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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

November 2021

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Tuesday, November 30, 2021

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Take Care What You Say
“And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses … And the Lord heard it” (Numbers 12:1-2).
When was the last time you gossiped or spoke critically of someone? The Lord does not look lightly on our speaking ill of another. Remember that He is the unseen listener to every word we speak.
For Miriam and Aaron to speak against their brother and question his God-given authority was very serious, and, as a result, Miriam became a leper temporarily and had to be separated from the rest of the camp of Israel for seven days. While the Lord in His patience and longsuffering with us may not act as quickly or severely, yet the Bible tells us, “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36). In light of this, take care what you say!
Let’s be careful what we say about others, and especially your brothers and sisters in Christ. Also, of those, like Moses, who have been given a place of leadership amongst the people of God. We may not always agree with them, and they may not always act in a proper way, but they are His people, He loves them, and it is His prerogative to deal with them accordingly.

Monday, November 29, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go” (Psalm 32:8).
Do you ever feel like your plans are being continually thwarted and upset? You try your best to make things work the way you think they should, but things get frustratingly changed or cancelled? Sometimes I have felt that way, as I suppose we all have from time to time. The other day, I saw the following statement on a billboard outside a local church near where I live:
“Life is what happens to you
while you’re busy making other plans.”
Yes, we can make all the plans we like, but the Lord often changes them in a way that we can do nothing about. That is why it is good to make our plans with the prayer, “Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). Look to Him each day, and be thankful and content with what happens in your life, knowing that His plans are far better than any plans we may have.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, November 28, 2021

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A Skull
“And He bearing His cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified Him” (John 19:17-18).
In three of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, and John), we are told that Golgotha means “the place of a skull.” While this no doubt describes the appearance of the place where Jesus was crucified, there is a deeper significance to the meaning of Golgotha, which is Calvary.
A skull is the empty head of one who is dead. This typifies man in his natural state. “Dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1), and “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them” (1 Corinthians 2:14). In other words, this was the height of man’s intellect … to crucify the Son of God. However, little did they know that this would be the very source of salvation and blessing for man. “Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:8).
Today, we, as believers, rejoice that through that mighty work at Golgotha we have “redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14).

Saturday, November 27, 2021

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My Salvation
“God is my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2).
The expression “My salvation” appears many times in the Bible. One thing it shows is how personal our relationship is with God. It is, as we say, “one on one.” That is why we stress that salvation is individual, and that we must come as such to receive the blessings that God has for us on the basis of the work of His Son at Calvary.
Can you sing, like Moses and the Israelites on the banks of the Red Sea, “The Lord is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2)?
If you are not saved, I would urge you not to put if off. Then you can truly say, “The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation” (Psalm 118:14).
If you are saved, here are some further statements that I know will encourage you on this subject:
• “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).
• “He only is my Rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved” (Psalm 62:6).
• “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18).

Friday, November 26, 2021

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Monthly Question Page
Q. Could you explain 1 Timothy 5:24, “Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after”?
A. This verse is directly connected with what Paul had said earlier in verse 22. “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” This is why Timothy was warned not to be hasty in identifying himself with new acquaintances or forming partnerships with those he had only known a short time.
There are two types of sins that are mentioned here. Some sins are “open.” There are those whose lives are, as the saying goes, ‘like an open book.’ Their deeds and failures are public knowledge and “reported commonly” (1 Corinthians 5:1). On the other hand, there are those who are able to cover their sins and lifestyle, and so their true character does not come to light until later on. If we are not careful, we can be defiled by association, or as it says, “be partaker of other men’s sins.” Many Christians have found themselves in compromising situations because they have not heeded this warning. The lesson is, we need to choose our friends and associates very carefully and in the fear of the Lord.

Thursday, November 25, 2021

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A Letter
The following is an excerpt from a letter written on the 1st of June 1855, by an elderly Christian by the name of Andrew Miller, to a young believer who had not been saved very long:
Two things make me very happy:
1. I am washed in the blood of Christ.
“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
2. I am made in Christ the righteousness of God.
“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).
Therefore I am fit to be in the holy presence of God, where there is fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore.
May you be kept in the faith, living, walking, and acting in the holy presence of our God and Father, with a single eye and an undivided heart for the glory of His Son, your living Savior, by the divine power of the Holy Ghost.
This letter written long ago also expresses the prayer and desire of today’s writer for each reader.

