Run to God - Day 365

Run to God

Day 365

Your recovery from grief is likely not complete, but we pray that you are encouraged to grow forward on your journey. We wish God's best for you. 

"The greatest and deepest Christians I've ever met are not the ones with the advanced degrees and not the ones who are always happy and cheerful, but they are people who have found God to be faithful in the worst moments of life," says Dr. Ray Pritchard. "Instead of running away from God, they ran toward Him. And they know things about God that the rest of us haven't yet experienced."

Run to God, and praise His name. 

"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like valves released from the stall" (Malachi 4:2).

Lord, when I have truly surrendered to You, I will be free. Amen.  

Your Restoration - Day 364

Your Restoration
Day 364

Not only does the Lord want to restore you, He wants you to come to know Him in a closer way than you ever knew possible. When Jesus described His ministry in the fourth chapter of Luke, He quoted a passage from the Old Testament in Isaiah. This will be His ministry to you.

Jesus speaks about His role in your healing:

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all tho mourn" (61:1-2).

His gifts to you: "[to] provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair" (v.3).

The results in your life: "They [those who grieve] will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations" (vv. 3-4).

Praise God! Look again at those promises that He has given to you. Healing, freedom, favor, comfort. A crown of beauty instead of ashes, gladness instead of mourning, praise in place of despair.

Yes, your life will be rebuilt and renewed through Jesus Christ.

Lord, my healer, Your ministry to me is wonderful and true. I want to know You more and experience Your love more deeply. Amen. 

Are You Ready? - Day 363

Are You Ready ?

Day 363

When the time comes and you die and your eternal destiny is sealed forever, where will you spend that eternity?

"According to God's Word and our Lord, Jesus Christ, only those who have received Christ can go to heaven," said Dr. Bill Bright. "That sounds so narrow and bigoted, but the Scripture says there is no name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved [Acts 4:12]. Jesus put it this way. 'I am the Way, the Truth, the Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me' [John 14:6].

"Now that is the most presumptuous, arrogant statement anyone could ever make -- unless it's true. He is God. Of all the religious leaders of the centuries, there is no one with His credentials. Not only did He live the most holy life ever lived, teach as no man has ever taught, perform miracles such as no one has ever performed, but He died on the cross for our sins in fulfillment of what the prophets of the Old Testament said. Then, miracle of miracles of miracles, on the third day He was raised from the dead and now is available to live within every believer. We invite Him to come into our lives by faith, and when we do, the miracle of new birth takes place."

Please don't put off making that choice. If you believe, take action on that belief. 

"You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Are you concerned about your salvation? If you died today, are you sure you would go to heaven? If you are not sure, consider these questions: Do you believe God sent His Son Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the world? Do you believe Jesus died on a cross, was buried and rose again on the third day? If so, pray this prayer:

Heavenly Father, I need You! I believe You sent Jesus to be the Savior of the world. I receive Him as my Savior and Lord. Come into my life; forgive me of all my sins. Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me and for rising on the third day. As you gave Your life for me, I now give my life to You. Thank you for becoming my Lord and Savior and show me how to live for You. Amen. 

Jesus Is the Treasure - Day 362

Jesus Is the Treasure

Day 362

"When it comes to heaven itself," says Dr. Richard Bewes, "all eyes will be on the throne."

All the benefits of heaven that you have read about so far are awesome, but they pail in insignificance to the real treasure in heaven, which is Jesus Christ himself.

Joni Eareckson Tada says, "So many people think of heaven as a place, but really it's a Person. Jesus, who is at the very center of heaven, is what makes it exciting to me. We have something like a homing detector in our hearts, and it's just not ringing for earth. It's ringing for Him in whom our deepest longings will be answered. 

"So heaven is not just a place, it is a Person, that Individual for whom we were made. What makes heaven exciting to me is being with the Lord Jesus where I will be perfectly and utterly at home."

You will marvel at Jesus someday, and His very name will cause you to bow down on your knees in reverence and honor. 

"On the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believe our testimony to you" (2 Thessalonians 1:10).

"At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:10).

Teach me to love You, Lord. Show me how to place You at the forefront of my life and my thoughts so that I may experience a touch of heaven. Amen .

