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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

February 2020

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Saturday, February 29, 2020

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Leap Year
2020 is what we call a Leap Year, and we might ask, “Why add a Leap Day?”Leap days are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth’s revolutions around the Sun. It takes the Earth approximately 365.242189 days — or 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds — to circle once around the Sun. This is called a tropical year. Without an extra day on February 29 nearly every four years, we would lose almost six hours every year. After only 100 years, a calendar without leap years would be off by approximately 24 days in relation to fixed seasonal days such as the spring equinox or winter solace.
With all this in mind, one thing is certain: We have another day of God’s grace and the invitation for sinners to come in faith and repentance and receive His wonderful gift of salvation. God is giving you an extra day to consider this matter and be saved. Four times in the Bible we read: “To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart” (Psalm 95:7-8; Hebrews 3:7-8; Hebrews 3:15; Hebrews 4:7).
If God repeats something four times it must be pretty important. In fact, the number 4 is His universal number. He is making both a universal and personal appeal to you today. Are you listening and responding?

Friday, February 28, 2020

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Monthly Question Page — Part 2
Q. Could you explain the meaning of Mark 9:38-40?
A. “And John answered Him, saying, 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 were ready to rebuke another who was acting in the name of the Lord because he was not part of their group. But the Lord told them that even though he did not follow with them, yet he was acting in the name of the Lord and that was what was of importance. His acting in the name of the Lord proved that there was reality, as is pointed out in verse 39.
The Lord didn’t tell the disciples to follow or associate with the man. They were responsible to follow Him. But they were to be thankful for any work that was being done in His name no matter who the instrument was. So, we should have the attitude that the Apostle Paul had when he said, “Every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice” (Philippians 1:18).
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, February 27, 2020

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Reading & Doing
“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25).
We make a great mistake when we fail to obey what the Word of God tells us to do. Don’t get the idea that hearing is the same as doing. It certainly is not. We need to not only read it, but do it! It is vital that we examine our own hearts and lives in the light of God’s Word. This requires time, attention, and sincere devotion. We can’t do it with just a quick scan of a verse or two now and then. Five minutes with God each day will never accomplish a proper spiritual scrutiny. I am thankful for doctors who have cared for me through the years, and I owe a great deal to some of them, especially the ones that have spent time with me and have not been in a hurry. I have also valued the ones that have always told the truth. The Lord uses His Word to search our heart and conscience. Give Him that opportunity and it will be for your spiritual growth. Then, just as we take the advice of the doctor, so we need to “take heed … unto the doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Zechariah 1
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
The Lord hath been sore displeased with your fathers.
Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of Hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of Hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts.
Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the Lord of Hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord.
Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?
But My words and My statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the Lord of Hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath He dealt with us.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

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Practical Holiness
“Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19).
Scripture is very clear. There is a call to the individual believer to depart from iniquity … sin … unholiness … wickedness — whether religious, doctrinal, or moral. Christ cannot link His name with evil. The Bible, from the beginning to the end, teaches us that sin is a thing that is not fit for His presence or the presence of His people. Here are three exhortation to practical holiness in our everyday life:
• “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and BE YE HOLY: for I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 20:7).
• “But as He which hath called you is holy, so BE YE HOLY in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15).
• “Because it is written, BE YE HOLY; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
Therefore, if we ever find ourselves identified with that which either supports evil or is evil, we are called to depart from it — and not just in part, but to completely and wholly sever all ties so that we can walk in full fellowship with the Lord. Take that step of faith. Leave what is evil and let the Lord show you what the next step is.

Monday, February 24, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
What a wonderful thing it is to be able to claim the Lord as our own! Here are eight precious statements affirming that we are His and He is ours:
1.“The Lord is my strength and song”(Exodus 15:2).
2.“The Lord is my Rock, and my Fortress” (2 Samuel 22:2).
3.“The Lord is my Shepherd”(Psalm 23:1).
4.“The Lord is my light and my salvation”(Psalm 27:1).
5.“The Lord is my strength and my shield” (Psalm 28:7).
6.“The Lord is my defence” (Psalm 94:22).
7.“The Lord is my portion” (Lamentations 3:24).
8.“The Lord is my helper” (Hebrews 13:6).
What a marvelous resource we have in the Lord. Whatever you face this week, don’t forget that you can always say, “The Lord is mine. I can trust Him and rely on Him fully.
Your Christian Friend:
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, February 23, 2020

