Young Christians Calendar

May 2020

For Me

Today, I want to simply share two verses of a hymn that I have sung and heard sung at meetings for as long as I can remember. For those of my readers who are familiar with the Little Flock Hymnbook, you will recognize it as #137.

O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!
Our load was laid on Thee;
Thou stoodest in the sinner’s stead
To bear all ill for me,
A victim led, Thy blood was shed;
Now there’s no load for me.

For me, Lord Jesus, Thou hast died,
And I have died in Thee;
Thou’rt risen: my bands are all untied
And now Thou liv’st in me.
The Father’s face of radiant grace
Shines now in light on me.

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Saturday, May 30, 2020

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While You Are Young

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

As I travel through the Caribbean and parts of South America, we have many opportunities to speak in schools and give the gospel to boys and girls and young people of all ages. However, I find that young children are much more receptive than teenagers and older folks. The problem is that, as we get older, the devil has more and more of sin and the world to offer, and more and more to take our minds and hearts away from considering the Savior and the need for salvation. This is one reason why the Bible tells us to consider these matters in the days of our youth. God is able to save even the most elderly, but He wants us to be saved while we are young. This is so we have our whole life to live for Him. Even more importantly, we do not know how long we have to live or when He is coming back, and then it will be too late. If you’re not saved, don’t put it off! Every day you do, your heart becomes a little more indifferent and a little harder.

Friday, May 29, 2020

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Monthly Question Page

Q. What does the Bible say about tithing? Is it proper for a Christian to tithe, or give 10% to the Lord?

A. Tithing is connected mainly with the Old Testament. For example: “Melchisedec … To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all” (Hebrews 7:1-2). Under the law, “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year” (Deuteronomy 14:22). At the end of the Old Testament, when things were being neglected, they were told, “bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse.” (Malachi 3:10).

In the New Testament, the standard is “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). We are then further told, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

We are to give, not because we have to, but because we want to. We give because we love the Lord and want to help His people who have need, and also further the gospel and the truth of the Bible. In Christianity, it is a question of the heart, not of it being mandatory, or limited to 10%.

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, May 28, 2020

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Well-Informed

Someone made this comment to me the other day:

“If you don’t read or listen to the news you will be uninformed. If you read or listen to the news you will be misinformed.”

There is a lot of truth to a statement like that! But let’s put it another way:

“If you don’t read your Bible you will be uninformed, and if you do read your Bible you will be well-informed.”

Here’s how the writer of Psalm 119 expressed it:“Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts” (verses 98-100).

The Bible informs us as to what is ahead for this world. It fits what is happening at this present time, and is more up-to-date than the daily newspaper or news broadcast. Read it each day, listen to its message, and take heed to what it says. You will be well-informed and never misled or misguided. The writer of the Psalm also said: “Thy word is true from the beginning.” (Verse 160).

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Job 42

And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.

So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

He had also seven sons and three daughters.

And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch.

And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.

After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, even four generations.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

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In the Morning

Last week I was staying in a home, and, when I woke up, the first thing I saw hanging on the wall was a plaque with the following verse of Scripture:

“Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning” (Psalm 143:8)

I thought, what a good reminder and what a good prayer that would be for all of us every morning when we first woke up. It also brought to mind another statement of David’s, when he said, “My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up” (Psalm 5:3).

Yes, each morning we need to take a few moments to listen to the voice of the Lord speaking to us through His Word the Bible, and then to speak to Him in prayer. This is what makes a good start to the day. Then, throughout the day, we need to keep listening and speaking to the One who is there with us every moment, and through every circumstance. David further declared, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:17).

Monday, May 25, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:

“When thou comest, bring with thee … the books, but especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13).

I wish that when I was young I had read, memorized, and studied the Word of God more thoroughly. Now that I am older I enjoy what I read, but I don’t retain it as well as I used to. Another thing I wish I had done was to read good commentaries on Scripture that God has allowed men to write as helps in explaining and understanding the Bible. When the Apostle Paul wrote his last epistle to Timothy, he requested that he come to see him and that, among other things, he would bring certain writings that Paul valued.

