Episodes of Appreciation: The Gift of Life

  “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2, New King James Version).

This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

In this key Bible verse, King David reminded himself of the underserved but priceless benefits given to him by the Most High God. One of the essential but often ignored gifts of God to mankind is the gift of life. God said: “who redeems your life from destruction.” (Psalm 103: 4a, New King James Version). The Bible refers to the huge difference between life and death and states:  “there is hope only for the living. As they say, ’It’s better to be a live dog than a dead lion!’” (Ecclesiastes 9:4, New Living Translation).

Let us examine this comparison in more detail. Thus, we know that lion is the ‘king of the jungle’ and a dog would never dare to stand in its presence. The roar of a lion cannot be likened to the barking of a dog but a lion is only feared for as long as it is alive: the lion’s image and power only lasts for as long as it lives. The fundamental difference between the dead and the living is HOPE. A hungry living dog can hope for a better meal the next morning but a dead lion can no longer look forward to more hunting days. Similarly, the primary purpose of every breath of air we take is to give us hope for a better tomorrow. Each day brings us closer to our dreams and so we must appreciate every day that dawns.

The parable of the rich fool in the Bible readily comes to mind here (read Luke 12:13-21). He stored enough food to last him forever, but he could not stock up sufficient breath because the breath of life does not belong to him or to anyone else but God. None of our goals and needs can compare with the gift of life we currently enjoy. Jesus Christ said: “take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15, New King James Version). Only the living have needs and set goals while the dead are beyond hope or caring!

Praise appears good before God but it is exclusively reserved for the living Psalms 6 verse 5“For in death there is no remembrance of You; In the grave who will give You thanks?” (New King James Version). One of the secrets to a long life is to appreciate the gift of life because whatever we thank God for increases. As we read in Mathew 14 verses 13 to 21, Jesus showed gratitude to God for five loaves and two fishes given by a little boy before He fed the multitude of five thousand people.

We have been privileged to read this message and now there is no excuse in failing to appreciate God for the gift of life. Our hopes are still very much alive and our desires shall be fulfilled.

Let us pray: “Father, I thank you for the free gift of life. I am thankful for your Grace that I am counted among the living today,” in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!