Young Christians Calendar

June 2018

Doing or Done?

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do
to inherit eternal life”? (Luke 10:25).

What shall I do? No words can more plainly show the ignorance of a fallen sinner who does not understand his lost, fallen, helpless condition. When man could do nothing, Jesus came to him where he was. What a journey of love! He came to do all for the sinner, and He has done it — it is finished! My reader, do you know Jesus? Are you resting on what Jesus has done on the cross? Have you been brought to know your utterly lost condition? Have you, by faith, seen Jesus taking your place on Calvary’s cross, and now giving you His place in spotless purity forever?

If you seek to earn eternal life by doing, you are rejecting and despising Jesus Christ. But if you know and believe the love of God in sending Jesus to die for you and rise again, you have eternal life. It is the gift of God. Let your doing now be to show forth the praises of Him who saved you. The Bible says of the believer, “that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Friday, June 29, 2018

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Monthly Question Page

Q. In Revelation 6 there are four horses instead of seven. Why are there only four, since seven is a number often used in Revelation? (Part 1).

A. While seven is God’s perfect number, four is God’s universal number, particularly in connection with creation and the earth. It is used many times in the book of Revelation. For example, “Four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth” (Revelation 7:1).

The symbol of the horse is often used in connection with God carrying out His purposes in the earth, whether in judgment or blessing. The prophet Zechariah was told, concerning the horses that he saw in his vision, in chapter 1:8, “These are they whom the Lord hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth” (Zechariah 1:10). The four horses in Revelation 6, represent powers or forces on earth, and the riders, those who control them, such as imperial powers and their leaders. They are that which God uses in, what we often refer to as providential judgments. There are four of them, showing the judgments are universal … global … worldwide. (Continued next month.)

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

Thursday, June 28, 2018

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By Example

I came across this old poem I remember from my youth:

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;

I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,

Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;

And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;

I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,

But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;

For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

“Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Proverbs 8

I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

While as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

When He prepared the heavens, I was there: when He set a compass upon the face of the depth:

When He established the clouds above: when He strengthened the fountains of the deep:

When He gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not pass His commandment: when He appointed the foundations of the earth:

Then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him;

Rejoicing in the habitable part of His earth; and My delights were with the sons of men.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

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Our Tower

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10).

I am told that in Tokyo Japan there is a tower 2,080 feet high and strong enough to withstand the earthquakes that often rock that area of the world. Engineering technology allows it to sway with the most violent shocks and absorb them without cracking. The tower is called Sky Tree.

King David had many problems and shake-ups in his life. But he could say, “The Lord is … my high tower” (Psalm 18:2). And also, “Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy” (Psalm 61:3).

We live in difficult times when many of God’s people around the world are going through appalling troubles and sufferings. When such come upon us (and even as young people none of us are immune), we need to run to the Lord, our strong tower. Trials and suffering may reel and rock us, but if we are trusting Him, and finding our refuge in Himself we will not snap or crack. How grateful we should be for the Lord, who is for His people a strong tower of refuge. Are you going through a shake-up? Run to that strong tower today!

Monday, June 25, 2018

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Dear Young Christian:

Prayer is a wonderful provision of God to ease our burdens, tensions and fears, and restore peace to our hearts and minds. The value of prayer as a vital factor of peace and happiness can never be overestimated. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). The invitation to bring our requests to God doesn’t necessarily mean long hours spent on our knees. While quiet times are important, we cannot overstress the importance of constantly talking to God about everything during our daily activities. This is what is meant when it says “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and “praying always” (Ephesians 6:18). Habitually referring everything to God our Father in the midst of our daily routine keeps us in touch with Him so that His peace can keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 24, 2018

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Christ’s Universality

Here are seven names or titles by which Christ will be known universally in a coming day, when “the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (Habakkuk 2:14).

KING OF KINGS (Revelation 19:16).

LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16).

KING OF GLORY (Psalm 24:9).

SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (Malachi 4:2).

PRINCE OF PEACE (Isaiah 9:6).

WORD OF GOD (Revelation 19:13).

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY (Revelation 21:22).

