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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

March 2018

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Saturday, March 31, 2018

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Suicide
“And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father” (2 Samuel 17:23).
For Ahithophel, to have his counsel rejected was more than he could bear — so he committed suicide. This is a terrible thing and one which a believer in Jesus should NEVER consider. For every discouragement you feel, the Lord Jesus understands. There is nothing in your life that the Lord isn’t familiar with and that He can’t comfort you and help you in. Instead of taking your life, submit your life to Christ and let Him work out the details. He knows what to do. He knows the end from the beginning and knows how to work out your particular problem. Cast yourself totally on the Lord. He’ll help you through this great trouble in your life.
When the jailor in Philippi was about to take his life, “Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here” (Acts 16:28). The Lord had what seemed like a hopeless situation under full control, and there was blessing for the jailor and his household in the end.

Friday, March 30, 2018

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Monthly Question Page
Q. Was the city of Dothan in Israel, and if so why wasn’t it guarded in 2 Kings 6?
A. Dothan was in Israel and within the boundary of the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh. It was the pasture-ground where Joseph found his brethren watching their flocks, and where, at the suggestion of his brother Judah, they sold him to the merchants. (Genesis 37:17, 26-27).
It was also the residence of Elisha, and the scene of a remarkable vision of chariots and horses of fire surrounding the mountain on which the city stood. (2 Kings 6:13-18).
As to why it wasn’t better guarded and protected, we can only say that there was much weakness and many things spiritually lacking among God’s people at the time. However, God in His amazing grace and mercy caused a great deliverance and victory, and proved that He, as the Lord of Hosts, was greater than the enemy. Elisha encouraged his frightened servant by saying: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” The result was, “And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” (2 Kings 6:16-17).
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Thursday, March 29, 2018

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Distress
“God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went” (Genesis 35:3).
Jacob’s life had been full of difficulty, a lot of which he had brought on himself. But he had experienced a wonderful thing. That was that God answered his call for help when he had been in trouble. And in addition, the Lord had stayed with him as he travelled through life. Jacob knew it and appreciated it. What a lesson for us: that in distress, persecution, trouble, loneliness, or sorrow, Jesus is there waiting for your cry for help, and He too will stay with you as you go through life. His promise is, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).
When the couple on the road to Emmaus were feeling really downcast and discouraged, who was it that walked along beside them? Jesus! “And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them” (Luke 24:14).
Trust Him today and every day. He’s there.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

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Monthly Scripture Reading
James 1
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man:
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Do not err, my beloved brethren.
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.
Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

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God’s Will
“Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it … Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water” (John 2:5-6).
Sometimes the Lord may direct us to do something that, humanly speaking, does not make too much sense — like filling the water pots with water when wine was what was needed! However, we learn from this story and many other accounts in the Bible, that obedience to the Lord is always the way to blessing and happiness.
But, you ask, how can we know the Lord’s will for us? Here are simple principles to keep in mind:
The Bible reveals God’s thoughts for man’s life. It gives general instructions for our conduct.
The Spirit of God gives us guidance concerning the daily decisions of life; we can go to the Lord in prayer asking for help and guidance in our decisions.
Remember, the Spirit of God will NEVER guide us contrary to the Word of God.
Once you have a sense of the Lord’s will regarding an issue or step to be taken – “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.”

Monday, March 26, 2018

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Dear Young Christian:
We are all prone to be critical. We need to remember that the Lord is listening. Miriam and Aaron forgot that the Lord could hear their bitter conversation! When they complained about their brother Moses. “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses … And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it” (Numbers 12:1-2). As a result of their criticism, judgment fell upon them.
To gossip or complain about another person or to say anything disparaging of someone should never be part of a believer’s conversation. The writer James has some very strong words to say on the matter. “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge” (James 4:11).
What will the Lord hear us say about others this week? Will it be words of kindness and love?
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, March 25, 2018

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A Finished Work
“The cup which My Father hath given Me,
shall I not drink it” (John 18:11)?
Jesus asked Peter this question. Peter had tried to stop the band of soldiers from arresting the Lord Jesus, but the Lord had been given the work of the cross to do and do it He must. Early in His pathway He had stated, “For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me” (John 6:38).
He was truly “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). Nothing could stop the work on Calvary, and Peter had to put his sword away and watch in helpless disbelief as his Lord was taken to trial, and eventually to Calvary’s cross.
Today we look back to a work that has been completed to the eternal glory and satisfaction of God. The Lord Himself could affirm in His High Priestly Prayer, “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:4). Never will God require another sacrifice for sin, “For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).

