Young Christians Calendar

December 2017

A Hymn (Tune: Did You Think To Pray?)

“Sing unto the Lord” (Psalm 96:1).

Did you sing a hymn this morning?

Did you praise the Lord?

Did you lift your voice in gladness,

Drive away the gloom and sadness,

With a joyful cord?

Refrain:

Oh, how singing lifts our spirit,

Jesus loves to hear our voice!

Others too, no doubt, will hear it,

Making hearts rejoice.

Did you sing a hymn at noon time?

Did you bless His name?

Did you give Him praise and glory?

Did your lips tell forth the story

Of His love and fame?

Will you sing a hymn this evening,

When the day is done?

Will you thank Him for His mercy,

All His grace and goodness, that He

Gives from sun to sun?

Saturday, December 30, 2017

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Oilbirds

“In Him was life; and the life was the light of men … That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:4, 9).

Deep in the caves of Venezuela and Trinidad, in total darkness, lives a bird known as the Oilbird. These hawk-like birds leave their caves each night to feed on the many kinds of oily fruit which grow wild in the jungle. Their diet is so oily that their bodies are full of fat.

Years ago, and perhaps even still today, poor people who lacked money to buy oil, caught these birds for oil in their lamps. In other words, the birds themselves lived in total darkness, yet gave up their lives to provide poor people with light so that they would not have to live in darkness.

The Lord Jesus Christ came into this world — a world dark with sin — so that He might give up His life on the cross and provide spiritual light for all who trust in Him. He said of Himself, “I am the light of the world: He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Friday, December 29, 2017

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Monthly Question Page

Q. Why does God allow so many natural disasters, as well as sickness and sorrow?

A. Sin came into the world with the disobedience of Adam and not only affected the human race but every level of Creation. “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22).

God uses weather, natural disasters, disease and sickness to awaken the unbeliever as to the reality of eternity, and to make them realize how insignificant and dependent on God they really are. He wants them to be saved.

Just because a believer is saved does not mean that he is immune to sin and its effects. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God allows trials and sorrows to draw us closer to Himself, and to detach our hearts from this world, which we will soon exchange for the Father’s house. “And there shall be no more curse” (Revelation 22:3).

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

Thursday, December 28, 2017

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Faith

“He that hath received His testimony hath
set to His seal that God is true” (John 3:33).

The above verse is probably the best definition of faith in the Scriptures. This is faith! Faith takes God at His Word without question. Faith believes!

The Christian has an unfailing, divine person to trust in. Unlike those of our acquaintances, here in this world, this person is always worthy of our confidence. He will never let us down! He is the Lord Jesus Christ! We have put our faith in Him for salvation, now can’t we trust Him for every step of our pathway, every circumstance of life? “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith counts on God for the next step, acting on the light of Scripture. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

There is always light for the way, and never does the Bible speak of blind faith. Faith always has an object, an eye to the future. It is true that, “Abraham … went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8). But we also read, “He looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Luke 2

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

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Mortify

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live … Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth” (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5).

Many years ago, while flying over India, Handley Page, a famous British aviator, was alarmed by the sound of some animal, presumably a rat, active near him, but out of his sight and reach, having evidently come aboard his plane before take-off. There was no convenient place to land to rid himself of the unwelcome passenger. There were wires, hoses and cables which a rat could soon damage, and their damage could mean loss of control or power. That could mean disaster! What could he do? Handley remembered that the rats common to the plains were not found higher in the mountains because of the thinner air. So, he took his plane as high as he could and kept it there until the ratty noises had long ceased. Upon landing, he found and removed the dead rat. He had mortified that rat by high flight.

We too can keep the sinful flesh in the place of death by flying high … in other words, “Seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).

Monday, December 25, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Here are eight essential facts of the gospel concerning the person and work of Christ:

1. The eternity of His person: Prov. 8:23-30; John 1:1-2.

2. His incarnation: John 1:14.

3. His Sufferings: 1 Peter 2:21-24.

4. His Death: Philippians 2:8.

5. His Blood: 1 John 1:7.

6. His Resurrection: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

7. His ascension: Luke 24:50-51.

8. His return: John 14:1-3.

Most of you have today as a holiday. Take some time to look up these verses from the Bible.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, December 24, 2017

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The Love Of Christ

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

We live in a three dimensional world. Why then does Paul use four dimensions to measure the love of Christ? Imagine you are in the depths of the ocean. If you could be in the very center, there would not only be a breadth and length to the mighty waters, but there would be a depth below you and height above you. God desires that we comprehend the measureless dimensions of His love and realize we are at its very center. There are so many verses of Scripture that confirm this wonderful truth, as well as the fact that the Lord Jesus proved His great love by going to the cross and giving His life so that we could enjoy His love for all eternity.

