Young Christians Calendar

October 2017

Satisfied

How satisfied are you? The following verses show that only our Creator, the Lord Jesus, can truly satisfy the inward thirst and hunger of our soul.

“The children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied” (Psalm 36:7-8).

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

“And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul” (Isaiah 58:11).

“My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 31:14).

Real, lasting satisfaction is not found in things but in a person, and that person is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The world and all its contents are too small to fill the human heart. However, Christ and all He has for our eternal blessing and happiness, will fill the human heart to overflowing. It is occupation with Christ that fills and satisfies the human heart … nothing else!

Again, I ask the question: How satisfied are you?

Monday, October 30, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

If you worry you do not trust!

If you trust you do not worry!

So said the note on the bulletin board on the kitchen wall of the home I was staying in. I am a worrier by nature. I tend to fret and to be concerned with things I think are going to happen in the near and distant future.

Three times in Psalm 37, David, the inspired writer, exhorts us, “Fret not thyself” (Psalm 37:1, 7-8). David was a man who had a lot of problems in his life. A lot to worry about. But in this same Psalm he had learned to “trust in the Lord,” and to “rest in the Lord” (Verses 3, 7).

Some of us tend to be worriers more than others, but as believers we can all learn to trust more. So much does the Lord value our trust and confidence that He tells us He will reward us for every time we simply trust. He promises, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward” (Hebrews 10:35).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, October 29, 2017

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Singing

“I will be glad and rejoice in Thee:
I will sing praise to Thy name” (Psalm 9:2).

“I will sing unto the Lord, because
He hath dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:6).

“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed:
I will sing and give praise” (Psalm 57:7).

“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever:
with my mouth will I make known
Thy faithfulness” (Psalm 89:1).

These and many other verses of the Bible show us that the Lord loves to hear us praise Him in song. After we got saved He put a new song in our hearts and on our lips. So singing is part of the Christian life. You may not always sing on key, but the Lord doesn’t mind. It’s what is in your heart that matters to Him.

We’re going to sing a song for eternity. “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy … for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Revelation 5:9). Let’s start now, what we are going to continue forever.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

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How?

One of the hardest, and perhaps the most frequent questions asked by people is, how can I be made right with God? Bildad the Shuhite, asked this question of Job long ago when he said, “How then can man be justified with God” (Job 25:4)? It is also a great opening question to ask if you want to find out what someone is trusting in for salvation. Sadly it is often answered: I go to church. I try to be a good person. I follow the Golden Rule. I read the Bible from time to time … and so on.

In contrast, God has the clear answer. Salvation is not rewarded to those who work for it, but is a gift to those who believe on Him. Their faith is counted for righteousness. “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

Salvation is a gift. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

What are you trusting in?

Friday, October 27, 2017

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Monthly Question Page

Q. What is Astrology, and is it wrong for a Christian to be involved in it?

A. Astrology is an evil perversion of ancient knowledge of the stars and constellations. It’s a belief system based on the assumption that stars and planets have a mysterious effect on our lives. These verses strongly condemn it: “Lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them” (Deuteronomy 4:19). “The astrologers … shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them” (Isaiah 47:13-14).

The Concise Bible Dictionary states: Astrology: The Hebrew word is ashshaph, signifying, “enchanter, magician:” one who practised occult arts. Daniel 1:20; 2:2, 10, 27; 4:7; 5:7, 11, 15. (Read also Deuteronomy 17:25 and 18:10-12).

What seems innocent fun is really toying with the Devil. God forbids it because He Himself made the stars for His purposes. “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars” (Luke 21:25). Stars were made by God to carry His message and glorify Him. Keep as far away from the practice of astrology as possible.

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

Thursday, October 26, 2017

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Later

“Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

I can’t tell you exactly when the Lord is coming, but one thing is for sure, it must be very soon. The Bible informs us, “The coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8). It is certain that we have never been closer to the coming of the Lord than we are right now. The following story will make you smile, but has a lot of truth to it and is something to really think about.

Grandma was caring for her grandson as he played on the floor with his toys. As he did, he instinctively began counting the chimes from her clock as they sounded: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 — “Grandma, Grandma,” He excitedly exclaimed, “It’s later than it’s ever been.”

