Young Christians Calendar

July 2017

Dear Young Christian:

“Ye know not what shall be on the morrow” (James 4:14).

There are a lot of unknowns and unexpected changes in life. However, there are no unknowns and no unexpected changes when it comes to the Lord. He has no surprises. Thankfully we do not know the future, and we do not know what is around the next bend in the path of faith. If we did it would be a burden we could not carry around. We would always be fretting and worrying about what was next.

By the end of this week we may look back and realize that life did not turn out as we had thought or planned, but if we are willing to leave it all to the One who knows what is ahead, and has it all planned out, it will be for the very best. Here is a good verse to keep in mind: “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5). Remember, our ways are not necessarily the best, but that unexpected happening, allowed of the Lord, will certainly be for blessing and good.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, July 30, 2017

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Breaking of Bread

“And they continued steadfastly in breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42).

“And upon the first day of the week … the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7).

One gathering of the early church that bound the disciples together, and which they observed continually was the breaking of bread. It was in obedience to the Lord’s command, “This do in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19), that they did so.

Today, we can continue to obey His request, and remember what He went through for us on the cross of Calvary. “The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).

Saturday, July 29, 2017

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Higher Ground

On December 26, 2014, there was a very powerful earthquake off the coast of Indonesia, resulting in a massive tsunami moving at horrific speeds across the Indian Ocean and crashing on the coastlines of eleven countries. The death toll was estimated at 230,000 people.

One of the amazing discoveries from this event was the survival of the Andaman tribes. Because of the location of the Andaman Islands, officials were certain that these “Stone Age: tribes would be wiped out. However, there was virtually no loss of life! These people had fled inland to higher ground, and it was learned that they had an oral tradition handed down from their elders from ancient times, to watch for certain signs. If they noticed a certain movement of trees, and certain behaviour in the animals, they were to flee to higher ground immediately. They were obedient to the teaching of their elders, heeded the signs of nature, and survived certain destruction as a result.

What a lesson this is for any who are lost in sin today. The Bible warns us, “Flee from the wrath to come” (Luke 3:7). There is judgment coming on this world, but there is refuge and safety in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Friday, July 28, 2017

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Monthly Question Page

Q. We say the Bible is inspired. What exactly does the word inspired or inspiration mean?

A. The English word is derived from two Latin words, in spiro, meaning to “to breathe into.” That is why we sometimes say the Bible is “God breathed.” It’s the action of the Holy Spirit on a living messenger by which he is enabled to receive, utter, or record the divine message. Scripture is the result of that sacred influence, recorded in writing and preserved to us. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). It was not their own opinions, or how they saw things, but exactly what God told them to write. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16).

To understand this divine message, even though the words are very simple to comprehend, requires divine enlightenment. The study of the Bible must be by spiritual means. We must approach it by looking to the Lord to guide by His Spirit. “The Spirit of truth … will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). “The inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding” (Job 32:8).

More next month.

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

Thursday, July 27, 2017

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One Thing

“But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:40-42).

The “many things” worrying and troubling Martha were not wrong or forbidden matters in and of themselves. In fact they were necessary for the running and maintaining of a household, and the entertainment of guests. The trouble was they had become wrong because they had been allowed to take a priority over and above what was more important. Thus the Lord told Martha that the “one thing” that was “needful” was to spend time in His presence, listening and learning at His feet. The wonder of such an activity is that it puts all the other things into proper perspective and they do not seem so important or so worrisome anymore.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Nahum 1

The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserveth wrath for His enemies.

The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.

He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.

The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.

Who can stand before His indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him.

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

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Resurrection

“The God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus” (Hebrews 13:20).

Two people talking for some time came to the subject of resurrection and one said, “I don’t believe in that. I don’t think it is reasonable nor possible. I think that when you are dead you are dead and that’s it.”

Abruptly the other one said, “Where were you one hundred years ago?”

Surprised and falteringly the first replied, “I-I don’t know; why?”

“You are here now, aren’t you?” the second man said.

“Yes, yes I am,” he answered.

“Well, I’ll tell you,” said the second man. “The One who brought you into being the first time can just as easily raise you up from the dead.”

Resurrection is true and God has given the following information: “According to the working of His mighty power, Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Monday, July 24, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

So often we ask ourselves, “WHY?”

