Bible Truth Publishers
EmailRSS
Blogs

Daily blogs from Bible Truth Publishers

Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

May 2016

All months

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Homeward Bound
Mark Guy Pearse was a preacher, lecturer and author who lived in Britain during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. He was also a great personal visitor and it is said that his visits brought cheer to many a suffering child of God. Sometimes the one visited could not bear to listen to much talk. Mr. Pearse would take from his pocket a sheet of paper, and draw a distant landscape on one side. Then as the invalid closely watched, a sketch of the homeland was drawn on the other and a wide stretch of sea between. Then a bird, tired of flying, but heading steadily toward the home side. Only two words were needed to make the meaning clear: “HOMEWARD BOUND.” Mr Pearse would leave the glowing thought of the heavenly home before the dimming eyes of the weary, travel-worn Christian.
Maybe you, as a young believer, are weary and discouraged with life. Keep heaven and home before your soul. There is nothing that will encourage our hearts like the reality of the Lord’s coming. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).

Monday, May 30, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Dear Young Christian:
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
I’m not much for catchy cliches, but I did see a church marquee with the following saying, and it caught my eye:
7 days without prayer makes 1 weak!
Yes, to go without praying will make a person very weak spiritually. As another week starts and you head out the door to your various activities, don’t leave your room without spending a little time in prayer, asking for the help of God your Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Then as you go about the day, remember to look to the Lord in every situation. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18). We are no more able for the small things of life than the big things apart from prayer.
We all want power, whether it’s our vehicle, our physical strength, our influence, etc. But there is only one way to have spiritual power, and that is through the resource of prayer.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Copy linkPrint
By Faith
“We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than
the angels for the suffering of death, crowned
with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9).
Faith sees what people can’t. By faith we see the Lord honored and glorified for His faithfulness unto death. The Lord was hated, mistreated, rejected and crucified on earth. Now in heaven He is loved, worshipped and honored. Remember, it was “God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory” (1 Peter 1:21).
While we look back to the cross and remember the mighty work of atonement, yet we look up by faith and worship, praise and thank the Lord as a risen, ascended, glorified man at the right hand of God. “We see Jesus,” not with the natural eye as those who saw Him when He was here in this world, but with the eye of faith. It is the delight of God the Father to have us honor the one who He has honored. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
Can you see Him this way today — by faith?

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Copy linkPrint
New Management
Have you ever walked past a restaurant or store and noticed a sign in the window, UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT? This sign is to let people know that the place has changed ownership and improvements can be expected. But have you ever heard of people being under new management? That is something that has been happening since the beginning of Christianity.
The Bible has many examples of people who came under new management. Saul of Tarsus became the Apostle Paul as a result of what took place on the road to Damascus in Acts 9. Later he was used of God to pen the words, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When a person gets saved it is not just an overhaul, a patch up job, or a renovation. No, they become a totally new person because of the work of Calvary. “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).

Friday, May 27, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Monthly Question Page
Q. How can I know who is the one the Lord has for me to marry?
A. The way to knowing God’s mind in this most important step is the same as in every other matter in our Christian life, whether small or great. It is determined by prayer and quiet waiting upon the Lord in communion and fellowship, seeking His face and searching His living Word.
However, remember that the first and most necessary step to knowing God’s mind is to have no will of our own in the matter. When our wills are inactive, God can then show us His will. Then, and only then, can we “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). At that time the guidance of His eye can be clearly seen and His voice distinctly heard communicating His mind. Like Abraham’s servant, who was sent to get a bride for Isaac, your experience too will be, “I being in the way, the Lord led me” (Genesis 24:27).
Another good Scripture to keep in mind is, “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).

