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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

March 2020

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Tuesday, March 31, 2020

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Troubled
“Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1, 27).
These words were spoken twice by the Lord Jesus just before He left the disciples to go to the cross and then return to heaven. He was going to leave them in a troubled world, but He assures them that they need not be troubled in their hearts, as He would continue to be their resource, strength, and peace, and that they could still trust Him for every circumstance, no matter how bad things got. He exhorts them, “Ye believe in God, believe also in Me … Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:1, 27).
It is easy to be like Martha, of whom the Lord said, “Thou art careful and troubled about many things” (Luke 10:41). We become troubled with the current events of a world full of war, terrorism, and turmoil. We become troubled with school, work, and life in general. We become troubled about the future, family, friends … and on and on it goes. The Apostle Paul said, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed” (2 Corinthians 4:8). That’s because His joy and confidence was in the Lord.

Monday, March 30, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
“Ye have need of patience” (Hebrews 10:36).
I never seem to have much of that precious commodity. Part of the problem is, there is only one way to learn it. “Tribulation worketh patience” (Romans 5:3). That’s why you should never pray for patience. Grace, yes, but not patience. If you pray for patience you can expect tribulation.
As I sit here and impatiently wait for my delayed flight from Chicago to Ottawa, I wrote a little rhyme to help pass the time: I’ll share it with you.
Patience is a virtue, a trait I don’t possess,
I always want it right away, I openly confess.
But graciously, my Father, is teaching me what’s best. . .
To learn to wait upon Him, and in His wisdom rest.
Patience has a value, and we must pay the price,
Much tribulation is the cost, which does not sound so nice.
But gently, softly, kindly, my Father, works it out,
And so I wait, and pray, and trust, His love I cannot doubt.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, March 29, 2020

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Offering & Sacrifice
“Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor” (Ephesians 5:2).
We might well ask, what is the difference between an offering and a sacrifice? The answer is really very simple: the offering is what is given — the contribution, and the sacrifice is the cost.
• The Lord Jesus offered Himself:
“Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God” (Hebrews 9:14).
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).
• The cost was His life and the shedding of His blood:
“He laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16).
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Saturday, March 28, 2020

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Three Categories
A friend of mine recently made this observation in connection with salvation:
“There are three categories of people:
1. Those who are saved.
These are those who have come in faith and repentance and receive Christ as their Savior. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).
2. Those who pretend to be saved.
These are those like Judas Iscariot, who was outwardly a disciple of Jesus, and fooled everyone but the Lord Himself, who said, “Ye are clean, but not all … And none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled” (John 13:10; 17:12).
3. Those who think they are saved.
These are those who think that their good life or charitable works will gain them favor before God. However, the Bible is clear, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5).
Which category are you?

Friday, March 27, 2020

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Monthly Question Page
Q. Could you give some insight on the Lord’s statements in Luke 12:8-9?
A. “Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth Me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.”
The great question is, are we willing to confess Christ before men? It is one thing to own Christ in our hearts, but what about publicly? The disciples would face opposition after the Lord returned to heaven and they went forth with the gospel. So He gives special encouragement, telling them that there is a blessing in openly confessing His name. Knowing that there was a commendation in heaven would spur them on in spite of persecution and reproach on earth, which the Lord knew they would suffer for their testimony.
So today, if we are willing to confess Christ openly in this wicked world, there is a special commendation in heaven, and the same power that was available to the early Christians in the book of the Acts is available to us today. Let’s not be like Joseph of Arimathea, of whom is says, “a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38).
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, March 26, 2020

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The Most Important Thing
Wedged on the crowded boat from Parika toSupenaam, Guyana today, I noticed some words painted on a beam just above my head. Here is what it said:
Prayer is the most important thing—DO IT!
Several of us were crossing the Essequibo River (the third largest river in South America), in a wooden speedboat called a water-taxi. We were going to deliver some Bibles and Christian literature to some believers on the other side. The words on the beam made me smile, as we cut through the rough waves and swift current of that mighty river, for some forty-five minutes. The size of the boat, the number of people on board, and the conditions of the river seemed to punctuate and give credence to what I thought was certainly a timely reminder.
But no matter where we are or what the circumstances, prayer is an important and essential part of our daily Christian life. We are reminded: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18).“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). DO IT!

