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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

May 2017

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Wednesday, May 31, 2017

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Stand Alone — Part 2
Of the lonely way His disciples should walk, the Lord said: “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14). Of their treatment by the many who walk in the broad way, He said: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19).
Multitudes now, both of believers and unbelievers, applaud the courage and fortitude of the patriarchs and prophets, the apostles and martyrs, but condemn as stubbornness and foolishness, faithfulness to the truth in this day and age.
Is there a young person who is anxious to walk with God, yet fearful of losing some imaginary advantage or position, and who wonders if it might not be possible to go just so far, and make all right later? Take courage. Follow the example of Enoch. “Enoch walked with God … three hundred years” (Genesis 5:22). Better to walk alone with God, than hand and hand with a world that hates Him and despises His followers.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

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Stand alone — Part 1
It is human to stand with the crowd; it is divine to stand alone. It is man-like to follow the people, to drift with the tide; it is God-like to follow a principle and to go against the tide. It is natural to compromise conscience and follow the social and religious fashion for the sake of gain or pleasure; it is divine to sacrifice both on the altar of truth and duty.
“No man stood with me, but all men forsook me” (2 Timothy 4:16), the battle-scarred Apostle Paul wrote long ago, in describing his first appearance before Nero to answer for his life, for believing and teaching contrary to the Roman world.
Truth has been out of fashion since the fall of Adam.
Noah built and voyaged alone. His neighbors laughed at his strangeness and died in style.
Abraham wandered and worshiped alone. Sodomites perhaps smiled at this simple shepherd, followed the fashion, and fed the flames.
Daniel dined and prayed alone.
Elijah sacrificed and witnessed alone.
Jeremiah prophesied and wept alone.
Jesus loved and died alone.

Monday, May 29, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:
Here I am sitting in the mall parking lot waiting for my wife. As I sit here and watch the people going in with empty carts and coming out with full ones, I am reminded of a Scripture regarding purchasing and selling. “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:13-15).
When was the last time we prayed and asked the Lord’s will as to whether we should go to the mall or do some shopping? It seems like a trivial thing, but the above verses show that we should seek His mind in even the simplest everyday things of life. Yes, even going to the store to buy something. Have a good week, and don’t forget to read your Bible and pray.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, May 28, 2017

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His Banner
“He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love” (Song of Solomon 2:4).
We sometime make banners that announce happy occasions. For instance: “Happy Birthday” or “Welcome Home,” or “Just Married,” or other joyous sentiments. Our verse today spreads a banner over a special guest of honor at a banquet. It has one word on it, and simply reads, LOVE.
That’s what each of us experiences as the Lord Jesus brings us into HIS BANQUETING HOUSE. There is only one place where there is perfect love. That’s the Lord’s banqueting house at His table. What a privilege it is to be invited, and what a blessing to sit down in His presence. In the previous verse the invited guest said: “I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste” (Song of Solomon 2:3).
Today we need to be reminded of the cost of our invitation. It cost God the giving of His Son, and it cost the Lord Jesus the giving of His life and the shedding of His blood. Our invitation to His table, with His banner — LOVE — over us has been very costly!

Saturday, May 27, 2017

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Blackbeard
“In hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments”
(Luke 16:23).
Edward Teach was known as Blackbeard. He was the most well-known pirate in Bahamian history and caused terror in and around those islands for several years. He cared for no one but himself, and with cutlasses and pistols slung about him, which he did not hesitate to use, he resembled a walking arsenal. His long black beard was twisted with ribbons and turned about his ears. He was no legend, but a real man who died in a violent naval battle in 1718.
One day he said to some of his men, “Let us make a hell of our own and see how long we can bear it.” They went below, closed the hatches, and set on fire several pots of brimstone. One by one, close to suffocation, they escaped to the upper deck. Blackbeard held out the longest and was pleased that he was better able to live in hell than the others.
We can hardly imagine such a thing, yet there are many who are rushing on to the “lake of fire” with no thought of its reality. Hell is nothing to joke about! It is a real place, and those who reject the Savior of sinners will end up there. Not just for a time, but for eternity. Where will you be then?