On February 15, 1947 Glenn Chambers boarded a plane bound for Quito, Ecuador to begin his ministry in missionary broadcasting. But he never arrived. In a horrible moment, the plane carrying Chambers crashed into a mountain peak and spiralled downward. Later it was learned that before leaving the Miami airport, Chambers wanted to write his mother a letter. All he could find for stationery was a page of advertising on which was written the single word “WHY?” Around that word he hastily scribbled a final note. After Chambers’ mother learned of her son’s death, his letter arrived. She opened the envelope, took out the paper, and unfolded it. Staring her in the face was the question “WHY?”

There may be things that happen in your life this week, and you may never know WHY they happened. But there is comfort in knowing that it is all for a purpose of blessing, and a time when, “Thou shalt know hereafter” (John 13:7).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, July 23, 2017

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The Cross

“Christ also suffered for us … Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:21-24).

If you were to look at the Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn’s famous painting of The Three Crosses, your attention would be drawn first to the center cross on which the Lord Jesus died. Then as you would look at the crowd gathered around the foot of that cross, you’d be impressed by the various facial expressions and actions of the people involved in the awful crime of crucifying the Son of God. Finally, your eyes would drift to the edge of the painting and catch sight of another figure, almost hidden in the shadows. Art critics say this is a representation of Rembrandt himself, for he recognized that by his sins he helped nail Jesus to the cross.

What a wonderful thing it is to be able to say, “He died for me.”

Saturday, July 22, 2017

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Pardon

“Thou art a God ready to pardon” (Nehemiah 9:17).

An item in the May 2, 1985, Kansas City Times reminds us of a story you may be able to use in an evangelistic message. The item had to do with the attempt by some fans of O. Henry, the short-story writer, to get a pardon for their hero, who was convicted in 1898 of embezzling $784.08 from the bank where he was employed. But O. Henry had died in 1910, 75 years before this attempt to get a pardon for him, you cannot give a pardon to a dead man. A pardon can only be given to someone who can accept it.

Here’s a different story illustrating a similar point. Back in 1830 George Wilson was convicted of robbing the U.S. Mail and was sentenced to hang. President Andrew Jackson issued a pardon for Wilson, but he refused to accept it. The matter went to Chief Justice Marshall, who concluded that Wilson would have to be executed. “A pardon is a slip of paper,” wrote Marshall, “the value of which is determined by the acceptance of the person to be pardoned. If it is refused, it is no pardon. George Wilson must be hanged.”

For some, the pardon comes too late. For others, the pardon is not accepted. God is ready and able to pardon you now! “For He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7).

Friday, July 21, 2017

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Any Occasion

“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 6:5).

One hundred and twenty princes and three presidents (of which Daniel was the first), ruled over the Kingdom of Darius. These men were undoubtedly some of the most gifted men in the world, brilliant intellectuals and administratively able to make momentous decisions and carry them through. Daniel, God’s man, stood above them all. Jealousy spurred them to try to get rid of him forever, and so this group, all 122 of them, set as their task to find fault with him. Yet after sifting through his life with utmost scrutiny, all they could find fault with was his faithful prayer life to his God and obedience to His God.

If our lives were scrutinized would this be all that our accusers would find? Would the unbelievers that you go to school or work with have to admit that the only thing they have against you, is that you are a Christian? That would be quite a testimony, wouldn’t it?

Thursday, July 20, 2017

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Gates of Nehemiah — The Water Gate

“The water gate toward the east, and
the tower that lieth out” (Nehemiah 3:26).

Water is often used in Scripture as a figure of the Word of God. This gate would then remind us of the need for the Word of God in our lives. Later on we read of Ezra at the water gate reading from the Law of the Lord (The Word of God): “And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law” (Nehemiah 8:3).

We certainly need this in our lives every day. It is “the washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26). “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word (Psalm 119:9). How much time and space do we give to the reading of our Bibles? And how much importance do we place on giving it its rightful place in our day to day lives?

It is the one gate that did not need to be repaired, as the Word of God is perfect, and “liveth and abideth forever” (1 Peter 1:23). The Word of God is unchangeable!

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

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Full Control

The following account shows how the Lord is in full control of every detail of our lives:

The young men were taken directly from the school to the National Service training camp. Life became tough. The only bright spot was on Lord’s Day mornings when the Christians were able to meet together to read the Bible, pray, sing, and encourage each other in the Lord. Then came the shattering blow — a new commanding officer. “No more religious services in the camp,” he shouted on his first Monday on duty. The young men were heartsick, but they took the matter to a higher authority — they prayed earnestly! Before the end of the week this godless officer was transferred. He had lasted only a week, but the Lord’s Day gatherings continued without a break.

