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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

March 2016

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Thursday, March 31, 2016

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Words
“Let the words of my mouth … be acceptable
in Thy sight, O Lord” (Psalm 19:14).
How important it is to speak words that are good and true and pure. Timothy was told, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
These days it seems that so many (even those who say they are Christians) use terrible language. No swear words or off-color words should escape your lips, and we are never to use the name of the Lord in an irreverent way. God does not look lightly on using His name in a disrespectful or impertinent way. He warned His people in the Old Testament: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).
Your language should show that you are a believer. That means we should talk as Christ talked — in love, compassion, and grace. Of Him we read, “And all bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 2:22).

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

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Wisdom
“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver” (Proverbs 16:16).
This verse seems to contradict the idea that gold and silver are much more important and have higher value than anything else, which is the general consensus in the world. If you look on the precious metal commodity list you’ll find gold at the top and silver not far behind. By contrast you’ll never find wisdom being traded on the stock market. That’s because it’s not something you can buy with money. You can only get it from one place and not everyone has access to the source. “Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3).
Wouldn’t you like some shares in wisdom? They’re free — and they reap dividends. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). Daniel and his three friends had a good share in this stock, for we read: “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom” (Daniel 1:17).

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

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Cancer
One of the most dreaded sentences a patient can hear is, “You have cancer.” These words bring a chill to the heart, and although great progress has been made in treating this disease, recovery can be long and painful, and many people, young and old, do not survive.
An enthusiastic young believer in Christ, by the name of Dan, lost his battle with cancer. But his life showed that even though the physical body may be destroyed by the disease, the spirit can remain triumphant. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). At his request the following was handed out at his memorial service.
Cancer is so limited …
It cannot cripple love, or shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith, or eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence, or kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories, or silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul, or reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.
It cannot lessen the power of resurrection.
What a wonderful testimony to the power of Christ!

Monday, March 28, 2016

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Dear Young Christian:
When we are young we don’t think much about death and what lies beyond. At least I didn’t! I knew I was saved, and that if I died I would go to heaven, but beyond that I really have to admit, I didn’t give it a whole lot of thought.
However, here is an interesting statement from the lips of a dying youth that might be worth considering, even for readers who consider themselves “young people.”
“Think of me tomorrow as being the
happiest person you ever heard of.”
It brings to mind the words of David, who so many centuries ago said, “In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore … As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness” (Psalm 16:11; 17:15).
I don’t suppose many of us count on dying this week, but if we do, how wonderful to know that we will be happy and satisfied beyond what we could ever imagine.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, March 27, 2016

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Rejoice
“Rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4).
This is the ninth time this expression appears in this form in our English King James Bible. Here are seven reasons to “Rejoice in the Lord” today:
1. He loves us. “I have loved you” (John 15:12).
2. He died for us. “Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).
3. He shed His blood to wash our sins away. “One of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water” (John 19:34).
4. He rose from the dead: “The Lord is risen indeed” (Luke 24:34).
5. He is gone back to heaven as a man. “This man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12).
6. He is living for us. “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
7. He is coming again. “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself” (John 14:3).

Saturday, March 26, 2016

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Hell
Yesterday’s question had to do with “the second death” (Revelation 20:14). What awful reality it will be for Christ rejecters and gospel neglecters when they are bound “hand and foot … and cast … into outer darkness” (Matthew 22:13).
It is important to understand that hell was never prepared for man, but is spoken of as “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). However, as we said yesterday, God is holy and cannot have sin in His presence. Scripture affirms, “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:13). Yet we find that God is not only holy, but “God is love” (1 John 4:8). His desire is for the blessing of sinners, not their eternal exile in the lake of fire. Through His Son, He has provided a way of blessing so that instead of going to hell, we can be with Him in the Father’s house. “God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Timothy 2:4-6).

Friday, March 25, 2016

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Monthly Question Page
Q. Why is the casting into hell of the unsaved referred to as “the second death” (Revelation 20:14)?
A. Death is spoken of in three ways in the Bible, and in each case it denotes the separation between two things.
Firstly, we are spiritually dead: “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:2).
Secondly, there is physical death: “The body without the spirit is dead” (James 2:26).
Finally, The “second death” will be eternal separation from a God of love in the Lake of Fire. What an awful condition it will be to be shut out forever with no hope or remedy! God is holy and cannot have sin in His presence. He will have no choice but to banish to hell those who refuse to have their sins washed in the blood of Christ
We want to make it clear that being cast into hell is in no way annihilation or ceasing to exist. Those who reject God’s salvation will continue in that dreadful place, of which it says, “hell fire: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:47-48).

