Young Christians Calendar – September 2019

September 2019

Dear Young Christian:

What are you predicting will happen in your life this week? Do you have some plans that you hope nothing will change or frustrate? Fine! But remember, life can be turned around, and even upside down, in a moment of time. Recently, my wife and I experienced this. We were getting ready to travel to Europe for a month of visiting believers and friends, but the Lord had other plans. My wife ended up sick in the hospital and we had to cancel. It was disappointing, but we realized that the Lord’s ways are best, and we were thankful that we weren’t already in Europe beforehand. Two verses of Scripture came to mind as we considered what the Lord had allowed:

1. “It is well” (2 Kings 4:26).

2. “He hath done all things well” (Mark 7:37).

Whatever He allows, we must have faith and know that He is working it all out for a purpose of blessing. He loves us and wants us to be happy, trusting believers. It may not be what we had planned, but His plans are better than ours.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, September 29, 2019

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Singing

“The service of song in the house of the Lord”
(1 Chronicles 6:31).
“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).

The service of song is something that we can all render to the Lord. He loves to hear our voice, and it thrills His heart every time there is a song from our heart on our lips. As we open our mouths in hymns of praise and worship today, let’s sing like we really mean it. And too, let’s think of the words we are singing. When the Apostle Paul sang, he wanted it to be intelligently, not just words he didn’t understand or think about. That’s what he meant when he said to the Christians at Corinth, “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (1 Corinthians 14:15).

In this regard, we need to be sure we sing good, Scriptural, Christ-exalting hymns and spiritual songs that are doctrinally accurate. I am thankful that I grew up singing and learning hymns that were based on the Word of God.

Today, as we consider the person and work of Christ, let’s open our mouths in “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16). It brings glory to Him!

Saturday, September 28, 2019

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A Cover-up

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

The story is told of an Indian prince, who was a leper, but very few people, other than close family and servants, knew it. When he appeared in public he always wore a large jewel on his forehead, which sparkled in the sunlight, or glittered in the light of the many lamps in his court.

Only when he was alone did he remove his turban and the jewel, and then the mirror showed him his leprous spot where the gem had been. Keeping the leprous spot covered up with the jewel was his way of never letting anyone know that he had that dreadful — and in those days, incurable — disease.

Many people try to hide their sins, and to some degree may be successful as far as parents, family, and friends. But remember, “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). We cannot hide anything from God, but thankfully there is a remedy. It is “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son” and the truth that it “cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Friday, September 27, 2019

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Monthly Question Page

Q. Is Jesus our King, and is it proper to address Him as such? What about addressing God in such a way?

A. Jesus is indeed “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15), and in a coming day will be universally owned as such, according to Revelation 19:11-16. However, for us He is far more than our King, and we do not have a Scripture that would teach us to address Him in that way.

He is our “Bridegroom” (John 3:29).

He is our “Head” (Ephesians 5:23).

He is our “Savior” (Titus 3:6).

He is our “Lord” (Acts 9:6).

So then, it is not really intelligent for a Christian to address the Lord as “your majesty,” nor is He presented to us as our king. He is “The King of Israel” (John 1:49); “The King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2); and the “King of Nations” (Revelation 15:3, JND).

As for God, the same applies. He is our Father, and we should address Him as such. “Our fellowship is with the Father” (1 John 1:3). To address God or the Lord Jesus as King is to lose the sense of nearness and intimacy that is rightfully ours.

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, September 26, 2019

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Thyself

“Take heed unto thyself” (1 Timothy 4:16).

So often we are more worried about what others are doing than we are about our own conduct. While it is true “that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:25), and that we are told, “Bear ye one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), yet, in the final analysis, we are responsible to the Lord as to our own conduct and attitude.

After the Lord rose from the dead, He told Peter something of the work and pathway of faith and service that He had for him. As Peter listened to the Lord, he turned to John who was standing by, and said to the Lord, “And what shall this man do?” (John 21:21). Here is the answer the Lord gave Him: “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me” (John 21:22).

In other words, the Lord was saying, “I have a path for John, and I will take care of that, but you are responsible to follow Me, in the path that I have for you.”

