Young Christians Calendar

February 2019

The Burden-Bearer

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22).

In his book, Comforted of God, A. J. Pollock recounts the following story:

A man had a vision in which he saw a multitude of people bearing burdens, which greatly afflicted him to behold. Strong men were bowed down under heavy loads, fragile women were staggering under burdens, even children were weighed down. All classes of people were represented, toiling and staggering under heavy burdens. In the vision, the dreamer thought he saw the Lord, and, to his utter amazement, He was busily employed in increasing the burdens. Still the burdened ones toiled on, ready to drop — but not quite. Still the Lord added to their burdens again and again, till at last the man’s curiosity and surprise could be restrained no longer.

He inquired of the Lord why He was adding to the burdens and distresses of those he saw. The reply was: “I am adding to their burdens till they cannot do without Me any longer, and THEN I WILL CARRY BOTH THEM AND THEIR BURDENS.”

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Song of Solomon 5

What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?

My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.

His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.

His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.

His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.

His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

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Harmless

“Be ye therefore … harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

The word “harmless” means “pure, innocent, inoffensive.” A dove is first mentioned in the Bible story of Noah. “He sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground. But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot” (Genesis 8:8-9). Only the unclean raven could feed on ruin, death and corruption that was the result of the flood.

The dove is first mentioned in the New Testament at the baptism of the Lord: “And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him” (Matthew 3:16). Our Lord is, “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26). Now He wants us to be “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Do we find our rest and joy in Him and seek to emulate His life of purity and harmlessness?

Monday, February 25, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

“How are you doing?”

This is a typical greeting in North America. We use it all the time, but usually without any thought of making a sincere inquiry, much less of waiting to hear the answer. We hope people will say, “Fine, thanks,” and change the subject.

People all around us yearn for someone to care. David lamented this sad fact when he said, “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul” (Psalm 142:4).

One thing we know for sure is that the Lord Jesus genuinely cares for us. But do we care for one another in the same way? The Apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthian Christians, “that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:25).

Take time to ask someone today, “How are you doing?” Then, wait for the answer, and show real care and concern. Who knows what a blessing you can be, just by listening!

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, February 24, 2019

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The Supreme Sacrifice

“Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Ephesians 5:2).
“Once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26).
“This Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God”
(Hebrews 10:2).

What a sacrifice! There has never been a greater sacrifice than the sacrifice of “HIMSELF!” It is the supreme sacrifice and is everything to the heart of God. We will never forget that mighty sacrifice for all eternity. In heaven, we will be occupied with “a Lamb as it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6). As a result, we will sing, “Thou art worthy … for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

Let’s be occupied with that sacrifice today, and, as a result, sing the praises of heaven while still in this world where He “offered Himself without spot to God” (Hebrews 9:14).

Saturday, February 23, 2019

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Two Words

“Eternity” (Isaiah 57:15).
“Calvary” (Luke 23:33).

These two words are each only mentioned once in our English Bible. Yet they are words with great import and monumental consequence. No gospel meeting is complete without the truth of these two words being mentioned and stressed many times.

The thought and plan of Calvary arose in eternity, in the heart of God. It took sending His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to carry out that plan. Now that the work of Calvary has been accomplished, salvation can be freely and righteously offered, so that those who were once lost in sin and on their way to an eternity in hell can spend eternity with Christ in the Father’s house.

All of eternity will be divided because of Calvary. And remember, what you do with Christ will determine where you will spend eternity.

Where will you spend eternity?

This question rings in your ear;

With Jesus in heaven, the Father’s own house,

Or hell, where there’s torment and fear?

Friday, February 22, 2019

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Monthly Question Page

Q. What does it mean to be justified? Is it the same as forgiveness? (Part 2)

A. To justify us, God takes a guilty sinner and gives him a righteous standing, having been not only forgiven, but acquitted of every transgression. This is how we can be perfectly comfortable in the presence of God … because we have been “made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). In this way “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Justification is an act of God, once and for all, and forever. There are no degrees of justification. It is true of everyone who has believed. God is, “just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:26). Christ has paid the penalty for sin, God is satisfied, and is just in forgiving and justifying those who have received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Every believer stands before God in all the perfection of His Son.

We are justified …

“By His grace” (Romans 2:24) … . That is the way.

“By faith” (Romans 3:28) … . That is the means.

“By His blood” (Romans 5:9) … . That is the ground.

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, February 21, 2019

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Numbers in Scripture: #2

The number two denotes adequate testimony. The first mention of this number in the Bible is in connection with creation. “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night” (Genesis 1:16). These are God’s two great witnesses in the heavens. Two witnesses were needed when there were accusations made, or in matters of discipline and administration. “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established” (Deuteronomy 19:15). This is repeated in the New Testament by the Apostle Paul, regarding matters that had arisen and needed to be dealt with by the believers in Corinth: “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1). God’s word and His oath show the immutability (unchangeableness) of His counsel. “God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:17-18).

