"DYING" to LIVE.....

[MISS.V~316~]

These last few weeks in my walk with Lord I have truly been blessed by the revelation of many scriptures I have learned. I was conversation with a few days ago in which the subject of death came up. A friend said that we just “Live to Die”. WOW, when you really think deeply about it…. We are born to die!! However, when you look deeply in the meaning of the word “Dying”, you will find it also can used to express a great desire or eagerness. This conversation caused me to reflect back these scriptures…..

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalms 73:26

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4

Believing in these words, I feel overwhelmed in the word of God and the metaphor of “Dying to live” has a tremendous meaning....

Yes, “Dying” to make every renewing in my life….”Dying” to reach out to someone in need everyday…. “Dying” to thank God for everyday !!
Just as I have taken a vow of celibacy for my body for the last few years, shall I take a vow of renewal in my heart and soul!!! INDEED...."DYING" TO LIVE!!!
How GREAT is word of GOD!!!

Have a blessed week all!!!

[Rev. Nadine Drayton-Keen]

DYING IN ORDER TO LIVE!

For sure, no one demonstrated this principle of fruitfulness by the irony of death more than Jesus the Christ (cf. John 12:24-26). For this reason, this Gospel principle of dying to live is what EVERY Christian must embrace, because most assuredly, " Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who despise their life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:25, NLT).

That's why we truly sold out for Jesus believers are not afraid to "...face death daily..." (1 Corinthians 15:31a, NLT), like the Apostle Paul did, because we know that living for Christ will cause us much joy and pain. For, like the Apostle Paul, many of us "...are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be obvious in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but it has resulted in eternal life..." (2 Corinthians 4:8-12, NLT).

What a timely and great discussion....

NOTE: Vera, I too have been celibate. In my case, my vow of celibacy started when my husband left me for the last time in Feb. 1998, divorcing me some months later in that same year. Nevertheless, my vow of celibacy has continued in tact. Indeed, for these 10+ years, I truly have learned what it means to “die daily to self in order to live” for the cause of the Gospel in Christ!

[MISS.V~316~]

AMEN, AMEN!! I feel you had to read my mind to give this response!! You hit the nail on the head and MUCH MORE!!! I truly can relate to what Paul went through and thank you for sharing these words!!

Since I have been Celibate, Im finding that I have been ridiculed more than understood. I often feel that I dont fit in. I dont know if you ever feel this way Nadine, you know....the feeling that everything that is right.... is wrong and all that is wrong.... is right by many. I was told by a wise dear friend years ago, that if you do feel you fit into everything, then you really need to check yourself!! He said to take pleasure in knowing that you dont fit into everything in this world. I really understand what he was saying now and I have come to except the feeling of being perplexed. However, each day God gives me the strength to keep fighting the battle!!!

Btw: I give you a pat on the back Rev.!! 10 years.... WONDERFUL!!!