We have never been so near the return of our Savior as we are today. “Surely I come quickly,” are the last recorded words of the Lord Jesus in the Bible. Let’s respond today by saying, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). It is indeed later than it’s ever been before.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Exodus 33

And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.

And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle.

And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.

And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.

And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

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The Future

“Known unto God are all His works” (Acts 15:18).

I recently saw a motto hanging on the wall of a home I was visiting in. It read:

WE DO NOT KNOW

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS,

BUT WE KNOW WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE!

I find this a great comfort. If we knew the future and all that was ahead, even for a day, it would be a burden and a worry that we could not bear. Thankfully, our God has not asked us to bear the future, but to live for Christ in the present. We read: “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). This simply means that we are to live for Christ today, and leave tomorrow in the hands of the One who knows all about it, and who knows what is best. We are told, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25). Live for Christ today, and leave tomorrow in His loving hands. This will give you real inward peace and courage.

Monday, October 23, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Yesterday my wife and I visited Le Thoronet Abbey, in southern France. Built in the late twelfth and early thirteenth century, this monastery (now a museum), was constructed in the hills far away from civilization. Those that entered, lived, and died there, mistakenly thought that “separation” from the world also meant “isolation,” as well as a better place in the next world. But this is not what the Bible teaches. On the one hand the Lord said of His disciples, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” He then prayed to His Father, “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth” (John 17:16-17). On the other hand He later instructed them, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). We cannot be isolationists and be a testimony to the world around us, nor can we be an effective testimony if we do not walk in separation from the world. The monks of Le Thoronet Abbey may have lived a pious life, thinking they were doing God’s work, but they were certainly no testimony to the world.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, October 22, 2017

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The Lord’s Supper

“For I have received of the Lord that which also
I delivered unto you … ” (1 Corinthians 11:23).

If you read the rest of verse 23 along with verses 24-26, you will see that the Lord Jesus gave Paul a special revelation concerning the Lord’s Supper, thus stressing its importance. Hence, there must be a right purpose, manner and place to observe it. The purpose is a loving memorial of our Savior who died, but is alive again. The manner is a simple loaf and cup. The loaf represents His body given and the cup represents His shed blood. The place is in accordance with the words of the Lord Himself, when He said: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).So today, as we meet in His name and consider the bread and the wine, may our hearts be filled with Him alone.

There is still the privilege of eating the Lord’s supper at the Lord’s table, and this He has asked us to do until He returns to take us home to the Father’s House. (Notice the last part of verse 26).

Saturday, October 21, 2017

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Now

He would not listen to the Word,

Or read a gospel tract,

He thought the Bible, fairytales,

Instead of truth and fact:

He had no time for preaching,

He only wanted fun,

Forgetting the reality,

That life would soon be done!

Does this sound like you? Many have put off or rejected Gods salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Solomon recorded these to-the-point words hundreds of years ago: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 21:1).

God’s time is NOW! It is not just “remember,” but “remember NOW.” The New Testament records: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Friday, October 20, 2017

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To and Fro

Yesterday I was in Belgium, today I am in Spain. A week ago I was just leaving Germany for a Bible conference in the Netherlands. Two weeks ago I was in my home country of Canada, a few days before that I was in the United States, and from here my wife and I hope to fly to Nice in France. It is incredible to think how we can travel and get around the world so quickly today. Airplanes, high-speed trains, fast cars, and other means of modern transportation have made it all so easy.

One of the characteristics of the “last days” is found in the book of Daniel, where we read, “Even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro” (Daniel 12:4). It is certainly true of the times we live in. People are hurrying here and there, for business, pleasure, and sometimes I think, just for the sake of being on the go.

As believers in Christ we need to be careful that we don’t get caught up in the spirit of the age. We can avail ourselves of modern means of transportation to survive in today’s rush-rush society, and for the work of the Lord and the blessing of others. But let’s be as, “They that use this world, as not abusing it” (1 Corinthians 7:31).

Thursday, October 19, 2017

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Gates of Nehemiah —
The Gate Miphkad

“After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith’s son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner” (Nehemiah 3:31).

