Young Christians Calendar

December 2014

The End

How often do we see these two words, “THE END”? Maybe at the conclusion of a book we are reading or something that we are watching or somewhere we are going.

Here we are at the end of another year, and it has made me think of several verses that have these two words in them:

“Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end” (John 13:1).

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth” (Romans 10:4).

“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned” (1 Timothy 1:5).

“The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7).

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13).

As we come to THE END of 2014, how good that we can continue to count on the Lord who has brought us through, and who has promised, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:1).

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

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Mind Control

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Here’s something that I find very difficult. Stopping our wandering thoughts to steer them in Scriptural directions requires diligence. How our minds race away with unprofitable thoughts. Today let’s try stopping our thoughts when they go off at an angle and get them to circle back to the things that are profitable and for our blessing — the things that center on, the Lord Jesus Christ. Like Paul said to the Christians at Philippi: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Make sure your thought process is governed by the Word of God and obedience to His will.

Monday, December 29, 2014

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Dear Young Christian:

Where has the year gone? They say time flies, but we’re the ones that really fly. Time keeps the same steady beat that it always has, while we rush about in this fast-paced society that seems to demand so much of us. Yes, I’m sure that for most of us, 2014 has quickly slipped by, and has been full to the brim with action and activity.

As we look back and recount the past year, hopefully we can say there has been something for the Lord amidst all the other necessary tasks. If there has been time and effort for Him and His service, then there will be fruit and blessing resulting. The Bible declares, “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good” (Ecclesiastes 11:6). Be assured that, although you may not see it now, any time or energy spent for the Lord is not lost or wasted. Eternity will show the full results, if we don’t see it here in this life.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, December 28, 2014

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Remember Me

When a former Queen of the Belgians died, her last words were: “My people no longer remember me; it is time to go.” What a tragedy!

Before the Lord Jesus died on the cross, he told His disciples, “I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more” (John 16:10). He also said, “This do in Remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). He knew what the hearts of His own would be like in His absence, and so He established a memorial so that His people would not forget Him.

The Apostle Paul confirms it later on, when he writes, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Not only did the Lord know we would need a reminder, but He knew we would need it “often.” Today, is another opportunity to be reminded and to remember the Lord Jesus in the breaking of bread. Like the early Christians in the city of Troas, of whom we read, “Upon the first day of the week…the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7).

Saturday, December 27, 2014

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The Correct Password

Here is an interesting story that shows the fruit of Sunday School work.

In the American Civil War, the Honorable George Henry Stuart, passing through the camp, was challenged by the sentry, because he gave the wrong password. The sentry said: “Mr Stuart, it is my duty to shoot you dead, but I know you; go to the General and get the right word.” Mr Stuart did so, came again, gave the word, and was allowed to pass.

As he was leaving he turned to the soldier and said, “You were very properly anxious about my having the right password; may I ask, have you the right password for eternity?

The soldier answered: “Yes I have, sir.”

“What is it,” Mr. Stuart asked?

“1 John 1:7, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ You gave it to me in Sunday School twenty years ago.”

Many of our readers have no doubt had godly Sunday School teachers. Have they seen the fruit of the many hours they spent with you in class, and the hours they spent in prayer for you in private?

Friday, December 26, 2014

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Question Page

Q. In Hebrews 9:4 we have the contents of the ark. “The golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant.” But in 1 Kings 8:9, we read: “There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone.” What do we learn from this?

A. The manna and rod were provided especially for the wilderness journey. The manna was the sustenance of the children of Israel, and is a type of Christ, as He explained in John 6:48-58. The rod was for their support and comfort, as we have in Psalm 23:4. These two items are eliminated in 1 Kings because they will no longer be needed in the millennial reign of Christ, which is the picture we have in the ark coming to rest in Solomon’s temple.

However, the tables of stone remain, because God’s standard remains unchanged, although He can act in grace just as He did in the wilderness because all His holy requirements are met in Christ, of which the ark is a type. The blood was on the mercy seat and as a result God could bless His people without compromise.

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

Thursday, December 25, 2014

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Faith Tested

“He that believeth on Him shall not be confounded” (1 Peter 2:6).

Simply put, the above verse tells us that although God often tests our faith, He will never disappoint our faith.