King Solomon wrote, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will” (Proverbs 21:1). It is a great comfort to know that there is one who is in full control of every event and circumstance of our life. He knows, He cares, and He is working everything for our good and blessing. Let’s learn to trust Him more!

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

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Worry

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”
(Matthew 6:34).

I recently was handed a piece of paper from a block calendar, and on that page was a motto which had a very thought-provoking message. It said:

WORRYING

does not empty tomorrow of its troubles!

It empties today of its

STRENGTH!

It brought to mind today’s verse, which, put very simply, is telling us to live for Christ today and leave tomorrow in His hands. Often we worry about things we think are going to happen tomorrow, but when tomorrow comes they never do. Even if they do, the Lord is still sufficient. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). Has He helped us in the past? Will He be any different tomorrow? Why are we worrying?

Monday, July 17, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Recently I felt that way due to some circumstances in my life. The difficulty is that we often measure the problems and situations in relation to ourselves, instead of measuring everything in relation to the Lord … The Almighty! He is greater than our troubles, and greater than our failures. Here is a helpful verse of Scripture: “From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2).

Let’s be overcomers, not be overcome. Caleb is an example of a man who was not only an overcomer himself, but encouraged others to be overcomers. “And Caleb stilled the people … and said … we are well able to overcome” (Numbers 13:30). The Lord reminded the disciples: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

No matter what you face this week, the Lord is greater, and in His strength you can be an overcomer!

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, July 16, 2017

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Magnify

“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us
exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3).

There are two primary functions of a magnifying lens:

1. To make small objects larger.

2. To bring distant objects closer.

These things are also two excellent exercises for the believer. The world views Christ as a small and insignificant thing (as did Israel with the manna in the wilderness, Numbers 21:5). I can, by my life, however, show how very much He means to me, and just how important He really is.

I can also help to bring a “distant” Christ personally closer to my own soul, and to others as well. Let’s be like David, who, when he considered the Lord in comparison to himself and anyone else, said, “Let the Lord be magnified” (Psalm 35:27).

Let’s bring Him closer today, and as we once again examine His person and work, like Mary, we too can say, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47).

Saturday, July 15, 2017

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Where Are You Going?

Our time on earth is short! Each closing year, each setting sun, each tick of the clock is shortening our days on earth, and swiftly, silently, but surely carrying us on to eternity. The moment will soon arrive which will close our lives here on this planet and begin either a song in heaven or a wail in hell. Our eternal destiny will then be forever sealed. The Word of God plainly states: “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” (James 4:14).

Today your hands are busy, your eyes are seeing, your mind is thinking, you are planning for the future. Tomorrow all may be still. You may be gone to eternity. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Ask yourself honestly, “Am I prepared for eternity?” Give your conscience time to answer and be sure not to stifle its voice. Let the heaven and hell of the future stand before you in all their reality. One or the other will be your final destination, and today is the time to make your choice.

Friday, July 14, 2017

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Waiting For Him

George Cutting (1843-1934), gives us the following meditation:

A widowed mother stands on the pier of a seaport, eagerly gazing seaward. She has heard that transports bringing troops home from war in a distant land are soon to arrive, and in one of them she fervently hopes to see her much loved son. Preparations for a grand review, to take place soon after the men have landed are being made on a magnificent scale, and her boy is to have part in all the honor. She will be there to see it. But just now she is waiting for him, to take him to her home and have him all to herself for the day or two preceding the review. Day and night since he departed she has looked forward to his return. She will rejoice to see him honored, but the thought uppermost in her heart is — “HE IS COMING.”

Is that the way we are watching and waiting for the Lord’s return? The Bible declares, “the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8).We are also told, “Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching” (Luke 12:37).

Thursday, July 13, 2017

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A Father’s Love

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

The following conversation illustrates the love of God the Father for each of His children, in spite of their waywardness or state of soul:

Two men were talking. One had a very wayward son.

“How is your son,” asked the other?

“Worse than ever, I’m afraid,” was the reply.

“I wouldn’t have him in the house if he were mine,” answered the first.

“Nor would I, if he were yours, but you see, he’s mine.”