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Your Name
“I know thee by name” (Exodus 33:13,17).
It’s amazing but true. In the Lord’s eyes you are not just part of the crowd — or worse yet, just a social security number or impersonal statistic easily looked up on a computer. No, you are an individual — with a name — known and loved by the Lord Jesus. He knows you by name; He calls you by name; your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. It is good for us to get hold of this fact. “He calleth His own sheep by name” (John 10:3).
He has saved us as individuals and He cares for us as individuals. He says, “I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
Not only does He know our name and treat us as individuals, but He will never forget any one of us either. Sometimes when I meet a young person and try to greet them by name, I either forget or make a mistake. Maybe I confuse them with their brother or sister. But not so with the Lord. He says, “Yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15).

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Monthly Scripture Reading
Titus 2
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Computers
An elderly friend of mine made the following observation regarding the use of computers. He said, “They are both fabulous and frustrating.”
I think he got it right. They are fabulous when they work and frustrating when they don’t. The trouble is we get so dependent on technology for our daily routine that when it breaks down or doesn’t work as fast as we think it should we get upset.
Thankfully, we have a resource that will never break down or fail. It is the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven and the open line of communication we have with Him. We are told, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). You will never get a busy signal; you will never be put on hold; there is no call waiting or call forwarding and there are no automated recordings.
Use this wonderful resource today, and if your computer and other technological gadgets fail you, remember, you have one who will never fail, and who is “a very present help” (Psalm 46:1).

Monday, May 23, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Dear Young Christian:
I read a simple little story today that touched my heart.
Martin Luther saw a little bird preparing for sleep. “See,” said Luther, “how it teaches us a lesson! He takes hold of his twig, tucks his head under his wing, and goes to sleep, leaving God to take care of him.”
Let’s remember this simple illustration from nature as another week begins. As you step out your door today, commit yourself to the care of God your Father and remember what the Lord Jesus said concerning His care of His own. “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).
He sees the little sparrow,
But He knows His children best,
Our Father never slumbers,
But gives His loved ones rest.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Remember
“There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man” (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15).
This account illustrates very beautifully the following verse: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
The “great king” is a picture of Satan. The “little city” is a picture of the world, and the “poor wise man” is the Lord Jesus. He was once rejected and nailed to a cross. Through that work there has been a great victory won over sin and death and Satan. Yet, for the most part, He is despised and forgotten. However, by a few He will be remembered today in the breaking of bread. Will you be one of those? He has requested, “This do in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Substitution
Ed Leonard, an employee of a Canadian mining company, was working in Columbia South America, when he was captured by rebel soldiers in 1998. In an unprecedented move, Norbert Reinhart, the owner of the company, secured Leonard’s release by taking his place. Reinhart was then held hostage for 94 days.
Centuries ago the Lord Jesus took our place by becoming our substitute. The Bible states, “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Although He was sinless, Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, took our punishment on the cross. With sin’s penalty paid, He rose from the grave and offers forgiveness to all who will accept it.
Just knowing these facts, though, doesn’t mean that we are forgiven. We must admit that we are helpless, lost sinners, turn from our sins, and in faith receive Christ and His offer of pardon. Then He truly is our Saviour and our Substitute. We can then say with the Apostle Paul, “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).

Friday, May 20, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Fellowship
The following story illustrates that which should be the desire of the heart of every child of God.
A father, at his desk in his study one evening, was deeply engrossed in his work, when he heard a soft tap on the door. When the door opened, he asked his son, who was hesitatingly standing in the doorway, “What do you want?”
“Nothing, Father,” was the reply, I just want to be with you.” Permission was granted and the son sat quietly beside his father until his work was completed.
Do we enter the presence of God our Father, not only to present a list of needs and requests, but just to enjoy His love and company? The Apostle John wrote, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).
True fellowship with the Father is the enjoyment of His presence and His Son. This is accomplished in the quiet of His presence. Remember, He desires our companionship — do we truly desire His?

