Young Christians Calendar

June 2020

God First

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15).

There are two ways of getting help in times of trouble or dilemma. The one is to go around to all your friends and family, and get disappointed, and then go to God at last. The other is to go to God first, and be amazed at His wisdom and direction. That is the shortcut. That is the easiest and fastest route. God can make our friends and family help afterwards, and work in their hearts too. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Out of all your troubles, the surest deliverance is from God Himself. Several times, we read, “David inquired of the Lord” (1 Samuel 23:2). In each case, the Lord gave him the direction and wisdom he needed and delivered him from the difficulty and from his enemies. He could write, “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:6).

Are you in some trouble today? Be like Asaph, who said, “In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord” (Psalm 77:2).

Monday, June 29, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:

The other day, I visited an elderly believer in Morvant Trinidad. I have known this lady for many years and have always found her cheerful in the Lord no matter what the difficulties of her circumstances. This visit was no exception.

During our few minutes in her home, she told us that she had learned the importance of living at the corner of Praise Boulevard and Thanksgiving Street. (This is figuratively speaking of course).

Yes, it is easy to take up residence by Grumbling corner, at the junction of Complaining Lane, but this is not what the Lord wants for His people. He wants us to be happy and to cultivate the habit and spirit of thanksgiving and praise. So often we quote the verse, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). The question is, how much do we take it to heart?

As we start out this week, let’s go forth with the joy of the Lord in our hearts and a song of praise on our lips. And don’t dare go down Discouragement Road.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, June 28, 2020

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The Work of Calvary

“And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:30-31).

“And, behold, two of them … talked together of all these things which had happened … And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. Then He said unto them … Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? (Luke 24:13-15, 25-26).

Both before and after He went to the cross, the Lord Jesus discussed the work of Calvary. First of all, in anticipation, and secondly, as an accomplished work. How good for us today to have that work before our hearts and to speak of it together as we interact and fellowship with other believers.

In both cases cited above, we find the glory is referred to as well. How good it is to be able to worship and glorify Christ today, and then to look forward to the time when we will “appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).

Saturday, June 27, 2020

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Outside and Inside

This morning, I cut into a purple plum hoping to enjoy it as part of my breakfast. However, I soon realized that, although it looked perfect and delicious on the outside, it was actually rotten on the inside and far from edible. I ended up throwing the whole thing out.

It made me think of people who make an outward pretense of being believers. They may read their Bible, attend a Christian fellowship, fool their family and friends, and on the surface seem very real. There were those like that when the Lord was here on earth. Of them He said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also” (Matthew 23:25-26).

What we need first and foremost is an inward cleansing. This is only through the blood of Christ. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Are you washed and clean on the inside, or are you simply putting on an outward show of being saved?

Friday, June 26, 2020

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Monthly Question Page

Q. What is soul sleep? Is there such a doctrine taught in the Bible?

A. Soul sleep is a false doctrine that teaches that when a person dies they are completely unconscious until the resurrection. The Bible certainly does not teach this, and in fact there are many Scriptures that would refute such a thought.

The Bible teaches that when a believer dies it is the body that sleeps, not the soul. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). From other passages we know that this can only refer to the body. For instance: “Knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord … We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6, 8). In other words, it is one or the other. We are either in the body, or we are with the Lord. Those of our loved ones who have died in faith are in the conscious sense of the Lord’s presence now. In the same way, those who have died in their sins are now suffering torment, like the rich man in Luke 16:23.

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, June 25, 2020

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Out of the Way

“O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself” (Jeremiah 10:23).

“Neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).

My wife and I were driving to a wedding in Dorothy, New Jersey. As we approached the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I decided I knew the route better than the GPS, even though it had been many years since I had driven through that area. However, we soon realized that my decision took us many miles out of our way. Although we eventually arrived at our destination, it was later than planned and the route was longer than anticipated.

