My Deliverance
…for
I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ
this will turn out for my deliverance. It is my eager expectation and hope that
I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all
boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or
by death. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the
flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am
hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for
that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since
I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you
for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your
boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Philippians 1:19-26
We may all say we do not fear death, but we
fear the stroke of death, in other words, how death is delivered to us. It is
not death that is frightening, but it is the dying part. Paul, facing a short
time in prison knew that to live in Christ, he had to die. We all know that
instinctively, the question is how we prepare for it. Death is our enemy, but
it does not possess the finality that so many dread.
There is something waiting for believers beyond this life – something better.
During our physical life, we have opportunities to serve Jesus. But one day, we
will actually be in His presence. Our fear will melt away when we see Him face
to face.
For the Christian, the fear of death will give
way to the fullness of everlasting life.
Our Daily
Bread
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