For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ – which is far better – but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Philippians 1:21-26
My words…
Praise
Because of You, Lord, I know that life after death will be far better than life before death. Your plan from the beginning was to gather the faithful to Yourself to live a new life with You. Your Apostle Paul boldly proclaimed this truth and believed it without a hint of doubt. He summed up his life in one word: Christ. And he summed up his death in one word: gain. In life he preached Christ. In death he is with Christ. What a gain! There is no other place more beautiful than the place where You are.
Prayer for me
Lord, I know that to die is gain. I know it. But I still cling, white-knuckled, to this earthly existence. Grow my faith to see death as gain. I will gain comfort from what hurts me. I will gain understanding of what confuses me. And most of all, I will gain presence with You. I pray that this truth will guide what I do, say, and think from this day until I see You.
Forgive me
Forgive me for not living Christ as I should. I am not an apostle like Paul. Forgive me for using that as a reason for not sharing You with those who think there is no gain in death.
Prayer for others
Lord, I just read another report of more Christians murdered in far away lands – killed by machetes or burned in their homes. I waver between being sad for their shortened earthly lives and joyful that they are now with You. They have gained. Those who kill think they have won, but it’s those who have been killed who are victorious. I don’t know what they are doing now with You – I just know it’s far better than what they were doing here.
Thank You
How hopeless and sorrowful our lives would be without Your promise of being with You someday. Thank You for loving me so much that You have made plans to be with me. Some describe death as loss. Thank You that I may describe my death as gain.
More praise
Unlike Your holy angels, I am unable to praise You in a way worthy of Your Being. I haven’t the voice, the intellect, the wisdom, the purity. But You are the One who accepts what I do have – one small voice saying, “I love You, Lord.” I pray it makes You smile.
