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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

October 2019

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Thursday, October 31, 2019

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An Anchor
“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil” (Hebrews 6:18-19).
A good anchor will keep a ship from drifting into danger and destruction when a storm rages. What is this hope which will hold the believer steady through the storms of life? What will steady our course when the waves and winds of tragedy and sorrow beat upon us, or the billows of doubt and hardship buffet our hearts and minds? It is God’s immutable (unchangeable) Word! God’s promises to us! With the realization that it is impossible for God to lie, our faith, like an anchor’s chain, lays hold of these promises.
“For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4).

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

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Riches — Part 2
Here is what the Apostles Paul said to the young man Timothy concerning the matter of riches: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
God has given many believers great wealth, and they are responsible to use it in a proper way for the furtherance of the gospel and to help those who are less fortunate. But the question is, what are we setting our hearts on? It is not wrong to be rich, but it is wrong to strive with that as our goal. Here is what the believer is to do: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Treasure on earth is for time only, treasure in heaven is for eternity.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

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Riches — Part 1
Almost every young person has a very common aspiration — to get rich. But here is what the Bible warns about such ambition: “Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:4-5).
It is significant that the Spirit of God used the richest and wisest man of the time, Solomon, to give us this exhortation, and written at a time when God blessed His earthly people, Israel, with an abundance of wealth. Even then, it must have been evident as evil to have the heart set to gain riches. For, in this admonition, to obtain his desired goal there were many dangers — one possibly being that of employing means not always honest and righteous before God. Or perhaps becoming independent of God, trusting in our own wisdom and ability.
No sooner does one set his heart upon riches than they take to themselves wings like the swiftest of birds and soar out of reach. Many who have done this have become disillusioned, disappointed, depressed, and despondent.

Monday, October 28, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:
Today we live in an age when a mass of information is offered to us. But often a piece of information received today is already out of date. Sometimes we are even falsely informed, or the information is presented in such a way as to make us think it is saying one thing when it is really saying something completely different.
I suppose we all wish for information that is 100% correct and absolutely reliable. Thankfully, there is a source of such information. It is from God Himself, found in the Bible. The writer of Psalm 119 declares, “Thy Word is very pure … Thy Word is true” (verses 140, 160). The Lord Jesus said, “Thy Word is truth” (John 17:17).
Every prophesy, prediction, and promise ever made in the Bible either has been or will be fulfilled. Yes, this is up-to-date information and can be wholly relied on. And, more than this, it is the living Word of God. Make it the daily habit of your life to read and enjoy it. It is God’s message to you, and is more up-to-date than the daily newspaper.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, October 27, 2019

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Our Look
The Past:
Today we LOOK BACK to the cross and remember the great work of Calvary.
“Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto My sorrow, which is done unto Me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted Me in the day of His fierce anger” (Lamentations 1:12).
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).
The Present:
We also LOOK UP and worship and praise an ascended Christ.
“We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9).
The Future:
We LOOK AHEAD to the soon-coming day of glory when we will be with Him.
“Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

Saturday, October 26, 2019

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Inside
In our backyard, we have an apple tree. We don’t take care of it, so the fruit it produces is not very edible. Most of the apples fall to the ground and get raked up and composted. However, once in a while, there are a few fairly good ones, and my wife will make applesauce or we may even eat one raw. The other day, we found one that looked perfect on the outside, and figured we would cut it in half and share it. But, when the knife had done its job, we found that the inside was bad — very bad.
This reminds me of some people who may appear to be true believers and followers of Christ on the outside, but who are not clean on the inside. They have never had their sins washed in the blood of Jesus. They are like thePharisees, of whom the Lord said, “Now do ye make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness” (Luke 11:39). Judas Iscariot was a pretender. As he and the other eleven disciples walked with the Lord for over three years, no one, not even they, suspected that he wasn’t real on the inside. But the Lord knew. Make sure there is reality on the inside. “The Lord knoweth them that are His” (2 Timothy 2:19).

