Young Christians Calendar

April 2017

Remember

“We will remember Thy love” (Song of Solomon 1:4).

Today we need to spend some time in a simple remembrance of Jesus and His sacrificial death at Calvary. Although it happened some 2000 years ago, it is still as fresh in God’s mind today as when it happened. God remembers the awful cost of our redemption, that time when, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32).

The Lord Jesus too remembers that work and suffering as freshly as if it was yesterday. He says: “Remembering Mine affliction and My misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in Me” (Lamentations 3:19-20).

Now we, as believers in the Lord Jesus, can remember it too. The chorus of an old hymn comes to mind in this regard:

Lest I forget Gethsemane;

Lest I forget Thine agony;

Lest I forget Thy love for me,

Lead me to Calvary.

May we never forget what happened at Calvary!

Saturday, April 29, 2017

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The Face of Jesus

An artist, imprisoned on a false charge, was allowed to have his brushes and paints, but nothing on which to paint. He asked for something, and a warden tossed him an old dirty handkerchief. Being a true believer, he painted on the soiled cloth what he conceived to be the face of Jesus. When he finished he showed it to a fellow prisoner. It’s marvellous sweetness and gentle expression touched the man’s heart and tears ran down his cheeks.

This account is just a faint picture of what Christ can do for poor sin-soiled lives. A look of faith to the Savior of sinners can bring about a work of repentance in the heart and light to the soul. “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

It is not to see Him with the natural eye, or some artist’s depiction of what he may think He looked like, but a look of simple faith. The invitation is: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved” (Isaiah 45:22).

Friday, April 28, 2017

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Monthly Question Page

Q. What does it mean when it says, “Praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 5)?

A. First of all I would say that it does not mean superficial or casual saying of prayers. Nor does it mean mere repetition of some words printed on a card, or the repeating of what is commonly called The Lord’s Prayer.

Praying in the Spirit means true spiritual communion with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Our praying is to be motivated by the Holy Spirit Himself. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18). This is only possible as we “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). That is, living as we ought to live, doing what we should be doing, and saying what we should be saying. Then and only then will we be able to ask in fellowship with the Spirit, and according to the Lord’s will. When we do this the promise is, “if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him” (1 John 5:14-15).

Prayer is not so much getting man’s will done in heaven, as it is getting God’s will done on earth.

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

Thursday, April 27, 2017

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Contentment

How content are you with the position and circumstances God has placed you in? In this day and age of fast living and constant change there seems to be a restlessness and discontentment that pervades our way of thinking and our attitude. Here are some verses from the Word of God that would encourage and exhort us to be content, above all, because we are saved and have everything we need from the hand of a loving Father through Christ.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

“Be content with your wages” (Luke3:14).

“Be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

The next time you find yourself complaining about life in general think back to these Scriptures. Let’s be like the Apostle Paul, who said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Genesis 50

And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,

So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.

And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

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Spiritual Needs

“I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

There are spiritual needs all around us. The lost need to be saved, and the believers need encouragement, comfort, correction, and often restoration. In this regard I am reminded of an incident in the life of Billy Sunday, the famed evangelist (1862-1935).

Before holding a series of meetings in a large city, the preacher wrote a letter to the mayor, in which he asked for the names of individuals he knew who had spiritual problems and needed help and prayer. How surprised Mr. Sunday was when he received from the mayor a city directory and phone book.

What will you do today to help someone in need? It takes spiritual discernment and energy, and often self-sacrifice, but it is a much needed service.

Monday, April 24, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Here is a challenge for the days ahead this week: Let’s go forth with a sense of God’s love for us, and seek to enjoy that love in a little fuller way each day.

Knowing God’s love compels us to love God and others. The Apostle John, who enjoyed the love of God and the Lord Jesus, wrote, “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). The Lord Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Here we see love’s practical effect in John and the other disciples, and the same should be true of all who know the love of God. The Apostle John further states: “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God” (1 John 4:7).

God’s desire is that the divine nature will be produced and nourished in every believer. But are we all conscious of the relative measure to which this is achieved in us?