Friday, May 26, 2017

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Monthly Question Page
Q. When those in places of authority make a wrong judgment, should I submit?
A. God has set up different levels of authority for the good and blessing of man on the earth. For example, parental authority; the man as head of the home; in the workplace; in government; administration in the church of God; etc. Our responsibility when we come under authority is to submit. This does not mean authority is always right or even carried out in the right way or with the right attitude: or even that I necessarily agree with it. The Bible says: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake” (1 Peter 2:13). Submission is not a sign of weakness but spiritual energy, and often takes real grace, and patience.
There is however, one qualification when it comes to submission. “We ought to obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29). The disciples had been instructed by the Lord to preach the gospel. When they were forbidden by the council to do so, they appealed to a higher authority — the Lord Himself. In other words, we must bow to earthly authority at all cost, except when it goes against the authority of the Lord and His Word. Submission is always “In the Lord.”
Do you have a question? Email us at jhyland@primus.ca

Thursday, May 25, 2017

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Problems
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).
Problems! Life seems to be filled with them. We are called to face them in every area of our life — physical, financial, moral, spiritual, personal, and family. Some problems, when squarely faced, are realized to be rather small and insignificant, having been enlarged out of proportion by fear of one sort or another. But others, undoubtedly, are important, solved only by much prayer and dependance on God our Father. Still others are incomprehensible and unexplainable, for the present at least. These problems must be committed in their entirety to the One who knows all about it. Then we need to learn to wait patiently in faith for His time and His solution.
King David had many problems in every sphere of his life, but he could write: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself … ” (Psalm 37:7). Is there a problem in your life today? The hymn-writer, Joseph Scriven, tells us: “Take it to the Lord in prayer.”

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

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Monthly Scripture Reading
1 John
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.
Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

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Love One Another
“This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14).
“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).
These verses are a test as to whether we are a true child of God, and as to whether we are walking in the enjoyment of the love of God. If we are real, and if we are really living in the sunshine of His love, there will be, practically displayed in our interactions with other of God’s children, that same divine love that has been showered upon us.
Notice too, that we are to love with the very same love with which the Lord loves us. There is no less standard for loving our brothers and sisters in Christ than the love of God and the love of the Lord Jesus for us.
Go through the New Testament, and trace the number of times we are told to love one another. In John’s writings alone the exhortation appears quite a number of times.

Monday, May 22, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:
I want to encourage you to go forth this week with a sense of God’s deep, eternal, unchanging love. God’s love compels us to love God and others. The Apostle John, who delighted to speak of Himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 20:2), also wrote, “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Here we see love’s practical effect in John, and the same should be true of all who know the love of God.
Our hearts tend to grow dull and cold as we go through a world that has no love for God or for His Son. That’s why we need the exhortation, “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21). One of Paul’s prayers for the believers at Thessalonica was, “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God” (2 Thessalonians 3:5).
An appreciation of this great love will cause us to walk in obedience to His Word, and keep us on the path of faith as well. “But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected” (1 John 2:5).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, May 21, 2017

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Consider
“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)
If it cost a single penny to travel a thousand miles, a cruise to the moon would be only $2.38. But if you wanted to go to the sun, the one-way ticket would cost $930.00. A trip to the nearest star would be a whopping $260 million. Yet a place in the very heart of the One who made this vast universe is free, based on the priceless sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary.
Today, more than just considering the work of His fingers in creation we need to stop and consider the mighty work of the cross, and the One who accomplished that work. “For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself” (Hebrews 12:3). We are just specks in His great creation. Yet, He came to planet earth and died for us, because He loved us, and could say of Himself, “My delights were with the sons of men” (Proverbs 8:31). What worship the realization of this will produce in our souls!

Saturday, May 20, 2017

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What Persuasion?
A visitor said, to a wounded soldier who lay dying in an army hospital, “What church are you a member of?”
“Of the Church of Jesus Christ,” was the reply.
“I mean, of what persuasion are you of?” returned the visitor.
“What persuasion?” asked the dying man, as he looked heavenward, his face beaming with the love of his Savior.” He then continued, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Of what persuasion are you? It matters not what your religious affiliation or family background might be. It matters not what your social standing is, or your education level.
It matters whether you are of the same persuasion as the dying soldier and the Apostle Paul, who, on another occasion said: “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11).

Friday, May 19, 2017

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Success
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:18).
The world measures success in different ways, but I was struck by a quote from the American financier and philanthropist, John D Rockefeller Jr. He said: “The secret to success is to do common things uncommonly well.”
There is no doubt a lesson to be learned from this, not only in our daily routine of secular life, but in our spiritual life as well. As our verse today indicates, “success” in our pathway of faith for the Lord is achieved by:
1. Taking in the Word of God.
2. Meditating on the Word of God.
3. Observing (obeying/doing) the Word of God.
These three things are essential to a fruitful Christian life. (Not necessarily in a financial way, but with eternal value.) To do the most mundane tasks “heartily, as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), is what will bring “good success.”

