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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

September 2017

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Saturday, September 30, 2017

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Blotted Out
There is a sign in a local shop which lists the names of those who owe money to the store owner. The amount of the debt is also recorded. If the obligation is paid the person’s name and debt are blotted out in black ink and can no longer be read.
Little does the shop owner know that his way of collecting owed money is an illustration of something far greater. The Lord Jesus has done much more than pay a debt of money that we may owe to some earthly creditor. He paid the debt of sin that we could never pay. For those who will come to Him in faith and repentance and be cleansed, He has blotted the record out with His own precious blood. He says to such, “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee” (Isaiah 44:22).
What about you? Are your sins blotted out? Or are they like the debts recorded on the wall of the shop, still there and indisputable? They can be gone today and gone forever. Can you say, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12)?

Friday, September 29, 2017

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Monthly Question Page
Q. In Philippians 2:29, it says of Epaphroditus, “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation.” Does this mean that we should hold those who labor for the Lord in a more honorable position?
A. Yes, we often find in the Bible, that those in a place of leadership amongst God’s people are to receive recognition on that account. For example: “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves” (Hebrews 13:17). “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
It is not that they seek this honor themselves (indeed it is a sin of pride if they do), but that they are given it by others who recognize that God has placed them in a position of oversight. They themselves are only to seek the good and well-being of the people of God for the Lord’s glory.
Do you have a question? Email us at jhyland@primus.ca

Thursday, September 28, 2017

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Worth Dying For
In the 1300’s John Wycliffe, the great reformer, translated the whole Bible into English — a work that took twenty-two years. Many handwritten copies were made from his translation. Those who could not afford to buy one of these Bibles paid considerable money to read it for one hour a day. A load of hay was sometimes given for a few pages of it. Truly, “the Word of the Lord was precious in those days” (1 Samuel 3:1). History relates a long list of martyrs who were burnt at the stake rather than give up this blessed Book of books.
In 1525, William Tyndale was the first to publish an English New Testament in print. This was done under great difficulty as he suffered exile, poverty and distress. In all, at least 15,000 copies were issued which were secretly imported into England in bales of cloth or sacks of flour. Many thousands were seized and destroyed. In 1536, Tyndale was strangled and burnt at the stake by those who hated the Word of God.
What value do you place on the Word of God? Can you say: “O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Psalm 147
Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: He gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names.
Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.
The Lord lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.
Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

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By Name
I am told that with the naked eye we can see about 5,000 stars. With a home-style telescope, about 2,000,000 come into view. The Palomar telescope, located atop Palomar Mountain in north San Diego County, California, enlarges our vision to billions and billions. The British physicist, astronomer and mathematician, Sir James Jeans, said that there are probably as many stars as there are grains of sand on all the beaches of the world. Yet the stars are not crowded together. Rather they are like lonely lightships on an ocean without shores. Still, our God sees them all and calls them all by name. “He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:4-5).
Wonder of wonders, He also sees me, calls me by name, and understands me as no other ever could. He assures me, “I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine” (Isaiah 43:1). And again, “He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out” (John 10:3). How wonderful it is to have a personal relationship with the God of the universe.

Monday, September 25, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:
In the room assigned to me, as a guest of a Christian couple on the island of St. Lucia, I noticed a motto on the wall, with the following verse of poetry:
I would be still and murmur not,
Breathe the prayer divinely taught,
“Thy will, not mine, be done.”
In the morning I woke up with blood on my pillow and sheets, having been chewed by mosquitoes during the night, and not felling well rested at all. The above poem was most helpful as I started another busy day.
Maybe you have had a rough weekend, or you know you have some hard decisions or circumstances to face in the days ahead. Learn to pray in the spirit of the Lord Jesus, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). So often we fret and worry about things that are completely out of our control, rather than just submitting and trusting the One who has it all worked out for our good.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, September 24, 2017

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Worship
“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (1 Chronicles 16:29).
There is a multitude of words that can be written about this Scripture. Although it’s an Old Testament verse, it’s not until we get to New Testament times that this verse can really come true. Holiness has been made possible through the death of the Lord Jesus. Consider this fact, that to God holiness is a beautiful thing. So today we really can come and worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. We can bring an offering: “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). Giving the Lord the first place, and praising Him for Calvary, is giving glory to Him.
Keep these things in mind today as you remember the Lord, who He is, and all He has done for you. “So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou Him” (Psalm 45:11).

