Young Christians Calendar

August 2019

Knowing Instead of Hoping

“I hope I am saved.”

I have heard people make this statement time and again. But we don’t have to hope we are saved, we can know that we are saved. Christianity is characterized by certainties — not wishful and vague hopes. Let’s quote some verses from three New Testament witnesses that confirm this wonderful truth:

The Apostle John:

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).

The Apostle Paul:

“I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

The Apostle Peter:

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold … But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Can you say, “I know I am saved?”I sincerely hope so!

Friday, August 30, 2019

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Monthly Question Page

Q. Is there anything in the Bible to support the practice of conversational prayer? This is where one person starts by praying for something, and then another prays for something else, and so on, around the circle.

A. There seems to be no principle in Scripture to support this kind of prayer. However, there are some things that can be considered, which indicate that it is not a good practice.

For instance, does it involve women? The Bible states, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere” (2 Timothy 2:8). The men is in contrast to the women in the next verse. There is no verse that would encourage women to pray publicly in the presence of men.

What God encourages more than anything else is private prayer. “Thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret” (Matthew 6:6). Also, the Bible mentions prayer in the family: “Husbands … giving honour unto the wife … that your prayers be not hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).

While we don’t want to discourage prayer in any way, we must be careful not to take up with methods for which we have no Scriptural basis.

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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Fruit

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23).

We may not all be gifted to preach or teach, or to take a public part in any way. However, we can all bear the fruit of the Spirit. “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9).

Fruit is not necessarily what we say, although it includes our words. Fruit is the reflection and reproduction of Christ in our lives, and the outshining of the attributes of that glorious person who is our Savior, Friend, and Lord.

Fruit grows quietly on the trees in the orchard without any fanfare or great oration. Slowly, silently, and with proper nutrition, it develops into beautiful usefulness. This is what the Lord desires for each of His own.

Fruit is always the result of nearness to the Lord. He Himself said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me” (John 15:4). Keep close to Him and you too will bear “much fruit” (John 15:4).

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Matthew 18

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.

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.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

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Joy

In the book of Psalms, there are various forms of words expressing “joy.” Words such as happy, joyful, delight, gladness, rejoicing etc. Put together, these words in some way appear over one hundred times in one hundred and fifty psalms. To me, it certainly indicates that God wants us to be a happy people. He doesn’t want us to be long faced and, as the old saying goes, “down in the mouth.” Solomon talks about a happy believer, in the book of Proverbs. “Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20).

Many times in the New Testament we are encouraged to be happy. We are told in the book of Philippians to “Rejoice in the Lord alway,” and, in case we didn’t get it the first time, it is repeated, “and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

One important thing to remember regarding this subject is what an older brother in Christ once said, “The root of joy is surrender! Surrender is the consuming desire to please my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” In other words, submission to the Lord’s will is what brings real happiness and joy into our lives, no matter what the circumstance.

Are you a happy, joyful believer?

Monday, August 26, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

Here is an interesting and thought-provoking quote I saw in a book of short sayings the other day:

“Don’t just take time to pray,

but make time for prayer!”

I had to really think about it to get the message, but here is what I think it is saying:

We can rattle off a standard prayer and do certain works without much time or thought. We can say a short prayer in the morning before we are out the door, and maybe before we fall into bed at night, but that is not really what real prayer is. Prayer is getting into the presence of God our Father, and taking the time to talk to Him from our heart thanking Him for His goodness and love, making requests, telling Him all about our problems, worshipping, praising, etc. Schedule a regular prayer time. For me, it is on my early morning walk, for you it may be a very different time and circumstance, but it is vital to happy, powerful, fruitful Christian living.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, August 25, 2019

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His Feelings — Part 4

This Psalm gives us more of the outpouring of the heart of the Lord Jesus as He “endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:1)

Psalm 102

For My days are consumed like smoke, and My bones are burned as an hearth.

My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat My bread.

By reason of the voice of My groaning My bones cleave to my skin.

I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.

I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.

Mine enemies reproach Me all the day; and they that are mad against Me are sworn against me.

For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled My drink with weeping,

Because of Thine indignation and Thy wrath: for Thou hast lifted Me up, and cast Me down.

My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

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Where?

