• At seventy-five Grandma Faith learned that cancer would soon take her home to heaven. She had been a faith-filled Christian all of her life. Realizing that her time with her family on this earth would soon be over, she called all of them together. After they gathered around her bed she said in a calm, steady and joyful voice, "For many years I've shown you how to live like a Christian. Now I want to show you how to die like one!"
• Life after life was important to Paul. He planned for it, prepared for it and personally looked forward to the time when he would be with his Lord. From the day he met his Savior, his values changed and his view of things on earth changed. Not only did he see life from an eternal perspective but the only thing he wanted others to do was to see life the way he did: through the eyes of the risen Christ.
• His faith enabled him to confidently say that dying would be even better than living. He knew that only those who were ready to die could face life confidently and fearlessly. He realized that in death he would be removed from the problems and pains of this and be with his beloved Savior for evermore.
• Reading his words in Philippians is a testimony that he wanted others to see life in his death. With passion he said, "For me, living is living for Christ and dying is even better."
• Prayer: We look to You, Heavenly Father, for faith for today, hope for tomorrow and purpose in between. Fill us with love for You and the lost whose lives are in our hands. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
• Scripture for Today: Philippians 1:20-26 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.