JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Philippians 1:21.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Life on this earth is temporary. Our bodies are not made to last, but while we live in them, we can live for a purpose that leaves a legacy of faith.
The Apostle Paul loved Jesus and lived for the glory of His name. As a result, Paul lived with purpose and hope.
There is much fulfillment when we live according to God’s design for our lives. If we live, that means fruitful labor for us. If we die, that means that we are in the comfort of God’s presence forever. To live is Christ and to die is gain.
This Light Reflection inspires us to find our purpose and hope in Christ in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Philippians 1:21.
The Apostle Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
As long as we are alive in our bodies, we have the opportunity to know Jesus personally, to live for Him, and find our purpose in Him. Paul reasoned that as he went on living in his body, that would mean fruitful labor for him. Yet, to be with Christ was better by far. So, he viewed death as a promotion into the presence of God.
So, as we live for Jesus today, we have the opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God. This happens as we work for the progress and joy of believers, and persuade unbelievers to become followers of Jesus.
This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to use our time on this earth to live for Jesus in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In Philippians 1:21, Paul made this statement, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Paul preferred to depart from this world and be with Jesus, but he also understood that while he was alive, there was a purpose for him. Each day of life on this earth is an opportunity for fruitful labor. Recognizing that opportunity, Paul would use his time on the earth to build up the church with his ministry until Jesus called him home.
The faithfulness of Paul to stay true to his calling inspires us to find our purpose in Christ and to live a life of Integrity.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the purpose of life and the promotion of heaven.
The Apostle Paul lived with this eternal perspective in Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Paul lived with the perspective that as long as he lived in his body, and as long as God gave him breath, his service for God would mean fruitful labor. He knew that the church would benefit from his ministry. Paul was committed to laboring for the Lord so that the church would make progress and experience joy in their faith.
Yet, internally, Paul was torn. His heart was where his treasure was. His treasure was Jesus. His longing was to be with Christ. He knew that death was a promotion into the presence of the Lord forever.
As we follow Jesus with a sincere heart, we also are likely to feel this type of internal struggle. That is a normal reaction for the person who loves Jesus in the midst of a world that loves sin. But with an eternal perspective, we acknowledge that God has placed us here on the earth “for such a time as this” to live for Christ and make Him known.
For the follower of Christ, our purpose in life and promotion to heaven is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