“And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:8-9).

The question has been raised, “You mean God didn’t know where Adam was?”

The answer is, “Of course He did!”

However, God wanted a verbal confession from Adam as to where he was. And God wants a verbal response from you as to where you stand. Do you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Then tell God. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

Where are you? Are you trying to hide from God? Impossible! Instead of trying to hide and cover your sin, confess that you are a sinner, and receive complete salvation and pardon. Then, and only then, will you be completely comfortable in His presence, now, and for all eternity.

Friday, August 23, 2019

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Wonderful — Part 4

His words were wonderful.

Look in the 4 chapter of Luke, and you will see we read three times of how even those who did not love Him wondered at what He spoke. “And all bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22). “And they were astonished at His doctrine: for His word was with power” (Luke 4:32). “And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out” (Luke 4:36).

If we wonder at His gracious words to us now, how much more shall we wonder when we see Him on the throne of His glory, and hear His own voice.

Jesus, name o’er every name,

Name of grace and power;

Soothing, cheering name of love,

Strength for every hour.

Wonderful, Counsellor,

Mighty God, and Father;

Prince of Peace, Immanuel,

Jesus, precious Savior.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

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Wonderful — Part 3

“Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men” (Psalm 107:8).
“And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased” (Matthew 21:15).

Everything that He did was wonderful.

The prophet Isaiah said, “many were astonied at Thee” (Isaiah 52:14). To see how this was fulfilled, look in the Gospel of Mark, where it is recorded fourteen times that the people were astonished or amazed at the things that Jesus did. (Mark 1:22,27; 2:12; 5:42; 6:2,51; 7:37; 9:15; 10:24,26,32; 11:18; 14:33; 16:8). Their testimony was: “He hath done all things well.” Even the enemy had to admit how wonderful He was.

John concludes his gospel by recording: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen” (John 21:25).

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

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Wonderful — Part 2

“But the men marvelled, saying,
What manner of man is this” (Matthew 8:27)?

Jesus is Wonderful in what He is.

Even the angels must have wondered to see the Son of God, the Creator and the one who sustains the universe, whom they all worship, lying in a manger as a little baby. Listen to what they conveyed to the shepherds, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). And they must have truly wondered why there weren’t more in Israel genuinely interested in this momentous event. They were seeing this God incarnate for the first time.

Yet, I think they must have wondered more still when they saw Him “taken, and by wicked hands … crucified and slain” (Acts 2:23). They must have marveled indeed then at the love of Christ which passeth knowledge. Yet, He was not dying for them but for mankind, so that we may say, “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

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Wonderful — Part 1

This meditation is adapted from Frances Ridley Havergal

“His name shall be called Wonderful” (Isaiah 9:6).

“And the Angel of Jehovah said to him, How is it that thou askest after my name, seeing it is Wonderful” (Judges 13:18, JND?

Here is a name that is an adjective, so we may use it not only as a name by itself, but also as a description of all His other names. The more we know Him and love Him, the more we shall delight in this.

If we know Jesus as our Savior at all, we shall be quite sure that He is a Wonderful Savior. And, as we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we shall find more and more, year by year, and even day by day, what a Wonderful Friend, and Wonderful Gift, and Wonderful High Priest, and Wonderful everything else He is.

When you see a wonderful sight, don’t you want others to see it, too? And if you cannot bring them to see it, don’t you want to tell them about it, to try to give them an idea of it? So, I think one proof that we have really found Jesus is that we will want others to come and see what a Wonderful Savior we have found.

Monday, August 19, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

It is a beautiful afternoon here in Michigan, and I am sitting overlooking Lincoln Lake. The sun is shining after some heavy rains, fluffy clouds are passing slowly by, and the water is shimmering in the late afternoon glow. How peaceful it all is, and I am thankful for these few moments of reprieve and relaxation. The world is in absolute turmoil, and every day we hear of more violence, corruption, terrorism, anarchy, and lawlessness.

