Devotion
Dying breaths
David Jacobs
I have seen a few people taking their final breaths on Earth. It is a humbling, saddening, and beautiful experience. I was lucky to have the opportunity to say goodbye to my best friend, holding his hand as he took his final breath. He was sick for a long time, and the last days with him were more intimate and emotionally crushing than any I have ever experienced. He had prepared for his final day, and although he was too sick to move or talk much, he had a plan and knew when his time had come. He called me the morning of the day he died and told me he would die at around 11 pm that evening. He invited his closest friends and family together, and we said our goodbyes, and he shared the most important books, movies, and music with us that he wanted us to remember him with. At 11 pm, my mother, an intensive care nurse, called us in because she knew he was about to die. Sure enough, a few minutes later and just as he predicted, he drew his final breath.
We cannot predict how our final breaths will be, but we can, like my friend make preparations for it and, more importantly, prepare for life eternal. Perhaps no character in the Bible other than Christ has as many incredible stories as King David. He was an obedient and devout disciple of God, asking for God's advice and listening to His word, but he was not afraid of sin, committing adultery and arguably murder. Here we see his last words, thankful to God first and foremost, reflecting on a life of achievement, granting him every desire, and warning against evil.
David, like my deceased best friend, chose to surround himself with those he was most thankful for. The 23rd and final chapter of 2 Samuel contains David's last words and then lists all of David's mighty warriors, the people that helped "grant me my every desire." Last on that list: Uriah the Hittite, the husband of Bathsheba, the married woman that David committed adultery with and that David placed in the thickest fighting so that he would be killed and David could marry his wife. It may be a coincidence that Uriah's name is last, but it may also be the biggest regret that David felt, even on his deathbed.
Prayer
Life is filled with regrets. How can we cope with these regrets? As David did so piously: turning to the Lord in prayer. Prepare your heart, be right with your word and deed, and go to God for forgiveness when you have sinned. Although David's every desire may have been granted, he took the life of one of his mightiest warriors, Uriah, and his name is the last phrase in the book of 2 Samuel. Go to God and ask yourself: what regrets am I harboring?
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