Friday, October 25, 2019

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Monthly Question Page — Part 1
Q. Will the earth remain forever and will there be people living on the earth forever?
A. In the eternal state there will be people living on the earth, but not the earth as we know it today. The present earth, polluted with sin, will be burned up at the end of the millennium (thousand year reign of the Lord).  This will introduce the eternal state, or what the Bible calls the “Day of God.” “The heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men … But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up … Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:7, 10, 12)?  These verses clearly show that God is going to completely judge and cleanse this world tainted and affected by the curse of sin, and do away with it forever.
(Continued next month.)
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, October 24, 2019

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A Faithful God
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
We need to remember that we live in a fallen world that is tainted with sin and under the effects of the curse, resulting from Adam’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
Just because we are believers doesn’t mean we are immune to sin and its effects. But it does mean that we have a faithful God that we can turn to — no matter how difficult the temptation, trial, or test. Our God has promised that there is nothing we face in life that is greater than His power and ability to bring us through and cause us to overcome the difficulty. It may be the temptation of the devil, physical sickness, or just surviving in a wicked world. Remember, His promises will never fail, and He has promised to be with us and to carry us through.
When we do fail, then there is always restoration. David found this in his life, and could say, “He restoreth my soul” (Psalm 32:3). Don’t be discouraged, “God is faithful.”

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Lamentations 3
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.
The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.
It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.
He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.
He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
For the Lord will not cast off for ever.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

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At Hand
“The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5).
I have been thinking a lot about this verse lately. Do I feel the presence of the Lord right with me every moment of every day? Do I enjoy the fact that He is “at hand?” If I felt this more, it would make a vast difference in my attitude, the places I go, the things I say, what I do — even in secret. Indeed, my whole manner of life would be more in tune with divine things and that which should characterize a Christian.
It is wonderful to walk hand-in-hand with someone you love, someone who is able to preserve us from harm. I am sure many of you can remember times when, as a child, you reached out and took your father’s hand as you came to some difficult spot in the road, or as night approached and darkness overtook you. Maybe you just needed assurance that all was well and that you were in good company. Just the same, we can go through life hand-in-hand with the one who loves us, and who is able to keep us no matter how rough the way or how dark the night. Our Lord is that one, and has promised to be with us all the way. Asaph expressed it this way, “Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23).

Monday, October 21, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:
We are all looking for satisfaction in one way or another. But remember, God has created a need in the human heart that can only be satisfied by Himself. The Bible clearly states, “HE satisfieth the longing soul” (Psalm 107:9).Nothing else, and nobody else can do that. There are many things that are fun for the time and give momentary gratification; there are those whose company we enjoy for a time and we’re thankful for them. But, apart from God and Christ, there is nothing that gives real deep, lasting joy and satisfaction. Only the one who made us can satisfy us.
King Solomon tried to satisfy his heart with many things. He said, “I withheld not my heart from any joy” (Ecclesiastes 2:10).But in the end, he truthfully declares, “Vanity of vanities … all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 12:8).
This week, enjoy “fellowship … with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). Let them fill your heart, and you will be “satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 33:23).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, October 20, 2019

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Wonderful & True
There were many wonderful and true things said about the Lord Jesus during His trial and crucifixion, even by those who had no love or care for Him.
Pilate said:
 “I find no fault in Him” (John 19:4).
Pilate’s wife called Him:
 “That just man” (Matthew 27:19).
One of the thieves crucified with Him, said:
 “This man hath done nothing amiss” (Luke 23:41).
(He of course turned to the Lord in repentance and faith.)
The centurion affirmed:
“Certainly this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47).
The chief priests and scribes mockingly declared:
 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save”
(Mark 15:31).
Others joined the centurion in saying:
 “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).
This is the one that we remember today, and the one of whom we can say, “He is altogether lovely. This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16).