Yes, in the midst of it all, the Lord graciously gives us moments of reflection and meditation, and we need to make much of them, as they are sometimes few and far between. The Lord said to His disciples, “Rest a while” (Mark 6:31). They had been busy and burdened in His service, and He provided a little break so they could enjoy His company and comfort. However, there was more work to do, and they were soon busy again — this time helping to feed the multitude with a few loaves and fishes. So, we have times of rest and times of service, and in it all we can enjoy His company.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, August 18, 2019

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His Feelings — Part 3

Let the words of this Psalm speak to your heart, as you consider all that the Lord Jesus felt in His inmost being while suffering for us, and giving His life to bring us into eternal relationship with Himself and God the Father.

Psalm 88

For My soul is full of troubles: and My life draweth nigh unto the grave.

I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:

Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom Thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from Thy hand.

Thou hast laid Me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

Thy wrath lieth hard upon Me, and Thou hast afflicted Me with all Thy waves. Selah.

Thou hast put away Mine acquaintance far from Me; Thou hast made Me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Lord, I have called daily upon Thee, I have stretched out My hands unto Thee.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

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Inside Out

I am in Michigan this week. Right in the heart of apple-growing country.

Here is a question for you: Did you ever wonder whether the worm hole in an apple was made from the inside or the outside of the apple? Apple growers tell us the worm bores the hole from the heart of the apple, and this is precisely the way the worm of sin begins in the human heart. Man is born a sinner by nature as a result of the first man, Adam’s, sin. When he commits sin, he becomes a sinner by practice–the condition of his heart is manifest.

“Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5).

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).

“Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts” (Matthew 15:9).

Apple growers can eliminate the worm by applying the right insecticide at the right time, and the only way we can have our sins removed is by applying the blood of Jesus Christ to our hearts by faith in Him.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Friday, August 16, 2019

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Given to Change

“My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change; for their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both” (Proverbs 24:21-22).

We must respect those in authority, even if we don’t always agree with them. Scripture demands it! God first and above all; then also men in the place of God-given authority such as parents, school teachers, police, governors, presidents and magistrates. God’s Word exhorts us to be subject to the powers that be. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1).

But there are more and more people who rebel against authority. They are “given to change.” They are always seeking to overthrow order and authority. They demonstrate, sign petitions, and criticize school officials. They want “their rights.” Anarchists, political extremists, and revolutionists, are all “given to change.” Stay away from them. They and their followers will come to ruin suddenly.

“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake” (Romans 13:5).

Thursday, August 15, 2019

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Numbers in Scripture: #8

The number eight symbolizes a new beginning.

• When God established a new order of worship and communion with Israel, a baby boy was to be circumcised on the eighth day. Paul was a prime example: “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel” (Philippians 3:5).

• Eight souls were saved in the ark to begin a new order of things on a cleansed earth. “The longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water” (1 Peter 3:20).

• The eighth day, or the “morrow after the Sabbath” is a figure of resurrection, typified in the Wave Offering. “And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it” (Leviticus 23:11). “In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week” (Matthew 28:1).

• In the future millennial city, there are eight sets of twelve — Gates, angels, tribes of Israel, foundations, apostles, furlongs, pearls, fruits. See if you can pick them out in Revelation chapters 21 & 22.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

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Stand Fast

“For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord”
(1 Thessalonians 3:8).

Nothing thrills an older Christian more than seeing a younger one “standing fast in the Lord.” By that I mean that you live for the Lord — you remain faithful to Him and His Word even though others may not. The Apostle John, as an elderly believer said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4).

Here are some further exhortations to stand fast:

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free” (Galatians 5:1).

“Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1).

It’s a real encouragement to us to see you who are younger wanting to please the Lord. Don’t give up. Jesus is coming soon. Stand fast!

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

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Purity

“Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth Himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).

What hope is this that the Apostle John is talking about? It is the hope of the Lord’s return! This should make us want to stay pure. The Lord is going to take us to a place of absolute purity. There nothing will ever defile us again.

However, in the meantime, the Lord is pleased when He sees His own seeking to live a pure life while they are waiting for Him to come. Make a special effort to clean up your thoughts, your actions, your words, and your relationships so that you will be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is pure through and through. Our desire should be to be that way too. The Apostle Peter exhorts us, “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Here is what the Apostle Paul said to the young man Timothy: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

The Lord is coming! “Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).

Monday, August 12, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

Here is a maxim to consider this week:

When things get tough, always remember: Faith doesn’t get you around trouble, it gets you through trouble!