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Beauty — Part 2
Continued from last week.
“So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty: for He is thy Lord; and worship thou Him” (Psalm 45:11).
 “My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away” (Song of Solomon 2:10).
Last week, we noted some Scriptures regarding the beauties of Christ, and the need to focus on those heart-captivating attributes and glories. But the verses quoted today give us a different perspective. They indicate the beauty and joy the Lord finds in us. It is really overwhelming to think that the Lord looks down from heaven, and finds His delight in those whom He calls “My fair one.” Can it be? Yes indeed! Further in Psalm 45:13, we read, “The King’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.”
The day is coming when “He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing. He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied” (Zephaniah 3:17; Isaiah 53:11). As we think of His beauties and the beauty He sees in us, what a response of worship and praise it will produce our heart!

Saturday, February 22, 2020

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Life-Changing
“I will consider Thy testimonies … Thy commandment is exceeding broad. O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:95-97).
Wherever the Bible is read, in whatever country and in whatever language, it is life-changing. Here are some of the very real effects of earnest, prayerful reading of Scripture:
1. Seeking souls find Christ.
2. Sinners are saved.
3. Saved souls are edified.
4. Those in darkness find light.
5. Sorrowers are comforted.
6. The discouraged are encouraged.
7. The downhearted are uplifted.
Yes, many a life has been completely turned around for good and for the glory of God as a result of reading the only book on earth that is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Do you know its Author? Are you familiar with its live changing message?

Friday, February 21, 2020

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The Eagle Soars
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name … Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1, 5).
The eagle knows when the storm is approaching before it breaks. It will fly to some high spot and wait for the wind to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and carry it above the storm. While the storm rages below, it is soaring in perfect peace above it. The eagle does not escape the storm, it simply uses the storm to lift it higher, and, with a heavenly perspective, it rides on the winds that bring the storm.
The Lord can help us to do that as well. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles” (Isaiah 40:31). We can either be overcome by the storms of life, or we can, in the power of the Lord, rise above them and learn to trust Him through it all — seeing His ways and purposes from His perspective, learning what is for our good and blessing, and even seeing what is necessary for our correction and chastening. In this way, our soul will be satisfied and our strength renewed day by day.

Thursday, February 20, 2020

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Psalm 23 — Part 2
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want”(Psalm 23:1).
As we noted last month, this psalm is intensely personal. Count, and you will find the personal pronouns, “my,” “me,” “mine,” and “I,” seventeen times. By the time he wrote this psalm, David had developed a deep, intimate relationship with the Lord as his Shepherd. The opening statement is not some vague or wishful sentiment, but a solid confirmation of a loving, caring Shepherd, known and appreciated through real-life experiences and trust.
I have enjoyed the way another has put it, in reciting this second statement of verse 1: “What more could I want!” Yes, when we are under the watchful care of the Shepherd, and in tune with His heart and ways, there is certainly nothing lacking as far as that which satisfies the heart. We may not have a lot of material possessions, or a large bank account; we may feel physical want and even hunger; but we will find the Good and Great Shepherd is all that we need for the soul. We are indeed His sheep, He loves us; He carries us on His shoulders according to Luke 15:5; we are His joy; and He will never let us go or stop caring for us until He has us safe home in the Father’s house.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

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Weary
“I am weary of My crying” (Psalm 69:3).
“Jesus therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat thus on the well” (John 4:6).
Do you ever feel weary? And not just physically weary but weary with life in general? One of Satan’s great tactics is to weary the believers and wear them down, so they just give up following the Lord. It may not be with anything wrong or sinful, but just the daily grind and pace of life.
The above verses (one prophetically and the other in actuality), show that the Lord Jesus as a man was often weary when here in this world. On another occasion, we read, “And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow” (Mark 4:38). If you are weary today, take heart, the Lord understands.
But there is something we should never be weary of. “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). The Lord, though often weary, was always ready to do good and dispense blessing. There will be many opportunities for “well doing” today. “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Proverbs 3:27).

