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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

March 2022

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Thursday, March 31, 2022

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Happiness — Part 3
In light of our meditation the past couple of days, I want to ask you a question: “Are you a happy Christian?” I am not asking if you are saved, I am asking if you are truly happy. If not, you need to assess your life and ask yourself why you are not happy. I am afraid that there are many very unhappy Christians, both young and old.
Remember, as believers, our happiness does not depend on our circumstances, as the Scriptures that we have had the past couple of days indicate. However, it does depend on our relationship with the Lord. In prison for preaching the gospel, Paul and Silas “sang praises” (Acts 16:25). This was because their hearts were full of the “joy of the Lord” (Nehemiah 8:10). As we have already noted in a previous quotation, Paul could experience an inward happiness as a prisoner in front of King Agrippa (Acts 26:2).
Growing up, we often sang this chorus by Ira Stanphill:
Happiness is to know the Savior,
Living a life within His favor,
Having a change in my behavior,
Happiness is the Lord.
–Ira F. Stanphill
So, I ask you again, “Are you a happy Christian?”

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

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Happiness — Part 2
Someone has well said that true happiness in the life of a believer really depends on how closely they are walking with the Lord in obedience to His word.
Looking back on my childhood, I realize now that obedience to my parents would have saved me a lot of unhappiness and frustration. It is no different in the family of God. To make the point, we will repeat the verses we had yesterday for your further consideration and meditation.
• Here is what David says on the matter: “Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15).
• His son Solomon further adds: “Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20).
• John tells us, regarding obedience: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).
• The Apostle Paul said to King Agrippa: “I think myself happy” (Acts 26:2).
• James declares: “Behold, we count them happy which endure” (James 5:11).
• Peter records: “If ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye…If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye” (1 Peter 3:14; 4:14).

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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Happiness — Part 1
On March 3rd, we had a meditation on the subject of happiness. We will finish the month with the same subject.
For those who do not know the Lord, “happiness” can be described as “Happen-ness.” In other words, their happiness depends on happenings. If things go well, they are happy; if things are not going so well, then their happiness vanishes.
But, it is very different for someone who knows the Lord and seeks to follow Him, owning Him as Lord of their life.
• Here is what David says on the matter: “Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15).
• His son Solomon further adds: “Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20).
• John tells us, regarding obedience: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).
• The Apostle Paul said to King Agrippa: “I think myself happy” (Acts 26:2).
• James declares: “Behold, we count them happy which endure” (James 5:11).
• Peter records: “If ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye…If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye” (1 Peter 3:14; 4:14).

Monday, March 28, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,
In my reading this morning, this commendation of Timothy by the Apostle Paul really stood out: “Timotheus, who is…faithful in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17).
If some older Christian were mentioning you in a letter, would he be able to say something similar? On another occasion he said, “Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ” (1 Thessalonians 3:2). And again, to the Christians at Philippi, “I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you…For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state” (Philippians 2:19-20).
What wonderful recommendations for a young man! Paul had seen the evidence of practical Christianity in his life and had confidence in sending him to visit his brethren, knowing that it would be for their blessing and edification.
As I get older, I am thankful there are young brothers, and sisters too, who really have a desire to serve the Lord and further the gospel work. Keep on, and don’t be discouraged.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, March 27, 2022

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Looking Back
“In remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
On the first day of the week, it is important to pause and look back to the work of Calvary and remember the Lord Jesus, what He suffered for us and what He accomplished to the glory of God and for our eternal blessing. Here are the words of a hymn that express it better than I can:
“On Calvary we’ve adoring stood,
And gazed on that wondrous cross,
Where the holy, spotless Lamb of God
Was slain in His love for us;
How our hearts have stirred at that solemn cry,
While the sun was enrapt in night,
‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’
Most blessed, most awful sight.”
– 213 Little Flock Hymnbook
Yes, nothing will stir our souls to worship, praise, and thanksgiving like a fresh glimpse, by faith, of
“the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).

Saturday, March 26, 2022

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Security
“Thou shalt be secure” (Job 11:18).
Prince Prajadhipok was born on November 8th, 1893. On the 26th of November, 1925, he was crowned King of Siam — present-day Thailand. Commonly known as King Rama VII, he was the last absolute monarch and was forced to abdicate and leave the country on March 2nd, 1935.
He is the only monarch in history to insure himself against the loss of his throne, having taken out unemployment insurance policies with French and British underwriters early on in his reign. As a result, he was able to live comfortably in England until his death on May 30th, 1941.
The king of Siam was a wise man in many respects, but what about eternity? Was he ready? Only God knows! It is good to be prepared by planning well for this life, but better still to make the necessary arrangements for the next life.
Is your soul insured for heaven? Have you prepared by trusting Jesus and the work done by Him on the cross? This is a most important consideration, and one that has eternal consequences. “O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!” (Deuteronomy 32:29).
Have you?