What a wonderful day that will be. In the meantime we remember a rejected Christ, who loved us and died for us at Calvary. He is still, “despised and rejected of men” (Isaiah 53:3), but in that day, “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee” (Psalm 22:27). As we wait that time let’s give Him the worship and honor He is so worthy of here and now.

Saturday, June 23, 2018

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Prince, Lord, King

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

The Child that was born in Bethlehem is the Son of God whose sacrificial death has provided a way for all men, to be eternally set free from the bonds that enslave them, and to have “peace with God” (Romans 5:1).

He is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), because He came in submission to His Father’s will and proclaimed peace to all on the basis of His shed blood.

He is the “Lord of peace” (2 Thessalonians 3:16), because He gives peace that passes understanding to all who keep in prayerful fellowship with His Father with thankful hearts.

He will reign as the “King of peace” (Hebrews 7:2), over the whole earth when He has put all enemies under His feet.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Has He filled your heart with peace? He desires to give you a peace that the world can never give. Trust in Him today!

Friday, June 22, 2018

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Faint

“If thou faint in the day of adversity,
thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10).

It is the hour of trial and the day of adversity that clearly shows whatever strength we really have, and what or who we are trusting in. To faint, or become disheartened then, is to show that we have not been truly counting upon God for help and deliverance. The time of difficulty and opposition will only find the trusting person more confident still, for he knows where the source of all power is to be found.

When Elijah was threatened by Jezebel he became afraid and fled for his life. “Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life” (1 Kings 19:2-3).

In contrast we read of another Old Testament man of faith, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6). Which are you?

Thursday, June 21, 2018

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Practical Applications
of God’s Word

Part 6 — Comfort

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope”
(Romans 14:4).

As we go through life we all need comfort. There are tears, loneliness and a host of other problems that we face in this world. When you need comfort, turn to the Bible. There you will find the three persons of the Godhead (the Trinity), ready to supply comfort through the living Word of God.

“The Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:13).

“Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).

“The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost” (John 14:26).

Whenever you need comfort, turn to the Scriptures. There is no shortage of consolation there.

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

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The Lamp — Part 2

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Yesterday’s account of Florence Nightingale made me think of the fact that we who know our Saviour have been given a lamp too. It is the Word of God, and we are responsible to carry it to a sin-sick, dying world. Have we held the Lamp for someone today? Would you be known in your community as the young man or young lady with the Light, the Light of God’s Word? We have a Lamp that can soften hearts, heal the broken spirit, and bring comfort, hope, and encouragement to those around us. Learn to carry the Light for all to see. This world is enveloped in deep moral and spiritual darkness, but we can take courage from the words of the Psalmist, who penned, “Thy word is a lamp … and a light” (Psalm 119:105).

Remember too, that the Bible presents the true light, the Lord Jesus Christ. David in the midst of his difficult circumstances could say: “For Thou art my lamp, O Lord” (2 Samuel 22:29). John the Baptist said of the Lord, “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9).

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

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The Lamp — Part 1

“The entrance of Thy Words giveth light”
(Psalm 119:130).

I recently read something of the life of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. As she served in a military hospital in Turkey during the Crimean War, amid deplorable conditions, her custom was to take a lamp each evening and make her rounds through the hospital wards, making one last check on the wounded and dying soldiers before retiring to her room. In this way she became known as the Lady with the Lamp. The soldiers would eagerly await the glow of her lamp as she checked on them for the final time that day. One who knew of her services wrote:

“Without exaggeration, she is a ‘Ministering Angel’ in these hospitals, and as her slender form glides quietly along each corridor every poor fellow’s face softens with gratitude at the sight of her. When all the medical officers have retired for the night and silence and darkness have settled down upon those miles of prostrate sick, she may be observed alone with a lamp in her hand, making solitary rounds.”

Monday, June 18, 2018

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Dear Young Christian:

As you head out the door this morning, here is something to think about:

If you had a bank that credited your account with $86,400, but cancelled whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day, what would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!

Well, you have such a bank and its name is “Time.” Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it rules off — as lost — whatever you have failed to invest in good purpose. It carries no balances. It allows no overdrafts. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours.