Maybe you have been a wayward child of God. He doesn’t cast you out and disown you. He loves you and desires your restoration and fellowship. Just as the father in Luke’s gospel was watching and waiting for his son to return, so our Father desires to throw His arms around us and welcome us once again.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

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Shaken — Part 2

Here is another quote from Vance Havner:

“Plenty of Christians are shaky about what they believe, while not many are shaken by what they believe.”

These are days when, more than ever, we need to be firm in standing for the truth. The world has a saying, “If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.”

Luke speaks “of those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1). If we really believe what God says in His living book, the Bible, then it will “shake us” and stir us up to live lives for His glory, maintaining moral purity, integrity, and practical righteousness. We will be like those on the Day of Pentecost, who when they heard the truth from Peter, were so shaken by it that we read: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)

Are you shaky when it comes to what you believe? The Bible is the absolute truth! Read it, believe it, and let it shake and awaken your conscience, heart, and soul. And let’s learn to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

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Shaken — Part 1

Vance Havner, who lived from 1901 to 1973, was a well know preacher throughout the United Sates and Canada. He had a very down-to-earth approach in presenting the truths of Scripture in a way that was understood and yet reached the conscience as well as the heart. Recently I rather enjoyed a quote of his:

“Sometimes your medicine bottle has on it, ‘Shake well before using.’ That is what God has to do with some of His people. He has to shake them well before they are ever usable.”

It made me think of Paul’s words to the young man Timothy: “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance, that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee” (2 Timothy 1:6). If we do not stir ourselves to be used and to be useful, then the Lord may have to shake us up through some hard or unpleasant circumstance. A sound sleeper may have to be shaken out of sleep in the morning, and just so, we are exhorted, “that now it is high time to awake out of sleep” (Romans 13:11).Are we spiritually awake and ready to be useful? Or do we need to be shaken some more?

Monday, July 10, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Recently I read a quote from a writer by the name of W.T.P. Wolston. He said, “It is one thing to admire the truth, it is quite another thing to adopt it! It made me think of another statement I read some time ago. It said, “The Bible was written for willing hearts.”

If you notice the title of Psalm 86, you’ll see it is a prayer of David. In that prayer he says: “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth: unite my heart to fear Thy name” (verse 11). It is one thing to know and admire something, it is quite another thing to practice it. David’s desire was not only to have a knowledge of the truth and the ways of God, but to have a willing heart to put it in practice. The book of James exhorts us, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).

To adopt the truth is really to make it very personal, to make it your own, and to live it every day. How much will this be true of you this week?

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, July 9, 2017

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The Lamb

The subject of the “Lamb” is a subject that occupies the pages of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Abraham said to Isaac, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering” (Genesis 22:8).

John the Baptist declared on two occasions, “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 36).

The Apostle John records the fact that the “Lamb” is going to be the paramount theme in heaven and will occupy us for all eternity. “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain … And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and the beasts, and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing” (Revelation 5:6,11-12).

What a theme for our hearts! May that which will be our theme for eternity be our theme today, as we recall to mind that great sacrifice of the “The Lamb of God.”

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

Saturday, July 8, 2017

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“I Have Sinned”

The Bible gives us more than one example of people who stated: “I have sinned,” yet it is clear that their acknowledgement did not lead to a change of heart.

King Saul said, “I have sinned: yet honor me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel” (1 Samuel 15:30). Saul had his own honor in view more than the honor of God.

Judas Iscariot, who betrayed the Lord Jesus said, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4). With him, too, we find a nagging conscience and remorse, but certainly no repentance.

On the other hand we have the prodigal son, who when he returned to his father said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son” (Luke 15:21). What a difference between King Saul, who said, “Honor me now,” and the prodigal, who confesses, “No more worthy.”

When David said “I have sinned,” because he was sincere, he was assured by Nathan, “The Lord also hath put away thy sin” (2 Samuel 12:13). True repentance brings true forgiveness. Are you a forgiven sinner?

Friday, July 7, 2017

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The Devil — Part 3

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

Here is a piece of poetry to sum up this subject:

When Satan comes to tempt you,

And you your weakness feel,

Lift up the shield of faith,

The Word of God is real.

Quote then a verse of Scripture,

The Spirit’s mighty sword;

Trust in His grace and goodness,

Rely upon the Lord.

He’ll see you through and keep you,

Held by almighty power,

You’ll know the joy of being,

Victorious each hour:

The enemy defeated,

Jesus, the Lord of Hosts,

You’ll be an overcomer,

Who in the Savior boasts.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

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The Devil — Part 2

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil … and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God”
(Ephesians 6:11, 17).