Friday, March 25, 2022

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Monthly Question Page
Q. Can you please explain the term “Justified”?
A. Justified means that the believer has been cleared from every charge of sin by being brought into a new position before God. He is no longer viewed by God as a sinner. It is an act of God whereby the ungodly is reckoned righteous in God’s mind. There are two sides to justification: a negative side and a positive side.
The negative side has to do with being cleared of all charges of sin against us. “And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39).
The positive side has to do with the believer being in an entirely new position before God in Christ, where no further charge can ever be brought against him. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16). Justification in Christianity always brings the believer into a new position before God. Justifying sinners is something only God can do!

Thursday, March 24, 2022

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Worldly
I opened the in-flight magazine and there is was: an advertisement with the heading,
BECOME WORLDLY
I realize that this was simply an appeal by an international travel company encouraging people to globe-trot and spend their money seeing the sights and experiencing what the world has to offer. However, it made me think of the exhortation given to Titus by the Apostle Paul:
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12).
When we have a real appreciation of the grace of God, it will keep us from becoming worldly Christians. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t enjoy God’s creation, or that we should despise and abuse what He has entrusted to us in a natural way. But we are told to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). And we need to remember,
“The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:17).

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Proverb 22
1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

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“O And O” Or “H and H”
“With my whole heart have I sought Thee”
(Psalm 119:10).
A few years ago, a young Christian who traveled extensively on business had to go to an area of the world where he had never been before. He was an earnest and devoted believer and served the Lord wherever he went in his own quiet way. Knowing another young Christian who was well acquainted with the district into which he was going, he asked him if he would give him some names and addresses of the Lord’s people in those parts. This his friend gladly did. However, when the list came, the traveler was puzzled at seeing either “O and O” or “H and H” opposite each name. When he enquired as to what it meant, he was told, “Some are only ‘Half and Half’ Christians, and some are ‘Out and Out’ ones. I put those marks by their names to distinguish them.”
If our names were on that list, what kind of Christian would we be listed as? Would we be listed as “O and O,” or would it have to be “H and H”? Could it be said that we “wholly followed the Lord” (Numbers 32:12)?

Monday, March 21, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,
There may be many duties and tasks that are pressing this week, and you are wondering how you are going to get it all accomplished. Just remember that, in between all the necessities of life, the Lord is inviting and entreating, “rest a while” (Mark 6:31). In today’s language we would say, “Stop and take a deep breath.” We need to pause during the crazy, busy fray of life’s activities and be sensitive to the Lord’s presence and nearness. Talk to Him, listen to Him speak to you, enjoy His love, feel the warmth of His presence. This will enable you to carry on with spiritual energy and purpose. It doesn’t mean everything will be perfect, but problem solving will be much easier, your day brighter, and life’s road smoother. There will be a joy and song in your heart and a smile on your face.
We are encouraged, “Be still” (Psalm 46:10). Most of us have heard or read this verse before, but do we really take it to heart? Try it this week, and I know you will find it a real blessing and help.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, March 20, 2022

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His Father’s Will
“Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7).
The will of God His Father was paramount with the Lord Jesus. He said, “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).
Not only was the Father’s will His one great objective, but it was His joy. He could say, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart” (Psalm 40:8).
In Gethsemane, when in an agony as He anticipated the cross, He said, “Father…not My will, but Thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).
Later on we read, “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).
That joy was the joy of returning to the Father and sitting down at His right hand, knowing that all had been done according to His will. He could say with confidence, “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:4).

Saturday, March 19, 2022

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No Exit
When we visit a public building of any kind, we are thankful for well-marked exit signs. Often, these are lit up with large red letters, and with back-up batteries, stay lit even when the power goes off. I have been in situations where everything went dark, but we were able to exit due to the well-marked sign over the door.
However, there are no exit signs in hell. Listen to the plight of the rich man the Lord told about:
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off…And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me…But Abraham said…between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence” (Luke 16:23-26).
There was no exit and no one able to come to him and bring relief. This is indeed a serious warning to any who have had opportunity to receive God’s offer of salvation through the work of His Son at Calvary’s cross. The invitation today is, “Look unto Me, and be ye saved” (Isaiah 45:22). There are no such invitations in hell.

