Young Christians Calendar

May 2019

Monthly Question Page

Q. Why did God allow sin to enter the world?

A. The answer is that God has received more glory and man has received more blessing through the sacrifice of Christ than if sin had never entered. We are better off in Christ than we ever could have been in an unfallen, innocent Adam. If Adam had never sinned, he would have enjoyed continued life on earth in the Garden of Eden. But he had no prospect of becoming a redeemed child of God, an heir of God, or a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. He had no promise of a home in heaven or of being with Christ, and like Him forever. These blessings come only through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, which He accomplished at Calvary when He, “bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Adam never stood in such a position before God. Furthermore, Adam never knew what it was to be justified (seen in all the perfection and acceptance of Christ). But in Christianity we read, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, May 30, 2019

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Psalm 63 — Part 3

The Soul in Pursuit

“My soul followeth hard after Thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me. But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped” (verses 8-11).

Our God is always in front of us. The Savior went before and we must follow. “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). He gives us the power, and we are to follow as closely as possible. We have a wonderful commendation given by the Lord Himself, concerning a man of faith at the end of the wilderness journey: “My servant Caleb … hath followed Me fully” (Numbers 14:24). Isn’t that the sort of commendation every believer would like? Let’s not be like Peter, of whom we read, “And Peter followed afar off” (Luke 22:54).

Keeping close to the Lord with our hand in His means safety from the enemy, inward joy, and His approval and vindication.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

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Psalm 63 — Part 2

The Soul Satisfied

“My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips: When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches. Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice” (verses 5-7).

To desire God is to have Him. When we long for Him we will be found in His presence drinking at the well of “living water” (John 4:10).David understood this, and had earlier written, “For with Thee is the fountain of life” (Psalm 36:9).

To meditate on Him when we lie down at night is to find true rest and satisfaction for the heart and mind, and it causes us to be able to get up in the morning and go through our day with the conscious sense of His love and protection. His wings give protection as well as the power to rise above the difficulties and circumstances of life. As the prophet later wrote, “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 40:31).

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

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Psalm 63 — Part 1

The Soul Thirsting

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

“O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary. Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee. Thus will I bless Thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in Thy name” (title and verses 1-4).

Let us always be on the alert to see God’s power and glory, not just on special occasions, but every step of our journey through this dry and thirsty, spiritual wilderness. Apart from Himself there is nothing in this world to quench and satisfy the thirst and longing of our hearts. It is Himself, and Himself only! At the end of the Bible the promise of spiritual refreshment is given twice. “And He said unto me … I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely … And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 21:6; 22:17). We are also encouraged, “O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved” (Song of Solomon 5:1).

Monday, May 27, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

A Christian farmer near my home had this thought-provoking message on a large billboard near the road in one of his fields:

Worry is a misuse of imagination!

It reminded me of the ladies on the resurrection morning as they hurried to the tomb of the Lord. The Bible tells us the subject of their conversation: “And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?” (Mark 16:3). However, they needn’t have worried, as the difficulty they thought was going to present itself was already taken care of. “When they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great” (Mark 16:4). In other words, they imagined a difficulty, which led to unnecessary worry. Aren’t we often like that? I know I am. I worry about things that I think are going to happen in the future, and when the time comes, I find that the situation I anticipated never develops, and, even if it does, the Lord is able and sufficient for it.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, May 26, 2019

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Astonied

“As many were astonied at Thee; His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men” (Isaiah 52:14).

The word “astonied” means to be stunned, awed, or devastated. Those who viewed the Lord Jesus in the days of His humiliation here on earth and on the cross were stunned at the magnitude of His abuse, and yet His grace and submission to it all. They no doubt wondered, how could one so lovely in spirit be so maltreated?

If the verse we have just considered causes surprise, so too does the next one. “So shall He sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at Him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider” (Isaiah 52:15).

The nations and their kings will one day be surprised at the magnitude of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is far beyond what they had been told. One day we too will see that glory. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5).

In the meantime, we are astonied as we consider His person and work today.

