Young Christians Calendar

December 2019

The End

Well, here we are at the end of another year!

It is not so much that another year has finished that amazes me, but the fact that the Lord has not come to call the believers home to Himself in the Father’s house. How gracious and longsuffering our God is to this world of lost sinners, and how loving is His desire for the blessing and salvation of souls.

However, we have full assurance from the Word of God that, “the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8). I can’t tell you whether it is going to be in 2020 or not, but one thing is for sure, we are closer to the Lord’s coming than we have ever been before, and it must be soon — very soon! His certain promise is, “And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12).

As we set our 2019 calendars aside and begin a new year, let’s remember to be “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

In the meantime, “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee” (Numbers 6:24).

Monday, December 30, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

In the twentieth chapter of the book of the Acts, we find that the Apostle Paul was about to leave Ephesus for the last time. The following words were spoken by Paul, to some of the Ephesian Christians on the beach just before he got into a ship. “I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). Although there were many tears as they realized that they would not see each other on earth again, yet with confidence he committed them to God and His Word.

I have never met most of my readers, although I have talked to you many times from these pages. Like Paul, I too commend you to God and His Word. He alone is able to keep you in the path of faith and to give you the strength to live for Him no matter what the future holds. The writer, Jude, put it this way: “Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, December 29, 2019

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Praise Him

“A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:1-5).

Worship, praise, and thanksgiving all go together. We worship the Lord for who He is. We praise Him for what He has done. We thank Him for what He has given to us. So today as we meet around the Lord Jesus to remember Him in His death, let’s remember to worship Him, praise Him, and thank Him.

We can praise Him at any time, of course. But it is a special privilege to praise Him collectively as we meet in His presence. He has done so much for us, and given us so many blessings. How can we not open our mouths in worship, praise, and thanksgiving?

Saturday, December 28, 2019

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Your Ultimate Aim

Consider this question: Are prosperity and the enjoyment of material things your ultimate aim in life?

Now consider what the Bible says on the subject:

“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 6:10).

No, fulfilment in life requires more than material things. It requires a goal and a person that satisfies the soul, and the spiritual appetite.

In Luke 12:16-21, the Lord related a parable of a man who had accumulated a great deal of wealth, but left God out of his life. He seemed satisfied for a time, “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (verse 20-21).

Only the One who made us can satisfy us, both in this life and for eternity. “For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9). Is He your Savior? Is your heart satisfied with Him?

Friday, December 27, 2019

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Monthly Question Page

Q. “Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation” (Mark 3:28-29).

Who does this apply to, especially when it says, “hath never forgiveness”?

• We will quote from the Concise Bible Dictionary:

This term is commonly applied to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, in attributing the miracles wrought by Christ to the power of Satan. There may be many sins against the Holy Spirit, but it was this special one of blasphemy of which the Lord said it should not be forgiven, neither in this age nor in the age to come. “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come” (Matt. 12:31-32).

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, December 26, 2019

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Timing

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).

There is an old saying, “Timing is everything.” According to the words of Solomon, recorded by divine inspiration in the above verse, this applies to our words and speech too.Another translation says, “As apples of gold in pictures of silver, is a word spoken in season.” A right word, at the right moment, is relevant and helpful for the situation or circumstance at hand.

Solomon also reminds us that there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7).It’s often hard to know what to say and when to say it. The Lord can help us to be discerning in this matter. If we depend on Him, He can help us to say the right words at the right time, and in the right manner with the proper attitude. When words are spoken in this way it is always for the good and blessing of others. Of the Lord, the perfect example, we read, “And all bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22).

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Luke 2

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

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.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

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Reaching the Heart

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel”
(Proverbs 27:9).

There may be some young men reading this calendar who are exercised and interested in preaching the gospel. Here are a couple of good mottos to keep in mind when presenting the Word of God, whether in a public setting or to individuals:

• What comes from the heart, goes to the heart!

• Speak from the heart, and you will speak to the heart!

We always want to aim at the conscience when trying to reach souls, yet, when the heart is affected, there is the desired result and souls are draw to the Savior.

This is also true when encouraging our fellow Christians. “Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), should always be our motto. If your heart is drawn to the person of Christ and His Word, you will be like the bride in the Old Testament, who said to the bridegroom, “Draw me” —that’s individual. The result was, “we will run after Thee” (Song of Solomon 1:4) — that’s collective.

