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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

January 2020

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Friday, January 31, 2020

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Monthly Question Page — Part 1
Q. Could you please explain the meaning of Mark 9:38-40?
A. “Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me. For he that is not against us is on our part.”
The disciples thought they were righteous in forbidding the man casting out devils. But they forgot that earlier they had just failed to do that very thing. “And when he was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, Why could not we cast him out?” (v. 28). They had been given authority, but they lacked power. “And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils” (Mark 3:14-15). The power they lacked is indicated in the Lord’s answer to their question, “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). Dependence and self-denial were needed. (Continued next month.)
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, January 30, 2020

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Wherever I Am
In a desk drawer we were cleaning out recently, my wife and I found a bookmark with the following saying:
“Wherever I am is a good place to start”
Of course this has to do with opening the book you are currently reading and starting where you left off the last time you closed it.
However, there is perhaps a spiritual lesson to be learned as well. Maybe there is one of our readers who is a true child of God but has not been following the Lord of late. Maybe you haven’t been praying or reading your Bible. Remember, there is always a restart button. You can confess it and start again from right where you are. David said of the Lord, “He restoreth my soul.” But he didn’t stop there. He goes on to say, “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). In other words, He puts us back on the right way, so we can continue on in the path of faith.
If you have made a wrong stop in your Christian life, don’t be discouraged. Wherever you are, start again, and the Lord will take care of you. He loves you, and wants you to follow close to Him. He says, “Follow Me” (John 21:19).

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

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Criticism
Recently, I found great comfort in a quote from an old book titled, “Food for the Desert”:
“If God sets a person in a certain position, and gives them a work to do, and their fellow Christians think proper to quarrel with them simply on the score of their doing their work, and filling that position, then their quarrel really is with God, who knows how to settle it, and will do it in His own way. The assurance of this gives holy calmness and moral elevation to those who work for the Lord, in a moment when envious and turbulent individuals rise up against them.”
Very simply, what this article is saying is that, if God has given us a service to do, we should do it in spite of whatever criticism we may experience. We don’t have to try and justify ourselves if we have the assurance in our heart that we are doing His will. That is not to say that others may not have good advice and helpful suggestions, but, in the end, we want the Lord’s approval. The Apostle Paul was questioned and criticized by the believers at Corinth, but he responded by saying, “Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9).

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

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Throw-Away
We live in a throw-away society. It seems like everything is disposable, or at best not made to last very long. Our trash bins are overflowing with garbage, and we are always running out to the store to replace something.
But there is one thing we should never throw away or give up. That one thing is our faith in the Lord. The Bibles exhorts us, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35). No matter what the circumstance, or how hopeless and bleak things may seem outwardly, we need to hold onto that inward trust at all times.In the Old Testament, we read of a man by the name of Job, who was going through some very severe trials in his life. He lost his possessions, his family, and his health. His friends then came and spoke unkindly to him. It seemed almost more than he could bear, and yet, through it all, he said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15).
So much does the Lord value our trust that He has promised to reward us for it. Let’s not throw away our confidence in Him. If you can’t do anything else in the trial, just trust Him!

Monday, January 27, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
Yesterday’s meditation brings to mind the following encouragement from a verse in the Old Testament:
“Them that honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30).
There are so many ways that we can honor the Lord:
• A godly life lived in obedience to the Word of God is honoring to Him.
• Every time we give testimony, either by what we say or what we do, it gives honor to Him.
• As we mentioned yesterday, our worship, praise, and thanksgiving brings honor to Him.
• How we use our money and other temporal goods can bring honor to Him.
• How we use our time and energy should bring Him honor.
How will you honor Him this week? In whatever measure you honor the Lord, He values it so much that He will reward you in one way or another.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, January 26, 2020

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Honor
• “Jesus answered … I honor My Father” (John 8:49).
The Lord Jesus honored His Father here in this world, and never more than in the work of redemption.
• “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9).
As a result of the Lord Jesus honoring the Father here in the world, His Father has given Him the highest place of honor in heaven.
• “Honor the Son” (John 5:23).
It is our privilege today to honor God’s beloved Son, who accomplished the work of Calvary to His glory. When we do this, in worship, praise, and thanksgiving, it brings delight to the Father’s heart.
“And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Revelation 5:13).
Soon He will have universal honor and praise, and, in the meantime, we can give Him that honor He is so worthy of.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