It is not a question of how well my brother or sister follows in the path of faith, but whether or not I am faithful in following the Lord.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Revelation 21

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

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Your Words

“Let the words of my mouth … be acceptable
in Thy sight, O Lord” (Psalm 19:14).

Watch your words diligently. Words have such a great power to either bless and encourage, or to condemn and discourage. When we speak carelessly or negatively, we do damage — often beyond repair. We can say we are sorry, but we really can’t take it back. Like a bird let loose from a cage over an open meadow, words spread their wings and we can do little, if anything, to bring them back.

That is why we need to learn to control and discipline our speech. Left to itself, “The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things … the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity … the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:5-6, 8). That is why, earlier in this epistle, he says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be … slow to speak” (James 1:19). Weigh your words carefully before you let them fly.

On the other hand, under the restraint of the Lord, and guided by the Holy Spirit, our words can be sweet and comforting, and acceptable to the Lord for the blessing and edification of others.

Monday, September 23, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

The most influential people in the world are not those who lobby for certain causes or who get involved in humanitarian projects, but the people who spend time in prayer.

We can talk about prayer and praying for one another. We can tell others that we are praying for them, but do we really spend quality time in prayer? The Lord said, “that men ought always to pray” (Luke 18:1). Paul exhorts us, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). And again, “I will therefore that men pray every where” (1 Timothy 2:8). We are also told, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2).

What will characterize your life this week? Will you be a young man or woman of prayer? Prayer is a real thing , a real and powerful resource. Don’t just know about it and don’t just talk about it … do it. It will make a great difference.

Live with a sense that the Lord is there beside you. Talk to Him, and experience the joy and power of genuine prayer! I want you to have a prayerful, powerful, productive week!

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, September 22, 2019

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The Cup of Judgment

“And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).
“The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11).

The cup the Lord Jesus was referring to in these verses was the cup of judgment against sin that He was going to (in figurative language) drink in those three hours of darkness when He, “bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24).

Here are the lines of a hymn, written by Mrs. Ann Ross Cousins, which sum up this sacred truth so very well:

Death and the curse were in our cup —

O Christ, ’twas full for Thee!

But Thou hast drained the last dark drop,

’Tis empty now for me.

That bitter cup — love drank it up;

Left but the love for me.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

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The Word Quoted

You will find that secular writers who are unbelievers, agnostics, or atheists often quote the Word of God in their writings. Their reasons for doing so are varied: some don’t give the matter any thought, others want to show off their intelligence, some quote it as a great literary work or one of the classics, while others do it in out-and-out mockery.

This was happening in the early days of Christianity as well. The Apostle Paul said, “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel” (Philippians 1:15-17). However, he was thankful for whatever way the inspired Scriptures were spoken or written. Listen to what he further adds on the subject: “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Philippians 1:18).

You, my reader, have heard the Word of God many times. You may have even quoted it for one reason or another. But are you truly acquainted with its Author? Is God your Father, is the Lord Jesus your Savior? Think seriously about it!

Friday, September 20, 2019

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Exercise

I have just returned from a morning walk. As I get a little older and start to feel my age, I am trying to get a little more exercise. I have an app on my iPhone, and I try to get in at least 10,000 steps a day. Now, as I sit down to write today’s calendar page, there are two verses that come to mind. Two verses written to a young man named Timothy.

“Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8).

Physical exercise is good and necessary for our natural bodies. But, more importantly, spiritual exercise is essential if we are going to be healthy, happy Christians, and “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

Both physical and spiritual exercise take self-discipline, time, and energy. If you are going to read your Bible, spend time in prayer, and walk with the Lord, you will have to put forth some effort and spiritual energy as well. However, it will be well worth it, and you will have your “senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

Thursday, September 19, 2019

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Numbers in Scripture: #10

The number ten in Scripture has to do with our responsibility toward God. We are equipped with ten fingers and ten toes, capacity for service and walk. But with capacity comes responsibility, and with this, corresponding judgment or reward.

• In Genesis 1, the words “God said” occur ten times.