Some of my readers have fathers who have many good and helpful writings on their bookshelves, and there are helpful websites that post good Christ-exalting ministry. Avail yourself of it while you are young. You certainly won’t regret it when you are older. The Lord Himself said, “Search the Scriptures … they are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, May 24, 2020

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Why?

“And there were set there six waterpots of stone … containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim” (John 2:6-7).

Why is it that, on the first day of the week, my heart is often cold and indifferent to the person of Christ, and there seems so little praise and worship to offer to Him? I believe it is because I have not been occupied with and enjoying Himself during the week. In other words, I have not filled my water pots with the water of the Word, so that He has something to change to the wine of joy and praise.

At the wedding feast in John chapter two, the Lord changed the water into wine, which is often used in the Bible as a figure of joy and praise. Notice that, when the servants filled the vessels, they filled them to the brim. When we fill something to the brim there is no room for anything else. Just so, when we fill our lives with Christ six days of the week, we will have plenty of enjoyment of Himself in our souls, and much “good wine” (John 2:10)to pour out in worship, praise, and thanksgiving.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

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Obedience

“What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God” (1 Peter 4:17).

The gospel is a message from God which we are to OBEY! It is not just a kindly invitation which we are to accept or to present to others. We are not to think of it merely as an invitation which they may decline, or at least defer indefinitely, without any import. That is to them a fatal mistake. All who hear the gospel are responsible to OBEY it!

The story is told of college president Leonard Woods, who, when in France, was invited to dine with the king. He presented himself at the palace and was met by the king with the accustomed courtesy. “We did not know that we were to have the pleasure of your company today. You did not answer our invitation.” Leonard Woods, replied, “I thought the king’s invitation was to be OBEYED not answered.” When the Spirit of God says “Come,” it is equal to a command, and we had better make that our first priority and come. Don’t fall into the category of those of whom it is said, “They have not all obeyed the gospel” (Romans 10:16).

Friday, May 22, 2020

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Service from the Heart

I found this quote in an old book of ministry entitled, Food for The Desert:

“If I allow my work to get between my heart and the Master, it will be of little worth. We can only effectually serve Christ as we are enjoying Him, nor is there anyone who can minister Christ with unction, freshness, and power to others, if he be not feeding upon Christ in the secret of his own soul.”

This quote brought to mind the verse, “As the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6). If our service for Christ does not spring from a love for Him that results from being in His presence, then that service becomes mere activity. It might be very good activity, but it is simply activity. There may be some blessing, as the promise is, “So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). However, there will not be the joy in your own soul, or the fulness of blessing that God intends, both for you and for others. Make sure your heart is engaged in your service for Christ.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

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Psalm 23 — Part 5

“He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

Often in our Christian lives there is failure, sin, and dullness of soul as the result of contact with things here in this world. Nevertheless, the Shepherd in His love and grace restores us, and leads us back into the right way. When David sinned, he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me … Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation” (Psalm 51:10, 12).

This is developed further in the New Testament by the Apostle John. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). When we sin, we don’t lose our salvation, but we do lose communion, and the joy of our salvation. When we come in true repentance and confess our sin and failure, then that communion is restored. When there is true confession, He not only keeps us from going further in that sin, but He brings us back to lead us in the paths of righteousness once again. Remember, there is always personal restoration no matter what the sin and failure. God is greater than our failure, and His restoring grace is as great as His saving and preserving grace.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

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Prayed or Talked?

I saw the following quotation online recently:

“Have you prayed about it
as much as you have talked about it?”

Here are 7 things we often spend a lot of time talking about:

1. What we should be doing for the Lord.

2. What others should be doing for the Lord.

3. The faults of family, friends, and other believers.

4. The faults of those in government and other places of authority.

5. Problems in our personal life.

6. Problems in our family life.

7. Difficulties among Christians.

Remember, prayer would be a great deal more effective than talk. The next time you go to talk to someone else about such things as we have just listed, why not talk to the Lord about it instead? Remember the Lord’s words, “That men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). Idle talk and chatter tends to discourage and dishearten. Prayer strengthens and encourages. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18).