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The Gospel
“As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” (Proverbs 25:25).
The gospel is not just “good news” it is the “best news” ever published in this world. We all like to receive good news, but what about the good news, “that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15)?
It always amazes me that people are so eager to read the newspaper and listen to or watch the hourly reports with all the bad news that is going on every day in this world so characterized by violence, corruption, rebellion, and immorality. Yet when the good news of the gospel is presented, they don’t have time or simply don’t want to hear it. Those who bring this good news are often despised and reproached; and, in some countries, even suffer out-and-out persecution. However, the Lord values these bearers of good news, and says, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” (Romans 10:15)!
Have you received this good news, and, more importantly, have you received the Lord as your Savior? If not, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).

Friday, January 24, 2020

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Stops & Steps
“At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents” (Numbers 9:18).
Recently, going through a difficult time in our lives, my wife and I were reminded of what an older sister in the Lord once said.“God guides by stops as well as steps.”My wife had jotted this down long ago in the flyleaf of an old Bible of hers, along with the above verse.
It was a timely reminder for us to realize that there are times when we follow the Lord and times when we stop and rest with Him. How good if we can listen and obey. Otherwise, we lag too far behind or we run too far ahead. Some of us are doers … multitaskers … activists … and we like to keep going. But, sometimes the word is “stop!” For me personally, this is perhaps the hardest thing of all. It reminds me of the word to Ruth from her mother-in-law, at a crossroads in their life. “Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day” (Ruth 3:18). Don’t forget the stops as well as the steps.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

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While We Are Young
On his 85 birthday (June 17, 1788), the evangelist, John Wesley, wrote the following in his diary:
“I find some decay in my memory with regard to names and things lately past, but not at all with what I had read 20, 40, or 60 years ago.” (Paraphrase)
It certainly shows the importance of storing up our minds with that which is good, profitable, and spiritually edifying, during the years of our youth. Personally, I am finding out that what I read and study as I get older, I enjoy, but don’t retain as easily.
With this in mind, I want to encourage you to read and study the Word of God; memorize Scripture, read good Christ-exalting ministry, and learn good Biblically based hymns and spiritual songs. A little time and effort now in your youth will be a great blessing to you in the future. The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy, “Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Genesis 1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

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Paradise
I am in Nassau, Bahamas today. The weather is great, not too hot, a nice ocean breeze, and sun shining down on what the advertisements call “a tropical paradise.” However, the truth of the matter is, while it may be tropical, it is far from paradise. Gang violence has increased, drugs and murders are rampant, and my room at night has burglar-bars on the window. There is no paradise this side of heaven! The word paradise appears three times in our English Bible.
First, in connection with the repentant thief on the cross. “Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Second, with regard to the Apostle’s Paul’s experience: “He was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Corinthians 12:4).
Third, concerning the overcomer during the millennium: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).
The enjoyment of paradise is yet future, not here in this world so marred by sin and sorrow.

Monday, January 20, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
Did you attend some Bible meetings this past weekend? If so, remember, it is not enough to hear the Word of God ministered and explained, but we must take what we have heard and put it into practice. Otherwise, we are like the person described in the book of James: “For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was” (James 1:23-24).
Someone has well said, “Too many Christians mark their Bibles, but their Bibles never mark them!” The mark of a spiritual person is that they not only hear the Word of God, but they do it. They are marked by obedience, and their life is governed by the precepts and principles of Scripture.
As we start out this week, let’s remember what we have heard this past weekend, and let’s pray the prayer of David, “Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God” (Psalm 143:10).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, January 19, 2020

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Three Facts
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Three glorious facts concerning the work of Christ:
1. He died:
“And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).
2. He was buried:
“He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth” (Isaiah 53:9).
3. He rose again:
“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:25).
Trace through the Scriptures and you will see these three precious truths confirmed over and over again. The death, the burial, and the resurrection of Christ has been established beyond a shadow of a doubt. Worship and praise Him today for that wonderful work!

