300 Last Words
Grandpa Dave was on his deathbed. Friends and family from all over the country came to visit with him one last time. Dave specifically requested for all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and any young people under the age of 30 years to gather around him so he can impart a few last words to them.
"I have lived a long full life. I have survived a war and experienced times of peace. I have been through famines and times of abundance. I have been both poor and rich. I have traveled all over the world. I have accomplished many things, but I have also made many mistakes in my lifetime.
"I am going to die very soon and become dust. If I have any words of wisdom to share with you before I pass away, it would be this:
"No matter what you choose to do in this life or what path you take, put God first and foremost. As long as you follow Jesus Christ, He will never leave you nor forsake you.
"The world has lied to you. The world has obscured the fact of Creation through sophisticated arguments and theories. The world will try to convince you and lead you astray from God, that religion is mere foolishness. Don't be deceived!. If you study carefully, you will find that all the philosophies and alternative lifestyles the world espouses cannot answer questions on origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. Ultimately, you can only find those answers in God's holy Word, the Bible, which has not been broken, even to this very day.
"The world has lied to you. The world will offer pleasures, games, diversions, wealth, and even power to you, but reject them all. Everything the world will offer you is ultimately hollow and will leave unfulfilled and unsatisfied.
"Put God first in your life and study the Bible daily and meditate upon its precepts. If the world cannot have you, you will be enticed away from God and true worship by false religion. Take heed and read the Bible every day to learn more about Jesus and His character. Do not be deceived by false religion that only uplifts you emotionally, but says it is okay to not follow all of God's Ten Commandments. If you love Jesus, you will follow Him and keep His commandments, as the Bible says.
"Pray diligently every day and deepen your connection with God. Pray that the Holy Spirit empowers you to overcome temptations and endure trials to the end. Pray and thank God for all the miracles He has done in your life, both great and the small miracles you do not even notice.
"Pray and confess your sins daily. Repent of your iniquities and transgressions. Turn away from sin and thank God for giving you the victory.
"Put God first in your life. The road ahead will be bumpy and winding. You will go through many difficult trials, but you can endure to the end, if you only will trust God with all your heart and all your soul.
"My grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all you beautiful young people, I hope to see you all again when Jesus comes to wake me up on that last great day."
- Recommended reading: Job 19:25-26; Matthew 10:22; 2 Timothy 4:7-8