No Sorrow or Pain - Day 361

No Sorrow or Pain
Day 361

In the final chapters of the Bible, heaven is described as a place of wonderful freedom from all pain, sorrow, and suffering.

Darlynn, who lost her grandmother, says, "There won't be any violence there. We won't have to worry about nation against nation or if a bomb is going to be dropped today. We don't have to worry about asbestos killing us, because our bodies are gong to be glorified, and we're going to be happy. We're going to smile. We won't have any more tears. So I'm looking forward to being with my family members and my friends. There will be joy."

Believe this promise with all your heart because our God is the great God above all and only speaks what is true:

"He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, and He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken" (Isaiah 25:8).

Holy Lord, the pain and emptiness of this world do not exist in heaven. I will be set free. Amen.

Heaven Isn't Boring - Day 360

Heaven Isn't Boring
Day 360

One of the things known about heaven from the Bible is that it is not a place of inactivity. In fact, there will not be a single moment in heaven that is boring.

"Our experience in heaven won't be static; it won't be inert," explains Joni Eareckson Tada. "It will be active. It will be dynamic. And it should be, because we as humans are only inspired by the active and the dynamic, never the inert or static."

Dr. Erwin Lutzer says, "In heaven, first of all, we worship God. It is spontaneous worship of God. It is a worship of God that is fulfilling. It is a worship of God that does not weary us. Then, the Bible says His servants shall serve Him. We will be given assignments. I think some of the same vocations here on earth are going to be continued in heaven. I can imagine an artist continuing to do artwork. I can imagine a scientist continuing to study the universe."

Your work in heaven will be completely exciting and satisfying to you. On earth you are fortunate if your work is occasionally exciting or satisfying! Think of the opportunities for hands-on learning and intellectual growth that will be available in heaven from biblical leaders and historical figures who have died before you. Think of meeting the God of the Universe!

"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father - to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen!" (Revelation 1:5-6).

I worship You, O God, my King. Blessing and honor, forever and ever, belongs to You. Amen. 

Heaven Is Full of Joy - Day 359

Heaven Is Full of Joy 
Day 359

Another aspect of heaven is the presence of endless joy.

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (Psalm 16:11).

Joyful moments on earth are just that -- moments. They seem to end so quickly. In heaven joy is eternal.

Joni Eareckson Tada says,  "Your best memories are those that are timeless, that seem to live on in your mind and in your heart forever. They seem so crystal clear and so crisp. That's because the joy that surrounds those moments is of the Lord.

"Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and the Spirit is eternal. So when you experience His joy, it has a sense or a smell of eternity about it. It becomes timeless. Sometimes I think those joy-filled moments down here on earth are like sneak previews to what your appetite for heavenly glories above. I think that's God's way of yanking your heart every once in a while a little bit closer to heaven out of the mud of earth and onto the solid, real ground of heaven."

Thank you, Lord, that my joy will be full as I live in Your presence. Amen. 

Utter Satisfaction - Day 358

Utter Satisfaction
Day 358

"Heaven is going to be real," says Dr. Joseph Stowell. "It's not like we end up being clouds of mystical dust wafting through the universe. We're going to be real people, really reacting with a real God and His Son Jesus Christ.

"The heartbeat of heaven is going to be the fullness of unlimited satisfaction and joy in the presence of my Lord forever and ever and ever. Think about the most satisfying experience you've ever had in life. Heaven will be that moment multiplied by a thousand times forever, no end."

In the Bible, Paul knew that to be in heaven with Christ would be "better by far" than to remain on this earth. Paul longed to be in the joyful presence of God, but he understood that God wanted him to continue His work on earth first. Paul's desire on earth was to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to as many people as he could.

If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. (Philippians 1:2-26).

Heavenly God, life with You in heaven would be better by far, but for now I will continue Your work here on earth. Amen. 

Heaven Is Reality - Day 357

Heaven Is Reality
Day 357

Heaven is real. Real people exist in heaven at this very moment, and you will someday reside there, too, if you have a saving relationship with Jesus. You may struggle, though, to visualize a "real" place you cannot get to by car, boat, plane, or space shuttle! The Bible shows that heaven will be both physical and spiritual at the same time.