Saturday, May 25, 2019

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Own Worst Enemy

One of the Presidents of Mexico, Ignacio GregorioComonfort de los Rios (March 1812-November 1863), was once his own worst enemy. In the early 19 century, he headed a rebellion against himself during the second year of his presidency (1857). He succeeded beyond his own expectations, resulting in his own overthrow and exile. After seeking asylum in the United States, he returned to Mexico to act as a general against the French invasion in 1862. In 1863, he was made General-in-Chief of the army organized to resist the French Intervention, and on November. 13, 1863, he was killed in a guerilla attack near San Juan de la Vega.

If we live in rebellion against God, we too are our own worst enemy, and will live to regret it — not just in this life but in eternity. Rebellion against God and rejection of His salvation through the work of Christ on Calvary will lead to eternal exile in the lake of fire. “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come” (John 8:21). I sincerely hope there is no reader of this calendar who is leading a rebellion in their heart towards God and to their eternal ruin!

Friday, May 24, 2019

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Give Thanks

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

We were driving on interstate highway 255, just outside of Saint Louis, Missouri, when I noticed a truck in front of me with an interesting bumper sticker on its tailgate. Here is the question it asked:

HAVE YOU GIVEN THANKS TODAY?

What would you have to answer to a question like that? Could you have honestly said, “Yes?”

Here are a couple of verses from the Bible that are good for us to consider in answer to this question:

“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).

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

God desires that His children have a thankful, happy spirit at all times. Remember, whatever comes our way comes from the good hand of the one who loves us and who is doing the very best for us.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

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Joy In …

Joy is one of the outstanding characteristics of Christianity. The Lord Jesus said to His disciples, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11). He also said: “Your joy no man taketh from you” (John 16:22). This is a joy that only a believer can have and experience. What a comfort it is to know that the whole Trinity is interested in our joy.

God:

“I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18).

“We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:11).

The Lord:

“The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord” (Isaiah 29:19).

The Holy Spirit:

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

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Monthly Scripture Reading

1 Peter 1

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

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Frustration

“He that earneth wages earneth wages
to put into a bag with holes” (Haggai 1:6).

How true this is of today’s society. For those of our readers who are working full time, it’s very frustrating to bring home your hard-earned pay only to see it all disappear on bills and living expenses. That’s why it is SO important that your eternal riches don’t suffer the same fate. Treasure built in heaven can never disappear. Labor for the Lord will be rewarded by Him. I think sometimes He allows us to feel frustrated here with earthly things, so that we might be more and more occupied with Him and heavenly things. That’s why the Lord said to His disciples, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). What a rich spiritual inheritance is ours! “An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).

Monday, May 20, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

I write these pages a long time before you read them. The calendar has to be turned in for editing and proofing, and then be printed, sold, and shipped to those who order them. As I write a page like this I wonder if it will ever be read this side of the Lord’s coming. I, for one, am expecting the Lord to come at any moment, and give the shout in fulfilment of His promise, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).

However, in the meantime, we keep writing the calendar pages, preaching the gospel, and trying to encourage believers young and old to continue on in following and serving the Lord. He has said, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). There is much that can be done for Him, and we need to pray every morning that He will show us how we can serve Him in some little way, whether it is in testimony to the lost or encouragement and help to a fellow believer.

What will occupy your time and energy this week?

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, May 19, 2019

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Looking Up

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
“We see Jesus … crowned with glory and honour” (Hebrews 2:9).

While it is true that we look back to Calvary to see the foundation of all our blessings, yet we also have the profound privilege of looking up by faith to see where the Lord Jesus is now. In doing so we realize, first of all, God the Father’s satisfaction with all that was accomplished for His glory here on earth. Secondly, it produces worship, praise, and thanksgiving, as we are occupied with a risen, ascended, and glorified man at the right hand of God. Thirdly, we can avail ourselves of all the resources that are ours for this life. And, fourthly, we can rejoice as we look forward to the moment when we too shall be there in the Father’s house to be with the one who is at this moment is “set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

What a Savior! What an occupation for our hearts!