Thursday, May 18, 2017

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Gates of Nehemiah — The Dung Gate
“The dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem” (Nehemiah 3:14).
Repairing the Dung Gate must have been humbling for a ruler like Malchiah, but it was very necessary.
This gate reminds us of the need for self-judgment. The Dung Gate was the port from which they carried forth the filth, so that the city would not be defiled. So we read: “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). As believers we are called, not to uncleanness but to practical holiness. We are to cleanse ourselves, that is, to judge ourselves in the presence of God, and turn away from all sinfulness and that which defiles and dulls our souls. “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). This is a needful exhortation in a world where people are following their own lusts and sinful appetites. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). However, this should not be what characterizes a believer. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

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12 Ways to Serve the Lord — Part 2
7. With humility:
“Serving the Lord with all humility of mind” (Acts 20:19).
8. Intelligently:
“Holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable(intelligent) service” (Romans 12:1).
9. In Truth:
“Serve Him in truth” (1 Samuel 12:24).
10. Sincerely:
“Serve Him in sincerity” (Joshua 24:14).
11. Exclusively:
“And serve Him only” (1 Samuel 7:3).
12. Unto the Lord:
“Doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men” (Ephesians 6:7).
These are no doubt just a few suggestions from the Bible regarding our service and ministry for the Lord. Each of us has something to do, and His desire is that it be done in such a way that He can commend and reward us for it in the end.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

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12 Ways to Serve the Lord — Part 1
Do you want to have effective service for Christ? Then our service must be in accord with the truth of God’s Word, and carried out with the proper spirit and attitude.
1. With all our heart:
“Serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart” (Deuteronomy 10:12).
2. Without fear:
“Serve Him without fear” (Luke 1:74).
3. With gladness:
“Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2).
4. With a willingness:
“Serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind” (1 Chronicles 28:9).
5. With a pure conscience:
“God, whom I serve … with pure conscience” (2 Timothy 1:3).
6. Acceptably with reverence:
“Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28).

Monday, May 15, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:
Here is a good verse and prayer to consider this week: “Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth” (Psalm 86:11). How good it is to submit to His way!
James Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, is reputed to have said, “The greatest mission in the world is submission!”
This quote reminded me of the reply of George Washington’s mother to a distinguished French officer who at a banquet, asked her how she managed to raise such a splendid son. “Sir,” she replied, “I taught him to obey.”
Submission to the claims of Christ brings remission of sins, and admission into the family of God as His child. Submission throughout our Christian life brings happiness, fruit, and a good testimony. The Lord said to the disciples just before He left them, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17). In a world where we’re taught to demand our rights and to have our own way, let’s learn to obey!
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, May 14, 2017

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Joseph’s Coats
“Now Israel loved Joseph … and he made him a coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3).
“And he left his garment in her hand” (Genesis 39:12).
“Pharaoh … arrayed him in vestures of fine linen” (Genesis 41:42).
The story of Joseph is one of the most beautiful and complete types of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. In this connection there are three garments that are mentioned in Joseph’s life:
The first is the coat of many colors. It speaks of a father’s deep love for his son. “The Father loveth the Son” (John 3:35).
The second is the garment he left in the hands of Potiphar’s wife. It speaks of unjust suffering and humiliation. “Christ also suffered for us” (1 Peter 2:21).
The third is the fine linen that Pharaoh arrayed Him in, speaking of exaltation. “God also hath highly exalted Him” (Philippians 2:9).
What a lovely picture when we trace the path of our Savior! From the place of love, to the place of humiliation, to the place of glory.

Saturday, May 13, 2017

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A Minute
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:14-15).
The latest research establishes that the iceberg, which was struck by the Titanic had been spotted when it was 2,000 feet away, almost a minute before the impact. The ship had held its course for around half of that time. Had the officer in charge reacted even 15 seconds sooner, the ship may have missed the iceberg, and the lives of 1,476 persons might well have been saved.
We know that individuals can pass away very quickly, much less than 30 seconds. At this moment, you have an opportunity to trust the Savior. Don’t wait another moment. Life is like the vapor from the teakettle, it is there for a moment and then gone. None of us know when we will take our last breath. We don’t have to be elderly or sick to pass into eternity without a moments notice. David said, “There is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3).
The guide to this calendar is found on the last page.