"The book of Isaiah talks about the new heavens and the new earth, and it speaks of it in very real, solid terms: mountains, trees, lions lying down with lambs, and ... white horses," says Joni Eareckson Tada.

You will find descriptions of heaven both in the Old and the New Testament of the Bible. The visual language is a powerful tool to help you better grasp this glorious existence.

"The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent's food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,' says the Lord" (Isaiah 65:25).

"The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean" (Revelation 19:14).

"Then the angels showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month" (Revelation 22:1-2).

Holy God, I want to be dressed in fine linen, white and clean, following You all my days. Amen. 

Heaven Will Be Beautiful - Day 356

Heaven Will Be Beautiful
Day 356

You have probably seen many beautiful places on the earth. You may have been moved by majestic mountains, immense oceans, or the fine details of a flower. But fasten your spiritual seatbelt, because you haven't seen anything yet.

Dee Brestin shares, "I've been blessed to see some beautiful places on earth -- skiing in the Colorado mountains and scuba diving in Hawaii. In Hawaii I saw fish that were striped with yellow and green, and red polka dots. Just amazing. I get down there, and I think, I cannot believe what a beautiful world You have created. It took God six days to create this, and He has been preparing a place in heaven for us ever since Jesus left earth! Can you imagine how amazing that will be?"

The Bible says that Jesus is preparing a place just for you in heaven. God knows your likes and your dislikes. He knows your favorite colors, preferred temperatures, favorite pastimes. You will be truly at home in heaven.

"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:2-3).

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world" ( Matthew 25:34).

How incredible is that Lord? Heaven will be perfectly beautiful for each person who enters its gates. You are an awesome God. Amen. 

Your New Body - Day 355

Your New Body

Day 355

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:20-21).

God promises that your earthly body will be transformed to be like Jesus' glorious body. What does the Bible say about Jesus' body?

"Our glorified body," says Joni Eareckson Tada, "will be a body like the Lord Jesus' body. It was perfectly fit for earth; He could eat a breakfast of fish on the beach with His disciples after His resurrection. His body was also perfectly suited for heaven; He could walk through a wall, or be walking on the road to Emmaus in one moment and appear in the upper room in Jerusalem the next. So we'll have these incredibly marvelous bodies, perfectly suited for both earth and heaven."

Yes, Lord, through all this grief, I am reassured to know that my loved one is enjoying this new, heavenly body. Amen. 

People Will Fellowship Together - Day 354

People Will Fellowship Together
Day 354

Dr. Luis Palau says, "Will we know each other in heaven? Of course we'll know each other. We will not lose our identity. Yes, we'll have an eternal body, but the Bible says many will come from the east and the west and sit down with Abraham and Isaac around the table."

The Bible describes this great feast in Luke 13:28-29: "When you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God ... people will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God."

Not only will you know and fellowship with your loved ones, but you will also recognize Christians that you have read about from the past times and from all over the world. What a feast that will be!

Holy God, this is amazing beyond my comprehension. Thank you that your Word gives me a glimpse of the glorious joy to come. I'll be at that feast, Lord! Amen. 

People Will Know Each Other - Day 353

People Will Know Each Other
Day 353

In some ways life in heaven will be very different from life as it is now. In other ways, it will be much the same. One of the ways it will be the same is that people will know and recognize each other.

"One the Mount of Transfiguration n Matthew 17, Christ's disciples somehow recognize Moses and Elijah even though they had never met them before," says Dr. Thomas Ice. "So I don't know if we're going to have name tags, but, yes, we'll be able to recognize people."

In heaven you will have a new, glorious body, but your soul will be the same one you have now. Your soul is eternal, and other people will surely recognize and know you in heaven.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters -- one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (Matthew 17:1-4).

Moses and Elijah, first of all, were recognizable. Second, they were seen talking with Jesus. Then Peter suggested putting up additional shelters for them. The Bible does not describe what Moses and Elijah look like, but you can draw logical conclusions from the disciples' observations of the event.

Amazing Lord, I am so glad that I will have a transformed body in heaven, and I am even more glad that I will still be me and those I love will know me in an instant. Amen.

