Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

May 12
Tuesday


GETTING BETTER

READ:
Philippians 1:19-26
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I am hard-pressed
between the two,
having a desire to
depart and be with
christ, which is far
better.
__Philippians 1:23
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A popular song from the 1960s was titled "Getting Better." In it, the singer considers his young life and happily declares that he sees things "getting better all the time." It is a song of optimism but, unfortunately, without any real basis for that hope.

By contrast, the bible warns us that we live in a world that in many ways is actually getting worse (2 Tim. 3:13). Daily we're faced with increasing evidence to support that contention. So how do we respond to the realities of life in such a badly marred world? With empty optimism? With hopeless discouragement? The apostle Paul shows us how.

While imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote to the church at Philippi to offer them genuine hope in a broken world. He encouraged his readers by telling them that though life in this world is often hard and painful, for the christian things will get better. He wrote, "I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with christ, which is far better" (Phil. 1:23). It is a reminder to us that we can face the difficulties of living for christ now because one day we will be with Him in an eternal home of splendor and fullness.

Life can be hard, but one day when we see Christ it will truly get better! __Bill Crowder
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```````````````````To see His face, this is my goal,```````````````
```````````````````The deepest longing of my soul;```````````````
```````````````Through storm and stress my path I'll trace``````````
```````````````Till, satisfied, I see His face! __Chisholm````````````
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To be with Jesus forever is the sum of all happiness.

*************Today's bible Reading __ Philippians 1:19-26**********

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.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

The apostle Paul shared his view of life and death in his letter to
the Philippians: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain"
(Phil. 1:21). We commonly view death in terms of earthly losses--relationships, the use of our gifts, and physical pleasures. yet, in
Paul's view, faith in Christ gave him a sense of gain instead of loss.
The thought of being directly in Christ's presence in heaven caused
all other earthly consolations to fade by comparison. __Dennis Fisher