Young Christians Calendar

June 2015

First

My mother had an old saying, “First things first.” It is certainly true, that we always make time for the things that are important to us. That’s why we need to check our priority list from time to time and make sure we have things in the right order. Recently I saw the following quote on a billboard outside a local church building. It read:

“You always have time for the things you put first!”

This statement made me think of what the prophet Elijah said to the widow of Zarephath, who was gathering sticks for a fire to bake one last cake for herself and her son with the little bit of flour and oil that she had left in her home. He said, “Make me thereof a little cake first” (1 Kings 17:13). What a test of faith that must have been! However, because of her obedience and putting God first, we read in verse 16: “And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.”

When we put the Lord first, and make time for His work and His interests we will never be disappointed.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

As the month of June draws quickly to a close we consider that give or take a few days, the year is half over. This is a good time to reflect and assess our spiritual progress so far, for 2015. Here are some questions we might ask ourselves in this regard.

1. Have we grown in our appreciation of the person and work of Christ?

2. Has our appetite for the Word of God increased?

3. Is our prayer life consistent?

4. Has our personal testimony grown brighter over the past 6 months?

God wants us to have spiritual growth and maturity in our Christian life. The last words that Peter penned by inspiration were, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

How much growth have you experienced this year?

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Copy link Print

Many or Few?

“The desire of our soul is to Thy name, and to the remembrance of Thee” (Isaiah 26:8).

Are there just a few believers where you go each first day of the week to remember the Lord? There were some in the city of Troas many centuries ago. Here is what the Bible says about their weekly habit: “And upon the first day of the week…the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7). Were there many or few on those occasions? Scripture doesn’t tell us, because that is not what really mattered. What really mattered, and what was important to the believers in Troas was that they had the privilege of breaking bread every Lord’s Day with the Lord Jesus in their midst. His presence was what made it so real and special to them.

Is that what really matters to us? I love to see a young person, who really looks forward to the remembrance meeting, and being where the Lord has promised His presence. He has said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Will you be there today?

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Copy link Print

Battle With Self

Epitaph’s on tombstones are often very interesting and insightful as to the person who is buried beneath them. In the city of Chichester, in West Sussex, South-East England, there is such a marker. It reads:

Here lies an old soldier whom all must applaud;
He suffered much hardship at home and abroad;
But the hardest engagement he ever was in
Was the battle with self, for the conquest of sin.

Yes, there is a powerful enemy, Satan, who does not want us to be saved. And after we are saved he does not want us to be happy. “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

However, we can win the victory through Christ. The Apostle Paul said, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14). Whether it is coming to Christ for salvation, or living a victorious Christian life, we can overcome self and sin, through Christ…there is no other way to be TRIUMPHANT!

Friday, June 26, 2015

Copy link Print

Monthly Question Page

Q. Who is the “host” or “innkeeper” in Luke 10:35 a picture of?

A. The Samaritan in this story is a picture of the Lord Jesus coming in grace to meet our need as sinners, pictured by the man in the ditch who had fallen among thieves. The “innkeeper” then is a picture of the Spirit of God. Often in the Bible the unnamed servant or man is used in this way. For example, Abraham’s servant sent to get a bride for his son Isaac, in Genesis 24; the servant sent to compel souls to come to the feast, in Luke 14; and the man who was carrying the pitcher of water, in Luke 22.

The “innkeeper” was instructed: “Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee” (Luke 10:35). So, the Lord Jesus said, “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16-17). The Spirit ministers to our needs in the absence of the Lord, who is now in heaven.

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

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Copy link Print

The 11th Commandment

Archbishop Usher (1581-1655) was once wrecked on the coast of Ireland, and almost destitute of clothing he wandered to the house of a local preacher. The preacher was quite wary of this stranger at his door, and somewhat coldly asked, “How many commandments are there?” This he did thinking to detect and expose an imposter.