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Genesis 37
And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.
And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.
And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.
And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.
Come now therefore, and let us slay him.

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

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Faith
“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: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:7-8).
Faith in God enables us to be steadfast against the attacks of the enemy. We may have true faith, but, when the trial comes, the qualities of faith, submission, patience, steadfastness, confidence and dependence upon God become real. We are apt to think that a time of deep trial may prevent us from following and serving our Lord and from actively encouraging one another and going on in fellowship together. But these are thoughts that the enemy would seek to implant in our minds. Whatever the trials we may have to pass through in this life, we have in Christ an Object for our affections; One we can trust, though we do not see Him with the natural eye; One in whom we rejoice with a joy that is a foretaste of the coming glory. In the midst of trials, we have an unfailing resource in Christ.

Monday, November 22, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity … . Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth … . Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart … . That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:15, 22; 3:17).
These exhortations and encouragements to the young man Timothy are still relevant and needful in these days just before the Lord’s return. With the breakdown of society at every level, and the accelerated work of our enemy Satan, to discourage and dishearten on every hand, there is a great need for all of us to have the same purpose of heart that characterized Daniel in his youth and throughout his whole life. This is what will give you spiritual energy and courage for whatever you face this coming week.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, November 21, 2021

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The Cross
Here are seven aspects of the Cross for our heart’s meditation today:
1. “He bearing His CROSS went forth” (John 19:17).
2. “And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the CROSS. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS” (John 19:19).
3. “Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the CROSS” (Hebrews 12:2).
4. “He … became obedient unto death, even the death of the CROSS” (Philippians 2:8).
5. “Having made peace through the blood of His CROSS” (Colossians 1:20).
6. “The preaching of the CROSS … is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
7. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the CROSS of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).
The cross! the cross, oh that’s our gain,
Because on that the Lamb was slain;
‘Twas there the Lord was crucified,
‘Twas there for us the Savior died.
Miss C. Taylor, 1742

Saturday, November 20, 2021

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Donkeys and Sheep
There are two animals that the Bible likens the natural man to. The first is a donkey: “For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s [donkey’s] colt” (Job 11:12). The donkey is stubborn, and stubbornness is sin. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Samuel 15:23). The Lord Himself said to some during His time on earth, “Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40).
The other animal that the natural man is likened to is a sheep: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). Sheep are wayward. If there is one thing we like most it is to have our own way. However, “there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
The good news is that the Lord came to save stubborn and wayward sinners. He, Himself said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). What about you? Have you yielded to the Savior of sinners?

Friday, November 19, 2021

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Our Helper
“The Lord is my helper” (Hebrews 13:6).
There is an old saying, “The Lord helps those that help themselves.” However, I heard a good addition to that saying, “The Lord also helps those who cannot help themselves.”
The hymn writer, Henry Francis Lyte, expressed it in his hymn, Abide With Me:
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Maybe you are feeling helpless today as you face some crises or crossroads in your Christian life. Remember, while you may be beyond human help, you are never beyond divine help. There is one who sees and knows everything and already has it all worked out according to His purpose and for your good and blessing.
David was often in dire and dangerous situations, but he learned to call on the Lord for help in those difficult times. I have often enjoyed his prayer at the beginning of Psalm 12, when he simply said, “Help Lord” (Psalm 12:1). If you need help today, pray this prayer and you will find the Lord, “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Thursday, November 18, 2021

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Young People of Scripture
Timothy
Timothy was a young man who had been brought up by a godly mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5). We know nothing of his father except the fact that he “was a Greek” (Acts 16:1). Timothy had been saved and had the privilege of traveling with the Apostle Paul, who refers to him as “Timothy, my own son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2).
It seems that Timothy was somewhat timid, even though gifted. In writing to him, Paul encourages him, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy was a help and comfort to Paul as they traveled and labored together. He said of him, “I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state” (Philippians 2:20). When Paul’s race of faith was nearly run, he found in Timothy one to whom he could commit the truth, knowing that he would commit it to faithful men, “who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). His life shows the value and importance of service for Christ while we are young.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