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, April 23, 2017

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Peace

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you” (John 20:19-21).

The secret of peace is more than knowing that our sins are forgiven. It is having the Person and work of Christ before our souls, having our hearts engaged and occupied with the One who has done it all, and gazing by faith upon the marks of His accomplished work — those wounds in His hands feet, and side. This is true peace for the inner Christian life.

Everyone who has peace with God knows that his sins are gone forever, that he is standing in God’s eternal favor, and that the glory of God awaits him in the future. Happy is the person that lives in the enjoyment of the blessed knowledge of what the work of the Lord Jesus on the cross has accomplished for their eternal blessing.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

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Going Where?

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

“We spend our years as a tale that is told … and we fly away” (Psalm 90:9-10).

Where is everyone going? I am sitting at a café in the “A” gate concourse of the Saint Louis, Missouri airport. People are hurrying by on their way to or from their flight. Old and young alike are rushing on their way, I suppose, to many destinations near and far.

But where are they going? I don’t mean, where are they headed at the end of the present trip they are on, or which plane is to take them to which destination, but where are they going when they leave this world. Do they have their “ticket” for that final flight to heaven when the Lord comes? Are they ready to “meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)?

Where are you going? The only ticket to heaven is the Lord Jesus Christ, through the work of Calvary, and His blood that washes sins away. I hope every reader has secured that ticket by receiving the Lord as their Savior. If you have, you are ready for that one-way flight to the Father’s House.

Friday, April 21, 2017

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A Real Friend

Our lives can be full of so much tragedy, hurt, heartbreak, and misery. Yet, even in the midst of all this trouble we can be rich and enjoy life. Some people have lost everything temporal in this life, but they have a real Friend, who is always with them. Of this Friend, the Lord Jesus, we read: “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). And also, “He is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16).

To be friendless in this life is to be poor indeed. Many can share accounts of friends who have failed us or let us down when the going got rough. But, in Jesus Christ we have a Friend who loves us no matter what we do and what happens. The poet and hymn-writer, Joseph Scriven, in 1885 wrote: “What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.” Around 1863 James G. Small wrote, “I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! He loved me ere I knew Him; He drew me with the cords of love, and thus He bound me to Him.”

It is certainly wonderful to have an unfailing, unchanging Friend in Jesus. Enjoy His companionship today!

Thursday, April 20, 2017

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Gates of Nehemiah — The Valley Gate

“The valley gate repaired Hanun” (Nehemiah 3:13)

This gate suggests to us the thought of humility. Of the Lord as the perfect example we read, “He humbled Himself” (Philippians 2:5, 8) We also have several exhortations regarding humbling ourselves. Here are four of them:

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4).

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up” (James 4:10).

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).

How watchful we need to be from day to day, in our service for Christ, that pride doesn’t become the motive for what we do. “What doth the Lord require of thee, but … to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8) We have nothing to boast in apart from what we are by the grace of God.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

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Hebrews — Part 2

As we proceed through the book of Hebrews we continue to see the Lord Jesus seated at the right hand of God. Yesterday we mentioned two of the four times, and here are the other two occasions:

Thirdly, He is seated having offered Himself as the supreme sacrifice for sin. “But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:12).

Fourthly, He is seated as the object for faith. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

These and many other Scriptures indicate the need of having the person and work of Christ before us as our constant occupation and object. This is especially true in these “last days” when there is more and more to discourage and weary the saints. How gracious of our God to anticipate these “perilous times” and to give us a full resource for the path of faith.

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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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Hebrews — Part 1

“But 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).

The book of Hebrews opens up to us the heavens so that we can look up by faith and be occupied with the one that God would always occupy His people with — His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The above quote is perhaps a key verse to the book. Indeed, God has seated Him at His own right hand as brought before us four times in this epistle.

Firstly, He is seated as the one who has taken care of the question of sin. “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” (Hebrews 1:3).

Secondly, He is seated as our Great High Priest, interceding for us. “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a High Priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” (Hebrews 8:1).