Saturday, March 24, 2018

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What Are You Trusting?
“There was a certain rich man … And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus” (Luke 16:19-20).
Read the account of these two men in Luke 16:19-31, and you will see that the rich man lived well, ate fine food and had the best of clothing and circumstances. In contrast the beggar was sick and hungry. They lived within close proximity of each other, but the rich man ignored the poor man. The rich man had plenty of good food to eat; the beggar wanted to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table.
In the course of time the rich man died and was buried; the beggar also died and went to heaven. What was the difference? Faith. Actually they both had faith. The beggar had faith in God and lived for eternity. The rich man had faith in himself and his riches, lived for time, and lost everything.
Which one are you? What are you trusting in? The Lord said on another occasion, “How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:24)! Rather than trust in material goods, we need to “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22).

Friday, March 23, 2018

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Overwhelmed — Part 4
Let’s conclude our meditation on this subject, by saying that instead of being overwhelmed, we can be overcomers. Here is what the Apostle John had to say of the matter to the youth of his day: “I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one … I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:13-14).
In our own strength and with our own resources we are going to be overwhelmed, but with the reading and enjoyment of the Word of God, the Spirit indwelling us, and the Lord Jesus living to intercede for us as our High Priest and Advocate, we can be overcomers in every situation. When John wrote to the seven Churches in Asia Minor, in each case, no matter what the circumstances, there was a word of encouragement to the overcomer. (Notice Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26 & 3:5, 12, 21). There is then one final encouragement at the end of the Inspired Word: “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son” (Revelation 21:7).
Why be overwhelmed, when we can overcome?

Thursday, March 22, 2018

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Overwhelmed — Part 3
“When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path” (Psalm 142:3).
4. There is a place where I can hide,
When troubles press on every side;
But oh, how quickly I forget,
And in distress, struggle and fret.
5. And when I take my eyes from Thee,
And sink beneath the raging sea;
Recall my heart — and let me fly
Back to the Rock, higher than I.
6. Soon all the trials will be past,
And I shall reach the goal at last;
Beyond the tears, and fears, and grief,
Glorious departing, sweet relief.
Refrain for last verse:
Then I shall praise Him in the sky;
Jesus the Rock, higher than I.
6-8s — Tune: St. Catherine
(Behold The Saviour At The Door).

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

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Overwhelmed — Part 2
“And He led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies” (Psalm 78:53).
1. When everything seems out of hand,
I, on the firm foundation, stand:
On Christ the Rock, whose strength prevails,
Whose love and power never fails.
Refrain:
When overwhelmed my heart — I cry,
Lead to the Rock, higher than I.
2. I know His saving grace and pow’r,
And I can trust Him ev’ry hour.
I’m sheltered safe within His hand,
His promises forever stand.
3. His blood has washed my sins away,
His grace preserves me every day:
He lives, for me to supplicate—
My Great High Priest, and Advocate.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

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Overwhelmed — Part 1
Today I feel completely overwhelmed. I have heard of so much serious illness, and terminal sickness amongst those I know and love, that I am simply overwhelmed. And yet as this flood of emotion came crashing over me the Lord brought a verse from the Bible to my memory. It is a verse I have often read and thought about, and one on which I based the writing of a hymn some years ago when going through a really severe test in my Christian life. The verse is as follows: “From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2).David was used by God to pen these words, and he must have felt the reality of them as he went through some rough times in his life. He knew what it was to suffer physically, emotionally, and mentally. He fled for his life, suffered reproach, knew the results of sorrow that sin brings, even in the life of a believer. But through it all he always found his rest, comfort, encouragement, and strength in the Lord. When he came to the Rock (His Lord), it was always greater than the problem. I need to do the same thing, and I hope you will too. Over the next couple of days I will share the hymn I wrote on the subject some years ago.