Saturday, January 18, 2020

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reparation
On the January page of a calendar hanging in our kitchen, there is a quote by American author, H. Jackson Brown Jr. This is what it says:
“The best preparation for tomorrow
is doing your best today.”
While this may be true in certain aspects of practical life, such as school, work, etc., yet, when it comes to eternity and where you will be in the next life, nothing could be farther from the truth. We are certainly told to make preparation for the future, and the Bible plainly states, “Prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12). We do well to raise the question, “How then do we prepare?”
Here are some verses that answer that question:
“Look unto Me, and be ye saved” (Isaiah 45:22).
“Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Have you made preparation for tomorrow? Are you ready if called today to leave this world for the next?

Friday, January 17, 2020

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The Right Way
“The Lord God … led me in the right way”(Genesis 24:48).
“He led them forth by the right way” (Psalm 107:7).
“I have led thee in right paths” (Proverbs 4:11).
When we allow the Lord to lead, and follow that leading, then we can rest assured it is indeed “the right way.” It may not be the easiest way, and it may seem strange or even unjust, but it will be “the right way.” We may not understand why He has brought us this way and that, and why we have to stop here and there, and come to this place and that place, but it will be “the right way.”
Someday, when we are with the Lord in heaven, we will look back in retrospect and realize that it was “the right way.” We will also realize that when we chose our own way it was not for our good, and only caused us needless frustration and sorrow.
Let’s not be like those of whom it says, “Which have forsaken the right way” (2 Peter 2:15).
Let’s be like David, who prayed, “Lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:24).

Thursday, January 16, 2020

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Psalm 23 — Part 1
“A Psalm of David” (Title).
When reading the Psalms, it is important to realize that the titles of these Psalms were not added by the translators, but are part of the original manuscripts. Therefore, we conclude that they are part of the inspired word of God and worthy of consideration. The titles, which many of the psalms bear, often give us the author’s name and introduce the subject of the inspired writer. As we consider this Psalm, it is instructive to notice the author. David was one who in his younger days was a shepherd boy, and of whom his father, Jesse, could say, “Behold, he keepeth the sheep” (1 Samuel 16:11). What better person to write about the Lord as the Shepherd than one who understood what it was to care for, feed, water, lead, and protect a flock of sheep for his father.
This Psalm opens up to us abundant and endless thoughts and comforts of the Lord Jesus, who said,“I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep … . I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine” (John 10:11, 14). It is a psalm that is intensely personal, as is the care of the shepherd for each of his sheep individually.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

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A Small Miracle
The following is a note from one of our readers:
We recently experienced a small miracle at our house. Here is what happened:
We went to a Bible conference for the weekend, and, on our return, we were expecting company for lunch on Monday noon. Monday came, but with a slight disaster — the refrigerator quit. Mom called our good neighbor Jennifer, to see if we could borrow her large chest-cooler. Hearing about the fridge problem, Jennifer said, “Listen! My sister Gretchen just got a new fridge and stove set. The old one still works, and in fact we’re going over there tonight to get it. My husband said not to throw it out in case we, or you, need it. So, we’ll go and get it whenever you want!”
Jennifer and her husband went to Gretchen’s and brought over the fridge. We used it and entertained our guest successfully. It is still working, and we’ve used it ever since. It made me think of the verse: “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).
Yes, the Lord is always doing small miracles in our lives!

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

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Planning
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
This is a good verse to keep in mind when you are planning your schooling, your career, your marriage, where you live, and every other aspect of your Christian life. The Lord expects you to use the brain He has given you. He expects you to use common sense and to plan ahead a certain amount.
However, you must let the Lord guide you through the doors that He opens up. Don’t leave Him out of your plans. Here is how James puts it: “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:13-15).
Make your plans according to the Lord’s direction through the reading of His Word, the Bible, and prayer. And make sure you always say, “If the Lord will.”