Friday, May 12, 2017

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Rejoice
Have you been rejoicing this week? If we know the Lord Jesus as our Savior we have so much to make us rejoice. Here are some Scriptures to consider in this regard:
“Let us be glad and rejoice” (Revelation 19:7).
“For it is written, Rejoice” (Galatians 4:27).
“Rejoice in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:3).
“Rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
“And again He saith, Rejoice” (Romans 15:10).
“Rejoice evermore” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1).
Sometimes sorrows come into our lives, and often there are tears of real sadness. But through it all we can rejoice because we have a wise, loving, and compassionate Heavenly Father, who never causes us needless suffering or sorrow. The Apostle Paul could say, in the midst of many trials, “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Thursday, May 11, 2017

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Body Art — Part 3
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). In what way would body-piercing or tattooing glorify God? Is it appropriate adornment of the temple of the Holy Spirit?
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). There are many things in life which are far easier to do than to undo. Piercing and tattooing are among the many things in life what are commonly recognized as having lasting and permanent consequences. Not everything advertised as reversible is as easily reversible as advertised.
“I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). The Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the marks on his body. If you bear marks on your body, for whom do they witness? Paul also said: “That in nothing I shall be ashamed … so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body” (Philippians 1:20).

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

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Body – Art Part 2
“Ye are the children of the Lord your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead … thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations” (Deuteronomy 14:1; 18:9). Obviously God cares what people do with their bodies.
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Samuel 15:23). People commonly say, “It doesn’t matter,” or “It doesn’t mean anything.” But everything in the universe matters — everything has significance and meaning. Prominent practitioners of piercing and tattooing have commonly and casually admitted that they recognize such things as being associated with rebellion.
“They cried aloud, and cut themselves” (1 Kings 18:28). This behavior is an expression of desperation for attention. If we want attention there are better ways, as believers, to get it.
“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits” (Proverbs 16:2). Ask yourself, Why do it? Are my motives godly? Do I really want to please God?
(More tomorrow.)

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

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Body Art — Part 1
Piercing and tattooing, once primarily associated with paganism have recently become much more popular and socially acceptable — even among professing Christians. Marks on the believer’s body are not necessarily sinful in themselves. Our Lord’s body bears marks of the nails and the spear. “He shewed unto them His hands and His side” (John 20:20). “He shewed them His hands and His feet” (Luke 24:40). He was pierced, and He is eternally marked as having been obedient, even unto death. But, besides growing evidence that such practices are distinctly and permanently harmful to the body, there are some Scriptural considerations on this subject for faithful followers of the Lord. If you are considering Body Art, please also consider carefully the following Bible passages, questions, and remarks:
“Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:28). Piercing and marking the body have historically been associated with heathendom and slavery. From this verse we learn that it is not pleasing to God.
(More tomorrow.)

Monday, May 8, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:
Have you ever felt misunderstood, perhaps even by a family member or someone close to you? David experienced misunderstanding from his own brothers, and especially Eliab, who even judged his motives for coming to the camp of Israel. “And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle” (1 Samuel 17:28). However, David was simply doing the bidding of his father Jesse. Don’t be discouraged if you are misunderstood or misjudged this week. Seek to do the will of God your Father, and leave it to His approval and judgment. Remember what the Apostle Paul said to the Corinthians who misjudged him on many accounts: “Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, May 7, 2017

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The Feast
“Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season” (Numbers 9:2).
“Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast … ” (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).
The Old Testament sacrifices were feeble but beautiful pictures of the perfect and supreme sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on the cross at Calvary. Just as the Jews kept their feast of the passover to remember their deliverance from bondage in Egypt, so we should keep the feast of remembrance that has been instituted for us as a reminder of our deliverance from the bondage of sin. Only, rather than it being an empty formality, it is an enjoyable, thrilling experience as we spend some time out of our busy week thinking about the death of our Sacrifice, the Lord Jesus Christ.
How often does it become simply a routine with little or no thought, and the heart’s affections unmoved? May we truly return in spirit to the cross today, that our affections may be stirred and that there would be true praise and worship to the One who accomplished the work to the glory and satisfaction of God His Father.

