Bible Truth Publishers
EmailRSS
Blogs

Daily blogs from Bible Truth Publishers

Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

July 2019

All months

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Possessing Our Possessions
“The exceeding riches of His grace” (Ephesians 2:7).
“The unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8).
“The riches of His glory” (Ephesians 3:16).
Believing God’s testimony is like endorsing a check and cashing it. Many years ago, a gentleman went into the home of a very poor elderly lady who had applied for government relief. He saw something on the wall that attracted his attention. It was a piece of paper in a neat frame.
He asked, “What is that on the wall?”
She replied, “I just don’t know, but it is a paper that my uncle sent me and I don’t like to throw it away so I keep it as a remembrance of him.”
He exclaimed, “Don’t you see what it is!”
“No, I don’t understand it.”
“Well, it’s a check for several thousand dollars.”
“What?” she said. “Did he intend me to have that money, and I have been living in poverty all these years?”
How many Christians are like that. They believe the Bible and the promises of God in a certain sense — they know that Jesus died to put away their sins. But they have never cashed in, they have never fully trusted Him for themselves, and drawn on the spiritual check that He has given us.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Arise and Go
“And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
And he arose and went” (Acts 8:25-27).
The desert may have seemed like a very strange place to send a faithful evangelist whose gospel message was having such great results, as he and others travelled from place to place. But, you see, God had His eye on one man who had tried to find Him and was reading the Old Testament but couldn’t understand it. So, after obeying the order, Philip, out in the middle of the desert, preached the gospel to one man — an anxious soul, an Ethiopian — and he got saved!
God knows what He is doing. When He says, “Arise, and go!” we better listen to the call and do it. Who knows what blessing we can be to one individual? Are you willing to follow the call of God and be His evangelist today? There are many anxious individuals out there. Maybe it is you that God wants to use to bring them the gospel.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Dear Young Christian:
From the window of my 9 floor room in Shobra, Greater Cairo, I can view building after building, as far as the eye can see. Somewhere beyond is the Nile River and the great pyramids of Giza. My view and experience of things today is very different than what the Israelites saw and experienced. Yet, I have the same God that they had … the very God who could say, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people which are in Egypt” (Exodus 3:7).
He is no less caring today than He was then, and — just as His eye was on His people millenniums ago, and just as He knew and understood what they were passing through — so it is today. God’s eye rests upon me, and I know He loves, cares, and fully understands me.
Wherever you are today, whatever you are doing, and whatever your circumstances may be, you can say like Hagar, “Thou God seest me” (Genesis 16:13). Hagar was thankful that God saw her plight and that of her son. We too, can be thankful that God sees us at all times and in all places.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Copy linkPrint
God’s Lamb
“God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt offering” (Genesis 22:8).
Yes, indeed, God has now provided a Lamb. It is the Lord Jesus Christ. John the Baptist, affirmed this on two occasions when he saw the Lord walking here in this world. “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! … Again the next day after, John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29, 35-36).
The Apostle Peter later wrote of God’s Lamb, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:18-20).
Let’s thank God today for that Lamb that He has provided for our salvation and eternal blessing.

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Gospel Hardened
“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
When I was growing up, I used to hear people say, that someone was “gospel hardened.” Back then I wasn’t exactly sure what it meant.
However, it simply means that someone who hears the gospel over and over again, and either rejects or neglects its message can, after a while, become so callous and insensible to it that it has no effect. This is especially true of those who are brought up in Christian homes where the Bible is read every day, and where they are taken to gospel meetings on a regular basis. It is like someone having a train track running behind their house. When they first move in, they wake up and hear every night train that goes through. But, after a while, they sleep right through it, just because they are so used to it, and it ceases to affect them.
I hope I have no readers like that. Four times the Bible warns, “Harden not your heart” (Psalm 95:8; Hebrews 3:8; 3:15; 4:7). No, instead, accept God’s wonderful salvation through the Lord Jesus and His sacrifice at Calvary.