Don’t we often do that on the road of life? Sometimes we think we are wiser than God and His Word, the Bible. We get off course, and, as a result, become frustrated and even discouraged. God has a way that is right, and, although not always easy, it is the best. In summary of the wilderness journey of the children of Israel, it says, “He led them forth by the right way” (Psalm 107:7). Wouldn’t we like that summary of our own life? Let’s put our own thoughts and wisdom aside and follow the Lord’s way. It is the right way!

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Numbers 20

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as He commanded him.

And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed Me not, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and He was sanctified in them.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

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God Will Help Me

“For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded” (Isaiah 50:7).

“Behold, the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me” (Isaiah 50:9)?

Twice, the prophet Isaiah says, “The Lord God will help me.” In the first instance, he realizes that, this being true, he does not need to be confounded, baffled, confused, or overcome. In the second instance, he has a sense of the Lord’s approval in spite of what others might think or say.

These are two good concepts for us to get ahold of as well. Seeking the Lord’s help day by day, and having a sense that He is “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1) will give us a clear sense of direction in our Christian pathway and service for the Lord, and will keep us from being bewildered and confused. It will also give us a sense of His approval. The Apostle Paul had that sense of the Lord’s affirmation when he said, “Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9).

One of David’s prayers was, “Help, Lord” (Psalm 12:1). That is a good prayer for us. The Lord has said, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Monday, June 22, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:

It’s Monday morning again! Time to get going, and to keep going in whatever sphere of life and work the Lord has called us to.

One thing we are called to do is to keep close to the Lord. Why is it that in the hurry and flurry of life we so often drift away from nearness to Him? One reason is that we allow the fast pace of society to come between us and Himself. Another is that we allow things in our lives that give us a bad conscience. Joseph, who is a beautiful picture of the Lord Jesus in the Old Testament, said to his brothers, “Come near to me, I pray you.” Now that there had been a work of repentance with them he wanted their company in spite of what had happened in the past. The rest of the verse tells us, “And they came near” (Genesis 45:4).

This week, walk closely with the Lord. And if something has come between you and Him, confess it and have the matter cleared. And don’t let the pressures and busyness of daily life spoil your enjoyment of the Lord’s company.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, June 21, 2020

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Look Up

“He rose again” (1 Corinthians 15:4).

“He is risen” (Mark 16:6).

Today, we look back to Calvary and remember the Lord Jesus and the mighty work He accomplished there to the glory of God and for our eternal blessing. However, it is also good for us to look up to heaven and realize that He is no longer in the grave, but that He is risen from the dead. And not only is He risen from the dead, but He is ascended back to heaven. “He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things” (Ephesians 4:10). Even more than this, He is seated at the right hand of God as a glorified man. “The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory … set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:17, 20).

Yes indeed, we remember His sacrificial death on the cross, but we worship, praise, and thank Him as a risen, ascended, and glorified Savior. He Himself has declared, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen” (Revelation 1:18).

Saturday, June 20, 2020

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The Prodigal Son

“A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living” (Luke 15:11-13).

This well-known Bible story has a sad beginning and a happy ending. Recounted by the Lord Himself, it tells of a young man who chose his own way and a life of sin and self-will. It led to a terrible condition of degradation, loneliness, and ruin far away from his father who loved him and was waiting for his return. Eventually, he realized that he had sinned and one day rose up from his deplorable condition in the pigpen, and returned to his father. With the confession, “I have sinned” (Luke 15:21), he found forgiveness full and free, and a place of fellowship with the father at his table.

Do you see yourself as that prodigal? Perhaps you say, “But I have never done those wicked and rebellious things that he did. No, but remember, we are all sinners, and we all have to repent. If we do, we will find God the Father ready and willing to forgive us and receive us in Christ.

Friday, June 19, 2020

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Rough Flight

“We fly away” (Psalm 90:10).

I was on a Bahama’s Air flight from Freeport to Nassau. In the seat beside me sat a young boy who looked to be about nine or ten years of age. He was evidently an unaccompanied minor, and had a pouch around his neck with his necessary documents.