Monday, March 19, 2018

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Dear Young Christian:
I realize that these calendar pages are read some time after they are actually written, but as I write today’s letter, the news is full of war and terrorism threats are on every hand. It has recently hit me that this world, socially and politically is spiralling out of control, and there are two verses that come to mind; verses that prove we are in the days just before the return of the Lord Jesus.
1. “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Luke 21:26).
2.“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars” (Matthew 24:6).
Thankfully there is an end to all this, and we can with assurance go on living for the Lord in spite of what is taking place around us. He watches over each of His own, and will take us safely to heaven, and then come back and set things right in this world. Yes, soon will “the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings” (Malachi 4:2).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, March 18, 2018

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The Substitute
“And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen” (Genesis 22:14).
In Genesis 22 we have a wonderful story of the father who offered up his only son whom he loved. We all know the story, and we know that just as Abraham was about to slay his son Isaac, God provided a substitute, “a ram caught in a thicket by his horns” (verse 13).
We then find that Abraham called the name of that place “Jehovah Jireh,” which means, “The Lord will provide,” or “The Lord the Provider.” This is the character in which we must first learn to know our God. The God who provided Himself a Lamb, who provided a substitute. The One that John the Baptist declared, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
He is also the provider of all our temporal needs … our food … our clothing … our shelter: but it is well to always remember that the first and primary thought in this lovely name, is that God provided Himself a Lamb … and that Lamb is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

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What Can You Believe?
Some people believe one thing and some believe another concerning life, death, and eternity. Some believe religion has the answers, and some believe science is our hope. Others believe life just happened and death is the end, and some don’t know what to believe.
Consider man’s relentless search for the meaning of life and for relief from his anxieties through sensual experiences and numerous philosophies. Consider the social unrest, uncertainty, and utter despair of many people.
Then consider the peace, the joy, and the eternal hope God gives in His Son — that which man so desperately seeks in every other way.
There are many of us who have been glad to find that God has not left man to wander, wonder, and worry. We have read in His Word of His promises and we believed them. “God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:11-12).
We received His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into our hearts by faith, and found to our great joy that it is all true and real — the reality of salvation in Christ.

Friday, March 16, 2018

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Worldly Gain
“An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed”
(Proverbs 20:21).
Money and worldly gain rapidly accumulated at the expense of conscience and honor will yield little if any comfort or peace of mind. “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). It is the blessing of the Lord that matters most in the Christian’s life, and this and this alone will bring contentment. “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it”(Proverbs 10:22). Those who set out with the determination to gather wealth at all cost learn in bitterness of soul that they have missed the true and lasting treasures which give the heart joy in its possession. Worldly gain not only leaves a person with an empty, aching heart and a nagging conscience, but it does not last either. Notice what Solomon states further on the subject: “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished” (Proverbs 13:11). Let’s set our hearts on the “true riches” (Luke 16:11).

Thursday, March 15, 2018

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Practical Applications
of God’s Word
Part 3 — Nourishment
“I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jeremiah 15:16).
The Word of God is food for the new life that we received when we were born again. The life we have from God is a perfect life, and it is the very life of Christ. However, it is a dependant life. If we are to grow and have a happy, healthy spiritual life we must feed on God’s Word every day. When we eat something we take it into our system and it becomes part of us. This is true of the Scriptures. When we read it, meditate on it, and digest the truth of it, we receive eternal benefit. Then we will be able to “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Just as we take care to eat good healthy food every day for our physical well-being, so we need the spiritual food of the Bible for the nourishment of the divine life we have from God, in Christ.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

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Approval
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
I have read of a dilapidated shop whose owner was about to go out of business. The floor was unswept, the windows unwashed, the goods on the shelf were in disorder, the proprietor careless and untidy. One day the king came by, saw the wretched condition of the place, and said to the shopkeeper, “If you will do as I say, I will let you put over the door the sign APPROVED BY THE KING.” The proprietor gladly consented. Everything was changed-the floors swept, the windows washed, the goods put in order, the keeper himself cleaned up. Soon customers began to come and money rang in the till because over the door was written the approval of the king. Have you ever let the King take over? Let the Lord take over the little shop of your life and there will be customers! You will be a blessing to others and a workman approved unto Him. “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth” (2 Corinthians 10:18).