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Acts 28
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called 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.
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

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Living
On the way to visit some believers in Queenstown, Guyana, we passed through the community of Schoonoord. On the side of a supermarket this slogan was painted in large blue letters:
THIS IS LIVING!
It immediately brought to mind the verse that says, “Lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:19), or, as another translation says, “Lay hold of what is really life.”
In its context, this verse is telling us that the person who only lives for this life, and builds for things down here, is going to find that it is all, as Solomon said, “Vanity and pursuit of the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14, JND). A life of pleasure and self-indulgence is not what life really is. Whatever earthly riches we may accumulate are not going to satisfy.
However, the person who lays up for the time to come will lay hold of that which is real and lasting. That is why the Lord said, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20).
Are you living for this life only, or are you living in view of heaven and eternity? Live for Christ. . . it is well worth it! THIS IS LIVING!

Monday, March 23, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
“O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved” (Song of Solomon 5:1).
We were driving through the city of Georgetown, Guyana earlier today. As we passed a large water bottling plant I noticed their slogan in large letters painted on the side of the building. It said:
HYDRATE YOUR LIFE.
This was a reminder that we need to drink plenty of good clean water to survive. I tend not to drink enough when I am in the tropics, so it was a good reminder. Everybody seems to be carrying a bottle of water with them these days, and we are careful to keep the natural body well-hydrated. But what about our spiritual life? Are we as careful to keep hydrated with the “water of life” (Revelation 21:6)? The Lord said to the woman at Sychar’s well, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, March 22, 2020

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The Name of Jesus
How real and precious the name of Jesus is to every true believer who loves the Lord.
We have found that name sufficient for salvation: “For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
We can echo the words of the bride, who said, “Because of the savor of Thy good ointments Thy name is as ointment poured forth” (Song of Solomon 1:3).
We have the privilege of meeting in that name: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).
Frederick Whitfield (1829-1904), summed it up so well when he penned the following words, still sung by many today:
There is a name we love to hear,
We love to sing its worth;
It sounds like music in our ear,
The sweetest name on earth.
Jesus! the name we love so well,
The name we love to hear!
No saint on earth its worth can tell,
No heart conceive how dear.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

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Where on Earth?
Where on earth are people going?
I asked myself this question today, as I sat in a busy airport lounge and watched countless people coming and going. Back and forth, to and fro, it seemed there was no end to it. Destinations from places and countries all over the world were announced over the loud speaker, and people hurried to catch their planes. Names of late-comers were called, and the threat of having their luggage removed from the plane if they did not board immediately. Last calls were made, and the warning that in the next few moments passengers would be denied boarding.
But the most important question is not, where on earth are you going, but where are you going when you leave this earth? The Bible is very plain as to the fact that leaving this world is not the end. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:27-28). We make great preparations for travel on earth, but what about travel to the next life? What preparations have you made?

Friday, March 20, 2020

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Try and Trust
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
I recently read a book on the life of John Williams (1796-1839). As a missionary, he dedicated his life to bring the message of the gospel of Christ to the Polynesians of the South Pacific islands. At 43 years of age, he gave his life for the sake of the gospel. On his one and only furlough home to England after eighteen years in the South Seas, he often addressed groups of young people throughout his native country.The essence of his message was this:
“There are two little words in our English language that I always seek to remember: TRY and TRUST! You do not know what you can do in the strength of the Lord until you try, and if you trust Him through your trials, mountains of imaginary difficulty will vanish as you approach them, and doors will open up that you could never have imagined.”
Maybe the Lord is calling one of my readers to some work for Him. You say, “I can’t.” But if it is the Lord’s will, you can! He provides all that is needed, and all He asks is that we take the step in faith, and with the conscious sense of His presence, power, and provision. Yes, try and trust are what is needed, for effective, fruitful service.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

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Psalm 23 — Part 3
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2).
Pastures and fields in the Bible often speak of personal feeding on Christ and individual enjoyment and communion with Him. “Know ye that the Lord He is God … we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3). “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9). It is those quiet times we spend in His presence, meditating and having our souls fed and satisfied with Himself. Have you ever noticed a herd of cattle lying in a pasture contentedly chewing the cud and enjoying the grass and clover around them? Or a flock of sheep moving slowly across a meadow nibbling at the green carpet beneath them? What an important spiritual lesson we learn from nature. We need quiet times of personal feeding. Life is busy and pressured today, and, if we don’t make time, the Good Shepherd often has to make us lie down, and spend time in contemplation and fellowship with Himself.Let’s be like Isaac, who “went out to meditate in the field at the eventide” (Genesis 24:63). That’s enjoyment of the Shepherd!

