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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

August 2021

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Tuesday, August 31, 2021

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The Times
A Tale of Two Cities (1859) is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. I had to read it years ago while taking classical English in high school. It begins with the words, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” In a sense, this aptly describes the days we are living in right now.
On the one hand, it is the best of times because we are at the end of the Christian era, and the Lord Jesus is about to come and call us to be with Himself in the Father’s house. He has promised, “And, behold, I come quickly” (Revelation 22:12). Never have we been closer to the fulfillment of that promise than right now, and meanwhile people are hearing the gospel and getting saved in unusual and wonderful ways.
On the other hand, it is the worst of times. Paul wrote, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1). Peter wrote, “Knowing this … that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts” (2 Peter 3:3). The Lord said, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). Indeed, the best of times are ahead for the believer.

Monday, August 30, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
While visiting family in Newfoundland this week, I noticed a motto hanging on the wall in my brother-in-law’s store here in York Harbor. Here is what it said:
“Friends make good times better,
and hard times easier.”
This brought to mind the words of the Lord to His disciples, “Ye are My friends” (John 15:14). What a wonderful friend we have in the Lord Jesus! As we go through the good times, we can enjoy them in the company of the One who is always with us. His company certainly makes the good times better. Then when the hard times come, we have the assurance, “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
This friend will never disappoint us. As we go through the good times and hard times in His company, we will certainly say, like the bride in the Old Testament, “He is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend” (Song of Solomon 5:16).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, August 29, 2021

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The Resurrection
“He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:6).
The bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus is a vital truth that we need to tenaciously hold onto. “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain … . And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17).
While we look back today and remember the death and sacrifice of the Lord at Calvary, yet we rejoice to be able to look to an empty tomb as well.
Another wonderful truth is that He not only rose from the dead, but He is now ascended back to Heaven. “The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory … raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:17, 20). “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
Today we remember His death on the cross while we worship Him as a living, ascended, glorified Man in Heaven. The resurrection, ascension, and glorification of Christ are God’s Amen to the work of His Son at Calvary.

Saturday, August 28, 2021

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The Queen
“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Hugh Stowell records the following regarding the last hours of Queen Elizabeth I:
In her last illness, after a season of profound despondency … she made signs for the Archbishop of Canterbury and her chaplain to come near to her, whereupon, we are told, the cardinal said to her, “Madame, you ought to hope much in the mercy of God. Your piety, your zeal, and the admirable work of the Reformation, which you have happily established, afford great grounds of consolation for you.”
“My lord,” replied the queen, “the crown which I have borne so long has given enough of vanity in my time. I beseech you not to praise it in this hour, when I am so near my death!”
Here was one who had rejoiced in holding one of the most exalted positions in Europe, surrounded by flatterers innumerable, both civil and religious, yet in view of another world she saw it all as emptiness and vanity. What are you trusting in … is it Christ and His work on the cross?

Friday, August 27, 2021

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Monthly Question Page
Q. I hear people say that, as Christians, we should grow spiritually. What does it mean, and how can I do it?
A. Spiritual growth is a lot like physical growth, and it is essential that we eat the right food.
So, we must ask ourselves, what are we feeding our souls on? Are we watching and listening to the things that the world has to offer? If that is our diet, we are not going to grow in the Lord. Jeremiah said: “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jeremiah 15:16). Job said: “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).
It is good to read Christian books and listen to the Word of God explained orally. But we also need to read the Bible for ourselves and meditate on it. In this way, we will digest what we take in, and this will cause us to grow steadily in the Lord as healthy, happy believers. There is only one food that will properly nourish our souls, and that is the Word of God. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).
Remember, too, that Christian growth takes a lifetime of diligence and experience.

Thursday, August 26, 2021

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Comfort From the Bible
“This is my comfort in my affliction: for Thy Word hath quickened me” (Psalm 119:50).
During my recent illness, I was not able to read the Bible for myself due to the effects of the painkillers and medications I was taking. From this experience, I learned two things:
First: The importance of memorizing the Word of God and hiding it in our hearts while we are able and of sound mind and body. Like the Psalmist who said, “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart … I will not forget Thy Word” (Psalm 119:11, 16).
Second: I learned what it means when it speaks of the “comfort of the Scriptures” (Romans 15:4). Every portion that someone read to me, every text, email, and card with a verse from the Bible meant a great deal. I had always been the person reading the Bible to someone else who was going through a tough time, but with the role reversed, I realized what power there is in the living Word of God.
Is someone you know sick or going through a difficult time in his or her life? Take some time to sit with them and share some verses and thoughts from God’s living book.