In the meantime He says to us, “As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love” (John 15:9). How much of that love will you enjoy today?

Saturday, December 23, 2017

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Obedience

At a Bible conference recently one of the speakers made the following comment:

“Ultimately there is no downside to obedience.”

The Word of God states unequivocally, “Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments” (Psalm 112:1).There may be a cost attached to obedience, and we may not always know what the end result will be, but it is always the best way, and the way to true and lasting happiness in the Christian life. We read of Abraham, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8). He had no idea where he was going or what was ahead, but what blessings he received as a result of his obedience! “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23).

There are also consequences for disobedience. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Friday, December 22, 2017

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Keep…

Learn to keep a…

Good conscience … Hebrews 13:18.

Tender heart … 2 Kings 22:19.

Willing mind … 2 Corinthians 8:12.

Kind tongue … Proverbs 31:26.

Keep your…

Eyes on the Lord … Hebrews 12:2.

Feet in the path of faith … Proverbs 4:26.

Ears open to His Word … Proverbs 4:20.

Hands busy with Christ’s service … Ecclesiastes 9:10.

Keep ourselves…

Pure … 1 Timothy 5:22.

In the love of God”… Jude 20.

“Whatsoever ye do, do all to the Glory of God”
(1 Corinthians 10:31).

Take some time to look up the preceding Scriptures.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

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Gates of Nehemiah — The Prison Gate

“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: and they stood still in the prison gate” (Nehemiah 12:39).

The first mention of a prison in the Bible is in connection with Joseph, who as a result of his faithfulness to His God suffered in this way. “And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison” (Genesis 39:20).This would remind us that if we are faithful to the Lord we too will not be popular and will suffer some reproach. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16).Notice that the Prison Gate is in connection with the Sheep Gate, which speaks of the person and work of Christ. The Apostle Paul, who was such a faithful witness for Lord referred to himself as, “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ” (Philemon 1).

Are we willing to take our place at the Prison Gate? In other words, to suffer a little reproach for Christ?

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

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Keeping & Kept — Part 2

Yesterday we mentioned the need for watchfulness and spiritual energy if we are going to live for the Lord in a wicked world of sin and temptation. However, in the end it is only the grace of God that keeps us, and we must learn, that we are “kept.” Here are some Scriptures to consider in this regard.

“He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber” (Psalm 121:3).

“Kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5).

“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:19).

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee” (Numbers 6:24).

The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the believers in Thessalonica was, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).There is no limit to His keeping power. Learn to draw on that resource daily.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

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Keeping & Kept — Part 1

To live for the Lord in a world of sin and defilement is not easy. It takes constant watchfulness and spiritual energy. There is an old expression that says, “Keep on keeping on.” Here are some verses from the Bible that exhort us as to some of the things we need to “keep” in this regard.

“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile” (Psalm 34:13).

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:1).

“Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” (1 John 5:21).

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 21).

“Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:28).

Monday, December 18, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Last week I was soundly defeated in a ping-pong game by a young person some thirty five years my junior. I realized that I am not twenty years old anymore and that I am very out of practice. I concluded that time does make a difference. It seems like just a few years ago my younger brother and I used to play every evening, and the competition was very intense. We talk about the aging process, which is just a comfortable way of saying we are getting older, and it is certainly a reality.

For the Christian it is a great comfort to know that though things change in this world, and the body slowly wears out, yet there is a better world ahead. At the coming of the Lord our bodies will be changed. The Bible tells us: “We shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). It can’t be soon enough for me! How about you? Is this your hope too?

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, December 17, 2017

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The Father’s Will

“For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me” (John 6:38).

“I delight to do Thy will, O my God” (Psalm 40:8).

“Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7).

“Father … not My will, but Thine, be done”
(Luke 22:42).

How clearly these verses, concerning the work of the Lord Jesus here on earth, show that He came for one purpose, and that was to do the will of God His Father. Of His life and work He could say, “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:4). Nothing was left undone of that which was set before Him, and God is completely and eternally satisfied with that work.

He endured the cross … He was made sin for us … He laid down His life … He shed His blood … He rose from the dead … He ascended back to heaven … all is finished … God is glorified … and we are brought into eternal blessing and relationship as a result.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

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A Strange Hobby

Claude Khazizian was the nightmare of every security guard. His hobby was to gate-crash upper class gatherings and mingle with the guests. A photo taken in 1995 shows him among some leading politicians from various countries. He knew how to adapt to situations, wear the right clothes, and hold his own in all kinds of conversations. In 1995 he also succeeded in smuggling himself in to the wedding reception in the Dutch royal household and shaking hands with the bride and groom.

However, nobody will be able to gate-crash heaven or the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). In the parable of the wedding of the king’s son the Lord told of how a man managed to slip in unawares. He had been invited like the other guests but wasn’t wearing the correct wedding garment, the garment provided by the king himself. He was asked, “Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment” (Matthew 22:12)?