Saturday, October 19, 2019

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Right with God
In New York, several years ago, a detective went into a drug store, laid his hand on the arm of a man there who was quietly going about his business, and said, “You are wanted.”
“What do you mean?” the young man exclaimed.
“You know what I mean. You escaped from Albany Penitentiary, went west, married, and then came back and settled here. You needn’t deny it.”
“It is true, I can’t deny it, but let me go home and say good-bye to my wife and child.”
They went to his home. He said to his wife, “Haven’t I been a good husband and father and worked hard to make a living?” It was true, and she confirmed it. He was right with his family, his business, his neighbours, but all wrong with the State of New York. He had yet to pay for his crime, and years of blameless living could not make amends for that broken law.
So it is with God’s law! No amount of reformation can put away sin. But what we can never do, Christ has done. Only through His death and blood is the penalty for sin paid, and He can say, “I am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (Isaiah 43:25).

Friday, October 18, 2019

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A Consistent Life
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine,
manner of life … ” (2 Timothy 3:10).
Someone has suggested that this would be a wonderful epitaph on the gravestone of a believer. The sense here is to live a life so others can fully know what I believe — my doctrine, and how I live out what I believe — through my manner of life. The key is to be a positive influence in every place and to everyone. If we’re going to impact people, we need to live a life of consistent integrity. The Apostle Paul could pen these words with confidence at the end of his life and service for Christ, knowing that he had indeed lived what he believed according to the teachings of the Holy Scriptures — some of which he himself had been used of God to write by divine inspiration.
Notice what else he adds to the list of things that Timothy and others had observed in his life: “purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions” (2 Timothy 3:10-11). Will you have this kind of testimony at the end of your life?What could be said about you at your funeral or on your gravestone?

Thursday, October 17, 2019

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Numbers in Scripture: #12
This is God’s number of perfect governmental administration in connection with the earth. Here are some examples of how it is used in the Bible:
• “Twelve tribes of Israel” (Genesis 49:28).
• “Twelve wells of water” (Exodus 15:27).
• “And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve” (Exodus 28:21).
• In Solomon’s Temple, “a molten sea … stood upon twelve oxen” (1 Kings 7:23,25).
• In Ezekiel 48:31-34, there are twelve gates of the city, speaking of the Israel’s administrative authority among the nations.
• At the age of 12 years, the Lord was in the midst of the doctors at Jerusalem (Luke 2:42, 46).
• In Revelation 21 & 22, there are twelve gates, twelve angels, twelve names of the tribes of Israel, twelve foundations, twelve Apostles, twelve thousand furlongs, twelve pearls, twelve manner of fruits. This looks on to the perfect, righteous government, when the Lord reigns in the millennium and, “The bride, the Lamb’s wife,” reigns with Him. (Revelation 21:9).

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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Wrecks on the Road of Life — Part 6
We won’t have a wreck if we are travelling the road of life in complete dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who has promised to bring us safely through to our final destination — the Father’s house. Let’s keep our eye on the goal, and always be on our guard against the dangers and allurements around us. Here is a good verse to remember concerning God’s people, the Israelites, who were travelling through the wilderness to the promised land “We will go by the king’s highway, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left” (Numbers 20:17).
Our Heavenly Guide is able! Trust His guidance, direction, and wisdom, every day of your life! “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
So many in Scripture made a good start but a poor finish. But God doesn’t just want us to make a good start, He wants us to make a good finish as well. It is not only the beginning of the journey that counts, but, just as importantly, the ending. As we said the other day, all we need is provided for the highway of life, by the One who can bring us safely through.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

