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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

March 2021

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Wednesday, March 31, 2021

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Buy the Truth
“Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:23).
The Lord is no man’s debtor. Whatever little price we may think we pay to be faithful to Him, He will repay. He promises, “Them that honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30).
However, I suspect that most of my readers today are not expecting to be imprisoned or killed for carrying a Bible, witnessing for the Lord, or attending a meeting of believers. Yet there will be a reproach and a price to pay if you are faithful. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). It may not be physical persecution, but there will be a cost in one way or another. Perhaps the cost is being shunned or misunderstood by family or friends … etc. Remember too, when we pay a price for something, we value it more.

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

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The Cost
“Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:23).
What does it cost you to walk according to the truth of the Bible? It has been often said that while the gospel is free, it costs us something to hold fast to the truth of Scripture.
For many of us it may be reproach and misunderstanding among our friends and perhaps even our family. Sometimes it is not just reproach from the unsaved, but from other believers who do not have the same understanding or desire to obey the Word of God. However, Many of our fellow Christians pay the price for their faithfulness to the Lord with imprisonment, torture, and death. The Bible exhorts us, “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body” (Hebrews 13:3). Many are paying the ultimate price and buying the truth at great cost. For them the promise is, “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

Monday, March 29, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
When I was young, I felt indestructible and as if nothing could stop me or get in my way. I could keep going and going. I could take risks, push myself to the limit. I felt like a steel beam, solid, powerful, strong! But as I have gotten older, I realize more and more how dependent I am on the Lord. Sometimes the Lord has to allow certain things in our lives to bring us to the realization of what He said to His disciples: “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).
In recent times I have thought more about verses like this: “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). From these verses we learn that trials and sickness are often allowed to keep us walking in the path of obedience and faith and so we would learn more of what the Lord has for us. Even in our youth the Lord allows things to train us and draw our hearts out more to Himself. Don’t despise what He allows in your life. Learn and benefit from it.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, March 28, 2021

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The Blood of Jesus
“The blood of Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:7).
The blood of Jesus is a theme that runs throughout the Word of God. It is a theme we often speak about and preach on, yet it never grows old or out of date. It is a theme we often have at the remembrance meeting, and a theme we often take up in presenting the gospel to the lost. It is the ground and basis for all our blessing and will be the theme of worship and praise in the Father’s house when we are gathered around the “Lamb as it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6).
Today we have the privilege of remembering the Lord Jesus and coming into His presence because of His blood shed at Calvary. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and having an High Priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22).
May we never tire of this precious theme! The blood of Jesus will thrill our hearts for all eternity.

Saturday, March 27, 2021

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Come to Jesus
Jesus invites us to come to Him, not just for initial salvation, but for every need in our Christian life. Here are three great reasons to come to Him today:
1. Are you burdened and weary with the trials and difficulties you are facing today?
Jesus invites you:
“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
2. Are you feeling a spiritual thirst or drought?
Jesus can satisfy that need:
“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).
3. Are you spiritually hungry?
Only Jesus can satisfy:
“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
What a full and endless supply and recourse we have in the Lord Jesus! Come to Him again and again. He loves you and says, “Come unto Me.”

Friday, March 26, 2021

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Monthly Question Page
Q. I know I am going to Heaven when I die, and yet I still seem to have a fear of death and what is beyond that I can’t seem to shake. Can you give me some verses and thoughts from the Bible to help in this matter?
A. The more we know about what is beyond this life for the believer the less fear we will have of death, and the more we will anticipate and look forward to Heaven and being with the Lord. The Apostle Paul had no fear of death because he knew what was ahead. He had been “caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Corinthians 12:4). He says as a result, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). God hasn’t left us in the dark as to what comes after death.
Remember too, death is not the end of the story. It is only a means of bringing us into the unhindered presence of the Lord. Again, Paul says, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Don’t forget too, that we may never have to face death. We are “looking for that blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). That hope is the Lord’s coming at any moment.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

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Changed Bodies
In Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, I saw the following sign outside a physical fitness/wellness facility:
New Body Resurrection
Training Center
I couldn’t help but think of several Scriptures, including the following:
“We shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).
“For our conversation is in Heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).
Yes, we are looking forward to that time when a wonderful change will take place. “The dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Matthew 4
Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee;
And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

