I have often thought of writing some columns on this subject. With the passing of my Mother from earth to heaven over the past weekend (July 25th 2003) I have now felt it time to deal with this subject.

Let me state it clearly:

You - will - Die!

No doubt about it. Your death and my death are approaching with every beat of our heart. We all have a date with death. No matter how rich or poor you are, no matter your age, race or language, male or female your death is drawing near.

The subject of how to die is seldom dealt with by preachers or even pastors in a public message. All ministers have to deal with this in their ministry. There are classes for those planning to get married, classes about how to have a successful marriage, how to lose weight, and classes for almost every subject except for the 'One' subject that is relevant to all. How to die!

Well I am going to walk into this very difficult subject. Just remember none of us are experts in this subject. The experts on death have died and the mystery remains for the living.

There is only one expert on death and dying and that is Jesus!

Jesus lived and died and arose again on the 3rd day! He was and is alive and has conquered death and hell and the grave! Hallelujah!

Accept the 'Fact' that you will die. Let this become a living reality. The Bible says 'the living know that they shall die'. As sure as we live we shall die. Many people live with an almost total mental block about their approaching death. This is a very foolish way to deal with this subject. The temptation is to just focus on now and self-gratification no matter the consequence. The wise person confronts death and deals with it and then faces now and the future with trust and faith in God without fear. I urge you to say 'I am going to die!' Then say 'How am I going to Live?' 'How shall I deal with my approaching death?' This is freedom to live and be happy and blessed and responsible.

Your friends, family and loved ones will die. Often we block from our mind the fact that our loved ones will die. The pain of loss is so deep we just try to erase any thought of their passing from our mind. This is not good for you or for them. It leaves you totally unprepared for their passing. My wife Denise and I often speak of what we would do concerning the death of either of us. We live a life of travel and danger so we deal with the subject and plan options of action should one of us die. We also have instructions should both of us die at the same time. This honesty and openness I think is very healthy for us. Asking a loved one in the proper manner and with love and understanding about the subject can be very helpful when that time comes and you must make decisions for them. Begin now to love and share your love with those you love! Leave no words unspoken!

Prepare to Meet God. The Bible declares: 'prepare to meet thy God'. Having a right relationship with God 'Now' is the best way to prepare for death. For death often comes in the most unexpected moment. On the way to the grocery store, on the way to work, at your favorite restaurant, at home or at night during sleep. For some death seems never to come. Hours and days and weeks of pain and suffering precede the time of departure. So the way and time of death is so different you cannot make a concrete plan for you cannot say for certain how you will die.
So: Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord and commit your life to following Jesus! Seek to glorify God in your living, actions and words. Seek to live in such a way that your last moment will be in harmony with the eternal life in heaven you are about to go into.