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Jacob’s Twelve Sons — Issachar
We know nothing from Scripture of Issachar’s personal history except that he had four sons. “And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron” (Genesis 46:13).This tribe contained 54,400 fighting men at Sinai. “Of the children of Issachar … all that were able to go forth to war; Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred” (Numbers 1:28-29). After the entrance into Canaan, this tribe was one of the six which stood on Gerizim during the ceremony of the blessing and cursing. “These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin” (Deuteronomy 27:12).
It was said of his descendants that “the children of Issachar … were men that had understanding of the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32). In other words they were men of spiritual discernment who knew how to act wisely according to their present circumstances. This is something we should all seek to be. It is one thing to know the truth, it is another to apply it in a proper and practical way.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Three Essentials
How predictable we are!
When things go well we rejoice — but forget to pray.
When things get rough we stop rejoicing — but suddenly remember to pray.
Too often we forget to give thanks in either situation. Let’s remember the three exhortations of Paul in writing to the believers in the city of Thessalonika:
1. “Rejoice evermore” (1Thessalonians 5:16).
2. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
3. “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
These are three essential elements for a happy Christian life and walk with the Lord. We are not immune to problems and difficulties but we have a wonderful and full resource in the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we can truly rejoice, pray and give thanks, no matter what happens — not just once in awhile, but all the time.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Guidance
“Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy
days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25).
“The Lord shall guide thee continually” (Isaiah 58:11).
Here is another short article from a young peoples periodical published around the same time as the one we noticed yesterday:
“Everyday brings its own perplexity. How sweet to feel that the guidance of the Lord is continual. If we choose our own way, we cast off the Lord’s guidance. But if we abstain from self-will, then He will direct our every step. If we will be guided we shall be sure of the enjoyment of His presence with us to give His peace and joy to our hearts and to be ‘our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1).”
Even in these troubled times we can have the assurance of power for our pathway and wisdom for the problems of life. The Lord has promised, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).

Monday, May 16, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Dear Young Christian:
As I write this Monday morning note, I have before me on my desk a short excerpt from a young people’s periodical published close to a hundred years ago, and yet with a timely messages for young and old even today.
“A scoffer asked an elderly man, ‘How do you know Jesus rose from the dead?’
The old believer answered, ‘I had an hour with Him this morning.’
It is a wonderful thing to know, on the authority of the Word of God, that the Lord Jesus lives for us now at God’s right hand, but it is still more wonderful to enjoy sweet, personal and intimate fellowship and communion with Him.”
Make sure you spend time with the Lord every morning this week. Be like King David who “sat before the Lord” (2 Samuel 7:18), spending quiet and quality time with His God.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Copy linkPrint
The Lamb
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh
away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
“The Lamb of God” is one of the most unique titles given to God’s Son. The Apostle John saw the Lord Jesus coming towards him and cried out in a spontaneous tribute, “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). In so doing he drew the attention away from himself and focussed solely on the “Lamb of God.”
Someone else has said, “One word … Lamb, sums up four things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ:
1. The love of Christ.
2. The sacrifice of Christ.
3. The sufferings of Christ.
4. The triumph of Christ.”
John recognized that this Lamb alone could effectually deal with the sin problem and take away our guilt. As we read later on in the New Testament, “For by one offering He hath perfected forever then that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).
How thankful we are for the sacrifice of the Lamb.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Copy linkPrint
The Gospel
“And there they preached the gospel” (Acts 14:7).
The gospel has been faithfully preached by many, since the early days of Christianity. The following will give some of the characteristics of the gospel and its results:
The gospel is good news:
“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things”
(Romans 10:15).
The gospel concerns the Lord Jesus:
“The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1).
The gospel is for all:
“And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
The gospel is powerful:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16).
The gospel is to be believed:
“Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
HAVE YOU BELIEVED?

