Young Christians Calendar

June 2014

Dear Young Christian:

Yesterday we mentioned the figure of the Lord Jesus going down into the pit and bearing the waters of God’s judgment against sin.

Today I was also thinking of the results of that aspect of the work of Calvary in connection with the verse, “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings” (Psalm 40:2). Because the Lord Jesus went under the waters of judgment for us, we have been delivered from the pit of sin, and placed on solid ground. “He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword…Then He is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom” (Job 33:18,23).

We will never have to go under the waters of judgment, and this should make us the most thankful people on the face of planet Earth.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Copy link Print

The Pit

“I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow Me” (Psalm 69:2).

Joseph is a very beautiful picture of the Lord Jesus in the Old Testament. We read that when his brothers desired to show their hatred of him “they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it” (Genesis 37:24). Eventfully he was brought up out of that pit and sold to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver.

However, we see that the type falls short when we read of the Lord prophetically, “Thou hast laid Me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon Me, and Thou hast afflicted Me with all Thy waves. Selah” (Psalm 88:6-7).

For Joseph the pit was empty, there was no water in it. For the Lord Jesus, figuratively speaking, the pit was full…full of the judgement of a holy God against sin…my sins…the waves of which we read, “All Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over Me” (Psalm 42:7). He has exhausted those waters of judgment. Hallelujah!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Copy link Print

Empty Handed

Alexander the Great directed that when he died his hands should be placed across his chest with his palms facing outward. When asked why, he replied, “To let all who look at me in death see that the man who conquered the world went out empty handed.”

Before his death the conqueror was found weeping in his tent. When asked what was wrong, he replied, “There are no more worlds to conquer.” What a sad, hollow end to a man who had reached the apex of human glory.

This reminds us of the words of the Lord, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

King Solomon wrote across his earthly accomplishments, “All is vanity and vexation of spirit” (Ecclesiastes 2:17).

The only thing we can take with us when we leave this world, is what we have in and through Christ! “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7).

Friday, June 27, 2014

Copy link Print

Question Page

Q. What does the expression “fearful in praises” mean in Exodus 15:11? I thought we were to come with confidence and bring our praises and prayers?

A. The word, “fearful” is sometimes translated reverenced. So we might read it, “reverenced in praises.” This was drawn out from Moses’ and the children of Israel’s hearts as they witnessed the mighty power of the Lord in their deliverance from the slavery of Egypt and Pharaoh, and in the swallowing up of the Egyptians in the Red Sea.

Psalm 89:7 uses the same word. “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him.” In all our prayers and praises the words we use should express reverence. “Holy and reverend is His name” (Psalm 111:9).

On the other hand we read, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). And also, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).

Do you have a question? Email us at jhyland@primus.ca

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Copy link Print

Overcoming

“This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Faith is more than what is needed to believe the gospel. It’s needed in our daily battles against the world. Are the attractions of the world, the glamour and the fame in the world pulling you away from the Lord? Let your faith take hold. It has a magnetic attraction to Christ. Let it pull you towards Him and so overcome the world.

We have the Lord as the perfect example. At the end of His life, just before He returned to heaven, He said to His disciples, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He wasn’t promising them that life would be easy after He was gone, but He was promising that there would be an inner peace, and an outward overcoming as a result of trusting Him in every circumstance, and following Him through every circumstance. It takes real faith to live for the Lord in a world like this.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Copy link Print

Monthly Scripture Reading

Acts 20

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Copy link Print

Service

“The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

The Lord Jesus came to serve. He, “took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). His primary mission and concern was to serve His Father. But He spent almost every waking hour serving others. He never tired in His service to man, although He was sometimes “wearied with His journey” (John 4:6). Of course, His ultimate act of service was to give His life as a ransom at the cross.

The Lord’s example should be something that we should covet — the willingness to serve. Needs are everywhere. You don’t have to look far to find someone who needs help. Are you willing to give it?

It takes time and energy to serve. It may cost us something and involve sacrifice in one way or another, but “remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Monday, June 23, 2014

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

These Monday letters make me feel like I keep in touch with my reader. However, there are no doubt many of you that I do not know personally. Yet, the Lord knows you, and He desires that you would stay in touch with Him, through prayer and reading of His Word the Bible.

We love to hear from our readers, but there is One who loves to hear from you more than we do. It is the One who loved you enough to give His life for you at the cross. Do you love Him enough to speak to Him in prayer, and listen to Him speak through His Word every day? Don’t neglect, “the Word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:5).