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

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Faith
“He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true” (John 3:33).
This is Faith! Faith takes God at His Word without question. Faith believes! In fact, the two words are synonymous, you cannot separate them. Faith trusts when there is nothing left to do but trust.
The believer has an unfailing, divine person to trust in. Unlike those we know here in this world, this person is always worthy of our faith and confidence. He will never let us down … NEVER! This person is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself! We have put our faith in Him for salvation. “For by grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Now can’t we trust Him for every step of our pathway, and for every circumstance of life?
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith counts on God for the next step, acting on the light of Scripture. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). There is always light for the way. Never is faith a leap in the dark, and never does the Bible speak of blind faith. Learn to trust! “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35).

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

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Morning Prayer
The other day, we were visiting a school in the village of Toka, in the interior of southwestern Guyana. As my missionary colleague was addressing the students in a crowded classroom, I noticed the following saying on the wall:
Morning Prayer
I thank you Lord for this new day,
Take me safely on my way!
Be my guide,
Close by my side,
All along,
Safely home.
Amen.
I thought, what a good prayer for all of us at the beginning of each day. We certainly need the Lord’s protection, and the conscious sense of His company with us all through the day and in whatever activities and situations we might be facing. He has promised, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).Don’t forget to pray and ask the Lord for His help and direction today, and every day.

Monday, March 16, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
 “The word of the Lord was precious in those days” (1 Samuel 3:1).
“But what saith it? The Word is nigh thee” (Romans 10:8).
Recently five of us travelled twenty-two hours into the interior of Guyana, South America. As we travelled from town to town and through the jungle villages, we were asked time and again for a Bible or New Testament. We gave out what we had but it was, as we say, Only a drop in the bucket. How many Bibles do you have in your home? Count them sometime, and I think you will be surprised at the number you come up with.
However, the real question is, How much do you value and read the Word of God? There are many believers in the world today who have never been able to own their own Bible, and many souls who have never even heard of the Word of God, or the way of salvation. You could have been one of them, apart from His grace and kindness.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, March 15, 2020

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The Cross
“The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”(Galatians 6:14).
“He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).
“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24).
This hymn, written by Isaac Watts in 1707, really sums up what is on my heart today.
Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Savior die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?
Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity, grace unknown,
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide,
And shut his glories in,
When the Incarnate Maker died
For man His creature’s sin.

Saturday, March 14, 2020

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Faking It
When I was a boy, I used to fake being sick so I wouldn’t have to go to school. In fact, I well remember the day when my mother was away, and my sister and I put hot water bottles on our foreheads and then told my father we thought we had a fever. We ended up fooling him, and, after the school bus had passed by, we suddenly felt so much better. We knew we couldn’t have duped our mother, but, because she was gone for the day, we got away with it that one time.
However, there is no use trying to fake it when it comes to being a true Christian. We might be able to fool our parents and peers, but we will never fool the One who “seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
Judas Iscariot was one who tried to fake it, and he did a very good job for some three years, even fooling the other eleven disciples. But the Lord knew his heart and, in the end, it all came to light.
If you are faking it, stop and consider such folly. Turn from faking it to true “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

Friday, March 13, 2020

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A Brief Outline of
The Four Gospels — Part 4
“Have an outline of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, JND).
Johnpresents Christ as the Son of God and as the Word.“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31).
It was written by the apostle who calls himself “The disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7; 21:20).
There is no mention of the Lord’s birth … He is the ever-existing One … the Eternal Word (John 1:1-2). Therefore, there is no genealogy as God is His Father.
Christ is presented as the “I Am”(The Bread of Life, The Light of the World, The Door, The Good Shepherd, The Resurrection and The Life, The Way, The Truth, The Life, The Vine).
There is no record of His ascension. As the omnipresent One, He was in heaven and on earth at the same time. “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man which is in heaven” (John 3:13).
It is the most doctrinal of the four Gospels.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