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His Voice
“And they heard the voice of the Lord God (Genesis 3:8).
“The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty” (Psalm 29:4).
“Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 27:10).
Listen!
There are many voices all around us, some good, some bad, some helpful, some harmful. But above all we need to attune ourselves to the voice of the Lord. In many ways, He speaks to us from day to day. Kings, dignitaries, presidents, and prime ministers tend to make themselves inaccessible. Even the rich, famous, and powerful must plow through red tape and protocol to gain an audience and hear their wisdom and advice.
However, the King of kings and Lord of lords makes Himself available and delights to speak to us. The question is, are we listening to and heeding His voice? Many in Scripture and history have ignored His voice to their detriment. Let’s tune in to His voice today, follow His words, and have a happy, fruitful Christian experience.

Monday, March 22, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
Here is a powerful verse to consider this week:
“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
Wow! Do you refuse to change your ways in spite of repeated warnings? Look out! The Lord may have to speak very strongly. Are you unsaved? Then accept Jesus right now! As a believer, is your life and walk displeasing to Him? Turn around — before He speaks loudly and allows something very serious in your life — maybe even taking you home to Heaven so that you don’t dishonor Him further. The Lord prefers to speak softly, but when we don’t listen, He has to speak louder and with more serious consequences. Just like parents with a stubborn and wayward child, so the Lord loves us too much to let us go our own way.
This is the beginning of a new week — if you have been stubborn and rebellious, confess and forsake it, and make today a new beginning in your life.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, March 21, 2021

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His Joy
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
What joy did the Lord have as the hour of Calvary approached and He was bowed in sorrow in the garden of Gethsemane? What joy was set before Him as He was nailed to the cross, and as He became the sin bearer in those three hours of darkness? It was the joy of returning to Heaven to sit down at the right hand of God His Father, knowing that all had been accomplished on earth to the glory and satisfaction of the One who had sent Him. With confidence the Lord Jesus had said, “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:4).
Think of the mutual feeling of joy and satisfaction that must have passed between the Father and the Son when the Father, “raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:20).
Now we worship a risen, glorified Savior, remembering that great work that will never have to be repeated.

Saturday, March 20, 2021

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Going to Heaven
Some people think that as long as they do not hurt anyone or commit gross sins they will go to Heaven. But let’s examine this subject more carefully in the Bible.
The first sin to enter the world was the sin of disobedience. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners” (Romans 5:19).
The first recorded sin after the formation of the church is a lie, in connection with Ananias, and Sapphira. “Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God” (Acts 5:4). The Bible says, “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 12:22).
Then what about covetousness? The Lord warned, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness” (Luke 12:15).
We need to also consider the fact that we are born sinners. “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5).
The bottom line is just this: It is rejection of God’s offer of salvation through Christ and the work of Calvary that keeps a person out of Heaven. The promise is, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). The great question is, Have you come?

