Friday, December 4th Mellisa Blanton
Philippians 1:18b-26
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[a] 20 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. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 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! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 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, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
I was sitting, thinking about an amazing weekend I just had. It started on Friday when we went to my husband’s promotion ceremony. I was so proud to be with my family and to share in this well-deserved moment. The next day we went to my son, Ryan’s, college to attend a football game. It was a gorgeous, crisp day. I’m sitting in awe looking around at the beauty of this campus, thinking how blessed I was to be able to spend the day with my family and friends. We finish this weekend on Sunday, watching my youngest son, Chris, reading a Bible verse to the church. Pastor Charles was ending a series on how will you measure your life. How will I measure my life? Am I doing what God desires for me? Am I living the life he wishes for me? Most days I think I am and some days I fall short. In a world filled with so much pain and hate, it is so important to count our blessings and to live each day to glorify Christ.
Prayer: Father, in a world filled with so much pain and hate, help us live our lives to glorify you. Help us to see the blessings that You present each day. Hold us tight when we are at our lowest points. We look forward to the day we can spend eternity with You in heaven, but until that day, we will spread Your word and love. In Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.