We took off in a thunder storm, and, in all the years I have been flying, I have never been so sure that we weren’t going to make it. We were tossed about like a cork on the sea. People were screaming and crying. However, the youth beside me never said a word. He just reached over and put his hand on my arm for comfort, gritted his teeth, and hung on. When we finally landed in Nassau, he drew a great sigh of relief, turned to me, and said, “We reach.”

The journey of life is like that too. It’s not all sunshine, blue skies and smooth flying. There is plenty of turbulence and rough times. God hasn’t promised a smooth flight, but He has promised a safe landing. Someday soon we will, “fly away, and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6). In the meantime, we have One who is in full control, and will bring us safely through the ups and downs, and the storms of life.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

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Psalm 23 — Part 6

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4).

Often, we apply “the valley of the shadow of death” in connection with a believer passing from this world to the presence of the Lord. This is certainly a good application and has been a great comfort to many. However, in its context, I suggest it has a more relevant application to the believer on a daily basis. Every one of us is walking through this valley every day. It is the world stamped with death and under the curse of sin. It is the world where Satan is the god and prince and we see the sad results around us every day. Someone has said, “The valley of the shadow of death is this world with the shadow of the cross hanging over it.”

Of course, David, who was used to pen these words, did not understand the full import of what he wrote. He did understand that this world is a world of sin, sorrow, and death. He saw thousand slain on the battlefields, he knew what it was to lose family members and his own children in death, and he sometimes feared for his own life.

Until we reach the Father’s house of light and love we won’t be done with the “valley of the shadow of death.”

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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Be Careful

“Be careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8).

We are always being warned to “be careful.” From the time we can remember, our parents have warned us to be careful about this or that … where we go … what we say … how we act … what we do … and on and on the list of “be careful” goes. The Bible tells us to be careful as well. As our verse today encourages, we are to be careful to keep doing good works. Not good works to obtain our salvation, or even to maintain our salvation, but good works because we are saved. Here is some further instruction in this regard: “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity” (Titus 2:7). We are also told to be “zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14).

What good works will you perform for the Lord and for the blessing of others today? Good works are to characterize us as we go about our daily routine of life. Be careful to maintain this deportment and behavior at all times. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

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Asking

The following verses show the importance of prayer, in its aspect of making requests.

“Ask, and it shall be given you”(Matthew 7:7).

“Ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2).

“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us” (1 John 5:14).

King Solomon was told to ask of the Lord what he desired in connection with ruling God’s people. “The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee” (1 Kings 3:5). Here is what he asked for: “Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people?” (verse 9).

God granted him his request:“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said … Behold, I have done according to thy words” (verses 10-12).

Often, we limit the Lord by not asking. Do you have a request today? Ask!

Monday, June 15, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:

The following statement from Scripture is still the world’s attitude toward Christ: “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). Doing His will and owning His authority is the farthest thing from their mind. They would rather be under the authority of the Devil who is “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), and also “the prince of this world” (John 12:31).

Someday, this world will have Christ to reign over them, and what a wonderful day that will be. “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness” (Isaiah 32:1). It will be the fulfilment of the angels’ announcement at His birth, “On earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

In the meantime, those of us who know Him as our Savior should gladly own Him as Lord. He has said, “Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am” (John 13:13). How true is it in your life? Go forth this week owning Jesus as your Lord and Master, like Thomas who said, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, June 14, 2020

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One Offering

“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).

In the Old Testament, there was never a seat for the priest, either in the tabernacle in the wilderness or the temple at Jerusalem. This was to indicate that their work was never done. It was an endless round of daily and yearly sacrifices. The Israelites understood that when they brought a sacrifice it only atoned for that one sin, and then they had to bring another, and another, and another.

But thankfully the work of atonement is finished and complete in the death of Christ on Calvary. “For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). God will never require another sacrifice for sin. The fact that “He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:20), is a proof that God is satisfied with the work of His Son, who has “put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26).

Saturday, June 13, 2020

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Heaven’s Wedding

“Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9).