Monday, December 23, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

“Turn not aside from following the Lord”
(1 Samuel 12:20).

Many of my readers are no doubt on a school break right now. You have some free time to relax and think, and do some sports or something recreational that you really enjoy and have been looking forward to. But don’t ever take a break from following the Lord. No matter what we are doing, whether school, work, or relaxation, we should always seek the Lord’s mind and seek to stay close to Him in our thoughts, hearts, and deeds. If we get lax in our Christian life, even for a day, our enemy Satan is going to be right there to tempt us and lead us into something wrong or somewhere we shouldn’t be.

If you are going on vacation, don’t forget to take your Bible with you, and don’t forget to read and pray every day. It takes time and discipline, especially if you have a busy schedule with family and friends, but it will be worthwhile, and you will have a truly happy holiday.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, December 22, 2019

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Unspeakable Gift

Around this time of year, many people are occupied with gift-giving. But how wonderful it is to stop and consider the greatest gift ever given, by the greatest gift-giver ever known, to the least deserving people ever born.

That gift, of course, is God’s gift of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul when writing by divine inspiration burst out and says, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). That should be the genuine response of our hearts as well, not just today, as we pause and consider the work of Calvary and remember the Lord as He has asked us to do, but every day of our lives. Every other gift that God has given us is based on that unspeakable gift. Here are the words of an old hymn I have often sung that sums it up so very well:

O gift of love unspeakable!

O gift of mercy all divine!

We once were slaves of death and hell,

But in Christ’s image we shall shine:

For every gift a song we raise,

But this demands eternal praise.

Hymn #336 LFHB

Saturday, December 21, 2019

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A Child of God

“They shall be called the children of God”
(Matthew 5:9).

I read recently of a young girl by the name of Mary Ann Bird. She was born with a cleft palate and hare lip and received much abuse from her classmates at school. As the story goes, her teacher, Mrs. Leonard was in the habit of giving her class a yearly hearing test. The pupils would stand at a distance and the teacher would whisper sentences like, “The sky is blue. Do you have new shoes? What is your street address?” When Mary Ann took the test, her teacher, knowing the abuse she endured, very kindly whispered, “I wish you were my little girl.”

All of us were born with sinful hearts, but there is One who whispers in our ear, “I want you as my child. I love you and want to save you. I want you to spend eternity in the Father’s house.”

I trust all my readers are saved. You can become a child of God through simple faith in Christ based on the work of Calvary. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26).

Friday, December 20, 2019

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The Bible

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Even the casual reader of the Bible will realize that it is a history book like none other. It begins with the book of Genesis, starting with the creation of the universe and the preparation of planet Earth for man. It goes on to tell of Adam’s sin and the fall of man. From there, we have the history of mankind and the biographies of individuals, for the next four thousand years. We have the origin and history of Israel. There are heroes of the faith, and men and women and young people of renown.

In the New Testament, we have the coming of Christ as foretold by God’s prophets for generations. We have His life, His death, His resurrection and His ascension. The book of Acts gives us the formation and early history of the church of God. The foundational truths are clearly outlined in the epistles. There are warnings and encouragements as well as the future unfolded.

This book we call the Bible is a truly outstanding book. It is true, living, and powerful. It changes lives and has stood the test of time. Read it each day and let it affect your life.

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, December 19, 2019

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Numbers in Scripture: #100

This number always denotes complete salvation. Here are some examples:

• The story of Abraham and Isaac is a beautiful picture of God the Father sending His Son to be the Savior of the world. “And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him” (Genesis 21:5).

• The parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd is not content unless His flock is complete with one hundred sheep. “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it” (Luke 15:4).

• In the parable of the sower, a full head of wheat is an hundred fold. “But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold” (Matthew 13:8).

• “Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three” (John 21:11). This figures complete salvation (100), beginning at Pentecost (50), based on Christ’s death and resurrection (3).

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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Behavior

Good behavior is so important! Here is what the Apostle Paul said, as to his conduct and the conduct of his fellow-believers who visited Thessalonica: “Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves among you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:10). There are few things that will do more to spoil your testimony to those around you than bad behavior. People watch you — your way of life, your speech, your actions and reactions — and they judge your Christianity by what they see and hear. Be careful to maintain good behavior.