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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Temporary

“By faith Abraham … looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:8, 10).
“And Isaac dwelt in Gerar” (Genesis 26:6).

Names in Scripture often have important significance. The name Gerar means “sojourning,” or “temporary.” Isaac’s home here was only temporary. He, like his father Abraham, and along with many Old Testament saints, was looking for a permanent home away from this world. How about us? Are we living in view of leaving this world at any moment to live eternally in the Father’s house with our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ? Do we dwell in tents (figuratively-speaking), or are we digging our roots so deep in this world that it’ll hurt to leave it?

May we each live by faith, young people, and look for our home in heaven where all the troubles of this life will be shut out. The Lord has promised, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3). It may be today!

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

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Fragments

“He said unto His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost” (John 6:2).

When I was still a boy at home, we always had one night a week when we had leftovers for the evening meal. My mother would reheat the fragments from the refrigerator of what remained from the previous nights’ meals, and, somehow, she would make a complete meal of them. Later on, when our girls were young and lived at home, my wife did the same.

Often, I do that with spiritual tidbits that I have enjoyed over time. It involves going back over some little notes I scribbled or some thought I enjoyed and jotted down in my note pad. Sometimes, those things then come together as a nice meditation and really feed my soul.

I wonder how many times we let the “little” messages from God’s Word fall to the ground and pay no attention to them when, in fact, they would make a complete spiritual meal for us. Think about the little things today. You’ll be surprised what a feast there is in them. Gathering them up may take some effort, but you will find it very worthwhile.

Monday, February 18, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

“Why are ye troubled” (Luke 24:38)?

Good question, isn’t it? Are you troubled about something today? Are you worried about some situation or difficulty that you may have to face this week? Are you fretting over some dilemma that needs to be settled soon, or a decision that needs to be made in the very near future? On more than one occasion, the disciples were troubled. Here is what Christ told them on one of those occasions: “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

On another occasion, He said: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me … . Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:1,27).

Yes, we have our God, and we have the Lord Jesus, and, if we are fully trusting Him, we will experience a peace and confidence that only the believer can experience and have.

So, we ask the question again, “Why are ye troubled?”

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, February 17, 2019

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Sacrifice

“And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering” (Genesis 4:4).
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain” (Hebrews 11:4).

Abel brought a lamb as a sacrifice. Innocent blood was shed, the victim died, and God accepted his offering. Why? Because it spoke to His heart of that which His Son would accomplish thousands of years later at the cross. It pointed forward to the sacrifice “of Christ … a Lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Will the Lord have respect unto you and your offering today? Is your offering “acceptable” and “excellent”? It will be, if you bring a heart full of genuine worship and praise for what Jesus did at Calvary. What a wonderful privilege to know that God accepts our worship when it is offered in sincerity and truth. “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Saturday, February 16, 2019

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Truth, Not Opinions

I heard recently of a professing Christian who arrogantly said, “There are many opinions about the scriptures.”

An elderly believer then wisely replied, “How can that be, if they are the utterances of God to us? For surely, then, we have only to hearken to His voice, and seek to do His will.”

How little did this man realize that he was, in the vanity of his mind imagining that he was competent, as a fallen creature in Adam, to sit in judgment on the things of God, actually taking sides with rationalists and infidels, instead of bowing to Scripture as God’s Word, and allowing it to judge him. Yet, such is the pride and audacity of man in these days when many prefer their own opinions to the truth of the Bible. There are many who question the truth of man’s sinful condition, the truth of heaven and hell, and just about everything else God has caused men to write by divine inspiration. They are like those in the Lord’s time who were “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7). Remember, the inspired writers did not record their own opinions, “But holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (1 Peter 1:21). Have you accepted the truth of God at face value? And are you saved?

Friday, February 15, 2019

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Imminent

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8).

Someone was telling me lately that they drove past a home where there was a notice in the window that read, “Perhaps Today”. They weren’t sure what that message actually meant but I like to think that it was a reference to the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bible teachers call this the doctrine of the “imminent return of Christ.” Imminent means that it can happen at any moment.

The implication is that we should live in constant expectation of Christ’s return as it could be at any second. Thus, we should aim to please Him at all times by practical holy living, brotherly love, and fulfilling the tasks He has called and gifted us to do. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were engaged in the service of Christ and living to please Him when He comes? The Apostle John gives us very timely advice in this regard. “And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming” (1 John 2:28). We won’t be ashamed at His coming if we are looking for, and living in view of that moment.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

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Love

We all desire to be loved and to have that love confirmed to us from time to time. God delights to confirm His love to us over and over again throughout the Bible. Here are just a few of those confirmations:

• “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3).

