Between A Rock and A Hard Place for Christmas #176

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

Philippians 4:13 I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

Do you ever seem to accomplish getting between a rock and a hard place without even trying? What if the rock and the hard place was the choice between life and death? You might make that choice quickly because you like living. You might believe that you can accomplish more alive than dead; but for the Apostle Paul it was much easier. For to him, whether he was alive or dead, his whole life was Jesus. His life was more than the space of a few years between birth and death. His life was for eternity and he saw eternal life as Christ's life. In order to call death a gain you need to have an eternal perspective.

Paul also saw life as Jesus’ life. Jesus is the life that everyone desires. His life is full and abundant. It is not a life free from trials and tribulations, but a truly living in the midst of whatever would come your way.

The Apostle Paul saw not only that Christ was life; but also that He was the strength and the power to face all conditions. Another translation says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Life was never meant to be experienced apart from His life. Anything and everything else falls short.

The Christmas season is a wonderful time to find a meaningful and full life. The baby born in a manger was the one who came to give us His life. He lived a perfect sinless life, died on a cross for our forgiveness, and arose from the dead to give us a way to have a relationship with God. Jesus Himself was God in human flesh. He came to earth to give you life. Real purpose in life is having an eternal perspective on life and death through Jesus Christ.

_______________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ.,

Actually today it is a rainy and cold in Tempe. Guess that is beautiful for all of us here in AZ who seldom see rain or cool weather. I do hope you are enjoying your day. Have you finished your Christmas shopping? I am done!! Got a gift for Sandy. That is my one and only project. I let Sandy do the rest. I give her a little money and let her do her thing at the mall and online. Sandy has the house decorated and the tree is up. Under the tree are some wrapped gifts. I do hope one is for me. LOL

God has so blessed us. We have asked you to pray for Johnny. He had an MRI to determine if his enlarged head is hereditary or caused from fluid. We got word this week that he is doing great. No problems. There is a slight amount of fluid but he will outgrow it. We praise the Lord for that. He needs to be careful about choosing relatives.

Sandy is still dealing with some issues with reflux. She is on medication which we hope will help.

I have enjoyed teaching our Sunday School class. I was filling in for our regular teacher. I only have one more Sunday. So grateful for the opportunity.

Quartzsite Rock and Gem show is a little over a month away. We really look forward to sharing with our Campers on Mission group as well as the ministry in the streets.

Sandy will begin teaching again on Tuesday mornings in January. Pray for her preparation.

Our church is busy with music presentations this month. We so enjoy listening to them. Christmas is such a wonderful time for family and friends. I hope and pray you have a great time with yours.

God bless you all. Thanks for your prayers and love. It means a lot. ~ DGW