Philippians
1:22, “But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor . . .”
I
came to this devotion from our daily bread when I asked God what You want me to
read. I picked up this devotion from a small plastic box and I was very
surprised to see this fit my thought for Tony.
Tony asked why couldn’t he just simply go home since he could not do
much on earth. I answered with “God has
a plan for you. You are a blessing to others. Also I need you around here.” He seemed contented.
This
devotion gave me so much more encouragement which are quoted from David Roper. From Acts 13:36 “David, after he had served
his own generation . . . fell asleep.” “God
has a wise and loving purpose in leaving us behind. There is work to be done in us that can only
be accomplished here on earth. Our
afflictions, which are for the moment, are working for us “a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17).
“And
there is work to be done for others—if only to love and to pray. Our presence may also be for the purpose of
giving others an opportunity to learn to love and compassion. So, though you
may desire release for yourself or a loved one, to live on in the flesh can
mean fruitfulness (Phil. 1:22). Though
heaven may be delayed, God has His reasons.
No doubt about it!” ---David Roper
Dorothy: I talked to one friend the
other day and ask what she thought about me and Tony. She explained that she and other deaf were
very impressed with my ‘deep commitment’ to Tony and that it takes a lots of
strength to serve him and to take care of him.
She quoted, “You have a beautiful example of patience and love toward
Tony.” I thought, “Wow, I never thought
of it that way.” That is when I
understood about “fruitfulness” in Philippians 1:22, “But if I live in the
flesh, this is the fruit of my labor …”
Paul
talked about a struggle to stay on earth or just to go home to heaven
soon. Paul explained that on earth,
there is fruit of our labor. Once we are
gone to heaven that is the finished work on earth. Our heavenly Father wants to see “fruits”
because it makes Him happy according to John 15:8 “Here is My Father glorified
(happy) that you bear much fruit . . .” This was Jesus’ words to His disciples, now
pass on to us “that you bear much fruit.”
Thank You, heavenly Father for showing us Your continue works in us.
Make us a blessing to someone today!
Song: Make Me a Blessing
Make
me a blessing,
Make
me a blessing;
Out
of my life may Jesus shine;
Make
me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make
me a blessing to someone today.
(Ira Bishop Wilson, Sing His Praise)
May
the Lord bless you today!
Dorothy
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