We all like to be invited to a wedding, and we enjoy seeing a happy couple united in marriage. What a wonderful day it’s going to be when the Lord Jesus Christ is united with His bride for all eternity. That is going to be a marriage supper that surpasses all others.

Lately, I’ve noticed that the dress code for weddings has become very casual — even to the point of wearing clothes that, a few years ago, would have been unacceptable at a wedding. But those at heaven’s wedding will be required to wear wedding clothes. You can’t get in without them. They can only be obtained by accepting the Lord as your Savior, as illustrated in the parable of the king who made a wedding feast for his son. “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 22:11-13). Are you ready?

Friday, June 12, 2020

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The Sea of Life

“For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven” (Psalm 107:25-30).

I have been on some rough seas and travelled on all kinds of boats. Like the Lord’s disciples, I have been concerned on more than one occasion as to the outcome of the voyage and whether we would make the intended shore or not.

The sea of life is like that too. Sometimes things go very smoothly, and sometimes things are rough. There are calm days and stormy days. But, thankfully, there is One who is in full control of every wave and every blast of wind in our lives. Over the roar of the storm, He says, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Read the whole account in Matthew 14:22-33.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

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Home — Part 3

“And he shall go no more out” (Revelation 3:12).

Mrs. Trench’s hymn continues:

Oh what a home! there fullest love
Flows through its courts of light;
The Son’s divine affections flow
Throughout its depth and height.
And full response the Father gives,
To fill with joy the heart —
No cloud is there to dim the scene
Or shadow to impart.

Oh what a home! But such His love
That He must bring us there
To fill that home, to be with Him,
And all His glory share.
The Father’s house, the Father’s heart,
All that the Son is given
Made ours — the object of His love,
And He, our joy in heaven.

For those of my readers familiar with the Little Flock hymnbook this is #127

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

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Home — Part 2

Mrs. Trench was born Janetta W. Taylor on January 31, 1843. In 1866, she married John Alfred Trench. Mrs. Trench died June 14, 1925. Here is how, in one of her several hymns, she expressed the thought of HOME:

How blest a home! the Father’s house!
There love divine doth rest;
What else could satisfy the hearts
Of those in Jesus blest
His home made ours — His Father’s love
Our heart’s full portion given,
The portion of the firstborn Son,
The full delight of heaven.

Oh what a home! The Son who knows,
He only — all His love;
And brings us as His well-beloved
To that bright rest above,
Dwells in His bosom — knoweth all
That in that bosom lies,
And came to earth to make it known,
That we might share His joys.

“And so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

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Home — Part 1

Home is a word that brings hope and renewed energy to the weary traveler, and comfort to all who dwell there. There is an old expression, “There’s no place like home.” This expression has been incorporated into a number of spiritual songs and hymns, in regard to the final home of the believers. The Lord introduced this home by saying, “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

Here is a simple acronym for the letters H-O-M-E:

Heaven

Our

Mansion

Eternal

Best of all, it is where the Lord Jesus is, and the promise is that He will come and take us there to live with Him forever.“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).

Monday, June 8, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:

Often, we want the Lord’s help and we want it now! But don’t ever try and lock Him into a time frame. I have heard of those who, when praying about something, have given the Lord an ultimatum by saying that if He will do or allow something by a certain date or time, then they will be content and feel like He cares and answers prayer.

However, that is not how the Lord operates. David understood this when he wrote: “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1). David knew that the Lord would answer his prayers in His own time and way, and he was willing to wait patiently for whatever He deemed best and at what time He saw fit. Are you praying about something specific? Be willing to wait patiently for the answer. “Wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:3-4).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you.

Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, June 7, 2020

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Christian Worship

“The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

The Lord in this chapter is speaking to the woman of Samaria at Sychar’s well. In these verses, He introduces four important elements in connection with the truth of Christian worship:

1. Worship would no longer be a question of worshipping in a geographical place, such as the mountain at Samaria or the temple at Jerusalem, but it would be the worship of a Person.

