TDR: 8 February (Philippians 3:8)

‘That I may gain Christ’ (Philippians 3:8)

The aim of people in general is to make a fortune, enjoy the world, and live respectably; the aim of the Christian believer is to gain Christ. Jesus possesses all He desires, and to possess Christ would satisfy every wish. We have now a title to Him, we receive much from Him, and we often enjoy His love; but we want to be present with Him, and to have full possession of Him as our everlasting all.

He is set before us as our mark; He is held out as the prize; and He is promised as the everlasting portion of every overcomer. Where is your heart this morning? Which way do your desires tend? What is to be the object of your pursuit today?

If Jesus is the principal object, failing in our pursuit after other things, losses or crosses, will not affect us much; but our conduct will say, “I aim to gain Christ; If He is mine, all is well, other things are as rubbish compared with Him”. Keeping Jesus in view like this will prevent murmuring, cure our impatience, and keep our hearts in comparative peace. O may our every action cry in the ears of every observer, “THAT I MAY GAIN CHRIST.” Those who have Christ, have an infinite portion – unsearchable wealth.

Not softest strains can charm mine ears,
Like His beloved name,
Nor aught beneath the skies inspire
My heart with equal flame.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

[Continued from yesterday] ‘At Marlborough I had a very severe conflict, and passed one sleepless, miserable night, and was sorely tempted to run away from the work. I can never forget the night of April 27, 1828. The next evening at Avebury, I had a glorious time, and one poor woman who had long been in bondage, was brought into the liberty of the gospel and was made to sing for joy.

The next morning at five o’clock, the house where I was staying was filled with people, who came together to ask me to pray with them, before they went to their labour !’