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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

December 2020

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Thursday, December 31, 2020

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The Last Day
This is the last day of 2020, and I am amazed at the grace and longsuffering patience and grace of God. Yes, He is still waiting for sinners to trust Him and enter into eternal blessing.
When the Lord Jesus was here on earth He gave a personal appeal and invitation on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles.“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink” (John 7:37).
Before He went to the cross, He gave a warning as to a time of judgment for those who rejected Him.“He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).
Paul and Peter give us the character of the last days just before the return of the Lord Jesus.“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1). “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts” (2 Peter 3:3).
The appeal and the warning still stand, and we certainly have to admit that we are in the last days of this Christian era. Perhaps the Lord will come before we wake up to 2021.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

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Not Easy
The other day, I was reminded of a statement I had heard long ago from an older brother in Christ. Here is what he said,
“Following Jesus is always right—
but following Jesus is not always easy!”
There are many verses in the Word of God that also remind us of this. Here is what the Lord Jesus Himself had to say on the subject:
“Come, take up the cross, and follow Me” (Mark 10:21).
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).
“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).
Here is what the Apostle Paul said at the end of His life of following the Lord:
“Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations” (Acts 20:19).
Yes, it may not be easy, but it will be happy and fruitful, in spite of whatever trials and difficulties we may encounter.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

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Worldliness
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).
The cross of Jesus erects a barrier that separates me, as a Christian, from Satan’s world. If I force myself around that cross and join hands with the world, then I have placed myself in a very serious position.
I recently heard of a young Christian lady who each Sunday morning remembered the Lord in His death at the breaking of bread. But she began to seek out friends and pleasures in the world. Her mother, quite concerned about her daughter’s behavior, quoted her the Scripture, “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). Her response was, “Well then, I guess I’ll just have to be an enemy of God!” A few days later, she was killed in a terrible car crash. Don’t make the Lord speak to you like that!
Remember:“All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world”(1 John 2:16).

Monday, December 28, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
The year is almost over, and, as we mentioned at the beginning of this calendar, two decades of this century have slipped quickly by. While a good many of my readers were born in this present century, yet, for someone like myself, the year 2,000 doesn’t seem that far back. It just seems like the other day that many were worried about Y2K and what would happen in the new millennium.
It’s good to look in three directions:
1. Look back and remember the Lord’s goodness.
“And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee” (Deuteronomy 8:2).
2. Look up and be encouraged.
“O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up” (Psalm 5:3).
“Looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).
3. Look ahead and rejoice.
“Rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2).
“Looking for that blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, December 27, 2020

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His Birth and Death
No doubt you’ve seen an artist’s rendering of the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger. The virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus who is the Son of God. “She brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). For the first and only time in history, a baby had been born who would never arch His back and defy His mother. A child would grow up without selfishly demanding attention. A teenager would live without ever demanding His own way. A young man would honor His mother without ever being thoughtless of her. A man would live without sin and have the personal right to live on forever. God had prophesied it years before: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Billions more have been born and died since that birth in Bethlehem.
Today, we remember another momentous event in the history of this world. The death of the Lord Jesus at Calvary. May we never forget what He suffered for the glory of God and for our eternal blessing. “He laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16).

Saturday, December 26, 2020

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Not Enough
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
Many have just celebrated the birth of Jesus. But Jesus Christ came not just to be born and to live a perfect life but to die and suffer for sin, “the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). He had every right to return to heaven without dying. He hadn’t done anything worthy of death. Instead, the Lord Jesus chose to allow Himself to be beaten, insulted and crucified. Then, while hanging on the cross, He accepted the punishment against sin from a holy God for sin that others had committed. Now He can fairly offer salvation to whoever will come to Him to receive it. Merely a perfect life, as beautiful as that is, wouldn’t have been enough to save anyone else. But God’s love would never have been satisfied with that. “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). No, the birth of Jesus was not enough, He must give His life at Calvary.
If you have not done so already, will you come as a sinner to receive the salvation that Jesus Christ, who has now risen from the dead, offers you?

