Young Christians Calendar

November 2017

Delivered

“Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses” (Psalm 107:6).

There are two parts to this verse that are worthy of our consideration.

First, there is a turning to the Lord in a time of trouble and difficulty. Thankfully, the believer can always go to the Lord, knowing that His ear is open, and that He is able for whatever the situation is. As another Psalm expresses it, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Second, He delivers them from their “distresses.” Notice, it does not say that He delivers from their “troubles,” but from their “distresses.” The Lord does not always promise to remove the troubles and difficulties from the life of a believer, but there is a peace and calm that is promised when we commit our way into His hands and trust Him for every circumstance. We don’t have to be distressed!

Someone gave me a key-chain the other day. The motto on it said,:

“I’m too blessed to be stressed.”

Something to think about, isn’t it?

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

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Wise and Safe — Part 2

“Thy Word have I hid in my heart that
I might not sin against Thee” (Psalm 119:11)

2. Where have I hid it? — “IN MY HEART.” It was not in his head or in his intellect: but in his heart — the seat of his affections — the center of his moral being — the source of all the influences that swayed him. This is the right place to hide the Word. It is not hiding it under a bed, or under a bushel, or in the earth. It is not basely hiding it, through a slavish dread of men, lest they should sneer at us, or oppose us. No, my reader, this will not do. We must hide the Word where the Psalmist hid it, even in the heart. May we ponder this — may we understand it — may we imitate it!

3. Why have I hid it? For a very important reason — “THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST THEE.” It was not to have a rich fund of new ideas to talk about and show off with. Nor that he might be able to confound in argument all his opposers, and silence them. The Psalmist did not care about any of these things. He had a horror of sin — a holy horror; he knew that the most effectual safeguard against sin was the Word of God, and therefore he hid it in his heart. May we ponder this — may we understand it — may we imitate it!

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

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Wise and Safe — Part 1

“Thy Word have I hid in my heart
that I might not sin against Thee” (Psalm 119:11)

This, truly, is a wise and safe thing to do. Let us ponder it. Let us understand it. Let us imitate it. There are three special points suggested, namely, What have I hid? Where have I hid it? Why have I hid it? The reader will easily remember What? Where? Why?

Today we will consider the first point:

1. What have I hid? — “THY WORD.” It is not man’s word, but the Word of God, that liveth and abideth forever. This is the thing to hide. It is a treasure worth hiding. No thief can steal it, no moth corrupt it. It increases by being hidden in the way here spoken of. We cannot set too high a value upon the Word of God. So the Psalmist thought when he “hid” it. This expression sets forth how intensely he prized the Word. “I have hid it.” He placed it out of the reach of every one and everything that could deprive him of it. May we ponder it — may we understand it — may we imitate it!

Tomorrow we will continue with the second and third point.

Monday, November 27, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Monday morning again? Yes, they tell us time flies, but really it is us who fly. But some day those who know Christ as Savior are going to take one final flight.

David, with all the troubles he experienced said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6). For the believer in Christ we can look up and say, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

In the rush and haste of today, and this week, don’t forget that it is all going to end one of these moments, and we are going to “be caught up together … in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). What a flight that will be!

Here’s how the hymn-writer, Alison Krauss, expressed it:

Some bright morning when this life is over

I’ll fly away

To that home on God’s celestial shore

I’ll fly away.

Your Christian Friend.

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, November 26, 2017

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Gladness

“I was glad when they said unto me,
Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1).

King David was glad for any opportunity afforded to him to be in the Lord’s presence. So it should be with us. There should be joy in our hearts when we go to meet the Lord, to remember Him in the breaking of bread, and to worship Him. If we are occupied with His love for us, His death at Calvary, His resurrection, and His coming again, we will certainly overflow in worship to think that He did it all for us. Let’s really think about Jesus today as we meet with other believers around Him once again.

Here are a couple of other things that made the heart of David rejoice with genuine gladness.

“I will be glad and rejoice in Thee”
(Psalm 9:2).

“I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy” (Psalm 31:7).

Does the person and work of Christ gladden your heart? It certainly gladdens the heart of God who could say: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17).