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

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Questions & Doubts
The work of Satan has always been to raise questions and doubts, especially in connection with the Word of God.
The first recorded words of Satan in the Old Testament are, “Hath God said” (Genesis 3:1)? Here is one of Satan’s oldest tricks, immediately trying to raise a doubt in the mind of Eve as to whether God had really spoken and whether what He said was true. The first recorded words of Satan in the New Testament are, “If Thou be the Son of God” (Matthew 4:3). When the Living Word came, Satan immediately tried to raise a doubt as to whether the Lord Jesus was really who He said He was.
Satan is still raising those same doubts and questions today. Has God really spoken through the written Word, the Bible? Is the Lord really the eternal Word as presented to us in the Gospel of John, where we read, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14)?
Don’t let questions like this trouble you, as they come straight from Satan himself. The Bible states, “Thy Word is truth” (John 17:17).

Monday, February 17, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
“Be not, as the hypocrites”(Matthew 6:16)
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary give the following definition of the word“hypocrisy:”
“A feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not: behavior that contradicts what one claims to believe or feel: the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion.”
What God wants in our lives is reality! King David’s prayer was, “Lead me into the land of uprightness” (Psalm 143:10). In other words, “Don’t let me pretend to be something I’m not.” Even as believers we can often put on an outward show of godliness, perhaps to hide some sin or practice we don’t want others to see. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).
Remember, you may fool many people, but not God. He knows us through and through.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, February 16, 2020

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Beauty — Part 1
There is an old saying,“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.” While this is true of many things, such as nature, art, architecture, etc., yet it is never so true as it is in connection with the person of Christ. Listen to what some of the inspired writers have to say on the subject.
David:
 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after … to behold the beauty of the Lord” (Psalm 27:4).
Isaiah:
“Thine eyes shall see the king in His beauty” (Isaiah 33:17).
Luke: (Recording the experience and words of Stephen at this martyrdom).
“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55).
The writer of Hebrews:
“We see Jesus … crowned with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9).
What fresh vision of the beauties of Christ will you have today as you remember Him in His death?
Continued next Lord’s Day.

Saturday, February 15, 2020

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How Do I Get Saved?
While we do not want to reduce the way of salvation to a man-made formula, yet here are some verses from the Bible that teach us the simplicity of God’s way of blessing. Here are just a few examples:
• “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
• “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 3:15).
• “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
• “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
• “Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Ephesians 1:12-13).
Getting saved is not complicated. It is realizing that I am a sinner and accepting Christ as Savior on the basis of the work of Calvary. Are you saved? If not, He is imploring you,“Look unto Me, and be ye saved” (Isaiah 45:22).

Friday, February 14, 2020

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Love
“God is love” (1 John 4:16).
In many countries, February 14 is hailed as Valentine’s Day. Love notes and cards are often sent to sweethearts and loved ones, and often gifts of chocolate and jewelry are exchanged by those who can afford them.
God has shown His love to us as well, a far greater love than any earthly love. It is a love that gave His Son to die for us, and as a result has given us many wonderful and eternal gifts. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9). As a result, we can now call God our Father, and rejoice in the words of the Lord Jesus to His disciples, when He said, “For the Father Himself loveth you” (John 16:27).
As you enjoy the love of family and friends today, don’t forget the greatest love of all. “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21). And as you read the notes and cards you receive from earthly friends and loved ones, don’t forget to read a portion of the greatest love letter of all time — the Bible — God’s message of love to you!

Thursday, February 13, 2020

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A Faithful Man
“He was a faithful man, and feared God above many” (Nehemiah 7:2).
Shortly before he passed away, the writer, William Kelly, said to one who visited by his bedside:“There are three things that are real — the Cross, the enmity of the world, and the love of God.”
An aged believer, who had long resorted to Mr. Kelly for spiritual counsel, on hearing of his decease, wrote: “He was pre-eminently a faithful man, and feared God above many.”
I wonder what could be said if we heard today of your death? Would we be able to quote something edifying that you had spoken for our blessing and encouragement? And could it be said that you were a faithful follower of Christ who had lived in the fear of God?
If you read Nehemiah chapter seven, you will see that Nehemiah gave Hananiah charge over the city of Jerusalem because of these two characteristics: he was faithful and feared God. That is what God is really looking for today. Faithful, obedient young men and women are those that He blesses and uses in His service, often in very remarkable and unusual ways.