Friday, March 19, 2021

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A Thankful Attitude
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts … and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Someone has well said: “A thankful attitude opens the windows of Heaven.”
Yes indeed, this kind of attitude will set us free from self-pity and a grumbling and complaining demeanor. It will free our hearts to be thankful and grateful for what our God and Father has done for us and all the many blessings and mercies that we have from His good hand of love. It will give an inward peace to the soul, even though circumstances may be very difficult. It will also help us to be more patient and tolerant with those we interact with throughout the day. In fact, it will give us a whole different outlook of life.
Here is a good daily exercise from the Psalmist of the Old Testament: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4). If we started each morning like that and continued to be thankful throughout the day, wouldn’t it make a difference in how we felt at the end of it? Having a thankful heart at rest and peace when going to bed at night is certainly a commodity of great value.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Young People of Scripture
Ruth
Ruth was a young woman characterized by faith and conviction. As a young widow she embraced the God of her mother-in-law Naomi, and even though there had been much failure in the family, she was convinced that this was the true and living God. Nothing would dissuade her, even when her own sister-in-law Orpah turned back.
She also understood the principle of grace. When allowed to glean in the field of Boaz “she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” (Ruth 2:10).
Through all the ups and downs of life, the Lord blessed her, and she was eventually married to Boaz, a godly man who truly loved her. A son was born by the name of Obed, and Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy of the Lord in Matthew 1:5.
One great lesson we learn from the story of Ruth is that in spite of failure and difficulties we can always, by God’s grace, overcome and, in the end, be used in blessing to others. Take time to prayerfully read the story for yourself.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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Communication
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another” (Malachi 3:16).
The need to communicate is illustrated in this amusing but true story:
A couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by sitting quietly in their parlor with a cup of tea and a loaf of fresh bread. The husband opened the new loaf and gave his wife the heel, or the end crust. She immediately exploded: “This is the last straw! For fifty years you’ve dumped the heel of the bread on me! You always think of yourself first! You take the best and leave the rest to me! You never think of what I like … well I won’t take it anymore!”
Just as she was about to get up and leave, her husband said, “But honey … it’s my favorite piece! I always give it up for you.”
Yes, if we are going to serve and encourage one another in an acceptable way there needs to be communication, and perhaps more particularly a listening ear. Often, we are more apt to speak than to listen and really don’t know what a person is feeling or going through. True service is not always doing something or giving orders but listening first before we speak and do.

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

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Service
“Serving the Lord with all humility of mind” (Acts 20:19).
Today, as I walked the streets of Bridgetown, Barbados, I noticed an advertising slogan for one of the downtown retailers. Here is what it proclaimed:
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
It brought to mind what the Apostle Paul said when writing to the Christians in Galatia. He exhorted them, “By love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
So often we do something for someone thinking that it will bring some reward to us. Maybe it is simply recognition or a pat on the back, or maybe even some monetary gain. However, the Lord wants selfless, self-sacrificing service done out of love to Himself and to one another. When Paul wrote to the Ephesians on the subject, he said, “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men” (Ephesians 6:6-7). There are many opportunities to serve one another. Ask the Lord to give you the right motive, and above all, “do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Monday, March 15, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
One of our favorite greetings in North America is, “What’s new?” We are somewhat like those of ancient times, of whom we read, “For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21). Yet, amazingly enough, the best news never changes. The truth of God’s message, the Bible, weathers all time, endures every social and economic change, supersedes governments and regimes, invasions and defeats, and outlasts everything that is “built to last.” It is wiser than the world’s wisdom, potent and compelling beyond all power, simple and straightforward enough for even me to embrace, and strong enough to never let me go. The Apostle John wrote, “Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning” (1 John 2:7).
What value do we place on this unchanging, inalterable, living book we call the Bible?
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, March 14, 2021

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The Lamb of God
“And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering” (Genesis 4:4).
“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it” (Revelation 22:3).
One of the most precious themes in the Bible is the subject of THE LAMB OF GOD. It brings before us, in so many aspects, the death, shedding of blood, and the full glorification of the Lord Jesus. It is pictured, in type, beginning with Abel’s sacrifice, all through the Old Testament. It takes us from John the Baptist’s declaration, “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), to that future day when He will be the center focus of Heaven and earth, and all will recognize Him as worthy, because of who He is and what He has done in offering Himself as that great sacrifice.
It is the Lamb that we will be occupied with in Heaven and for all eternity. Today, He is the blessed theme for our hearts and occupation with Him will produce true praise and worship. He is indeed worthy, “to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing” (Revelation 5:12).

Saturday, March 13, 2021

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Jesus the Savior
Just
Everlasting
Sinless
Unfailing
Savior
Here are some verses that confirm this acronym of the One who desires the blessing and salvation of every person.
“That He might be JUST and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:26).
“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given … And His name shall be called … The EVERLASTING Father” (Isaiah 9:6).
“In Him is NO SIN” (1 John 3:5).
“He will NOT FAIL thee” (1 Chronicles 28:20).
“The Father sent the Son to be the SAVIOR of the world” (1 John 4:14).
I hope every reader of this page can truly say that Jesus is their just, everlasting, sinless, unfailing, Savior.