• “I have loved you, saith the Lord” (Malachi 1:2).

• “Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end” (John 13:1).

• “For the Father Himself loveth you” (John 16:27).

• “God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).

• “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us” (1 John 3:1).

Today a great many “love notes” in the form of Valentines will be circulated. Some of them may be just empty words with no real love or meaning behind them. But our God has sent us His “love notes” to tell us of a very real and lasting love that He has for each of His own. That love will never fail or change for all eternity. Hallelujah! What a love!

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

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Prayer Works — Part 2

“Ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2).
“Thy prayer is heard” (Acts 10:31).

Our reader continues with his note…

I remembered that, when I arrived home the night before, I had gotten out of the car to check the wiper blades — as it had been raining and they did not seem to be working properly — intending to get back in the car and take the keys out of the ignition. I went out to the driveway, opened the car door, and, sure enough, there they were. I had never gotten back in the car and taken the keys out as I had intended. How relieved I was!

After thanking the Lord for answered prayer, and for keeping the car from being stolen during the night, I hurriedly started the engine and made it to class just in the nick of time.

I like the prayer of David in the Psalms, “In the day of my trouble I will call upon Thee: for Thou wilt answer me” (Psalm 86:7). If I had only tried prayer first what a lot of frustration I could have saved myself. I hope I have learned the lesson!

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

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Prayer Works — Part 1

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15).
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7).

A note from one of our readers:

I’ve learned that prayer really does work!

The other day I misplaced my car keys. I searched everywhere for them. I was in a bit of a panic because I had a biology class that morning, and knew that it was important that I be there. I searched my room thoroughly, I searched the house, I even searched the yard, the pockets of various jackets, shirts, and pants, my backpack, etc. What was I going to do?

Finally, I realized that there was one thing I hadn’t tried…PRAYER! I felt ashamed, so ashamed, in fact, that I went back to my room, shut the door, and knelt down by my bed. I told the Lord I was sorry that I had tried to find the keys on my own and would He please find them for me. As I was praying I remembered what had happened the evening before…

Monday, February 11, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

A concerned believer visited his friend — a prominent business executive. Shaking hands, he said, “I’ll come right to the point. Will you become a Christian through faith in Christ and His work at Calvary?”

Going slowly to the window, the businessman stared intently at the busy street below his office. When, after several minutes, he finally turned around, his face was wet with tears. Eventually, he lifted his eyes toward his friend, and said, “Since I was a child, not a single relative, acquaintance, or business associate has asked me that question. I truly thought that no one cared.”

Are there those we know who feel we don’t care? Let’s ask them if they would like to come to the Savior today. “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). This is a great challenge, a great privilege, and a great responsibility.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, February 10, 2019

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Our Thoughts of Him

“Finally, brethren,

1. whatsoever things are true,

2. whatsoever things are honest,

3. whatsoever things are just,

4. whatsoever things are pure,

5. whatsoever things are lovely,

6. whatsoever things are of good report;

7. if there be any virtue,

8. and if there be any praise,

think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

These eight things that are to occupy our thoughts are all attributes, qualities, and glories of the Lord Jesus. How many of these characteristics of the person of Christ are we going to think about today?

As the bride in the Old Testament enumerated the glories of her bridegroom, she ended by saying, “Yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16).This will be our response, too, as we remember Him today, and continue to think about Him in the days to come.

Saturday, February 9, 2019

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To Perish

To perish in hell will mean the eternal elimination of four things essential to the comfort and well-being of man. In view of these four things, make sure you are truly saved.

1. No Light:

“Cast out into outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12).

“To whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever” (Jude 13).

2. No Happiness:

“There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30).

3. No Love:

“God is love … Depart from Me” (John 3:16; Matthew 7:23). This will be eternal separation from the source of all love!

4. No Liberty:

“Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away” (Matthew 22:13).

“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence” (Luke 16:26).

Friday, February 8, 2019

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Restraint

Human nature does not like restraint of any kind.

One thing I personally don’t like is the restraint of seatbelts. I know that they are a good thing, and that they often save lives when there is an accident. But, I still don’t like them, even though I buckle up because it is the law and I don’t want to have to pay the fine.

Today, many are going their own way, casting off restraint of every kind, living for themselves, and as they say, “Pleasing number one.” It is a day like the book of Judges describes: “In those days … every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6).

But this is not the way it is to be for a believer. We are to recognize that we belong to the Lord, and to own His authority and Lordship in our day-to-day life. “What know ye not that … ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are also exhorted to be, “temperate in all things” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Temperance is simply self-control or restraint. To live a life of unrestrained self-indulgence never brings true happiness. To live for Christ under His loving restraint is always a blessing.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

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Our English Bible — Part 2

“Thy commandment is exceeding broad”
(Psalm 119:96).