Saturday, September 23, 2017

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Where Are You Going?
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:36)?
For what are you living? Where are you going? Surely you do not want to meet God with you soul unsaved, and perish. Do you think a holy God will let you into heaven in your sins? Impossible! The Lord said to Nicodemus: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
Have you been born again? Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior? Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6).
God certainly doesn’t want you to die in your sins and be lost forever. The Bible declares: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
He endured the cross, gave His life, and shed His blood so that you can go to Heaven. The question is, are you saved? where are you going?

Friday, September 22, 2017

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Our Minds
“Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37).
The world attempts to fill the Christian’s mind with all sorts of unprofitable things that distract from eternal and spiritual realities. But notice how the book of the Psalms begins. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). We are to love the Lord our God with all our minds, and to renew our minds by meditating on His Word. It can be done on our daily commute to school or work, by considering a memorized verse, or listening to the Bible recordings on our electronic gadgets. It can take place before or after meals, and it may require giving up some leisure time or cherished activity. Whatever sacrifices we make, the effort will be rewarded with precious thoughts regarding our Savior. This is what is referred to as “the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Thursday, September 21, 2017

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Gates of Nehemiah — The East Gate
“After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate” (Nehemiah 3:29).
This gate brings before us the thought of the sunrise, and not only reminds us of the nearness of the Lord’s return at any moment for us, but also of that day when He will return to earth to set up His earthly kingdom for the blessing of His people, Israel, and for the peace of the whole world. This wonderful event is foretold at the end of the Old Testament, where we read, “But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings” (Malachi 4:3).
Peter explains it in his epistle by saying, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).
So, we are to have this hope as a reality before us every day, and not let it go. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

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Road Map — Part 2
Read the Bible and consult the Road Map of life! That can only do us good! It is the book that God gave us to teach us His thoughts on every subject imaginable. We learn how God regards us and get to know what we are really like, and at the same time we become properly acquainted with God Himself.
But don’t just read the Bible! Believe the whole Bible! That is going a step further. The Apostle Paul tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). Remember, it is God’s Word, true from cover to cover.
But don’t just read and believe the Bible! Obey the Bible! That means conducting ourselves and our life according to the instructions it gives. That is what God expects of each and every one of us. The wise King Solomon said, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). That is the sure way to enjoy God’s blessing on life’s pathway. Let’s be like Ezra, who “had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it” (Ezra 7:10).

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

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Road Map — Part 1
“Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read”
(Isaiah 34:16).
An elderly sailor entered a bookshop, went to the young clerk and said, “I need a map to help me find my way.”
“Certainly, which map would you like? Western Canada, Ontario, the Maritime Provinces, maybe the United States of America, or perhaps some country in Europe?”
“No, none of those,” the sailor responded, “I need a map to show me the way to heaven.”
“The way to heaven?”  The salesperson thought for a moment, then added, “I know what you mean, you want a Bible.”
“That’s it! You’ve got my meaning,” replied the sailor.
The Bible was purchased and as the man was about to leave the shop, he turned to the clerk and asked, “Do you know this map?”
“Oh yes, I occasionally read a passage in it.”
“I am glad to hear it, that’s a good thing, but you know, my friend, don’t think just reading it is enough: you have to believe the Bible and obey it.”