How will you use your time this week? When the account is tallied what will the result be? Will there be fruit for the Lord and time spent for Him, with Him,and in His service? The Bible exhorts us to, “Walk in wisdom … redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 17, 2018

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Wonderful Love

“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned” (Song of Solomon 8:7).
“Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3).
“Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end” (John 13:1).
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
“The Son of God, who loved me, and gave
Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
“Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25).

What marvellous, divine love this is! Think about that love today, and let it touch your heart afresh. It will certainly produce worship, praise, and thanksgiving. Let’s be like the bride of the Old Testament, who said,“We will remember Thy love” (Song of Solomon 1:4).

Saturday, June 16, 2018

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Saved From the Fire

“The Word of God, which liveth” (1 Peter 1:23).

A farmer in South Korea bought copies of the gospels of Matthew and Luke, and read them with some interest. When he was working in the fields away from his home one day, his house caught fire and burned to the ground. On returning he realized that all contents of the home had been destroyed except the two gospels. Someone had saved them from the flames not really knowing what they were.

That made a deep impression on the farmer. He read the gospels again, now with increased interest. Then he told people in the village about them. At first he was made fun of and avoided by his neighbors. But because he was always so friendly and helpful after a while they began to listen, resulting in eighty villagers being saved.

This shows once again that the Word of God possesses its own living power. Whoever reads it attentively and is prepared to listen carefully to what God has to say will understand its message and receive the blessing it contains. The Lord said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:36).

Friday, June 15, 2018

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Hard Questions

“And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty” (1 Kings 10:13).

The Queen of Sheba came to test Solomon with hard questions. Solomon not only answered all her questions and gave her all that she desired, but he also gave her of his royal bounty. What kingly generosity this was!

Solomon reminds us of the Lord Jesus, who said, “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42).

If Solomon is a picture of the Lord, then the queen of Sheba must remind us of ourselves. Aren’t we amazed at the wisdom and generosity of our Solomon? We can go to Him at any time with a hard question and find that He has the time and resources for every problem and situation of life. “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Thursday, June 14, 2018

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Chewing the Cud

“Whatsoever … cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat” (Leviticus 11:3).

Webster’s Dictionary gives the following definition of the term “Chew The Cud”:

“Food that an animal (such as a cow) brings back up from its stomach into its mouth to be chewed again.”

I recently talked to a farmer, who told me something interesting about cows and chewing the cud. He said that if a cow does not chew the cud on a regular basis you know that it is a sick animal and needs tending to.

This made me think of the above verse and the spiritual application for us. Chewing the cud would tell us of the need for meditation on Scripture. In fact another English dictionary gives this definition:

“To think slowly and carefully about something.”

If we don’t meditate on the Word of God and digest the spiritual food it offers we will never experience spiritual growth and be healthy, happy believers. Let’s be like the inspired writer, who said, “O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). Don’t just read the Bible, think about, and consider seriously what you read.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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Studying The Bible

It has been well said that there are four things necessary in studying the Bible:

1. ADMIT: Admit that it is true from cover to cover.

“Thy Word is truth” (John 17:17).

“Every word of God is pure” (Proverbs 30:5).

2. SUBMIT: Submit to its teachings and admonitions.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:7).

3. COMMIT: Commit it to memory–and do it while you are young.

“I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy Word” (Psalm 119:16).

4. TRANSMIT: Pass along the gospel and the truth to others. You really never have something until you share it.

“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19).

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

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Keep Yourselves

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

We often hear the reminder that we can’t keep ourselves, and while this is certainly true according to today’s text, yet there are some things that we are to keep ourselves in and from as believers. For instance:

“Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21).

We need to always walk and live in the sunshine of God’s wonderful, unchanging love.

“Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).

We need to keep ourselves from those things that defile our minds, our affections, and our bodies.

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

We need to keep ourselves from allowing anything to displace Christ in our lives. He should always have the first place.

Christianity takes constant care and watchfulness. We have a powerful enemy who does not want us to enjoy of God’s wonderful love, and who wants us to mar our testimony and our joy by sin and distraction.

