THEME: FEAR OF DEATH
Philippians 1:20-24
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”
INSIGHT
-Apostle Paul submitted his entire to serving the Lord. He chose the life of celibacy and sort for an intimate relationship with God, even if it meant his death. Even thou he considered death as gain and to be joint with Christ through eternal life, he viewed living as a witness of Christ; of more importance. He suffered ship wreck, imprisonment and torment for the sake of Christ and considered spiritual maturity more importantly that physical prosperity. Given the opportunity, he spread the gospel to the Roman army and sort for new opportunities to make Christ known to the masses despite the conditions. As believers and witnesses of Christ, each one of us is reminded to carry his/her cross and follow Jesus. Despite the challenges that might come with our calling, we are called to surrender all to Christ and more fruit through Him, for to live is Christ and to die gain.
PRAYER
Thank You Jesus for reminding us that You are our all in all. Thank You for being our faithful Vine as we are Your branches. Thank You for redeeming us from the snare of sin and death by Your precious blood. Our lives belong to You dear Jesus, thank You for loving us. May You give us wisdom and strength to carry on Your work of ministry and reach many through Your word and our actions. May Your light of salvation always radiate in us and through us, that many may know You and come to You, for the glory and honor of Your name. May You touch all the children living in the streets and give them new life according to Your merciful love. May You deliver all the persecuted Christians all over the world and give them hope in their work of ministry. May Your word reach all the nations of the world and make us fruitful in all that we do. We seek Your presence each and every time of our lives. Thank You for the gift of salvation dear Jesus, may You grant the same gift to many among us. May the grace our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forever more. Amen
Blessed Thursday
Further reading: 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
FB Page: Love of Christ Foundation CBO