As is indicated at the bottom of these Monday letters, we are very happy for any communication. Comments, and questions are very helpful in putting together future calendar pages, and answering questions on the last Friday of the month.

“Grace be with you” (2 Timothy 4:22).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Copy link Print

Alone

“I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top” (Psalm 102:7).

What imagery this verse brings before our minds and hearts. We picture the sparrow huddled alone on the roof, perhaps shivering in the wind and cold, bleak and alone. The sparrow was the bird of lowest worth under the Jewish economy. The Lord said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings?” (Luke 12:6). It brings before us the lowliness and humility of Christ, and the fact that He was “despised and rejected of men” (Isaiah 53:3).

These words of the Lord Jesus, spoken prophetically in Psalm 102, no doubt had their fulfilment at the cross, and perhaps more particularly during those three hours of darkness, when He was forsaken of God, bore our sins, and made atonement for us.

As we think about these aspects of His person and work today, our hearts will be freshly reminded of His love and goodness, and it will produce praise and worship.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Copy link Print

Let Go

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

I heard of a child playing one day with a very valuable vase, he put his hand into it and could not withdraw it. His father, too, tried his best, but all in vain. They were thinking of breaking the vase when the father said, “Now my son, make one more try. Open your hand and hold your fingers out as straight as you see me doing, and then pull.”

To their astonishment the little fellow said, “Oh no, father. I couldn’t put my fingers out like that, because if I did I would drop my penny.”

Smile, if you will — but thousands of us are like that little boy, so busy holding on to the world’s worthless penny that we cannot accept liberation. I beg you to drop that trifle in your heart. Surrender! Let go, and let the Lord have His way in your life. Don’t be like the man of who we read, “And he…went away grieved: for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:22).

Friday, June 20, 2014

Copy link Print

Guidelines

Most things we buy for our home come with instruction and manuals. If some people need, what are often simple, obvious, and sometimes ridiculous guidelines on household items, think about how much more we need God’s direction.

David declared:

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23).

Here is what Solomon said:

“For who knoweth what is good for man in this life” (Ecclesiastes 6:12).

Jeremiah stated:

“O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

Solomon further exhorted:

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Copy link Print

The Twelve Apostles – Part 6

Matthew

“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him” (Matthew 9:9).

Matthew, the son of Alphaeus, was a tax-collector for the Romans, and is called a publican. We would say today, he was a civil servant. The King James translators used the word publican which comes from the Latin, Publicanus, meaning, engaged in public service.

Busy at his work, he immediately left it when called to follow the Lord. From Scripture we know little else about him, but we see from his call that he was diligent and obedient. This is a good lesson for all of us. If we are faithful in our day to day work, and obedient to the word of the Lord, He will use us in wonderful ways.

He is referred to as Levi in Mark 2:14, and also in Luke 5:27. It was not uncommon for men to have two names at that time in history. It is universally thought and accepted that he was the writer of the gospel the bears his name.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Copy link Print

Nothing To Do

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

How often do we say, “I’m bored,” or “I’ve nothing exciting to do”? And yet there is so much that we can do, and should be doing, for the Lord, and for the furtherance of the gospel.

Young people, there are no shortage of needs and opportunities to serve the Lord and help His people. As we mentioned a few days ago, it does not mean that we all pack up and leave for the foreign mission field, but it does mean looking around us for needs and open doors every day, in the schoolroom, office, shop, factory, neighbourhood, or wherever you operate on a daily basis. There is much that can be done, too, to help those who are distributing and preaching the Word of God on a full-time basis. It may not always be exciting, but if done for the Lord, it will be rewarding. The next time you find yourself wondering what to do, or how to fill your time, say to the Lord, “What wilt Thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). If you truly mean it, you will find plenty to do.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Copy link Print

Contentment

“Godliness with contentment is great gain”
(1 Timothy 6:6).

We are assaulted almost every day of our lives with advertising that is specifically designed to make us discontented with what we are and what we have in this life. The message is clear — whatever you bought last week is not good enough today. Pressure, pressure, pressure. Satisfy yourself with something new and better.

Godliness with contentment runs totally contrary to the thinking of modern society. When we consider our eternal blessings in Christ and His daily blessings poured out on us we should be perfectly content. And it should show. The challenge is to avoid being swept along with the grumbling, complaining, grasping, dissatisfied crowd and enjoy what we have in Jesus Christ. “Be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

Can we say, like Paul, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11)?