Monday, June 11, 2018

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Dear Young Christian:

My wife and I were sitting, having lunch in a Cracker Barrel restaurant recently, when I noticed the following motto hanging in a frame on the wall beside our table:

EVERY EXPERIENCE GOD GIVES US,
EVERY PERSON HE PUTS IN OUR LIVES,
IS A PERFECT PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE
THAT ONLY HE CAN SEE.

There is a lot of truth in a statement like that. Thankfully we can’t see the future. It would be a burden we couldn’t carry. However, there is One who knows, has it all perfectly planned, and who works in our lives to prepare us for each new day and experience. We have been “predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will”(Ephesians 1:11). This should give us real comfort and confidence as we start out this week. No matter what happens or who we meet, it has all been pre-planned by our wise and loving God and Father.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 10, 2018

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The Lion & The Lamb

“The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain”
(Revelation 5:5-6).

Once in the book of Revelation the Lord Jesus is referred to as “The Lion” and twenty-eight times as “The Lamb.” As “The Lion” He is able! Able to execute the judgments of this world, put down His enemies, and bring about millennial peace and blessing on earth. However, as “The Lamb” He is worthy! Worthy because of who He is, “The Lamb of God” (John 1:36). Worthy, because of that great work of Calvary on which all blessing rests. Today, He is worthy of our worship and praise, and in a future day, all created beings will give Him that honor. “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Revelation 5:13).

Saturday, June 9, 2018

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ALL

A local Grocery store in Smiths Falls, where my wife and I often shop, has recently come up with a new advertising slogan.

“I WANT IT ALL!”

Whatever other thinking there may be behind this catchy slogan, it certainly sums up the spirit and attitude of many people today. Not only do people want it all, but they want it now!

King Solomon had it all. Notice what he says: “And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy” (Ecclesiastes 2:10). But notice how he sums it up at the end of the chapter: “This also is vanity and vexation of spirit” (verse 26).

Only the one who made us can satisfy us. “For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9). And more than that, when we know God as our Father and Jesus as our Saviour, we do have it all. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Yes indeed, the Christian is the richest person in the world … He has it all! DO YOU?

Friday, June 8, 2018

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Prepared Circumstances

“The Lord sent out a great wind there
was a mighty tempest” (Jonah 1:4).
“Now the Lord had prepared a great fish” (Jonah 1:17). “And the Lord God prepared a gourd” (Jonah 4:6).
“But God prepared a worm” (Jonah 4:7).
“God prepared a vehement east wind” (Jonah 4:8).

Jonah had some hard lessons to learn, and at first he did not listen to the Lord speaking through the various circumstances He had specially prepared for his correction and instruction. The Bible tells us “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11). As in Jonah’s experience, so too in our lives, things that we may find unpleasant are the hand of God at work to bring about a transformation that will ultimately benefit us and glorify Himself. It is important to recognize each circumstance as coming directly from Him with the realization that it is for our good and blessing if we are willing to learn by it.

Thursday, June 7, 2018

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Nothing Behind You Matters

The whistle blew and the four strong boys dived immediately. In seconds they were swimming through the water as they raced to the other end of the pool. When half way the coach’s whistles signalled the next four to start. By this time the first four were headed back. As they climbed out the coach nodded his approval as they got back in line to dive again. Evening after evening they came to practice. No wonder they had won so many championships.

Their motto was, “Nothing behind you matters.” Any of them would tell you that they were trained never to look back during a race. Looking back to see how far you have come or how close the next racer is breaks the rhythm or the stride. It makes you lose seconds, and usually those seconds can never be recovered.

The Apostle Paul said, “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). The prize in the Christian life is always Christ, and the finish line is heaven. Push forward, we are almost there.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

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Helping

“And, behold, a woman of Canaan came … and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, help me”
(Matthew 15:22, 25).
“And one of the multitude answered and said … If Thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us” (Mark 9:22).

Would you like to be more like the Lord Jesus? I’m sure you answered, “Yes!” Remember that when He was here He always helped those in need, and showed kindness wherever He went. You can do the same. Simply by helping others you can be like Christ. Don’t be like the priest and the Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan. When they saw the man lying half dead in the ditch they “passed by on the other side” (Luke 10:31-32). In contrast, the Samaritan (a picture of the Lord Jesus), “came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him” (Luke 10:33-34). We read of Apollos, “who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace” (Acts 18:27).

