Thread by @glprater

#GeraldsDevotional
What is Real Life and Death for the Believer? Living Hope

This is the word that the LORD planted in my spirit this weekend and then harvested as I awoke early on this special day. Today is the 18th year anniversary of the day when doctors discovered the massive brain tumor in my head and God got my attention in a way that changed my

life. For today’s message, He used this letter that Paul wrote to the church at Philippi where he tried to encourage them. Paul wrote this letter to reassure them that although they were experiencing difficult times, they had this special hope because the LORD had appointed a

special purpose in and through them and He would not let go until that purpose was fulfilled and He gathered them with Himself.

The really ironic part about this letter of encouragement was that Paul could have just as easily been writing it to himself. He was writing it from a

place of confinement in a Roman prison where he was being troubled on every side to stop what he was doing. In this chapter, he describes how he was being troubled not only by authorities and guards at the prison, but also by fellow brothers, some of whom preached in an attitude

of competition and strife with him. There were some brothers who also preached from a pure heart.

But in all of these things that were going on around him, Paul had this special hope. He saw all of these circumstances as opportunities to live out the preaching of the gospel with

even greater boldness. Paul was preaching often times when he wasn’t even using words. He describes how through his life he had impacted the Roman guards and even given greater boldness to fellow Christians who watched him from afar.

The end result was that Christ was preached

even through Paul’s difficult times and confinement. THAT was Paul’s daily food and what represented real life to him. Because of what he truly believed, he had this hope that said when he died in this world, it would actually be because the Lord’s purpose had been fulfilled and

He was calling him home. That day would not be a day of death, but rather a day of celebration and gain.

Paul had a living hope and he was trying to share it with this church and with you and me today. It is a special day indeed.

To Live Is Christ
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ

will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire

to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more

abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. - Philippians 1:19-26

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