Category: Devotional Thoughts

Reading your own Obituary: The Story of Alfred Nobel


(I picked up this story from John C Maxwell’s Developing the Leader Within You and did a little further research)

Most of us think of the Nobel Peace Prize when we hear the name I just mentioned. What some of you may not know is that much of Alfred Nobel’s life had nothing to do with peace. Alfred Nobel actually invented dynamite and other explosives—many of which were used in highly destructive weapons. He made a fortune from his work.

Nobel was forced to re-think his life when he read his own obituary. Apparently his brother died, but a newspaper writer mistakenly believed that Alfred himself had passed away. The obituary stated, “The merchant of death is dead . . . Dr. Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday.” Nobel was disturbed by this assessment and decided to leave a better legacy. When he died, he signed over most of his estate to the establishment of the Nobel Peace Prize.

What if we all had an opportunity to read our own obituary? I think it would help us to honestly evaluate our lives.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5:14-16

The Bible encourages us to think carefully about the life we are living. God does not want us to waste opportunities and ultimately waste our lives. As 2007 begins, I challenge you to honestly evaluate your life. See if there are any changes God would have you to make.

The Shepherds: More Thoughts on the Christmas Story


Read Luke 2:8-19

Most of us are quite familiar with nativity scenes, whether in pictures, small figurines or “live” nativity scenes featuring real people and animals. I tend to think of shepherds the way they are portrayed in our modern presentations—clean, well-groomed, and handsome. I have nothing against nativity scenes, but the ancient reality was much different.

We hear much about shepherds in the Bible. Jesus even referred to Himself as the “good shepherd” in John 10:11. The role of the shepherd was well-known, but this does not mean it was highly regarded or prestigious work (especially during Jesus’ time). Just think about what they did—spending days or weeks as outcasts from society. Luke 2:8 clearly states that these men were “living out in fields.”

I find it interesting that God chose to make the first angelic announcement to these outcasts. What if something like this happened here in Manila? What if God bypassed missionaries, pastors, and priests and instead sent His announcement to a group of petty cab drivers? We serve a God who is not impressed by our titles, even religious ones.

The shepherds had little to offer by worldly standards—I see only two characteristics:

First, the shepherds had a simple faith. They trusted the angels’ message completely. Second, they had a simple life. They were not too busy to respond to the angels’ announcement.

A simple faith and a simple life. Perhaps we should also strive for these qualities.

This is my last Christmas devotional for 2006. Thanks so much to all of you who read and emailed encouraging comments. Blessings to you!

Next week I will tell you what you can expect on the blog in ’07.