A Wonderful Reunion - Day 352

A Wonderful Reunion 
Day 352

In heaven there will be a wonderful reunion. You will see your family and friends, all of those who have gone on to be with Jesus when they died.

Dr. Luis Palau tells about a man who was grieving his daughter's death: "He would go every Saturday to the grave and stand at the grave and weep in front of his daughter's grave and sob inconsolably. And he would talk to her as though she was there."

One Friday evening the man attended an evangelistic event and made the decision to surrender his life to Jesus Christ. The next day, he said, "I was going to go to the grave and suddenly it dawned on me: 'Wait, My girl is not here. She's in heaven, and now I'm a believer. I'm going to heaven. I don't have to visit the grave and weep, because my girl is happy in the presence of Jesus Christ!'"

Jesus changed his life. Now this man lives with the absolute assurance of a happy reunion with his daughter in heaven.

The Bible tells about a future time when believers in Christ (those in heaven and those still on earth) will all join together in the presence of the Lord.

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

Lord, I am thrilled to know that good-byes on earth will soon be hellos again. Amen. 

Longing for Home - Day 351

Longing for Home 
Day 351

The Bible says just enough about heaven to make people wonder what it will really be like.

"As it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him'" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

The reality of heaven is going to far surpass anything you can imagine now. Revelation 21 describes the heavenly city - a city so magnificent and vast that you can hardly comprehend it.

It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates .... The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.

The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass .... The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. (11-12, 18-21, 23).

The walls will be over 200 feet thick. Each of the four sides of the city will be approximately 1,400 miles long:

"I figured it out one time - 396,000 stories high and one half the size of the United States," says Dr. Erwin Lutzer.

Read the entire chapter of Revelation 21 for further details.

Sovereign King, Your kingdom is glorious beyond my imagination. I am prepared to be amazed! Amen. 

Preparing for Eternity - Day 350

Preparing for Eternity
Day 350

One thing is certain - eternity is in the future for all people. The Bible says that thanks to Jesus, you can spend that eternity with God in heaven. But how can you prepare while still living on this earth?

Dr. Joseph Stowell says, "The Word of God comes along and trains you and talks to you about living life from an eternal perspective. You read through the Gospels, and you become convinced that Jesus Christ is driven by one reality - eternity. His whole perspective is driven by the fact that there is a world to come; this one will soon be done. And what you do here will count for the world that is yet to come.

"Life here really is a dress rehearsal for the world to come. A person who embraces the world to come and lives in light of it has his whole world radically re-altered. He looks at people differently. Look at his money differently. Looks at the things around his life differently. Looks at his own self differently."

Live your life from an eternal perspective, not longing for this one to be over, but driven by a new set of values found in God's Word.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb." (Psalm 19:7-10).

Lord Jesus, teach me the values of a biblical, eternal lifestyle, and change my world in light of this reality. Amen. 

God Has Set Eternity in Your Heart - Day 349

God Has Set Eternity in Your Heart
Day 349

Even if you know that heaven is your eternal destiny, you have probably had days when you've said, "Oh Lord, just take me home now." Do you long for the time when you never have to say good-bye again? When there will be no more sickness, no more suffering, no more growing old?

The Bible says God has set eternity in your heart. To long for a better place is not a vain hope or delusion. You were made for eternity, and because of this, you can never be fully satisfied until you get to heaven.

"Training our minds and hearts, the totality of our being on heaven is instinctive because our souls are eternal," says Dr. Joseph Stowell. "There's something in us that feels right about believing there is something on the other side of death.

"But instincts don't quite cut it because you have to have some content. When we are born again in Jesus Christ, when we've repented of our sin and embraced the finished work of Christ on the cross and have been reborn so that the Holy Spirit lives within us, now these instincts for eternity suddenly take on meaning because the Holy Spirit excites and nurtures our desire for home."

Let God's Spirit move inside you and excite you to live life in light of eternity.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Holy Spirit, I can't wait for heaven. No more tears, no more good-byes, no more sadness, just Jesus Christ and His love. Amen. 

Exploring Eternal Life - Day 348

Exploring Eternal Life
Day 348

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18-19).