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

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Monthly Scripture Reading
John 16
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.
A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father.
Then said some of His disciples among themselves, What is this that He saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
They said therefore, What is this that He saith, A little while? we cannot tell what He saith.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

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Our Treasure
“Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).
Christ should be our greatest treasure, as the Lord Himself said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).
We live in a world where there are many duties and responsibilities. And, as we get older, those duties and obligations become increasingly greater and more pressing. But, if we have been attracted to the person of Christ in Heaven, we will not be so attracted and attached to things in this world. If “we see Jesus” (Hebrews 2:9), and the glories that radiate from His wonderful person, the things of earth will dim, and our hearts will be wrapped up in Himself and His interests. He, and He alone, will be our one and only treasure.
To gaze by faith on Jesus, this truly brings delight,
And helps to spur us onward,
Amidst this world’s dark night.
To see the Lord in glory, eclipses everything,
And gives fresh grace and courage,
To Him in faith to cling.

Monday, August 23, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
“I have loved you, saith the Lord” (Malachi 1:2).
It seems that the Lord sometimes has to allow a trial or sickness in our life so that we realize just how much He loves us. At least this has been my recent experience.
“The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness” (Psalm 41:3). I have thought a great deal about this verse, having been several days in the hospital of late. The nurses and hospital staff came and made my bed and tended to me because it was their job. As caring and kind as many of them were, yet I came and went, and no doubt there have been several others in that same room and bed since then.
But the Lord is at our bedside and cares for us because He loves us. The nurses come and go, but the Lord assures us, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee … . And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20). If the Lord has slowed you down in some way, stop and enjoy His love and you will find that it will cause you to love Him more.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, August 22, 2021

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The Sufferings of Christ
“Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified” (Matthew 27:26).
What was Roman scourging? The victim was stripped and tied in a bending posture to a pillar or stretched on a frame. The scourge was made of leather thongs, weighted with sharp pieces of bone or lead, which tore the flesh of both the back and the breast. People sometimes died as a result. Jesus endured a scourging administered by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
However, as awful as this was — and the rest of the physical sufferings that the Lord endured — the price for sin was paid in the three hours of darkness on the cross. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). It was those atoning sufferings at the hand of God that opened the way of blessing for us. “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Meditate on those sufferings today as you remember Him and that great work of Calvary.

Saturday, August 21, 2021

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Profit
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul” (Mark 8:36)?
The great commercial question of the day is, What is the profit? Have you seen the balance-sheet? When everything has been satisfactorily totaled up, what will this or that transaction yield? When a final settlement has been made, when prime costs and “general expenses” have been accurately gauged, and when all these have been put over against my gross gains, what margin will then be left for my own benefit? By how much shall I actually have been the gainer? What profit?
Life’s big transaction, with its various details, will have to be reckoned up some day for everyone. Actual gains will have to be accurately calculated, total losses computed, and the balance struck for final settlement. Then the all-engrossing question will once more be asked, “What profit?” When we reach the end of all things here, what heart-sinking calculations will have to be made! When some of the wealthiest have viewed their gains in view of their eternal losses, what blank dismay, what fearfulness, what shrinking back, when they hear, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting” (Daniel 5:27).

Friday, August 20, 2021

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Alone With the Lord
“In Thy presence is fulness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
Spending time alone with the Lord is essential for our well-being and Christian growth. It is not an option, it is a necessity! The happiest, most fruitful Christians who have power and testimony in their lives, and who demonstrate real faith, are those who have spent plenty of time alone with the Lord.
Never feel guilty about letting something go to spend time with the Lord. It is true that we want to be diligent in our day-to-day responsibilities, but if we are going to spend time with Him, we must let something go. There is never such a thing as having plenty of time to be alone with the Lord. We always have to make time. When Martha complained to the Lord she said, “Dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?” (Luke 10:40). Mary realized that, if she was going to spend quality time in the presence of the Lord, she was going to have to leave the work and even her sister. Are you willing to do that? Set aside time each day away from activities and other people to be alone with the Lord. You will find it a real joy and blessing.