Friday, March 12, 2021

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Provision Provided
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1).
During the Spanish-American War, Clara Barton was overseeing the work of the Red Cross in Cuba. One day Colonel Theodore Roosevelt came to her, wanting to buy food for his sick and wounded men. But she refused to sell him any. Roosevelt was perplexed. His men needed the help and he was prepared to pay out of his own funds. When he asked someone why he could not buy the supplies, he was told, “Colonel, just ask for it!” A smile broke over Roosevelt’s face. Now he understood — the provisions were not for sale. All he had to do was simply ask and they would be given freely.
Just so it is with the wonderful resources that we have from God through Christ. Every provision is provided and paid for through the work of Christ both past and present.
As a result of the work of the cross, we have salvation and a future home in Heaven. As a result of the Lord’s present life for us now, we have all the power and resources we need to live the Christian life.

Thursday, March 11, 2021

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Reproach
“I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbors” (Psalm 31:11).
Reproach is an expression of disapproval and ridicule. If we truly live for the Lord and reflect Christ in our lives we can expect reproach from the unbelieving world. The Lord said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:18-19).
But there is another source of reproach that is even harder to take, and that is reproach from those who are closest to us. David noted this in the second part of the above verse. Maybe you have close family who do not appreciate the fact that you are saved or who do not understand some of your exercises in following the Lord. Remember, the Lord felt reproach from those He came to bless and from those who were closest to Him during His time here on earth. He could say, “The reproaches of them that reproached Thee are fallen upon Me … . Reproach hath broken My heart” (Psalm 69:9, 20).

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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His Preeminence
“And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18).
There is no place in this Scripture for pride, no standing room for hypocrisy, no seat for self-occupation, and not an iota of space for personal elevation. Christ sits on the throne of God, and the day is coming when we, by grace alone, shall share His throne with Him, as promised in the letter to Laodicea: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne” (Revelation 3:21).
However, we must never forget that before He sat down in Heaven as a glorified Man, this world rejected Him, cast Him out, and said, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him” (John 19:15). The Man Christ Jesus, who was so dishonored on earth, nailed to a cross, and given the lowest place possible, is now seated at the highest place in Heaven. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). May we honor Him with worship today!

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

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Our Conversation
“Speaking things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:13).
As a follow-up to yesterday’s meditation, I wonder, do we really give enough thought to the impact of our conversation during the course of a day? How many words do we speak? How much of our conversation can be termed purposeful and profitable speaking?
I have seen some percentage estimates that suggest that maybe up to 75% of conversation is negative. That may be a rather high estimate, but even if we reduce it considerably, it still warrants some serious consideration.
A good question to ask ourselves is this: “Has the greatest percentage of conversation today contributed to the blessing, encouragement, and help in some way of the people I have met and interacted with?”
David must have had a concern about this when he prayed: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). That approach will assure a confidant manner of life, a positive attitude, and encouraging conversation.

Monday, March 8, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
Someone has said,
“ ‘Truth’ is like surgery: it hurts, but it heals.”
“ ‘A lie’ is like a painkiller: it gives instant relief, but has side effects forever.”
There are several exhortations in the New Testament in regard to lying. Here are two examples:
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth” (Ephesians 4:25).
“Lie not one to another” (Colossians 3:9).
The first recorded sin after the church was formed on the day of Pentecost was a lie, in connection with Ananias and Sapphira. “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost … thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God” (Acts 5:3-4).
God does not look lightly on lying, and even though we may not be struck dead like this couple in the early church, yet lying is just as serious today as it was back then. We need to be upright and truthful in all our dealings, whether at school, work, home, or with other believers.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, March 7, 2021

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Objects to Love
“The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was … . Then I was by Him, as One brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of His earth; and My delights were with the sons of men” (Proverbs 8:22-23, 30-31).
Before a planet or moon hung in space, before the sun warmed the earth, or an angel served in Heaven, before any created thing, there was God — God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Son was the delight and joy of His Father from a past eternity.
Then came creation. However, even in creation, there was something missing — objects to love. So the Godhead took counsel, “And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). The Lord Jesus wanted those He could share fellowship with, those He could manifest His love to, and those that He could have as companions to share in His glory for eternity. What grace and love has been shown to sinners like you and me! He is so worthy of our praise and worship today, and every day!