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

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Well-Fed

Someone sent me this saying in an email the other day. I thought I’d pass it along as it has a very thought-provoking message.

“A well-read Bible is a sign of a well-fed soul.”

The Lord Jesus said, “I am the bread of life … This is the bread that came down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven … He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him” (John 6:48, 50-51, 56).

To read the Word of God is to feed on Christ, and to feed on Christ is to have the hunger of the inner man satisfied.

Here are two examples of well-fed believers in the Old Testament:

Job: “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).

Jeremiah:“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jeremiah 15:16).

Monday, May 18, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:

This morning, I spoke on the phone with an elderly Christian lady who has been a mother figure in my life for many years. She always has some godly counsel, every time I call. Today, it was simply the following verse “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21).She reminded me of the need to walk and live in the sunshine and warmth of that great, unchanging love.

I believe this is good advice for all of us. It is not so much a question of worrying about our love for Him, but realizing and enjoying His love for us. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).In the measure in which we enjoy that “great love wherewith He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4), it will unconsciously form our response of love for Him. Our love may change like the weather, but God’s love never changes. He says, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, May 17, 2020

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The Son

“Unto us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).

“Having yet therefore one Son, His well-beloved, He sent Him” (Mark 12:6).

“God … gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16).

“The Father sent the Son” (1 John 4:14).

From a past eternity, God the Father had one Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. At a certain moment in the history of this world, He sent that Son to die on Calvary’s cross.

We often consider the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus in coming in love and obedience to His Father, but let’s stop a moment today and consider the great sacrifice of the Father in giving and sending His Son. This was a Son who could say in truth, “I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him” (Proverbs 8:30), and of whom the Father could affirm, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5).

As you worship, praise, and thank the Lord Jesus for the mighty work on the cross, don’t forget to worship, praise, and thank God the Father for sending His Son, the One who could say, “I do always those things that please Him” (John 8:29).

Saturday, May 16, 2020

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Jesus Loved Him

“Then Jesus beholding him loved him” (Mark 10:21).

We know from the same account in Matthew’s Gospel that this individual was a “young man” (19:20). When he came to the Lord, he seemed very earnest. He came running, he kneeled down, he addressed the Lord with respect, and asked what seemed like a sincere question. “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? (Mark 10:17)?

But the Lord knew his heart. He really wanted to be able to do something himself to gain the benefits the Lord had for him. He thought that there was something good in man, and that by keeping the law he had done his part. In fact, when the Lord quoted to him the manward part of the Old Testament law he replied, “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” (Matthew 19:20). The Lord’s answer was, “One thing thou lackest” (Mark 10:21). He was a fine young man, but he lacked the very thing that he needed the most … he lacked salvation, and that was something he could not obtain by the law or good works. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). What about you? Are you saved? Jesus loves you!

Friday, May 15, 2020

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Faithful Sayings — Part 4

The Testimony of Good Works

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men” (Titus 3:8).

These are not good works to obtain our salvation, or even good works to retain our salvation. It has already been stated, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). Here, it is good works to maintain our testimony before others. It is doing good because we are saved, and for the blessing and benefit of others. Further in the chapter, we read, “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).

Are you exhibiting to those around you (both the saved and the lost), that you are a Christian? Do your actions confirm your faith in Christ? Your life is a continual testimony, and others are watching you more than you think. The Lord exhorted His followers, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Thursday, May 14, 2020

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Faithful Sayings — Part 3

The Reward for Faithfulness

“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us: If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself:” (2 Timothy 2:11-13).

The Apostle Paul had full assurance that if he had given up anything in this life to follow and serve the Lord, there was a day coming when there would be a reward, and he would reign with Christ in His kingdom. Later on, he encourages Timothy, and us, by stating: “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).

This would encourage us to own Christ as our Lord before the world, to be faithful to Him in spite of the reproach or suffering that might result, and above all to count on His faithfulness. The reward is not here in this world, but, if we work diligently and leave the results with Him, all will be commended and rewarded when we get to heaven.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

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Faithful Sayings — Part 2

The Eternal Benefit of a Godly Life

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation” (1 Timothy 4:8-9).