When Paul wrote to the young man Timothy, he reminded him of this very thing when he said, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). This is not just conduct on special occasions, but wherever we are. Let’s seek to be like David in his youth, of whom it says, “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14).

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

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World Peace

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

Decades ago, in 1963, a Washington attorney by the name of Charles S. Rhyne launched an organization called World Peace Through Law.Initially, its membership included highly regarded lawyers and judges from over 100 nations. Its purpose was for the pooling of ideas on how to bring all peoples of the world under the umbrella of one law.

Obviously, it hasn’t worked! We can’t expect unity, righteousness, equality, and justice in a world that cast out the “Prince of Peace.”

No, not until He returns to take His rightful place and reign as “King of kings” will there be universal peace and unity. “Behold, a King shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a Man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (Isaiah 32:1-2).

What a day that will be when the proclamation of the angels at the birth of Christ will finally have its fulfilment!

Monday, December 16, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

Here is a quote I saw the other day and thought it was worth passing on:

“Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God” (Psalm 143:10).

• The willing heart will seek God’s way.

• The obedient heart will find God’s way.

• Every other heart will find an excuse.

“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath” (2 Corinthians 8:12).

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19).

We should all ask ourselves which of the above three statements describes us best. Are we truly willing to seek the will of God by reading His Word? And are we ready to obey the will of God after He has made it clear to us? Let’s not be like those who “all with one consent began to make excuse” (Luke 14:18).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, December 15, 2019

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His Presence

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1).

This statement is collective. Notice the word “us.” To meet with the Lord Jesus, and other believers on the first day of the week, for remembrance, worship, and praise, should be something we really anticipate and look forward to. I know in my own experience I have sometimes done it out of mere routine or some sense of duty. But it should be the joy and delight of our hearts to hear His invitation each week to meet around Himself on this special day that the Bible calls “the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10). He has promised, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

For many of us, we live in lands where there is still the opportunity to use the Lord’s day for meetings, gospel outreach, and fellowship with other believers. If you live in such an area of the world, be thankful and use it for the spiritual advantage of and for the blessing of others.

Lord Jesus Christ, it is our joy, around Thyself to meet;

We value such a privilege, and gladly take our seat.

Saturday, December 14, 2019

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Prepared

“Prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12).

Yesterday, with my wife and some other Christian friends, we wandered through a World War I graveyard in the city of Ypres Belgium in Flanders near the border of France. On many of the headstones, there were verses of Scripture and Christian sayings. What struck me the most was the age range of most of the soldiers buried there. The majority were either late teens or early twenties. They were young men in their prime, who had given their lives for the freedom of others. There were a few stones with no name, and the simple inscription, “Known Unto God.”

We never know when life will end. Some live only a few days, others a few weeks, some a few years, and some for many years. Some are taken by sickness and natural causes, others by war and violence, and others through accidents and a natural phenomenon, such as extreme weather, lightning, etc. But one thing is certain, we must all leave this world and we must all meet God. Solomon declared, “Even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other” (Ecclesiastes 3:19). How important it is to be saved and ready, as we do not know when life on earth will end. Once that happens, it is too late to prepare for the next life.

Friday, December 13, 2019

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Numbers in Scripture: #13

There is a great deal of superstition concerning Friday the 13th. The fear of the number 13 has been given a scientific name: “triskaidekaphobia,” and the fear of Friday the 13th is called “paraskevidekatriaphobia,” from the Greek words “parashevi” meaning Friday, and “dekatreis” meaning 13th. However, the Bible, on several occasions, uses the number 13 in a positive way. Here are just a couple of examples:

Regarding the sacrifices:

“And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord; thirteen young bullocks” (Numbers 29:13).

The inheritance of the Children of Israel:

“All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs.” (Joshua 21:19).

The connection with the future temple in Jerusalem:

“And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits” (Ezekiel 40:11).

God has a purpose in everything, even in the number 13, and we don’t have to fear Friday the 13th. It can be a real blessing and opportunity to live for, and serve, the Lord.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

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Pleasing the Lord

“Walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing”
(Colossians 1:10).

Do you really seek to please the Lord in your daily life? Is this your first concern in matters of decision both large and small?

