Daily Devotional for Friday May 19, 2000

Tomorrow

(James 4:13-17) The recent death of Cardinal John O'Connor, like the death of any celebrity, brings back to the forefront of our minds how brief this life really is. Some of the greatest responses to alter calls I have given over my years of ministry have been right after the death of a famous person or some disaster like a plane crash where many people died. Naturally, people don't want to think about death. However, when a family member, friend, or some famous person dies, it does make us realize that death is a fact we all must face. Cardinal John O'Connor had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Thus the instant this life ended, he was ushered into Glory to be eternally with our Lord. Obviously God said Cardinal O'Connor's work here on earth was over and called him home. We are saddened by the loss, but joyous that he has gone on to his eternal reward. The most important point from this tragic loss is that life is brief, no matter how old we might live, and is described in the bible as a "vapor". No one knows the date and time they will finish this journey, only God knows that. It is vital to not only be prepared for eternity, but working daily, knowing that each day is a blessed gift of God and is not promised to anyone. My main purpose in today's devotional is simply to get you to focus on the fact that tomorrow is promised to none of us. It is something we look forward to, plan for, but must understand is not guaranteed. Today, this moment, is the only thing that we can be certain of. Let me encourage you to live this day as if it might be your last. Love your family. Love those people in your life. Have hatred or bitterness toward no man. Love the Lord your God who you will be spending eternity with. Make a difference in someone's life today by living the life God has called you to live and be an example for Him. Let me ask you a serious question and prayerfully think about this today. If you knew that you only had 24 hours to live, what would you do in those last precious hours? Just something to think about. I love each one of you and pray for you each day. I lay my hands daily on the massive list of names we send this devotional to worldwide. I pray that our God, knowing all things, will bless you, work in your life, help you through those difficult times, and open your hearts to be the children he wants each of us to be. In your day-to-day activities, never lose sight how short this life is. It is not something to fear, but a fact to embrace as we thank the Lord for another day, another opportunity to serve. If you know Christ as your Savior, your eternal destination is set. If today, you don't have that assurance of where your eternal home will be, please go to my website, www.liveprayer.com and hit the button marked "Salvation".

Pray before you listen to it, for God to open your heart to receive those words. Make the most important decision you will ever make in this life, to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and His free gift of everlasting life. Please email me and let me know after you make that decision so I can pray especially for you and your new walk with Jesus Christ. May His blessings be upon you this day, this special day, this day that is truly a gift from God.