Friday, July 26, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Monthly Question Page
Q. Could you please explain what a parable is, and also, why the Lord spoke in parables?
A. The word “parable” is from the Greek word Parabole, and this is derived from Paraballo, which signifies “to place beside,” “to place one thing beside another,” as in making a comparison, a “simile,” “similitude,” “parable.” A parable was not a fable or fairy-tale, but a story which illustrated a moral principle or truth regarding the ways of God.
When the Lord spoke in parables, a short narrative was related, which had a hidden meaning in its various details. When its interpretation was understood, it would stay in the mind more than if only the truths contained in the interpretation had been given.
The disciples asked the Lord why He spoke to the people in parables. He replied, “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given” (Matthew 13:11), although some of the parables were so plain that the chief priests and Pharisees sensed that He was referring to them. “And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard His parables, they perceived that He spake of them” (Matthew 21:45).
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Cares and Worries
The Lord wants us to release our cares and worries to Him. We are told in the Old Testament, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22). And we are again exhorted in the New Testament, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).
When we entrust every little thing to the Lord it brings a great sense of inner peace to the soul, rest of heart, and joy of spirit. To bask in His love, and to accept each day as it comes, with whatever the circumstances may be, is freedom indeed. Freedom from worry, and freedom from self!
Let’s learn to roll every burden on the Lord, and leave it there. So often our problem is that we cast the burden and trouble on Him in prayer, get up off our knees, and take it away with us again, instead of leaving it with Him. When we leave it with Him, then, and only then, do we learn the truth of the Lord’s own words, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Monthly Scripture Reading
Deuteronomy 34
So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.
And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.
And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.
And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.
And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.
And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,
In all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land,
And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Copy linkPrint
My Peace
“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 14:27).
There is nothing more peaceful in a troubled world than taking time out to sit quietly in the presence of the Lord, trusting Him, and feeling His presence, His love, and His everlasting arms of strength about you.
Someone has well said, “The best way to receive this gift of His peace is to stop in the midst of turmoil, and trust Him. Quietness and trust accomplish far more than can be imagined, not only in us, but around us.”
Spending quiet time alone with the Lord can be very difficult and requires discipline. This is especially true in this “activity addicted” age in which we live. It makes us look, or even feel, like we are doing nothing, when in fact we are doing the best thing that we can do.
Remember, “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). So much does our Lord value this attitude that He says, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35).

Monday, July 22, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Dear Young Christian:
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
I have often quoted this verse when things are going well, and enjoyed its sentiments. I have even quoted it on days when things weren’t going so well, and then continued to grumble and complain. But that’s not what our God and Father wants us to do. He wants us to truly rejoice every day of the week, month, and year.
If you can’t think of anything else to rejoice in, here is at least one thing. “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).No matter what happens in this life, our future and home in the next life are secure in Christ. Nothing can change that! So, when you are tempted to complain and grumble this week, just remember, there is wonderful future ahead for the believer, and nothing can erase our names when they have been “written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).And we are told to “Rejoice evermore” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Copy linkPrint
His Glory
“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).
“Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3).
“The Son of Man shall come in His glory”
(Matthew 25:31).
What a glorious person we have to be occupied with today! This is the same one that John and others saw and companied with when He was here on earth. It is the one who is now seated at the right hand of God, and the one who is coming back to reign in power and righteousness. Let’s look up and get a fresh glimpse of this glorious person today. It will cause us to reflect something of His glories, while we wait for the time when we see Him face to face. “We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). He is indeed, “A glorious Savior.”

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Safety Bed
Did you sleep well last night?
I recently read of a man who has created a safety bed, which he claims will provide protection against hurricanes, tornados, thieves, kidnappers, and terrorists. The inventor’s website calls it, “The safest rest you’ve ever had.”
When a motion sensor detects a threat, the “Quantum Sleeper” automatically folds up around its occupant. Inside the bulletproof canopy, an alarm awakens the protected sleeper, who can spray tear gas on the intruder. Even so, I suspect that not even an armored bed can guarantee a good night’s sleep untouched by anxiety or fear.
It is only when we have full confidence in the Lord, and a good conscience before God and our fellow man that we can truly lie down at night and rest in peace. King David said: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). This is without a doubt the safest rest we’ll ever have!
David’s son, Solomon, made this observation: “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet” (Proverbs 2:24).