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

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The Pilgrim Pathway
“Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country” (Numbers 20:17).
This was the request of the Israelites when they reached the borders of Edom. There is a great parallel for our own pathways. See what conditions were laid out:
“We will not … ”
“pass through the fields” (worldly pleasures);
“or through the vineyards” (worldly joy);
“neither will we drink of the water of the wells” (worldly refreshment).
“We will go … ”
“by the king’s high way” (God’s path).
“We will not … ”
“turn to the right hand nor to the left” (no distractions).
“Until … ”
“we have passed thy borders.” (We are in the world only for a while, on our way to heaven).

Monday, March 12, 2018

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Dear Young Christian:
Here is something to think about as you start out this week:
“And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:17).
“Then Jonah prayed” (Jonah 2:1).
It does not seem that Jonah prayed when the heathen shipmaster asked him to “arise, call upon thy God” (Jonah 1:6). It would seem that he spent a full three days in the belly of the fish before he became willing to pray! He knew that his circumstances were from God, but he may have thought that he was being punished and therefore had no access to God. However, God was preparing him for a work.
We, like Jonah, are slow to realize that God is working with us — not against us. Whatever happens this week we have access to the “Throne of Grace.” And remember, “if God be for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, March 11, 2018

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Delight
The Father’s delight in His Son in a past eternity: “I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him” (Proverbs 8:30).
The Father’s delight in His Son when He was on earth: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
The Father’s delight in His Son at this present time: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
The Father’s delight in His Son in a future day of glory: “But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom” (Hebrews 1:8).
His delight in us: “But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all My delight” (Psalm 16:3).
Our delight in Him: “Delight thyself also in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4).

Saturday, March 10, 2018

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Born Again
We are living in days of increasing danger. While we may not fear it nor be downhearted, it is certain that all of us will soon be in eternity. In view of this, provision for salvation has been made in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ alone. By His death and victorious resurrection He has broken down every barrier, and provided a perfect ground for our acceptance before God.
Nothing could be simpler than the conversion of a soul to God, but it is a personal matter between God and the sinner, and must be settled in this life. The Lord Jesus plainly stated, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Many think that the great change of being “born again” is unnecessary. Some think that if they “do their best,” and “live up to” their convictions, it will be all right with them in the end. However, remember, the Word of the living God says, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). Believe, therefore, with your heart on the Lord Jesus Christ, for “whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” (1 John 5:1).

Friday, March 9, 2018

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After Many Days — Part 3
Petra was overjoyed to learn that we would be happy to supply her with all the gospel literature she could use, and free of charge as well. We left her some of what we had with us, and she went on her way rejoicing. Later in our room Garvin told us that it was a particular thrill to him to see Petra, renew her acquaintance, and hear her story, as she had been a particularly difficult and ornery student. It really made Garvin’s day, and Howard and I rejoiced with him to see the hand of the Lord, and His perfect timing in what the world would say was mere coincidence and happenstance.
So it is events like this that make these trips more than worthwhile, and more than compensate for any little inconvenience, expense, or sacrifice we may feel we have made. We now have added Petra to our prayer list and our mailing list, and know that the Lord will continue to use her on the island of Barbados.
For Garvin, it was like the Apostle John, who could say, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4). As for Howard and I it was the Apostle Paul’s exhortation. “Rejoice with them that do rejoice” (Romans 12:15). And we most certainly did.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

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After Many Days — Part 2
“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days” (Ecclesiastes 11:1).
The lady’s name was Petra, and later we met at a fast-food restaurant where, over a light snack, she told us a little of the many difficulties she had experienced in her Christian life. She told Garvin that his godly influence during her childhood had really been used of the Lord, and that while she did not appreciate it at the time, she could look back with a thankful heart for the guidance and discipline she had received under his authority in the school and classroom. She also told us that she had been praying that the Lord would somehow supply her with gospel tracts and literature as she could no longer afford to buy any due to the fact that she had lost her job some time ago. She went on to tell us that she had almost decided not to go out on the street that morning as she had so few things to hand out. However she felt prompted by the Lord to do so and to go ahead in faith anyway. We all realized that if she had not followed what the four of us believed was the leading of the Spirit, she would most certainly have missed us.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

