DCLM Higher Everyday 21 November 2024 — Severity of Suicide
DCLM Higher Everyday 21 November 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Severity of Suicide
Topic: Severity of Suicide
Text: Acts 16:27-34
27And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Key Verse: “But Paul cried with a loud voice saying. Do yourself no harm: for we are all here” (Acts 16:28).
Message
Information reveals that suicide is one of the leading causes of death for people ages 15 to 44. It is the act of taking one’s own life intentionally. According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide may be linked to many factors, including: depression, fear, bullying, failure, undesirable life events (such as bereavement), relationship problems, and drug or alcohol abuse.
Also Read: Higher Everyday 20 November 2024 – Brethren, Be Swift To Hear
The Philippian jailer reacted wrongly to the earthquake event by anticipating a terrible outcome due to his dread of those in authority. This same factor of fear is what preys on the minds of most youths who attempt or die by suicide. Imagine if he had succeeded in taking his life! It would have been all for nothing. You should understand that suicide is never the solution to dealing with any issue. It is not a way of escaping problems, easing the pain or ensuring payback. Human life is unique, sacred and valuable. All humanity represents God’s handiwork. Your life is so important that no one has the right to take it, not even you!
Quote: Suicide is never the solution
Challenge: Never magnify any challenge.
Prayer for today: Lord, keep me free from suicidal thoughts.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