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The Potter
“But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand … . Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels” (Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:3).
Recently, while in Germany, my wife and I visited a pottery factory and bought a few small items to bring home as gifts. It brought to mind the hymn writer, Charles Wesley (December 18, 1707 – March 29, 1788), who wrote this line in one of his hymns:
“Mold as Thou wilt Thy passive clay.”
Someone has said, “There is a passive and an active side to obedience.” Passive obedience involves a willingness to be molded by the hands of the divine Potter in whatever way He sees as fitting and best. Often, He has to pass us through hard things more than once to make us what He wants us to be. “And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it” (Jeremiah 18:4). Then we can put into motion active obedience regarding the instructions given to us in His Word, the Bible.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

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There Is a God
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Psalm 14:1).
Stephen Hawking (January 8, 1942 to March 14, 2018) was a British scientist, professor and author who performed groundbreaking work in physics and cosmology. Sad to say he was also an ardent atheist, and, in his last book, Brief Answers to the Big Questions he says that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, there is no God.
The solemn fact of the matter is that he will spend eternity realizing that in Hell there is no God. To be cast into the Lake of Fire is to be eternally separated from God. So awful is this that it is referred to as “the second death” (Revelation 20:14).
Is there a God? Yes indeed, and the Bible as well as creation give abundant and inarguable confirmation and testimony to the true and living God. There is also the testimony of the conscience that every human being has, in spite of arguments and rationalization to the contrary.
This God has graciously provided a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. “He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). Is He your Savior and Lord?

Monday, November 15, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
Psalm 73 is one of my favorite Psalms, and I especially enjoy this verse: “Thou hast holden me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23). In Scripture, the right hand is the hand of strength. And mine is held by the Lord Himself. This is a real comfort in times of trouble. The One who holds me by my right hand is stronger than all. My Lord, who is “upholding all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3), not only holds my hand, but I am held secure in His mighty hand, and He assures me, “Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28).
This gives us real confidence to go forward every day this week, knowing that we can never lose our salvation, and that we have all the strength we need for whatever we face. Go forth in the conscious sense of your hand in His and you will have happy, fruitful days and be a true overcomer, even in tough situations and rough places in the path of faith and service. “The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5). In other words, He is always available.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, November 14, 2021

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Sitting in His Presence
“I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love” (Song of Solomon 2:3-4).
This is the bride speaking of the joy and delight of sitting in the presence of her bridegroom, enjoying what He had for her, and basking in the sunshine of His great love.
This of course typifies the Lord Jesus as the bridegroom and we as His bride. It is a wonderful thing to sit down in His presence and to be occupied with His person and work. Earlier, the bride had declared, “While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof” (1:12). In other words, as she was at His table, occupied with Himself, there was worship.
The invitation to sit down in His presence is still given to every true believer. He says, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Before He went to the cross we read, “And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him” (Luke 22:14). He still delights to sit down in the midst of His own. Will you be at His table to remember and worship Him today?

Saturday, November 13, 2021

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The Marriage
“Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9).
“And they that were ready went in with him to the marriage” (Matthew 25:10).
I missed two weddings recently due to circumstances beyond my control. It was very disappointing, but in the end, I had to say, “So be it,” and accept it as from the Lord.
However, there is a marriage that I am not going to miss. It is a marriage made in Heaven, and it will be the wedding of Christ and His bride, made up of those who have been saved by responding to God’s invitation to come to Him. Thankfully, I will not miss that wedding. No circumstance, no illness, nothing will hinder me from being there.
By the grace of God, I have been called, responded to that call, and I am ready on the grounds of the work of Calvary and the blood of Christ. My place is reserved, and, wonder of wonders, I am going to be part of that special company called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife” (Revelation 21:9).
The great question is, will you be present? You are being called today, but, remember, only those who respond and are ready will be there. Will I see you there?

