Dives who goes to hell because he didn’t care about poor people back on earth when he was alive! He had plenty to eat but never offered any food or shelter for anyone else around town either, so now he has nothing at all except suffering forever without any friends or family there either.”
God So Loved the World
God’s love is all-encompassing, transcending all boundaries of time, place and circumstance.
The love of God is not limited to any particular group or people. It is not limited to any particular time. The love of God does not discriminate against situations or circumstances.
Love knows no boundaries; it is not constrained by age, gender or race. Love cares for everyone equally and gives each individual their own space within its embrace so that we can grow into who we were made to be – just as much as we are loved for who we are right now!
Genesis 1-3
Creation: The story of creation is a powerful reminder that God is the author of all things. He not only created us, but also sustains us in our daily lives. We can trust God with each step we take because he cares for us and provides for all our needs (Psalm 145:16).
Sin: Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of knowledge, which they were not to eat from (Genesis 2:17). Because of their sin, Adam and Eve were cast out of Paradise into a fallen world where they would struggle to find peace and happiness. Since then, sin has affected everyone in some way or another, even if you haven’t committed any sins yourself! However, there is hope because Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be born on earth so that, through him we could be saved from our sins (John 3:16). Redemption: If you have never been saved before then I encourage you today by inviting you into relationship with Jesus Christ as your savior—you will certainly love Him forever!
Proverbs 31
Proverbs 31:10–31 is a long passage, but it can be broken down into these four main ideas:
- She works for the good of her household; she considers a field and buys it; and with her earnings, she plants a vineyard.
- She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks; she sees that her trading is profitable; and she sells what she has in abundance.
- She makes linen garments and sells them, and she supplies belts to the tradesmen.
- She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.[emphasis added]
Psalm 23
Psalm 23 is one of the most influential prayers in the Bible. In it, David describes God as his shepherd and says that he has no fear or worry because God will always provide for him.
The verse below contains four examples of how God cares for you:
- “Your rod and your staff comfort me.” This means that God guides you with his word and shows you how to live correctly. His word is like a “rod” or staff that helps keep you on track with what needs to be done (see Isaiah 30:20).
- “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” This means that when you are going through difficult times, God provides for your needs even when others may not understand why things happen as they do (see Psalm 41:2).
These passages can be encouraging for seniors in nursing homes.
As a pastor, I’ve visited nursing homes many times. The experience is always one of the most humbling and encouraging of my life. I see people who have gone through so much in their lives; they often feel alone, abandoned, and helpless. These passages can be encouraging for seniors in nursing homes because they show that God is with us—even when we feel like no one else is listening or caring about us.
These passages can help seniors feel loved by God because Jesus died on a cross to save them from their sins—and this is something that only someone who cares deeply about someone would do for them!
These passages give hope to seniors who are afraid that they will never get well again—God wants each person to know that he has power over sickness and disease! He can heal your body if you let him into your heart today!
5 Encouraging Words for Nursing Home Residents
1. You are cherished
There are people who care deeply about you and value your presence in their lives. Your presence brings joy and warmth to those around you. Remember that you are cherished and loved.
2. You are not alone
Even when it may feel like you are alone, rest assured that there are people who are here to support you. Reach out to the staff, your fellow residents, or even a friend or family member. You are part of a community that cares for you.
3. You are resilient
You have faced challenges and difficulties in your life, yet you have persevered. Your strength and resilience are admirable. Believe in your ability to overcome any obstacles that come your way.
4. You are valued
Your experiences, wisdom, and presence are valuable. You have a lifetime of stories and lessons that can inspire and educate others. You are an important member of the nursing home community.
5. You are appreciated
Every day, the staff and residents appreciate you for who you are. Your kindness, humor, and presence brighten up the nursing home. Take comfort in knowing that you are appreciated and loved
Encouraging Sermons For The Elderly
I love associating with fellow senior citizens. Even when I was young I had a deep love and respect for older folks. Some of the people who have meant the most to me and my family, and continue to, are senior citizens–and some of the people who mean the most to our communities, our nation, and our churches are senior citizens. So, I salute you for the many contributions you have made on so many fronts, and for the contributions you are still making today.
