file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941119.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                 Saturday, November 19, 1994
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READ:  Philippians 1:12-26

       "JOY IN LIVING AND VICTORY IN DYING"

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

                -Philippians 1:21

Having lost his beloved wife of many years, a 96-year-old
man shared the deep longing of his heart with a retired
pastor as he said, "There's nothing I want more than to
be with my wife again."

The minister replied, "I can understand that, but if she
has gone to heaven and you don't profess to be a Christian,
what hope do you have of being with her when you die?"
After thinking for a few moments, the man blurted out the
sad confession, "You're right - the thought of leaving
this life terrifies me.  I'm sick of living but afraid
of dying."

What a sharp contrast to Paul's outlook.  The apostle
was willing to live or to die.  He desired to be with
Christ in heaven but would gladly remain on earth to
continue his ministry (Phil. 1:21).

You may not be as desperate as that 96-year-old man.
Life may be enjoyable for you, but are you prepared
to face eternity?  If so, you can say with the psalmist,
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me" (Ps. 23:4).

If not, receive the gift of eternal life that God offers
today.  By trusting Christ as your personal Savior, you
will find joy in living and victory in dying!

    -- Richard W. DeHaan

 "To live is Christ, to die is gain,"
    Let not this motto be in vain;
       For though we stay or pass death's vale,
        God's grace and peace will never fail!

                -- Henry G. Bosch

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      THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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    We are not ready to live
   until we are ready to die.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Acts 15:1-18:11

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