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

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The Frost-Bound Lamps
An evangelist, years ago, related the following account of his own experience:
“Returning home one Sunday evening, after preaching the gospel, my way led me along a dark road. As I neared the town where I lived, I saw the lamps giving out their gleams of welcome light. Those lights seemed to represent the believers spoken of in Philippians 2:15. “Ye shine as lights in the world.” There they stood in the dark winter’s night shining brightly, showing the traveler his way. But on coming closer I saw that several of the lamps gave no light at all and was told that they were frost-bound. There was the same power to feed one lamp as the other, but one shone and the other gave no light.”
This is a picture of believers, for, while some are shining brightly by the power of the Holy Spirit, too many are frost-bound by reason of worldly influences. Remember, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

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Robbed
When I was a teenager, I had my wallet stolen. Several of us young people went to the ocean to swim one summer afternoon. Never thinking, we left our clothes, with our wallets in the pockets, on the seat of the van we were driving. We later returned to find that someone had thrown a rock through the front passenger window, unlocked the vehicle, and made off with our valuables.
A few days later, I received the following card in the mail from one of my cousins:
If I have been robbed, let me be thankful —
• 1st, because I was never robbed before.
• 2nd, because although they took my wallet, they did not take my life.
• 3rd, because although they took my all, it was not much.
• 4th, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.
At the bottom of the card was the following verse from the Bible: “Giving thanks always for all things” (Ephesians 5:20).

Monday, February 10, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
Here is a little meditation someone shared with me recently:
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me” (Genesis 17:1).
Abram had answered God’s call, and by faith had left everything to follow His leading. We read, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8). Now he is encouraged to walk before the Lord. In simple language, to walk before the Lord is to live in the conscious sense of His presence every day of your life.
Years later, Abraham could affirm to his servant Eliezer, “The Lord, before whom I walk” (Genesis 24:40). What a consistent testimony this man of faith had. Will you be able to say that at the end of your life? Will you be able to look back with confidence and say, “I’ve walked before the Lord?”
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, February 9, 2020

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Himself
“Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave HIMSELF for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Galatians 1:3-4).
“The Son of God, who loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me” (Galatians 2:20).
“Christ also loved the church, and gave HIMSELF for it”(Ephesians 5:25).
“The man Christ Jesus; Who gave HIMSELF a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
“Our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave HIMSELF for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:13-14)
HIMSELF He could not save,
He on the cross must die,
Or mercy could not come
To ruined sinners nigh;
Yes, Christ, the Son of God, must bleed
That sinners might from sin be freed.
–Albert Midlane (1825-1909)

Saturday, February 8, 2020

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Condemned
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man” (Genesis 9:6).
I have, on more than one occasion, visited inmates on Death Row. It is very solemn to talk with those who are condemned to die for their crime against society, usually those who have committed murder or murders. These prisoners are staring eternity in the face. However, the wonderful truth is that, while God requires “life for life” (Exodus 21:23), yet there is full pardon and forgiveness from that same God, through the death of Christ on the cross of Calvary and the blood He shed, of which blood we read, “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). And also, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14).
Perhaps you have never killed anyone or even committed a serious crime. But you still stand guilty before God, condemned and on your way to hell. But the good news for you is the same: “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Friday, February 7, 2020

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A Lesson from Nature
“Doth not even nature itself teach you?” (1 Corinthians 11:14).
I read recently of a collector of rare moths who obtained a living chrysalis, which he kept in his conservatory through the winter. In the spring, observing the struggle of the moth to escape its prison, he decided to help it by making a slight incision in the enclosure. Soon emerged a beautiful Great Emperor moth. The collector then placed it on a shelf that it might gain strength for flight. But the moth never flew. Being denied the struggles of getting out of its cocoon, the muscles of its wings had not developed. The collector’s intended kindness had robbed it of its flying power.
There is a lesson to be learned from this illustration of nature. The Lord allows trials and difficulties in our lives to strengthen us. “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience” (Romans 5:3). It is in those difficult times when we really learn the truth of the Lord’s words to the Apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Thursday, February 6, 2020

