Young Christians Calendar – September 2018

September 2018

Yearly Remembrance

“But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year” (Hebrews 10:3).

The sacrifices of the Old Testament and all the ritual and ceremony that accompanied the Law of Moses, could never put away sin. “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins” (Hebrews 10:11).

Even when everything was done exactly to God’s specifications, the instructions were very clear: “And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year” (Leviticus 16:34).

How different it is with the supreme and incomparable sacrifice of Christ! “But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12). As a result God can affirm: “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17). What peace, confidence, and joy, this gives us in the presence of our God and Saviour today. “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving” (Psalm 95:2).

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Copy link Print

Which Way

A passer-by in a graveyard found the following inscription on a tombstone:

Farewell, my friendly passer-by,

As you are now, so once was I.

As I am now, you soon shall be;

Prepare for death and follow me.

The passer-by stopped and reflected on the message. He was not satisfied with the inclusive destiny. Follow he must, but whither bound? Without further hesitation he stooped and wrote the following below:

To follow you I’m not content,

Unless I know which way you went!

This reminds me of the many people that are unprepared for death. Many try to persuade themselves that with death it’s all over. But is it? God tells us in His Word that death is the portion of all humanity by divine decree. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). But the good is in the next verse. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (verse 28).

Friday, September 28, 2018

Copy link Print

Monthly Question Page

Q. Could you explain what is meant by “a sabbath day’s journey” (Acts 1:12)?

A. This is mentioned as the greatest distance a Jew was allowed to travel on the Sabbath. There is no instruction as to this in the law, but when some of the people went out to gather manna on the Sabbath, Moses said, “Abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day” (Exodus 16:29). In New Testament times it was understood that a person might travel two thousand cubits or five eighths of a mile; this extent had been fixed on because when the Israelites were marching they were commanded to keep this distance from the ark (Joshua 3:4). When they were in the land, the distance was reckoned from the gate of the city from which the traveller started. This is what is referred to in Acts 1:12. “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.” The Lord referred to this custom when He said, concerning the judgment of Jerusalem, “Pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day” (Matthew 24:20).

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

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Copy link Print

Riches

“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:4-5).

There are many warnings in Scripture against making the accumulation of wealth the object of the heart. The person who, trusting in his own wisdom, ignores divine instruction as to this, will find, when too late, that he has set his eyes upon that which is fleeting at best. Earthly treasure is often dissipated and frittered away far more easily than it is collected and accumulated. Like eagles they fly away, leaving the person whose mind was set upon them, disappointed and heart-sick.

Many people will strain every nerve and exhaust every scheme to become possessed of money which they can never enjoy. Even as believers we are slow to learn that riches in themselves do not satisfy the human heart. Therefore Paul said to Timothy, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Copy link Print

Monthly Scripture Reading

2 Corinthians 1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Copy link Print

Compassion

This morning I am on the Island of St. Kitts, with another missionary friend, and we have been able to give the gospel to the students at a primary school. While we were waiting for our turn to address the children I noticed a motto hanging on the school wall. Here is what it said:

Compassion: Taking time to show you care.

I thought this has a very apt definition, and it made me think of what it said concerning the Lord Jesus when He was here on earth. “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36). “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him” (Mark 1:41). “And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her” (Luke 7:13).

Yes, the Lord had compassion both for multitudes and for individuals, and took the time to show He genuinely cared. In the same way, we too should have that same feeling of concern, both for the lost and for one another. Of our fellow believers, we are exhorted, “Having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8). “That the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:25).

Monday, September 24, 2018

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

The English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare, in his tragedy, Macbeth, has Macbeth himself say, “Life’s but a walking shadow … It is a tale.” Moses, in his prayer said, “We spend our years as a tale that is told” (Psalm 90:9).

What tale will your life tell this week? If it were all written up and repeated at the end of the week, would it be worthwhile telling, and would it honor the Lord? Would you be ashamed to even have it told? It is good to live our lives with the realization that everything we do and say is going to be rehearsed when we stand before the Lord in a coming day. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof” (Matthew 12:36). “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Romans 14:10).

Our life is a story, and once written with God’s divine pen it cannot be changed. Every day there is a “book of remembrance … .written before … the Lord” (Malachi 3:16).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Copy link Print

Response

“Herein is love, not that we loved God,
but that he loved us, and sent His Son to be
the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

“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).

You and I are loved with a love that longs for a response from its object. The one who loves us with a great and eternal love says, “My son, give me thine heart” (Proverbs 23:26). He asks each one of us, “Lovest thou Me” (John 21:15)?