• There were ten plagues in the book of Exodus denoting Pharaoh’s responsibility.

• There were ten commandments. See Exodus 20.

• The number ten appears several times in the measurements and items of the Tabernacle. For example: ten curtains, ten pillars, ten sockets, ten cubits, etc.

• The parables of the Kingdom in Matthew’s Gospel are ten in number. There are seven in chapter 13, one in chapter 22, and two in chapter 25.

• In Romans 8, there is a ten-fold security of the child of God.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

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Clean on the Outside — Part 2

When David sinned, and his sin was brought before him by Nathan the prophet, he didn’t try to hide it, or just make things clean on the outside (Read 2 Samuel 12). No, he got right into the presence of God and confessed it. He knew that he could hide nothing from God. Here is part of what he prayed at that time:

“Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow … Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me … Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit” (Psalm 51:6-7, 10, 12). Take time to read that whole Psalm, and notice the title and context in which it was prayed. “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.”

Remember, it isn’t just enough to clean up on the outside — God is looking for reality and cleanliness on the inside as well. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

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Clean on the Outside — Part 1

To this very day, I can still hear my mother telling me to go and clean up my room. Often, I would go and start the process, only to get distracted by some book I was reading or some painting I was working on. The trouble was, I would soon be interrupted by a warning that inspection time was in five minutes. That’s when I would try to hide everything, either under the bed or in the closet, hoping against hope that she would not look in either place.

This is sort of what we do with our lives sometimes. We clean up the outside hoping that no will look on the inside. We even rationalize our sins and actions by making excuses that it is just the way we are, we can’t help it, or by blaming others for our faults.

The fact of the matter is, while all may look neat and clean on the outside, God sees the mess that is on the inside. He is the Master Inspector, and misses nothing. We cannot hide one thing from Him. That is why it is good to pray the prayer of David, who said, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Monday, September 16, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

With my wife sick the past few days, I have had to learn what it means to do the following three things:

1. “Stand still” (Exodus 14:13).

2. “Sit still” (Ruth 3:18).

3. “Be still” (Psalm 46:10).

It has reminded me of the words of the prophet Samuel when he spoke to Saul — who was to be the future king of Israel. He told him, “Stand thou still a while, that I may show thee the word of God” (1 Samuel 9:27). The world is a busy, noisy place! We need to take time to listen, meditate, and quietly enjoy the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is easy to talk about it, quite another matter to do it.

Elijah had to learn a similar lesson as well. Only when he was still and quiet did he hear “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), which was the voice of God. Only when he was still and quiet was he able to finally communicate with God.

Make sure you are not too busy in the din of life to hear the voice of God speaking to you this week.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, September 15, 2019

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The Resurrection

“He is risen” (Mark 16:6).
“I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25).

Christianity boasts of an empty tomb and a living Savior. No other religion can claim a Savior who “died for our sins … was buried, and … rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Today we look back and remember the work of Calvary accomplished long ago for the glory of God and our eternal blessing and happiness. But don’t forget to also look up and remember that the Lord Jesus is no longer on the cross, nor is He in the tomb.

Here are seven exercises that will make the living Lord more real and precious to your heart today:

1. Read of His life.

2. Remember His death.

3. Rejoice in His resurrection.

4. Recount His ascension.

5. Rest in His love.

6. Revel in His coming again.

7. Render to Him worship, praise, and thanksgiving.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

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Melting Hearts

“If the Son therefore shall make you free,
ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

When I was a boy, we learned a little rhyme that went something like this:

An icicle hung on an old brick wall,

And said to the sun, “I don’t like you at all!”

Drip, drip, drip.

Yes, the sun melts the snow and ice, and, for those of us who live in northern climates, we are thankful for sunny days, even in the dead of winter, when things melt — at least to some extent. Then for warm spring days when things melt away for another season, and we put away our shovels for a few months.

But there is another sun that melts cold, hard, sinful hearts. It is God’s Son the Lord Jesus Christ. His love has conquered many stubborn hearts, and turned many to Himself. I have known many who have been melted to tears of repentance and gratitude, and who have come to know the Son as their Savior and Lord.