Saturday, May 6, 2017

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The Blood
Crossing through North India a Christian missionary met an old man. Overcome by the heat and the strain of travel, he sank down dying by the side of the road. The missionary saw him and, kneeling down at his side, whispered into his ear: “Brother, what is your hope?”
The dying man raised himself a little to reply, and with great effort succeeded in answering: “The blood of Jesus Christ.” A moment later he died.
The answer and the calm and peaceful assurance of the man astonished the missionary; he felt assured that the man had died in Christ. How, or when, he thought, could this man have obtained the knowledge of salvation? As he thought of it, he saw a piece of paper grasped tightly in the hand of the dead man. Surprised and delighted he found it was a single page of the Bible containing the first chapter of the first epistle of John. On that one page the man had found the Word of Life.
Most of us have Bibles of our own, but do you value the Word of God as this man did? Have you put your trust in the Lord and His shed blood on Calvary? “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:5).

Friday, May 5, 2017

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Beyond Communication
Have you ever been beyond communication?
For the past two weeks I have been, more or less, cut off from the outside world. I have not been able to contact my family, and basically have no idea what is going on as far as current events are concerned. In some ways it is nice to be isolated for a time from the confusion and din that we find in this sad, sin-sick world, in these “last days” and “perilous times” (2 Timothy 3:1). However, it can be frustrating as well, wondering if everything is all right at home, etc., etc.
With all this, it struck me today, that there is always an open line to the throne of grace. As a Christian we can never say that we are beyond communication. No, the ear of our God is always open to our prayers, and we can come anytime of the day or night. We never get put on hold, never a busy signal, no call-waiting or call-forwarding, and we never get cut off or have a dropped call.
Have you communicated with your God and Father today? I would love to be able to call my family this afternoon, but I can’t! There is One who would love to hear from you today. Speak to Him! He says, “Let me hear thy voice” (Song of Solomon 2:14).

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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Words of Wisdom
Here is a letter written to young people over 80 years ago, yet its contents are still relevant…
Dear Young Christian:
“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart” (Proverbs 4:20-21).
I rejoice with every one of you who have trusted Christ and know Him as Savior and Lord in the sunny days of youth. Some of us are getting old, and we will not be able to run the Lord’s errands, and tell others of His love very long. You will be filling our places, and going forth with the glad tidings to near and distant lands.
Keep close to Christ now; read and meditate on His Word; speak often to Him in prayer; and keep well away and far off from ungodly companions and worldly associations, by which so many bright young believers are spoiled and reduced to miserable backsliders.The out-and-out follower of Christ is the only truly happy person on earth. May you each be found among that royal few who follow Jesus fully.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

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Lord
“Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well;
for so I am” (John 13:13).
Have you ever truly owned Jesus as your Lord? I’m not asking you if you know Jesus as your Savior, but do you know Him as the Lord and Master of your life? Do you seek His direction in everything you do? It is a good practice to get up every morning and say “Yes Lord.” If we do this, then the Lord wants to guide us and direct our footsteps in every detail of life. Abraham had a servant who could say, “I being in the way, the Lord led me” (Genesis 24:27). Solomon said: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6). “Thomas … said unto Him, My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Saul of Tarsus asked, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” The answer from the Lord Himself was, “It shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6).
Yes, He wants to be more than just our Savior and provider, He wants to be our Lord. He has every right to have full control in every aspect of our life. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

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All The Day
“The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long” (Deuteronomy 33:12).
I woke up in the morning
With my Savior by my side,
And I knew He’d walk right with me,
As my faithful friend and guide.
And so it was as promised,
He never left me all the day,
And by evening we had traveled
Safe along life’s narrow way.
As the western sky was glowing
With a sunset deep and red,
I paused for just a moment,
Thanked my Lord and bowed my head:
So I laid me down and rested,
For I knew the whole night through,
His watchful eye would keep me,
Till the morning dawned anew.

Monday, May 1, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:
“He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation” (Psalm 107:7).
As I write this page my wife and I are speeding through France on the bullet train, known as the TGV. Having boarded in Paris we are headed for Bordeaux, and then with a short layover and change of train to Bergerac. As the countryside whizzes by I am reminded of an old hymn we often sang at gospel meetings when I was a young person.
“Passing onward quickly passing,
Yes, but whither, whither bound.”
My wife just asked me if I thought we were on the right train to the right destination, and I assured her we were. Thankfully, we also have the assurance from Scripture that we are on the right way that leads to heaven and the Father’s house. The Lord said, “I am the way” (John 14:6). Knowing the Lord as Savior puts us on the right track, and He stays with us all the way.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca
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