Each day He waits and looks to be remembered by you and me. Of Israel He had to say, “My people have forgotten Me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32). Have we forgotten Him and His wonderful love for “days without number?” As we consider that great love, and all He has done for us, let’s remember Him, not only today, but every day from now on.

“We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Copy link Print

Home

“In My Father’s house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

I had known him for many years; he was a dear friend; a brother in Christ. When he passed away I had the privilege of speaking at his funeral, and grave side.

Some months later I visited his grave again, this time to see the headstone that his widow had had placed there. I was touched by two words under his name and dates:

“I’m Home”

Yes, I knew with all the certainty of Scripture, and his personal testimony throughout his life, that my friend was indeed “home.” In fact, he told just about everyone he met that he wanted them to not only have a happy life, but a happy eternity too. He always carried some gospel tracts with him, and would give them out whenever there was opportunity.

“Home!” It is a beautiful word. A word that brings comfort, hope, and rest to the weary traveller. Are you on your way home? Home to heaven? Home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ? Is He your Saviour? The home has been prepared through His death, resurrection, and ascension.

Friday, September 21, 2018

Copy link Print

Worldly

“Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

Over two hundred years ago, John Newton, author of the well-known hymn, Amazing Grace, wrote the following, based on the above verse:

“Worldly men will be true to their principles, and if we, (as Christians), were as true to ours, the visits between the two parties would be short and seldom.

A Christian in the world is like a man transacting his affairs in the rain. He will not suddenly leave his client because it rains; but the moment the business is done, he is off: as it is said (of those in the early days of Christianity): “And being let go, they went to their own company” (Acts 4:23).”

It has been well said, “we are in the world, but not of the world.”The Lord Himself, said, when praying for His disciples: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:16).

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Copy link Print

Practical Applications
of God’s Word

Part 9 – Doctrine

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Many people discredit doctrine (Scriptural teaching), as not being important or relevant today. However, the Bible stresses the need for sound doctrine. We cannot have sound practice without sound doctrine. That is why Paul also said to Timothy, “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life” (2 Timothy 3:10). In other words, his manner of life and practice was based on the teachings of Scripture. He also told Timothy, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them” (1 Timothy 4:16). These and many other verses show that to live a proper Christian life we need to be familiar with the teachings of Scripture. We cannot have a truly fruitful life for God if we don’t have the proper foundation for Christian living.

Furthermore, we will never be able to detect or refute false doctrine if we don’t know the true doctrine. Titus was told, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). With this in mind, “Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13).

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Copy link Print

Three Important Things

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

There are three very important things in the above verse:

An important possession — God’s Word.

An importantplace where we are to hide the Word — our heart.

An important purpose to this activity — to keep us from sinning.

Someone has correctly stated: “The best book in the world is the Bible. The best place to put it is in the heart. The best reason for putting it there is that is saves us from sinning against God.”

The evangelist, Dwight L. Moody said, “Sin will keep you from the Book, but the Book will keep you from sin.”

The two verses prior to the verse we have considered are also instructive in this regard. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:9-10).

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Copy link Print

Help

“My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).

We all need help! We can’t live and get through life without it? How wonderful to have the help of the Lord, the all-powerful Creator and Preserver of the universe.

We have had it in the past and can truly say:

“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12).

We experience it in the present:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper” (Hebrews 13:6).

It will be there for us in the future:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

Monday, September 17, 2018

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

God delights, amid the hustle and confusion of life, to give us quiet, tranquil moments, where we can reflect on His love and goodness, and spend a little time talking to Him in prayer or reading His Word and hearing Him speak to us. For me, this morning is one of those times. I am alone at a table in the dining room of a camp. No one else is here yet, and through the large windows I look out over the lake. There is hardly a ripple on the water other than the occasional boat in the distance, and a few ducks swimming slowly along on their morning outing. The sky is clear, and the sun is beginning to warm the air. However, I know this time of solitude is not going to last very long. Soon folks will start filing in for breakfast, and another busy day of activities will begin.

How often do you spend a few quiet moments with the Lord? It can be a great source of spiritual strength and renewal. “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Copy link Print

Isaiah 53

In this chapter the Lord is presented in different ways…

The Sorrowing Saviour: “A Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (verse 3).

The Submissive Sufferer: “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (verses 4-5).

The Sinless Substitute: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (verse 6).

The Sacrificial Lamb: “He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter” (verse 7).

The Silent Sheep: “As a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth” (verse 7).

The Stricken Victim: “For the transgression of My people was He stricken” (verse 8).

The Satisfied Sovereign: “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied” (verse 11).

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Copy link Print

While You’re Young

“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment” (Ecclesiastes 11:9).