Friday, March 18, 2022

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David Brainerd
“He that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).
David Brainerd (April 20, 1718 – October 9, 1747), was a pioneer missionary to the North American Indians. While living and preaching among the Delaware Indians of New Jersey, he wrote the following:
“I care not where I live or what hardships I go through, so that I can but win souls for Christ. When I am asleep I dream of these things; as soon as I awake, the first thing I think of is this great work. All my desire is the conversion of sinners, and all my hope is in God.”
Here are some further quotes:
“The all-seeing eye of God beheld our deplorable state; infinite pity touched the heart of the Father of mercies; and infinite wisdom laid the plan of our recovery.”
“Never think that you can live to God by your own power or strength; but always look to and rely on Him for assistance, yea, for all strength and grace.”
“If you hope for happiness in the world, hope for it from God, and not from the world.”
No wonder that during his short life he was used mightily in the blessing and salvation of so many. Would that we all had that same desire and fervency.

Thursday, March 17, 2022

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Prayer
Worship
We worship God the Father and the Lord Jesus for who they are. Here is how the Concise Bible Dictionary states it:
“The worship of God has been described as ‘the honor and adoration which are rendered to Him by reason of what He is in Himself, and what He is to those who render it’…The Father and the Son are known, the Father’s will is that the Son should be honored as revealing the fountain of love, and the Son leading the hearts of the many sons into the Father’s love. Worship is thus distinguished from ascriptions of praise and thanksgiving; it is the homage of love.”
The Bible teaches that it is only deity that is to be worshiped. Twice John tried to worship the angel who had been sent to guide him during his vision, but was told, “See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God” (Revelation 19:10).
True worship must be guided by the Spirit of God according to the Word of God. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). This He desires from us above all else!

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

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Rebellion
In the city of Regina Saskatchewan, in western Canada, there is a tattooing shop with the following name:
HOUSE OF CUSTOM REBELLION
Shocking isn’t it? And yet, perhaps they are more honest than we give them credit for. And, in a certain aspect, it sums up the spirit and attitude of the present age better and more accurately than we realize.
The dictionary defines rebellion as “Open resistance against established authority.”
Here is what the Bible has to say about rebellion:
“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft” (1 Samuel 15:23).
“An evil man seeketh only rebellion” (Proverbs 17:11).
God has given us His standard and principles for living in this world. The problem is that rebellion against God and authority on every level is preached and practiced in modern society. Everyone wants to do their own thing with no one to stop them. But God does not look lightly on such a course. The way of blessing and happiness is found in obedience to the Lord and His Word. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

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An Encounter With Jesus
“And they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto Him…where dwellest Thou?”
(John 1:37-38).
John the Baptist had just pointed his disciples to the Lord Jesus. Two of these men, when they saw the Lord, had their interest awakened and desired to investigate the truth of John’s report — so they turned to follow Jesus. This action did not escape the notice of the Lord, and turning to them, He asked the question, “What seek ye?” There were a number of answers they could have given, but above all,  they desired to dwell where He dwelt. In other words, their hearts were so attracted to Himself that they wanted nothing less than to be in His presence and experience more of His ways, words, and company. Theywere then rewarded by His invitation, “Come and see. They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day: for it was about the tenth hour” (John 1:39). An encounter with the Lord can be just as possible and meaningful today as it was when He was here on earth. Seek that encounter today and you will not be disappointed.

Monday, March 14, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,
Today I came across a quote I had jotted down in my notebook some years ago: “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”
How true this is, and especially when it comes to the truth of God’s Word. We may choose to read it, we may choose to ignore it, we may even choose to disobey it, but that does not change the facts! The Old Testament prophet states clearly and unequivocally, “The Word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8). The Psalmist echoes, “For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). The Apostle Peter confirms, “The Word of God…liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23).
I hope all my readers not only read the Word of God, but also believe it and obey it. The Bible stands as a whole. If you disbelieve or ignore part of it you really bring into question all of it. Here are three simple steps to follow when it comes to the Bible:
Read it! Believe it! Obey it!
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, March 13, 2022

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His Pierced Side
“When they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they brake not His legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on Him whom they pierced” (John 19:33-37).
Our meditation today is taken from Hamilton Smith’s commentary on John’s Gospel, a book I highly recommend.
“The scruples of the Jews and the brutality of the soldiers broke the legs of the two thieves, and pierced the side of the Savior. How little they realized that they were sending a believer to paradise, and drawing forth the witness to the purifying and saving grace of the work of Christ, while fulfilling the Scriptures that say not a bone of Him shall be broken, and ‘They shall look on Me whom they pierced’ (Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20; Psalm 22:16-17; Zechariah 12:10).”
Take time to look up the references referred to. It will be profitable to your heart and soul.