Saturday, May 18, 2019

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Wrong Door

A young man who often listened to a great Scottish preacher wanted very much to be saved. He had longed in his heart to know Christ as his deliverer and to know the blessedness of God’s salvation. Although he wept and prayed for weeks, he could get no sense of forgiveness, and no assurance that he was received by God.

One night the evangelist preached on the words, “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9). He stressed the fact that “any man” included sinners, no matter how wicked and corrupt they were. As he preached, the cloud of doubt lifted from the young man’s face.

After the meeting, the youth said to the preacher, “I got in at the open door tonight.”

“I am glad to hear it,” replied the preacher, “But why did you not get in before?”

“Well,” said the young man, “I had been at the wrong door all the time. I went to the saint’s door and I found it locked against me. I thought I had to be good enough for God to let me in. But tonight, I came as a sinner and found the sinner’s door wide open.”

Friday, May 17, 2019

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A Perfect Plan

The Lord is interested and involved in each moment of our life. He has carefully mapped out every inch of our journey through each day, and as much as we may feel things happen by chance or haphazardly, don’t forget that it has all been preplanned in His wisdom and foreknowledge. Things may seem to be unravelling in the world around you and even in your personal life. But remember, “As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him” (Psalm 18:30). Yes, His way is indeed perfect, even in the midst of what might seem complete turmoil and upheaval. Through it all He wants us to stay focused on Himself and trust Him implicitly. Be conscious of His presence and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit step by step. This will give you confidence, peace, joy, and assurance of His love in your heart, as you travel through a world of trials, tests, and the breakdown of everything good and holy. The promise to the one who stays focused and centered on Christ is, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” (Isaiah 26:3).

Thursday, May 16, 2019

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Numbers in Scripture: #5

The number 5 denotes human weakness in connection with our responsibility to God.

David collected five stones from the brook when going to meet Goliath. “And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:40).

The disciples could only provide five loaves of bread along with two fishes, for the feeding of the five thousand. “One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many” (John 6:8-9)?

In both cases, the Lord showed His power and ability to meet the need in spite of weakness on the part of the individual or their resources. The Apostle Paul realized this principle and could say, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).We too can have great victory in spite of our own weakness when we rely on the Lord.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

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When Jesus Comes

I was having dinner with a Christian family, and as we ate together I noticed a plaque on the wall with a very interesting and significant challenge. Here is what it said:

Rules for Today

• Do nothing that you

would not like to be doing

when Jesus comes.

• Go to no place where you

would not like to be found

when Jesus comes.

• Say nothing that you

would not like to be saying

when Jesus comes.

It reminded me of the Scripture: “We should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13).

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

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For or Against

Jacob said, “All these things are against me”
(Genesis 42:36).

The Apostle Paul said, “If God be for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31)?

How do you view life? Are you a Jacob or a Paul?Neither of these men had an easy time of it, but they had a very different perspective and attitude as they faced daily circumstances and the things that God had allowed in their lives. Jacob felt that life had not been fair. He thought everything that God had allowed was against him, and that he might as well just die and be done with it all.

On the other hand, Paul, in spite of all that he went through, understood that God desired his good, and that He was really for him, and that everything allowed was for a purpose of blessing in the end. This is how Paul could rejoice and be thankful — even when in prison and other very adverse circumstances.

What a difference these two attitudes make in our lives. Let’s learn the truth of an earlier verse in Romans 8, that says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God” (verse 28).

Monday, May 13, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

Coming home from a Bible conference about a month ago, my wife and I were driving on the main highway through Cambridge Ontario, when we noticed an interesting license plate on a van in front of us. Here is what it said:

B GR8FUL

We soon realized what the message was — “Be Grateful.”

Of course, we have never met the owner of the vehicle, but we wondered if they were a true Christian.