Monday, April 17, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Here is a quote from the well known evangelist, Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892):

“When going through affliction we are brave through the grace of God when we are faithful to His service. Then we believe that there is nothing in this world worth living for. When we think of the world to come, we gladly deny ourselves. But when the good times come, how difficult it is to think of the world to come. It is then that we sink in dishonourable lust and sin.”

Yes, whether in good time or bad times, we need to have the reality of what is ahead before our hearts. “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18). The preacher, John Wesley (1703-1791), when asked why he had given up so many earthly comforts to serve the Lord, replied, “There is another world.” Let’s not forget this truth as we start out on another week of planning and activity. It will keep everything we do in the proper perspective.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, April 16, 2017

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True Worship

It is not possible for us to bring the Father true worship or to have fellowship with Him, if we are not filled with a profound impression of the preciousness of the person and sacrifice of Christ. Our heart must be filled with Him! Christ is the foundation of our blessed relationship with God. How can we enter the presence of God in spirit, without an enjoyment of the One who secured this place for us?

If the Lord is not constantly before our souls in all His preciousness, and if His loving-kindness fails to rejoice and refresh our hearts, then our worship will be a mere formality. We may be able to recount a whole list of truths fluently in our prayers, but that is of little value to God. He Himself finds His delight only in Christ and seeks souls who share His delight, so far as we are capable of doing so. That is worship! Singing hymns too, if we have lost sight of Christ, is at best pleasant to the ear, but not the expression of true worship. The Lord Jesus said, while sitting on the well at Sychar: “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him” (John 4:23).

Saturday, April 15, 2017

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Cover-up

Two men met in the elevator of a big hotel, in which dogs were not allowed. One of the men was wearing hunting clothes.

“It looks like you are going hunting,” the other said.

“Oh yes,” replied the first proudly.

“Haven’t you got a dog?” was the next question.

“I have, and between you and me I have him here in the hotel. I won’t tell you what trick I used to get him in, but nobody has noticed yet. Do you hunt as well?”

“Oh no!” answered the other, “I am the hotel owner.” In embarrassment and shame the hunter lowered his eyes. He had given himself away.

Isn’t this precisely how many people act towards God? They ignore His Word and imagine that He doesn’t notice. Or assert that He doesn’t exist. But God is very much alive and the Bible declares, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Thankfully the work of Christ is able to take care of every sin we have ever committed. He says: “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17).

Friday, April 14, 2017

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Some Short Sayings

The God who holds the universe is the God who holds our hand. “Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23).

If the love of God is flowing into me, the love of God will be flowing out of me. “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).

Fear will leave us when we remember that Jesus is with us. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee” (Isaiah 41:10).

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. “For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous” (Psalm 1:6).

Be careful with your words, once they are said, they can be only forgiven, not forgotten. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Thursday, April 13, 2017

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Too Big To Serve

“By love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

When I was a young man an older brother gave me some good advice. He said, “If you love your fellow-believers, learn to serve them.” However, the problem is that sometimes we may think certain tasks are beneath us. The following story from history is a good illustration of how we need to learn that no service for Christ is too lowly, and that the Lord Himself said: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10).

During the American War of Independence, also known as the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), some soldiers were laboring to raise a great log of wood from a roadway. Someone came along, and seeing a soldier standing by asked why he was not helping his fellow comrades. Drawing himself up, he answered: “Don’t you know that I am the Corporal?” He felt he was too big to serve. Too high to stoop to such a menial task.

The visitor, said: “If you won’t help, I will.”

The job was soon finished, and the Corporal asked: “And who are you?”

“I am General George Washington,” was the reply.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

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Quiet Time — Part 2

Every section of God’s Word has something to say to us. That makes every passage important. When should you have your quiet time? It’s important to read the Bible as often as possible, but it’s helpful to have a specific time each day when you shut everyone out except God. For many, that specific time is early in the morning. The mind is less cluttered then and the day is less complicated. Besides, God deserves us at our best, and the best part of the day is usually the first part. David said, “O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee” (Psalm 63:1). Perhaps for your quiet time you will find another time of day suits your life-style better. That’s fine. But make sure you establish a time and stick to it.