When writing to Timothy, Paul uses the analogy of a believer being like a soldier enlisted in the army. He says, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:3-4). How much is this true of you? The world teaches us to look out for number one, to please ourselves, and, whatever we want to do, just do it. But this is not the way we are to live as a believer. There is only one way of happiness and fruitfulness, and that is the way that is pleasing to the Lord. Notice the rest of Colossians 1:10, as well as the following verse to see the results of pleasing the Lord: “Being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

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His Presence

Centuries ago, David penned the following words: “In Thy presence is fulness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).

Now, in the year 2019, these words are still relevant and as true as when they were written by divine inspiration. No matter what the circumstances of life may be today, you can always find joy in the presence of the Lord.

Some days, it seems that joy is strewn all along our pathway with sunshine and happiness at every turn. On days like that, it is easy to be content and rest in the Lord’s love and goodness.

However, there are other days when it seems that all is doom and gloom, and that the path of life is strewn with one struggle and problem after another. Those are the days that seem to never end, and if we are not careful we can lose sight of the Lord and the hand of love behind it all. Those are the days when we need to focus on HIM, to look through the fog of circumstances with the eye of faith and feel His hand in ours, and His presence walking with us every step of the way. Then, and only then, will we have that deep, real, lasting happiness He wants us to experience, “that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:4).

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

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Abide in Christ

“Abide in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4).
“And now, little children, abide in Him” (1 John 2:28).

While reading a book recently — written by a commentator by the name of Hamilton Smith — on the first epistle of John, I was struck by the following definition:

“To abide in Christ is…

1. To see Him by faith.

2. To know Him by experience.

3. To walk under His influence.”

The results of the reality of this in our life are at least threefold:

“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).

“If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7).

“Herein is My Father glorified” (John 15:8).

Let’s ask ourselves today, How much is this really and practically true of us?

Monday, December 9, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

I was recently thinking about the desire of the bride in the first chapter of the Song of Solomon. She said to her bridegroom, “Draw me, we will run after thee” (Song of Solomon 1:4). Notice, she begins with herself (me), and then includes others (we). It shows that we have a great influence on others, and only as we follow Christ, our bridegroom, can we lead them in the right direction. The Apostle Paul, by divine inspiration, wrote, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

What will your influence be on other believers this week? Remember, we influence and affect one another more than we think. “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself” (Romans 14:7). When John the Baptist saw the Lord and declared Him to be the Lamb of God, the result was, “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37) Let’s be careful to live in a way that brings glory and honor to the Lord Jesus, and causes others to want to follow Him as well.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, December 8, 2019

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Finished

“It is finished” (John 19:30).

These glorious words, uttered by the Lord Jesus on the cross, at the end of the three hours of darkness, were not words of defeat but of victory. The work of atonement was complete, and the Lord Jesus was about to lay down His life in obedience to God His Father. Earlier, He had said with absolute certainty, “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:4).

Today, we look back to Calvary and recall to our minds and hearts a completed work. A work that cost God the giving of His Son; a work that involved the Lord Jesus bearing our sins in those hours of darkness; a work that cost Him His life and the shedding of His blood.

Now, He is risen from the dead, ascended to heaven, and living at the right hand of God. Soon, He will come to call us home to be with Himself in the Father’s House. In the meantime, we worship and praise Him for that finished work that glorified God and secured our eternal blessing. We echo the words “Thou art worthy … for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood” (Revelation 5:9).

Saturday, December 7, 2019

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No Speculation

Recently, my missionary friend and I were visiting in the village of Greiggs, on the island of Saint Vincent. We were handing out gospel tracts and Scripture calendars for the new year, and speaking to folks about the Lord and the way of salvation. While passing down the street, my friend met a young man, and, when he offered him some literature and spoke to him about eternal matters, his reply was, “Anything concerning life after death is only speculation.”

My friend quickly assured him, by quoting several verses from the Bible, that there was no speculation as to what happens when we leave this life. The Word of God is very specific, and we need to take heed and be ready to meet God. One of the verses quoted was, “And … it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). There is no speculation in that verse!

The young man was not convinced, nor willing to hear what the Bible has to say on the matter. How sad! I trust there are none reading this calendar page who feel this way. Read the story in Luke 16:19-31. There we are left in no doubt as to the next life. This is not speculation, this is reality and certainty. “Be ye also ready” (Matthew 24:44).