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Wrecks on the Road of Life — Part 5
Thankfully, for a Christian, we are never beyond repair — no matter how battered and smashed our life may become. A vehicle may be a total write-off, but for the one who knows Christ, there is always restoration. King David sinned, and had made moral wreck in his life. You can read about this failure in 2 Samuel 11, God having recorded it for us by divine inspiration as a warning. But David could later affirm: “He restoreth my soul.” (Psalm 23:3).
However, there may be many dents and scrapes that we will have to carry the rest of our lives. David was happily and fully restored to the Lord in his soul. You can read Psalm 51, which is his prayer of repentance after his sin is brought before him by Nathan the prophet. In the government of God, Scripture states, “The sword shall never depart from thine house” (2 Samuel 12:10). Yes, sin often has consequences that remain with us for the rest of our lives! It is not a question of our eternal salvation, thankfully. That is eternally secure in Christ Jesus. But the Bible plainly and faithfully tells us, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Monday, October 14, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:
Let’s meditate more on, Wrecks on the Road of Life.
Most of us acquired our driver’s licence by taking a written exam as well as a road test, and meeting certain requirements set down by the government of the country in which we live. However, to begin on the Christian path of faith, we must simply receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and be washed in His precious blood. The journey of life, naturally speaking, begins at birth. The journey of life, spiritually speaking, begins when we are saved. When Saul of Tarsus was struck down on the road to Damascus, it was a complete turnaround in his life. He started on a new journey, down a new road—the Christian pathway.
All we need is provided for the highway of life. “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Will we finish our journey battered and scraped, beaten, and dented? Or will we be like the Apostle Paul? His prayer was, “that I might finish my course with joy” (Acts 20:24).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, October 13, 2019

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Love
“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
On December 10 1936, the British monarch, King Edward VIII, gave up the throne of England, to marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson, the woman he loved. To some, this was the love story of the century. To others, it was a scandal that threatened to weaken the monarchy.
In an interview, the director of a documentary film portraying that story said that she had “been loved a lot, but no one has ever given up their kingdom for me.” But that’s exactly what the Lord Jesus did! He left the beauties of heaven and came to this sin-cursed earth, to die a shameful death on the cross — all so that He might win us to Himself.
He left the splendor of heaven knowing His destiny
Was the lonely hill of Golgotha,
There to lay down His life for me.
If that isn’t love the ocean is dry,
There’s no stars in the sky, and the sparrow can’t fly.
If that isn’t love then heaven’s a myth,
There’s no feeling like this if that isn’t love.
–Dottie Rambo

Saturday, October 12, 2019

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Wrecks
Since we have been talking about wrecks the past few days, it might be appropriate to give an appeal to any who are still lost and in their sins. If you are travelling the road of life without the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, not only will you make a wreck of this life, but it will end in eternal tragedy, disaster, and an unsalvageable wreck in hell. God clearly warns, “There is a way which seemeth rightunto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
The great question is, are you on the right road? Sometimes, on a journey, I have thought I was on the right road, but in truth I was far from it — even going in the opposite direction from what I had hoped. God’s way of salvation for the lost, and blessing for the believer, has been made very plain in His Word … the guide book of life, the divine road atlas for man. Seek its wisdom, and then walk in it every day. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Friday, October 11, 2019

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Wrecks on the Road of Life — Part 4
Wrecks on the road can happen because we are travelling with someone who is distracting us, giving us bad advice, or even wrong directions. How true this is in spiritual things as well. Let’s make sure that we are travelling in the company of those who are a help and encouragement to us, and who give us good counsel and advice from the Word of God. “I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts” (Psalm 119:63).
Another cause of accidents is blatantly disobeying or ignoring the road signs. So, in our life for Christ, disobeying or neglecting the instructions and guidelines of the Word of God can be disastrous.
Speeding is not good either. How many wrecks there are because of a person travelling too fast behind the wheel. Sometimes, we get ahead of the Lord, we think our timing is better than His, and we are not willing to wait for and on Him. This is a day of high-speed everything! We are all in a hurry! But it is good to learn to slow down in our life of following Christ. “Wait on the Lord, and keep His way” (Psalm 37:34).
(Continued on Tuesday, October 15)

