"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain...My desire is to depart and be with Christ." Phil. 1:21-23     

Joy in life is an accepted idea, but joy in life and death is hard to believe. For Paul, however, life and death are the same. He may be freed from prison, or he may be executed. Even death does not cause him distress. Living or dying for Paul means simply Christ. His life is fully devoted to Christ, who gave Himself into death for all.     

Paul has already died. He gave us his own life to Jesus when he came to faith. Now if his LORD gives him years on earth, he serves Christ. If He takes him in death, he will enjoy the life with Christ is full measure. In death, Paul will complete his surrender to Christ. He longs for the complete life with Christ but he is also ready to labor on earth.     

Many of us fear sudden death by disease or accident(of which I am afraid), and the dread of nuclear bombs fill many hearts. We need not fear, for as Christians we have already died. In Baptism we died. Now by faith only Christ is alive in us. Our life belongs to Him. Every breath and heartbeat are His. How life and death both belong to Him who died for us and rose again.     

Christian friends,  To stay or to go? The time for you to leave this world is God's decision, so make the most of your life while you're here. Give each day to Jesus Christ. Keep living for Him and rescuring others.                                                         

Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to go,                                                  For who am I that I should choose my way?                                          The LORD shall choose for me, 'tis better far I know,                                    So let Him bid me go, or stay.  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Heavenly minded people do the most earthly good.