You’ve probably heard all of the one-liners on how you can tell when you’ve become a senior citizen. It’s when you finally know your way around, but you don’t feel like going. Or, another way to tell that you’ve become a senior citizen is this: when you bend down to tie your shoes, you ask yourself the question, “Is there anything else I can do while I’m down here?” Or, it’s when the gleam in your eye is the sun reflecting off your trifocals. Or, you’ve finally got it all together, but you’ve forgotten where you put it!
Someone has said that you’re as old as you feel. When the late Bob Hope was 100 years old, someone asked him how it felt to be 100. He said, “I don’t feel anything until about noon, and then I take a nap.”
So, we’re all getting older, and naturally we all want to grow older gracefully–and that’s the subject of my remarks tonight: “How to Grow Older Gracefully.” On another occasion when I announced that subject, I learned later that one man in the audience turned to the fellow next to him and said, “There ain’t no way!” But of course there is; I know many senior citizens who, in spite of their aches and pains and other burdens, are nevertheless growing older with grace and dignity. So, it can be done, and there are some well established guidelines for so doing–guidelines that have a clear Biblical basis. So, let’s look together at some of those guidelines.
I. BE SURE YOU’RE RIGHT WITH GOD
That’s foundational. Proverbs 16:31 says, “The hoary head is a crown of glory, IF it be found in the way of righteousness.” That means, first of all, be sure that you’re repented of your sins and by faith have committed yourself to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That’s the only way to go to heaven instead of hell, and that’s the only way to experience your highest God-given potential in this life.
To be “in the way of righteousness” also means another thing; following conversion, we should begin every day by reaffirming our allegiance to Christ and his Lordship in our lives. Every morning we should begin the day by praying, “Lord, please guide me today in what I say, do, and even think.” That, essentially, is the point our Savior was making in Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
But being right with God not only means being saved and renewing one’s commitment daily; it also includes serving God. The author of Psalm 92:13-14 said: “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age….”
Of course, not all of us can do the same things, but we can all do something productive in the service of the Lord. Paul Powell said: “We are to be faithful not just until we’re tired, or until we retired. We are to be faithful until we are expired–until our going or his coming.”
II. RADIATE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, not sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
What does it mean to “sit in the seat of the scornful?” It means to be hyper-critical, overly negative, always looking at the dark side, at the cracks and crevices….and that’s an attitude we must avoid at all costs.
An old cowpoke was riding out on the range “where the deer and antelope play,” when he ran across a herd of buffalo. He rode up to one of those buffalo, looked him right in the eye, and said, “You are undoubtedly the scraggliest, ugliest, stinkin’est, most repulsive critter I’ve ever seen.” Then he rode off. That buffalo turned to the buffalo next to him and said, “You know, I think I just heard a discouraging word!”
Well, people hear enough discouraging words in today’s world; what they need is optimism and encouragement—and you and I need to radiate that kind of a spirit if we’re going to grow old gracefully.
III. MAINTAIN A SENSE OF HUMOR
Proverbs 17:22 says that “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine”—and the wonderful thing is that there aren‘t any side effects.
I like the spirit of that elderly gentleman whose doctor examined him and said, “We’re going to have to remove half of your colon.” With a twinkle in his eye the elderly man said, “Well, doc, I expect a semicolon is better than a period.”
It helps, in every department of life, to have a sense of humor. An elderly man had been courting an elderly lady for quite some time. One evening they were sitting together in her living room. He got off the couch, got on his knees in front of her, and said, “I have two questions. First, will you marry me?” She said, “Yes. What’s the second question?” He said, “Will you help me up?”
An elderly man and his wife went to a crowded restaurant one night and were told by the host that it would be 45 minutes before he could seat them. The man said, “Young fellow, my wife and I are both 90 years old; we may not have 45 minutes.” They were seated immediately.
A man very advanced in age was getting married. His friends said, “Tell us about her. Is she a good cook?” He said, “I don’t know.” Is she a good housekeeper?” “I don’t know.” “Well, why are you marrying her?” He said, “She drives at night.”