2. It would no longer be the worship of a Person who is unrevealed, but of God revealed and known in grace as the Father.

3. Further, it would no longer be an outward worship by forms and ceremonies, but worship “in spirit and truth.”

4. Christian worship is according to the true nature of God.“God is a spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

Saturday, June 6, 2020

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Now

Yesterday, while driving across a small Caribbean island, we saw this sign: REDUCE SPEED NOW!

Thankfully, our driver obeyed it. He was familiar enough with the road that he knew there would be a policeman just up ahead ready to fine those who ignored the warning.

We are thankful for warnings and road signs that notify us of danger or a change in traffic pattern up ahead or around the next turn. In fact, folks have been known to sue the highway department or construction company when those signs have not been properly posted.

But what about the road of life? There are many “NOWS” posted by God in His Word, and many warning us about the end of the road. Here are just three examples:

• “Remember NOW thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

• “God … NOW commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).

• “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Life is fast and, for many of us, we love the “fast lane.” But stop! Consider eternity! And, above all, be saved NOW!

Friday, June 5, 2020

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True Happiness

“That your joy may be full” (John 16:24).

It is the desire of God our Father that His children should be happy now, even in this world of sorrow and death. He has not only saved us from our sins, but He has “blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Having done so, He now tells us, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

We learn from this that the source of our happiness is the Lord Himself. The Bible also teaches that the secret of happiness is trusting and obeying. “Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:7-8). “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).

The measure of happiness we are entitled to is unlimited. The Lord wants us to have “full” joy. “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:4). True and full happiness is found in Christ, not in things, and not in circumstances.

Thursday, June 4, 2020

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Sowing and Reaping

“Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20).

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

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

These verses teach us that, while the grace of God forgives sin and restores the soul of the wayward believer, yet that which we have sown in our lives must be reaped. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption” (Galatians 6:8). This is why it is so important to live for Christ while we are young and all through our lives. Many an older believer feels the effects of what they did in their youth. It will have nothing to do with our joy in heaven in the end, but it has everything to do with what we experience now, and what He will be able to reward us for in a coming day. He wants to be able to give us an abundant commendation and a full reward. That’s why the Apostle John wrote, “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward” (2 John 8).

Wednesday, June 3, 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).

My wife and I were visiting a home recently and noticed a wall text in one of the rooms. It had three headings and a corresponding verse under each one.

Faith

“By grace are ye saved through faith”

(Ephesians 2:8).

Hope

“Looking for that blessed hope”

(Titus 2:13).

Love

“Keep yourselves in the love of God”

(Jude 21).

What wonderful principles and resources these three things are. Faith and hope give us the courage and fortitude to live for the Lord from day to day, along with our enjoyment of the love of God, which we will enjoy in an even deeper and fuller way when we arrive in heaven to live with the Lord Jesus forever.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

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I Wonder

I wonder what today will bring,
As each new hour unfolds;
I cannot tell what lies ahead,
Or what the future holds.
But all is well, yet still unknown,
For all is in the hand
Of my unfailing, loving Lord,
Who has my future planned.

And so today I’ll live and trust,
Acknowledging His way.
And walk with Him through sun or rain,
Rough paths, smooth roads — what may.
And though I know not what’s ahead,
I know the One who knows,
And that’s enough, I ask no more,
My Lord, my pathway shows.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Monday, June 1, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:

Here we are at the beginning of another week of school, work, and interacting with the world. Here is a good verse to consider as we start out as believers: “Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28).

Someone has said, “Acceptable service is doing God’s work God’s way.” To come up with your own work and way of carrying it out, and then say that you’re working for the Lord is not the Lord’s work at all. You don’t work for an earthly employer that way. No, you would soon get fired.

Spend time in prayer asking the Lord what He wants you to do for Him. It may not be what you expected, but you’ll get a reward for it if it’s done in reverence and godly fear. Take to heart the Apostle Paul’s exhortation: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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