Friday, November 12, 2021

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Growing and Learning
“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
The following dialogue took place between two Christian men:
“How are things going in your life?”
After a pause, the other answered, “Do you want the usual Christian clichés, or do you want an honest reply?”
“I want an honest reply,” the first man responded.
“Well, I am growing and learning, and I am realizing that this is the Christian life in a nutshell. Sometimes there are more growing and learning days than great and fantastic days.”
Yes, the Christian life takes constant, daily perseverance. We should never stop growing, and we certainly never stop learning. There are days filled with spiritual growing pains and hard lessons. It takes real exercise of heart and soul, but in the end, through these circumstances we are stronger spiritually, and develop a greater knowledge and appreciation of our Savior and Lord. Timothy was told, “exercise thyself … unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). Let’s each of us ask ourselves today, “Are we growing and learning?”

Thursday, November 11, 2021

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Warfare
Today, my wife and I took a cruise on the Leie River through the heart of the city of Ghent, in Belgium. As the guide gave us interesting information on different buildings and areas of the city and its history, I was struck by how many references there were to both political and religious wars. It seems that for centuries Europe was plagued with constant conflict of one sort or another.
This got me thinking about the warfare that the believer has on a daily basis. We don’t have physical battles, but we do have a very real spiritual warfare. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
We have a powerful enemy, Satan. However, we have a more powerful Lord, referred to many times as “The Lord of Hosts.” (The first time being 1 Samuel 1:3). He is also “the Captain of [our] salvation.” (Hebrews 2:10).
Yes, Satan is powerful, but our Lord is all-powerful!

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

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Pleasing the Lord — Part 2
Joseph was a man of integrity and principles. As mentioned yesterday, as a young person he had a real desire to please the Lord, no matter what the cost or consequence. This continued throughout his whole life, as we see from the following references:
• Later on, in the prison, Joseph still had that desire and was used of the Lord, in spite of his hardship:
“The Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it” (Genesis 39:21-22).
• Finally, as governor over all the land of Egypt, even though he was then in such a high position, his one aim was to please the Lord.
“And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:46).
What a lesson this is for us! No matter what age or what happens, our desire should always be to please our Lord.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

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Pleasing the Lord — Part 1
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7).
All true believers, down deep in their hearts, want to please the Lord. Joseph is a wonderful example of a person who had a genuine desire to please the Lord during every period of his life.
• First of all, as a boy and teenager, in being obedient to his father, even though his brothers hated him and made it difficult for him.
“And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I” (Genesis 37:13).
• Then, as a slave to Potiphar in Egypt, even when tempted and falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife.
“And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand” (Genesis 39:3-4).

Monday, November 8, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
Today when I opened my mail, there was a card with the following quote in one of the envelopes:
“Are you at this moment in any pressure, trial, need, or difficulty? If so, look simply and solely to the living God. Turn away your eyes completely from the creature. “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” (Isaiah 2:22). Let your faith take hold now on the strength of God Himself. Put your whole case in His omnipotent (all-powerful) hand. Cast your burden, whatever it is, upon Him. Let there be no reserve. He is as willing as He is able, and as able as He is willing, to bear all. Trust Him fully. He loves to be trusted, loves to be used.”
C. H. Macintosh.
This card was a real encouragement to me, and I pass it along for your meditation and encouragement as you start out on another busy week of whatever you are doing, and wherever the Lord leads you. I would simply add, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, November 7, 2021

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Why He Came
We may well ask ourselves, “Why did the Lord Jesus become a Man and enter His creation by coming to planet earth?” Here are some of the answers to that question:
He came to do His Father’s will:
• “Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7).
• “I came down from Heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me” (John 6:38).
He came to save:
• “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
He came to impart life:
• “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
He came to give light to those who believe:
• “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46).
• “For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth” (John 18:37).
This is “the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5), who we worship and praise today.