Abraham had many tests in the path of faith from the time he left Ur of the Chaldees in Genesis 12, until his death in the 25th chapter. Many of them were hard tests, such as the test of taking his son Isaac and offering him on Mount Moriah. But while some of the tests seemed beyond what anyone could be expected to bear, yet God was faithful, and Abraham received wonderful promises and blessings as a result of his faith.

Sometimes our faith wavers and we are not always as faithful as we should be. When that happens, there is a verse that I find to be a great comfort and encouragement. It is the promise of God’s faithfulness, and declares, “If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). As the tests come, remember the words of Jesus when He said to Peter, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22).

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Luke 2

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

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Missed Opportunity

“Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord” (Genesis 18:27).

An English businessman was returning from a European trip before World War I. He got into the Pullman car at Basle, and found that the only other occupant of the car was a pleasant-looking gentleman in the opposite corner. He thought it would be nice to get into conversation, but being reserved and shy by nature he did not do so. As the train drew up to the terminal in Brussels a roll of red carpet was brought to the carriage door and as the gentleman stepped out there were shouts of “Vive le Roi” (Long live the king). It was King Albert of Belgium!

The Englishman telling his friends, said, “I could have kicked myself. I had been for hours in the train with a king who would have been quite ready to talk with me, but I missed the opportunity.”

“Don’t miss the opportunities to speak with the King of Kings in prayer today. He has invited us to, “Come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). We can talk to Him anytime of the day and night.

Monday, December 22, 2014

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Dear Young Christian:

Someone has wisely said,

“Make your plans with pencil so that
the Lord can rub them out and change them.”

This would be a good motto to keep in mind as you start another week. Often I have had my weekly plans disrupted and changed, and then looked back with thankfulness, realizing that His plans are really the very best.

King Solomon was a wise man, perhaps the wisest man who ever lived, apart from the Lord Jesus Himself. He wrote, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord” (Proverbs 16:33). This is a good lesson for us all to remember. It will help us not to be frustrated when things don’t go the way we had planned and hoped. It will also help us to accept whatever twists and turns and changes He allows this week.

Perhaps Solomon learned the lesson from his father David, who said, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5)?

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, December 21, 2014

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My Whole Heart

“I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation” (Psalm 111:1).

As you meet with other believers today to worship and praise the Lord, remember that He wants us to give wholehearted praise. Not just mumbling some words, or singing without really putting our heart and soul into it. Often our thoughts can be a million miles away, while we merely mouth the words from a number in the hymnal. We can reverently close our eyes while someone else is speaking to the Lord and offering words of praise and thanksgiving, but we are thinking about something else.

If we have been occupied with Christ and walking with Him this past week, we will come together with a true response of praise. The Lord said about certain ones in His day, “This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me” (Matthew 15:8). That is not what He wants from us today. He wants a heart overflowing with an appreciation of Himself and His work.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

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Excuses

“A certain man made a great supper, and bade many…And they all with one consent began to make excuse” (Luke 14:16,18).

When a man prepares a feast, those who are invited rush in, and some who are uninvited may even try to “crash the party.” But when God prepares a feast they all begin to make excuses and don’t want to go.

When you read the whole parable (Luke 14:16-24) you see how foolish the excuses really were. The first man excused himself because he said he had bought a piece of land and had to go and see it. Foolish! He ought to have looked at it first. The second man bought a team of oxen and had to go and prove them. Foolish! He should have proved them before he bought them. The third said that he had married a wife and could not come. He was the most foolish of all! He should have brought his new wife with him.

We shake our heads, but people are just as foolish today. Many are giving lame excuses to God as to why they cannot come to the Saviour. If they don’t repent they will remember those excuses in a lost eternity.

Friday, December 19, 2014

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Anticipation

How often we anticipate the visit of a loved friend, and count the days expectantly with hopeful joy.

Too often, though, we forget the blessed promise of the Lord Jesus, whom our eyes have never seen. That promise that he gave to the disciples before He went to the cross and then returned to heaven. The precious promise, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself” (John 14:3).

The days and nights come and go, yet still He tarries; but He will not always tarry. His promise is sure; “For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37). The world was dark and weary when He came the first time, and then, unexpected He suddenly came, “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel” (Luke 2:32). So, as the moral and spiritual darkness gathers over this world today, we can, and should, expect Him at any moment.