I agree with the late Catherine Marshall that God apparently has a sense of humor. When I look at a giraffe, or a duck-billed platypus, I’m convinced that he has a sense of humor—and sometimes when I look in the mirror, that conviction is reaffirmed.
For handsomeness I’m not a star;
There are others better looking by far;
But my face, I don’t mind it, because I’m behind it,
It’s the people out front that I jar.
IV. KEEP UP CONTACTS WITH OTHER PEOPLE
Romans 14:7 says, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” John Donne, a 17th century writer, said: “No man is an island, entire of itself….”
In his famous sermon, “The Conquest of Fear,” the late Dr. George Truett was speaking about our need to be involved with other people. He said, “Occasionally the vaunting, swelling word is heard, ‘I’m independent now.’” Truett said, “Oh, You are? Independent of whom, and when, and where, and how?” He said, “We’re bound together in the bundle of life….We are dependent—utterly upon God, and to a marked degree upon one another.”
If we don’t maintain contact with, and interest in, other people, we’re liable to become self-centered—and that’s one of life’s most terrible tragedies. Someone has said, “A man wrapped up in himself makes a mighty small package”—and I might add, a mighty miserable one, also.
V. TAKE CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH
Obviously, health conditions vary greatly from one person to another. Some people, for reasons beyond their control, have very fragile health—but God gives special grace in such situations if those concerned call on him. Indeed, some of the greatest spiritual giants I know are people with severe physical problems and limitations, but who live so close to God on a daily basis that they are a blessing and inspiration to all of us who know them.
God doesn’t hold us responsible for what we don’t have; but taking proper care of whatever health potential we do have is a sacred trust. Here’s what the Bible says about it in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Glorifying God in our body obviously involves doing the very best we can to take care of whatever measure of health we have, by eating properly and taking whatever exercise we are capable of.
Sometimes it’s hard to discipline ourselves in that regard. One fellow wrote the following: “I enrolled in a local health club, to tone up my body a bit; but I knew after only one visit, I was in no shape to be fit.” Carl Hurley, the Christian comedian, said that his wife tried to encourage him to exercise by buying him a rowing machine. He said, “After about a week I installed an outboard motor on it.”
VI. ALWAYS HAVE A THANKFUL ATTITUDE
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
A. We’re to be thankful not only for those rare, once-in-a-blue-moon blessings—but we’re also to be thankful for those everyday blessings—those blessings that we tend to take for granted, because we’re so used to them.
We need to thank him for each beautiful sunset, and for all the wonders of nature. Emerson said that if the stars came out only once a year, we would all want to stay up and see them; but because they are visible so much of the time, we hardly notice them.
When you turn on the faucet and get a glass of clean water, thank God that you can do that, because a vast percentage of the world’s population drinks from contaminated water sources.
If you got up this morning with a roof over your head, with food to eat, clothes to put on, and even a small amount of money in your pocket, in the eyes of 75% of this world’s population you are wealthy.
Thousands of people on this planet didn’t see the light of this day, because they died last night of diseases that could have been easily prevented or cured had they had access to even the simplest medical treatment. In places like Sudan and Rwanda, thousands of mothers last night sat exposed to the elements and in unspeakable despair watched as their thin, emaciated little children died of starvation.
B. But there’s still another thing to be noted, as we think about what God expects of us in the area of gratitude. We are to thank him not only amidst life’s pleasantries and joys, but also amidst life’s reverses and disappointments and sorrows.
“In everything give thanks.” That doesn’t mean, of course, that everything which happens is in itself cause for gratitude–but it does mean that along with every experience, however tragic, painful, or heartbreaking, causes for gratitude can be found if only we’ll look for them.
Practically any hymn book you pick up will have at least one song by Fanny J. Crosby, but more likely several. She died in 1915, just short of her 95th birthday. She has been called “the greatest hymn writer in the history of the Christian church.” Although blind, she was a prolific writer. During her lifetime over 8,000 of her poems were set to music and over 100 million copies of her songs were printed. She also authored several books. Hymns that she wrote include “All The Way My Savior Leads Me,” “Blessed Assurance,” “Though Your Sins Be As Scarlet,” “To God Be The Glory”—just to mention a few. She loved the Scriptures, and memorized whole books of the Bible. She was an inspiration to millions, and was widely sought after as a speaker and a counselor.