To emphasize the importance of spiritual exercise as to living a godly life, the Apostle contrasts it with “bodily exercise.” The allusion is probably to the public games that people would have been familiar with at that time. He makes further reference to these events when he says, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).

So here he says that this bodily exercise is only profitable in some small things; but the spiritual exercise of piety is profitable unto all things, being rich with blessing in this life as well as in that which is to come.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

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Faithful Sayings — Part 1

The Savior of Sinners

The Bible is full of faithful sayings from cover to cover, but, there are four very special and important sayings marked in the writings of the Apostle Paul. We will consider these over the next four days.

Here is the first one:

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15).

What a wonderful, faithful confirmation this is. Christ Jesus was here in this world as a man. He came to save! He accomplished a great work on Calvary’s cross, and His work was sufficient to save the Apostle Paul, at that time known as Saul of Tarsus, and referred to in this scripture as the chief of sinners. We learn from this that no sinner is beyond the grace and power of the Savior of sinners, who could deliver one who had so violently persecuted the early Christians, and, in his own words, “was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:13).

Monday, May 11, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:

Here is a verse I have being thinking a lot about lately: “That there be no complaining” (Psalm 144:14).

Wow! I find this verse a hard one. There always seems so much that goes “wrong” … not what I planned … not the way I thought it should be … etc. etc. However, the Lord is not happy with us when we complain. His people in the Old Testament often did that. “And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord” (Numbers 11:1).

When we complain, we are usually blaming someone else for our problem or situation, and ultimately blaming the Lord. Let’s be careful this week to take everything from Him, realizing that there is a purpose of love and blessing behind every circumstance. Instead of complaining, let’s give thanks for the circumstance, and in the circumstance. “Giving thanks always for all things” (Ephesians 5:20), and “In every thing give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

It is easy to develop a critical, grumbling spirit and attitude. Let’s learn to be happy, uncomplaining believers.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, May 10, 2020

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Breaking Bread

This morning nine of us sat down together with a loaf of bread and a glass of wine to remember the Lord in Bergerac, France. I was reminded of those long ago in the city of Troas, in the northwest part of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea coast. The Bible tells us, “And upon the first day of the week … the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7). Centuries have passed since Paul and others were there on that memorable Lord’s Day, but the fact remains that we still have this wonderful privilege, and the truth still stands, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). It is a happy thing to respond to the Lord’s request, “Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). Not only does it bring joy to our hearts, but to His as well.

Will you respond today with those who can say,“The desire of our soul is to Thy name, and to the remembrance of Thee” (Isaiah 26:8)?

Saturday, May 9, 2020

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Torment

I was struck by the definition of the word “torment” given during a gospel meeting recently:

Torment: Emotional terror and physical pain.

In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, told by the Lord Himself, the word is used four times:

Speaking of the rich man it says:“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments” (Luke 16:23).

Speaking to Abraham, the rich man asks: “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” (verse 24).

Abraham’s answer was:“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” (verse 25).

The rich man then requested that a message be sent to his living brothers, “Lest they also come into this place of torment” (verse 28).

What a sad, awful dialogue! I hope none of my readers ends up in this situation. The way of salvation is open so you can go to a place with “Fulness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).

Friday, May 8, 2020

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My Thoughts

“Think on Me” (Genesis 40:14).

I have often seen the following saying on cards, wall plaques, etc.

May my last thought at night,

And the first in the morning be;

Of a dying Savior’s LOVE,

A risen Savior’s POWER,

An ascended Savior’s GRACE,

And a coming Savior’s GLORY.

“How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them” (Psalm 139:17)!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23).

“A book of remembrance was written before Him for them that … thought upon His name” (Malachi 3:16).

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Thursday, May 7, 2020

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Acts of Kindness

Aesop, who supposedly lived sometime between 620 – 564 BC, was an ancient Greek fabulist, or storyteller, credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop’s Fables. Numerous tales credited to him have been gathered across the centuries, in many languages, in a storytelling tradition that continues to this day. Many of the tales are characterized by animals and inanimate objects that speak, solve problems, and generally have human characteristics.