Monday, September 18, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:
The other day I heard someone describe the sameness of life as, “Each new day is just yesterday warmed up.” It is true that many of our days follow a set pattern and routine … the pressure of school and work, the frequent pain, strained relationships and the tests that often appear and are repeated time after time. But don’t forget, the Lord promises new mercies every morning. Centuries ago Jeremiah wrote, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). We may not be able to change the course of our days any more than we can control the wind, but by our attitude toward our sameness we can adjust and find all the grace, strength and help we need for each day to come.
This week may be the same-old-same-old, but it can be enjoyed in the company of our Savior, Friend, and unfailing Guide. We can always, “Rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, September 17, 2017

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Above All
“He that cometh from above is above all: He that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all” (John 3:31).
In the heavenly realm from which our Lord Jesus came, He ever was, and ever will be “above all.” As “the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father” (John 1:18), His supremacy is unsurpassable. In His incarnation, He voluntarily humbled Himself and experienced suffering and death. Today, having perfectly accomplished all He came to do, He is enthroned “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:21). “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:6-9).

Saturday, September 16, 2017

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Loved
“Jesus beholding him loved him” (Mark 10:21).
Do you ever crave for love, for a friend who can sympathize with all your troubles, and whose love never fails? Jesus is such a One! He loves you! Just think of that; Jesus Christ loves you! Now what will you do with that love? Reject it? Neglect it? Slight it? Scorn it? Wouldn’t you rather come now to Him who loves you so much? He died to save you from your sins and to have you with Him in heaven. The love of Jesus is the most precious thing you can have. He loves you. He comes to you now in His mercy and calls you to Himself! He calls you to eternal blessedness, and to receive His love. Will you trust in Him as your Savior, your Lord, your Deliverer from sin? Do you not desire to be set free from the slavery of sin? Sin in your heart keeps you unhappy. It makes you proud, hateful, envious. Sin will destroy you forever if you are not saved from it. Only Jesus can save you. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). What will you do with the love of Jesus? Will you receive it, or will you refuse it? Will you come to Him now and let Him save you?

Friday, September 15, 2017

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Doing
Here are some things we as believers should be doing while we wait for the Lord to come and call us to heaven:
“DOING the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6).
“With good will DOING service, as to the Lord, and not to men” (Ephesians 6:7).
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so DOING thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20).
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in DOING this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16).
“And let us not be weary in well DOING: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
“For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well DOING, than for evil doing” (1 Peter 3:17).
What are you DOING today? What will you be found DOING when the Lord comes?

Thursday, September 14, 2017

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Excuse or Confess
 “O my God, I am ashamed and blush
to lift up my face to Thee” (Ezra 9:6).
Too many believers have a cavalier or high-handed attitude about sin. They say:
“I’m only human.”
“I’m not the first one to do that.”
“That’s not so bad.”
“Everyone does it.”
“There are far worse things.”
…And on and on it goes!
These are simply excuses to justify an unwillingness to repent and turn from that sin. Ezra addresses the subject of true repentance — our heart cries because of sin — we are “ashamed,” and “blush” to even tell God what He already knows but wants us to acknowledge and turn from.
King David, in his confession, said, “Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight” (Psalm 51:4).
John writes, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9).
Are we excusing or confessing?

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

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The Oil Can
There is a story of an old man who carried a little can of oil with him everywhere he went, and if he passed through a door that squeaked, he poured a few drops on the hinges. If a gate was hard to open, he oiled the latch. And thus he passed through life lubricating all the hard places and making it easier for those who came after him. People called him eccentric, crazy, and strange; but he went steadily on refilling his can of oil, and using it almost every day.
There are many lives that creak and grate harshly as they live day by day. Nothing goes right with them. They need lubricating! Have your oil can with you, and be ready with the oil of, “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance,” which things are the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Oil is often used in Scripture as a type of the Holy Spirit, and in a previous verse in this same chapter we are exhorted to “Walk in the Spirit” (verse 16).
Our lives touch and affect others, and a little, soothing, spiritual oil may be just what is needed to help, comfort, encourage, heal, or edify.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