This shows that no one can stand before God on the ground of his own righteousness. It must be the “robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10),that He provides through Christ and the work of Calvary.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

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Friendship

“Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul” (Proverbs 22:24-25).

People are known and formed by the company they keep. The Bible clearly states, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). This shows the importance of considering carefully and prayerfully the question of intimate association, companionship, and not the least fellowship. To keep company with a person given to wrath and fury is to be contaminated by their hasty ways, and to bring a snare upon our own soul. Anger and malice are the works of the flesh. With such the Christian should have no association, for we are too easily defiled by such things; and to go on in company with one displaying such evidences of unjudged sin is to endanger our own walk and testimony for the Lord.

Here are a couple of other verses from the book of Proverbs, concerning the results of anger:

“He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly” (14:17).

“An angry man stirreth up strife” (29:22).

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

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John Knox — Part 2

As John Knox stood in the court of Queen Mary and amidst her lords, who hated him, he was roused by the insinuation that human punishment could make him desert the cause of Christ, and he firmly replied, “My lords, you are mistaken if you think you can, by threats, intimidate me to do what conscience and God tell me not to do; for be it known to you that it is a matter of no importance to me, when I have finished my work, whether my bones shall bleach in the winds of heaven, or rot in the bosom of the earth.”

Knox having retired, one of the lords said to the Queen, “We may let him alone, for we cannot punish that man.”

Well, therefore, might it be said at the grave of John Knox, “Here lies one who never feared the face of man.”

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you” (1 Peter 4:14).

What would you be willing to pay or give up to be a testimony to Christ and His truth? What if such a test as John Knox faced came in your life? What would you say and what would you do?

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

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John Knox — Part 1

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).

Here is an anecdote from the life and testimony of the Scottish Reformer John Knox (1514-1572).

The pure, heart-searching doctrines that were preached by this man of God, were very offensive to the carnal mind, and particularly obnoxious to the corrupt court of Queen Mary; hence he was commanded to stop preaching; but, owning no master, and obeying no mandate, which was in opposition to God and the Bible, he paid no attention to the command of the palace, and continued to preach with much zeal.

The haughty Mary, hearing, from the enemies of the cross, that her orders were disobeyed, summoned Knox into her presence. When he arrived, he was ushered into a room in which were the Queen and her attendant lords. On being questioned as to his persistency, he answered plainly that he preached the truth, and dared not preach less.

“But,” exclaimed one of the lords, “our commands must be obeyed on penalty of death; silence, or the gallows is the alternative.”

Monday, December 11, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Today I read this quote by the Italian friar and preacher, Francis of Assisi (1181 or 1182-1226):

“It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless we preach as we walk.”

He makes a good point, and one we should always keep in mind. Wherever we are today, wherever we are going, and whatever we are doing, should be a testimony to the fact that we are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, the world reads us even when we don’t say anything. Sad to say when we do open our mouths often it has little or no effect because our actions leading up to what we say do not always correspond or give weight to our words. It is our life that is often read and heard more than our speech.Paul in writing to the Corinthians said, “Ye are … known and read of all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2).

So, this week, wherever you walk, and wherever you have opportunity, in one way or another, either by deed or word, “preach Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, December 10, 2017

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Christ Jesus

“Christ Jesus: 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 2:5-9).

Dr. Thomas Alexander Lambie (1885-1955), went to Ethiopia as a medical missionary. After some time he wanted to buy land for a mission station. An Ethiopian law said that no land could be sold to foreigners. Because Dr. Lambie had great love for Christ and the Ethiopians, he gave up his American citizenship and became an Ethiopian citizen. Then he bought the property needed for his work.

The United States, glad to honor him because of his great work in Ethiopia, restored his American citizenship.

This account is just a feeble picture of what we have in the above Scriptures concerning the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

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The Fool

“The fool has said in his heart, There is no God”
(Psalm 53:1).

To be a fool is to be without common sense, without wisdom. The wise man will contemplate creation and marvel. He sees the way Planet Earth orbits the sun at just the right distance to sustain life. He delights in the great seas and lakes without which no life would survive. He is amazed at the countless species of plant and animal life. He studies his own body and marvellous brain, and stands in awe. All of this proclaims a Creator, infinitely wise and powerful. The wise man recognises his responsibility to his Creator, and bows before him confessing his sin, and receives full and free salvation.

Only a fool will say that there is no God. Do not be a fool. Come to know God through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord told a story of a man who had no time for God, nor did he recognise that his prosperity and the good things that he enjoyed in life were from the Creator. The conclusion of the matter was this: “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided” (Luke 12:20).