Saturday, November 25, 2017

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Something Better

Those who know Christ as their Savior have something far better than anything you can find in this world. They are too rich to care for money, too happy to hunt up the world’s pleasures, and have an inner satisfaction, a joy and peace that cannot be found here. Drugs, alcohol and giving in to the lusts which come from within, all give only temporary relief; they destroy health, and often result in the destruction of the mind, and in death. They are not the answer.

Those who have the Lord Jesus Christ as their own precious Savior know what it is to really live! All those hard-to-be-understood longings and yearnings within us are fully satisfied, and we are truly happy.

Jesus said: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

The Apostle Paul could say, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).

To know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior gives a settled peace and joy that nothing on earth can rival. Come to Him and be truly happy! Then you can say as the Apostle Paul did, “To me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21).

Friday, November 24, 2017

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Monthly Question Page

Q. Could you please explain, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep” (1 Corinthians 11:30)?

A. The believers at Corinth had failed to judge themselves and the sins that had been allowed in their lives. When they came together to remember the Lord in the breaking of bread it was a serious thing to be at the Lord’s table with unjudged sin. Paul’s exhortation gives a very strong warning: “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (1 Corinthians 11:29).

They were true Christians, and hence God, in His government had to chasten them by bodily sickness even unto death, in order that they might not be condemned with the world. No doubt others were called to learn and take warning from the discipline exercised upon those erring ones.

The government of God in the life of a believer is a very real thing, and we are reminded that “There is a sin unto death” (1 John 5:16). If we act in a way that dishonors the Lord, and we do not heed His chastening He may call us home to Himself through death.

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

Thursday, November 23, 2017

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Service

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Reading this verse this morning made me think of two lines of a poem by C.T. Studd, that I often see on wall plaques in the homes I visit.

Only one life, ‘twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Yes, you have only this life to serve the Lord. When you stand before Him and your life and service are reviewed, will you be able to look back and say, “Yes, I served with all my might”? It’ll be too late then to change anything, and you will lose that special reward given for hearty service, if you didn’t do it according to His plan and will for you. It will all be worthwhile when you hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21).

Here are two more lines from that same poem:

Only one life, yes only one,

Now let me say, “Thy will be done.”

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Matthew 13

Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

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Seed-Sowing

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good” (Ecclesiastes 11:6).

Seed-sowing is not necessarily preaching! It is you and I just being keen and ready to drop the blessed seed of the Word of God in the soul, wherever God carries us throughout the day. You are the person going about with the heavenly seed-basket on your arm, dropping the seed wherever you go. It may be to a fellow believer, or it may be to a sinner. It is true, we are not all preachers or evangelists, but we should all be seed-sowers. The fact is, far too much is left to preaching and preachers. Each one of us have a responsibility.

The questions for all of us each morning is, Where will we sow the “Good Seed” today? The question for all of us each evening is, Where did we sow the “Good Seed” today?

Remember, “The seed is the Word of God” (Luke 8:11), and this is what the Spirit of God uses in blessing to souls who hear and receive it.

Monday, November 20, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

“Is anything too hard for the Lord” (Genesis 18:14)?

Here’s a good verse to start the week with. If things get tough this week and you get discouraged, repeat this verse to yourself. “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” The answer, of course, is, “No!” Nothing is impossible to Him.

Your situation may be difficult, but He has allowed it for a good reason. He will help you in your circumstances. Nothing is too hard for Him. NOTHING! The prophet Jeremiah when considering this matter, said, “There is nothing too hard for Thee” (Jeremiah 32:17).

The Lord Jesus said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27).

Do we really believe that? If we do we will have a worry free week, trusting in the greatness and goodness of our God to do what is the very best, and to bring us through the hardest of situations.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, November 19, 2017

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Empty

“And none shall appear before Me empty”
(Exodus 34:20).

Have you ever felt spiritually empty on the first day of the week? Have you ever felt just as if you had nothing to offer to the Lord in the way of praise, and worship? Many times I have felt this way myself, and here is the reason why. Praise and worship are the result of a heart overflowing with an appreciation of the person and work of Christ. If I have not been in the enjoyment of spiritual things during the week, I am certainly going to be spiritually empty on Lord’s Day. You cannot expect to get water from a vessel that has not been previously filled.