What should you do when you have your quiet time? Here is a sample list

Start with prayer, asking the Lord to prepare your heart.

Read a specific portion of Scripture. Orderly, consistent reading of the Bible is helpful.

Meditate. Think about what you have read.

Make notes.

Compare other Scriptures that come to mind.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

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Quiet Time — Part 1

“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

When we get saved we need to grow in our new faith in Christ. To do this, it is important to establish a quiet time. By “quiet time” I mean getting alone with God and His Word. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we sometimes find it easy to live our lives with little or no regard for the God who saved us — or for His Word. The Bible is the revelation of God’s mind to you. It’s what He wants you to know and do. Not only did God give His Son — the Living Word — to save you, He gave His Book — the Written Word — to guide you. Many people own a Bible, but they never read it. For many people, it’s an out-of-date book, good for their grandparents but not for them. Someone has said that if everyone blew the dust from their unused Bibles simultaneously, we’d all be killed in the dust storm. To be sure, some sections of the Bible are difficult to understand, and some are not as exciting as others. Once John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, said something like this: “I have sometimes seen more in a line of the Bible than I could understand; and yet at other times the whole Bible has been to me as dry as a stick.”

Monday, April 10, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Many of our fellow-believers are really suffering for their faith and testimony in many parts of the world today. Most of our readers live in countries where we enjoy freedom of religion, and we have no fear from the authorities when we carry a Bible, meet for Bible meetings, or share the gospel with others.

Not only do we need to pray for Christians in persecuted countries, but we also need to pray that we, in lands of freedom, will be able to continue to have Bibles and meet freely with out fear of harassment from governments, imprisonment, and death. And that we will be able to freely spread the good news of the gospel, until the Lord Jesus comes. When the Apostle Paul wrote to the young man Timothy, he said: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, April 9, 2017

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Worship

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

The wise men had travelled a long way to find out where “the King of the Jews” had been born. They made diligent search, and when they had found Him, they worshipped. They bowed in the presence of, not just the King of the Jews, but the King of kings, the Son of the living God. We too should feel the wonder of being in His presence when we remember Him in His death at Calvary.

The wise men presented to Him three gifts:

Gold: This speaks of the deity of Christ, the fact that He is God and man in one person.

Frankincense: This typifies the fragrance of His perfect, sinless life.

Myrrh: This reminds us of His death.

If we remember and meditate on these three aspects of the person and work of Christ today, there will be true worship, and we will be true worshipers.

Saturday, April 8, 2017

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Blood Shed

Maybe you wonder why Christians emphasize the importance of the blood. The thought of blood and death is repulsive to many; they believe that a faith that should make people happy should offer something more attractive.

God has much to offer that is attractive: eternal life, a Father’s love, an inheritance in heaven, joy, peace, and rest of soul, now and in eternity.

But there is still a matter that needs to be settled, the question of sin. We are sinners, and every sin demands divine justice. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). This is where the matter of the blood comes in, as blood signifies life. Because we had forfeited our life forever, a perfect, sinless sacrifice had to shed its blood as a substitute for us. That is what God’s holiness demanded. “Without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). There could be no salvation in any other way. Jesus Christ became that sacrifice, His blood flowed at Calvary’s cross to enable all who believe in the atonement it made to receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Their security is found in the BLOOD!

Friday, April 7, 2017

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Anticipation

Often we look forward to Friday as being the last school or work day of the week. From Monday on we are anticipating the weekend, and the freedom to sleep in, have fun, or just hang out and do nothing. I wonder if we anticipate the Lord’s coming as much as we anticipate Fridays? Do we look up every day and say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20)? Are we living with the realization that every morning brings us one day nearer to that moment when we will hear the voice of the Lord calling us home?

