Young Christians Calendar

June 2016

Prison Epistles

The Apostle Paul spent much time in prison because of his testimony for the Lord. While in prison in Rome he wrote 5 epistles. The following are very brief statements that are helpful outlines of the theme of each one:

1. Colossians — The positive side of the gospel: union with Christ in glory.

2. Ephesians — The church: the body
united to Christ its head.

3. Philippians — Personal devotedness.

4. Philemon — Practical righteousness through grace.

5. 2 Timothy — Personal faithfulness in “the last days” (2 Timothy 3:1).

Paul always accepted his imprisonment from the Lord. Five times he referred to himself as the “prisoner of the Lord,” or some similar expression. (Ephesians 3:1 and 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:8; Philemon 1,9). He could say, “In prisons more frequent” (2 Corinthians 11:23). What a blessing he was to others, and used of God in a mighty way because he accepted his circumstances from the Lord and used them in His service. What a good lesson this is for all of us!

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

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Ability — Part 2

“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability” (Matthew 25:14-15).

Alfred Tennyson, born August 5, 1809, was Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland during much of Queen Victoria’s reign. To this day he remains one of the most popular British poets. His grandfather gave him 10 shillings for writing a eulogy about his grandmother. Handing it to the lad, the old man said, “There, that is the first money you ever earned by your poetry, and take my word for it, it will be the last.”

This story made me think of the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy when he said, “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). The Lord equips us for the tasks and services He has for us to perform, and while we want to be open to the counsel and advice of older believers who have godly wisdom and experience, yet we serve one Master, the Lord Jesus, and we take our direction and instruction from Him.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

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Ability — Part 1

God has a special work for each of us to do, and He equips each of His children in a special way for that work. The following account illustrates how we often make judgments on what we think a person is fitted for, when their heavenly Father may have something very different in mind.

In 1853 a six-year old lad came home from school with a note from the teacher in which it was suggested that he be taken out of school, as he was “too stupid to learn.” That boy was Thomas Alva Edison, considered to be the fourth most prolific inventor in history, holding 1,093 U.S. patents in his name, as well as many patents in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

God gives each one natural ability as well as spiritual gift. We are responsible to be before Him in prayer and exercise of soul as to what that ability and gift is, and then to use it for His glory and the blessing of others. Like Timothy who was told by the Apostle Paul, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee” (2 Timothy 1:6).

Remember, it’s not a question of “can I do this?” It is a question of, “Does the Lord want me to do this?”

Monday, June 27, 2016

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Dear Young Christian:

My friend, Garvin Seymour, was recently visiting an elderly lady on his home island of St. Vincent. Thinking that she was lonely he brought up the subject of loneliness and tried to make some suggestions as to how she could cope with the situation. However, she immediately and emphatically informed him that she was not alone, nor did she feel lonely. What was her secret? She knew the One who has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

Garvin felt quite rebuked, as he realized that we, as believers, are never alone nor should we feel lonely. Before the Lord went back to heaven He said to His disciple, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).

As we start out this week, let’s remember, we are never alone, when we are with the One who is “a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 26, 2016

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Offering

“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).

“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain” (Hebrews 11:4).

Abel’s offering was the first recorded sacrifice in Scripture that was acceptable to God. It was accepted because it spoke to God of the Lord Jesus and His death that would take place thousands of years later at Calvary. Blood was shed, and the Bible says “without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). So God accepted Abel’s offering. Abel worshipped in a proper way, no doubt having heard of the coats of skin that had been provided for his parents through the death of an innocent victim.

This is a pattern for us to follow. Our worship and praise should center around the Lord Jesus and what He did on the cross. His death and shed blood provides a perfect, full and free salvation — to those who believe in Him. And it thrills the Lord’s heart to see His own gathered around Him on Lord’s Day morning to remember His perfect sacrifice — the sacrifice of Himself.

Saturday, June 25, 2016

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Flying

“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6).

Jessie writes:

Because my daughter is a flight attendant, I am blessed with a parent’s pass for my personal use. For a small service charge, I may fly wherever the airline flies. There is one drawback, however. I must be on “standby.” That means I’m allowed on board only if there’s space available. Until then, my luggage is set aside and labeled, “Status Pending.” While paying passengers board, I wait, wondering if my name will be called. I can never be certain of a seat because available space isn’t guaranteed.

It is a far different situation on our journey to heaven, which begins when we trust Christ for salvation. Because of His death and resurrection, our passage to heaven is guaranteed. Our status is not pending; there is space available; our names will be called. These priceless privileges have been paid for by the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus, who promises everyone who is saved, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself” (John 14:3).

Friday, June 24, 2016

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Monthly Question Page

Q. Mark 13 mentions several events that seem to indicate the end times, but what does it mean when it says, “Thisgeneration shall not pass, till these things be done” (Mark 13:30)?

A. The term “generation” is used in different ways in the Bible. It is not always speaking of a father, son, grandson, etc., the way we usually think of it. In a much wider sense, it is what characterizes a class or nation of people as to their attitude, reaction, practices and so on.

In other words, relevant to this verse, the unbelieving Jews still exist today, and will exist until the prophetic events of Mark 13 take place. On another occasion the Lord said, “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign” (Matthew 12:39). Today the Jews are still scattered among the Gentile nations, but they remain a separate people, kept for the fulfillment of God’s counsels and purposes.

So as to the expression “generation,” what was true of the Jewish nation in the days when the Lord was here in grace will continue until He comes back in power and glory. Then that nation and people will be brought to repentance and will own their guilt in rejecting their Messiah.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

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Opportunities

“If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss” (1 Corinthians 3:15).

I have just read a story of a young lady who was seated in a boat one evening as her friend rowed her around the lake. She wore a string of pearls, and in state of absentmindedness had taken them off, and was holding them in her hand, and dipping the hand that held them in the water. She did not know that the string had broken, and pearl after pearl was slipping away until, when she raised the string from the water, every one of them was gone.

We say, “How foolish!” But I wonder if we are letting our opportunities of service for Christ slip away like that? We really don’t need to ask the Lord for more opportunities, but that we would use the opportunities that present themselves everyday. Like the pearls, if we are not careful, one by one the opportunities can slip away — never to be recovered. When our lives are reviewed when we get to heaven, will we “suffer loss” or will we have used every opportunity to do good for the Lord and for the blessing of others?

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Hebrews 1

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;

3 Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

4 Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

5 For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?

6 And again, when He bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

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His Pleasure

“Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11).

The world was not created in vain. The Lord created everything for His pleasure. If you study birds or animals or flowers, you see incredible beauty — the perfect feather formation, wonderful coloring, the beautiful patterns on the coats of some of the animals. It is a pleasure for us to look at these things and enjoy them. But the Lord created them for His own pleasure. When He had finished each day’s work in creation, “God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:25).

But after He had created man, “God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was VERY GOOD” (Genesis 1:31).Yes, man added an extra something to God’s creation that to Him was very special. This should really make us want to live to please Him. Especially when we remember that in addition to making us, the Lord Jesus died to save us for heaven. What a tremendous God we have. He finds His pleasure and delight in you and me. “For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people” (Psalm 149:4).

Monday, June 20, 2016

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Dear Young Christian:

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). What do we think about? What really occupies our mind?

Sometimes when I cast my thoughts down they are like cats! They always land on their feet and come back to bother me! This word “casting down” really means “to demolish or to destroy.” This goes a lot further than just setting them aside or tossing them away! Do we have thoughts that are displeasing to the Lord Jesus Christ, and a hindrance to our spiritual growth? Destroy them!

This week, let’s fill our thoughts with Christ and His Word. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 19, 2016

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In The Spirit

In the first chapter of the book of Revelation, the Apostle John said, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10). As a result he had a wonderful vision of the Lord and special insight into God’s future plans and purposes concerning this world and His Son.

So, what about you today? Here we are at the beginning of another week. We read of the early believers, “upon the first day of the week … the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7). That is the same day referred to as “the Lord’s day.”

If we are “in the Spirit” when we come together with other believers for the purpose of remembering the Lord today, we will be able to have three things “in the Spirit.”

Worship:

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Prayer:

“I will pray with the spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:15).

Singing:

“I will sing with the spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:15).

Saturday, June 18, 2016

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Your Profile

Does the following profile fit you?

Saved by the grace of God:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Washed in the Blood of Christ:

“Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:5-6).

Living in the power of the Spirit:

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).

If the above profile does not describe you, this way of blessing is open today through the work of Calvary, and the activity of the whole Trinity.

Friday, June 17, 2016

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A Crown Of Rejoicing

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?
Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus
Christ at His coming?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19).

The Apostle Paul’s “crown of rejoicing” was his Thessalonian converts. They had been saved through his preaching and testimony and he looked forward to the day of glory and manifestation when he would see them in heaven. He referred to the believers at Philippi in the same way: “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” (Philippians 4:1).

Paul will, no doubt have a vast “crown of rejoicing.” Many were saved and encouraged through his ministry. But what about you and me? Someone has called this crown the Soul Winner’s Crown. Will we be able to rejoice, like Paul and many others, as we see those there in the Father’s house, who are present because of our life and words? Solomon reminds us, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

Thursday, June 16, 2016

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Jacob’s Twelve Sons — Zebulun

Zebulun was the tenth son of Jacob and the youngest of Leah. He entered Egypt with his three sons, but of himself personally we are told nothing. When they left Egypt those numbered of the tribe bearing his name were 57,400, and when they entered the promised land there were 60,500. Jacob said of his descendants, “Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea, and he shall be for an haven of ships, and his border shall be unto Zidon” (Genesis 49:13).

If we learn any practical lesson from Zebulun, it is that he speaks of the people of God having interaction with the world merely for monetary profit. Not that we can escape the world. We need to make a living and get through it, but not to the extent that the world drains us of our spiritual energy and enjoyment of our heavenly blessings in Christ.

Moses blessed the tribe thus, “Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out.” Then, classing him with Issachar, said, “They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand” (Deuteronomy 33:18-19).

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

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Location Change

Perhaps some of our readers are making a change in location or leaving home to take a summer job, or maybe even making a permanent move, and going into an environment that is not what you are used to. If so, consider the story of the girl who was taken to Syria in the days of the prophet Elisha.

“And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. And she said unto her mistress … ” (2 Kings 5:2-3). The Israelite maid provides us with a beautiful example of how we should behave if circumstances take us far from home, friends and Christian influences. Surrounded by idolaters, having little knowledge, and no access to the written Word of God, she gave her testimony by her consistent walk and conduct. Our faith too should be seen before we speak! Then when the occasion came, she did not hesitate to speak out for God, even in the palace of Naaman. Her words were so earnest, clear and full of conviction that she succeeded in convincing her mistress. Guided by the Living God, we too will be enabled to speak with wisdom and conviction so that there will be eternal results.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

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Principles

“The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the
heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Psalm 19:8).

The commands and principles of the Bible “rejoice the heart.” The world has its principles which end in sorrow and defeat. The following are just a few examples:

Go with the flow.

Everyone’s doing it.

Look out for number one.

If it feels good, do it.

In contrast, God’s principles bring joy to our hearts. Because they are pure they lead to pure lives. Because they enlighten the eyes, they bestow wisdom. David went on to say, “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11).

Which would you rather go by: the world’s maxims or the truth of Scripture?

Monday, June 13, 2016

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Dear Young Christian:

How often have you seen the advertising promise, “Satisfaction guaranteed”? Sometimes there is the promise of your money back, or some other compensation if you are not totally satisfied with the product or service being offered.

How many times have you bought something, and not been totally satisfied with it? Maybe it was no fault of the manufacturer, but it just didn’t bring the gratification that you had expected. No, things in this world don’t fully satisfy.

However, there is One who has the power to fully and completely satisfy and fill the human heart. That person, of course, is the Lord Jesus Christ. Here is what the Lord says concerning those who know Him, “My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 31:14). We also read, “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9). If you want to have a soul-satisfying week, walk with the Lord and enjoy all the wonderful blessings and good things He has in store for you. If you do, there is “satisfaction guaranteed.”

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 12, 2016

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The Loaf & The Cup

I have often sung the following lines on Lord’s Day morning, as I remembered the Lord in the breaking of bread:

In this broken bread we own Thee,

Bruised for us and put to shame;

And this cup, O Lord, we thank Thee,

Speaks our pardon through Thy name.

These words were penned by a lady named Mrs. C. A. Wellesley many, many years ago, and as frequently as I have sung them, their meaning is just as fresh every time. Although very little if anything is known about the authoress of this hymn, whose first line is “O Thou great all-gracious Shepherd”, she must have been a lady who really appreciated being able to remember the Lord as He has asked us to do. When writing this hymn (#40 in the Little Flock hymn book) I am sure she was thinking of the Scripture where the Lord said, “This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20). What does this precious privilege mean to you?

Saturday, June 11, 2016

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Love Your Enemies

Are you a real Christian … a true believer in Christ? If not, consider carefully the following testimony.

An elderly Christian often gave out gospel tracts on the foreign ships that came into the seaport near where he lived. Sometimes he invited men he met on the ships to his home for a meal.

There was one very rich Asian man who came frequently to the port. The Christian got to know him quite well and often invited him to his home. But in spite of the kindness shown him and the prayers of the Christian the man continued to worship the false gods of eastern religion and to mock Christ.

Then one day the Asian man came with a very different attitude. He said, “I want to tell you that I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, and now He is my Saviour! Each time I came to your house I watched you. I knew you loved me even though, by my religion, I was your enemy. My heart told me it must be your God who made you different, and I called upon the Lord Jesus to save me.”

“I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you” (Luke 6:27).

Friday, June 10, 2016

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Temples

“I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1)

The following are the five temples mentioned in the Word of God:

Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 8), was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in the year 588 B.C.

Zerubbabel’s Temple (Ezra 3:6) was pillaged and dedicated to the heathen god, Jupiter, by Antiochus Epiphanes, in the years 168 and 170 B.C.

Herod’s Temple (John 2:20), reconstructed and rebuilt in a style of surpassing magnificence, commenced in the year 17 B.C.

Antichrist’s Temple (2 Thessalonians 2:4) will be built by the Jews in unbelief when returned to their land (Isaiah 18). The “Antichrist” and the “Beast,” that is, the head of the revived Roman Empire, will establish idolatrous worship in it.

Christ’s Millennial Temple (Ezekiel 40) will be entirely new, and not on the site of the old one. It will be grand and spacious, according to Divine plan and measurement, and the glory of Jehovah will fully occupy it.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

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Perfection

“I have seen an end of all perfection” (Psalm 119:96).

Are you looking for perfection in this world? If you are you’ll be disappointed! Companies are always trying to convince us of the perfection and complete satisfaction of their products. But just about every store and business has to have some kind of return policy and repair or replacement protection. Why? Because there is no such thing as perfection in this world.

There are no perfect people either! How often have you been disappointed in a friend or colleague that you thought would never let you down?

However, there is One person, and only One, who is absolutely perfect and who will never let you down. That person of course is the Lord Jesus Christ. We read of Him, “Yea, He is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16). He has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). Cultivate a relationship with this wonderful person and you will always have “a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

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Bible Algebra

G+F+B=J

G race and Faith on the basis of the B lood of Christ is what J ustifies us in the sight of God.

The book of Romans states:

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith … Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 3:28; 5:1).

“Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:9).

In other words, Grace is the way; Faith is the means; the Blood is the ground.

To be justified is to be brought into a position of a perfect standing before God in Christ. “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).

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

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Jesus Is

“The excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).

Jesus is …

My Saviour … my Friend … my hope …

Without Him I could not survive,

Without Him I never could cope!

He’s there as my help, and my power,

I never would make it alone,

His arms are firmly around me,

I rest on the Living Stone.

Jesus is …

My Advocate … my Priest … my Lord …

Without Him would be disaster,

Frustration I could not afford!

To walk with Him is to know Him,

To know Him is vital indeed;

I only want more of Jesus,

This is my one great need.

Monday, June 6, 2016

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Dear Young Christian:

The other day I bought a cup of coffee in a café in a small town in central Iowa. As I sipped the hot brew, I noticed a rather interesting comment printed on the side of the cup. It said,

“LIFE IS SHORT — STAY AWAKE FOR IT!

It got me thinking about some verses that exhort believers to stay awake. Here are just a couple: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:11-12). “Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (Ephesians 5:14).

It is possible to be awake physically but asleep spiritually. Life is short! Are you spiritually awake to the reality of the dangers around and the joy of following and serving the Lord?