“I can at once satisfy you that I am not the ignorant imposter you take me for,” replied the archbishop, “for there are most certainly eleven commandments in the Bible.”

“No,” was the sneering reply, “there are but ten commandments in my Bible. Tell me the eleventh and I will give you the help you need.”

The archbishop asked for a Bible. “There it is,” he said pointing to the verse, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).

This so smote the conscience of the preacher that he did all he could for the comfort and help of the stranger at his door. Let us never forget to practice the eleventh commandment.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Copy link Print

Monthly Scripture Reading

Genesis 2

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made.

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,

And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Copy link Print

Creation

We accept the Biblical account of creation, not because we understand how it all happened or how it all works, but because we have believed what God says. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3).

Dr. Alfred R. Wallace (January 8, 1823 — November 7, 1913), a famous propagator of the theory of natural selection, cast aside Evolution at the age of 87, and returned to his earlier faith in creation as told by God in Genesis 1. He left two statements on record:

1. “Nothing in evolution can account for the SOUL of man. The difference between man and the other animals is unbridgeable.”

2. “An honest scrutiny of NATURE forces upon the mind this certain truth, that at some period of the earth’s history there was a CREATION, a giving to the earth of something which before it had not possessed, and from that gift, the gift of LIFE, has come the infinite and wonderful population of living forms.”

Monday, June 22, 2015

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

“Why me?” Have you ever asked that question? If you are like me you probably have. But someone has said that rather than ask “Why me?” Why not ask the question, “Why not me?” Why do we think we are special and should be immune to trials and difficulties? And when we realize that our heavenly Father has our good in view, and that He is working out a plan and purpose in our lives, we should be like David who said, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of his countenance” (Psalm 42:5). David realized that there was a time coming when He would see everything that had happened in His life from God’s perspective, and that He would be filled with praise as a result.

If we start the work and school week with this understanding and attitude, we will have a submissive spirit, a happy attitude, and a fruitful experience.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Copy link Print

One Offering

“For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrew 10:14).

Yes, one mighty and complete sacrifice, and the work was eternally done to the glory and satisfaction of a holy God. What a contrast to the thousands and thousands of sacrifices that were offered in the Old Testament, starting with Abel. “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering” (Genesis 4:4), and continuing through the history of the children of Israel. We read, “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).

Let’s thank God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ once again today for that wonderful, all sufficient sacrifice. And not just today, but let’s make it our daily habit to offer our thanks for all that we have because of the finished work of Calvary.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Copy link Print

Terror

“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord,
we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11).

Since September 11th 2001, terror and tragedy have been on everyone’s mind. Terrorism has become a household word, and is often the subject of conversation in circles of business and every level of society. Just when we seem to be forgetting and moving on, something else happens to bring the reality of it back to the forefront. Certainly the things that have happened in the last few years have been shocking and awful beyond words.

The Lord has allowed these events, and one reason is to wake people up as to their need of a Saviour, and the need to prepare for eternity. There are terrible judgments coming on this world, such as have never been before. How important then to have refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ and a home in heaven. This we can have because of the work of Calvary, the death of Christ, and His precious blood. All the true believers will be raptured out of the world before those awful judgements happen, and those who are left behind will realize that it is too late! That is why John the Baptist warned, “Flee from the wrath to come” (Luke 3:7).

Friday, June 19, 2015

Copy link Print

That Old Serpent

I have on my bulletin board in my office a photo of my youngest daughter taken some years ago with a live python snake draped around her shoulders. This was taken during an animal exhibit here in the town of Smiths Falls where we live.

I keep this picture to remind me of sin and the wiles of “that old Serpent, called the Devil, and Satan” (Revelation 12:9). He is always trying to trap us and trick us, and while he can never take away our salvation, he can certainly rob us of our joy in Christ, and get us very discouraged.

This is why we need to read our Bibles every day and spend time in prayer. This is how we “resist the Devil” (James 4:4). By lifting “the shield of faith” we are then “able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).