Thursday, August 19, 2021

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Young People of Scripture
Esther
In the story of Esther, we see the working of God for the blessing of His people through this young Jewish lady. Chosen to be queen to King Ahasuerus, (supposed to have been the Xerxes of history), she found herself in a very difficult spot. The enemy, through the wicked Haman, was seeking to have God’s people, the Jews, annihilated. However, because of her obedience to her cousin and guardian, Mordecai, Esther was used for great blessing and the deliverance of her people. With fear and trembling, and having said, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16), she went in to her husband, the king, and pled the cause of the Jews in Shushan the palace.
Are we willing to put our lives on the line for the people of God like Esther was? She did not know if she would lose her life in her attempt to intercede on behalf of her people. But Mordecai had said to her, “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Just so, who knows what blessing you can be at such a time in our history? The New Testament exhorts us, “We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). The enemy is busy today, are we willing to be used in blessing?

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

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Blessed — Part 2
As we said yesterday, the word “Blessed” means “Happy.”
Here are the further references to God’s formula for happy believers. Are you a happy Christian? Follow these instructions and you will be!
• “Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of Thy law” (Psalm 94:12).
• “Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments” (Psalm 112:1).
• “Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors” (Proverbs 8:34).
• “Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that … keepeth his hand from doing any evil” (Isaiah 56:2).
• “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is” (Jeremiah 17:7).
• “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (Romans 4:8).
• “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).

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

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Blessed — Part 1
The expression, “Blessed is the man,” appears thirteen times in our English Bible. The word “Blessed” has the meaning and sense of “Happy.” These verses are really the Lord’s formula for happiness while we are here in a world filled with sorrow and strife. Here are some of the verses, and the rest we will list on tomorrow’s page:
• “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1).
• “Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile” (Psalm 32:2).
• “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him” (Psalm 34:8).
• “Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest, and causest to approach unto Thee, that he may dwell in Thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house, even of Thy holy temple (Psalm 65:4).
• “Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are the ways of them” (Psalm 84:5).
• “O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee” (Psalm 84:12).

Monday, August 16, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
Recently, during my recovery from major surgery, a brother in Christ and good friend sent this note of exhortation and encouragement:
“Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). This Scripture has gone through my mind the last two weeks. As you know, we are not always on the mountains in sunshine, sometimes we need to be in a place where we have to rest in a way the Lord has planned for us. Now it is the time the Lord has determined for a certain kind of rest for you. I pray every day for you, that you may say “yes” to this, even when it seems hard for you. The Lord never makes a mistake. We have to trust Him and He is faithful. Sometimes He does make clear to us why, and sometimes we do not get an answer this side of Heaven. It is good to remember that the Lord has everything under control, and His love will never change.”
I appreciated these faithful words of truth and comfort and pass them along to my readers for your consideration. Our Lord gives each of us times of service and times of rest.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, August 15, 2021

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Forsaken
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).
To stop and meditate on these words produces feelings in the soul of awe, of worship, and of praise and thanksgiving. This heartrending cry uttered by the Lord Jesus on the cross at the end of those hours of darkness causes us to realize, in some measure at least, what it must have meant to His holy person to be forsaken in those three hours of darkness when God, “made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Although we can never understand or fully enter into what it meant for the Lord Jesus to suffer for sin, yet it is good for our souls to read and recount from Scripture those atoning sufferings. Here is just one example:
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Saturday, August 14, 2021

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A Praying Father
“From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).
I heard recently of a preacher who concluded his sermon by saying, “If there is someone here who wants to be saved, and you would like me to pray for you, raise your hand.”
A young man stood and said, “Pray for me. The burden of my sins is too heavy to bear.”
That night he got saved. He had been wandering the country for eight years without contacting his parents, so he decided to write them a letter and let them know of his conversion. Several days later, a reply came from his mother:
My Dear Son: You must have accepted Jesus Christ at the same hour your father went home to Heaven. He had been sick for a long time and that day he was very restless. He tossed from side to side crying, “Lord, please save my wandering boy.” I am sure that one of the reasons you became a Christian was Dad’s unceasing intercession.
A praying father is a powerful force. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). Do you have such a father? Have his prayers been answered concerning your salvation?