Are we among those who are “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13)? If so, we are greatly blessed! It may be today!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

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The Twelve Apostles – Part 12

Thomas

“Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus” (John 20:24). Thomas was his Hebrew name and Didymus was his Greek name. Matthew, Mark and Luke tell us nothing about Thomas other than his name listed with the other disciples. However, in John’s Gospel we find him speaking up at the raising of Lazarus (11:16), in the Upper Room (14:5), and after the resurrection when he declares that he would not believe until he had seen the Lord, which opportunity the Lord graciously gave him (20:24-29). He was also among those who later went fishing with Peter (21:2).

We sometimes refer to him as Doubting Thomas, but it was really more than that…it was unbelief. He said, “Except I shall see…I will not believe” (John 20:25). Thomas was a true disciple, but there came a time when His heart was full of unbelief. It is possible for a true believer to come to that point. If we are not careful we can become unbelieving believers. The Lord said to him, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

He is later listed with those who were in the Upper Room waiting for the descent of the Spirit of God (Acts 1:13).

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

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What Did You Say?

“Thy speech betrayeth thee” (Matthew 26:73).

“Speech,” someone has said, “is a child of thought, which the mind always travails and teems with, and which after birth is wont in features to resemble its parent.”

Our accent may betray our origins, but our words betray our thinking. If our words are indeed the children of our mind, then we must unhappily and humbly admit that oftentimes our children are no credit to us.

We are exhorted by the Apostle Paul to “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6), and by Solomon we are reminded that, “a word spoken in due season, how good it is” (Proverbs 15:23).

The power of speech for good or evil is far greater than we realize. Let us seek the help of God, and pray with the Psalmist, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). And again, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord” (Psalm 19:14).

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

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A Merry Heart

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance” (Proverbs 15:3).

“He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15).

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”
(Proverbs 17:22).

I laughed till I thought I would be sick. The tears ran down my face, and my stomach hurt. When I thought about it later I realized what I was laughing at really wasn’t that funny. But then I thought of the above verses. God wants us to be happy, to laugh, to enjoy life. We are not to go around with long, sad, frowning faces.

There is of course a difference between having “a merry heart” and having a foolish heart. The Bible warns us to not be taken up with “foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient” (Ephesians 5:4).

So, like in most things, there needs to be a balance, realizing that there is a time and a place for everything. Even, “a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

Monday, December 15, 2014

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Dear Young Christian:

I have a busy week planned. As I write this page I am in the midst of packing Bibles and Christian literature to ship to the Caribbean for distribution in the gospel and amongst believers. Tomorrow I hope to fly from Chicago to Toronto and meet my wife so that we can attend a Bible conference over the weekend. Then we are home a day and off to a conference in southern France…then…on and on it goes…

Yes, we all seem to have busy plans, and every day of every week seems full to the brim with activity. One of the characteristics of the days just before the Lord comes is described to us by Daniel. “Many shall run to and fro” (Daniel 12:4). It shows that there is a restlessness about society in the last days, that there has never been before.

In the midst of all this, we can learn to trust the Lord, take quiet times in His presence, and not be overwhelmed by the busyness of life. Let’s learn to be like David, who said, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, December 14, 2014

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Two Hearts

There were two hearts exposed at the trial and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. The heart of sinful man, and the heart of a loving God.

When was the human heart ever displayed like it was then? All the cruelty and evil that was pent up for four thousand years came gushing out in all its hatred of God’s Son. And why, what had He done? He could say, “They hated Me without a cause” (John 15:25). Still, with all the kindness and grace He had displayed during His life on earth, “they cried out, Away with Him, away with Him” (John 19:15).

On the other hand, when was the heart of God displayed in all its fullness like there at Calvary? We read, “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Worship, praise and thank Him today for all that His heart of everlasting, divine love has provided for your eternal happiness and blessing, through His beloved Son. Then during the week continue to worship, praise and thank Him, over and over again.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

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Salvation

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else”
(Isaiah 45:22).

People are looking for salvation and deliverance in every level of society, whether it is politics, the business and corporate world, or in their lives personally and as families. The problem is that they are looking for it in the wrong places. Instead of looking to God and His Son, they are looking to themselves and their own deeds and inventions.

Of course nothing is right until we have looked to Jesus for the salvation of our souls, and have had our sins washed away in the blood of Christ. After that, we can look to Him in every situation and circumstance of life. Like God’s prophet in the Old Testament, who said: “Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7).

If you are not saved, remember, the Bible plainly states, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Friday, December 12, 2014

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Understanding the Bible!

“And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him….Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:30-31,35).