Friday, May 13, 2016

Copy linkPrint
“I Know”
We live in a world where there is great uncertainty, and in spite of the unmatched accessibility of information and knowledge, there is still much that is uncertain and unknown. Thankfully the Bible gives us certainty and answers, and the following are some verses telling us of some of the things that we know for sure.
“For I know that my Redeemer liveth” (Job 19:24).
“I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me” (Psalm 119:75).
“For I know that the Lord is great” (Psalm 135:5).
“I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the
afflicted, and the right of the poor” (Psalm 140:12).
“I know that, whatsoever God doeth,
it shall be for ever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).
“I know that it shall be well with them that fear God” (Ecclesiastes 8:12).
“For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Meltdown
“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer” (Proverbs 25:4).
During the reign of Oliver Cromwell the government ran out of silver with which to mint the British coins. Cromwell sent his men everywhere to see if they could find more of the precious metal. They returned to report that the only silver they could find was in the statues of the saints which were on display in various of the cathedrals of the land.
“Good!” replied Cromwell. “We’ll melt down the saints and put them into circulation!”
The Lord, the Refiner, often puts us through things, even the furnace of affliction, to produce in our lives that which is for His glory. “He is like a refiner’s fire … and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver” (Malachi 3:2-3).
How good to be melted down so that which is real can be taken and used for His service. As a result there will be true blessing and a full reward when we get to heaven. Of His people we read, “And I … will refine them as silver is refined” (Zechariah 13:9). All this is for our good and so “the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:10).

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Bible Algebra
K+W=U
The Understanding of divine things is the result of Scriptural K nowledge and W isdom applied in a practical way in our day-to-day Christian life.
It is possible to have a great deal of biblical knowledge which of course is very good and necessary, but that knowledge in itself is not enough. With the Lord’s help and the guidance of the Holy Spirit we need to take that knowledge and use it in a proper way. We read of Daniel and his three friends, “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17). This was the result of obedience and dependance on their God.
When Paul heard of the love and faithfulness of the believers at Colosse he said, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”(Colossians 1:9).

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Time Is Short
The ladies that came early to the empty tomb on the resurrection morning were given a wonderful message by the angel to take to the disciples. And in doing so they were told, “And go quickly” (Matthew 28:7).
There is always an urgency in getting out the gospel. Time is short, and even before you finish reading this calendar page the Lord may have come and the door of grace and mercy may be closed forever. Do we really believe that the Lord Jesus is coming soon? If we do it will make us anxious for the salvation of the lost, especially in view of coming judgment. Think of how many people you meet in the course of a day. Now, consider how many of those people hear something about the Lord Jesus and the way of salvation from you. Now, put some gospel literature in your pocket or purse and have it ready the next time the Lord gives you opportunity to witness for Him. Remember what Solomon said, “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).

Monday, May 9, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Dear Young Christian:
I was waiting in the doctor’s office the other day when I saw a brochure with the following title:
PROPER GROWTH COMES
FROM PROPER NUTRITION
It made me think of several verses from the Bible. Here are just a couple:
“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
“He that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever” (John 6:57-58).
If a good nutritious diet is essential for proper growth and bodily maintenance in natural things, it is certainly the same in spiritual things, and for the new life that we have when we get saved. Make sure you eat well this week … both naturally and spiritually.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Copy linkPrint
The Crucifixion
There is only one place where we can have a secure footing. Look back in time to the crucifixion of Christ. Upon the central cross hangs One who certainly did not deserve such a place. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), and only good. He was none other than the Son of God. In His life among men He was, “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26). But on Calvary He was “numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12), numbered with them by an unjust verdict, though not of them. But in being given a place among them He fulfilled all that had been prophesied by the Old Testament prophets long before.
He died, but in His death He is as different from those crucified with Him as He had been in His life. They acknowledged their condemnation to be a just one while He, at the end of the three hours of darkness, cries, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34).He took our sins on Himself, and now we have a perfect and firm standing before God as a result. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Sinners
Some people (like me), avoid going to the doctor because they don’t want to find out that anything is wrong with them. But ignorance of our sickness doesn’t make us healthy. Just so, many people avoid reading or listening to the Word of God because they do not like its honest assessment of the fact that we are sinners. But ignorance of our sin does not make us innocent.
The book of Romans lays it out very clearly. We read, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Also, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Not a pretty picture is it? However, what people fail to realize is that there is also a cure for the disease of sin. “Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:9). “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Better to find out our true condition as well as the cure, than to ignore it to our eternal loss in hell.