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

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Praise & Service

“Praise the Lord … praise Him, all ye people”
(Psalm 117:1).

Come, praise the Lord, all Christians,

How can you silent be,

When Jesus died to save you,

From sin to set you free?

Yes, praise the Lord, all Christians,

Wherever you may be,

Whatever you are doing –

Jesus is so worthy!

Come, serve the Lord, all Christians,

How can you slothful stay,

When Jesus lives to keep you,

And strengthen you today?

Yes, serve the Lord, all Christians,

He has work to do,

A special work’s been given,

Especially for you!

“Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2).

Monday, June 4, 2018

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Dear Young Christian:

Many of you are starting school holidays for the summer, and perhaps some of you will take along a good book to read while you relax or travel. Whatever else you put on your reading list this season, don’t forget or neglect your Bible. I saw a motto that stated:

THE BIBLE IS NOT ONLY THE WORLD’S BEST SELLER, IT IS ALSO MAN’S BEST PURCHASE.

Here is one way the Psalmist expressed his interest in, and value of, the Word of God: “Thy testimonies are also my delight … O how love I Thy law” (Psalm 119:24, 97)!

In the same psalm — the writer also says, “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee” (Psalm 119:11).

“Thy Word” — the best possession.

“Have I hid in mine heart” — the best place.

“That I might not sin against Thee” — the best purpose.

Reading the Word of God is good; meditating on it is better; memorizing it is best of all.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, June 3, 2018

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Himself

“I found Him whom my soul loveth: I held Him and would not let Him go” (Song of Solomon 3:4).

Many years ago, the Bible commentator, Harry Ironside, wrote the following:

“Nothing gives our Lord more delight than to find a heart that joys in Him for what He is in Himself. Too often we think rather of the gifts, the gracious favours He bestows. It is right and proper that these should stir us to thanksgiving; but it is as we get to know Himself and to joy in His love that we really worship in blissful communion.”

On the resurrection morning Mary Magdalene did not immediately recognize the Lord through her tears “She turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus” (John 20:14).However, her anguish quickly turned to adoration when she saw it was indeed the Lord. She fell down at His feet and worshipped.

The most beautiful face in the universe is that of our Lord, once marred at Calvary, but now glorified. That glorified visage will draw forth our ceaseless worship throughout the endless ages of eternity.

Saturday, June 2, 2018

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Fact & Faith

As amusing as the following account may seem, there is no doubt a lesson to be learned from it.

A preacher of the gospel in seeking to illustrate the difference between fact and faith put it this way: “That you are sitting before me in this auditorium is fact. That I am standing speaking to you from this podium is fact. That I have a Bible in front of me is fact. But it is only faith that makes me believe that anyone is actually listening.”

We smile at the irony and simplicity of the illustration, but there is perhaps more truth to it than we would like to admit. The fact is most of you have been to gospel meetings and most of you have heard the way of salvation. But that is not enough. Have you really listened? We read of those in the Bible of whom it says, “they have ears to hear, and hear not” (Ezekiel 12:2). On the other hand we are told, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).

The facts of the gospel, man’s true condition, and God’s way of salvation remain as fact. Have you believed it? Has there been “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

Friday, June 1, 2018

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A Good Thing

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22).
“A prudent wife is from the Lord” (Proverbs 19:14).

It is not blind chance that unites congenial and compatible partners in the bonds of marriage. A wife (not merely a woman) is from the Lord, and it is an expression of His loving-kindness and favour. This being so, it is of the utmost importance that the young man, before he permits his affections to go out to a young lady, should seek to be guided as to the proper object of his attention by the Lord Himself.

There would be fewer incompatible marriages if the Lord’s mind was more often sought, instead of mere fancies and emotions allowed to direct. If you are a young person considering this ever-so-serious step, consider well whether such a marriage as you are contemplating is likely to prove an unequal yoke or a hindrance to your spiritual well-being or the progress of your soul. God desires your happiness as “heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7). The person you marry will either make or break your life. Pray much about it before you do it!