The Bible describes to us the characteristics of the times we are living in just before the Lord’s coming. “This know also, that in the last days … men shall be … unthankful” (2 Timothy 3:1-2).Yet, that is not the way it is to be with the one who knows Christ as their Savior.The Word of God exhorts us, “be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

As we begin another week, let’s do it with gratefulness. Think of all the things you have to be thankful for, and it will eclipse all the things that we often complain about.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, May 12, 2019

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Jesus

“And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people
from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

“JESUS” is a precious name to all believers because it reminds us that He is the Savior. It was the name given to Him by God when He came into this world. It teaches us the purpose of His incarnation. It is His human name reminding us that He who is God is also man.

Peter made much of this name in the healing of the crippled beggar in Acts chapter 3, and when questioned about it, boldly declared, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

It is to that name that everyone will bow in a coming day. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth” (Philippians 2:10).

How wonderful that we have come to know and love that name here and now, and that it is the most real and blessed name that we have ever known and ever will know for all eternity … the wonderful name of JESUS!

Saturday, May 11, 2019

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The Gift of God

Have you been a recipient of God’s wonderful gift of Salvation and eternal life? Have you received Christ as your Savior?

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

“If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water” (John 4:10).

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

Can you echo with the Apostle Paul, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15) … the gift of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ?

God is a gift-giving God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

Friday, May 10, 2019

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Psalm 23 and John 10

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want”
(Psalm 23:1).
“I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine” (John 10:11).

Psalm 23 is the sheep speaking about the Shepherd; John 10 is the Shepherd speaking about His sheep. In the former, although the writer was inspired by the Holy Ghost, David’s experience of the Shepherd must necessarily have been limited. In the latter, the Good Shepherd knows all about His sheep perfectly — He knows what poor wandering things we are. In spite of it, He speaks of our not perishing, and instead having eternal life! How wonderful! What ample provision He has made for His own!

David himself had been a shepherd, and as a king he was called to shepherd God’s people. Having had experience with his father Jesse’s flock, he knew something of what it meant to have an individual care for each sheep.

The careful observer of the two Scriptures will be able to trace all the blessings that the Good Shepherd tells us about in John 10 and Psalm 23. This is why it is helpful to read Psalm 23 in conjunction with John 10.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

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The Incarnation — Part 2

“That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).

If the Lord Jesus, the eternal Son of God, had not become a man and come into this sin cursed earth there would be no sinless sacrifice to pay the penalty of death for the sins that separate man from God. There would be no resurrection after death into the glorious presence of God.

Because He came, we have access to the Father through the Son. The penalty of our sins was paid by the only One qualified to do so. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Remember too, because He came, we also have a model by which to live: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

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The Incarnation — Part 1

“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

These marvellous statements and names from Isaiah bring before us a beautiful description of our Savior, Jesus Christ. His birth was foreshadowed and foretold centuries before. His sacrifice had been planned from eternity past. The Son of God was willing to leave the glorious presence of God the Father to take on human flesh.

God became man and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … . 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 1:1,14).

What if there had never been an incarnation? What if God had not become man? Where would we be and what difference would it make? But, thankfully, He did come. What a blessed truth this is.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

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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 heart 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, May 6, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

Do you ever feel like your life is like a jigsaw puzzle? And do you ever feel like there is a piece or two missing — that you just can’t seem to get it together? Yes, I suppose we all have felt that way from time to time. Why? Well, perhaps there are a number of reasons, but, above all, it is because we are leaving Christ out of our daily routine in some aspect or another. Maybe we are not spending time in prayer, or reading our Bibles like we should. Maybe we are not walking in obedience to the will of the Lord, or living like a Christian should live. Whatever it may be, it is well to get before the Lord and confess it.

God has a plan and pattern for your life, but just as a jigsaw puzzle needs all the pieces to be complete, so your life will be incomplete without Christ. We enjoy the beauty of a puzzle when all the pieces are in place. But when there are pieces missing or pieces forced in the wrong place, the whole picture is spoiled. Remember this short phrase this week: “Christ is all (everything)” (Colossians 3:11).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, May 5, 2019

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Worshippers

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 2:24).

