DON'T DIE

Date: 28/06/25

Christian Treasures Daily Devotions

Topic: DON'T DIE (NO 1 TIP FOR LONG LIFE)

Anchor Scripture: Galatians 2:20 KJV: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Recently, Mira Armstrong, a 92-year-old great-grandmother who lives independently, attributes her good health and longevity to God and her positive outlook on life. Here are some lessons we can learn from her story: Born in 1933 during the Great Depression, her family migrated to Germany when she was young because her father was arrested and imprisoned there. Additionally, she faced challenges in her education as she could not attend school early enough due to not being a German citizen.

**MARRIAGE:** At the age of 21, Mira married a 24-year-old named Sam. Tragically, Sam passed away at just 47, leaving her responsible for three boys and several cows. She described this period as very difficult and admitted, “I became very angry with God,” leading her to stop attending church. During this time, she even began to curse God due to the daily struggles she faced. In 1990, disaster struck again when her youngest son, Graham, died in a road accident. Although this was incredibly painful, it prompted her to “DECIDE TO RETURN TO CHURCH.”

**TIPS FOR LONG LIFE (from Mira Armstrong):**

1. Keep your mind active by reading, editing books, and solving puzzles.

2. Volunteer, especially for church programs that help the vulnerable.

3. Engage in activities like feeding birds, gardening, and walking. When she was younger, she enjoyed cycling and often walked around her home.

4. Maintain an active social life and spend time with people.

5. Avoid sedentary work; she never had an office job, drank coffee, or consumed alcohol.

While she acknowledges that her faith and healthy lifestyle may have contributed to her longevity, Mira emphasizes, “DON'T DIE.” She believes that once you start losing your zest for life, you are already on the path to decline.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN TODAY:

- Tragedy can strike at any moment, but it should not deter us from moving forward.

- God will always welcome us back, even when we stray.

- Live a healthy life by adopting healthy habits.

- Your happiness may be linked to helping others, so consider volunteering more.

- Stay active, socialize, and make time for friends and loved ones.

- Acknowledge God as the giver and sustainer of life.

REFLECTION: Take a moment today for self-evaluation. In which areas are you losing your enthusiasm for life? Remember Mira Armstrong's advice: “Don't Die” (the number one tip for a healthy life).

PRAYER: Dear Lord, we thank You for the gift of life. Teach us how to live according to Your will, in Jesus' name, amen.

Bible Verse Study: Judges 6:23, Isaiah 60:22, Psalm 118:17