Friday, December 25, 2020

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Monthly Question Page
Q. Why was it wrong for Peter to try and defend the Lord and to cut off the servant of the high priest’s ear?
A. The Lord Himself answers this question while standing before Pilate. “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36). The Lord was rejected and the kingdom was not going to be established at that time. Thus, His followers were not to engage in physical battle. The problem was that the disciples didn’t understand what the Lord was saying. “And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords.” The Lord’s answer was, “It is enough” (Luke 22:38). In other words, “You don’t understand, and I am not going to explain further … it is enough explanation for the time being.”
Christians do not have a physical warfare. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12).Consequently, we do not need a physical weapon. However, we have a spiritual warfare and, among the provisions for those battles, we have the “Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Thursday, December 24, 2020

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Many
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalm 68:11).
Have you ever thought of how many people and steps it takes to get a gospel tract or piece of Christian literature in the hands of someone in a foreign country? Here is a topical scenario:
1. Someone wrote the tract.
2. Someone else proofed and edited it.
3. An artist did the graphics and setup.
4. It was printed.
5. It was folded and packaged.
6. Somebody paid for mailing or shipping.
7. It traveled by ship or air to the intended destination.
8. A person in the other country cleared it and maybe paid duty or customs.
9. It was then supplied to a Christian distributor or missionary.
10. That believer handed it to an individual with the prayer that they would read it and receive a blessing.
These silent messengers have been used in much blessing to souls over the years. The next time you hand a person a tract or Christian pamphlet, remember how many have had a part in its publication. And each will receive their reward.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Luke 1
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the Word;
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Acts 1
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen:
To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

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Empty
Many times, we visualize the Lord Jesus as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem, or as a man hanging on a cross at Calvary. But there are three things in Christianity that are empty today, and we can be very thankful that they are.
1. An empty manger:
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn … And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:7, 40).
2. An empty cross:
“And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus” (John 19:38).
3. An empty tomb:
“He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:6).
Now we look heavenward and see the Lord Jesus as a glorified man seated at the right hand of God.

Monday, December 21, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
I’m at Bible Truth Publishers, and, as I sit at the desk, there are two verses in plain view on the wall across from me.
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
“Have your mind on the things that are above” (Colossians 3:2, JND).
While the messages of these two wall plaques may seem somewhat disjointed, I suggest there is a connection, and at least they speak to me as having two very good exhortations.
First, we need to take time to “be still,” amidst the hectic pace of life and the din of the noisy society in which we find ourselves. Even in our service for the Lord, we need those quiet times in His company, listening to Him speak through His Word, the Bible, and speaking to Him in prayer.
This is really accomplished by following the exhortation of the second text, and the key is really in the previous verse. It is to have our thoughts focused on the Lord and to, “seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, December 20, 2020

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Must
“And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived” (Numbers 21:9).
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:14).
There is no doubt as to what the serpent of brass represents. It is a type of the Lord Jesus on the cross suffering for sin, and taking on Himself the judgment that was rightly ours. Brass in Scripture gives a picture of the ability of the Lord Jesus to endure those hours of darkness when God, “made Him to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21), because of who He was, the Son of God. “Christ also suffered for us … Who did no sin … Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:21-22, 24).
One of the key words of John 3:14 is “must.” There was no other way that eternal life and blessing could be made possible for us apart from the work of Calvary. He “must … be lifted up.” Today, we remember a great work accomplished by a great person, at great cost.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

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Believing
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness” (Romans 10:10).
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Many people who believe all about Christ have never believed on or in Christ. The difference is important. An old Christian put the matter very forcibly. He said, “There are many professing Christians, but if you cut off their heads there would be nothing left!” This was his way of saying that there was nothing in the heart, no real conversion, no real believing with the heart to the salvation of the soul.
Suppose we are walking by the seashore on a summer day. We see the lifeboat lying on the sands. We admire its strength, its adaptability for saving life. In short, we believe all about it. But we are in no need of the lifeboat at the moment, we are in no danger of drowning. But, suppose we are on the deck of a sinking ship and our only hope of rescue lies in the lifeboat. With what different feelings we watch the approach of the lifeboat! With what relief we drop into it and are saved! We believe not only about it, but on and in it. Everyone is in need of Christ. Have you come as a needy sinner to Christ, and received Him as your personal Savior?