The remedy of course is to fill our lives with Christ during each day of the week. This we do by reading our Bibles, spending time in meditation, and walking in the conscious sense of His presence with us. Then when we come together to remember Him in the breaking of bread, and to “offer the sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15), we will not appear before Him empty, but with full hearts overflowing with that which He is so worthy of.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

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Prepare

“Prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12).

Taking the funerals of unbelievers is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There is really no comfort to give to the family and friends, only an opportunity to give the gospel to the attendees.

Just before taking the funeral of an elderly man, who as far as we know hardened his heart to the end against the gospel and passed into a lost eternity, I penned these words in the front of my Bible, and read them during the service.

Eternity, consider well,

Two destinations, heaven and hell:

The grave, the tomb, is not the end,

The soul lives on … take heed my friend;

Prepare to meet thy God, and now

Before the Lord, as Savior, bow.

For the one in the coffin it was too late. But for those who were living there was still opportunity to be saved.

What about you? The Bible says: “Therefore be ye also ready” (Matthew 24:44).

Friday, November 17, 2017

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Our Business

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

When the evangelist D.L. Moody was returning home late one night in Chicago, he noticed a man leaning against a lamppost. He went to him, laid his hand on his shoulder, and asked him if he was a Christian.

The man became angry and raised his fist threateningly. “I’m sorry if I have offended you,” Moody said soothingly.

The man retorted, “Mind your own business.”

“But that is my business!” the evangelist replied, as he continued on his way.

One morning some three months later, Moody was awakened very early by a knock at the door. “Who is there?”

An unknown voice answered, “I want to become a Christian.”

When Mr. Moody answered the door there stood the man he had spoken to under the lamppost.

When we encourage others to accept Christ as their Savior, we are simply fulfilling the mission that the Lord has given us. It is indeed our business, and His too.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

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Gates of Nehemiah — Gate of Ephraim

“So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim” (Nehemiah 8:16).

The Gate of Ephraim is closely connected with the Water Gate, which is a picture of the Word of God. We also find it connected with several other gates later on. “And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate” (Nehemiah 12:39).

One practical lesson we can learn from this, is that when we have failed to act on the principles of the Word of God, and walk in “the old paths” (Jeremiah 6:16), there is always a way back through repentance, and return to that which is based on the work of Calvary. Notice in chapter 12:39, that this gate takes us right back to the Sheep Gate, reminding us that there is always forgiveness and restoration as a result of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Hosea said: “Ephraim is joined to idols” (Hosea 4:17), yet there was a gate of return.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

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Nicodemus

There are but three brief mentions of Nicodemus in the Bible. Here is a brief summary of what we are told:

His DESIRE for Christ:

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him” (John 2:1-2).

His DEFENCE of Christ:

“Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth” (John 7:50-51)?

His DEVOTION to Christ:

“And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury” (John 19:39-40).

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

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Haste

“Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 29:20).

“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

Here is a short piece of poetry I came across the other day. I am not sure who the author is, but it brought to mind the above verses of Scripture, penned by Solomon, that wise king of Israel.

Whatever you write,

Though in haste or with heed,

Write nothing you would not

Like Jesus to read;

Whatever you say,

In a whisper or clear,

Say nothing you would not

Like Jesus to hear.

Something to really think about, isn’t it?

Monday, November 13, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Last night a brother in Christ and I, were sitting chatting in his living room about this and that. During the conversation he quoted the following familiar verse of Scripture: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Suddenly he turned to me and asked, “Do we really believe it?” He then added, “If we really believed it, we wouldn’t worry or be anxious about what is ahead. We would pray more and fret less! And we would certainly have more peace and rest of spirit, soul, and body.”

As we retired for the night I thought a lot about what he said, and it is still on my mind this morning. Do I really believe it? And what about you? Do you trust in the goodness of God, and the reality that everything in your life is working out for a purpose of blessing? Let’s learn to trust more and worry lest.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, November 12, 2017

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A Contrast

Wicked hands nailed the Lord Jesus to the cross. The Lord could say, “The assembly of the wicked have inclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet” (Psalm 22:16). Wicked hands lifted the spear that pierced His side. “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water” (John 19:34).