Friday, December 8, 2017

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A Rich Father — Part 3

Here is what the Lord Jesus said on the matter of our Heavenly Father knowing what is best:

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?” (Matthew 7:11)

Our Father knows what is the best,

And though He wealthy be,

He only gives us what we need,

Not every whim and plea.

What we consider to be good,

He may view different still,

It may not be for blessing, or

According to His will.

And so we leave it to Himself,

And thank Him every day,

Not only for the things He gives,

But what He takes away.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

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A Rich Father — Part 2

“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Learn to accept your Father’s wisdom in this matter. He has promised to supply all our needs not all our wants. There is a vast difference in the two. So often we have trouble sorting out what are really needs, and what are just wants. But our Father knows and knows perfectly.

There is a day coming when the children of God are going to share in all the vast inheritance of creation, and a day when we will enter into and enjoy fully “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). “We are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and jointheirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16-17).

In the meantime let’s be content with what He gives us, and thankful for what He withholds from us, knowing that He really does know what is for our best. He loves us so much, too much to give us everything we want!

Yes, indeed we have a rich Father, but He is also a wise Father. Don’t forget that very important truth.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

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A Rich Father — Part 1

“Every beast of the forest is Mine, and
the cattle upon a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10).

I have a rich Father! Not an earthly father, but a Heavenly Father. All belongs to Him! He is the Creator of it all, and He is the one who maintains it as well.

However, that does not mean that He gives me everything I want. What would you think of a father who had the means, and who gave his children everything they wanted even if it was not for their good, and maybe even for their hurt? “No,” you would say, “that father really doesn’t love his children.” Just so with God our Father. He knows what is best. Has He withheld something from you that you wanted or thought you should have? Trust Him that He sees it’s not for your good and blessing. As earthly fathers we make mistakes in giving and withholding, but our Father in heaven makes no mistakes. He knows perfectly what is best. It is not that He doesn’t have the means or resources to give it to us, but He knows that it is not for our benefit. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

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Seeds Of Kindness

Have you sown some seeds of kindness,

As you hurry on your way?

Will you point someone to Jesus,

Will you speak for Him today?

Do you take the time to listen,

To a soul who needs an ear?

Will you bring some weary person,

Precious Scriptures that will cheer?

There are many who are fainting,

Young and old who’ve gone astray,

Let’s be vessels for the Master,

Bring them comfort, read, and pray.

Then just ask yourself each morning,

And again at close of day:

Have you sown some seeds of kindness,

As you hurried on your way?

“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).

Monday, December 4, 2017

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Dear Young Christian:

Perhaps this past weekend you attended some Bible meetings, or you were somewhere the Word of God was read and explained. Now as you head out for another busy week at school or work, the question is, what are you going to do with what you heard? Are you going to forget it, neglect it, go contrary to it, or by the grace of God, KEEP it?

When the Lord was here on earth He stressed the fact that it was not only important to hear the Word but to keep it. On one occasion He reminded those who were following and listening to His words, that, “Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:28).

James gives us a similar exhortation. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was” (James 1:22-24). Let’s be doers and not just hearers!

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, December 3, 2017

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The Father’s Love

“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3).

What a beautiful Old Testament picture this verse is of the love of God the Father for His Son Jesus Christ. So often we consider the love of the Father and the Son for us, and that is certainly a wonderful theme. But there is something even greater to consider; something that will touch a deeper chord of worship and praise from our hearts, and that is the love of the Father for His beloved Son. Three times in John’s gospel we are told of the love of the Father for the Son:

“The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand” (John 3:35).

“For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel” (John 5:20).

“Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again” (John 10:17).

What stupendous love! May it touch our hearts today.

Saturday, December 2, 2017

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No Hope

“That at that time ye were without Christ … having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).

Hope is an indispensable quality of life! Someone has said that if you could convince a man there is no hope, he would curse the day he was born.

Years ago the S-4 submarine was rammed by another ship and quickly sank. The entire crew was trapped in its prison house of death. Ships rushed to the scene of disaster off the coast of Massachusetts. We don’t know what took place down in that sunken submarine, but we can be sure that the men clung bravely to life as the oxygen slowly gave out. A diver went down and placed his helmeted ear to the side of the vessel and listened. He heard a tapping noise as someone tapped out a question in the dots and dashes of Morse Code, “Is … there … any … hope?”

This seems to be the cry of humanity: “Is there any hope?” Yes, thankfully, there is hope … hope in Christ! Is this hope a reality with you? Can you join with others to say, “God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1).

Friday, December 1, 2017

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Hope

Here is a statement that gives courage and comfort, even in times of desperate need and trial:

“No one is hopeless whose hope is in God!”

Here are some verses from the Bible to prove it:

“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).

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:18-19).

“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it”
(Romans 8:24-25).

“Now the GOD OF HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).