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Little Things
Do you ever get frustrated with the little things that seem to pop up and delay or deter you from what you hoped to accomplish? Yesterday we mentioned the tragic events of September 11, 2001. While many lost their lives as a result of what happened that day, there were many who survived because of what seemed like coincidence and happenstance. Here are just a few examples:
The head of a company survived because his son started kindergarten.
One is alive because it was his turn to bring donuts to the office that day.
A woman was late because her alarm clock didn’t go off.
One was late because he was involved in a minor accident on the New Jersey Turnpike.
One lady spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
The next time you are annoyed at some little inconvenience, remember this verse. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself” (Psalm 37:7). If the Lord has caused a delay, it is for a good reason!

Monday, September 11, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:
September 11, 2001 will be forever planted in the minds of those who were old enough to remember what happened on that fateful day when the Twin Towers in New York City were brought crashing down by a terrorist attack. Even years later, many will stop to reflect on the tragic happenings of that day.
I realize that many of my readers today were not old enough to remember 9/11, and some of you where not even born. But as many pause today to reflect and remember, let’s also think about the day when the Lord Jesus was convicted, sentenced to death, and led outside the walls of Jerusalem to be crucified. What a result there has been for the blessing of man, our personal salvation, and a future blessing for unnumbered multitudes who will experience earthly blessings, and eventually for all of creation, when the fullness of redemption is felt at every level. The verse that stands out in my mind today is, “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, September 10, 2017

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Humbled Himself
“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).
We cannot possibly know what it meant for the Son of God to step down from His high throne, to leave His place in glory, and then to pass through the heavens and the myriad of galaxies. Then having done all that to place His foot on the dust of this microscopic planet, stained with sin. To become a man was humbling indeed! The Inhabiter of Eternity submitted to the process of time. The Creator of all became the carpenter in Nazareth. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
Why this infinite stoop? For “the death of the cross.” Only thus could Divine justice and man’s great need be met. What kind of love is this? As we consider all this, let us bow in His presence, like the Apostle Thomas, and say, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
He came to earth, the Son of God,
The dusty streets He humbly trod;
Then went to Calvary and died,
So sinners could be justified.

Saturday, September 9, 2017

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Now What?
William Saroyan (1908-1981), the great story writer, was an internationally known literary person. He won a Pulitzer prize for his writing, but refused to accept it. At the age of 15 he quit school to follow his career, and at 26 was well established as a genius in creative writing. Finally, at the age of 72, cancer brought an end to life in this world. Five days before he died, he left a statement to be printed in the newspaper after his death.
Here is what it said: “Everybody has got to die, but I have always believed an exception would be made in my case … Now what?”
Anyone acquainted with the message of the Bible would have been able to give this famous man an answer. The Word of God plainly states: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The Lord Himself said: “Whither I go, ye cannot come … If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:21, 24).
William Saroyan hoped an exception would be made in his case. But as he neared the time of his departure he realized that it was an unrealistic hope!

Friday, September 8, 2017

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From the Heart — Part 3
Is our first thought in everything we do, to do it for His glory? And not to do it just, “from the heart,” but, in singleness of heart.” No other motive, no other object but HIMSELF!
Here is a similar quotation to the verse we have been considering in Ephesians 6, from the book of Colossians:
“Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God” (Colossians 3:22).
Now carefully notice the next verse:
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (verse 23).
The result is in the following verse:
“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (verse 24).
Let’s ask ourselves, how much is this really true in our day-to-day life? What really motivates us? The Apostle Paul expressed his motive in following the Lord when he said, “Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9).

Thursday, September 7, 2017

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From the Heart — Part 2
It is the smallest things done for the Lord and for God our Father in secret that will receive the greatest rewards when believers stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is because the motive must be right if we do it without recognition from our fellow-Christians. Someone has well said: “When the motive is right, everything is right.” It is possible to do right things, but with the wrong motive.
Here is what the Lord Jesus said on the subject: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:1-4).