However, loving hands carefully removed the body of the Lord Jesus from the cross. “Joseph of Arimathaea, an honorable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus … . And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre” (Mark 15:43, 46).

What a contrast! Later the Lord Jesus showed those same wounds to the disciples in resurrection. “He shewed them His hands and His feet” (Luke 24:40). “He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20). We too can rejoice as we view, by faith, the proof of a finished work.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

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Not by Works

The story is told of a nobleman who was so convicted of his sinful life that he determined to become a monk. After making inquiry he was directed to seek admission to a certain monastery 1,500 miles away, where the penance was severe and the discipline exceedingly strict.

Under the scorching sun he made the journey on foot and came at last to the monastery. He rang the bell and an aged monk, bent with the weight of years, opened the gate. Learning his business the monk admitted him to shelter for the night.

In the morning the nobleman told the old monk his story and received the following counsel: “If you want to be saved, you have come to the wrong place. Christ has finished the work, and there is nothing left for you to do.”

The young nobleman believed the old man’s message, and returned home, a sinner saved by grace alone.

Salvation has nothing to do with what we can produce or work for. The Bible clearly states, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5).

Friday, November 10, 2017

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Companions

“I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts” (Psalm 119:63).

Several times this year we have spoken of the importance of having companions that are a help and encouragement to us in our Christian pathway. Here is another story that emphasizes the importance of godly friends:

Sophronius had a fair daughter named Eulalia who asked permission to visit the frivolous Lucina. “I cannot allow it,” said the Greek father.

“Then you must think me exceedingly weak,” said the daughter indignantly.

Sophronius picked up a dead coal from the hearth and handed it to his daughter, but she hesitated to accept it. “Take it, my daughter, it will not burn you.”

Eulalia obeyed, and the milky whiteness of her hand was instantly gone. “Father, we cannot be too careful in handling coals,” said the vexed daughter.

“No,” said the father solemnly, “for even when they do not burn, they blacken.”

So it is with evil companions and communications.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

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Individual Faithfulness

“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on His breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me” (John 21:20-22).

Too many Christians are exercising curiosity in areas where they have no business. Why do we find such attraction in the lives of others? Is our life so dull and boring?

As in the past, so once again, Peter took his eyes off of the Lord. His interest in John can certainly be appreciated, yet the Lord gently rebuked Peter for his curiosity. The Lord’s admonition was given in order to emphasize that interest in one another must never be allowed to stand in the way of, or be a substitute for, faithfully and individually following the Lord Jesus Christ. Later on the Apostle Paul wrote, “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden” (Galatians 6:4-5).

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

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He Knows

“For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth
that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14).

How varied were the circumstances and the conditions of soul in which the disciples were found on the resurrection morning.

Peter was a backslider.

Thomas a doubter.

Mary Magdalene was desolate.

The two disciples, on the way to Emmaus, were disappointed.

All the disciples were afraid.

Moreover, it is blessed to see with what divine skill and perfect grace the Lord adapts Himself to those varying states of soul. He has a restoring word for backsliders, a reproving yet encouraging word for doubters, a comforting word for the desolate, an arousing word to touch the heart and reach the conscience of the disappointed, and a reassuring word for the fearful.

Maybe you fit into one of these categories today. The Lord knows, and can meet your every need.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

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Jesus

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Joy to follow Jesus, joy to live for Him;

Happiness in Jesus, earth can never dim!

Peace to walk with Jesus, nothing can disturb,

While rejoicing in Him, naught this peace can curb…

Peace and joy in Jesus,

Peace and joy divine;

While we live for Jesus,

Inwardly sublime.

Grace to follow Jesus, grace for every day;

All is found in Jesus, through life’s busy fray!

Hope and rest in Jesus, steadfast, firm, and sure,

Jesus Christ our Savior, all in Him secure.

Strength to follow Jesus, strength for every hour,

Everything that’s needed, by His mighty power!

All is found in Jesus, His sufficiency,

Nothing can be lacking, He our strength shall be.

Can be sung to the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers.