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Brief Outline of
the Four Gospels — Part 3
“Have an outline of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, JND).
Lukepresents Christ as the Perfect Man or Son of Man. “The Son of Man is come” (Luke 7:34). “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).It is the Man Christ Jesus in the circumstances of life here in this world.
It was written by a Gentile, referred to as “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14).Who better to write the details of the Lord Jesus as man than one who was a doctor?
Luke introduces His genealogy through Mary to show how, truly, He is Man. Luke traces Him up to Adam and to God, for it is simply His Manhood that is the point, and that was through Mary, for Joseph was only “supposed” to be His father.
The Gospel of Luke presents an order of moral principles rather than the exact order of events. If we don’t see this, we will become very confused as to the order given in the other three Gospels. We must remember that it is the least chronological of the four Gospels.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

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Brief Outline of
the Four Gospels — Part 2
“Have an outline of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, JND).
Markpresents Christ as the Perfect Servant: “He hath done all things well” (Mark 7:37). “For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
It was written by the Lord’s failing servant, John Mark, who was not an apostle or eyewitness of the Lord’s life and ministry. This is a proof of its divine inspiration. Mark was later restored and used of the Lord (2 Timothy 4:11).
There is no genealogy, nothing of His birth or youth. In Bible times, it was not necessary for servants to be able to declare their parentage or ancestry.
It begins with His baptism, temptation, and His public ministry, and then records one busy activity of service to the next. It uses words like anon, forthwith, immediately, straightway, etc. “There were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat” (Mark 6:31).
It is the shortest of the four Gospels, but gives more details as to historical events.
It is also the most chronological of the four Gospels.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

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Brief Outline of
the Four Gospels — Part 1
“Have an outline of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, JND).
Matthew presents Christ as the King of the Jews, Israel’s Messiah: “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:1-2).
It was written by one of the twelve, who companied with the Lord during His public ministry. He is also known as Levi (Luke 5:27), and his is the Gospel most Jewish in its character, with the most Old Testament quotes of any of the four Gospels (about 80 times). The term “kingdom of heaven” appears thirty-two times. It is the only Gospel in which the expression is used.
The genealogy is from Abraham through Joseph, the husband of Mary. This is His official genealogy according to Jewish reckoning. Matthew traces His descent down from Abraham, the depository of promise, and David, the depository of royalty. It is the only Gospel that introduces the subject of the church (Matthew 16:18 and 18:17). It is also the Gospel that is most dispensational in character.

Monday, March 9, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
Today, I am in Guyana, South America. Travelling to different parts of the world, I realize the variety in creation is astounding. No one knows for sure how many species of animals exist on Earth. In fact, some 10,000 species of animals are discovered each year, with over one and a half million species already described. Projections for the total number of just animal species on Earth exceed 2 million. When all species are calculated, the total is almost 9 million.
While these estimates may not be exact, it shows the awesomeness and creativity of our God. Not only is He the creator, but He also maintains and sustains it all by His power. We can’t grasp or understand it all, but we don’t have to. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God” (Hebrews 11:3).
Don’t let anyone tell you that it just happened, and that it is the result of some cosmic accident. Accept the Genesis account of creation by faith, and remember, true science never contradicts the Bible.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, March 8, 2020

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He Went Forth
“And He bearing His cross went forth” (John 19:17).
Why did He go forth?
•He went forth in obedience to His Father:“I lay down My life … This commandment have I received of My Father” (John 10:17-18).
• He went forth in order to glorify God His Father: “I have glorified Thee on the earth” (John 17:4).
• He went forth in order to complete the work of atonement: “I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:4).
• He went forth so we could have full salvation and be brought into relationship and fellowship with the Father and the Son: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).
•Wonder of wonders, He went forth because He loved us:“Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor” (Ephesians 5:2).

Saturday, March 7, 2020

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Good Advice
The gospel is not just good advice, it is good news!
Most of us have received a great deal of advice in our lifetime. Some of it was good and some bad; some we heeded, and some we discarded or ignored. Some of the advice we receive we pay for, such as recommendations and direction from doctors, lawyers, or counsellors of some sort. Other advice is free, and someone has well said, usually that is all it is worth. Some advice we solicit, and there is a large amount we get whether we want it or not.
But the “gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1), is more than good advice. It is the truth of God, His good news to sinners, and it needs to be listened to and heeded. We are urged, “Believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
The advice columns of the newspapers and magazines advocate the opinions and wisdom of this world according to the standards of society at the time. But the Bible presents the timeless, unchanging gospel. Often it does not really matter if we heed the advice of others. But what we do with God’s good news has eternal consequences. The Apostle Peter raises the question: “What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God” (1 Peter 4:17)?