We are no match for the clever, sly, sneaky ways of Satan, and his host of demons, but the Apostle John reminds us, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). We have everything we need to meet the enemy and be victorious for Christ’s glory.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Copy link Print

Minor Prophets — Micah

This prophet tells us, not only of the judgment on Israel and Judah, but on the nations as well. This is confirmed at the very beginning of the book, when he says, “Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple” (Micah 1:2).

In Micah we have a wonderful prophecy concerning the Messiah: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). The Lord rebuked the people in His day for not knowing this and other prophecies concerning His being born in Bethlehem. He said, “Hath not the Scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was” (John 7:42)?

Micah also gives us the truth of the wonderful millennial blessing to follow the judgments. “They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it” (Micah 4:4). What a happy day it will be!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Copy link Print

The Power of Prayer

“I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me” (Psalm 3:4).
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
“God hath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer” (Psalm 66:19).
“In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me” (Psalm 120:1).

Prayer has divided seas, rolled back flowing rivers, made hard rocks gush into fountains, quenched flames of fire, muzzled lions, disarmed vipers, repelled frauds, burst open iron gates, recalled souls from eternity, conquered the strongest demons, and commanded legions of angels down from heaven. Prayer has bridled and changed the raging passions of man and destroyed vast armies of proud, daring, blundering atheists. Prayer has brought one man from the bottom of the sea and carried another in a whirlwind to heaven.

What has prayer not done! Think about what it can do for you!

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Copy link Print

Free

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God”
(1 Corinthians 2:16).

Many of us have heard the statement, “The best things in life are free.” There is certainly a lot of truth in that. However, some people think that the best things are expensive or even out of reach of the average person. Another statement I read recently said, “The best things in life are not things.” What a great statement! What we have of greatest value is what we have in the Lord and He Himself is our greatest possession. The best things in life are the eternal riches and the heavenly inheritance that God has provided for us through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. He has, on the basis of the work of Calvary, freely given us more than we can ever imagine. “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things” (Romans 3:24; 8:32)?

Monday, June 15, 2015

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

Some people don’t like Mondays because it starts another school or work week. Some people are already thinking about Friday afternoon when they will be free once more to enjoy another weekend and do what they want.

But the Lord wants us to take one day at a time and enjoy the blessings that He has given for that day. Here are some verses to think about in that regard:

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

“As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25).

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Let’s start the week with the joy of the Lord in our hearts, a song on our lips, and a sense of His provision and presence with us. That way we will have a happy week.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Copy link Print

I Will Sing

“I will sing unto the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously” (Exodus 15:1).
“I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God” (Judges 5:3).
“I will sing unto the Lord, because He hath dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:6).
“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being” (Psalm 104:33).

How much will these verses be true of us today? Singing is a wonderful way to express our appreciation of the person and work of Christ, our joy in the Lord, and our worship, praise, and thanksgiving, for all that He has done for us.

As you meet with other believers today, open your mouth and sing. Even if you can’t carry a tune very well, remember, seven times in the book of Psalms we are told to “make a joyful noise.” For example: “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1). The Lord loves to hear our voice in song. Let’s give Him that privilege.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Copy link Print

Salvation

In the book of Romans we have salvation presented in three different aspects, and in the three tenses in which we operate in the realm of time…past, present, and future.

First of all we read, “Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:9). Through the death of Christ and the blood that was shed at Calvary, we have the salvation of our souls. How thankful we should be that we can look back to that great salvation.

Secondly, we are told, “Much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10). This is a present, ongoing salvation. We are saved from hell by His death, but we are preserved in the path of faith by His intercessory life at the right hand of God.

Thirdly, we have that which is yet future. “Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11). This is when the Lord comes and we have full deliverance. At that moment we will have glorified bodies, and be safe home in heaven. The Lord said, “Lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). For those who are ready it certainly must be soon

Friday, June 12, 2015

Copy link Print

Faith

“I believe God” (Acts 27:25).

