October 27

Philippians 1:21
THESE words express, as none others could, the secret of Paul’s wonderful missionary activity and his deep devotion to the will of the Lord. From the moment when divine grace arrested him on the Damascus turnpike to his last hour on earth, he had yielded his heart wholly to the Blessed One who had saved him. Life meant only one thing for him, and that, the opportunity to become better acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ and to serve Him wholeheartedly. Nothing else seemed worth while. All that earth could offer was but as filth and dross compared to this (Phil. 3:7-97But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (Philippians 3:7‑9)). He had learned to look at everything below the skies in the light of the cross of Christ (Gal. 6:1414But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Galatians 6:14)). Now he looked forward eagerly to the end of the way, when he should be with Christ and receive at His hand the recognition of His approval of his service.
“Though absent, I have known His love,
And by His mercies daily prove
The wonders of His grace,
He, whom, not having seen, I love,
Will call, and in His home above
I’ll see Him face to face.
With patience, in His love I’ll rest,
And whisper that He knoweth best,
And I am satisfied.
Then, clinging to that guiding hand,
A weakling, in His strength I’ll stand,
Though I be sorely tried.
Though burdened with a load of care,
He’s promised me the strength to bear
The trials that appal;
So, hiding pain away from sight,
I’ll let my life be fair and bright,
While waiting for His call.
— Robert R. Pentecost.