Friday, December 18, 2020

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A Broken Heart
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18).
Years ago, a young actress confided the following to a Christian friend: “Many times I have brought down the house with a loud round of applause through the roars of laughter I’ve given on stage. And many times I have received a standing ovation for my performance. But had you read my heart you’d have seen that it was ready to break.”
Even as believers we can put on an outward act for the approval of others. But, as King David expressed it in his prayer of confession and repentance, “Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6). David brought a broken heart to God, and, in return, he found forgiveness and restoration. In true humility and contrition, he said, “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation” (Psalm 51:12).
Are you a true believer with an empty, broken heart? Whatever it is that has come between you and the Lord, get into His presence and confess it, and have restored that inward joy that He desires for you.

Thursday, December 17, 2020

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Psalm 23 — Part 12
“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” (Psalm 23:6).
Up until this last statement of the psalm, David has been occupied with the care and provision for the path of faith through every situation and every period of his life. Now he speaks of the future and what is ahead in the next life. David refers to it as the “House of the Lord,” but we know it in a far more intimate way as the “Father’s House” (John 14:2), and where we will dwell with the Lord Jesus.
While we have the care of our Shepherd for every step of life, yet we also have a wonderful hope and an unspeakable future ahead. If there were nothing beyond our time on planet earth, we would be a sad people indeed. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19). David did not have a full understanding of what was ahead, but he did know that there was something wonderful awaiting him and that it was “for ever.” For us, there is full assurance. “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19).
As we have enjoyed this psalm together I trust it has become more real and precious to each of our hearts.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

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Wireless Connection
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18).
I was in a country store in western Kentucky yesterday, and I saw a wall plaque for sale which read as follows:
Prayer:
The world’s greatest wireless connection.
Prayer is indeed a wireless connection that never fails. There is always an open line to heaven and be assured that it is high-speed and never has a problem due to too many users at one time. There are no dropped calls and no dead zones. It can be utilized anywhere at any time and is 100% user-friendly.
Nehemiah utilized that open line in a very difficult situation. One day, in the presence of the king, he was asked a very hard question; a question that he knew had to be answered wisely. Here’s what he did before he answered: “So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said unto the king” (Nehemiah 2:4-5). As a result, the Lord gave him wisdom in his answer, and granted him his request and even more than he asked for or could have imagined.
That same wireless connection is available to you. Use it, and use it frequently.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

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Experience
“For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89).
When we are first saved, we often rely on the assurances and help of others who teach of the Scriptures and insist upon the truth of God. It may be parents, older siblings, or learned brothers and sisters in Christ. But the time comes when we have to make it our own and learn through personal experience and conviction that the Word of God is indeed the foundational truth for every aspect of life.
Thomas Erskine of Linlathen (October 13, 1788-March 20, 1870), was a well-known Christian teacher of his day. F. B. Meyer said of him, “The famous Scotch clergyman, Thomas Erskine, said that no demolition of outward authority, even if such demolition were possible, could deprive him of the conviction of the divine origin and authority of the Bible, because it so exactly coincided with the experiences of his life, and had been verified in so many remarkable instances. We have experienced God’s faithfulness to His promises too often to be afraid of any attack upon the truth of Scripture. It is settled in heaven.”
Put the Scriptures to practical use in your life, and you will find that it does indeed fit every aspect of daily living.

Monday, December 14, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
Are you worried or troubled about something as you head out for another week of school, or work? Are you afraid that the Lord really doesn’t know or understand your situation? Or maybe you realize He knows everything about you, and that has you worried. There was a woman in the Bible like that. She had just been healed when we read, “But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before Him, and told Him all the truth” (Mark 5:33).
Do you think you can hide anything from the Lord? Of course you can’t! He not only knows all about you, but He delights in your telling Him everything. He loves personal fellowship with you. He wants you to have confidence in Him. The woman, in our verse, was scared to death, but the Lord’s response was, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace” (Mark 5:34). That’s the heart of Jesus, to give peace to a troubled soul. Trust Him for what is ahead today and every day.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, December 13, 2020

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The Cross
“Even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).
The enmity of the human heart does not always show itself, but at the cross it was fully shown. Man trampled upon the Lord Jesus, but, thankfully, He was there in grace, even though man’s heart was shown for what it really was.
Today, we look back at the cross of Christ. What was the Lord Jesus doing there? Was He judging the repentant thief? No, He said to him, “To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Peter then tells us what He was doing on that cross. “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24). He has taken our sins and borne our burdens. The work of redemption is perfectly finished, nothing can be added to it: and, because the work was done, He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. He has gone back into heaven because He has finished the work. He died for our sins, and “was raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:25). His resurrection is the proof that God has accepted the work and that we too, have been “accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6).

