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?
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