Use the “sword of the Spirit.” As we noted yesterday, that is what the Lord did, and that is what we are to do as well. This is why it is so important to read the Bible, memorize portions of Scripture, and spend time studying and meditating. Then when the enemy comes you will have something ready to use against him. Of course we need prayer too.

Everything has been provided so that we can meet the enemy in the power and strength of the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who is all powerful. Taking up and using the armor of God is really making use of the resources we have in Himself. Go out to school or work today remembering that we don’t have to meet the enemy in our own strength. If you try it you will be soundly defeated, but if you meet the enemy in the strength of the Lord, you will be victorious … a true overcomer. Remember, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

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The Devil — Part 1

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

We have a powerful enemy, and we are no match for this foe, Satan! Don’t think that you can take on the enemy in your own strength. Peter thought he could when the Lord told him, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31). He was so sure of himself that he boasted to the Lord that he would never deny Him, and was even willing to go into death with Him. The Lord had to show Peter that he did not know his own heart, nor the power and subtlety of the enemy.

We are told, “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). How do we resist the Devil? Well, the Lord gives us the key in Luke chapter 4. When the Devil came to tempt Him, He answered every temptation by simply saying. “It is written” (Luke 4:4, 8, 10). In other words, He used the Word of God, and that is what we are to do as well. That is where the power to resists lies. Not in our own ability to reason or argue the situation. Not in our own power, but in the living Word of God.

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

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Our Everything

“Christ is everything”
(Colossians 3:11 JND Translation).

“For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9).

When Jesus comes,

To fill the heart,

Then satisfaction,

Is our part;

He is our WELL,

Our JOY, our SPRING,

CONTENTMENT, FOOD,

Our EVERYTHING!!!!

When Jesus comes,

Our souls He fills,

His sweetness taste,

His goodness thrills;

No want, no lack —

We praise, we sing;

Christ is our ALL…

Our EVERYTHING!!!!

Monday, July 3, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

How much value do you place on the Bible? When Samuel was a young person, the Word of God was scarce. We read: “The word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.” (1 Samuel 3:1).

Some time ago, at a large airport, a dirty small box, of considerable weight, was kicked around on the floor, being used as a door stop when needed. It had been there for some time, and no one seemed to know where it came from. Finally, someone became curious and it was pried open. It contained a gold brick! It had been part of a cargo shipped by air through a carefully guarded route, and in such crude looking boxes as a security disguise. One box had dropped off the cart! It was returned to the government authorities. So it is with the precious Bible, the Word of God contained in a book. Collecting dust perhaps, ignored, and used as an ornament, or to keep things in, or just kicked around! But it is priceless! Value it!

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, July 2, 2017

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Our Desire

“The desire of our soul is to Thy name, and to the remembrance of Thee” (Isaiah 26:8).

In some measure every believer, deep down in their soul, has a desire towards the Lord Jesus. Why? Because He gave Himself for us at Calvary’s cross. He suffered for our sin. He died, and shed His blood to wash us clean and make us fit for heaven. As a result we can with confidence and joy echo with the Apostle Paul, “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). This should cause our affection to go out to Him. And not just to be identified with the name of Jesus, but to remember Him and the cost of our salvation. That’s what’s so special about today. We can remember Him. Here are some things in connection with His person and work that we should remember today:

“We will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

“Give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness” (Psalm 30:4).

“Remember His marvellous works that He hath done” (Psalm 105:5).

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

Saturday, July 1, 2017

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A Heap of Dust

Years ago a travelling Russian bought a very large pearl from an Arab trader. Neither had any idea of its value. When he reached St. Petersburg he showed it to a man who offered him a substantial profit on his purchase. It’s new owner had indeed secured a prize, and kept it in a strong box on a marble table. People came from all over to see it including the Tsar who offered him wealth and rank in exchange, but he refused.

Then came trouble. He was accused of being involved in a plot and fled to Paris with his treasure. There he declined to show the pearl to anyone. At length yielding to urgent requests, he fixed a day for exhibiting it to a select company of bankers and traders of gems. When he opened the box his face turned deathly pale. The pearl was found to be badly diseased, and soon it crumbled to powder. His immense fortune was a heap of dust.

The Bibles warns, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:36)? What are you resting your eternity on? Is there something keeping you from coming to Christ? It will not be worth it. The treasures of this world are just a heap of dust.