Here are some more interesting facts regarding our English Bible:

• The smallest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 117, the longest chapter is Psalm 119 and the middle chapter in the Bible is Psalm 118. The middle verse in the Bible is Psalm 118:8.

• The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9.

• The shortest versesare Exodus 20 verses 13, 14, 15, John 11:35 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17.

• The Bible has been translated into more languages than any other book in history, with almost 1,670 languages. The works of Lenin come in a far second at 200, and, even the well-known Shakespeare has only been translated into 97 languages. Since the invention of printing, more than 6 billion copies of God’s Holy Word have been printed.

• What a wonderful book we have! Do you read it and value it?

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

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Our English Bible — Part 1

“How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119:103)!

Here are some interesting facts regarding our English Bible:

• The Bible has 66 books. There are 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. It has 1,189 chapters: 929 in the Old Testament and 260 in the New Testament. It has about 31,193 verses: 23,325 in the Old Testament and 7,058 in the New Testament. In the original, it has 430,938 words containing over 3,000,000 letters.

• The smallest book in the Old Testament is Obadiah, with one chapter. In the New Testament, the smallest books are Philemon, 2 John, 3 John and Jude, also with only one chapter.

• The smallest chapter in the Old Testament (not counting the book of Psalms) is Esther chapter 10 with 3 verses. The smallest chapter in the New Testament is Revelation 15, having 8 verses.

• It is God’s message to us, read it each day!

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

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A Christian — Part 1

“The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).

Are you a happy Christian,

Rejoicing in the Lord?

Is He your daily portion,

And by your soul adored?

The heart that’s full of Jesus,

With gladness overflows,

And nothing there can spoil,

The joy that Christian knows.

Are you a prayerful Christian,

Committing to the Lord?

Is He your daily guidance?

Neglect you can’t afford!

The heart that looks to Jesus,

Each moment of each day,

Will find in Him resources,

And light for faith’s pathway.

Continued next month …

Monday, February 4, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

“For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah. (Psalm 54:3).

As we look on amazed at the deterioration of society on every side, it is good to remember what is at the root of things. A man without God is God-less. This certainly clarifies and helps us to understand why people do what they do today. They have neither a Christian world-view nor a Christian conscience.

David lamented the intentions of godless men in his day who were trying to harm him, and we may ask ourselves, “Why are Christians persecuted?” The answer is simple. The unsaved, “have not set God before them.” Society is becoming more godless every day. As we suffer undeserved reproach or harassment of the same types that David faced, let’s respond with the same insight he did. And as the Lord instructed His disciples, “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Luke 6:28).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, February 3, 2019

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Exalt His Name

“Let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3).

The dictionary states the word “exalt” means: “To praise and regard very highly … to raise to the highest rank or position … to extol one’s virtues.”

To “exalt His name” is to make everything of the person and work of Christ, who He is, what He has done in glorifying God here in this world, where He is now as a glorified man, and all that is ahead when He has his rightful place in this world, and is owned as “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16).

Here are some further encouragements in the Psalms as to giving the Lord that place of exaltation in our hearts and lives today:

“Exalt ye the Lord our God … worship … for He is holy” (Psalm 99:5).

“Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people, and praise Him in the assembly” (Psalm 107:32).

“Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee” (Psalm 118:28).

Will you “exalt His name” today?

Saturday, February 2, 2019

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Lasting Joy

“A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

Remember that real lasting joy is not dependant on your circumstances. Some of the world’s most miserable people are those whose circumstances seem the most pleasant and enviable. People who reach the top of the ladder career-wise are often surprised to find emptiness and, often, real loneliness awaiting them. True joy comes only from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Solomon tried all that this world had to offer at the time. Here is his conclusion of the matter: “And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11). Only the One who made us can satisfy us. He is offering lasting joy today. Don’t refuse it for the fleeting “pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25).

Friday, February 1, 2019

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Value

“Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God” (Psalm 84:3).

What a picture this is of the welcoming, loving heart of God. The sparrow doesn’t really sing and is not at all beautiful. The Lord said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing” (Matthew 10:29)? In Bible times the sparrow had very little worth but found great significance in God’s presence. In fact, they were so worthless in the Jewish economy that, when a person bought two pairs, they threw in an extra one for free. So, we read, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings” (Luke 12:6). Then there is the swallow. He is a restless bird, yet the swallow found tranquillity and rest in the temple. Like these common birds, all believers were once spiritually worthless and restless, but now we have found spiritual significance and peace with God in the refuge of Christ. We are of great value to the one who gave His life to save us from our sins. He assures us, “Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7).