Monday, June 16, 2014

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

Did you have a song in your heart and on your lips yesterday, as a result of the scriptures we noted? I hope so; and if so, let it continue all week long. The Lord doesn’t want us to just sing and praise Him one day of the week, no He is worthy of our praise every day.

Here is a verse to keep in mind as you face what is ahead this week: “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). Notice, it is continually. All the time! Not just when things are bright and sunny or everything is running smoothly…all the time!

There may be some difficulties, and even sorrows in the days ahead, but we can always sing. Paul had many trials, but through it all he said: “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10). We have a lot to sing about, and the Lord enjoys and values our songs of praise.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Copy link Print

A New Song

“Sing unto Him a new song” (Psalm 33:3).

This is the first of seven times we have the expression, “a new song” in the Old Testament. (Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10).

We also have it twice in the New Testament,

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

“And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth” (Revelation 14:3).

The Lord has already put “a new song” in our hearts and on our lips now, as the Old Testament verses indicate. When we get to heaven we will sing “a new song” forever, as the verses in Revelation show.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Copy link Print

Love

A computer virus known as “The Love Bug” spanned the globe by e-mail, infecting millions of computers. It seems that even wary people like top software engineers couldn’t resist opening a message titled simply, “I Love You.”

Some analysts said that the success of the destructive computer virus reveals as much about the human heart as it does about the vulnerability of computers. Down deep, everyone on earth, young or old, is looking for love. It’s no accident that the best known verse in the Bible is John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The love we long for the most is God’s love. The love of Jesus Christ is what we really desire more than anything else. If so, then accepting God’s love in Christ could change our lives in remarkable ways. Hope, peace and a zest for living — they all spring from having the love of Jesus in our heart. God has told us He loves us. It is a message we’ve all been looking for. The death of Christ is the measure of God’s love for you! How will you respond to Him today?

Friday, June 13, 2014

Copy link Print

The Lord’s Will – Part 4

A few more questions…

1. Does it have the appearance of evil?

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22

1. Is it captivating and enslaving?

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

1. Am I in a hurry about it?

“He that hasteth with his feet sinneth” (Proverbs 19:2).

1. Have I counselled godly Christians about it?

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).

If you want to know the Lord’s will, He wants to show you. “If any man will do His will, he shall know…” (John 7:17).

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Copy link Print

The Lord’s Will – Part 3

Still more questions…

1. Am I at peace about it, or am I uneasy?

“Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

1. Do I find myself justifying it to others?

“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me” (Job 9:20).

1. If it involves spending money, could it be better spent?

“Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase” (Proverbs 3:9).

1. If it involves time, could the time be better spent?

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

1. What effect will my conduct have on others?

“Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).

Continued…

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Copy link Print

The Lord’s Will – Part 2

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Copy link Print

The Lord’s Will – Part 1

“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6).

Here are questions we can ask ourselves that will help us in discerning whether we have the Lord’s will or not, when there is no definite scripture.

1. Is it for Christ?

“Them that honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30).

1. Will it bring glory to God?

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

1. What is the source of such a desire; is it the flesh or the Spirit?

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

1. Which nature does it feed?

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:13).

Continued…

Monday, June 9, 2014

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16).

As I sit at a desk at Bible Truth Publishers and write this Monday letter, I have on the wall in front of me a large map of the world. A few minutes ago as I leaned back in my chair and viewed this map I was reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus to the disciples after He rose from the dead: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel” (Mark 6:15).

Every one of us need to hear these words. We may not be called to go to the foreign mission field or to faraway places, but being in this world, we are called to preach the gospel. It may be by our words, it may be by our actions. It may be to large crowds, it may be to individuals. It may be next door, down the street, across the country, or around the world. However, wherever, and whenever, it doesn’t matter…we are told…“GO”.

How will you preach the gospel this week?

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Copy link Print

The Lord

“Worship the Lord.” Psalm 96:9

“Praise the Lord.” Romans 15:11

“Thank the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 16:7

“Sing unto the Lord.” Exodus 15:1

“Love the Lord.” Deuteronomy 6:5

“Honor the Lord.” Proverbs 3:9

“Please the Lord.” Proverbs 16:7

Worship Him today because of who He is…Praise him for all that He has done to the glory of God…Thank Him for all that He has done for you…Sing because of what He has done…Learn to love Him more…Honor Him because He is so worthy…Live to please Him and you will be a happy, rejoicing Christian. Above all, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Copy link Print

What’s New

One of our favourite greetings here in North America is, “What’s new?” How amazingly attractive that the best news never changes. NEVER! The Gospel message weathers all time, endures every social and economic change, supersedes governments and regimes, invasions and defeats, and outlasts everything that’s “built to last.”

