Tag: breath
Faithful to His last breath!
Scripture reading for July 28th: Luke 23, Psalm 150, Proverbs 26
Luke 23: 44-49 “It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit!” And having said this He breathed His last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this Man was innocent!” And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all His acquaintances and the women who had followed Him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.”
God gives each of us the breath of life. Every breath we take is a gift to be cherished and used to praise the Lord and fulfil His Word and will. Jesus’ example of perfect faithfulness to His Father is recorded here in Scripture as He took His last breath. He placed His Spirit (Pnuema) (breath) and ultimate destiny in His Father’s hands. John’s Gospel records “It is finished,” as His last words before giving up His Spirit. Jesus totally obeyed His Father in perfect love and honor. This act of service and sacrifice brought a hardened Roman centurion to declare Jesus’ innocence! We can use our breath to declare God’s truth or to share lies and gossip and quarrel with others. We never know when our last breath is coming!
Psalm 150: 1-2, 6 “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens! Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! . . .”Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
Prayer: Father God, I ask You for mercy when I have not used my breaths wisely during my time on earth. Forgive me for gossip, quarreling, and lies. I give my breaths to You to use to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and declare Your praise and glory in prayer and worship. I ask You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit each day that I might give every breath to You until I breath my last here on earth!
Proverbs 26:20 “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”
“Come.”
Scripture reading for December 31st: Revelation 22; Psalm 150
Key Scripture: Revelation 22:17-21 “”The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of Life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He Who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”“
As we come to the end of this year’s trek through the Bible chronologically, I want to thank the Lord Jesus for the privilege of studying and sharing His amazing Word. Thank you, each one, for joining me as you could. This final devotion records the final prayer of Christ’s Bride, the Church. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Bride simply says “Come.” It is an invitation to the thirsty. It is to “whosoever” will respond, with no prejudice towards anyone and no payment required. It is accompanied by a final warning concerning additions or subtractions from God’s Word. Eternal loss is promised to those who choose to do that. Jesus personally states that He is surely coming soon! Grace alone can prepare us. Amen! Come Lord Jesus!
Faith confession and prayer: I pray today, and daily, along with Your Bride, “Come.” I believe You and Your eternal Word, forever settled in the heavens and on earth. Help me to live by grace and faith each day until Your soon and sudden return. Amen! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Psalm 150:8 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!