There are perhaps several applications that could be made concerning this gate. One meaning of the name Miphkad has to do with “review” or “census.” With this in mind we will apply it today in connection with the Judgment Seat of Christ. We are told in the New Testament, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ … So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10, 12). This denotes a time of review for believers when we stand before the Lord Jesus and receive commendation and reward for any faithfulness to Himself while here in this life. There are other references to the Judgment Seat of Christ. Notice, (Romans 14:7-10; Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The question we all need to ask ourselves is, “Are we really living in view of that time when a census will be taken in heaven and a full account given?” It has nothing to do with our salvation but everything to do with pleasing Him!

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

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Rich

“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is,
than a stalled ox and hatred therewith” (Proverbs 15:17).

The natural man desires wealth. But let’s put this verse in today’s language:

Penned by one of the wealthiest men that ever lived on earth, it is really saying, “It is better to eat salad and have a loving home, than to eat prime rib and have a home of hatred and unhappiness. It is better to be poor with the Lord, than rich without Him.”

There are many who eat well and have everything that money can buy but are miserable on the inside. Thankfully, there are many who are happy and enjoying the Lord but have none of the luxuries that many of us have. Theirs is a rich life indeed.

Paul warns of what happens to many who set their heart on the wealth of this world. He says: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). Many a tear is shed behind mansion walls, and many a heartache and much strife is concealed by palace gates.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

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Rather Have a Bible

“I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil” (Psalm 119:162).

There was once a young person who wanted a Bible very much, in fact, more than anything else. But he was poor and could not afford one, for he lived a good many years ago when Bibles cost more than they do now.

One day two strangers came to his house and asked his mother for something to eat. Though she only had plain food, she gladly gave them what she had. As they ate they saw that the young person was sad. They asked him what he wanted and he told them he wanted a Bible.

His mother said, “Never mind, don’t fret about that. I’ll take you to see General George Washington next week.”

“I’d rather have a Bible than see General Washington,” was the young person’s reply.

One of the gentlemen seemed much pleased with this and told him he hoped he would always be that fond of the Word of God. The very next day, the young person received a beautiful Bible, and on the flyleaf was written:

From George Washington.

The young person did not know it at the time, but he had been talking to General Washington the day before.

Monday, October 16, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

God is not satisfied with the outward appearance. He wants, “Truth in the inward parts” (Psalm 51:6). That is, in the heart and mind. This is what He really desires! Many have been the falls of young believers who were admired and praised for what they appeared to be before others, but who allowed some unclean thing to hide within their heart. We should clean the temple of our body from within, with zeal, as the Lord did in the temple in Jerusalem during His earthly ministry. (Read John 2:14-17). Remember, “The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Let’s do some housecleaning this week, from the inside out. There is much that goes in through our eyes and ears, and though it may not be seen on the outside for awhile, if not judged and cleaned out, it will eventually lead to unholy actions.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, October 15, 2017

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Hearts, Minds And Spirits

What a wonderful time it must have been when the Lord Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples after His resurrection. To those terrified and troubled hearts “He shewed them His hands and His feet” (Luke 24:40). In another gospel we read, “He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20). The marks of Calvary displayed the fullness of His love and warmed their cold hearts.

Then next thing He did was to bring the Scriptures before them. “Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). His exposition enlightened their minds to know Him in a way they had never known Him before. Then He led them out to Bethany to see His ascension, causing their spirits to worship Him. “And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:50-52).

May our hearts, minds, and spirits be filled with Him today!

Saturday, October 14, 2017

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Dead-Dead

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power” (Revelation 20:6).

Returning to a village in the West Indies we asked a Christian woman, “What happened to Amos?”

She sadly replied, “Amos is dead-dead!”

We knew what she meant. During gospel meetings he would sit in the open doorway and listen, but he would never come in. Sometimes he would make noises mocking the message, or remarks that were not very nice.

Our friend told us his health had failed and he had to be taken to the Poor House, as he had no family to care for him. Several Christians visited him, but he refused to take Christ as his Savior. He was not young when he died and he had heard the gospel many times. So the fact that Amos was dead-dead told us that he had died in his sins and would suffer for eternity in the Lake of Fire. “This is the second death” (Revelation 20:6).

