Start Your Year, Start Your Day



January 09, 2010
Philippians 1:22-26
22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.

23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.

24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.

26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.

Philippians 1:22-26 (NLT)



Have you ever wanted to be in two places at once?

Having lived most of my adult life away from my family I think I understand this on a smaller scale. I can remember living so far away that it wasn't possible to see my family but maybe once a year. I knew God had placed me where I was but sometimes my heart longed to be home.

How awesome it will be when we are with Christ, but he placed us here because there is so much for us to do for him. Paul desired so much to go to be with Christ but he knew it was for the benefit of the believers for him to stay here.

Do you ever think of what it is that Christ has for you to do? Who can tell about Christ? Who can you encourage in their faith? Whose joy or sorrow can you share? Just as the place I was living wasn't really my home, we know that we aren't home here. We are just waiting to be able to go home to be with Christ...
 

A Thankful Thought


I am so happy that God saved me. I was 31 and belonging to Christ was not in my plans at all. I'm grateful (eternally!!!) that He planned for me to be His before the beginning of time! I do not deserve to have the eternal, joyful, and abundant life that is now mine.

I'm so grateful and thankful for my husband, my children, and the great and memorable years we have had together as a family. Until I chose to believe in Christ, I didn't want children. I can't imagine life without them now - what a joy they are! And God has allowed my husband and I to be married for almost 41 years. We both give him the thanks and credit for that!

I'm grateful to be experiencing feeling good. I have had some pretty serious health problems, and this is the best I have felt for several years. I am grateful to God for bringing me through several crisis situations, and for restoring my energy, enthusiasm, and ability to be more physically active.

I am grateful for NewSpring Church, the truth that is taught here, and the love that is shown to everyone! I am thankful for my pastor, my boss, and my co-workers. What a blessing!

I am grateful for the hope we have in Christ. I have been awaiting surgery in an operating room where none of my family could be with me, but I was not alone. And because I have faith in God, I knew that outcome of the surgery would be exactly according to the plans God has for me. I am so thankful that God never makes mistakes, that His plan is perfect, and that He is working things out for our good and for His glory!

A NewSpring Staff Member


Your Comments

1

Mercedes | January 09, 2010 at 11.31 am

my life has changed completely since I gave my life to God. I don’t care or wonder where I would be if I didn’t accept Him in my life now. I just care that I have Him in my life. Things are changing beyond my control but that’s OK I can accept that. It’s for the better! I am making better choices now in The beautiful name of Jesus. I am enjoying these Bible verses, this blogging is definitely something I look forward to every morning. I get up and I am anxious to read the Bible a lot more. That was something I struggled with, but my new found excitement in the word is AWESOME! May the Lord bless you and keep you. . . .all of you!!

2

Rachel | January 11, 2010 at 01.45 pm

After losing my dad and brother in one year I asked myself that same question. Why did they get to go to heaven while I have to wait. To be with Jesus will be the joy of eternity! If it were up to me, Jesus would have came back and taken us all to heaven before the hardships of this world. But then I wouldn’t have learned my purpose. When my mom was fighting cancer, I was reminded everyday that God was with us and that we would never be alone. I felt like I was on auto pilot with God flying the plane. It took me a while to realize, but I know I am here for a purpose. Through God, I can make a difference. I am thankful for every day that I have here to store up treasures in heaven.


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