BEFORE THE PHONE RINGS, ... ... OR THE KNOCK AT THE DOOR!!! "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." — Psalm 90:12 A Sermon, Poem, and Prayer This morning, somewhere in the world, a husband kissed his wife goodbye and said, "I'll see you tonight." A mother hugged her child before school and smiled. A father waved as he drove to work. A son texted, "Love you." A daughter laughed as she walked out the door. None of them imagined it would be the last goodbye. Some will never return home. Some will never walk through the front door again. Some families will hear the phone ring. Some will hear a knock at the door. Some will see police officers standing outside. Some will hear words that will shatter their hearts forever: "We're so sorry... there has been an accident." "Your loved one has passed away." In one sentence, an entire world collapses. No one plans for tragedy. No one schedules disaster. No one wakes up expecting today to be their last day on earth. The Bible reminds us that life is incredibly fragile. «"You do not know what tomorrow will bring... You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4:14)» «"Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1)» Every hour people die in car accidents. Others from heart attacks. Others from strokes. Others from cancer. Others from violence. Others in wars. Others in natural disasters. Others simply never wake up. Thousands upon thousands leave this world every single day. The question is not if we will die. The question is: Are we ready to meet God? Jesus asked: «"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36)» Nothing is more valuable than your eternal soul. Money cannot save you. Success cannot save you. Religion cannot save you. Good works cannot erase sin. Only Jesus Christ can save. «"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)» The greatest tragedy is not dying. The greatest tragedy is dying without Christ. One heartbeat... One breath... One unexpected moment... And eternity begins. The Bible declares: «"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)» There are no second chances after death. Today is the day to repent. Today is the day to believe. Today is the day to surrender your life to Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes: «"Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)» Friend... If tonight were your last night... Would you be ready? If your name were called today... Would you stand before Jesus with confidence? Have you trusted Him? Have you repented? Are you walking with Him? The Scriptures also speak of the Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who belong to Christ: «"Having believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." (Ephesians 1:13)» «"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30)» Those verses are an invitation to trust Christ and live faithfully with Him, not a reason to presume or despair. If you are unsure where you stand with God, you can turn to Him today in repentance and faith. Do not wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow is promised to no one. A Prayer Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble and trembling heart. Life is so brief, and I confess that I often live as though I have endless tomorrows. Forgive me for taking Your mercy, Your grace, and the gift of today for granted. Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for dying on the cross for my sins and rising again in victory. I place my hope in You alone. Search my heart. Reveal anything that keeps me from walking closely with You. Give me genuine repentance, steadfast faith, and a heart that loves You above everything else. Holy Spirit, draw me nearer to Christ every day. Transform my thoughts, my desires, my words, and my actions so that my life reflects His character. Help me to walk in obedience and faithfulness until the day I see You face to face. Comfort those who have received heartbreaking news today. Be near to grieving husbands and wives, parents, children, grandparents, friends, and all whose hearts are broken by sudden loss. Surround them with Your peace, Your presence, and the hope found in Jesus Christ. Teach us to number our days, to love deeply, to forgive quickly, to encourage one another, and to be ready whenever You call us home. May we never ignore Your voice. May we never harden our hearts. May we live every day with our eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing that our hope is found in Him alone. In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen. ============================ FREE BIBLE APP FOR YOUR PHONE : https://www.youversion.com/bible-app =============================