Thursday, March 24, 2016

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The Word
“The Word of the Lord is tried” (Psalm 18:30).
Today we live in a world where we are taught to question everything. But with the “Word of the Lord,” it is not so. We accept it and enjoy it by faith. “He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true” (John 3:33). The sinner believes for salvation, the saint believes for the path of faith. God’s Word never changes! It is impossible for Him to lie! Amidst all the untruth that is propagated in a society where things are shaky, unsound and changing, it is a comfort and a joy to realize that we have the truth. Listen to the words of the Lord Jesus as He affirms, “Thy Word is truth” (John 17:17). We can rest with full assurance and utmost confidence on His Word. If He said it, we can believe it!
Read the Word prayerfully every day — digest it, meditate on it, walk in obedience to it, rest on it and let it be your guide, comfort, encouragement, food and refreshment. And remember again the words of the Lord Jesus as He told His disciples, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Psalm 37
A Psalm of David
1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.
6 And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of Him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

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Satisfaction
I went to Hampton Court palace in England today. This luxurious edifice is best known and remembered as the home of Henry VIII and his six wives. As I listened to the audio tour and went from room to room and through the courtyard, I was intrigued by the history, the stories and the opulence of palace life at that time in Britain’s history. However, I came away realizing the emptiness of it all, the inability for it to satisfy the soul and make a person happy. In the Bible we read, “For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9). Yes, the Lord is the only one who can give lasting satisfaction, real happiness and true peace of mind.
Many of those who have lived behind palace walls, including Henry VIII, never enjoyed real peace of mind. They were always concerned about conspiracies that might threaten their power and sovereignty or even their life. The histories of the famous and great of this world are fascinating and glamorous, but many of them ended in great tragedy and, no doubt, many without Christ. How much better to have Him as our full supply for this life and the assurance of glory and the Father’s house for eternity.

Monday, March 21, 2016

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Dear Young Christian:
“Give an account of thy stewardship” (Luke 16:2).
Perhaps people at school or work this morning will ask you something to the effect, “How was your weekend?” or “Did you have a good weekend?” Or they may ask you, “What did you do on your days off?” Good question! What did you do? Does your list look something like this?
Slept in
Read my Bible and spent time in prayer.
Tidied up and helped around the house.
Did homework.
Met with other believers for Bible study and young people’s meeting.
Attended the breaking of bread and worship meeting.
Helped with gospel outreach.
Whatever else may be on your list make sure you have used your time wisely and for the Lord, and if not, start over fresh this week. Remember, we are accountable to God!
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, March 20, 2016

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A Perfect Lamb
“Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats .… Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof” (Exodus 12:5,9).
The Passover sacrifice in the Old Testament was to be without a mark or blemish, typifying the Lord Jesus as the perfect, sinless Lamb of God. Notice three things that connect with the sinless humanity of the Lord as denoted in the New Testament:
His head:“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who KNEW no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
His legs:“Christ also suffered for us … who DID no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:21-22).
The purtenance (inward parts) thereof:“He was manifested to take away our sins; and IN Him is no sin” (1 John 3:5).
No wonder John the Baptist could declare, “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:36).

Saturday, March 19, 2016

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Tests
There are many people who pretend to be saved, and some who, being misguided, perhaps think they are saved, but they are not. One of the great tests as to whether we are really saved is whether there is genuine affection for the Lord. When we have truly experienced His love for us, there will be a reciprocal love for Him. “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Another test is whether there is a love for other believers, who are part of the family of God. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14). When we are saved we become a child of God. There is a family relationship established and a bond that is quickly experienced and enjoyed with God’s other sons and daughters.
If you fail these tests, then you may not be saved at all. But if you are reading this calendar page it is not too late. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved .… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9,13).