Friday, July 19, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Self-control
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
(1 Corinthians 9:25).
Becoming a slave to habits that destroy body and mind has been the downfall of many a promising athlete. What a pathetic sight is that of a young person capable of doing great things, but handicapped by intemperate living, and lacking self-control.
To be able to say “Yes” or “No” at the right time is an indication of a Christ-controlled life in the power of the Spirit of God. “The fruit of the Spirit is … temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). We don’t have to give way to every desire of the natural man. All the power to live a godly, temperate life for Christ is at our disposal. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). How much is this true of you?

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Numbers in Scripture: #7
This number is God’s number of completeness and perfection, usually in a good and positive sense, but sometimes in an evil way, such as that which is in the heart of the natural man. “For there are seven abominations in his heart” (Proverbs 26:25).
There are seven days in a week. For the Israelite, every seventh day was a day of rest, every seventh year was a year of rest for the land, and every seven times seven years brought the jubilee. Creation was complete on the seventh day, God’s rest being the result. There were seven lamps to the golden candlestick. The blood was sprinkled before the Lord seven times.
In the New Testament, the number is used in connection with forgiving one another. “Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22).
Seven is used many times in the book of Revelation. Seven churches, seven golden candlesticks, seven spirits, seven seals, seven angels, seven plagues, and so on.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Profitable
“Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11).
Here was a young man that the Apostle Paul recognised as being “profitable.” There are many young men and women who have, in self-sacrifice, given up their jobs and homes, and are serving the Lord full-time, either locally or on the foreign mission field. However, that is not the question here. The point is that every one of you who knows the Lord Jesus as Savior should be, and indeed can be, “profitable” to Him and in His work. Satan will try to bring other things into your lives so that you are not useful to the Lord. Ask the Lord sincerely in prayer to show you how you can serve Him today. It is not a question of where you are or what other daily responsibilities you may have, it is a question of being ready and willing to serve the Lord when and where He has put you. And also of judging and confessing those things that hinder our profitability.
We often speak of activities that are either profitable or unprofitable, but the question really is, “Are you profitable?”

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Turn Again
“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord” (Lamentations 3:40).
Are you a true believer, a true disciple of Jesus Christ? And have you recently turned away from following the Lord? If so, there is a way to turn around and start fresh. If you are going your own way, stop and think about the direction you are headed and the sorrow that it will bring in the end. No, you won’t lose your salvation, but you will lose the joy of the Lord and the peace and rest of heart that He wants you to have in your day-to-day life.
There are many unhappy, miserable Christians in the world, simply because they are going their own way and doing their own thing. They know what is right, but they choose not to obey and follow the One who loves them and desires their good and happiness. The Lord Jesus, when speaking to His disciples and explaining many things to them, concluded by saying, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).
If you have been going your own way lately, search your heart, confess your self-will, “and turn again to the Lord.”

Monday, July 15, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Dear Young Christian:
We’ve all sung the well-known hymn, “Jesus loves me this I know…” Recently I was staying in a home and noticed this embroidered saying,
Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!
I enjoyed the sentiment of this, and it reminded me of the words of David, who said, “O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off” (Psalm 139:1-2).David was so very thankful that the Lord knew him, and we should be too. In fact, He knew us from a past eternity, and we were, “chosen … in Him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4).David goes on in that same Psalm to say, “Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (verse 16).
It is wonderful to know the Lord, it is also wonderful to realize that the Lord knows us.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Copy linkPrint
In the Midst
To be IN THE MIDST is to be the focal point of something. Here are some verses regarding the Lord being the center or focal point. Look up their context, meditate on them, and you will be encouraged as to His desire to enjoy the company of His own, now and for all eternity.
“And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting IN THE MIDST of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46).
“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood IN THE MIDST of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you” (Luke 24:36).
“Where they crucified Him, and two other with Him, on either side one, and Jesus IN THE MIDST” (John 19:18).
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I IN THE MIDST of them” (Matthew 18:20).
“And I beheld, and, lo, IN THE MIDST of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6).

Saturday, July 13, 2019

Copy linkPrint
“Know … ”
The words, “KNOW THYSELF!” are said to have been inscribed above the entrance to the temple of Apollo in Delphi. Whoever entered had to be prepared to hear the oracle of Delphi pronounce the truth about him, however hard it might be. The result was, correspondingly few people dared to enter.
It is a fact that we are generally not inclined to see ourselves as we really are. We do not like people opening our eyes to our faults. That is why so many people remain intentionally ignorant of God’s Word. In contrast to the oracle of Delphi, the Word of God is the truth; it tells us how God regards us. “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was” (James 1:23-24).
To acknowledge the light and truth of Scripture is the first step towards salvation. The second is repentance, and the third consists in receiving the Savior, Jesus Christ, who died to save us. It is important to know what we really are, and then to “know Him” (Philippians 3:10).