When the Lord comes, we will enter into our eternal rest in the Father’s house, and best of all we will be with the Lord Jesus forever and ever. I often enjoy the verse that says, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). This rest will not be just for a weekend, or a short time, but for eternity. No more worrying or fretting. Our only service in heaven will be to praise and worship the Lord, who will be in the midst of His own as the Lamb of God. Let’s be, “Looking for that blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).

Thursday, April 6, 2017

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Tell Someone — Part 2

“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).

Confessing Christ will help clarify your thinking; you’ll be able to separate the questions you have in your mind from the facts you know. It will solidify in your own mind what has happened to you. And it will bring your friends face to face with God’s love for them.

One caution. When you tell someone what has happened to you, do not start an argument. People do not come to Christ at the end of an argument; but they frequently come to Him at the end of a testimony.

The greatest thing that will happen to you in your life is your salvation. Tell someone about it. Charles Wesley wrote:

“O for a thousand tongues to sing

My great Redeemer’s praise.”

We don’t have a thousand tongues, but we do have one. Let’s use it for the purpose of telling others about what Christ Jesus has done for us. When you do, you have taken an important first step in your Christian life.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

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Tell Someone — Part 1

“And ye shall be witnesses unto Me” (Acts 1:8).

After you have been saved, it’s important to tell someone. In the Bible we read about Andrew, a man who later became one of Jesus’ disciples. When he came to know the Lord, he took an important first step. He told someone, his brother. “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias” (John 1:41).His explanation was not very long and not very detailed. Andrew was an unlearned fisherman and he simply told his brother what he had found.

No one expects you to have all the answers just after you’re saved. God doesn’t expect it of you. All you need to do is to tell someone what has happened. Tell that person that Jesus has become real to you, that He has saved you. This doesn’t make you a missionary, but it does make you a witness. Jesus wants us to be His witnesses. Talking about your salvation may not be easy, and you may not comprehend everything that happened to you when you were saved. But sharing your new life in Christ with others will help you in a number of ways.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

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Live For Jesus

“For to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21).

Life without Jesus,

How empty and void;

Pointless, frustrating,

Of hope so devoid:

Many a wreck on the highway of strife,

Stalled without Jesus, the purpose for life.

Life lived for Jesus,

How happy it be,

Meaningful, joyful,

Contented and free:

Many are walking this highway today,

With Jesus as guide and strength for the way.

Live then for Jesus,

Make this your quest;

Live for Him always,

For this is the best.

Monday, April 3, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Has someone recently broken a promise or let you down in some way? Maybe last week you were disappointed in a friend because they didn’t follow through on something they said they would do.

As you begin this week don’t forget that our God has made promises that cannot fail.

Solomon declared at the dedication of the temple: “According to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant” (1 Kings 8:56).

Paul said: “For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (1 Corinthians 1:20). So, the next time someone breaks a promise, remember, there are promises that will never be broken. Peter tells us, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4). What wonderful confidence this gives us in trusting our God for every circumstance of life.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, April 2, 2017

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The Cross

How real and precious the Cross of Calvary should be to every believer. Can we truly echo the words of the Apostle Paul when he wrote the Galatian believers? He said: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).

Here are three aspects of the cross that are good for us to consider as we remember that great work of atonement today:

His Death:

“And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

The Blood:

“And, having made peace throughthe blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20).

The Preaching:

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Saturday, April 1, 2017

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“Remember Now”

I was asked one evening to visit a lady in the hospital who was dying. I carefully, slowly, and as simply as possible, explained the way of salvation to her. She looked at me and said, “I know all that. I heard it from my parents and others when I was young. I have six months to live and I will go to hell.” She died a few months later and to my knowledge never trusted Christ. How tragic when she could have come to Him as a young woman and lived her life for Him. If you are considering trusting Christ, don’t put it off. Accept His offer of salvation today. “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

The time to be saved is right now! “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6). Tomorrow may be too late. He may not be found and He may not be near. The “day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2), may not extend past today. Don’t wait until you are older to be saved. Life has no guarantees. The urgency of the message is “Come now” (Isaiah 1:18).