God doesn’t promise to always remove the difficulties, but He does promise to give us the strength and help we need to get us through. He didn’t deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace, but He did bring them through it, and with a special sense of His presence with them as well.

Here is the promise for us, as we go through the circumstances of life: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2).

So, while we don’t go out and look for trouble, we shouldn’t try to avoid it either. Our God is able, and it is great to be able to trust through it all!

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, August 11, 2019

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His Feelings — Part 2

This Psalm covers the sufferings of Christ, from His atoning sufferings to that which was heaped on him by the hatred of man, to the inward agony of His divine person.

Psalm 69

To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David.

Save Me, O God; for the waters are come in unto My soul.

I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

I am weary of My crying: My throat is dried: Mine eyes fail while I wait for My God.

They that hate Me without a cause are more than the hairs of Mine head: they that would destroy Me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

O God, Thou knowest My foolishness; and My sins are not hid from Thee.

Let not them that wait on Thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for My sake: let not those that seek Thee be confounded for My sake, O God of Israel.

Because for Thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered My face.

Saturday, August 10, 2019

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Eternity

I have had several experiences in my life that have brought me close to the brink of eternity. I remember one such occasion several years ago, while driving on Interstate 55 through the state of Illinois. I know I shouldn’t have been doing it, but I was looking at a message on my cell phone while driving at about 65 miles an hour. When I looked up there was a van in front of me going considerably slower, and I was heading for a crash straight into its tailgate. I cranked the steering wheel and swerved into the other lane. Thankfully, there were no other vehicles close by as my van rocked back and forth, and I was able, by the mercies of the Lord, to bring it under control.

As I continued down the highway, I thanked the Lord for His preservation, and also the fact that, had I been killed, I knew where I would be. “Absent from the body … present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

But what about you? If you are killed in a tragic accident today, where would you be? Are you ready for eternity? It is a reality. Can you say, “To die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)? If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, then you are ready, and nothing can change that.

Friday, August 9, 2019

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Service

“If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be” (John 12:26).

Service for the Lord requires obedience and dedication.

• First, obedience in worship. We must follow the Lord to the place of worship chosen by Him.

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him” (John 4:23).

• Second, obedience in conduct. We need to act just like the Lord did when He was here.

“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).

“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).

• Thirdly, service may require that we lay down our lives. We must be willing to give up EVERYTHING for Him — even our life.

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

That’s true service.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

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Our Conscience

“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God,
and toward men” (Acts 24:16).

Sandy was an ultra-thrifty person, who objected to needless laundry expense. When he wore a dress shirt to a banquet or other formal function, he always put it away carefully for future use. On one occasion when dressing for such an event, he took a used shirt out of the drawer and examined it with care, hoping to be able to wear it that evening. Not being quite sure of its strict cleanliness, he took it to the window, where he could look it over in a better light. His wife, Jean, noticed him shaking his head as though fearful that it would not pass careful scrutiny.

“Remember, Sandy,” she called to him, “if it’s doubtful, it’s dirty.” That settled it. The shirt went into the dirty laundry pile and a clean one took its place.

Jean’s words may well speak to every believer concerning things about which the conscience raises any question whatsoever. The Apostle Paul could confirm, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). Can you say that?

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

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Hard Work

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labor shall increase” (Proverbs 13:11).

Hard work never killed anyone! That’s an expression I remember hearing many times growing up, especially from Mother. I guess I did a lot of complaining about chores when I was a boy.

The trouble today is there are many get-rich-quick schemes out there to tempt us not to work, and, more often than not, they come to nothing. In the past few years, I have heard of many people who invested heavily in get-rich-quick schemes — and lost everything. Some lost even tens of thousands of dollars overnight, and some their whole life savings. I know a brother personally who got taken in by one of these scams, and he and his family have really suffered since.

It’s much more honorable to work for what you have, rather than to get something for nothing. God does not encourage laziness in any aspect of our life. All comes from His good hand, but He expects us to work hard, and provide for ourselves. Life is not a free ride! It takes hard work!

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

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Thy Ways

“As for God, His way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30).

“Shew me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths” (Psalm 25:4).