Saturday, December 12, 2020

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The Lifeboat
Let us suppose a vessel is foundering out at sea, exceedingly rotten and leaky, filling fast. From shore, a lifeboat is launched, and it pulls alongside the doomed vessel. The captain of the lifeboat calls to every person on board to leave the old ship immediately, but the people on board resolutely refuse. One says, “Our vessel is not so bad; she only requires a little mending and painting.”
Another says, “Away with you and your lifeboat! We have a carpenter of our own, whose business is to mend the ship.” Some go on with their amusements, while others occupy themselves with emergency tools and paint. A few see their peril and take advantage of the only way of escape. The vessel is left to itself, fills and sinks. Now tell me, if every despiser onboard ship goes down, who is to blame? The lifeboat was sent to them, and they refused!
Now here is the lesson: Christ is the lifeboat. He came to save as many as will have Him. When He was on earth, He had to say of some, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40). Today, the invitation still stands, “Look unto Me, and be ye saved” (Isaiah 45:22). Have you availed yourself of Christ, the Lifeboat?

Friday, December 11, 2020

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The Lion
The lion has long been dubbed, “king of the jungle.” However, the only lions I have ever seen up close are the lethargic felines lazing in their pens at the zoo. As far as I am concerned, they have it made. They have their dinner served to them without having to raise a paw, and they are continually admired and photographed by a steady stream of admirers. What a life!
In the wild, however, things are very different. Their hunger drives them to go out and hunt, and, in doing so, they prey on the young, weak, sick, and injured. Crouching in the tall grasses of the savannah, they stealthily slink forward and, with a sudden pounce, take down their unsuspecting victim, clamping their powerful jaws for the kill.
The Bible uses the lion as a metaphor for Satan. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We have a powerful enemy who is continually seeking to discourage and dishearten the believer. That is why we need to be sober and watchful, and, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

Thursday, December 10, 2020

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Avoid It
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away” (Proverbs 4:14-15).
Today, I went for a hike with a friend of mine in the mountains of South Carolina. Sometimes the mountain trail was very narrow and steep, and we were very careful to stay as far away from the edge as possible. We didn’t try to see how close we could come to the precipice or toy with the dangers of falling to the rocks below.
It reminded me of the verses quoted from Proverbs, and how we are to avoid sin and situations in our life that will lead us into wicked ways and things that dishonor and spoil our testimony as a Christian. Sometimes, we think we know how far to go or how close we can come without going further, but Solomon further warns us, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered” (Proverbs 28:26). So, in walking the path of faith today, through the ups and downs of life as a believer, be careful to stay as far away as possible from the precipice of sin. The Devil can’t rob you of your salvation, but he can sure spoil your joy and testimony.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

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God’s Wisdom
Here are three short statements on the subject of wisdom that I have copied down in my notebook over time:
• The wisdom of man is self-centered — the wisdom of the Bible is Christ-centered.
• God’s wisdom gives man joy here in this life and a happy, blessed eternity — Man’s wisdom leads to sorrow in this life and an eternity of suffering and woe.
• One truth from the Bible is worth more than all the wisdom of man.
The early believers in the city of Corinth were placing a great deal of importance and value on human wisdom and reasoning. Here is what the Apostle Paul exhorts them on the matter: “For Christ sent me … to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect … Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe … But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:17, 20, 21, 30).

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

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Profession of Love
“I love the Lord”(Psalm 116:1).
The story is told of an ancient king who made laws for his people, who all professed to love him. But among those who were loudest in their professions were some who disobeyed his commands. So, one day he gathered his subjects together and asked them if they truly loved their sovereign. They all answered, “Yes, indeed!”
However, when he held up a copy of his law, they all hung their heads. “Those who have my laws and keep them,” he said, “they are those, and those only, that love me.”
So it is with Christ’s words. He Himself said, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). And also, “If a man love Me, he will keep My words.” (John 14:23). We may profess to love the Lord, but it will be evidenced in our life by our willingness to read and obey His Word, the Bible. This will not be a difficult thing when real love is the motive behind it. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). Is your love for the Lord motivating you to live according to His Word?