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After Many Days — Part 1
“Seed to the sower, and bread to the eater”
(Isaiah 55:10).
The following account illustrates how God provides encouragement for those who desire to go out sowing the “Good Seed,” and spreading the “Bread of Life.”
On the 7th of January, 2015, Garvin Seymour, Howard House, and I, were giving out gospel tracts as we moved slowly along one of the busy downtown streets of Bridgetown, Barbados. People were hurrying thither and yon, but most people accepted a gospel paper and wallet calendar. Suddenly on a crowded corner Garvin stopped. In front of him was a lady standing and handing out gospel tracts as well. For a few moments they stared at one another, and then recognition flashed across both faces. As it turned out it was a former student of Garvin’s from Dickson Village, Saint Vincent. They embraced, they laughed, it brought tears to their eyes, and they embraced again. They had not seen each other for many years, and it was a joy to the student to see her former teacher, and a special joy to Garvin to meet his former student, who was now a bright and happy believer serving the Lord and spreading the good news.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

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Rest
A perfect rest remaineth,
A rest from weary toil,
A rest from busy service,
Nothing that rest will spoil:
No tasks, no pressing labour,
We shall no burdens bear;
We’ll never feel a heartache,
Nor have the slightest care.
A blessed rest remaineth,
Unbroken holy state,
No more will sin affect us,
For this our spirits wait;
To think of self no longer,
But Christ the object be,
His praise our only service,
From all obstruction free.
“That they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them”(Revelation 14:13).

Monday, March 5, 2018

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Dear Young Christian:
Just this morning I read the following quote in a Christian periodical, and I thought it might be good to pass it along for your consideration. Here is what it said:
The Bible is not merely a history book, but His-story.
Yes, it is all about HIM, all about God’s Son the Lord Jesus Christ. There are two verses in the end of Luke’s gospel that confirm this beyond the shadow of a doubt.
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27).
“And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me” (Luke 24:44).
How much of His-story will you read this week?
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

Sunday, March 4, 2018

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Breaking Bread
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread”
(1 Corinthians 10:16-17).
We can only draw near to God through the death and shed blood of Jesus. We break the bread, and while breaking it, we remember His precious body given in death for us. “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24). It is by the death of Jesus that we freely approach God, and God has raised our blessed Substitute from the grave, and has set Him at His own right hand on high, which is the unquestionable evidence of God’s righteousness being perfectly and eternally satisfied, and the proof of our perfect acceptance in Christ. While eating of the bread and drinking the cup each heart can say, “He loved me so much that He gave Himself for me.”

Saturday, March 3, 2018

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A Contrast
Lord Byron was an English poet who was born in Dover, England on January 22, 1788 and died in Missolonghi, Greece on April 19, 1824. He enjoyed success, fame, and popularity, and is reputed to be one of Britain’s greatest poets. Not long before he died, at the age of 36, he summed up his life with the following lines:
My Days are in the yellow leaf,
The fruit, the flower of life is gone:
The worm, the canker and the grief
Are mine alone!
In contrast, the Apostle Paul, at the end of his life, wrote:
“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
What would you write at the end of your life? What a vast difference when we know the Lord!

Friday, March 2, 2018

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Safety
“Safety is of the Lord” (Psalm 21:31).
Safety is not found in the absence of danger, but in the presence of God. “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him” (Deuteronomy 33:12). When we are thoroughly exhausted by our own efforts, when we are completely bewildered and baffled by our problems, when we are wounded by our friends, when we are completely surrounded by our foes, we can hide ourselves in our great and mighty God.
There is no safety in the world. David said, “Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). If we were to find safety here, we would never know the joy of God’s love and protection. The only safe and secure place is in God Himself. The ancient writer realized this when he wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3).

Thursday, March 1, 2018

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Who Is First?
“Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first” (Luke 9:61).
On this occasion Jesus encountered a certain man who proclaimed he would follow Him wherever He went. But first he had other things to do. The Lord’s reply was, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). These may seem like harsh words, but the lesson we learn is that if we want to be a true disciple of Christ we must put Him first. The Lord said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
Someone has well said, “If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.” If He is first and foremost in everything we do, then everything else will fall into its proper place. That’s not to say everything will come easily and that there won’t be struggles and times of wondering what to do and where to go. But in the end it will be the happy and fruitful way. The promise is clear: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6).
On the first day of another month let’s ask ourselves, “Who is first in my life?”
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