For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Hebrews 4

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

This morning, my focus is DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which focuses on how, for believers, death is gain.  Here, John Piper provides five reasons from scripture that support his claim:

1. Our spirits will be made perfect (Hebrews 12:22-23)
   
2. We will be relieved of the pain of this world (Luke 16:24-25)
   
3. We will be given profound rest in our souls (Revelation 6:9-11)
   
4. We will experience a deep at-homeness (2 Corinthians 5:8)
   
5. We will be with Christ (Philippians 1:21-23)

I have a niece - Marit, who is going to be 15 years old in a few days - and she is dying of brain of cancer. My wife and I pray constantly for a miracle of healing - we don't want Marit to die, nor do we want her to suffer or be in pain.  I struggle with this and in my struggle I selfishly believed that my words could bring Marit comfort as I talked to her on the phone a few days ago (not knowing whether it would be the last time I talked to her).  Since then, upon reflection, I sense that Marit is better served by us simply spending time with her, and it will be through these final moments where the Holy Spirit will be working to comfort her.  If we are at peace about where Marit is going, the Holy Spirit will do the rest - to comfort Marit in ways that we, through actions or words, cannot. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who comforts like no other - thank You for the peace and comfort You provide by giving us a glimpse of Heaven and telling us that You are saving us a place in Heaven.  I am not deserving of such a blessing.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.

Psalm 49

People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish. v20

Many of us, myself of course included, have grown envious of others when they achieve earthly success yet we fail to heed the words of both this Psalm and also of Jesus.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19

It's not that God wants us to be poor or that He minds us having wealth - it's our heart condition.  We shouldn't seek wealth or desire wealth above God.

See also Matthew 19:16-26 where Jesus addresses the "Rich Young Ruler".  


Paul also encourages us to seek the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ".

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who I know loves me and loved me even before I was born...knowing everything about me, including my brokenness.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.