Friday, May 6, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Culturally Acceptable
“Making the Word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Mark 7:13).
This statement, made by the Lord while here on earth, was a rebuke to the Pharisees for replacing the Word of God with what they felt comfortable with or what they felt was culturally acceptable for their time.
Two thousand years later, we can be guilty of the same sin by insisting that a certain passage of Scripture simply reflects the culture of the time in which it was written. It is a simple, subtle trick usually designed so that we will not have to be obedient to some exhortation or statement of the Bible we don’t like. The result is that we end up replacing the revealed will of God with our culture, that with which we feel comfortable. But remember, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). All Scripture is from God and all Scripture is to be obeyed!

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Shepherding
Some time ago I was at a Bible conference and the subject of shepherding was discussed. It was mentioned that every one of us, young and old, brothers and sisters in Christ, can do the work of shepherding and caring for one another. It is good to look around us and try to be a help and encouragement to other of God’s sheep that He brings us in contact with. Some are weak, some are sick, others discouraged. Some of the sheep need to be strengthened, some require spiritual help and direction, while others have physical needs. The Bible tells us, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
It takes time and energy and even real sacrifice on our part to shepherd the sheep. But it is not only a great privilege but responsibility as well.
The Lord is our Great Shepherd, and we read, “He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11). He cares for us as individuals but also says to us, like He did to Peter, “Feed My lambs … Feed My sheep” (John 21:15-16)

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Backbone
“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm” (Daniel 6:3).
Charles H. Spurgeon once told the story of a class of boys who were having a Bible lesson on Daniel. One boy was asked to read some verses aloud, and when he came to Daniel 6:3, which reads “because an excellent spirit was in him,” by mistake the boy read “because an excellent spine was in him.” While it was undoubtedly poor reading, it was nonetheless an excellent lesson, for Daniel was a man of real backbone. And this is precisely what is needed in young people today — or in any of us for that matter. It takes real fortitude and purpose to stand for the Lord at a time when the enemy seems extra busy to get us off track. When we were children we used to sing the following chorus, which has a timely message for all of us:
Dare to be a Daniel
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Copy linkPrint
The Final Flight
“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6).
“Then we … shall be caught up together … to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Some day I’ll take that final flight,
No bags to check, no crowds to fight;
No more enormous airport halls,
Security, or late flight calls;
I’ll rise to meet my Saviour there,
Upon the cloud, yes in the air,
My destination, heaven fair.
No bags to check, no gate to find,
I’ll leave my earthly goods behind;
My boarding pass secure in Christ,
He paid it all, a gift unpriced;
My passport to that glorious place,
His blood, His death, His wondrous grace;
I soon shall see Him face to face.

Monday, May 2, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Dear Young Christian:
Do you have beautiful feet? I don’t mean naturally speaking, and I’m not asking you if you have had a pedicure lately. No, I mean in a spiritual sense. This morning my wife and I read the verse, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15). The Bible says that those who bring the good news or “glad tidings” of the gospel have beautiful feet.
Sharing the gospel is not just for a few select and gifted believers. It is not just preaching from the pulpit or a Sunday night evangelical meeting. No, we can all have beautiful feet. Every time you give a testimony, either by your life, your speech, handing out a gospel tract, speaking a word for Christ or any other way, the Word of God declares, “How beautiful … are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation” (Isaiah 52:7).
Will you have beautiful feet this week?
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Copy linkPrint
Risen
“The Lord is risen indeed” (Luke 24:34).
This is perhaps the most triumphant message that was ever uttered by human lips. This announcement was made to the disciples who were gathered together in fear and trembling , in the upper room in Jerusalem, after the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. This message was the result of the Lord appearing to the two who were traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus. After He had revealed Himself to them in their home, they returned to Jerusalem, found the disciples and told them the whole story. “And they told what things were done in the way, and how He was known of them in breaking of bread” (Luke 24:35).
What a jubilant, victorious message these two had to convey to the troubled hearts of the disciples. How thankful we should be that we have a risen, glorified Saviour, and while we remember Him today as the One who died for us, we rejoice and worship Him as the living Lord. “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9).
← June 2016April 2016 →