If your heart is still icy toward God and His Son, let their love shine in today, and change you forever.

Friday, September 13, 2019

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Spiritual Eyesight

“Now the just shall live by faith” (Hebrews 10:38).
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Good eyesight is a real asset, and certainly physical sight is vital to walk with confidence in this physical world. Without sight we grope; we stumble; we fall; we get injured. But faith or spiritual eyesight, not physical sight is what enables us to walk confidently in the spiritual realm. Faith counts on God for each step of the way, believing that He is good, loving, and directing according to His wisdom and what He sees and knows is best for us.

Faith trusts God who is not seen by the physical eye, but who is no less real to the spiritual eye of faith. Faith believes in spite of circumstances, and in spite of hindrances, resistance, and opposition from the enemy. Like Moses, of whom we read, “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). We have trusted Him for our salvation, now let’s walk by faith until we are safe home in the Father’s house. Then we won’t need faith anymore, “but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Thursday, September 12, 2019

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Loved

Have you ever felt unloved, that nobody really loved you? Well, you are certainly loved — both by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Here is proof:

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

“Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 13:3).

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

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

“As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you” (John 15:9).

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1).

It is a wonderful thing to be able to echo the words of the Apostle Paul, who could say with full assurance, “The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). If you feel unloved by earthly friends and family, remember, you are loved with a divine love that never changes.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

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Sickness — Part 2

“Behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick” (John 11:3).

You never know how much the Lord really loves you until you go through some sickness. At least for me this has been the greatest lesson of the past few days of my wife’s illness.

Another thing we have learned, is how loving and caring the family of God is. It has given a new and real meaning to the verse that speaks of the “unfeigned love of the brethren” (1 Peter 1:22). The outpouring of love and concern expressed through emails, texts, phone calls, visits, and in so many other ways, has really overwhelmed us, and moved us to tears. What a wonderful family we belong to! There is no other family on earth like it, and we marvel at the grace of God who has placed us in His family.

Someone else has said, “It is worth being sick just to know that the Lord is at your bedside, and that He loves and cares for us every moment of every day … Sometimes the Master puts us down so that we can look up.”

On beds of sickness, thus we learn,

Deep lesson from the Lord,

Lessons we otherwise might miss,

Or well might be ignored.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

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Sickness — Part 1

“The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness” (Psalm 41:3).

My wife has been sick and in the hospital this week. Each day, they come in to attend to her. They do it because this is their job, and there is a paycheck at the end of the pay period. They do it well, because they are constantly being assessed and they know they could lose their position if they don’t perform to standard.

There is another one who cares for us in a far more wonderful way. This is the one that David spoke of in the above verse — the Lord, the Great Physician! He makes our bed, not out of a sense of duty, but because He loves us. Not only that, but He is constantly at our bedside day and night. The nurses and staff at the hospital do their duty and go on their way. Shifts change, people come and go. However, the Lord is still there. He promises, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

He makes our bed, and takes His place,

Beside the bed He makes,

And through the nights and dreary days,

His station there He takes.

Monday, September 9, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

It is the Lord’s will that we should cast our care and trouble on Him each day. In the Old Testament, David, exhorts us, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22). In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter urges, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

The Lord also asks us not to cast our confidence away. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35).

My problem is that I, so often, stupidly cast away my confidence and carry all my cares and burdens around with me. This only makes me miserable, complaining, fault-finding, and weary in the path of faith. Don’t cast your burden on the Lord, and then take it back.As we start another week of activity, let’s leave our burdens with the Lord, and go forth in complete faith and confidence in Himself. This will allow us to have a spiritually profitable and fruitful week.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, September 8, 2019

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Wonderful

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

Some seven hundred years after Isaiah announced the Son of God as Wonderful, the Lord Jesus appeared in this world in human form. Now we know by divine revelation that He is indeed wonderful in His person. John declared, “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).

However, no mind can fully fathom, no heart completely grasp, and no pen adequately describe how wonderful He truly is. The more the heart considers Him, the more wonderful He appears.