Someone has wisely pointed out that we cannot understand the Bible by forcing the lock; what we want is the key. But if you have CHRIST, you already have the key. In faith apply Christ to the Bible, and you can understand it. It is not a question of a superior mind or of great learning, for some of the learned have been the most foolish in their mistakes.

As you read the Bible see Christ on every page — the illustrations and types in the Old Testament, His life and work in the four gospels, the preaching of Christ in the Acts, the glory of Christ in the Epistles, and the exaltation of Christ in Revelation. This is the key, and this is where the real blessing comes from reading the Holy Scriptures.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

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Creation

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God” (Hebrews 11:3).

God enjoys diversity in His vast creation. No two people look or act exactly alike. No fingerprints are alike in all the millions that the United States Bureau of Investigation has on file. Not even in identical twins are they alike. Some such cases have been claimed to exist, but when examined carefully were proved to differ. Those who have studied the blades of grass, the leaves of the trees, and the snowflakes, tell us the same variation is true. When man makes pins, needles, or other objects, they come out uniformly the same.

In most school systems today, evolution is taught. The unsaved would like to be able to convince themselves that they simply evolved from nothing, and that creation just happened through some cosmic accident eons ago.

Though we can’t fully comprehend and understand it, yet we believe the Scriptural account of creation, and rejoice to know that, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them” (Genesis 1:27).

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

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Rain & Sunshine

“I do set My bow in the cloud…And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud” (Genesis 9:13-14).

Rain — there are no rainbows unless there are falling drops to catch and unravel the sunbeams. It may be that all suffering is worse in its anticipation than in its endurance; but one thing is certain, that the big drops of sorrow have to patter on our souls before we can realize all that God is prepared to be to us.

Sunshine — it is only when God comes into our grief that we can see the treasures of love and grace which are stored for us in Him. We never know how great a blessing our sorrow may be until we carry it into the light of the presence of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

King Solomon understood something of this when he declared, “Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better” (Ecclesiastes 7:3). Better to have had sorrow and know the comfort of God, than to never have shed a tear.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

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Found Out

“Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

The missionary, returning before midday to his bungalow after a morning of travel and preaching, found a visitor awaiting his coming. Observant by nature, he noticed
that his travelling alarm clock was missing from its place on the shelf. Suspecting that his visitor had stolen it, he said nothing but managed to keep the man until the hour set for the alarm to go off. Then, to the dismay of the thief, the clock made its presence known and revealed the visitor’s guilt.

Yes, we may think that we can hide things, and perhaps we do for a time. Of course we can hide nothing from God, for we read, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth” (2 Chronicles 16:9). And also, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).

We may pretend to be a Christian, or even as a Christian hide some secret sin in our life, but it will all come to light eventually. We can only cover up so long! “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not be known” (Luke 8:17).

Monday, December 8, 2014

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Dear Young Christian:

Everything we have ultimately comes from the hand of God our Father. The Bible tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

When we realize this, then we can accept it all, whether it seems good or bad to us, from His loving hand, knowing that He knows best. As the “Father of lights” He discerns exactly what we need, and what is really for our good and blessing. As His children, our joy and contentment comes when we accept it as such, and submit to His will. Remember, if He withholds something it is not for our good; if He gives us something, thank Him for it, and use it for His glory.

As you head out to school, work, or whatever you are doing this week, don’t forget, “Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of” (Matthew 6:8).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, December 7, 2014

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Time To Worship

“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3).

A time to worship the Lord is a very special and precious time. It’s the time when we clear our hearts and minds of anything else but Jesus Christ. It’s a time when we can really express to Him our appreciation of who He is and what He has done for us at Calvary. It’s a time to remember Him. He has requested, “This do in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).

Here are some other references to worship in the Psalms:

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2).

“So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou Him” (Psalm 45:11).

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker” (Psalm 95:6).

Let’s start this first day of the week with worship, and continue throughout each day. Soon we will worship Him for all eternity with all the redeemed in the Father’s House.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

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Epitaphs

“He being dead yet speaketh” (Hebrews 11:4).

Have you ever wandered through a cemetery and read the inscriptions on the tombstones and grave markers? These are called epitaphs, and are often very interesting. Quite often they were written by the deceased while they were alive, and engraved on their marker after their death at their request, and give the reader real insight into their character. Some indicate that the person was a believer, and is now, “absent from the body, and…present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Others make you wonder.