She was permanently blinded when she was only six weeks old, as a result of absurdly incompetent treatment by a charlatan posing as a doctor. Her wise mother set about immediately to prepare her daughter for a productive, useful life in spite of her handicap. Then, another tragedy—when she was 12 months old her father died. When she was five years old, neighbors and friends contributed money to enable her mother to take Fanny to consult with the best eye specialist in the country, but he sadly informed them that nothing could be done. Fanny held no animosity or bitterness. She determined to have a positive outlook, and at eight years of age she wrote this, her first poem:
“O what a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world, contented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoy, that other people don’t.
To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot and I won’t!”
Fanny J. Crosby was a living testimony to the fact that being thankful is not a matter of one’s circumstances, but, rather, of one’s decision. She made up her mind, while still a little child, that she would count her blessings and not her liabilities.
Jesus said, in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” There’s the “bottom line” as to how to grow older gracefully, or how to live gracefully at any stage of life: be sure that you’re trustfully and obediently anchored to Jesus, and you, too, can be an overcomer!
Nursing Home Ministry Ideas
As part of her Be Positive: Pandemic Perseverance platform, CTKG Reese is encouraging Connecticut’s fifth grade students to help brighten the lives of the state’s nursing home residents. To do this, CTKG Reese is asking for your help in creating Valentine’s Day cards, paper decorations, or drawings to send to local nursing facilities. Keep reading for how your class can get involved!
What To Do
No matter if your class wants to send Valentine’s Day cards or just positive messages to your local nursing facilities, there is a way for your students to support CTKG Reese’s first platform point. To get involved, encourage your students to create drawings or cards with messages of positivity. Once your students have finished their creations, select an area nursing facility to send their creations to. Finish up your class’s participation by mailing your students’ creations to your selected facility.
If your class does not celebrate Valentine’s Day, they can still participate! Everyone loves to receive mail and positive messages are greatly needed as the pandemic reaches its one year milestone.
Suggested Valentine’s Day Messages
- Here’s a Valentine’s Day filled with bright smiles!
- Roses are red, violets are blue. Happy Valentine’s Day– I’m thinking of you!
- I hope you feel cared about and appreciated on Valentine’s Day, because you are!
- Warm Valentine’s wishes for you!
- There’s always someone thinking of you, Happy Valentine’s Day!
- All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!
- Hope you know you’re loved this Valentine’s Day!
- A friend is what a heart needs all the time!
- Happy Valentine’s Day! Just wanted to let you know that you are loved!
- Choose happy and eat chocolate
Suggested General Messages
- Wishing you weeks worth of smiles!
- Warm wishes to brighten your day!
- You are wonderful!
- May your day be filled with all kinds of bright sunny things!
- Sending cheerful thoughts to brighten your day!
- You are going to have a great day!
- Don’t forget to smile today!
- You are awesome… It’s true!
- You are amazing… Don’t forget it!
- You make the world a better place!
Short sermons for senior citizens
The Power of Prayer
In times of uncertainty and unrest, it is easy to become overwhelmed and anxious. However, as we are reminded in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to connect with God and find peace in the midst of chaos. Trusting in His plan and surrendering our worries to Him brings a sense of calmness and reassurance.
Trusting in God’s Promises
One of the most comforting promises we have as Christians is found in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse reminds us that God is always by our side, offering us His strength and support in times of trouble. By placing our trust in Him, we can find peace knowing that He is in control of every situation.
Staying Grounded in Faith
In times of uncertainty, it is important to stay grounded in our faith and rely on the Word of God for guidance. Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse serves as a reminder to pause, reflect, and trust in God’s sovereignty. By immersing ourselves in His Word and seeking His guidance through prayer, we can find peace and assurance that He is with us every step of the way.
Illustration
| Philippians 4:6-7 | Don’t be anxious, but pray to find peace in God. |
|---|---|
| Isaiah 41:10 | Trust in God’s promises for strength and help. |
| Psalm 46:10 | Be still and know that God is in control. |