Still greater and more wonderful it is that He went to the cross and gave “Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor” (Ephesians 5:2).

• His name is Wonderful!

• He is a wonderful person!

• His glory is wonderful!

• His work is wonderful!

We have a wonderful Savior. Let our wonder turn to praise and worship today.

Saturday, September 7, 2019

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Now

There is always urgency in connection with the gospel. God’s time is always NOW! Not tomorrow, not later, but NOW! Here are some verses from the Bible that give us a sense of that urgency:

“BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

“COME NOW, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

“REMEMBER NOW thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

“ACQUAINT NOW thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee” (Job 22:12).

How important it is to be saved, and to be saved NOW!

Friday, September 6, 2019

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An Unforgiving Spirit

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you,
with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31).

An unforgiving spirit is like acid, it destroys the vessel in which it is stored. It eats away at a person until there is such bitterness that it causes a person to speak things that they ought not to speak. It can causes a person to say slanderous things that often do permanent damage. In some cases it may even cause actions and create hurts and feelings that can never be undone.

The following verses of Scripture give the remedy for such occasions and if followed, an unforgiving and bitter spirit would never take root in our lives:

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:13).

Let’s seek to be like Daniel, who in spite of everything, it is recorded “an excellent spirit was in him” (Daniel 6:3).

Thursday, September 5, 2019

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Nourishment

“I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches” (Psalm 119:14).
“O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).
“How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103).

Here are three quotes I read recently, that I thought were very helpful in regard to the need for reading the Word of God as food for our spiritual life.

• Not they that eat most, but they that digest most are the most nourished.

• Not they that get most, but they that keep most are the richest.

• So it is, not they that hear most, or read most, but they that meditate most, that are the most edified and nourished and enriched in their soul.

Do you read your Bible every day and then meditate on, and enjoy, what you read? If you do, you will be a healthy, nourished Christian with steady spiritual growth.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

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God’s Menu

“I have fed you” (Exodus 16:32).

Last night, four of us went out to a restaurant to eat. We were handed a menu with many choices and something to please the palate of everyone at the table. We all ordered something different, and enjoyed our meal and time of Christian fellowship together.

God’s Word is like an exhaustless menu of spiritual food. Job said, “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). There is something for everyone, no matter at what stage we are in our Christian life. We may be just newly saved. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).We may be more mature in our Christian experience. “Strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Whatever our level of growth, whatever our need, there is a buffet of spiritual food and drink at our finger tips, and it is all plentifully provided free of cost — unlike the meal at the restaurant last night. Feed on God’s Word every day!

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

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An Hour with Him — Part 1

“I am continually with Thee” (Psalm 73:23).

Oh happy hour, when first we came

To know our sins forgiven:

To know our Savior, Jesus Christ,

Who died, who lives, in heaven;

We recollect His first embrace,

Never forget His saving grace.

Oh precious hour, with Him to walk,

Along faith’s path each day:

And prove Christ’s changeless faithfulness,

Which drives all fear away:

His grace sustains, His hand upholds,

His love, Himself, to us unfolds.

Oh joyful hour, when at the throne,

We spend with Jesus there;

And fellowship in sweet accord,

And find our source in prayer;

We would retire and there abide,

In Him we safely all confide.

(Continued next month.)

Monday, September 2, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

In Canada and the U.S., the first Monday in September is designated as Labor Day. In one of life’s ironies, most of the workers get the day off, so it really isn’t a day of labor but a day of rest. This is to reward hard-working people who have served their employers and done a good job in their everyday tasks. As believers, we are to do our work well so that we give testimony to the Lord who is our true Master. “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ” (Ephesians 6:5).

There is another kind of labor that is given to each believer in Christ. “For we are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). This labor will not be finished until we arrived home in the Father’s house. That’s why we are reminded, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). In the meantime, we can and should labor diligently and happily for the Lord.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, September 1, 2019

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A Contrast

“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake)” (Hebrews 12:18-21).

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

What a contrast these two Scriptures give us. In the Old Testament, they approached God with fear and trembling. For us today we come with complete confidence in all the acceptance of Christ and His perfect work at Calvary.