Here is an epitaph with a thought provoking message:

My body lies beneath this stone,

My spirit has to heaven gone!

Weep not for me, I am not dead,

But sleep in Jesus Christ instead.

And soon I’ll rise, when called away,

Upon the resurrection day,

With all God’s saints — will you be there,

And God’s bright home with Jesus share?

Friday, December 5, 2014

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Noise – Part 3

“Study to be quiet” (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

All this fuss and noise is to get the attention of the people and make it appear that God is at work. God is indeed working, but quietly, in the individual lives of the saints. He is at work in the silent tear of the sorrowing, the quiet handshake of a restored brother or sister, the sigh of the longing soul, the prayers of the intercessor, the burning of the midnight oil to discover the gold of God in His Word, and especially in the hidden growth of strengthened spirits that silently root ever deeper into the love of Christ.

Because God is not shaking and burning and blasting, it does not mean He is not at work. His mightiest works have been done in the silence. If your work is not growing as you think it should, and you have done your part faithfully, it may be the time of the quiet work of God out of sight, rooting and grounding the saints in love.

Resist the temptation to follow those who crave crowds, speak of “excitement,” organize big affairs, advertise, magnetize, socialize. Don’t be afraid of the silent times!

Thursday, December 4, 2014

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Noise – Part 2

Then came a great wind, an earthquake, and a burning fire. But the Lord was not in these. Then we read, “after the fire a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). Or perhaps it could read, “the sound of a gentle stillness.”

God had worked by fire at Carmel, but in spite of this, there was still no revival in Israel. “When he saw that…” (not heard that — for Elijah wasn’t afraid of wicked Jezebel; he was discouraged at the lack of response to God) he fled “for his life.” Not to save his life in fear, but to lay it down as finished, useless and hopeless in despair. The Lord taught him that in spite of the fact that nothing appeared to be happening, God was in the “sound of a gentle stillness.”

So it seems, for some well-intentioned but mistaken believers today, that if there is no “activity,” no “excitement,” no outward display, they think God is not at work and all is at a standstill. Instead of the quietness of faith that can listen to the “still small voice,” up jumps the agitated flesh that endeavours by novel programs, new methods, and worldly presentations, to produce an artificial earthquake, a bombastic wind and a strange fire.

Continued…

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

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Noise – Part 1

“In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

Everywhere they can be seen, heads bobbing, shoulders pointing, toes tapping, fingers drumming. They come in all sizes, shapes, and styles. Male or female, young or old, they can be found almost anywhere, jogging in the park, sitting in the airport, on the way to school, or just gazing out there somewhere. They have one thing in common, those little earphones, attached by a thin wire to a miniature MP3 or CD player fastened to a belt or tucked in a pocket.

Their musical interest may vary from Brahms to the
rowdiest beat of hammering rock. Of course there are spiritual songs and even the beauty of the spoken Scriptures to be heard by this device, so it can’t be all bad — can it?

Elijah discovered the need for quietness. He had won a great victory at Carmel and the fire from heaven testified who was the true God and who was His servant. Then there was Jezebel, who threatened the prophet with death on the morrow. The record states, “and when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life” (1 Kings 19:3). The Lord met Elijah at Horeb and called him to stand on the mount.

Continued…

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

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To Whom Shall We Go?

“From whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go,

In all of the struggles of life,

With all of our questions and woe,

With all of our fears and our strife?

Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go,

None other can counsel like Thee?

No greater a refuge we know,

All wisdom and safety’s in Thee.

Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go?

No, never another shall be,

So glorious and sweet, while below,

Our source and supply Thou shalt be.

Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go,

Till gathered in heaven with Thee,

Thy fulness and rest we shall know?

No, none but Lord Jesus, to Thee!

Monday, December 1, 2014

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Dear Young Christian:

As another week begins, here is a good verse to consider: “The Son of Man…gave…to every man his work” (Mark 13:34).

Do you think that you don’t have any service for the Lord? This verse says otherwise. He gave to every man his work. You have a niche to fill this week that only you can fill. No one else can fill it quite as well as you can. Don’t shirk your responsibilities. You have been chosen (and at some time you will go through God’s school of preparation) to do a very necessary work for the Lord. You may not think it’s much — others may not even know about it — but you need to do it anyway. Keep serving!

The time for serving the Lord is now, and you won’t have that privilege in heaven. Make sure you use the opportunities while you can, and that you fulfill your ministry, so that in the end the Lord can say, “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