Friday, March 18, 2016

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Entangled
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4).
The word entangled is from a Greek word that means to weave in. This brings a very strong picture before us which goes much deeper than our usual thoughts about the word.
In southern Nigeria, the Urhobo tribal chiefs wear beautiful, multicolored robes which often display a thin gold thread intricately woven through the fabric, making the robe reflect the rays of the sun in a gorgeous way. This should be the character of our lives. That thin gold thread reminds us of the glorious person of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who should be woven into the very fabric of our lives so that we reflect His glory as a testimony to all those around us. When we weave ourselves into the affairs of this life, the gold thread won’t show like it should, and others will not see that we belong to Christ and to heaven.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

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Jacob’s Twelve Sons — Levi
From Levi came the priestly tribe of Israel beginning with Aaron and his sons. This is affirmed in the instructions given to Moses, when the Lord said, “And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office” (Exodus 28:1). Levi’s three sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari were heads of the three branches of the Levites, (Numbers 3:17-39).
When Jacob blessed Levi a curse was pronounced on him because he had joined with Simeon in their cruel and vindictive dealings with Shechem (Genesis 34:25-31). We further read, “Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel” (Genesis 49:7). This shows two things. First, we see the righteousness of God in His governmental ways with His people. This in no way sets aside the reward for faithful conduct, either before or after. The Lord will never forget what we do for Him, nor will it go unrewarded, in spite of our failure. Second, we see that blessing for Levi, as for us, was only on the ground of pure, sovereign grace.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

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The Smashed Window — Part 2
“I am the Lord that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26).
The custodians of the cathedral gathered in the artist’s studio. They stood before a veil of canvas. The veil was removed to display a stained glass window surpassing in its beauty anything they had ever seen. “This window,” said the artist, “I have wrought from the fragments of your shattered one, and it is now ready to be replaced.” Soon after, a great stained glass window shed its beautiful light into the ancient building once more. The splendor of the new far surpassed that of the old, and its fame spread far and wide.
Yes, even as believers, the storms of life often have a shattering effect on our lives. But all is not hopeless. The Lord Jesus, the Master Artist, can put it all back together if we are willing to let Him. Peter failed and denied his Lord three times. However, the Lord said, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). After he was restored in his soul, he was used in a wonderful way for the glory of God and the blessing of others. The beauty of his life now shines in the pages of the book of the Acts as well as the two epistles he wrote.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

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The Smashed Window — Part 1
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
Perhaps there is a Christian young person reading this calendar who feels that their life has been shattered by sin or circumstances. Like a smashed pane of glass, life looks hopeless and the future bleak. Maybe your heart is broken, fragmented into a thousand pieces. The following story illustrates the ability of our God and Saviour to mend broken hearts and broken lives.
In an old cathedral in Europe, a valuable stained glass window lay on the marble floor in a hundred fragments, shattered by the storm. The pieces were gathered up, put in a box and stored in a cellar for many years. One day a visitor came to see the window. Hearing of its fate, he asked if he might have the fragments. “Take them away,” he was told. “We can do nothing with them; they are absolutely useless to us.”
He carefully carried them away. Weeks had passed when an invitation came to the custodians of the cathedral to view a work of art by a famous artist, celebrated for his skill in glass work.

Monday, March 14, 2016

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Dear Young Christian:
I recently read the following verse on a calendar leaflet of a daily reading that my wife likes to keep on the kitchen table: “And when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed” (Acts 16:40). It made me think of a contrast in the Old Testament where it says of certain individuals, “Our brethren have discouraged our heart” (Deuteronomy 1:28).
Which is it with you? Do we leave those we are with comforted or discouraged? By the end of the week, will someone be able to say that you comforted and encouraged them, or will someone have to say that you left them discouraged? It will be one or the other! We affect others more than we think. “For none of us liveth to himself” (Romans 14:7). Let’s try to be a comfort and help to others this week. We are exhorted, “Comfort one another” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Also, “Comfort yourselves together, and edify one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, March 13, 2016

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Thanks
“And as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us .… And … they were cleansed .… And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? (Luke17:12-17).
A father, whose son was off to college was found by his younger daughter in his study, weeping uncontrollably. When she inquired as to the cause, he replied, “Joni, look at these letters: ‘Send me $200 for books, $150 for living expenses, $100 for this, $50 for that.’ Always begging and never a word of thanks or appreciation for all I have done for him or for all my love for him. It hurts me … it breaks my heart!”
Yes, the Lord Jesus has done so much for us today. Will we stop and consider the work and cost of Calvary? Will there be, like the leper, a returning to give Him the praise and thanks that He is so worthy of?
(To be continued.)