The above statement is the very essence of faith. To believe God without question is to have complete trust and full faith in one whose Word is sure, whose love is consistent, and whose wisdom is infinite. Probably the best Scriptural definition of faith is found in John’s gospel. “He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true” (John 3:33).

Are you willing to trust God at all times? Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). His father David said, “Trust in Him at all times” (Psalm 62:8). The Lord Jesus said to Peter, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22).

How much is it really true in your life and mine? If we learn to trust Him while we are young, we will still be trusting when we are older. Faith is something that does not come easy. It must be tried and proven, and as we put it to the practical test it will grow and give reality and substance to our life. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Copy link Print

Home — Part 3

The hope of the Christian is Christ Himself, and Christ as coming for His blood-bought people. Why does the Lord present Himself as the “Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16)? Every person understands what the morning star is. It is not daylight. You never saw a person wakened in the morning by the morning star! You must get up early to see the morning star, but what wakes people up in the morning is the sunlight — it is daylight.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). What you have in this verse is that the hope of the Christian is CHRIST, now known in heaven as the Saviour, and as the One who is coming back for His own people. The Morning Star is Christ for the watching Christian.

We are saved to wait for God’s Son from heaven, and if we are constantly and consciously waiting and watching it will have a practical effect on our lives while we are on our way to that wonderful HOME.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Copy link Print

Home — Part 2

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

Every true child of God will be gathered safely home to heaven, but how much better to walk in the path of His choosing than in our own ways. Some might argue that it makes little difference as long as we get to the Father’s house, but this would show an utter indifference to His claims over us. Can it be that, knowing what it cost the Lord to redeem us to Himself, we would not want to please Him in our lives? Then too, there is a day of manifestation coming when God will make known what has been according to His mind, and reward it. Let us seek grace to be faithful to Him. “For we are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthian 6:20).

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope…” (Titus 2:11-13).

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Copy link Print

Home — Part 1

One of the loveliest things that Jesus told His disciples, was that He was making adequate and abundant provision for their future happiness and security. Believers are assured that after this life they will enter into full possession of the heavenly home specially prepared for them. Much time is spent here on house-hunting. This is an unknown task in glory, where the foundation, the furnishings, and the fellowship are perfect. The Lord’s promise still stands: “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).

It will be a momentary journey, a rapid and direct flight like a lightning flash, and we shall be changed and translated, and so be forever with the Lord, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” (1 Corinthians 15:52). “And so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Monday, June 8, 2015

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

Yesterday’s meditation had to do with the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus at Calvary’s cross. What a sacrifice it was, and what astounding results there have been and will be as a result of the work of atonement fully accomplished there.

As we start this week, let’s think about sacrifice in relationship to our own lives. Paul exhorts us, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:2). Let’s give ourselves in total commitment to the Lord and to our fellow-believer. The Apostle John said, “We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). Yesterday we considered the first part of that verse, and as we think of Him laying down His life for us, we will be motivated to lay down our lives in love for Him and for His people. It takes real commitment and sacrifice, but remember, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Copy link Print

Offering and Sacrifice

“Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God
for a sweetsmelling savour” (Ephesians 5:2).

There are two things, the “offering” and the “sacrifice.” What is the difference if any?

The offering would speak of the what or who is offered, the sacrifice would speak of the cost.

As to the sacrifice of Calvary, the Lord Jesus offered Himself. “Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God” (Hebrews 9:14). To offer one’s self is total commitment. The offering then being Himself, the cost, or sacrifice, was the laying down of His life. “He laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16). To lay down one’s life is the ultimate cost.

As we consider that great offering and the sacrifice today, our hearts will overflow with worship and praise, and it will be the springboard for our giving ourselves in service like “Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the Lord” (2 Chronicles 17:16).

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Copy link Print

Death

“Fear of death” (Hebrews 2:15).

There are many who are afraid to die. Life beyond this world holds no hope for them, and to many the unknown afterlife grips them with absolute terror.

