Jul 18

As was seen in the true story about the man jumping over a railing to save someone else, death can pounce on us suddenly, when we are not expecting it. Neither the one drowning nor the would-be rescuer were expecting to be near death that dark night.

But death is inevitable and we should be prepared for it. This matter should not be put off until one is old and then begin thinking about it. Pay attention now.

As Ecclesiastes 7:2 puts it, it is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time.

This is reality. But many people do not want to face reality. I see it all the time in families and other relationships. Rather than face reality and deal with it, people often prefer some form of escapism. For some it is an extreme escape, such as drugs or divorce.

But there are other, less severe ways as well, such as wasting one's life with mindless television or simply running away from one's responsibilities in some other form.

But there really is no escape from reality because reality means, by its very definition, all that exists -- and there is no escaping reality. Far better to face up to reality and its demands upon us. And in this, we do not have to rely on our own strength, for God has promised to help us to not only deal with the rigors of living day by day in a real world but to enable us to be overcomers in that harsh reality.

Scripture for today: Romans 8:37
Thought for today: I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ.
Prayer for today: Thank you, Jesus, for making me a conqueror and more through your power to use reality for your own purposes. You are the ultimate reality.

JUL 18