Saturday, March 12, 2016

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Watching & Ready
“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning” (Mark 13:35).
Writing yesterday’s calendar page made me think of an incident in my own life, when I wasn’t ready for the return of the owners of the house I was staying in.
It was one winter before I was married and I was working temporarily in Toronto and staying with a family that I knew well. They were away on vacation in Florida and had given me a return day. With this date in mind I let some things go, like doing the dishes and taking out the trash and sweeping the floor. Then one morning I woke up to find that they had returned a day early. I was embarrassed and apologized, but in the end it was no big deal.
However, those who are not ready for the coming of Christ will be forever lost. “When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are” (Luke 13:25). How important it is to be saved and ready!

Friday, March 11, 2016

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Expectant
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
The story is told of a young man who was staying in his friends’ house and looking after the grounds for them while they were away. He wasn’t expecting them to return for some time and one day decided to leave the work that wasn’t urgent until another day. To his surprise and chagrin they came that very evening.
I read of another person who gardens for people who live overseas. He always tries to have their gardens immaculate just in case they come today. He never knows when they will return, so he is always ready, always expectant.
The Lord Jesus is coming again, and it could be today. He has said, “Behold, I come quickly” (Revelation 22:12). And also, “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when He cometh shall find watching” (Luke 12:37). Are we expecting Him today? Are we living like those who are anticipating and looking forward to leaving planet earth at a moment’s notice?

Thursday, March 10, 2016

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Christ
“And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words” (Hebrews 13:22).
Samuel Rutherford was born in the year 1600 and died March 30, 1661. He was a sincere and earnest Christian, who in his pathway for Christ experienced many trials and much grief. Sometime during his life he wrote a letter to a friend and brother in Christ. The advice given in the letter is still relevant 400 years later and I will quote part of it here:
“I know that you are looking to Christ, and I beseech you to follow your look …
“The sweetest and safest course is, for this short time, to stand for Jesus … to gain Christ. All other things are shadows, dreams, fancies and nothing.”
Yes, to follow Christ is the best course indeed! It may not be easy, but it will be happy. Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21), and, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

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Bible Algebra
(T+L)-(LU)+A=D
Trusting in the Lord and not Leaning on our own Understanding, as well as A cknowledging His rights will guarantee D irection for our path of faith and service.
Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). So often we think that we are wiser than God — that we know better what to do and where to go. But how could this be true? Solomon again stated, “For who knoweth what is good for man in this life” (Ecclesiastes 6:12).
Similarly Jeremiah said, “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).
David writes, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and He delighteth in his way” (Psalm 37:23).

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

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The First & The Last
“Fear not; I am the First and the Last”
(Revelation 1:17).
Why should I fear? He is the Alpha and Omega, the Author and Finisher, the First and the Last. Before there was any fear, He was, and when all fear is gone, He still will be.
He saw everything from the beginning, before there was a universe. If I could stand for five minutes at His vantage point and view the entire scheme of things as He sees it, how absurd would be my dreads, how ridiculous my fears and how foolish my tears! I would simply trust Him, and there would be no room for doubt, no time for fear.
Why should I fear anyway? He has told me that there is nothing to fear and He knows. Can’t I take His word for it? He sees it all, and if I could see it all I would not fear. Not only so, but He, as a man, has overcome pain and sorrow, fear and death. He will outlast them all.
Why do I fear tomorrow? Why do I fear the future? He has said, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

Monday, March 7, 2016

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Dear Young Christian:
I recently attended another wedding, and it was one of the happiest I had ever been to. It was simple, yet elegant, beautiful but not opulent, and most important of all the Lord Jesus Christ was honored. It reminded me of the words of Scripture: “And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee … and both Jesus was called, and His disciples, to the marriage” (John 2:1-2).
This is a day when the marriage tie is being given up and thought of very lightly. But the Word of God states, “Marriage is honorable” (Hebrews 13:4). It is part of God’s plan for the blessing of man on the earth. Peter puts it this way: “Heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7).
Perhaps there is a reader who is praying about a life-partner or considering getting married soon. Follow God’s plan, and it will be for your happiness and blessing. Remember too, we are never justified in marrying an unsaved person. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, March 6, 2016

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Atonement
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11).
The word atonement in the Hebrew language literally means to cover. It refers to the removal of our guilt out of God’s sight. This took place at the cross where full payment was made for sin. The holiness of God’s nature demanded the judgment of sin, and the love of God provided a sacrifice for sin.
As a result of the work of Calvary and the shed blood of Christ, all the claims of God, as a God of light and holiness, have been met and satisfied forever. God is now free to bless man in the fullness of His grace and make known all the present blessings of everyone who has heard and believed the gospel.
The enjoyment of this wonderful truth will fill our hearts with the precious love of Christ. Meditating on it will thrill our souls with the fruit of His atoning work, which has glorified God in the putting away of our sins.