So many people do not take the time or make an effort to discover the truth about Jesus Christ and God's plan for eternity. Our prayer is that you take the time to read God's Word, to pray, and to learn more about Him.

Do not believe all you hear. Find out the truth for yourself. The Bible has much to say about Jesus, eternity, heaven, death, and abundant life.

Dr. Erwin Lutzer says, "Christ is the only one who can forgive you, declare you to be righteous, scoop you up out of the pit of sin, and place you right before the throne of God."

The key to eternal life, Jesus, is You. Help me to learn more and to back up my beliefs with facts. Amen. 

Hope for Eternity - Day 347

Hope for Eternity
Day 347

"Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death" (John 8:51).

"Jesus said ... 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" (John 11:25-26).

God has promised you eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ when you believe in Him and surrender your life over to His will.

"It was a great opportunity to be told that there was a living God and that there is eternal life and that a person doesn't have to be good in order to receive God's gift of salvation," says Chandra. "You don't have to be good in order to live forever. You have to just accept Christ as your Savior and believe in the cross and what Jesus did on the cross for you, the shedding of his blood, and accept Him as your Savior. And at that very moment you start eternal life."

Eternal God, You have promised life to those who believe. I believe, Lord. I believe. Amen. 

What Happens After Death? - Day 346

What Happens After Death?
Day 346

"There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever" (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Whenever you consider God's answers to suffering and loss and grief, you must also think about heaven. You will only be on earth for a brief time. For those who believe in Jesus, their time in heaven will be forever. In heaven you will see God's final solution for tragedy, disease, death, and injustice.

"Christians understand plenty about death simply because of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. He's been there ahead of us," says Dr. Richard Bewes.

Lord Jesus, help me to clarify my beliefs about what happens after death. Show me the truth about eternity. Amen. 

Listening to God - Day 345

Listening to God
Day 345

The rushing and busyness that characterize many lives today can be detrimental to your health, not only your physical health, but also your spiritual and emotional health. Jesus shows you what you need to do in this biblical account of Mary and Martha.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, why don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-43).

When did you last stop and take the time to listen to God?

Holy God, You are worthy of my honor, praise, and undivided attention. Daily You try to speak to me, and many times I rush away from You with barely a nod. Right now, Lord, I will quiet myself before You and meditate on Your holiness and listen. Amen.

Record a Living Eulogy - Day 344

Record a Living Eulogy
Day 344

You can record a living eulogy on a videotape or audiocassette. Plan a time when your loved ones are all together. Each person could share a favorite song and Bible verse. Go around the room and ask specific questions, or have each person share something nice about the person next to him or her. Reminisce happy memories that include those in the room. Also, share thoughts and memories about loved ones who are no longer with you.

Pastor Buck Buchanan says, "The benefit I've seen is the event itself, just getting the family together. There's a lot of crying; there's a lot of laughing; there's a lot of exchange. You see the family's relationships coming out. It is extremely helpful in healing.

This is the perfect opportunity to let those around you know how much you love and value them for who they are. Sometimes in grief you will cling too tightly to family members who are still living because you fear losing them as well. This does not make them feel loved and valued; that behavior is based on fear.

Bring the family together. Plan a special evening of living memories, laughter, favorites, questions, and tears. Let God's love flow through you.


"These days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city ... that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants" (Esther 9:28).

Father God, You created me to be in a family. Teach me to cherish my loved ones in a way that is healthy and true. Amen. 

Living Eulogy - Day 343

Living Eulogy
Day 343

A eulogy is typically a formal, prepared statement of commendation. But eulogy can also be defined as "high praise". You have the opportunity daily to give a living eulogy to those you love.

Rev. John Coulombe explains: "Living eulogies should start at the crib with hands laid on infants, speaking to them good things about who they are, God's will for them, and God's blessing upon them.  Living eulogies should continue through those childhood years and adolescent years and adult years and death years. It should be a lifestyle. A living eulogy is the greatest gift that you can give. It is telling someone he or she has value and wishing God's best upon his or her life."

Pray the following Scripture for those you love and let them know that you desire God's blessing on their lives:

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26). Amen.

Let this prayer be the start of a living eulogy.