Thursday, October 10, 2019

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Wrecks on the Road of Life — Part 3
The pathway of faith takes watchfulness and concentration, otherwise we will swerve into sin, and find ourselves spiritual wrecks. Let’s be careful that we do not become spiritually drowsy. A wreck may be caused by not paying attention. Not paying attention to the road signs, weather conditions, the map, or directions.
Not paying attention to those around us can be a hazard as well. We are not always as alert as we should be, and it leads to getting lost, confused, into places we should not be, and perhaps, ultimately, wrecked. It is the same in our lives. We need to be alert at all times. We need to be awake! We are told in Scripture to, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).
Often when driving, we think we know best, and don’t even bother to consult the map or directions — perhaps drawn or written out by someone who travelled the route or knew the way before us. Are we reading God’s directions for our lives, every day? Or are we trying to find our own way and make our own decisions? “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

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Wrecks on the Road of Life — Part 2
Just as there are many vehicle wrecks on the roads we drive every day, so there are many spiritual, moral, and even physical, wrecks on the road of life. A vehicle wreck is often the result of distraction or taking our eyes off the road–even for just a brief moment. The same is true in our spiritual life. As Christians, we become distracted by the things of this world. We focus on them — not on the Lord Jesus who said, “I am the way” (John 14:6).
Sometimes, a vehicle wreck is caused by someone hindering our progress, by pulling out in front of us, or stopping in our path. In the same way, our enemy, Satan, tries to hinder our spiritual progress by roadblocks of one kind or another. It may be any number of things: family, education, money, sports, or even just the daily routine of life.
Often, there are accidents because of sleepiness. This is also true in our spiritual life. We become careless, overwhelmed by the circumstances and trials, or simply indifferent to the ditches, potholes, and pitfalls all around us. The Bible warns, “It is high time to awake out of sleep” (Romans 13:11).

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

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Wrecks on the Road of Life — Part 1
Every day, all around us, there are practical, Biblical lessons to be learned from even the most routine and mundane round of the daily grind of normal life and circumstance.
For instance, most of us, from the time we are mid-teens, have driven a vehicle of one kind or another with very little thought. It is just part of functioning in society and the lifestyle of the twenty-first century. Many of us may have been involved in an accident of one sort or another during our driving career, and from these daily, and all-too-common occurrences, there is perhaps something to be learned and heeded regarding our journey on the highway of life.
It is my sincere prayer, that the simple analogies made in this series, along with the Scriptures quoted, will be a warning, and an encouragement to Christian fellow-travellers, and especially those who term themselves, “young people.” “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made … SHIPWRECK” (1 Timothy 1:19).

Monday, October 7, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:
I’m sure that we all agree that everyone needs and seeks happiness. A bumper sticker on a car I recently saw said, I enjoy a good laugh! I’m sure we all agree with that sentiment.
What people are happy about or find funny is only secondary. What makes one person laugh is not what amuses someone else. We all laugh at different things. If our happiness only consists of a frivolous joke, or some frivolous event, it is going to be fleeting and superficial at best, and it will be gone with the laugh or the act.
However, there is true and lasting happiness. “Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20). Real happiness lies in knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, and owning Him as Lord of our lives. The Lord wants us to have a deep, lasting joy that is not dependant on what we are doing, hearing, or saying. This is confirmed by the words of the Apostle John, when he wrote, “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:4).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, October 6, 2019

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Thy Voice
“Let me hear thy voice” (Song of Solomon 2:14).
Sometimes I look around the room when we are together for collective praise and worship, and wonder why there are so many silent lips when good, Christ-exalting hymns are being sung. Maybe we don’t think it’s cool to sing, or maybe we feel we aren’t good at keeping the tune or singing on key. But one thing is for certain, God the Father and the Lord Jesus want to hear our voice. As we come together with other believers today, let’s be conscious of the listening ear of the Father and the Son. They are listening for our praise, and they value it very much. Here is a good prayer for us this morning: “O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth Thy praise” (Psalm 51:15).
Here are some further verses that would encourage us in this regard.
• “My mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips” (Psalm 63:5).
• “O sing unto the Lord a new song” (Psalm 98:1).
• “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Saturday, October 5, 2019