Thy ways are right and perfect,

Though oft we credit not:

We think that we are wiser,

That we are better taught:

But God, our thoughts are feeble,

We know not what to choose,

And if we plan our own way,

We then the blessing lose.

Delays, they often frustrate —

Denials baffle too;

We cannot always reckon,

We do not always view

The plan, the purposed pattern,

Our Father has in mind:

But we can rest in knowing,

Thy ways are best and kind.

Monday, August 5, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

The more intimately you know the Lord the more you realize His goodness and taste His sweetness. This will bring you happiness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and it will cause your faith in Him to grow and mature.

Sometimes we learn the goodness of the Lord through the happy times, but more often than not we learn it through the sad and troubled times. This is because in those times we are drawn closer to Him and learn to trust more in His love and wisdom. We only know the sweetness of something by experimentation. If you never try honey you never know its sweetness. It says of the Manna that God gave the children of Israel in the wilderness, “the taste of it was like wafers made with honey” (Exodus 16:31). It speaks in type of the sweetness of the person of Christ as we feed on His love and goodness. He is indeed, “sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:103).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, August 4, 2019

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His Feelings — Part 1

In many of the Psalms, we have the feelings of the Lord Jesus regarding the circumstances surrounding His trial and crucifixion. They are brought before us in a way that really pulls at our heart-strings. This month, we will devote each Lord’s Day to just a few of those references.

Psalm 22

To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar,
A Psalm of David.

My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me? why art Thou so far from helping Me, and from the words of My roaring?

O My God, I cry in the daytime, but Thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Our fathers trusted in Thee: they trusted, and Thou didst deliver them.

They cried unto Thee, and were delivered: they trusted in Thee, and were not confounded.

But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

All they that see Me laugh Me to scorn …

Saturday, August 3, 2019

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Thirsty

Saudi Arabia is one of the countries of the world where water is a scarce commodity. In the interior, it can happen that no rain falls over a period of years. For this reason, they are looking into the question of whether icebergs can be towed from the South Pole to the coasts of Arabia. In the meantime, an application for a patent has been lodged for technology developed to hinder excessive loss of water during transport through melting or breaking. Should the project succeed, it would mean that fruitful fields and gardens could change the face of Arabia’s deserts.

The Bible speaks of water for thirsty people and dry lands. “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground” (Isaiah 44:3). But, above all, there is the water of life to quench our spiritual thirst. The Lord Jesus said to the woman who came to Sychar’s well, “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13-14). Have you responded, like she did, and said, “Give me this water, that I thirst not” (John 4:15)?

Friday, August 2, 2019

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The Fullness of Scripture

“And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which He spake by Elijah” (1 Kings 17:16).

In this, the barrel of meal and the cruse were like the Word of God in the power of the Spirit, whether we think of the Bible as a whole, or any separate passage or text. No matter how often we may have read it, or how many talks we may have heard from its pages, there is always more to be discovered, as we ponder it again under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Evangelist Henry Gibbud (1857-1901), of New York, used to tell the story of the uncouth lad who attended a school in the lower east side district of that great metropolis. He was very fond of his teacher because of the kindly interest she had taken in him. One day he approached her desk after school started, holding out a very dilapidated looking orange in his grimy hand. “Here teacher,” he said, “is an orange I brought for you. It’s been squeezed some, but there’s lots left in it yet.”

So it is with every portion of the Bible. No one has been able to exhaust the priceless treasure it contains. There is always more to be obtained for the refreshment of the soul.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

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With Us Always

Do you sometimes take the intimate nearness of the Lord for granted? I know I do! Yet, my Lord has promised, “Lo, I am with you alway” (Matthew 28:20). “For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

No other friend or family member can be with you every moment of every day … that is utterly impossible! No, and no other friend or family member can fully know the intimacies of your heart and mind. Our Lord Jesus knows everything about us, and still loves us, cares for us, sympathizes with us, and never leaves us alone. He says, “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7).

I have read and heard of many who have spent their whole life, and much of their resources trying to find someone who they feel really understands them. A companion, a doctor, a spouse … and yet the Lord knows us through and through. No wonder Charles Wesley wrote that beautiful hymn, beginning with the lines,

“Jesus Lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly.”