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Not Ashamed — Part 2
“I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).
Yesterday’s verse teaches us that the Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the message of the gospel. He had proved its living power in his own life, and he had certainly seen its reality in the lives of many others.
In the above verse, it is not a question of what he believed, but whom he believed. Christianity is not so much a religion or set of creeds and doctrines, but a relationship with a divine person, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Are you ashamed to let your light shine, to let others know that you belong to the Lord Jesus, the One who was “despised and rejected of men” (Isaiah 53:3)? Peter exhorts us, “If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16). Let’s be bold for Christ! And remember, “For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11).

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

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Not Ashamed — Part 1
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16).
It seems we live in a world of deception, whether it’s buying a car, purchasing real estate, or just buying some household product online. More and more we need to observe the warning, “Buyer beware!” We sometimes wonder how the company can get away with their exaggerated advertising gimmicks, or how the salesperson can look us in the eye and string us along, or even how they can go to sleep at night with a good conscience.
However, when we turn to the Bible, we need not hesitate or be ashamed of the good news of the gospel. It is no exaggeration! The God who cannot lie has promised the sinner the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and the hope and joy of heaven. We can never overestimate the wonder of the message and its powerful results. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

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Thy Love
“Thy love to me was wonderful” (2 Samuel 1:26).
Jesus, Thy love has touched deep roots,
Within my heart and soul;
Has given purpose to my life,
And set Thee as my goal.
I now with confidence and joy,
Can run the Christian race,
And know that in the end I’ll see
Thee, Jesus face to face.
Until that glad, momentous day,
Preserve me by Thy grace;
And let me here with patience wait,
Each day Thy love retrace.
More of that love to daily know,
Lord, let it warm me still,
In this cold world, ’tis only this,
My heart and soul can fill.

Monday, February 3, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
It is a cold winter day where I live, here in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada. Having just returned from the Bahamas yesterday afternoon, I am really feeling it, and I have an extra heater on in the office where I am writing this morning.
All this reminds me of an incident in the life of the Apostle Paul, when he was shipwrecked on the island of Melita. “And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold . … when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire” (Acts 28:2-3). What I have enjoyed about this is that Paul, in the gathering of sticks, was willing to help in the warming of those with him, and as a result was no doubt warmed himself. We can do this in a spiritual sense as well. Let the grace of God and the love of the Lord Jesus warm your heart by reading your Bible and spending time in communion, so that you can then warm others by what you yourself have gathered.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, February 2, 2020

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The Sufferings of Christ
“Christ also suffered for us”(1 Peter 2:21).
“Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead” (Acts 17:3).
“Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory” (Luke 24:26)?
What a profound meditation it is to consider the sufferings of Christ! And not just the sufferings of Christ at the hand of wicked, sinful human beings, but those atoning sufferings when He, “bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). I don’t believe we will ever fully understand what those sufferings must have meant to the Holy One, nor will we ever fathom the depth and intensity of those sufferings. “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Oh that we never might forget
What Christ has suffered for our sake
To save our souls and make us meet
Of all His glory to partake;
But keeping this in mind, press on.
To glory and the victor’s crown!
–R. Viney

Saturday, February 1, 2020

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Neglect
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3).
On December 28, 2014, Indonesia Air Asia Flight 8501, on route to Singapore, crashed into the Java Sea, killing everyone on board. Although there were weather issues at the time, the real cause of the crash was found to be both a mechanical issue and how the pilots dealt with the problem. Four times, the warning system had notified the pilots of a failure. Rather than dealing with the malfunction though, the pilots attempted to fix the warning system.
Perhaps someone has been lovingly warning you of impending danger and judgment that is ahead for this world and for those who are lost in their sins. The solution is not to ignore the warnings! Your responsibility is to respond, while there is still time. John the Baptist said to those He was preaching to in His day, “Who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Luke 3:7).
Neglect of warnings has been the downfall and destruction of many an empire, nation, and army, as well as the lives of individuals, and the cause of the eternal loss of many a soul in hell. Don’t neglect God’s warnings! Respond immediately!
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