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

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From the Heart — Part 1
“Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6).
Why do you follow the Lord?
It is not to be, “with eyeservice, as menpleasers.”
It is to be, “as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”
There are many things that motivate us to live like Christians, and give the appearance that we really want to follow the Lord. But it is good to examine our hearts as to WHY! Is it because we like a pat on the back and a word of commendation for some service we have performed for the Lord or His people? Is it so others will say, “There goes a good Christian young person?” Or is it because we want HIS approval and to please the One who has done so much for us? What is our real motive? Is it love for HIMSELF? Are we doing it from the heart, and not because others will see? Let’s ask ourselves, are we truly, “doing the will of God from the heart?” Remember, this is what truly pleases our Lord.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

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The Lord Is Good
The Lord is good,
A stronghold firm,
Through this world’s darkest day;
He lifts me up above the storm,
And brings me through the fray.
The Lord is good,
So merciful,
So gracious, and so kind;
His Word endures through every age,
In Him, my all I find.
The Lord is good,
I wait on Him,
And waiting, sing His praise;
I know that He will see me through,
I’ll trust Him all my days.
“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7).

Monday, September 4, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:
Someone has said that our life is like a clock. The hands of God pass over us again and again. The short hand is the hand of discipline; the long hand is the hand of mercy. Slowly and surely the hand of discipline moves over us; but the hand of mercy, which moves over it, moves twelve times as swiftly. Thankfully, both hands are fastened to one secure pivot — the unchanging heart of a loving God.
Both the Old Testament, and the New Testament, tell us of the Lord’s love in His corrective ways with us.
“For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth” (Psalm 3:12).
“For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6).
Whatever He allows in your life this week, be assured that it is for your good and benefit and that it is all ordered according to His love and mercy. Accept it as such, learn from it, and as a result you will receive the intended blessing.
Your Christian friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, September 3, 2017

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Sacrifice
As the following verses confirm, the Lord Jesus gave Himself as the supreme sacrifice at the cross.
“Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Ephesians 5:2).
“Once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:6).
“This man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12).
What a sacrifice! What a gift! Himself! This was the sacrifice that all the sacrifices in the Old Testament pointed to. The offerings under the Jewish order were simply pale reflections and feeble foreshadows of what was really in the mind and heart of God … the sacrifice of His Son, the “Lamb of God” (John 1:36).
This ought to draw out a sacrifice from our hearts today. “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Saturday, September 2, 2017

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Personal
The following story, related by a Christian mountaineer, illustrates the truth of the importance of a personal relationship with the Lord:
One summer I spent some time at Mount Robson, British Columbia, where I camped and lived with fellow mountaineers of the Alpine Club of Canada. On a rainy day a group of us were drinking tea in a tent, when a discussion arose about religion. A young scientist turned to me with a rather patronizing air and said, “But you don’t really believe, do you, that Jesus is the Son of God? How do you know it’s true?
I shall never forget what followed. I simply did what any other convinced man would have done: I looked him straight in the eye and said: “How do I know that Jesus is the Son of God? I know it, because I know Him personally.” For at least half a minute our eyes locked. Then he turned away. The discussion was over.
The Apostle Paul said, “I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12). Do you enjoy a personal relationship with Him, can you say, “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Friday, September 1, 2017

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Just Today
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 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 6:33-34).
“I can remember once,” says an elderly man, “when I was a boy, helping my mother to store away apples. I put my arms around ever so many of them and tried to carry them all. I managed for a step or two. Then out fell one, and another, and two or three more, until they were all rolling on the floor. Mother laughed. “‘Now Daniel,’ she said, ‘I am going to teach you a spiritual lesson.’ So she put my hands tight around one apple. ‘There,’ she said, ‘carry that, then fetch another. And remember, don’t go trying to put your arms around a year! Nor even try to carry a whole week! Say to yourself, Another day has come. Lord, help me to live it for Thee. Help me to cleanse my way and walk in Thy fear, just today.’ ”
What good advice from a godly mother!
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