I remember an elderly resident of my hometown who, as he neared the end of this life, filled the hospital ward with shrieks of panic and horror. He had been a good-living, kind, and helpful family and community man, but he knew that was not enough as eternity approached.

In contrast, a day or two later, in that same hospital down the hall, I stood by the bedside of an elderly believer as she gently drew her last breaths, and quietly passed from this life to the next. I knew without a doubt that she was, “absent from the body…present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Centuries ago King David said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4). When we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour we need have no fear of death.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Copy link Print

Complaining

“I’m sick of global whining.”

So read the bumper sticker on the car in front of me, and it made me smile. We talk about the “globalization” of everything else, like the economy, travel, government, and so on, but whining and complaining seems to be a global problem too. Everywhere you go, somebody is discontented about something, or someone.

The bumper sticker brought to mind the words of David who said, “That there be no complaining in our streets” (Psalm 144:14). I suppose whining or complaining is the result of discontentment. The Apostle Paul learned the secret of not whining about his circumstances. He said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). He also said, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

Are you part of the “global whining” epidemic that seems to have circled the planet? There is a cure, and David gives it to us when he says, “I cried unto the Lord…I poured out my complaint before Him” (Psalm 142:1-2). Instead of complaining to others he took it to the Lord.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Copy link Print

Curves

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).

If you were to cross the Nullarbor Plain on the Trans-Australian Railway, you would travel 300 miles without encountering a single curve. It is the longest section of straight railroad track in the world.

However, most of life is not that way: there are many twists, and turns, and curves in the road-of-life. As we mentioned on Monday, we do not know what lies around the next bend, but we can, and should, trust our loving Lord who knows exactly what is ahead. There are no surprises to Him, and He has said, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

In the Old Testament the children of Israel didn’t know what was ahead either as they traveled through the wilderness, but we read later that, “He led them forth by the right way: (Psalm 107:7), and He will do the same for us.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Copy link Print

Reward

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible”
(1 Corinthians 9:25).

The following account illustrates the fact that our lives now are determining the reward that the Lord will have the joy of giving us in a future day in heaven.

An elderly Christian had a dream. In the dream an angel came with a crown of marvelous beauty, blazing with diamonds, and said, “This was the crown designed for you when you were young, but you refrained as a young Christian from laying down your life at the feet of Christ, and it is gone forever.” The angel went away and returned with a plainer one, beautiful, though with far fewer jewels. “This was designed for you in middle age, but you gave your days then to an ordinary, leisurely life of pleasure, and it is gone as well.” The third time the angel came with a plain circlet with no jewels on it, and said, “This is your all for eternity.”

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11).

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Copy link Print

The Tone of His Voice

“And all bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:2).

The tone of His voice was perfect,
Though He seasoned His words with salt:
His intonations were gracious,
So that none could truly find fault.

He spoke with loving affection,
Yet faithful and truthful each word:
Yes, the tone of His voice was perfect,
As each heavenly statement was heard.

Thus were the words of the Saviour,
While walking on earth long ago:
While speaking for God in this world,
Revealing Himself here below.

He spoke to the heart and the conscience,
Addressing the needs of each soul:
The tone of His voice was perfect…
Let’s make His example our goal!

Monday, June 1, 2015

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

Here we are at the beginning of another month and what will it bring? Sorrow, joy, heartache, laughter, change, boredom…some of the above, all of the above…who knows! It is a good thing that we don’t know the future or even what is just around the corner for today or this week. It would be a burden we couldn’t carry around.

However, there is One who knows it all, and who has lovingly planned every event and circumstance of our life. Thankfully He knows us better than we know ourselves, loves us with an everlasting love, and understands what is best for us. How good it is when we submit to His will in our lives, and trust our God and Father even when we don’t understand all the reasons and purposes behind what He allows and what He is doing with us. Here are a couple of good verses to keep in mind as another week and month begin: “Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:7), and, “Trust in Him at all times” (Psalm 62:8).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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