Philippians 1:21 NIV
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Ephesians 4:30b NIV
(And do not grieve) the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
“Memories of those final months will remain with me the rest of my life: [my wife, Ruth’s,] growing frailty, her suffering, her expressions of love, our times of prayer, her certainty – and even joy – that soon she would be in the presence of the Lord she had loved and served for so many years. As I think back over those days, the familiar words of Psalm 23 come to me with new meaning, for they exemplify Ruth’s confidence as she sensed her time on earth was drawing to a close: ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me…Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever’ (vv. 4, 6 KJV).” (Billy Graham, Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well)
Today, let’s put our trust in Jesus once again and receive Spirit-given certainty and joy for the “gain” that awaits us in death – to be with Christ truly and perfectly.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that I belong to you and that to die is only gain. I look forward to being home with you forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s sing “Lamb of God” by Matt Redman. (click here)
-JL