Saturday, March 12, 2022

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Believe
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” (John 3:36).
What does it really mean to believe? Sometimes we say things like, “I believe that it will be good weather tomorrow.” Or, “I believe the economy is going to improve this year.” However, that reduces believing to mere supposition, an assumption of the truth, a longing, or a hope. In this way the word believe loses its true force.
There is a much deeper significance to the concept. It is absolute faith, complete trust and confidence in someone or something. It is unrestricted acceptance of the reliability of that person or thing.
When John Paton (1824-1907), the Scottish missionary to the New Hebrides Islands of the South Pacific, was translating the New Testament into the language of the natives he found it hard to come up with a word for believe that would fit their way of looking at things. Then he came to Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” He translated it, “Lean your full weight on Him.” Have you leaned your full weight on Him for salvation?
“Believe on Him” (Philippians 1:29).

Friday, March 11, 2022

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Review
“I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways…I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy Word” (Psalm 119:15-16).
In a world of cell phones and speed dialing, our ability to remember may be short-circuited by reliance on technological gadgets. A study on this subject concluded that, in the past, as we dialed numbers, the repetition slowly etched them into our long-term memory. I used to know many of the numbers of friends and family, but today all I need to do is press a button.
Letting a phone number slip our minds may be trivial, but keeping a mental grip on the Word of God is vital. Someone has said that the three principles of Scripture memory are, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW! It is also good to memorize the reference with the text. That way, you will be able to find it when the need arises.
The goal of etching Scripture in our minds is to have it fill our hearts and motivate our actions. Memorizing opens the mental door to God’s Word. Review helps to give it a permanent home in our hearts.

Thursday, March 10, 2022

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Self-Discipline
“The fruit of the Spirit is…temperance (self-control)” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word discipline in the following way:
Discipline (verb): To train or develop by instruction and exercise especially in self-control…to bring under control.
Another online site states, “When you have discipline you have self-control.”
The Bible says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit (self-control) is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28).
I read recently of a group of students at a private school who wrote the headmaster the following: “We want more freedom, less homework, more TV and entertainment time, and no curfew limit.” They wanted to have what they thought was true liberty, and exemption from rules and regulations. But freedom is not the right to do what I want but the power to do what I ought.
As believers we need, in the power of the Spirit and the divine life we have in Christ, to practice self-discipline…self-control. This in itself is a great testimony to a world where self-indulgence is constantly preached and practiced.

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

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Full Control
• Elijah was fed by ravens: “I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there” (1 Kings 17:4).
• Daniel spent a night with lions: “They brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions” (Daniel 6:16).
• Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of a fish: “Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah” (Jonah 1:17).
• The Apostle Paul had his hand seized by a poisonous snake, but was unharmed: “There came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand” (Act 28:3).
• When Peter needed money to pay his tax, the Lord used a fish: “Cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money” (Matthew 17:27).
These instances show that our God is in full control of every level of creation and cares about us at all times. So why does our faith waver when we are faced with unusual or difficult circumstances? It is because we have not fully learned the truth of the verse,
“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

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Straight Ahead
Colin Luther Powell, the American statesman and retired four-star general, once made the following statement:
“Always focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror.”
While this may be sound advice for driving a vehicle or a good metaphor for getting along in the world, reading this quote reminded me of something the Apostle Paul said in regard to our Christian life as well. “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul had a very checkered past which he had judged and left behind. Now he had Christ as his object and heaven as his goal. There was no looking back or turning back. He was heeding the words of Solomon, who wrote, “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee” (Proverbs 4:25).
Maybe there are things that have not been right in your near or distant past. Don’t let them spoil your joy in the Lord today. Judge them and press on in the path of faith. Look straight ahead and follow Christ, our one great object.

Monday, March 7, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,
Recently I heard someone say, “When you fall, the best way to get back on your feet is to get down on your knees.”
It reminded me of the verses, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).
Our enemy, Satan, is always trying to trip us up so that we stumble and fall. He is clever and powerful, and often he may succeed in getting us down and discouraged. But we don’t have to stay down. There is always the resource and power of prayer. Have you ever noticed that, when you go to get up off the ground, you invariably start with a kneeling position? Just so, when we fall spiritually we can begin to rise by being on our knees. If you feel like you have hit bottom, look to the Lord, and remember that He is “able to keep you from falling” (Jude 24), and, when you do fall, He is able to lift you up again. The Psalm writer said, “Thou hast delivered…my feet from falling” (Psalm 116:8).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, March 6, 2022