Yes, not only had he died physically, but spiritually as well. What an awful thing it will be to be eternally separated from God.

Friday, October 13, 2017

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Honor — Part 2

Each Other:

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10).

Employers:

“Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed” (1 Timothy 6:1).

Wives:

“Husbands … giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7).

Godly Widows:

“Honor widows that are widows indeed” (1 Timothy 5:3).

Spiritual Leaders:

“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).

All:

“Honor all men” (1 Peter 2:17).

Thursday, October 12, 2017

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Honor — Part 1

There are a number of exhortations in the Bible regarding the honor and respect that is due to certain individuals. Today and tomorrow we will list several. As you read these verses ask yourself, “how much is it true in my life? Do I give ‘honor to whom honor (is due)’ ” (Romans 13:7)?

God:

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).

The Lord Jesus:

“The King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:15-16).

Governmental Authority:

“Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).

Parents:

“Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)” (Ephesians 6:2).

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

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Continue

The Christian life is a life of continuance. It takes constant exercise and perseverance to live for the Lord on a daily basis. Here are seven exhortations to continue in that which has been provided for us by God, in and through the Lord Jesus Christ:

“Continue ye in My love” (John 15:9).

“Continue in His goodness” (Romans 11:22).

“Continue in the faith” (Act 14:22).

“Continue in the grace of God” (Acts 14:43).

“Continue in My Word” (John 8:31).

“Continue in prayer” (Colossians 4:2).

“Continue in the Son” (1 John 2:24).

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

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Moments

We all have our moments … special moments … difficult moments … happy moments … etc. Here are some ways we can use those moments for eternal benefit:

In happy moments … praise God!

“Praise God in His sanctuary” (Psalm 150:1).

In difficult moments … seek God!

“When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek” (Psalm 27:8).

In quiet moments … worship God!

“So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou Him” (Psalm 45:11).

In painful moments … trust God!

“Trust in Him at all times” (Psalm 62:8).

In every moment … thank God!

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

Monday, October 9, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

There is an old saying: “A friend in need, is a friend indeed.” This is especially true of the Lord Jesus. He is always available and always able to help us no matter how big or how small the difficulty or problem. He loves us in spite of our failures, and says to each of us, “Ye are My friends” (John 15:14). As you start out on the routine of daily life this week go to Him in all your need. Every day! Every hour! Every moment! Consider the following verses in the light of this wonder Friend and have a wonderful week.

“There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

“A friend loveth at all times” (Proverbs 17:17).

“He is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16).

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel” (Proverbs 27:9).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, October 8, 2017

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From Above

“From above hath He sent fire into My bones, and it prevaileth against them” (Lamentations 1:13).

“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame” (Song of Solomon 8:6).

The fire, or coals of fire, in these verses speak to us of that which the Lord suffered on the cross. But this is not that which He suffered at the hands of men, but that which He suffered from the hand of God in the three hours of darkness. Notice that the fire comes “from above.” Peter tells us about it when he says, “Christ also suffered for us … Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth … Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree … by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:21-22, 24).

We will never know what it meant to the Lord Jesus to endure the fire of God’s judgment against sin. In the Old Testament the sacrifices were consumed by the fire of the altar, but with the Lord Jesus, the sacrifice consumed the fire of judgment. At the end He could say, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Saturday, October 7, 2017

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Pretenders

Private James Henry put on his uniform and went about his business. The first private he passed snapped him a salute. Private Henry thought that was odd, but he returned the salute. After about ten more privates had saluted him in the same way he became suspicious. He soon discovered that his jacket bore a shiny gold bar on the shoulder. An officer had worn it and forgotten to remove his insignia. So everyone who saw him thought he was a Second Lieutenant.

In the same way many people are being saluted as believers in Christ, when they are not really Christians at all. They may have joined some church, and may live a respectable life. They may attend all the meetings and support good Christian causes. They may even teach a Sunday school class and preach in the pulpit, and not have eternal life themselves. For these things do not make a person a real Christian, just as the gold bar on the jacket did not make Private Henry a Second Lieutenant.