Saturday, March 6, 2021

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Hope
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively [living] hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
There is an old song that was popular when I was a teenager, and one of the lines went like this: “And the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep.”
What a sad hope that is! It makes me think of what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Corinth: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19).
But thankfully the Bible gives us hope beyond this life or just dying in our sleep. Peter refers to it as a “living” hope, because it is not only based on the death of Christ but His resurrection.
Do you have this hope in Christ? If you are not saved, then you might well say that the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep. But don’t forget, physical death is not the end. There is eternity to consider, and it will be spent in one of two places … . Heaven or Hell! There is indeed “hope in Christ,” not just for this life but for eternity.

Friday, March 5, 2021

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Fields and Pastures
“And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming” (Genesis 24:63).
Fields and pastures when mentioned in the Bible often speak of personal meditation and enjoyment of the Lord. David could say, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2). The Lord said, “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9).
Isaac went out to the field with an express purpose, and that was to meditate. Out alone after the toils of another workday, he drew the daylight to a close in fellowship with the Lord.
As a result he “lifted up his eyes.” Meditation on divine things will cause our eyes to be lifted up, and it is amazing what we will see. Isaac saw the camels coming, bringing with them his bride. We look up and see our Heavenly Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ, and as we look, the light of His countenance falls on us, bringing us hope, joy, and strength.

Thursday, March 4, 2021

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The House of Mourning
“It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:2).
Have you had to attend a funeral lately? Maybe a family member, good friend, neighbor, or a fellow student or coworker has passed away recently.
The above verse tells us that it is a good thing to go into the house of mourning in that it brings us face to face with the realities of life and death. In the hustle and bustle of daily life we tend to forget that our time is short, and that we are only here on planet earth for a shortf time. It is like the reminder of Scripture, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:14-15).
It is good for all of us to have this reality check from time to time. Like Ethan the Ezrahite, who penned the words, “Remember how short my time is” (Psalm 89:47).
Most of us don’t really like to attend a funeral, but it can be a time of profitable reflection, both for the unbeliever, and for those of us who are saved as well.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

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Really Life
“Lay hold of what is really life” (1 Timothy 6:19, JND Translation).
He is long with the Lord now, but an elderly saint of God used to remind those of us who were younger, “The Christian life is the only life worth living.”
If we were to interview elderly Christians who have lived their whole lives for the Lord and served Him in one way or another, do you think you would find any regrets that they had done so? I think not! The only regret you would find is that they were not more faithful, and that they had not done more for their Lord and Master. The Lord Himself said, “Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life … . He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it” (Mark 10:29-30; Matthew 10:39).
In simple, everyday language the Lord was saying, The only life worth living is a life lived in view of eternity.

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

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The Sun
“The SUN of righteousness … . I have loved you” (Malachi 4:2; 1:2).
I looked out of my window today,
And saw the sun with its golden ray,
And the trees and flowers in bright array,
And the birds were singing to herald the day.
It made me rejoice to know the One,
Who created the planets, stars, and sun;
Who keeps them going and smoothly run,
And yet my heart, He so gently won.
I looked out of my window once more,
As the sun was setting and the day was o’er;
And night around me began to pour,
And God’s love filled my heart, as it had before.
What a Savior I have, and He is mine,
He’s given me hope and life divine,
A joy that the world cannot define,
And a home where the SUN will always shine.

Monday, March 1, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
On a signboard near where I live someone had posted the following thought-provoking statement:
“If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy.”
I have no doubt that many of my readers have a very busy week planned. The days seem to fly by, and although the weekend seems so far away, before you know it Saturday will be upon us again. That is why it is so important to discipline yourself to have time set aside for prayer. In the midst of His busy service, the Lord, as the perfect man, always took time to pray. Here are just two of many examples: “And it came to pass, as He was alone praying …” (Luke 9:18). “And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place” (Luke 11:1). Follow this perfect example and you will find strength for every circumstance you face this week, and there will be joy and fruit in your Christian life.
Of course, we can also pray anytime, in any place, and in any position. “Praying always” (Ephesians 6:18), is a good motto to keep in mind.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
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