Monday, January 13, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
As another week of operation in this world starts, let’s consider the following verse:“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work” (Titus 3:1).
Subjection to authority is one of God’s principles and the mark of a Christian. God has placed in positions of power those that He wants there — whether we like them or not. Therefore, we need to obey them, provided that what they require doesn’t go against the Word of God.
Many of my readers live in a democratic society where demonstrations and protest marches are commonplace. Let’s be careful that we maintain a spirit of subjection to our leaders. Don’t be caught up with the spirit of the age, which is unequivocally rebellion against every level of authority. “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil” (Romans 13:3). You will never “be ready to every good work” if you are not subject to the authority God has instituted for the blessing, order, and safety of society.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, January 12, 2020

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Our Look of Faith
Today our look of faith should be directed in four different directions.
First:
We look back to the cross to remember that mighty work that the Lord Jesus did for the glory of God and our eternal blessing. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).
Second:
We look up into heaven to see Him where He is now. “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9).
Third:
We see Him in the midst of those gathered to His name. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).
Fourth:
We look ahead to His soon return. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Saturday, January 11, 2020

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Eternity
Here is a very solemn quote I saw on a wall plaque the other day:
“The one who lives for this life only
will have eternity to regret it!
* * * * *
Eternity, eternity,
To some a blessed thought,
To others, separation from
The One they had not sought.”
“The rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence” (Luke 16:22-26).

Friday, January 10, 2020

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The Burning of Ziklag — Part 3
“For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike. And it was so from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day” (1 Samuel 30:24-25).
As soon as there is a victory for the Lord in our life, Satan is right there to spoil it in some way. He wants to drag us down to defeat. He wants us to give up! But remember, David had been in the presence of the Lord, and inquired of Him what he should do and how he should act. This is the great lesson for us. When we are truly dependent and obedient to the Lord, then He will give clear and specific direction and cause us to have a proper spirit and attitude.
David then gives direction that the spoil is to be divided between all who went to the battle and all who had stayed behind — as well as gifts for the elders of Judah, his friends, and many others in various places. (Read verses 26-31).
Let’s pray that we have the same alertness to the mind of the Lord and the same attitude of grace that David displayed. He certainly was a great man of faith.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

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The Burning of Ziklag — Part 2
“And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them. Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart” (1 Samuel 30:21-22).
After the victory, David realized that there were wicked men even in his own army. David must have been very surprised to learn that the enemy was not only working from without (the Amalekites), but from within as well. This is a lesson we must all learn. It is the great work of our enemy, Satan, to try to discourage us in one way or another. Don’t forget, he never gives up! Now we see in David a wonderful example and attitude: “Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the Lord hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand” (verse 23).

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

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The Burning of Ziklag — Part 1
“And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep” (1 Samuel 30:1-4). Read the rest of the chapter to get the whole account.
It was a dark, difficult day in the life of David, yet God gave him a great victory over the enemy that had robbed him and the men who were with him of everything — including their families. The key was that “David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (verse 6).
At a word from the Lord, he pursued the enemy, and, even though he had to leave two hundred men behind who were too faint to go to the battle, the Lord gave him a great victory. So it is in our lives. We can only find strength and encouragement to meet the enemy in the Lord.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

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Sad & Lonely
“Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them … And He said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad” (Luke 24:15, 17)?
I felt so sad and lonely,
So empty and bereft,
I thought that no one loved me,
That not a friend was left;
The evening gloom was deepening,
And all seemed dark and lost,
Upon life’s sea of misery,
I felt I had been tossed.
And then with teardrops falling,
My thoughts to HIM were turned —
My ever-loving Savior —
And then with shame I burned
When I recalled His promise,
To never leave alone,
To not forsake His treasure,
Myself, His very own.