Saturday, November 6, 2021

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By Faith
According to a letter written by Martin Luther’s youngest son, Dr. Paul Luther, and preserved in the Library of Rudolstadt, Martin Luther (1483-1546) related to his family the story of his conversion. He acknowledged that it was while he was visiting in Rome that he came to the knowledge of the truth of the gospel.
As multitudes have done, Luther, then a young Saxon monk, troubled by conscience and heavily burdened with a load of sin, was ascending the Sancta Scala, or “holy stairs” (twenty-eight broad marble stairs, claimed to be the very steps Jesus walked on when sentenced by Pilate in Jerusalem) on his hands and knees, repeating his prayers on each step in hopes of receiving a blessing. In his zeal, he hoped to be rid of his burden and obtain the favor of God, when suddenly the words of the prophet Habakkuk came forcibly and incessantly to his mind and heart, “The just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).
At once, he arose and, returning to Germany, took up this text as his motto for life and his preaching the truth of the gospel. How wonderful to realize that there is nothing we can to do save ourselves, and then to realize that everything has been done by the Lord on the Cross of Calvary.

Friday, November 5, 2021

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Be Happy
This afternoon, my wife and I were visiting in a home in Belgium and, on the refrigerator in the kitchen, I noticed a large magnet with the following saying on it.
Be So Happy
That When Others
Look At You They
Become Happy Too!
It brought to mind the observation of the Queen of Sheba when she saw the servants of Solomon. “And she said to the king … Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom” (1 Kings 10:6, 8). There was something about the countenance of these servants that showed to all in the king’s court that they were happy in the service of their master.
This is the way it should be with everyone who is a child of God. Those around us ought to see the joy of the Lord and the happiness of Christianity radiate from our faces. Like Peter and John of whom it says, “they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

Thursday, November 4, 2021

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Troubled
Centuries ago David wrote, “I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long … . I am feeble and sore broken … My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me” (Psalm 38:6, 8, 10).
Life is tough, and, as we get older, it doesn’t get any easier. Struggles and disappointments are very real, and life is not all sunny days and happy times.
Satan knows this, and there are a host of amusements and distractions that this godless world offers. These may provide momentary relief to a sad and troubled heart. Like a painkiller, it may give short and momentary relief. Solomon tried it all. He wrote, “And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy” (Ecclesiastes 2:10). But he concluded, “All was vanity [emptiness]” (verse 11).
Nothing can satisfy or revive the soul like the presence of the Lord. He brings permanent peace, satisfaction and rest like nothing else can. He gives strength for the day and living water to the thirsty soul. He refreshes, revives and restores. Ask Him. He will do this for you today!

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

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Our Home
While strolling through a store that sold unusual items to decorate your home my wife and I noticed a wall motto with the following declaration:
“Home Is Where The Anchor Drops”
This brought to mind the following verses:
“We might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus” (Hebrews 6:18-20).
For the believer, our home is in Heaven, and we have the assurance that we are going to arrive safely, because our Anchor, the Lord Jesus Christ is already there as our “Forerunner.” There is an old hymn we used to sing as young people, which began, “This world is not my home I’m just a passing through, My treasures laid up somewhere beyond the starry blue …”
The Lord Jesus, when on earth, said, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven” (Matthew 6:20). Our true home is in Heaven where the Lord is waiting to welcome us.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

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Give Thanks
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
In everything give thanks!
At all times give Him praise!
Thank Him for all His love and care,
The wisdom of His ways.
In everything give thanks!
At all times give Him praise!
Rejoice in Him forevermore,
Through bright and dismal days.
In everything give thanks!
At all times give Him praise!
No matter what the circumstance,
A cheerful anthem raise.
In everything give thanks!
At all times give Him praise!
Now, in this life, as soon above,
When on His face we’ll gaze.

Monday, November 1, 2021

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Dear Young Christian:
This past weekend, my wife and I were at a Bible conference in Roeselare, Belgium. There were believers there from all over Western Europe, Romania, North America, South America, Egypt and Africa. It was just a little inkling of what it will be like when we get to Heaven and all the redeemed are around the Lord Jesus and sing together in perfect harmony, “a new song, saying, 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). Christian fellowship is unique and wonderful. The Bible tells us, “Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ … . But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:3, 7).
This week, enjoy that fellowship with God the Father, the Lord Jesus, and, as much you can, with other believers.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
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