It is wiser than the world’s wisdom, potent and compelling beyond all power, simple and straightforward enough for even me to embrace, and strong enough to never let me go.

The hymn-writer, George Matheson, penned the following words:

“O love that will not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in Thee;

I give Thee back the life I owe,

That in Thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

“I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning” (1 John 2:7).

Friday, June 6, 2014

Copy link Print

Faith

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith brings God into every circumstance, and lifts us above those circumstances. When we don’t bring God into every aspect of life it leads to unbelief. There is a sad statement made about the children of Israel during their wilderness journey. “They believed not His Word” (Psalm 106:24).

Faith counts on God without question! There will be a great reward for simply trusting God, even when things seems hopeless and the future uncertain. There is a wonderful promise in Hebrew 10:35, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.”

Isn’t God worthy of our faith, trust, and confidence? He never has, and never will, let you down.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Copy link Print

Sin

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee” (Psalm 119:11).

Are you struggling with sin in your life? Are there bad habits and temptations you can’t seem to conquer? How much time do you spend reading your Bible? A daily diet of God’s Word brings blessing to the Christian. Neglecting it spells disaster.

Martin Luther once said, “This Book will keep me from sin, or sin will keep me from this Book.” If you are allowing something in your life that is hindering you from reading your Bible because of a bad conscience or lack of heart for the Word of God, get into the presence of the Lord and confess it. Have it out with the Lord, and don’t let sin keep you from the daily reading of that which will keep you from sin.

Remember too, it is not just reading but hiding the Word in your heart, that is going to have the proper results. We have a powerful defence against sin, make sure you use it! It is the “Sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). Read it, hide it, and you will be “kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5).

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Copy link Print

Threefold

“Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 John 3).

Mercy……………………….. saves us from hell.

Grace……. gives us heaven and takes us there.

Peace………………………………… is the result.

“To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:2).

“To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour” (Titus 1:4).

What a wonderful, threefold resource of strength we have for our Christian life. It makes me think of the words of Solomon, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). If we avail ourselves of these three things, we will be preserved in the path of faith and service.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Copy link Print

Watch & Pray

Continued from March 4

Come ye saints in every place,

Come and seek the Saviour’s face,

Come ye to the throne of grace;

Watch and pray!

There each child of God can find,

Joy of heart and peace of mind,

Respite from the daily grind;

Watch and pray!

Watch and pray…Watch and pray…

What a privilege sublime,

Just to spend a little time,

And our prayers and praises chime;

Watch and pray!

There is mercy rich and free,

There is strength and help for thee,

With requests and needs then flee;

Watch and pray!

“Take ye heed, watch and pray” (Mark 13:13).

Monday, June 2, 2014

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

“Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

For many of us it may be hard to start a job and then stick to it. There is a word used in the business world that denotes being able to keep at something until it is finished. The word is stick-to-itiveness.

When Hudson Taylor, the pioneer missionary to China, said goodbye to his wife as she died by his side, he knelt down and thanked the Lord for their many years together and for taking her home to be with Himself in heaven. He then asked the Lord to help him carry on the work he had begun in china. His love for his wife was exceeded only by his love for, and devotion to, the Lord Jesus.

Are you letting something hinder your service for Christ? Has something come up that has detracted or derailed some work He has given you to do? Get back on track today. Follow through, and you will have His “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Copy link Print

First Day

This is the “first day of the week” (Acts 20:7), and the first day of another month. What better way to start than by taking time to praise the Lord, worship Him and spend time in His presence. The rest of the quoted verse tells us that it was on the first day of the week that the early Christians “came together to break bread.” It was their joy, their privilege, their priority. They came together for the express purpose of breaking bread…eating of the loaf, and drinking of the cup. They had other privileges that day too, but first and foremost was the remembrance of the Lord.

What will your priority be today? Will it be to meet with other believers who love and honor the Lord Jesus, and to partake of the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table? Can you truly echo the words of the Old Treatment prophet, when he said, “The desire of our soul is to Thy name, and to the remembrance of Thee” (Isaiah 26:8)? Is that your desire?

The Lord has promised, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). He will be there today, will you?