Monday, January 6, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
What are your hopes and dreams for this year?
Whatever they may be, and whatever you may seek to accomplish, make sure they include the Lord first and foremost. Don’t make plans and set goals and then ask the Lord to bless them. That’s living the Christian life backwards. No, we need to seek the Lord’s will and then, with a willing heart, seek to carry out what He wants us to do. Here is a good prayer for each of us, whether young or old: “Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness” (Psalm 143:10). This prayer, prayed by David centuries ago, indicates that he not only wanted to be taught the will of God, but he also wanted to be taught to “do” it. Is that really your desire? It is not always the easiest way, but it is always the happiest and most fruitful. The New Testament reminds us, “Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, January 5, 2020

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Rich & Poor
“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
This verse is one of the many that confirm the eternality of the person of Christ. We might well ask ourselves, “When was He rich?” It certainly was not in this world. When He was here on earth, He had to say, “Shew Me a penny” (Luke 20:24). So, we must conclude that He was rich in a past eternity when dwelling with God His Father. Here is how it is summed up: “Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8). What precious truth these verses contain! The eternal Son leaving the glory to come to earth as our Savior. He who was indeed rich not only became materially poor but went to the cross and gave up His life so that we could have, “the riches of His glory” and “the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 3:16; 2:7).

Saturday, January 4, 2020

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Flooding
I am on the island of Saint Vincent today. There has been severe flooding in the last few days, and it has caused a great deal of damage to property, homes, and, sad to say, farmers crops. However, there was no loss of life, at least not on this island — although we heard some reports of fatalities on some surrounding islands.
As I consider this, my mind goes back to the first flood that this earth ever experienced. Of that flood, it says, “the flood came, and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:27). Not one survived, except the eight people who entered the ark of safety, which had been built by Noah under the direction of God. How sad, when we think that everyone had opportunity, and that “Noah … a preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5), gave a warning for some one hundred and twenty years.
We shake our heads at the foolishness of the earth’s inhabitants at that time, but what about you? Have you found refuge from the coming judgment in the Lord Jesus, the true Ark? This is our only hope of escape, and, for those of us who know Christ, “We … have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:18).

Friday, January 3, 2020

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The Lord
Living in complete dependence on the Lord is the way to enjoy a full and abundant Christian life. We can learn to appreciate tough and difficult times because it amplifies our awareness of His presence and power. Tasks that we once dreaded can become the very opportunities to learn His ways and experience His strength and the closeness of His power.
When you feel tired and discouraged, you can experience His hand in yours; you can, like the Apostle John, lean your weary head on Jesus’ bosom close to His heart (John 13:23). Like Mary of Bethany, you can sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His words of grace and truth (Luke 10:39). Like her sister Martha, you can turn to Him in your sorrow (John 11:20).
Let’s be more like the inspired writer, Asaph, who said, “Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand … Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee” (Psalm 73:23, 25). Read the Psalm carefully and you will find that Asaph had all kinds of difficulties, and even discouragements. But in the end he realized that he had One whose presence and power were invaluable.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

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Hand-Copied Bible
“And the word of the Lord was precious in those days” (1 Samuel 3:1).
How many Bibles are in your home right now? How many of them are read on a daily or even a periodic basis?
I read some time ago of a Russian man by the name of Yuri, who for several months came home from work every night to the tedious but important task of hand-copying a friend’s Bible—carefully, letter by letter, verse by verse, hour after hour. The work was slow, but Yuri, who had been recently saved, knew it would probably be the only Bible he would ever own.
There are millions of people in North Korea and other countries around the world that would like to have their own Bible. Many Bibles are smuggled into these countries by missionaries and other Christians. However, as one person involved in such operations said, “Over the past years thousand of Bibles have been smuggled … but it is like a crumb for a thousand mouths.”
Most of my readers have the Bible at their fingertips. How thankful we should be! — read it — value it — love it!

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

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First
“Make me thereof a little cake first” (1 Kings 17:13).
These words were spoken by the prophet Elijah to a widow lady in the city of Zarephath. There was a severe famine in the land of Israel, and she was gathering a few sticks to make a fire to bake one last cake for herself and her son with the handful of flour and the last bit of oil she had left. When she obeyed God’s servant, we read, “The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which He spake by Elijah” (verse 16).
However, there is a moral lesson to be learned from this portion of Scripture. If we put the Lord first in our life, we can count on Him to take care of every other detail. In the Old Testament the Israelite was told, “The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God” (Exodus 23:19). The Lord said in the New Testament, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
This is the first day of a new year, let’s start by putting Christ first in our lives today and each day that follows.
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