We were made to worship God. The Father seeks worshippers who will pay homage to Him in spirit and truth. Preaching is not worship. It may inspire worship in the hearts of listeners, but preaching is the conveying of a message to an audience. Giving a testimony is not worship, although, once again, it may stir up worship. Worship is addressing God directly. Worship is directed to the Father and the Son in the Bible, but it is never addressed to the Holy Spirit — we worship in the Spirit.

Once we grasp the truth of what our God has done for us, of the sacrifice He made to save us, we will be spontaneous and compulsive worshippers. Our tongues will be the pen of a ready writer. Our lives will be one unending psalm of praise to Him. In the words of Charles Wesley, we will “dissolve our hearts in thankfulness and melt our eyes in tear … . lost in wonder, love, and praise,” and like the psalmist (Psalm 148), we will call on all creation to join us in singing the excellencies of Him who called us “out of darkness into His marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Saturday, May 4, 2019

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Jesus Is Enough

“Jesus only” (Matthew 17:8).

In a large hospital lay a young person of fifteen. His body was emaciated and undersized. His face was white and sad, and he immediately excited the sympathy of a lady missionary visiting the ward! Winning his confidence, she soon found him willing, even eager, to hear the story of the sinner’s Savior. When he was awakened to some sense of his own lost condition, he began seriously to consider how he might be saved. He spoke of penance and the confessional, of sacraments and church — yet never wholly leaving out Christ and His atoning work. Calling again one day, the lady found his face aglow with new-found joy. When she inquired the reason, he replied with assurance, “I always knew that Jesus was necessary; but I never knew till yesterday that He was enough.”

Yes, Jesus is enough! It is believed by many that Jesus is necessary; the whole fabric of Christendom is built upon that. But how few realize that He is enough!It is not Christ and good works, not Christ and the Church that save.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5).

Friday, May 3, 2019

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Solid Happiness

“Joy in the Lord” (Isaiah 29:19).
“And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:11).

Our joy, to be solid, must rest on something firm and immovable. Just as soon as we hang our happiness on circumstances, events, or surroundings, we go up or we go down with the tide. The thermometer of our joy is at the mercy of outside circumstances. That’s why the believers at Philippi were told, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). He never changes! “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

No matter how deep the sorrow, or how severe the trial, we can always find our joy in Him. The Lord said to the disciples on an occasion when sorrow filled their hearts, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you” (John 16:22). The Apostle Paul had a lot of sorrow in His life too, but he could confirm, “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10). Are you finding your lasting joy in HIMSELF?

Thursday, May 2, 2019

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Constant Communion

“Truly our fellowship is with the Father,
and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).

What God the Father really desires from each of His children is a life of constant communion with Himself. In this complex world we live in, we sometimes lose sight of what is really important. We live in a cluttered society of social media and constant entertainment. There is much to distract and frustrate.

As we go about the everyday tasks or our required curriculum, He wants us to talk to Him about everything. A successful day is not necessarily measured by how well we did in class or how much money we made, but by how much we stayed in touch with our Heavenly Father — even if many things we had planned remained undone by nightfall. Do not let your “to-do list” become such a focus that it hinders you from fellowship with heaven. You need to maintain frank and open dialogue with the Father, and with His Son the Lord Jesus. This will be a great comfort and help to you in the day-to-day decisions and dilemmas as they present themselves. Make sure you keep an open line between yourself and heaven.

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

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Taxi Driver Saved

A London newspaper told how a piece of paper left in his cab made a startling change in the life of a taxi driver named Albert Jones of Montreal. The piece of paper was a copy of the Gospel of John.

“I began to read it while hanging around stands waiting for a fare,” recalled Jones. “I became interested, got hold of a Bible and spent the next six months reading it.”

That was several years ago, and it launched him on a new career. From then on, he spent his time spreading the Word of God among the seamen on the Montreal waterfront.

“You can imagine I was very hesitant at first,” said Jones. “This was all new to me. And those sailors let me know where I stood in their eyes. They were pretty scornful to say the least. I always asked permission of the captain or mate before going aboard. Most were courteous, but some looked at me as if I had rocks in my head, but I’m perfectly content to make this my life’s work.”

Here are two good verses to consider as we think of this life-changing story: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).