Friday, March 6, 2020

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These Three
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love)” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Hanging on the wall in one of the rooms of the home I am presently staying in is the following saying:
Gather Faith,
Collect Hope,
Scatter Love!
While this is not a direct quote from the Bible, yet there is a good deal of truth to its message, and it made me think of some verses from God’s Word:
Gather Faith: “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge” (2 Peter 1:5).
Collect Hope:“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19).
Scatter Love: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).

Thursday, March 5, 2020

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The Truth
 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Being familiar with the truth of the Bible is the only sure way to be preserved from doctrinal error. Wisdom is not found in reading up on all the false teaching that is afoot in the world, but in being well grounded in the fundamentals of the Word of God. In this way we can then detect when something untrue is presented.
It is like the teller at the bank who, in handling real money from day to day, can detect a counterfeit bill when it is passed. They realize it is fake, not because they are familiar with counterfeit money, but because they are familiar with that which is real.
Learn the truth while you are young! Store up your mind with the Word of God. This will be of great benefit to you throughout your lifetime. The young man Timothy was encouraged by the aged Apostle Paul, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:13-14).

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

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When We Don’t Know
“Neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12)
Like in the case of King Jehoshaphat, there are many times in life when we are uncertain what to do. We just don’t know which way to turn, where to go, or when to act. Perhaps we don’t have straightforward guidance from the Word of God, or from the Spirit of God, and we become frustrated or even distressed. God would have us follow the example of Jehoshaphat who “feared, and set himself to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:3) He admitted publicly that he didn’t know what to do. He did not want to take one step forward without instruction from God. Read the story in 2 Chronicles and you will clearly see that God did not disappoint Jehoshaphat’s simple faith and dependence, and He won’t disappoint you either.
If you don’t know what to do, admit it to the Lord, and wait for His guidance. The promise of Scripture is, “blessed are all they that wait for Him” (Isaiah 30:18). He will guide you in the right way, at the right time, and give you the wisdom to act for His honor and the blessing of others.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

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“It Is I”
“And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled … But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:26-27).
The wind blew strong, the waves beat high,
The disciples thought they’d surely die;
Fear gripped their hearts, they rowed and toiled,
But all their efforts were recoiled.
Then on the water Jesus walked,
To calm their fears, with them He talked:
Said, “It is I; be not afraid.”
Then all their fears to rest were laid.
Then Peter walked on water too,
Although he sunk, he also knew,
Just where to turn, to whom to cry,
And found his Savior, ever nigh.
In every storm, Jesus is there,
To speak with comfort, love, and care;
We need not fear, His peace is ours,
Even in life’s most stormy hours.

Monday, March 2, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
Call waiting, call forwarding, missed calls, dropped calls … on and on it goes.
But none of these terms applies to a direct call to heaven. There is always an open line to the ear of God our Father and to the throne of grace. We are told, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Have you ever called someone in a time of need or distress, only to find that they were not available? I certainly have! But you will never be put on hold or get a busy signal when calling on the Lord. No, He is always available and always ready and willing to help no matter how small or great the difficulty or request.
As your work or school week begins and progresses, make lots of calls to the One who is waiting to hear from you and who says, “Call upon Me, and I will answer” (Psalm 91:15).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, March 1, 2020

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The First Day
Here we are at the first day of another month, and the first day of another week. This day is a very special and significant day to the heart of God and the Lord Jesus, and it should be for us as well.
It was the morning of Jesus’ resurrection: “Jesus was risen early the first day of the week” (Mark 16:9).
It was the evening of His being in the midst of His disciples:“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you” (John 20:19).
It was the day that the early believers met to remember the Lord by breaking bread, and to have the Word of God ministered, and enjoy Christian fellowship. “Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7).
It is the day when we are to set aside some of our money for the help of others and the work of the Lord. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (1 Corinthians 16:2).
What does the “First day of the week” mean to you?
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