“Now if I live in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me…” Powerful and humble words from the Apostle Paul. A former Pharisee who once persecuted the Church, Paul became a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ after a holy encounter that transformed Him from the inside out. Consequently, he became a perfect example of a fruitful life. Paul teaches us how to walk with the Lord fully surrendered and submitted to Him.

Read Me Next! – A New Season

Longing For Christ

The book of Philippians is one of the most encouraging and edifying epistles found in the New Testament. Writing to the church in Philippi, Paul warmly expresses his gratitude and his desire for unity, stewardship, and faithfulness as a means of glorifying Christ. Serving as an example himself, he urges believers to remain steadfast in spreading the Gospel, even amid suffering and persecution. Although imprisoned, he remains optimistic as his hope is firmly rooted in the Lord. Further, he recognizes that his hardship is an avenue for God’s Word to be preached. Transformed by the Spirit, his heart is no longer tied to the pleasures of the world. Instead, his spirit longs to be with Christ.

However, he concludes his earthly walk is to the benefit of the church. A compelling disposition and devotion I long to have, for all of us to have. For I have realized that a fruitful life is not one full of material blessings but spiritual obedience. What if we all lived like Paul – fully submitted and surrendered to the will and purposes of Jesus? Would we see more salvations? Likewise, would we see more souls longing for Christ?

Rooted In Him

Like Paul, our lives are for the benefit of humanity, testifying to the glory of the Lord. Therefore, our identity and purposes must always be rooted in Him. We are called to flourish in the garden that God has planted, producing glorious fruit for Him.

With Love,

Tamara

Scripture To Meditate On

“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ — which is far better — but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬-‭26‬

“Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel,”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel,”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬

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Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.