Tag: Blessing

“What Would Your Last Breath Be?”

NOTE: As I wrote this devotion, I could not help think of the tragic death of Eric Garner. This was not my first thought, however.  I was writing on praising the LORD and my first think was of Psalm 30:5 quoted below. As I wrote, Eric’s tragic death came to mind. Sorrow over this terrible situation engulf my heart as I thought about his family, especially his daughter. I in no way mean any disrespect to Eric or his family by this devotion. Although I have faced moments where I could not breath, these in no way compare to his loss. I cannot imagine the sorrow and grief his family is experiencing. Please join me in praying for his family, and please read this devotion in the light it is intended: to praise the LORD. Peace.

Devotion Title: “What Would Your Last Breath Be?”

Date: 12-09-14

Text: — Psalm 30:5 — For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.  [NKJV]

The Big Idea: What would my last words be, especially if I couldn’t breath.

My Thoughts: 

Growing up in a brand new suburb, the neighborhood kids would go down to the creek to play. One day we discovered some huge drainage pipes. I got up on top of them as we trying to separated two of them, let them roll back and, “Clang” together. Right before one “clang” I fell in between them and was being crushed. The guys said I was turning pretty blue; obviously I couldn’t breathe. Tom, an older boy we hung with, strained to push the pipes apart, as he called the others to help. Not sure what happened, except that he saved my life—obviously….

I have often thought about that incident and wonder know as a Christian, what would my last words be, especially if I couldn’t breath. Now this may seem oxymoronic because we need to breathe to speak, but do we need to breathe to praise? I suppose not.

Lifestyle worshipers, do you remember our Lord Jesus’ last breaths on the cross, as His chest crushed under the load of our sins? I believe His last words were praise to His Heavenly Father: The two last words I am most grateful for are: “Father, forgive them they know not what they do,” and “It is finished.”

What would your last words be? Have you thought about it before? Perhaps with a gush of Grace they will be praise. Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

— Acts 7:59-60 (NIV84)

  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

— Psalm 150:6 (NASB95)

 Lord Jesus Christ, may words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart be pleasing to You. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“A Living Eulogy”

Date: 11-22-14

Text: — James 3:9-12 — 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: I want them to hear my “eulogy,”

My Thoughts: 

Unlike a “Living Will,” a “Living Eulogy” is well before end-of-life issues. As a pastor, I have officiated many memorial services and funerals. After each one, I was determined to tell people how much I appreciate them well before their memorial service. I want them to hear my “eulogy,” if you will.

Lifestyle worshipers, do you agree with this? Don’t you find it ironic that all these wonderful things people are saying at a memorial service were rarely, if ever, said to the one being eulogized?  As believers, I think “living eulogies” should be more common than “living wills;” don’t you? Your thoughts?

(As a sidebar, the word for “praise” in v. 9 above is the Greek word from which we get our English word, “eulogy”—literally.)

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

— Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV84)

But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

—Luke 6:27-28 (NIV84)

We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

—1 Corinthians 4:12-13 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, forgive me for not blessing my brothers and sisters more. Grant me the wherewithal and the courage to be more forth coming with my ‘living eulogies’. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike