Young Christians Calendar

January 2017

The Way

Lot had to choose, and so do we. “And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan” (Genesis 13:10-11).

When we have ascended the hill of YOUTH and tried to get a bird’s eye view of the plain called LIFE, we find three main roads that lead to it and through it.

1. The WAY of the WORLD. It offers prospects of wealth, pleasure, and ease. However, the conditions are that we must accept the world’s standards and values, and acknowledge her ruling on all questions of conduct.

2. The WAY of SELF. In this there are no restrictions; unhindered ‘self-expression,’ and every choice and action are dictated by self-interest.

3. The WAY of CHRIST. It may be a difficult path, one of reproach, self-denial and loss. Yet, it is the way of peace and joy; of purpose in life which is really worthwhile; of friendship and a great future reward.

“Therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Monday, January 30, 2017

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

I am writing this page from Nassau, Bahamas. For many years I have been able to visit this corner of the Caribbean, and with full permission distribute gospel literature and calendars in the government schools. In this way, thousands of young people over the years have been reached with the gospel, and many homes have had the printed Word, from the literature taken home by the boys and girls.

It is a great thrill to have a little part in this work of the Lord, here in this corner of the Caribbean. This would never be allowed in Canada where I come from, as we have really become godless in the past few years. So we pray that the door of opportunity will remain wide open until the Lord comes, and pray for much blessing. Remember too, that wherever you are today, there are opportunities to serve the Lord and speak for Him. You don’t have to go to the foreign mission field. The word to all of us today, is, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). That means, no matter where you are!

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Copy link Print

He Could Not Save Himself

“And they that passed by railed on Him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save Thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; Himself He cannot save” (Mark 15:29-31).

There were many things said of the Lord Jesus in mockery that were blessedly true in reality. “He saved others; Himself He cannot save,” is certainly one of these statements. There were at least three reasons why the Lord Jesus could not save Himself and come down from the cross.

1. To fulfill the Old Testament prophecies concerning Himself. “That the scripture might be fulfilled” (John 19:28).

2. To accomplish the Father’s will. “This commandment have I received of My Father” (John 10:18).

3. To have His own with Him forever. “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24).

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Copy link Print

Their Cell Phone

The day I am writing this calendar page is the day after I viewed a home in northern Saint Vincent West Indies, where a teenager was killed. The youth was about eighteen years of age. Here is how the story was related to me.

It was Christmas Eve, and the rains came so heavy and so fast that it caused great flooding and landslides. As the dirt and rock cascaded down the mountain in the middle of the night a family escaped from their home that was directly in its path. However, the young man realized he did not have his cell phone, and thinking he had enough time to retrieve it went back into the house. The sad result is that he perished in a tangled mass of concrete, corrugated steel, wood, and household items.

“How tragic,” you say. But this incident is symbolic of many who are going into a lost eternity as they seek to hold on to something they consider valuable in this world. The Lord said: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Mark 8:36-37)?

There is nothing in the world worth hanging onto in exchange for eternal salvation and the joy of knowing Christ.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Copy link Print

Monthly Question Page

Q. Could you please explain what an apostate is?

A. To apostatize, or become an apostate, is simply to “fall away” or to deliberately give up what a person has once professed. The Bible speaks of it in this way: “The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:22). Note, both of the animals mentioned were unclean under the Old Testament law. It is not a true believer backsliding and falling into some sin, from which the grace of God can restore them, but a definite giving up of the profession of Christianity. Scripture holds no hope for such. “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6).

Though the word “apostasy” does not occur in the King James Version, the Greek word occurs several times, from which the English word is derived.

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

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Copy link Print

Enough Evidence

“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God” (Daniel 6:4-5).

Daniel’s coworkers were jealous of his reputation and testimony. And as to finding something they could accuse him of, their conclusion was about the equivalent of someone saying today: “The only thing we can find against that person is the fact that they are a Christian.”

In this connection I saw a motto on a bulletin board in a home where I was visiting, and it asked the following question:

If you were arrested for being a Christian,

Would there be enough evidence to convict you?

As you go about from day to day are you marked by those who know you as being a follower of Christ? The early believers were. “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Copy link Print

Monthly Scripture Reading

Leviticus 14

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest:

And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;

Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:

And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:

As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:

And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Copy link Print

Hidden Service

“Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:22-24).

God honors tireless service! An unwearied continuance in well-doing! A great many young people like to be engaged for a time in the Lord’s work from love of activity or other reasons. But quiet, patient, ongoing, faithful obedience, notwithstanding human praise or blame, is what the Master values. An older brother in Christ related the following story to some of us when I was a young person.

“After a gospel meeting I went back to pick up my Bible which I had forgotten. An old man was busy picking up the hymn books. He looked up as I came in and said, ‘I always have lots of help giving out the hymn books, but I always find myself picking them up alone.’ ”

Yes, we are more anxious to do a service that is readily seen, but don’t forget, the Lord sees and will greatly reward the less-noticed work. “Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:4).

Monday, January 23, 2017

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

I spend a lot of time in the Caribbean. Here we try to make Bibles accessible and affordable to the average person. Sometimes this means selling them for literally pennies on the dollar, or in other words, far below cost. I guess that’s why the following article caught my eye:

In the reign of Edward I of England (1272-1307), the price of a Bible, copied by hand in writing, was 37 pounds and a day-laborer’s wage was 3 and a halfpence. Accordingly, the purchase of a Bible would have been the wages of over 15 years. Today a Bible can be bought for a couple of dollars or less. We found one book store which would not sell Bibles, they only gave them away. Millions of copies are distributed free every year.

This means that the responsibility of having and reading the Bible was never so great as today. We often find those who are able to buy a Bible for the first time. They often have tears in their eyes as they make their purchase. And yet I wonder how much you and I really value the Word of God?

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Copy link Print

Worship

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

When we think about the awesomeness of God our Maker, our reaction should be to worship and bow down in His presence. He made us and He sustains our life. Paul said, when preaching on Mars’ Hill, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:24, 25).

Yet, more than this He has provided salvation for us through the work of the cross. He has saved us by His grace and a work of His Spirit. He has a home prepared for us in heaven, and has promised to come Himself and take us to that home. His love is great and He is the God of the universe. He became a man so that He could redeem us to Himself and enjoy our company now and forever. Remember that as you worship Him today. He is worthy of all worship! “Worship thou HIM” (Psalm 45:11).

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Copy link Print

Dissatisfied

I heard a term today that I’d never heard before: “chronic dissatisfaction.” This is certainly one way to sum up the spirit of the twenty-first century. If there was every a time in history when people were dissatisfied, restless, and unthankful for what they have or their lot in life, it is now.

The good news is, there is permanent and lasting satisfaction found in the Lord Jesus Christ. You can be “satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 33:23). “For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9). People are wasting time and spending money looking for inward happiness and gratification, when the Bible says: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not” (Isaiah 55:1-2)? Only the One who made us can satisfy our souls. Turning to Him for His free salvation will bring satisfaction now, in this life, and untold satisfaction and joy when with Him for eternity in the Father’s house.

The guide to this calendar is found on the last page.

Friday, January 20, 2017

Copy link Print

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).

William Elbert Robinson (Robby) was a missionary to Guatemala in the early 1900’s, and a very good friend and coworker of Cameron Townsend, the founder of Wycliffe Bible Translations. As a young man, and having been married less than three years, he drowned during a swim that the two men were enjoying in Lake Atitlan one afternoon. On his tombstone were engraved the following words.

W. E. Robinson

Bearer of Good News

Robby, as he was best known, had worked very closely with Cameron Townsend in bringing the gospel to the Cakchiquel Indians, giving them their written language, their first school, and a translation of Mark’s Gospel in their native tongue. His death was quite a blow to Cameron.

What would be put on your grave or mine in the event of a sudden or untimely death? Could it be said that were the bearers of good news? Paul in preaching at Antioch could say: “We declare unto you glad tidings” (Acts 13:32).

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Copy link Print

Gates of Nehemiah — The Sheep Gate

“Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it” (Nehemiah 3:1).

The first gate mentioned is the sheep gate. This reminds us of salvation and the work of redemption accomplished at Calvary. The Lord said, “I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).It is significant that the building of this gate was overseen by the high priest, speaking to us again of the work of our High Priest, the Christ Jesus. It does not say that it had to be repaired like the other gates, as the work of Christ will never fail, never need to be repeated or added too.

Practically speaking, we learn that all other service in the Christian life begins at the Sheep Gate. That is, by becoming one of the Lord’s sheep through faith in Him, being able to say, “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1). Otherwise, “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

This gate would also remind us of the need of shepherding. Peter was instructed by the Lord, “Shepherd My sheep” (John 21:16). Each of us can in some way carry this out in caring for our fellow sheep in the flock of God.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Copy link Print

Gates of Nehemiah — Introduction

In the book of Nehemiah we have the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. A wall in Scripture would speak of separation from the world, reminding us of the words of the Lord Jesus, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth” (John 17:16-17). In the days of Nehemiah, Jerusalem was in ruin and the wall broken down. The lesson we learn is simply that the people were neglecting to hold fast the principle of practical separation from the world, namely the heathen peoples around them, and that we need to be exercised to walk in practical sanctification and holiness.

Many names are mentioned in regard to the building of the wall, and each had a specific work to do. This is in keeping with the verse that reminds us, “to every man his work” (Mark 13:34). As believers we all have a part to do in the maintenance of personal and collective testimony.

In connection with this work of restoration there are twelve gates, ten in chapter three, and two in chapter twelve. We will consider the practical application of these gates starting tomorrow and continuing on each third Thursday of the month.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Copy link Print

Our Words

“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).

Some of us tend to talk more than others, and some of us tend to speak before we think. Often I have to apologize because I spoke too quickly, or talked out of turn. Many times we talk just for the sake of talking, and it becomes just useless and senseless babble.

The Bible has a good deal to say about our words, and the consequence of what we say. The above two verses are just a small sample of instruction and warning, but we need to take them to heart (perhaps some more than others). It is a serious thing to consider the fact that we will have to give an account of every word we speak in this life. Will what we say today be for the good of others or for their hurt? Or will what we say be just idle chatter with no point to it at all? Remember it is all being tallied in the records of heaven.

Monday, January 16, 2017

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

It is an understatement to say that “patience” is not one of my virtues. I always want things to happen now … instantly … immediately … without delay … without a hitch … . So it takes lots of prayer and casting myself on the Lord to see me through the day, especially days like today when things are not moving as quickly as I would like, and my plans to get things done are frustrated through circumstances I didn’t count on.

I have to keep stopping and reminding myself that the Lord has a perfect timetable, and that there are really no surprises or delays with Him.

The Spirit of the age we live in is, hurry, hurry, hurry. But let’s not be so hurried this week that we don’t have time to stop and “Consider Him” (Hebrews 12:3).

Here are two verses that have been a help to me already today:

“For ye have need of patience” (Hebrews 10:36).

“Let patience have her perfect work” (James 1:4).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Copy link Print

Seated

“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).

In the Old Testament, both in the Tabernacle in the wilderness, and the Temple later built at Jerusalem, there was never a seat provided by God for the priests. This was because, typically speaking, their work was never finished. They had to offer again and again the same sacrifices. It was an endless round of sacrificing animals over and over again, often for the same sin or offence. The Old Testament priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of Israel understood this very clearly. When they brought a sacrifice it only atoned for that one sin, and then they had to bring another, and another, and another … .

With the sacrifice of Christ it was offered once, and only once. “By one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). Our Priest is now seated, the work is complete, and He will never rise up again to offer Himself as a sacrifice for sin.God is forever satisfied.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Copy link Print

Two Viewpoints

At the end of his life, King David said, “I go the way of all the earth” (1 Kings 2:2). He was speaking of that which is common to all … death! His son Solomon said, “For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other” (Ecclesiastes 3:19). From a natural standpoint it is true, death, as a result of sin, affects all men, as well as every level of creation.

Paul looked at things from a different perspective when he wrote, “the time of my departure is at hand” (2 Timothy 4:6). And also, “to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Philippians 1:23).

Both viewpoints are true. We need to realize that when we leave this world we do not leave it as an animal, but that we have a soul that lives on in one of two places. The Lord, when here on earth told a story of two men who lived and died. “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments” (Luke 16:22, 23). Which would it be for you if you went “the way of all the earth” today?

Friday, January 13, 2017

Copy link Print

Warmed Up

I recently read a biography on the life of Sadhu Sundar Singh, the Indian Christian Missionary who was born in 1889 and is believed to have died in the foothills of the Himalayas in 1929. There was an incident in his life that impressed me. It was a time when falling snow and bitter cold endangered the lives of Sadhu and his Tibetan companion as they crossed a Himalayan mountain pass. Fighting the “sleep of death” they stumbled over a man buried in snow who was half dead. The Tibetan refused to stop and help and passed on. The compassionate Sadhu shouldered the burden and, through his struggling, warmed up the unconscious man as well as himself. Sad to say, before reaching the village they found the Tibetan alone and frozen to death. In seeking to save his own life, he had lost it. The missionary’s sacrifice led to the saving of his own life and that of another.

The Bible tells us, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25). Don’t forget that whatever sacrifice we make for the Lord and on behalf of others, will always have a blessing for this life as well as an eternal consequence and reward.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Copy link Print

Scraps

They are just useless scraps; little bits of glass, shards of broken tile and colored stones. By themselves you’d think they were only fit for the garbage. But in the hands of an expert artist you might see some intensely beautiful work. One artist I know uses scraps of junk to create very realistic portraits of animals, people, and beautiful seascapes and landscapes.

What scraps do we have in our lives? Not physical pieces of paper but those scraps of time — the drive or ride to school, the commute to work, the chores around the house and the break time. Do these bits of time go into bits of trivial waste, sports, news-surfing, gaming, gossip, fantasy? Or are they small and colorful gems of prayer, meditation, thanksgiving, thoughtfulness, loving expressions to others and gospel witness. In the hands of the Master they will be worked into the beautiful portrait of the Son of God and not swept into the trash pile of wood, hay and stubble. “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Copy link Print

Mornings – Part 2

The Lord Himself rose early to spend time in prayer and communion with His Father before a busy day of service. “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35). This is what every believer needs to do if they are going to have power and fruit in their service for Christ.

Bible verses often refer to the traits of diligence, willingness, readiness, and obedience, traits that our Lord desires to find in each of His own. Here is a nice exercise expressed on the part of David: “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up” (Psalm 5:3). He also said in Psalm 143:8, “Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee” (Psalm 143:8). Someone else has said, “Morning prayer leads to evening praise.”

Don’t waste your mornings! Make them times of spiritual edification and blessing. Spend them in company with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Copy link Print

Mornings – Part 1

“Joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Mornings may not be your best time of the day! However, early morning is a good opportunity for a Christian to spend some time alone with the Lord before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. If you don’t do it in the morning you are not likely to have time later on. And furthermore, the enemy, Satan, will do everything in his power to keep you so busy and occupied that you will not enjoy a quiet time with your Savior. Night will be upon you, and you will find yourself too physically and mentally weary.

There are many examples in the Bible of those who got up early in the morning for one reason or another. Abraham is one of them. “And Abraham rose up early in the morning … and went unto the place of which God had told him” (Genesis 22:3). Abraham is an example of one who rose up early to obey the instructions that the Lord had given him concerning the offering of his son Isaac. How good it is to wake up each day with a desire to obey and please the Lord, and with a yearning to follow His leading no matter what, knowing that His ways are best.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

“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).

This morning I was thinking of how the Lord Jesus desires our fellowship far more than we desire His. He died to win our hearts’ affections, and so that He could enjoy our company, not only in a future day in the Father’s house, but here and now as well. Let’s cultivate a relationship of real companionship with Himself. Learn to talk to the Lord as you go throughout the day. Maybe you have no real need or request. But talk to Him, tell Him what is in your heart, and learn what is in His.

Moses knew what it was to talk to the Lord in this way. “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Exodus 33:11). If Moses could enjoy such a relationship in the Old Testament, how much more you and I.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Copy link Print

Asleep

“Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me. And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt. And He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with Me one hour” (Matthew 26:36-40)?

The Lord Jesus was at the worst crisis of His life on earth, the forsaking of God while He was punished for sins that He did not commit — our sins. With the cross just hours away He asked His three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, to watch with Him. Instead they fell asleep.

Let’s not be sleeping today as to the cross and the mighty work accomplished there by the Lord Jesus Christ. He says to us, “This do in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Copy link Print

It Is Time!

It was a cold January night in Flint, Michigan, and a young person by the name of Kim sat quietly waiting and praying for her mother to trust the Savior. The solemn preaching of the gospel had broken Kim’s mother down in genuine repentance. And then as the preacher explained the way of salvation, Kim’s mother put her trust in Christ. Both mother and daughter rejoiced together, as Kim exclaimed, “Mother, you are now saved like me!”

Eleven months later the hearts that rejoiced that evening were plunged into deep sorrow. As she was returning from Detroit, after being fitted for a dress to be worn as part of a wedding party, Kim was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Her parents were grief-stricken. However, in the strength of the Lord they were able to rise above the loss, comforted that their daughter was, “Absent from the body … present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Within a few weeks at least seven of her relatives were saved as a result of her testimony.

If you are not saved, perhaps reading this account will be used to convict you of your need and convince you of the fact that, “It is time to seek the Lord” (Hosea 10:12).

Friday, January 6, 2017

Copy link Print

Temper

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31).

I read a statistic recently that I thought was very interesting and noteworthy:

“Ten minutes of unbridled temper can waste enough strength to do a complete day of wholesome work.”

Let’s remember that our physical energy is a gift from God, entrusted to us to be used in His service and for His glory. When preaching on Mars’ Hill, the Apostle Paul declared “He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25).Daniel had to remind King Belshazzar, “The God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified” (Daniel 5:23).

It is a sin to take God’s gift and squander it through evil and unbridled emotions. When I was a young person we used to sing the song:

Angry word, Oh let them never,

From the tongue, unbridled slip.

May the love of Jesus ever

Fill the heart and keep the lip.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Copy link Print

“ … Be Done … ”

“Let all things be done unto edifying”
(1 Corinthians 14:26).

“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

“Let all your things be done with charity (love)” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

The above are three very important principles to guide us in our relationships with other believers, who, as we learn from the epistles to the Corinthians, are fellow members of the body of Christ.

First, all is to be done in view of “edifying” or “building up.” Everything we do and say is to contribute to the life and growth of the body of Christ.

Second, all is to be done “decently and in order.” Everything is to be governed by the Word of God so that there is no confusion when we come together, for worship, ministry, prayer, etc.

Third, all is to be done in “love.” This the bond of perfectness, and every believer is to serve one another with no other motive than the motive of divine love.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Copy link Print

Our Companions

“Evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Our companions will either be a help and encouragement for our blessing, or a hindrance and discouragement for our detriment, in our Christian life. Let us be very careful as to the company we keep! How sad to see young Christians, who once had a desire to please the Lord, led away into the world and seeking its pleasure, its achievements, etc., because of the company they chose.

Of course we must brush shoulders with the world at school, at work, and so on, and we must be kind and friendly if we are going to be a testimony for the Lord. We are exhorted in the Bible: “Do good unto all men” (Galatians 6:10). But I am speaking of those that we have as our closest companions. They will indeed have an influence on our life, whether for good or bad. Let’s be ever so sure that our most intimate friends have the same desire to please and follow the Lord. Let’s be like those in the early days of Christianity, of whom we read, “And being let go, they went to their own company” (Acts 4:23).

You can receive this calendar as a free daily email:
bibletruthpublishers.com/yp

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Copy link Print

Jonah

“Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9).

“Behold, now is the day of Salvation”
(2 Corinthians 6:2).

Jonah was in the fish, down in the sea;

He called upon the Lord to set him free.

His prayer in heaven was heard —

“Salvation’s of the Lord.”

To land he was restored,

By God’s own Word.

“Salvation’s of the Lord,” He is the Way!

“Salvation’s of the Lord,” be saved today!

Do not His love reject!

Do not His call neglect!

Salvation now accept,

Through Christ the Lord!

“Salvation’s of the Lord,” come and believe!

“Salvation’s of the Lord,” come and receive

Eternal life, so free —

His blood, sin’s remedy!

Heaven, your home will be,

With Christ the Lord!

Monday, January 2, 2017

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

Here we are starting out on another year, and there will be, no doubt, many new lessons to learn in the school of God. Some of them will not seem so pleasant, and there will probably be some tears as well as joys. Someone has said that there are two great lessons that God is seeking to teach us while here in this life:

The first lesson is, “The flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63). We should never trust the sinful flesh, since it is corrupt and incurable. The Lord said to Nicodemus, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh” (John 3:6). Remember, “He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.”

The second lesson is, “God is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9). Whatever He does with us, and whatever He allows in our lives this year, remember this great truth. “He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

If we can learn, at least in part, our own nothingness and God’s faithfulness we have done well in God’s school.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Copy link Print

The Cup

“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done” (Luke 22:41-42).

This cup that the Lord was referring to was the cup of suffering at the hand of God. It was that judgment against sin which came directly from God in those three hours of darkness when He “bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). In Luke’s gospel, the Lord Jesus as a man, shrank from the awful reality of what was ahead, and prays in the Garden of Gethsemane asking the Father if there was any other way possible for His will to be accomplished.

However, in John’s gospel, where we have the Lord presented as the Son of God and the burnt offering, we do not get His agony in the garden. He has before Him the accomplishment of the Father’s will and simply says, “The cup which my Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?(John 18:11). No, there was never a hesitation on His part. He came to do the will of the Father, and could cry at the end of those hours of darkness, “It is finished” (John 19:30).