Friday, July 12, 2019

Copy linkPrint
The Touch of The Master’s Hand — Part 4
“Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well;
for so I am” (John 13:13).
A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,
A game — and he travels on.
He is “going” once, and “going” twice,
He’s “going” and almost “gone.”
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the touch of the Master’s hand.
 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and 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).
Yes, what a Savior and Master we have. Not only does He save us from hell and from our sins, but He is able to keep us pure and holy as we walk through this wicked, sinful world. “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Copy linkPrint
The Touch of The Master’s Hand — Part 3
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said: “What am I bid for the old violin?”
And he held it up with the bow.
“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?
Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice,
And going and gone,” said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
“We do not quite understand.
What changed its worth?” Swift came the reply:
“The touch of the Master’s hand.”
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
Much like the old violin.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Copy linkPrint
The Touch of The Master’s Hand — Part 2
“And when the men of that place had knowledge of Him, they sent out … and brought unto Him all that were diseased; And besought Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole” (Matthew 14:36).
‘Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile.
“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,
“Who’ll start the bidding for me?”
“A dollar, a dollar. Then two! Only two?
Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?”
“Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
Going for three…” But no,
From the room, far back, a grey-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As a caroling angel sings.

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Copy linkPrint
The Touch of The Master’s Hand — Part 1
“And Jesus came and touched them, and said,
Arise, and be not afraid.” (Matthew 17:7).
Probably best known for the poem “The Master’s Hand” written in 1921, Myra Brooks Welch was born in the late 19th Century in America. One day, Dr. Hurbert Davidson visited the noted poetess. As he was about to leave her home she patted the arm of her wheelchair and said, “I thank God for this.” Imagine being grateful for a wheelchair! But her talent lay undiscovered prior to her wheelchair days. Rather than becoming bitter, she chose a better way, and a wonderful ministry opened new doors of blessing for her. As a result, her poems have blessed the whole world.
Myra Welch would say that she heard a speaker address a group of students on the power of God to bring out the best in people. She said she became filled with light and that the “Touch of the Master’s Hand” was written in 30 minutes!
The finished poem was sent anonymously to the editor of her local church news bulletin. She felt it was a gift from God and didn’t need her name on it.
Over the next few days, we will view her poem for your encouragement and blessing as well.

Monday, July 8, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Dear Young Christian:
Let’s consider this text as we start another week of busy activities:
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).
We must not equate the love of God with the love of man. We love those that we like, and generally love those who respond and reciprocate. However, God loves those that rebelled against Him. “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Our love is born out of natural affections — His love is born out of the riches of His mercy and compassion. Truly it is called, in our text, a “great love.” God loves those who are unlovable, and we are told to love our enemies and to love the lost. It can only be so when we have God’s love in our hearts. May His love shine out of our hearts this week, “because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, July 7, 2019

Copy linkPrint
He Hath Given …
Our God is a giving God. Here is just a minute sample of some of the things that He has given:
“He hath given us of His Spirit” (1 John 4:13).
“He hath given assurance” (Acts 17:31).
“He hath given us rest” (2 Chronicles 14:7).
“The blessing of the Lord thy God which He hath given thee” (Deuteronomy 16:17).
Most of all, He has given His Son as that supreme sacrifice. “For 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).
In view of this, we might well ask ourselves, “And what does He want from us today … What can we give back to Him?”
What He really wants is our company and the response of worship, praise, and thanksgiving from our hearts. He says to each of His own, “Let Me see thy countenance, let Me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely” (Song of Solomon 2:14).
Will you give Him that privilege today?