Monday, November 6, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

It is going to take real faith to live for the Lord this week. But remember, YOU CAN’T OPERATE ON SOMEONE ELSE’S FAITH. You must exercise your own faith. Every step you take in lifemustbe a step of your own faith in the living God who gave you the faith to start with and now wants you to use it. Never do anything or go anywhere because someone else did. Do what the Lord directs you to do and do it because you have faith in Him.

This is a lesson we learn from the early life of David when he was preparing to fight Goliath. “And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him” (1 Samuel 17:38-39). Instead David took what he had proved in the strength of the Lord … his sling and five smooth stones.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, November 5, 2017

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Remembrance and Worship

“This do in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24).

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

When we stop and remember what Jesus did at Calvary — how He endured the hatefulness and reproach of others, how, in the hours of darkness, He bore the punishment for sins that He never committed, how He gave up His life, how He shed His precious blood, was buried and rose again — our hearts automatically are bowed in humble adoration and worship, especially when I remember that He did it all for me. Worship is very personal! If we all worship from our hearts individually, our collective worship will be really thrilling, and this is what the Father and the Son really desire, as the Lord Himself expressed to the woman at Sychar’s well, when He said: “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him” (John 4:23).

Will you remember Jesus in His death today?

Saturday, November 4, 2017

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What Shall I Do?

“Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with
Jesus which is called Christ” (Matthew 27:22).

Pilate in making this inquiry, raised a question that has echoed down through the ages, and that everyone who hears the gospel must consider and act upon. Sad to say many, reject, and not a few neglect. Happily, there are those who consider this question seriously and accept. Are you a rejecter, a neglecter, or are you an accepter? Concerning the person and work of Christ the Bible states: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).

When it comes to salvation and our eternal destiny there is no neutrality. We are either saved or lost. We have either accepted Christ as our Savior or we have not. What we do with Christ really does matter, not just in this life but in the next life as well. I hope every reader is like those of whom we read, “Howbeit certain men … believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them” (Acts 17:34).

Friday, November 3, 2017

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Great Value

Do you sometimes feel worthless and useless? Here is a story that may help you to understand your value to the Lord Jesus, and how He can use you in spite of weakness or past failure:

Many years ago it was announced in a summer gathering at Ocean Grove, USA, that a famous violinist would play on a violin that cost many thousands of dollars. Thousands of people gathered in the great auditorium. He rose and played so magnificently that the crowd broke into a storm of applause. Suddenly the violinist raised the instrument above his head and smashed it to bits. The audience was aghast, shocked into disbelief, until he explained that the violin was worth only a few dollars. He then took up the one that was worth thousands and played. He meant to show that violins do not make the music, it is the person that holds them.

Yes, God can use you, too. The Bible says: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).Let Him work in you and through you, and remember, you are of great value to Him.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

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Fear

David, who often experienced fear in his life, penned the following statement long ago: “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

Overcoming fear is often quite hard to do. However, it is possible to be like David and find complete deliverance from all our fears. Full deliverance from fear is only possible with help from the Lord.

As Job experienced tests and trials in the school of God he had fear. He said, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me” (Job 3:25).

Jacob is another Bible character who often struggled with fears. As he was about to go into Egypt to see Joseph, he stopped at the border and offered a sacrifice. The Lord said to him, “Fear not to go down into Egypt” (Genesis 46:3).

Is there something in your life that you are afraid of? Tell it to Jesus. He’s interested in every detail of your life and wants you to trust in Him. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

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Our Goal

An executive hirer, a “head-hunter” who goes out and hires corporate executives for other firms, explained, “When I get an executive that I’m trying to hire for someone else, I like to disarm him. I offer him something to drink, take my coat off, then my vest, undo my tie, throw up my feet and talk about baseball, football, family, whatever, until he is relaxed. Then I lean over, look him square in the eye, and say, ‘What is your purpose in life?’ It’s amazing how top executives fall apart at that question. However, I was interviewing a fellow the other day, and when I asked him what his purpose in life was, he said without hesitation, ‘To go to heaven and take as many people with me as I can.’ For the first time in my life I was speechless.”

What would you say if such a question were put to you? What answer could you honestly give? Do you have heaven and Christ as your goal, and a love for souls that points them in that direction? The Apostle Paul summed up his goal in life by saying, “This one thing I do … I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).