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 5, 2016

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Worship

“And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground” (Nehemiah 8:6).

What a happy state for God’s people to be in — to bow and worship the Lord in response to Ezra’s prayer of thanksgiving. How much we have to thank the Lord for, especially today as we meet with other believers around Him to remember what it cost Him to make us fit for heaven. Our hearts will fill up with thanksgiving and praise when we think about Calvary and the awful death of the cross. Jesus died there for you and me. Let’s be thankful today as we remember Him in His death. In the Psalms we are told, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving” (Psalm 95:2). And also, “Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2). Then, during the week to come, let’s continue to cultivate the habit and spirit of thanksgiving and worship. “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually” (Hebrews 13:15).

Saturday, June 4, 2016

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Options

Life has many options. The waitress at the restaurant hands us a menu with so many choices that we find it hard to make up our mind. The car dealer has all kinds of vehicles with different options and at a variety of prices, with several ways to pay or finance. Colleges and universities try to attract young people with a wide range of programs and opportunities. Insurance companies vie for our business by telling of all sorts of benefits through their policies … and on and on it goes.

However, when it comes to eternity, there are only two options, heaven and hell, and when it comes to salvation there is only one choice and one way. Moses, near the end of his life, said to the children of Israel, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Peter in addressing the Jewish rulers and elders said, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). What choice have you made?

Friday, June 3, 2016

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Fragrance — Part 3

As the Lord Jesus walked through this world those who were far from God could smell the holy perfume and say, “Never man spake like this man” (John 7:46). The heartless Pilate had to say, “I find no fault in this man” (Luke 23:4). The centurion at the cross had to confess “Certainly this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47). Others marveled at “the gracious words that proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22).

None could come into His presence without smelling the fragrant odors of love, compassion and tenderness. Let our attention be more than ever directed to Him so that as He fills our vision, everything else may vanish. As His sweetness fills the soul, so will His fragrance flow forth from us as the outcome of communion with Him.

Let us not be despondent over what we are and what we are not. May the Lord so attract our hearts to Himself, that like the little flower sending forth its odor in the untrodden forest, we may send forth by His Spirit and for His own pleasure something of His fragrance in this world, and so become a reflection of the only perfect and fragrant One — JESUS!

Thursday, June 2, 2016

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Fragrance — Part 2

It is possible for you to be fragrant in this world. Keep close to Christ, walk in happy company with Him, and let your heart drink in His love and you will be fragrant to Him.

Is there anything greater than that? No eye may see you but His, no ear hear you but His, no heart appreciate your act or thought but His, yet how precious — I can be fragrant for the Lord Jesus! Nothing is so delightful to Him as to have you walking with Himself. If this is so, we will surely come in contact with weary souls who need refreshment. We can speak of Jesus in such a way that there will be a Christ-likeness about us. True greatness is the measure in which the excellence of Christ flows forth from us.

“Because of the savour of Thy good ointments Thy name is as ointment poured forth” (Song of Solomon 1:3). When here on earth the Lord was not great as men count greatness. He chose no place of prominence. When by force they would make Him king, He said, “My time is not yet come” (John 7:6). To do His Father’s will was His one commanding business. What fragrance came forth from Him! What a lesson for us!

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

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Fragrance — Part 1

I was tired and sat down under the shadow of a great pine in the forest, glad of such a cool retreat from the hot sun. I had not been there long before I noticed a fragrant odor and wondered where it came from. I looked around and found a tiny flower about half the size of a daisy, nearly hidden from view in the moss.

How fragrant it smelled! Again and again I held it near my face, enjoying the perfume, and then I looked up and thanked God for that tiny, insignificant flower in that wild, almost untrodden forest, yet bringing such cheer and refreshment.

I wondered, why is such a wonderfully fragrant flower so small? As I thought about it, a lesson spoke to my heart. If I cannot be a pine in God’s forest, I may be a tiny flower to send forth the fragrance of Jesus in this world of sadness. There is a tendency in our hearts to desire to be or to do something great. Often we are not content like the tiny flower to send forth fragrance in obscurity. Don’t be discouraged if you have never been called on to perform some great task. It is not always a question of doing great things. It is written, “Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not” (Jeremiah 45:5).