Friday, December 6, 2019

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Motivation — Part 2

“O love the Lord, all ye His saints” (Psalm 31:23).

As we are obedient to His Word, we will be led by the Spirit, who produces the “fruit of the Spirit,” in our lives, and the first thing on the list is “love” (Galatians 5:22).

This love is a love that is first of all for God, and then for His people, for the lost, and even for our enemies. The Lord Jesus says, “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). We further read, “If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us” (1 John 4:12).

The Apostle John also asks, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:17). He then goes on to challenge us, by saying, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him” (1 John 3:18-19).

May the love of Christ motivate us in such a way that He is honored and glorified through us today. “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Thursday, December 5, 2019

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Motivation — Part 1

“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him … For the love of Christ constraineth us” (1 Corinthians 5:9, 14).

What motivates you? What drives you from one day to the next? There are many things that motivate people to be the way they are. The motivation for a Christian should be different than for the rest of the world — not because we are better, but because we are different. Because we are the Lord’s, we have a new motive! The love that caused a holy God to give His only Son as the sacrifice for our sins is what should motivate every believer. It was this love that motivated the Son to give His life for our sins.

The Lord told His disciples, “If a man love me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him” (John 14:23). We cannot manufacture this love for God or for others. It has been poured out in the heart of every true Christian by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5). His love has been placed in us and that is what should motivate us.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

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Devotedness

“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5).

Devotedness is a much deeper and, at the same time, a much simpler thing than many suppose. Most think that if they are earnestly engaged in the Lord’s work, and looking for His guidance and blessing that they are being devoted.

However, devotedness is much more than this. It is having Christ Himself as the delight and resource of my heart, with my mind set towards Him. The highest service we can render the Lord is to delight His heart and to be a comfort and a joy to Him. The truth is, this is a service to which few devote themselves. Occupation with Christ, with a view to becoming more intimately acquainted with His character; studying Him, that we may learn what pleases Him, is very rare indeed. Many can be found who are occupied for Christ, like Martha; few who are occupied with Him, like her sister Mary, to learn what is in His heart.

Is your first thought in every circumstance that comes up, Lord, I would like to be a joy to Thee in this very circumstance Thou hast allowed? If it is, this is true devotedness!

(Adapted from Things New And Old.)

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

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Come and Go

“Come, follow Me” (Luke 18:22).

Come, trust in Jesus, trust His Word,

That Word can never fail;

He is the Faithful and the True,

In Him you will prevail.

Come, sing His praise, sing with your heart,

Sing of His glorious name,

(He loves to hear your happy songs),

And all His worth proclaim.

Come, serve the Lord with joyful heart,

Come, follow Him today;

He has a work for you to do,

And He will lead the way.

Go forth for Him, answer His call,

The mission fields are ripe;

It may be in your neighborhood,

Or some far distant site.

Monday, December 2, 2019

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Dear Young Christian:

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4).

This desire of David sums up what should be the desire of every true believer in Christ. David wanted to go through life with the conscious sense of the Lord’s presence with him every day of his life. He knew that he would “dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” (Psalm 23:6), but he didn’t want to wait until that time to enjoy the Lord’s company. No, he wanted it all during his life time. This was paramount with David — it seems to me that it was the “one thing” that he desired and sought above all else.

As you start out on another busy week, be exercised to go forth with the realization that there is One who is with you and has promised, “I will never leave thee” (Hebrews 13:5). Be aware of His presence, talk to Him as you would a friend, and listen as He speaks to you through His Word, the Bible, and the circumstances He brings your way.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, December 1, 2019

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A New Song

“O sing unto the Lord a new song” (Psalm 96:1).
“Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints” (Psalm 149:1).
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy” (Revelation 5:9).

The more you enjoy the Lord, keep company with Him from day to day, and read your Bible on a regular basis, the better equipped you will be to worship Him today and to sing that “new song” that He so delights to hear from our lips. Yes, the Lord Jesus is indeed worthy of our praise and worship. And our hearts can bow in adoration before Him today as we take time to remember Him in His death at Calvary.

Heaven will be filled with the singing of that “new song,” but we can start heaven’s song now and join together in the worship of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who gave His life on the cross. “And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God” (Psalm 40:3). He is worthy, a thousand times worthy, don’t fail to give Him His due!