Today’s reading comes from Philippians 1:20-26. It is titled, “Paul’s life for Christ”. Verses 21-24 explains Paul’s heart. They gives us a glimpse of his priorities.

“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn be- tween two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live”.

For Paul, living was all about Christ. He was all consumed with Christ. He desired earnestly to go and be with Christ, but knew staying here would mean he could continue His work in the world.

Paul knew he could help others come to know Christ, he could plant churches, and he could strengthen the churches he had planted. In short his mission was to know Christ and make Him known.

Over the years I have known people like this. They have been completely sold out for God’s Kingdom. Their life was hidden in Christ and His will was all they wanted. Some are alive still serving, while some have gone to be with their Lord.

I am so inspired by these three verses and the sold out Kingdom people I have met over the years. It is something that I aspire to myself. I hope and pray that I can wholeheartedly say, “To live is Christ, to die is gain”.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for Paul’s words in this passage. Thank You for his commit- ment to Christ and his commitment to making Him known. I pray today that I will have that same commitment to Christ and to His mission in this world. I pray my life will be all about Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Here is another two week Bible reading plan. This one is God’s plan for salvation. Please enjoy…

Day 1 – Genesis 3:1-24 – The first sin creates a need
Day 2 – Isaiah 52:1-15 – Salvation is prophesised
Day 3 – Isaiah 53:1-12 – The suffering servant
Day 4 – Luke 15:1-32 – Three stories about God’s love
Day 5 – John 3:1-36 – Jesus explains being born again
Day 6 – John 10:1-42 – The Good Shepherd
Day 7 – Acts 8:1-40 – Conversions spread outside the Jews
Day 8 – Acts 26:1-32 – Paul tells his life story to a king
Day 9 – Romans 3:1-31 – God’s provision for sin
Day 10 – Romans 5:1-21 – Peace with God
Day 11 – Galatians 3:1-29 – Salvation can’t be found in obeying the law
Day 12 – Ephesians 2:1-22 – The new life in Christ
Day 13 – 1 Peter 1:1-25 – Future rewards of Salvation
Day 14 – 2 Peter 1:1-21 – Making sure of your salvation