Saturday, March 5, 2016

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The Wanderer — Part 3
“Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Robert Robinson was born on September 27, 1735 in very poor circumstances and lost his father at age eight. At 17 an incident happened that changed his life. On May 24, 1752, he and his friends joined together to make fun of an old fortune-teller and laugh at her predictions. The old lady told Robinson that he would live to be very old and see many generations of descendants. This so impressed him that he reasoned, “I will, during my youth, endeavor to store my mind with all kinds of knowledge. I will see, hear and note down everything that is rare and wonderful that I may, when incapable of other employments, sit and entertain my descendants. Then shall my company be rendered pleasant and I shall be respected, rather than neglected in old age. However, that same night he went to hear the gospel preacher, George Whitefield, and was convicted of his need of a Saviour. He was saved three years later at age 23.
Maybe there is a 23-year-old reading this who has never found peace with God through the Lord Jesus. This could be that wonderful life-changing day for you!

Friday, March 4, 2016

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The Wanderer — Part 2
“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is Robinson’s best know hymn, written early in his Christian experience, around 1758. At the time he had been, in heart, away from the Lord. Then the words of Psalm 116:7 were used by the Spirit of God. “Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.” An inner struggle was followed by restoration and the writing of the above mentioned hymn.
On June 9, 1790, at age 55, he was found dead in his bed. Earlier he had expressed the wish that he might die “softly, suddenly and alone.” His wish was granted.
We are all “prone to wander,” “prone to leave” the God we love. The tendency of the human heart is ever to stray from the pathway of fellowship with God. But there is always sufficient restoring grace. Of that Divine grace we all, like Robert Robinson, stand in daily need. And to that grace, we are daily debtors. If we need more grace, “He giveth more grace” (James 4:6). David said, “He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

Thursday, March 3, 2016

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The Wanderer — Part 1
“O let me not wander from thy commandments”
(Psalm 119:10).
One day towards the close of the 18 century, a gentleman and lady sat side by side in a stagecoach as it rumbled its way through the English countryside. The lady appeared occupied with the content of a book in her hand, at times reading from its open page, and at other times meditating on what she had read with evident delight. As she was enjoying the words of a hymn, she turned to the man beside her, a stranger, and tred to interest him as well. When she asked him if he knew the hymn he seemed embarrassed and agitated. Finally he burst into tears, as said, “I am the poor, unhappy man who composed that hymn years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds if I could enjoy it the way I did back then.”
The gentleman was Robert Robinson. The hymn the lady was reading was, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” He had written it some 30 years previous to the above incident. One verse of the hymn reads:
“Prone to wander, Lord I feel it;
“Prone to leave the God I love.”

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

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Quickly
“Go quickly .… And they departed quickly”
(Matthew 28:7-8).
In the first verse of this chapter we have two women mentioned by name who came early to the tomb where the body of the Lord Jesus had been laid. “As it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre” (Matthew 28:1). There they see an angel who gives them a wonderful message, the message of resurrection, and instructs them to “Go quickly” and tell the disciples the wonderful news. With all due speed, and in obedience to the heavenly messenger, “they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word” (Matthew 28:8).
We too have a wonderful message to present to this world. The message that, “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). How much do we feel the urgency of carrying the gospel message to those around us who have perhaps never heard?

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

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Morning & Evening
“Thou makest the outgoings of the morning
and evening to rejoice” (Psalm 65:8).
I sat alone one morning,
And watched the rising sun;
I thought about my Saviour,
And all that He has done:
The work He did at Calvary,
His life, His death, His blood,
His mighty resurrection —
My mind and heart did flood.
I stood alone that evening,
And watched the setting sun;
I bowed my head in worship,
For all that He has done —
I thanked Him for salvation,
And for preserving grace,
And for the heavenly future,
With Jesus, face to face …
How good it is each morning,
To stop and meditate,
And every evening also,
To in His presence wait.
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