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Forgiven
“But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10).
“Thy sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48).
What wonderful words! No power failures or spiritual blackouts with Him. He has power to forgive sins, and He doesn’t charge for it. The hymn-writer, Lewis E. Jones penned the following words, long ago and they are as true today as they ever were.
“There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the blood of the Lamb.
What we are powerless to do, the Lord Jesus can do, because of the work of Calvary. Another hymn-writer by the name of William Cowper expressed it this way:
Blest Lamb of God, Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its power,
Till every ransomed saint of God
Be saved to sin no more.
Do you know the power of the Son, and His blood? “In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14).

Friday, October 4, 2019

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Happy Service
“Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2).
The spirit and attitude in which we serve the Lord is very important. The writer of Psalm 100 was a joyful servant. If our service becomes dull and mechanical, we need to examine our hearts, and ask ourselves why?
There may be a number of reasons why our service has become mere drudgery. Perhaps it is because we are not carrying out the rest of the verse, which tells us, “Come before His presence with singing.” We are not rejoicing in the Lord, therefore we are not happy servants. The inspired writer’s singing was the expression of an overflowing heart. The writer of Psalm 2 exhorts us, “Serve the Lord … and rejoice” (verse 11). The Queen of Sheba, when visiting Solomon, noted, “Happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee” (1 Kings 10:8).
Maybe our heart just isn’t in it. Samuel said to the Israelites, “Serve the Lord with all your heart” (1 Samuel 12:20). The Lord wants us to serve Him, but He wants us to do it with gladness and wholeheartedness. Are you a happy servant? If the Lord is the delight of your heart, then you will be a happy servant.

Thursday, October 3, 2019

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Wasting
“Walk in wisdom … redeeming the time”
(Colossians 4:5).
In other words, “not wasting time, but using it wisely.”
In my home town of Smiths Falls, we have yellow plastic recycling bins. On those bins is the slogan, “Too good to waste.” This is to encourage us to recycle our used glass, tin, and plastic containers — rather than throwing them directly in the trash bucket.
Many of us live in a wasteful, throwaway society. We have so much that we think little of tossing food, clothing, and hardly-used items into the garbage, without any thought of preserving, mending, repairing or reusing. What we waste we can never recover — at least not fully.
One thing I tend to waste is time. Wasted time can never be recovered. The clock ticks consistently and relentlessly on — 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week, and so on. Tick, tick, tick.
How are we using our time? Are we using it wisely? God has entrusted us with only so much time in this life, and we will have to give an account of how well we used it when we get to heaven and time for us ceases to be.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

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The Creator
“All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).
“His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds … and upholding all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:2-3).
The Lord Jesus is the Creator as well as the one who sustains this world and the whole universe. And yet, wonder of wonders, He is interested in every detail of your life and mine. He died for us! He lives for us! He is coming for us! He has prepared the Father’s house for us! We will share and have part in His kingdom … Why? Just because He loves us! Is that too much to take in? Yes, if it weren’t for the confirmation of the Word of God, we would never believe it. But it is gloriously true.
What more do we want or need than this? The Creator and Sustainer of the universe is for us and with us. “He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper … . Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:5-6, 8).

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

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An Hour with Him — Part 2
(Continued from last month.)
“I am with you alway” (Matthew 28:20).
Oh sacred hour, when with His Word,
We read and meditate,
And listen to His voice so sweet,
His mind to us relate;
Such moments to our hearts recall,
His love, His grace, His all in all.
Oh blessed hour, when Jesus comes
To give the shout, the call,
That summons to the Father’s house,
His people, one and all!
We’ll rise to meet Him in the air,
That home of bliss forever share.
Oh glorious hour, when He appears,
To touch the world and quell all fears;
To reign in righteousness and peace,
And cause all wars and feuds to cease:
In glory we shall then appear,
And rule with Him, His bride so dear.
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