How wonderful and gracious of our God to warn us while we are still young of the foolishness of seeking all our joy and pleasure here in this world.

For a happy and fruitful life we need to go to Him. The Lord Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Everything this world has to offer is “Vanity of vanities” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Solomon further exhorts us, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Yes! While it is the bright, fresh springtime of your life, remember your Creator. Give God your early days, your best days. Many have regretted in middle life that they did not obey His call and turn to Him for salvation earlier.

Friday, September 14, 2018

Copy link Print

The Lord’s Will — Part 4

Here’s the final set of questions we can ask ourselves that will help us in discerning whether we have the Lord’s will or not, when there is no definite Scripture.

15. Does it have the appearance of evil?

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

16. Is it captivating and enslaving?

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

17. Am I in a hurry about it?

“He that hasteth with his feet sinneth” (Proverbs 19:2).

18. Have I counselled godly Christians about it?

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:15).

Above all, we need to ask the question that the Apostle Paul asked, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do” (Acts 9:6). Remember too, “if any man will do His will, he shall know” (John 7:17). “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Copy link Print

The Lord’s Will — Part 3

Here are more questions we can ask ourselves that will help us in discerning whether we have the Lord’s will or not, when there is no definite Scripture.

Do I find myself justifying it to others?

“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse” (Job 9:20).

If it involves the expenditure of money, could the money be better spent?

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase” (Proverbs 3:9).

If it involves time, could the time be better spent?

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

What effect will my conduct in the thing have on others?

“Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Copy link Print

The Lord’s Will — Part 2

Here are more questions we can ask ourselves that will help us in discerning whether we have the Lord’s will or not, when there is no definite Scripture.

Will it promote godliness in me?

“Godly edifying which is in faith: so do” (1 Timothy 1:4).

Would I feel right to bring the Lord there if He were physically with me?

“Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).

Would the Lord have done it?

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

Would you like to be doing it when the Lord comes?

“Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:46).

Am I at peace about it, or am I uneasy?

“Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Copy link Print

The Lord’s Will — Part 1

Here are questions we can ask ourselves that will help us in discerning whether we have the Lord’s will or not, when there is no definite Scripture. (This series adapted from How to Know the Will of God for Your Life: Part 2 by B. Anstey.)

Is it for Christ?

“Them that honour Me I will honour” (1 Samuel 2:30).

Will it bring glory to God?

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

What is the source of such a desire; is it the flesh or the Spirit?

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

Which nature does it feed?

“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” (Romans 8:13).

Will it make Christ more precious to my soul?

“Unto you therefore which believe He is precious” (1 Peter 2:7).

Monday, September 10, 2018

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

We live and operate in an evil world, and if ever there was a day when it is important for every follower of Christ to stand fast and to be true to Him, I believe it is the present day. There is no greater testimony to the unbeliever than the life of Christ displayed by the Christian. Nothing puts to shame and silences the unbeliever like the devoted, quiet, consistent, daily walk of a faithful Christian.

The Apostle Paul in writing to Titus told him, “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (Titus 2:6-8). This is not only a good word for young men but for young women as well … and for that matter, all of us, whether young or old. What will the world see of Christ in our life this week? Will it be something that can be used for the salvation and blessing of souls?

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Copy link Print

His Incarnation

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth”
(John 1:14).

Take time today to meditate upon the wonder of the incarnation of the living God in the lowly person of the Lord Jesus. Though Himself the infinite, eternal, omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent God of the universe, He became Man in marvellous grace, a Man of perfect dependence and faith, whose every act and word and thought was beautiful for its simplicity, with grace and truth wonderfully blended in every detail of personal life and of His dealing with others. Then at the end of that perfect pathway, He went to the cross and gave Himself as that great sacrifice for sin. “And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Why did He do it? He did it for us. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Copy link Print

Are You a Judas?

“Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood” (Matthew 27:3-4).

The story of Judas appals us. For some three years he had accompanied the Lord. During that time he had sufficient opportunity to recognize his wicked inclinations and repent. Even when he betrayed his Master with a kiss, the way the Lord addressed him, “Friend, wherefore art thou come” (Matthew 26:50), reveals how He still sought him in love. But Judas did not heed it. Only when Jesus was condemned to death was Judas seized with regret. But it was regret over the consequences of his deed. He did not repent of the wickedness in his heart. Today we are in no danger of betraying the Lord to crucify Him. Still, we can get to know Him very well by means of Biblical facts; we can know the way of salvation and the sad end of those who neglect or reject that salvation; we can pretend to be a real follower of Christ, and yet be a Judas. The Lord said, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Have you?

Friday, September 7, 2018

Copy link Print

Taking No Chances

“I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12).

