Daily Devotional
By Pastor Jerry Teboe
A Closer Walk with Christ in 2026
To Live Is Christ
Philippians 1:18-26
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. Php 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Php 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. Php 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Php 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Php 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Php 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; Php 1:26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Paul loved to see people saved. That was the reason he was in prison. He had preached the gospel faithfully in every city that he was in, and whether it was well accepted or rejected, he continued to preach. Even in prison, he was faithfully winning souls. Yes, many of the converts were Roman soldiers who made up his guard. They were changed four times a day, and each time he had more opportunity to preach. Many of these same guards became evangelists who spread the Word, and the empire would help them to be able to preach their new faith when it sent them to different places. So, Paul was happy to hear that the gospel was being preached.
Paul’s desire was to live for the Lord and be an example of the life of Christ everywhere he was. This would be a good goal for each of us today. Are we constantly aware of how our testimony affects others? Do we make a good impression for Christ, or is our testimony a detriment to the conversion of others?
Paul then makes a statement that has stood out through the ages. His theme for life was that his life was going to be lived for the Lord, and if he lost his life, that still would be gain because he would be with the Lord. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. What a way to live! This is how our lives ought to be too. Paul then continues to explain what he was meaning in relation to the immediate circumstance in which he was living. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Php 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Yes, Paul may have been ready to go home to the Lord and end the constant suffering and abuse which he had to endure, but he realized that to remain alive was necessary for the sake of the Philippians and many others also. Therefore, he wanted to see them again so that they could continue to grow in the faith and have joy because of his release. Are people glad when you come to them? Is your life one that would cause others to want to live for the Lord and become a stronger Christian? This is the kind of testimony that each of us should want.
Bible Reading for the Year
July 6th, Job 38-39; Acts 151:21
Prayer Needs
Please continue to pray for Kenny Deans. He will have an appointment on July 14th with his kidney doctor.
Please continue to pray for Shirley Deans. She had the port for chemo treatments put in on Monday, and she was able to go home later. Shirley is tired and needs our prayers.
Continue to pray for Jennifer Teboe Buchamer. Please keep praying for complete healing. She sees her doctor at Duke on July 17th. Please pray for wisdom for the doctor concerning her treatment.
Please continue to pray for Dr. Joe Jordan. He is doing physical therapy, but still has a long way to go. Pray for him to get stronger!
Please continue to pray for Peggy Warren. She is facing some difficult challenges.
Please continue to pray for Robbie Harvey who has MAC lung disease. He seems some better; however, he still has a lot of pain.
Please pray for Carolyn Tyson’s sister, Shirley Deal. She had a stroke after having an infusion port taken out. She is still in rehab.
Please continue to pray for Marvin Silverthorne for his eyesight to improve.
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Pray for our Missionaries!
Sue Singleton and the mission in Cambodia
Dr. Joe Jordan and the CBM (Cross and Bible Ministries)
Travis and Caroline Fennessy – IBM missionaries to Southeast Asia