One quote attributed to Aesop is this:“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” While this is not a quote from the Bible, it certainly has its merit and reminds me of the kindness that the inhabitants of the island of Melita showed Paul and those that were shipwrecked with him. “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” (Acts 28:2).

What small acts of kindness will you perform today for the help and blessing of others? Not only will your kindness be appreciated by the recipient, but by the Lord as well, and, if done for Him, will be noted for a future day of reward.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

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What You Worship

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were close friends of Daniel. Here in this chapter of Daniel’s book, we find the three friends facing the greatest challenge of their young lives. Would they or would they not bow down and worship a man-made image of gold? Their decision was immovable. No matter what the consequences, they refused to bow and worship a false god! What a tremendous example for each of us. Are we prepared to stand against everyone else because of our love for the Lord? You say, “But we don’t have idols that we’re forced to bow down to!” No, but there are many man-made inventions that we voluntarily bow down to. There are so many things that come between us and the Lord. Be careful what you worship. “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” (1 John 5:21).

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

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Jesus Christ Is Lord

“Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).

Just and righteous are His ways,
Eternal is His love;
So gracious He,
Unto all around,
Seated in heaven above.

Chastening for my blessing,
Healing when I pray,
Restoring when I wander,
In His goodness every day;
Soothing with His comfort,
Teaching me His way.

I cannot help but love Him much,
So kind and faithful is His touch.

Lord of my life in everything,
Owning Him today;
Ready to do His perfect will,
Delighting to obey.

Monday, May 4, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:

Are you going on with something sinful in your life? If so, consider this verse as you begin another week of school, work, or other activities: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound” (Romans 6:1). We cannot expect to prosper and grow spiritually in our Christian life if we are going on with something dishonoring to the Lord. The next verse says, “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein” (Romans 6:2).

A true understanding of grace will motivate us to live for the Lord, and to daily judge sin in our life.“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12).

Start out the week by judging those things that have been hindering your enjoyment of the Lord so that you can go forth with a good conscience and a happy heart.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, May 3, 2020

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To Him

“To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:11).

“To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 1:25).

“To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:6).

The day is not far off when, in heaven, we will bow before the Lord Jesus and give Him all the worship, praise, and honor that He is so worthy of. What a wonderful day that will be!

But what about today? How good it is for us to give Him that worship, praise, and honor, now! Let’s think about who He is, the greatness of His power, the magnitude and results of His work, His sufferings, where He is now, and all that is ahead in that future day of glory when He has His full exaltation in both heaven and earth. This will cause us to proclaim His glory, like Peter, Jude, and John.

We give Thee glory, Savior,
For all Thy love and grace,
Who glorified Thy Father,
To give us such a place.

Saturday, May 2, 2020

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A Loving God

Sometimes unbelievers raise the question, “How could a loving God send people to hell?”

As far as God being a God of love, they are absolutely correct. “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

But, God is also holy. “God is light” (1 John 1:5). He hates sin. He cannot allow sin into heaven. “O mighty God … Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:12-13). Here is what the Lord said on the subject when here on earth: “Then said Jesus again unto them, I go My way, and ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot com … I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:21, 24).

God, in His great love, has provided a way of escape from hell. “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).

God does not send people to hell. If you choose not to believe on His Son, God simply acts on your choice. Make the right choice, right now!

Friday, May 1, 2020

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Garbage

What do we do with garbage? We throw it out … we get rid of it … or as we say at our home, “We pitch it.” In fact, we don’t even keep it in the house if we can help it. Many of us have a shed or garage where it is stored until garbage day, and the truck comes to collect it.

But there are many kinds of garbage in a believer’s life that I am afraid we are not so willing to get rid of or throw out. Things that we watch and read that corrupt the mind. Things that take up our time from reading the Bible and prayer. Things that have no eternal value but distract us from enjoying the things that do. I don’t have to enumerate them, as you know what I am referring to.

God wants practical holiness in our lives. We are exhorted,“Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Get a spiritual garbage bucket today, and throw out those things that are hindering your walk with God and your enjoyment of Christ.