Good morning, beloved,
I look back at my day yesterday and am amazed at the battlefield of my mind. And all of the lessons I learned yesterday.
I felt His presence with me all day as I struggled, cried and worked. I see as I look back the handprints of God. Can you understand that? It is so important to look back and find His mercy pouring through all the holes of the day. Did you thank Him for the beautiful sunrise? For the wind? Have I thanked Him for the gifts instead of focusing on the faults within myself?
21For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity].
22If, however, it is to be life in the flesh and I am to live on here, that means fruitful service for me; so I can say nothing as to my personal preference [I cannot choose],
23But I am hard pressed between the two. My yearning desire is to depart (to be free of this world, to set forth) and be with Christ, for that is far, far better;
Paul. What a servant. Denial of His rights, denial of His wants…He seemed to be able to gain a singular focus to His life that I continue to press towards. HUH? His life was in God’s hands and He was willing to go wherever the Lord chose.
Look at verse 21 with me…
For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity].
Live…
1) to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead)
2) to enjoy real life
a) to have true life and worthy of the name
b) active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God
4) living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul
Reminder Paul was in prison when he wrote this…God wants us to live, breathe deeply and be active and blessed..why? how? with our present set of circumstances? Most certainly! We have living water instead of us, coursing through our veins, filling our soul. The word live is zao in Greek, another definition of this word is bread and Jesus used this word in John 6 to describe Himself.
John 6 35Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).
I have to think Paul understood this verse. He believed in, cleaved to, trusted in and relied on Jesus and therefore he did not hold to his life with a tight fist. He was open to the Lord’s leading and guidance. Therefore he was able to say..
But I am hard pressed between the two. My yearning desire is to depart (to be free of this world, to set forth) and be with Christ, for that is far, far better…
Lord, what is YOUR will for my life today? Guide me. Lead me. I want to deny my rights, pick up my cross and follow You…wherever that may lead.
Pray on, friends. Pray on.
Leave A Reply