Friday, August 13, 2021

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Obey
The Lord never asks us to do something that we cannot do. No, He provides all the resources that are needed for whatever task is at hand or whatever test or trial we may be called to face. Our responsibility is to obey and leave everything else with the Lord and to His discretion. Here is what the prophet Samuel had to say on the matter when rebuking King Saul: “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).
As we read the Bible, we see the blessing of obedience in the lives of many men and women, young and old. We also learn the folly and sorrow of disobedience. Here is what Moses had to say on the matter: “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). Let’s learn to be obedient followers of Christ and let Him take care of the resources and details. He assures us, “them that honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30).

Thursday, August 12, 2021

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Our Object & Joy
John Nelson Darby died in Bournemouth, England, on April 29, 1882, at the age of 81. As his life was ebbing away he made this statement in summary of his time on earth as a believer: “Christ is my object for life, and my joy for eternity.” What a wonderful testimony from a man who had spent most of his life serving the Lord. At the end, he had no regrets and a bright future ahead in the Father’s house.
The Apostle Paul expressed the desire and goal for his life by saying, “That I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Brought before the council, he affirmed, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). In his last epistle, near the end of his life, he could confirm, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). What a testimony to the grace of God and a life lived in the fear of the Lord!
If you knew you were about to leave this world, what testimony would you give? Would it be with the satisfaction of a life lived for Christ and the joy of anticipating being with Him? Or would it be a testimony of apologies and regrets? We only have one life to live. Live it for Christ!

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

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Understanding the Bible
“Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7).
Myles Coverdale (1488 – January 20, 1569) was an English reformer chiefly known as a Bible translator. He made the following suggestions for the reading and understanding of Scripture.
Consider well …
1. What was actually stated?
2. Who said it?
3. To whom was it addressed?
4. How is it said (with what words)?
5. When was it said?
6. Where?
7. Why and to what intent was it said?
8. What were the circumstances?
9. What led to the circumstances?
10. What consequences follow or are prophesied?
11. How does this apply in all aspects of my life and of those I associate with?
12. Above all, remember that God never meant for us to read His Word without help. Ask Him for it, and thank Him for it.

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

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What We Need
Recently I was walking through Khan Al-Khalili, the famous and crowded bazaar in Cairo, Egypt. On every hand, someone tries to sell you something by assuring you that they have the best product at the best price. As I passed one of the vendors he shouted out, “I don’t know what you are looking for, but I have what you need.”
It made me think of the multitudes of people in this world who are searching for something to satisfy the needs of their souls, but don’t really know what they are looking for or what they really need.
However, the Bible tells us what it is we need, and God has it available to everyone who comes to Him in true faith and repentance. That need is the need for salvation, and it is only through the Lord Jesus and the work of Calvary. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
There is only One who can fill and satisfy the soul, and that is God Himself. “For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9).

Monday, August 9, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23).
George Müller (1805-1898) was a Christian evangelist and the director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England. In commenting on the above verse, he read it this way: “The steps (and stops) of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”
Yes indeed, I am slowly learning this as I write this calendar page propped up with pillows and a blanket, still recovering from major surgery. I prefer action to inactivity, but I am thankful to know that all is ordered — steps and stops both — by the One who knows best and has it all worked out according to His plan for my life.
The writer of the 119th Psalm said, “Order my steps” (verse 133). This is a good prayer for all of us, and I might add a postscript to this prayer … “Order my stops as well.” Let’s learn to follow our Lord as He orders our steps, and have patience to stop when He orders those needful stops.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, August 8, 2021

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Breaking of Bread
“And upon the first day of the week … the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7).
Having been sick and in the hospital recently, I was not able to be out at the Breaking of Bread meeting for several weeks. When I was finally able to attend again, I realized how much I had missed the wonderful privilege.
It was so good to be occupied with the glories of Christ and the great sacrifice of Calvary. Many hymns were sung bringing those glories and beauties before our hearts, and there were Scriptures read concerning the sufferings of Christ and the wonderful results of those sufferings. One Scripture read was, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26). There was worship, praise, and thanksgiving. It was all a very precious time.
Yes, to remember the Lord in the breaking of bread is a needful reminder and a blessed privilege. We are told, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Lord has specially encouraged us, “This do in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).