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Death
The Bible is a book of contrasts. Here is a very solemn one:
“As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezekiel 33:11).
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15).
How very different is the death of an unbeliever from that of a believer in Christ. It is as different as night and day, as different as heaven and hell. The Bible clearly states, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die” (Hebrews 9:27). But how we die is vital! The Lord said, “For if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).
If you were to draw your last breath and be laid in your coffin today, where would your soul be? Would your death be “precious in the sight of the Lord,” or would he “have no pleasure” in your passing?
For the believer, there is no fear in death. We can say, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory” (1 Corinthians 15:55)?That’s because, for us, it means we will, “depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Philippians 1:23).

Friday, July 5, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Delays — Part 3
One thing is for sure and certain — the delay I experienced at the airport in London was for my good!
The children of Israel, when journeying through the wilderness, complained and questioned the ways and wisdom of God in His dealing with them. They chafed over His delays, and directions. Why did He lead them this way and that way … why the thirst … why the hunger … why … why … why?
However, there is an interesting comment made about their forty-year journey later on in the Word of God. We read, “He led them forth by the right way” (Psalm 107:7). In retrospect, they realized that His way was the right way. Someday, we too will own the same. How good if we can get ahold of this concept now. It gives great peace of mind.
Life is not all smooth and easy, but it’s better to go over a rough and difficult road with friends, than the smoothest highway alone.
The Christian is never alone, for the promise of the Lord Jesus remains, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). One of the last things He said to His disciples here on earth was, “And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Delays — Part 2
One of the great lessons of life is contained in the verse that says, “for ye have need of patience” (Hebrews 10:36). The hard part is that there is only one way to learn patience. “Tribulation worketh patience” (Romans 5:3).
So, in my situation at the London Airport, I had to smile and accept my cancelled flight, my rebooking, and a four hour delay. The good news was that there was another flight that evening and I was given a seat. I tried to relax, accept the circumstance from the Lord, and that evening I arrived safely at my destination. I was truly thankful for the mercies of my God and Father, who had brought me through.
Someday, we are all going to reach the end of the journey of life. When we finally arrive in heaven we will look back and rejoice at the wisdom of His ways with us. We will understand all the delays and denials that frustrated us, and we will be glad for the perfection of His dealing with us. I do not know why the Lord allowed me to be half a day in London, when I was originally scheduled to be on the continent of Europe several hours before. But someday I will praise Him that it was so. Maybe it preserved me from some harm, or from something I would later regret … who knows?

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Delays — Part 1
I had a flight from Ottawa, Canada, to London, England. Everything went smoothly, and we landed at Heathrow International Airport on time. I made my way from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3, where I was to board a flight to Brussels, Belgium. However, when I got to the gate, I was told the flight was cancelled. London was fogged in that day, and many flights were either delayed, or, like mine, cancelled altogether. How frustrating!
Life is like that! Just when we think everything is going well, something is interjected to disrupt the flow. For the Christian, it is good that we can accept things from the hand of God. The Bible says, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5). This is a verse I really struggle with. To realize that, if we leave things in His hands, He will “bring it to pass” in a way and time that He see is the very best. I like things NOW! This is the instantaneous age, and I get very upset when things don’t work right away. Instant coffee, fast food, speed dial, high-speed internet etc. … But, most of the time, God doesn’t work that way.

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Day & Night
“And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest” (Genesis 28:15).
Day by day, my Savior leads me,
Day by day, His strength I feel;
Day by day, I walk with Jesus,
For His presence is so real.
Night by night, I trust His watching,
As in peace, in Him I rest;
For He guards me as I slumber,
Does for me the very best.
Day and night, I count upon Him
Night and day, to take me through;
All His promises are faithful,
And each hour their worth renew.
Yes, no matter what the hour,
Day or night, it matters not,
He is with me, loving, caring,
All the way I’m safely brought.

Monday, July 1, 2019

Copy linkPrint
Dear Young Christian:
I want to pass along a quote that I read today from a writer who lived many years ago. His name was Charles Henry Mackintosh (October 1820 – November 1896).
“The secret of peace is more than knowing that our sins
are forgiven. It is having the person of a risen Christ
before our souls, having our hearts engaged with the
One who has done it all, and gazing by faith upon the
marks of His accomplished work. This is peace for the
inner life.”
This is really something to think about. This is a peace that the world does not and cannot understand. It is that which will keep us calm and trusting, even in the midst of adversity. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Do you enjoy this daily peace? We are told, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com
← August 2019June 2019 →