Judas was a professor, a pretender, and we read, “Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place” (Acts 1:25). What God wants is, “truth in the inward parts” (Psalm 51:6). Are you real?

Friday, October 6, 2017

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The Gospel

“For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to Godward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing” (1 Thessalonians 1:8).

What a thrill to think that the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is preached in all the world. You and I have the means to be instruments in His hands, and live our lives as His witnesses. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16).

The Bible is God’s message to man; hence it can rightly be called the “Word of God.” It’s object is to bring man to God through His Son, Jesus Christ. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6).

This witness of the gospel has been going on for some 2,000 years! As a result the choir that will never tire of singing His praises will be saved from, “Every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

Thursday, October 5, 2017

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Franklin’s Little Book — Part 2

“Thy Word is very pure” (Psalm 119:140).

“Thy Word is truth” (John 17:17).

Upon learning that it was the Bible that had just been read, and not being able to refute it, the ashamed mockers lowered their eyes and changed the subject of conversation.

How many people today pass such a damaging criticism about the Word of God without knowing much about it, and perhaps having never even read it. The Bible is indeed the living Word of God. His revelation is given to us by the Holy Spirit. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).

For many the Bible has been the spring of life. It gives the truly seeking heart light, strength, comfort, refreshment and spiritual food. Read this Holy Word of God, prayerfully and carefully, and ask Him to show you that He is love and that through the Lord Jesus He has done all that is necessary, not only to save the sinner but to make him happy in this life, as well as providing a wonderful future and home in the next life.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

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Franklin’s Little Book — Part 1

“Thy Word is true from the beginning:
and every one of Thy righteous judgments
endureth for ever” (Psalm 119:160).

Benjamin Franklin, the inventor of the lightning conductor, was one evening in a circle of famous men in Paris. The conversation turned to the subject of Christianity and the Bible. One of the men brushed it all off with a wave of the hand, saying “The Bible is a book of lies and deceit and contains no scientific knowledge.” Almost everyone agreed with him. Only Franklin kept quiet. His silence being very noticeable, and as they all valued his opinion, they asked him what he thought on the matter.

“I should not like to pass such a hasty judgment as you have, gentlemen,” he said quietly. “Allow me to read a few lines from a book which I have with me in my pocket.” He drew out a well-worn volume and read a short passage. Everyone listened and wondered at the dignified wisdom which spoke from its pages.

“What book is that,” the men questioned? “Such powerful language we have never heard.”

“This Book,” answered Franklin, “Is the Bible, which you have just scorned.”

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

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Are You … ?

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:11).

Are you feeling sad and lonely?

Are you fearful or depressed?

Do you dread to face tomorrow?

Does your life seem strained and stressed?

Do you long to have an anchor?

Are you drifting with the tide?

Do you wish a rock to rest on?

Is there a soul-thirst inside?

Then just learn to trust in Jesus,

Learn to walk with Him each hour;

You can bravely face your problems,

When you utilize His power:

He’s a sure and steadfast anchor,

He’s the firm and solid Rock:

Satisfies the thirsty soul,

Gives us power for our walk.

Monday, October 2, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

“The wind was contrary … But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid” (Matthew 14:24, 30).

I read the following statement the other day:

The wind blows in one direction; you can walk against it or with it — take your choice!

Peter when walking on the water to go to Jesus, saw the wind and became afraid. We too can be like that. We see the work and opposition of the enemy and the trials of life that seem so against us. Then we fail to see the Lord Jesus, and like Peter, thinking it is all too much, we begin to sink.

So often we try to fight against the winds of life in our own strength. This gets us nowhere except to discourage and weary us. But instead of walking against the wind, we can walk with it by accepting all from His heart of love, and walking hand in hand over the sea of life in the shelter and power of His company. Try it this week, and you will be surprised at the blessing that will result.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, October 1, 2017

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Thanks

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth
us to triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 15:57).

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made
us meet to be partakers of the inheritance
of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12).

“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 thanks always for all things unto God
and the Father in the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

Are you truly thankful today for the Lord Jesus Christ and all the blessings that you have received because God the Father sent Him into this world, and because the Lord Jesus, “died for our sins … was buried, and … rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)?