Once in a while somebody speaks of “staking all on Christ,” or risking everything on God’s promises, as though it were a great gamble. But we are not gambling when we venture on God’s Word. Staking something on an uncertainty is a gamble, but when we commit to Christ we are depending on an absolute certainty that cannot fail and we are jeopardizing nothing. It is one thing to act on some vague suggestion, trying to imagine what may or may not be actually true. It is another thing to rest on something we know is true, though sometimes we may not fully comprehend it. Then we may with confidence live in the good and reality of it, because it is absolute truth.

God’s promises are true, and “forever … settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). Jesus is “the Truth” (John 14:6). Paul knew in whom he trusted. There was no chance about it, but absolute certainty. We are risking nothing when we trust Him. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5).

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Copy link Print

Heaven

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (Revelation 4:1).

When I was a boy growing up and going to school in Canada my geography teachers taught us all about Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Although I had never been there, I believed that what I was taught from the text books and photos of beautiful scenery was true. Later in life when I visited those places I found that what was written and reported about them was not only true but that in actuality they were far more beautiful than I had imagined or envisioned.

We only have glimpses of heaven in the Bible but when we get there it will be far more wonderful than we can ever imagine it to be! But best of all we will be with the Lord Jesus. He has promised, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). This is the Christian’s sure and glorious prospect!

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Copy link Print

The Spring

“All my springs are in Thee” (Psalm 87:7).

Have you ever heard the hypothetical narrative of the desert spring whose waters had certain medicinal properties so that those who drank from it were helped and even healed of various infirmities? In the course of time, homes sprang up around the spring — then came a hotel, stores, and eventually a town that grew into a city. But there came a day when visitors would ask, “Where is the spring from which this grew?” and the residents would say, with embarrassment, “We are sorry, but somehow in the midst of all our progress and improvement, we lost the spring.”

While this story may be more parable than otherwise, yet there is a very significant lesson to be learned in all this. As we draw on our Spring of life and our Blesser, the Lord Jesus Christ, it is easy to become more occupied with the blessings that result and eventually lose touch with the One from whom it all flows. Let’s not lose sight of the Fountain of Life. He and He only is our Spring. “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought … and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not” (Isaiah 58:11).

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Copy link Print

Prayer & Reading

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31).

Sometimes my heart is weary,

My footsteps almost slide,

My faith grows dim and leery,

And hope seems to have died;

It is because I have not,

Been trusting in my Lord,

I’ve not been daily praying,

Or reading in His Word.

And then His grace restores me,

When back to Him I turn:

And then He, by His Spirit,

Causes my heart to burn:

He leads me back to trust Him,

To pray and read His Word,

To walk in sweet communion,

With Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Monday, September 3, 2018

Copy link Print

Dear Young Christian:

“My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord” (Psalm 104:34).

“O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).

Meditation is a very important part of Christian growth and spiritual maturity. Here are some guidelines for our meditations this week:

Meditate on creation as it speaks of God’s greatness and majesty.

Meditate on the life of the Lord Jesus to see His grace, goodness, and perfection.

Meditate on the cross to better grasp God’s love.

Meditate on the resurrected, glorified Lord to see His power and His authority.

Meditate on His blessings and be more thankful.

Meditate on what is ahead when we leave this world, and it will give courage and strength for each day.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Copy link Print

Psalm 150

“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord” (Psalm 150:1-6).

In this final Psalm we have brought before us God in His excellent greatness and majesty. This is of course always the great ultimate theme of worship and praise. God is to be praised in His sanctuary, in the firmament of His power, and for His mighty acts.

In a coming day He will have full worship and praise, both on earth and in Heaven. However He wants that worship and praise from redeemed hearts now. Today we are invited to, “come before His presence with singing … Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:2, 4).

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Copy link Print

Something Missing

Yoga, meditation, Eastern religions — Steve was deeply involved with them all. Still a student himself, he was organizing and teaching classes in meditation and yoga to other college students. Still, there was something missing.

Finally Steve left school to give his time to studying the Eastern writings, going more and more into yoga and “deep meditation.” A year later he still had to admit that something was missing. Then he received a letter from a former classmate, saying, “Jesus is the only Way!” How different this was! Steve spent the whole day praying that, if that were true, God would show him. He went out that evening and stood by the roadside with his thumb out for a ride. A van pulled over. Steve was barely seated when the driver asked, “Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?”

Steve didn’t even hesitate. “No,” he answered, “but I’m ready to!” Right then and there he accepted God’s offer of salvation through the person and work of Christ. No longer is “something missing” in Steve’s life. The Lord Jesus has filled that emptiness, and his time is spent in telling others of the One who said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6).