But...
Philippians 2:17-18, Devotion #3

But even if my life is poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2:17-18

Father, we often hear the cliché that the word "but" negates whatever comes before it. That is ridiculous. But does not negate what comes before it. You are beautiful but you have spinach in your teeth. Having spinach in one's teeth does not negate their beauty. The reality here is the people of Philippi Paul is writing to, the brothers and sisters in Jesus, are in that process of becoming blameless and pure. They were living their lives and they did "shine like stars in the universe as they held out the word of life." The Spirit was real in their lives of these people as they tried to figure out life lived in relationship with Jesus and His followers.

And, Paul's life was "poured out like a drink offering." Good things rarely happen in people's lives without cost, sometimes great cost. We are sitting here today because men and women gave their very lives for my freedom. That is fact. My brother is one of those who did that very thing. The question to me is, are we willing to lay down our life "like a drink offering" for the sake of other's eternity? You see, the 37 years since my brother's death is but a drop in the bucket compared to all eternity. So, are we willing to pay the price for others to know You through faith? Are we just going to live for ourselves or are we going to live for You and others? It seems like a simple choice to me. "But . . ." come Holy Spirit. Fill us with a heart for others.

Thank You, Father, in Jesus name. Amen.

Love, Dad / Danny