Saturday, August 7, 2021

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Salvation Is for Sinners
At a funeral recently the speaker made the following statement during the service:
“Salvation is not earned by the righteous, it is a gift to the sinner.”
How true this is! The Lord Himself confirmed it when He said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). He also said, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick” (Luke 5:31).
I hope that there are no readers of this calendar that think they can work their way to Heaven or earn salvation through good works. The Bible clearly states, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5).
No, it is only by the grace of God and as a result of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross that we can be saved. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a free gift, not a paycheck for good works!

Friday, August 6, 2021

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Stillness
I have often heard the expression, “Sometimes the Lord puts us down so that we can look up.” However, I have experienced the truth of this in the past few weeks. Recently, normal life was brought to a sudden standstill. Lying in a hospital bed for eight days, as well as recuperating at home for several weeks, made me realize the truth of what David said, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2).Often the Lord has to “make” us stop and “lie down,” so that we take time to meditate and enjoy a special sense of His presence and love.For some of us this is perhaps more difficult than for others. Here are some exhortations in this context:
• “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
• “Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14).
• “Their strength is to sit still” (Isaiah 30:7).
• “Sit still … until thou know how the matter will fall” (Ruth 3:18).
If the Lord brings us to a point of stillness in our lives, the only happy thing is to accept it and to use the time for further enjoyment of Himself and to learn His wonderful ways.

Thursday, August 5, 2021

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God’s Perspective
“For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings” (Job 34:21).
It is important to see things through the eyes of God our Father, and to have His perspective on what is going on in our lives. In the above verse, Elihu brought this before his friend Job, who had been going through severe trials. It was not until Job realized that God knew best and had a perfect plan for him that he began to get peace. Once He saw things from God’s perspective there was submission and blessing.
This is a hard lesson, and recently my wife and I had our summer plans radically changed. Flights cancelled, weddings missed, Bible conferences unattended, and naturally speaking, life turned upside down. Instead, we had doctors’ appointments, medical tests and scans, and eventually major surgery from which I am still recovering. As disappointing as all this is, we realize that our Lord has a plan of wisdom and love behind it all, and we are reminded of the verse, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

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Wanderers
My wife and I were driving through Brockville, Ontario, the other day, when we noticed a billboard with the following thought-provoking message:
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
It made me think of young people (and those not so young), who are truly saved, and will never be lost. Yet they have wandered away from the Lord and the path of faith. While it is true that their eternal security is sure, and they will be in Heaven, yet they are missing out on the blessing and joy of living for Christ while here in this world.
If there is a reader of this page who is in such a condition at this point in your life, the good news is that there can be full restoration. David wrote: “He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). The Apostle John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Turn back to the Lord, confess your sin and failure, and start living the happy, fruitful Christian life once more.

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

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Dark or Bright
“The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light” (Isaiah 60:19).
Not every day is sunshine bright,
Not every evening sunset light;
The moon shines not on every night,
Nor stars come out to guide aright.
But this I know, my Lord is near,
And dark or bright I need not fear,
For this to faith is very clear,
He whispers comfort in my ear.
So on I go, He leads the way,
He holds my hand from day to day,
He tells me thus to watch and pray,
And trust Him always, come what may.
Yes, I have proved His love and grace,
And with His power each day I face,
And all His resources embrace,
To run with joy the Christian race.

Monday, August 2, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
Recently, while I was going through a trial in my life, someone sent me this quote:
“Ah Lord GOD! behold, Thou hast made the Heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee. Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:17, 27).
“If God could…
Close the lion’s mouth for Daniel,
Part the Red Sea for Moses,
Make the sun stand still for Joshua,
Open the prison for Peter,
Raise Lazarus from the dead …
Then He can certainly take care of you!
Nothing you are facing today is too hard for Him to handle!”
I so appreciated this encouragement that I am passing it along to you for your help as you face another busy week.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, August 1, 2021

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Finished
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work … . For I came down from Heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me” (John 4:34; 6:38).
“I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:14).
“It is finished” (John 19:30).
To meditate on the finished work of the Lord Jesus here on earth is an awesome contemplation indeed. So often in this life we begin, but never complete, the tasks we have been given. But there was one great work completed by the Lord Jesus Christ, and that was the work of atonement on Calvary.
It was finished there at Calvary,
There the mighty deed was done,
Jesus all the work completed,
There a victory fully won:
There He bore our sins in total,
Died and shed His blood to save;
God, now satisfied forever,
Raised Him from the dead — the grave.
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