(Summary of devotion by John Walters)

John Walters, originally from Britain, but fifteen years a missionary in Botswana, took the Tuesday evening devotion. He is the chairman of "Flying mission".

Phil 3:4 - 14

4 ¶ Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea 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,

9 ¶ And 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:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Just as Paul was proud of his pure Jewish descent, his blameless character etc., before he knew Christ, so too many people all over the world are very proud of their royal descent, or nationality. Although Paul was very zealous for his religion and belief, something was amiss. He sought for it by excelling in the Jewish religion, but it was not until he met with Christ, that his search came to an end. He found complete fulfillment in Christ, and this is what he describes so vividly in these verses.

His meeting with Christ revolutionized his life so much that he gave up everything that was dear to him, and counted it rubbish, just for the sake of knowing Christ. What did he find that made such an impact on him? What is worth so much that one is prepared to turn your back on all that you've lived for and desired for all your life? Paul found Jesus Christ, the Resurrection and the Life. He found life in Jesus that meets every possible situation in this life with perfect peace and confidence. Paul found the complete sacrifice for sins in Jesus Christ, who died in our place and took our punishment and guilt on Himself. In Jesus he also found the resurrection from the dead. Jesus who rose from the dead now has the keys of death and hell in His hands. Jesus is the only one that could give Paul, and all who believe on Him, complete salvation now and for eternity.

In each of us is a void, longing for fulfillment in life. People are searching to fill this void with pleasures and ambitions for their future. They use drugs, alcohol, and destroy their lives by immoral living, and when all is over, the void simply returns and they are empty again. People run after riches and when it is too late realise that they have been deceived and wasted their lives.

There was a certain man who lived for money and his wife, whom he loved dearly. He would work extremely hard in his own business to buy his wife whatever she wants. One day as he came home, his wife informed him that she's leaving him for another man. He was devastated, climbed in his Jaguar, and drove down the road. As he came to the shop of the lover of his wife, he drove his car straight through the glass window and came to a standstill in the shop. He simply sat there in the car, weeping, until the police took him away. Till today he is most probably not saved and is still searching for fulfillment. His life could turn around if only he would find Paul's secret of knowing Christ.

John Walters also gave a short testimony of how he experienced this power and life of Jesus, even in the face of death. He had a very serious accident that brake his back badly. As he lay there in pain, knowing he could die shortly, Jesus' peace, joy and assurance that passes understanding, filled him right there. In another passage Paul says how he desires to pass from this world and be with Jesus, because it is much better. However he desired to stay as well, because his work was not yet finish. In the same way John experienced this desire to see Jesus, but he also wanted to stay, knowing that his work on earth was not yet complete.

Just as Paul found the secret to complete satisfaction in life, knowing Christ, so too can you be completely fulfilled in life. However, this can only be found by true faith in Jesus Christ. As you place your trust in Him, you will find why all is rubbish when compared to Jesus. He takes away all your sin and guilt, giving you the power to live a holy life, overcoming sin. Even when your sinful nature wars against this new life from Him, He gives the power and deliverance from sin. As you walk humbly with Him, acknowledge, confess and forsake your every sin and weakness, His power will work in you, and you will get to know Christ..