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The Lamb
The Lamb of God is one of the most unique titles given to God’s Son. When John the Baptist saw the Lord Jesus walking towards Him, he exclaimed in spontaneous tribute, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The next day, when John again saw Him, he declared, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36).
This was the One of whom it had been prophesied, “God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt offering” (Genesis 22:8). “The Lamb” sums up the obedience, the love, the sacrifice, the suffering, and the triumph of Christ.
It is the Lamb and His worthiness that will occupy us for all eternity!
“And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain…And they sung a new song…And I heard the voice of many…Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Revelation 5:6,9,11-12).
How thankful we can be today for that sacrifice of the Lamb of God. He is worthy of all worship and praise!

Saturday, March 5, 2022

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Saved?
Recently I was passing by a large graveyard in Carmel, Indiana and noticed a large tombstone with its back to the street. In large engraved letters that could not be missed by passersby, the question was asked:
IS
YOUR
SOUL
SAVED?
It reminded me of the verse concerning Abel’s testimony: “And by it he being dead yet speaketh” (Hebrews 11:4).The person whose body lies beneath that gravestone in Carmel is, evidently, “Absent from the body…present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).Yet their testimony lives on and they still speak to passersby through the words on their stone.
How about you? Are you saved? If you were to be buried in a local cemetery later this week, would you be “with Christ; which is far better” (Philippians 1:23)? And would you be able to give testimony as to your salvation and the need for others to be saved from the inscription on your tombstone? If not, be saved right now!

Friday, March 4, 2022

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Pleasing the Lord
“Do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
Who do you want to please?
Every young Christian (and older one, too), down deep in their heart wants to please the Lord. However, if we are not careful, we may find ourselves trying to please people and in so doing compromise the Word of God. Paul’s desire after he was saved was, first and foremost, to please the Lord. The question he asked on the road to Damascus carried through his whole life: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). Later on, he encouraged the brethren in Ephesus to live and to walk to please the Lord, “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6).
Here is an example of a man who lived to please God at a very difficult time in the history of the world. “Enoch…had this testimony, that He pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5).
Solomon concluded,
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7).

Thursday, March 3, 2022

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True Happiness
“Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord”
(Psalm 144:15).
Have you ever sat on a bench in a shopping mall and watched people walking by, or sat in an airport and observed those who are hurrying to catch a plane? If you have, you’ve probably noticed many faces that seem distant or unhappy. I have noticed many blank stares that may be the result of stark, cold humanism and selfish living. Yes, the world is certainly filled with a lot of unhappy people.
Does this description apply to you? If so, ask yourself, Why? Even Christians can fall into this trap and find themselves in a state of unhappiness. Sad to say, there are many true believers who are living for themselves and wondering where their joy has gone. Only a life lived for Christ and in the service of others is a truly happy life.
When the Queen of Sheba visited king Solomon, one of the things she noted regarding the men and servants of his court was, “Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom” (1 Kings 10:8).
Could someone say that about you?

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

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Negativity
“Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured” (1 Corinthians 10:10).
The following story is told of a farmer who was prone to focus more on the negative than the positive:
One bright sunny day, a neighbor stopped by and commented on the farmer’s wonderful bumper crop. “You must be extremely happy with this year’s harvest,” he said.
“Well, yes, it looks like an extra good one, but a bumper crop is awfully hard on the soil.”
Yes, if we are not careful, it is easy to focus on the bad and the negative. Our verse today tells us that the children of Israel often did this during their forty years journey through the wilderness. Negativity leads to murmuring and complaining, unthankfulness and faultfinding. This attitude then leads to discouragement and, ultimately, sin. We read that, “When the people complained, it displeased the Lord” (Numbers 11:1).
It is easy to develop a critical, grumbling attitude. But let’s focus today on the good things that the Lord is doing in our lives. If you do this, you will find that you have every reason to be thankful!

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

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Weariness
“My soul is weary of my life…But they that wait upon the Lord…shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint”
(Job 10:1; Isaiah 40:31).
I felt so tired and weak today,
And then I heard my Savior say,
“My grace has all sufficient power,
For every step, for every hour;
Lean hard on me, I’m with you here,
Do not give up, I am your cheer.”
I drew upon that grace and strength,
And found sufficiency at length:
And so the hours passed quickly by,
Together with my Lord and I;
I leaned on Him, He was so near,
And through it all became more dear.
So if you feel frail and weak,
Rest in the Lord, His comfort seek:
You may be weary of the way,
But don’t forget to watch and pray.
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