Monday, December 7, 2020

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Dear Young Christian:
Are you going through some sickness or sorrow in your life? The inspired writer records, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy Word … It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes” (Psalm 119:67, 71).
The Lord only passes us through what He sees is needful for our blessing and training. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). “For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men” (Lamentations 3:33).
Not only does the Lord know exactly what we need, but His love and comfort are ready and waiting to draw us closer to Himself. So, don’t be discouraged by the affliction, but instead find your consolation, strength, and joy in Himself.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you.
Send your comments and questions to jhyland1959@gmail.com

Sunday, December 6, 2020

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His Blood
“One of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water” (John 19:34).
“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:5-6).
As you think about the Lord Jesus today, and remember what He accomplished on the cross for our eternal blessing, think about the value and effect of His precious blood. It is a subject that runs through the Bible from the beginning of man’s history of sin to eternity.
Remember, the blood of Jesus is still as precious to the heart of God as when it was shed on Calvary. The Word of God calls it “the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19).
When we all arrive safe home to the Father’s house, the theme of our song will be,“Thou art worthy … for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation”(Revelation 5:9). Let’s enjoy that wonderful theme today.

Saturday, December 5, 2020

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The Harvest
“The harvest is ripe” (Joel 3:13).
“The harvest is come” (Mark 4:29).
“The harvest is the end of the world” (Matthew 13:39).
Are you saved? There is a vast harvest of souls taking place in this world, by the Lord Jesus in the power of the Spirit of God. But that harvest is about to end very soon. The Lord Himself said, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35).
Don’t be like those in the Old Testament, who had to say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved” (Jeremiah 8:20). Someday it will be too late, and we need to take a lesson from nature as it is given to us by Solomon, who said, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8). And Agur, who wrote, “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer” (Proverbs 30:25). Have you made preparation for eternity?

Friday, December 4, 2020

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Different Work
for Different People
If we examine a Cirsium thistle plant, commonly known as the Plume Thistle,we find that each of the purple fringes of which the head is composed is a distinct flower. This means that the plume of the thistle is not really one flower, but a collection of flowers. Each part has its own work to do and is changed in shape or color according to its function. One part produces nectar; another, by its color, attracts insects to fertilize the plant; another helps to produce seed, and so on. Each part has its own excellent and unique quality, and the effect of their combined labor is to promote the welfare of all.
So it is with the believer. Each of us has a special and unique God-given ability and gift. And each of us has a responsibility to fulfill that place for the glory of God and the blessing of others. We are told, “Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” (Galatians 6:4).
Are you fulfilling the work the Lord has given you, or are you like one of the believers at Colosse, who needed to be reminded, “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it” (Colossians 4:17)?

Thursday, December 3, 2020

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Precious Promises
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4).
Here are some of the precious promises that we have been given:
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him” (James 1:12).
“Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him” (James 2:5)?
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).
These promises have to do more particularly with what is yet future. Are we willing to live for the Lord now, and follow a rejected king, knowing there is a day coming when we will reign with Him in His kingdom? And remember too, there is a day coming when everything that is affected by sin will be burned up and dissolved. These promises are real. Let’s live in the enjoyment of them.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

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With Gladness
I was staying in a home over Thanksgiving weekend and there was a new text hanging in the living room.
“Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2).
This statement of Scripture, which I have read many times, really struck me. The Lord loves our service, but not begrudgingly, not with sadness, not because we feel we have to, but rather with “gladness.” Whatever we do for Him should be done out of a full heart with a joyful, happy attitude.
Here is further instruction as to how we are to serve Him:
“Serve Him in sincerity and in truth” (Joshua 24:14).
“Serve the Lord with all your heart” (1 Samuel 12:20).
“Serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind” (1 Chronicles 28:9).
“Serving the Lord with all humility of mind”(Acts 20:19).
“Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6).

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

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Grace and Truth
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).
Condemnation by the law
Proved man’s true condition,
Lost in sin and far from God
Was our true position.
Refrain:
 Grace and truth, grace and truth,
 Now by Christ have entered;
 No more curse of law remains,
 All in Him is centered.
On the cross He gave Himself,
There from sin to save us,
Bore our guilt and shed His blood,
From the curse to free us.
Now set free — new life in Christ,
Nothing can this truth dim;
I will live and serve my Lord,
Till in heaven I see Him.
(Can be sung to the tune: Near the Cross)
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