Young Christians Calendar

June 2022

Teach Me

“Behold, God exalteth by His power: who teacheth like Him?” (Job 36:22).

These words were spoken to Job by his friend Elihu, in the midst his affliction. They were said more as a rebuke and not with the best attitude, but certainly truer words were never spoken. As believers, we have the best Teacher in the universe.

Here are some good prayers for us to pray in this regard:

“Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths” (Psalm 25:4).

“Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth: unite my heart to fear Thy name” (Psalm 86:11).

“Teach me Thy Statutes” (Psalm 119:12).

“Teach me good judgment and knowledge” (Psalm 119:66).

“Teach me to do Thy will” (Psalm 143:10).

Do we, like the writer of these Psalms, have a true desire to be taught of the Lord, and then to live out in a practical way what we have learned? If we do, He has promised,

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go” (Psalm 32:8).

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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His Strong Hand — Part 2

More verses concerning the strong hand of the Lord:

In mercy

“With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for His mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 136:12).

His voice

“For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me” (Isaiah 8:11).

Job complaining as to the Lord’s dealing with Him

“Thou art become cruel to me: with Thy strong hand Thou opposest Thyself against me” (Job 30:21).

A future day of glory and reward

“Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him” (Isaiah 40:10).

How wonderful to know that we are sheltered and carried by the strong hand of the Lord, and that He will never let us go until we are safe home with Him in the Father’s house.

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

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His Strong Hand — Part 1

A recent visitor in our home pointed out a number of times where the Bible speaks of the Lord’s strong hand. Let’s consider some of them:

Deliverance

“And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee out of Egypt” (Exodus 13:9).

His care and ability to answer prayer

“Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of Thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for Thy name’s sake; (For they shall hear of Thy great name, and of Thy strong hand, and of Thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house” (1 Kings 8:41-42).

Redemption

“Now these are Thy servants and Thy people, whom Thou hast redeemed by Thy great power, and by Thy strong hand” (Nehemiah 1:10).

Monday, June 27, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,

Do you want to be a happy Christian? I mean really happy, down deep in your heart? Here are just a few of the ways to be a happy, joyful, child of God. Remember that the word, “blessed,” in our English Bible can often be translated, “happy.”

“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. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3).

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee” (Psalm 84:5).

Want to be a happy believer? Learn these truths!

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

Sunday, June 26, 2022

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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).

Forsaken of God! Never will we be able to enter into what that must have been for the Lord Jesus when, compressed into three hours of darkness, 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).

Yet, while we will never be able to fully enter in to those atoning sufferings, yet in the measure in which we meditate on them today it will bring fresh praise and gratitude from our innermost heart and soul.

Here is how the hymn-writer, J.G. Deck, expressed it:

Our sins were laid on His sacred head,
The curse by our Lord was borne;
For us a victim our Savior bled,
And endured that death of scorn;
Himself He gave our poor hearts to win —
(Was ever love, Lord, like Thine!)
From the paths of folly, and shame and sin,
And fill them with joys divine.

Saturday, June 25, 2022

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Jenny Lind

The acclaimed singer, Jenny Lind, was born in Sweden in 1820. At seventeen she came to England from her native land and very quickly became known as “The Swedish Nightingale.” She received many accolades and honors, not only from Queen Victoria, but from many of the nobility and heads of state in Europe.

However, her career was short lived, as she realized that it was causing her to neglect her Bible and the God and Savior she had come to know and love. When asked why she had given up her singing at the height of her popularity, she pointed to her Bible and said, “When every day made me think less of this, what else could I do.”

On her grave stone in Great Malvern Cemetery are inscribed the words, “I know that my Redeemer liveth.”

Jenny Lind realized that there was more to life than a flash of worldly pomp and glory. She had come to know the secret of the Lord’s own words,

“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent” (John 17:3).

This is what really counts for this life and certainly for the next. Which life are you living in view of?

Friday, June 24, 2022

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Monthly Question Page

Q. A friend of mine who professed to be a believer says he has given up on Christianity because the Lord has stopped answering his prayers. How can I help him?

A. Part of the problem in our modern day, “what can you do for me” world is that we think it is all about us and that the Lord should answer our prayers according to what we think is best. Many of us live in a society where we can get what we want, when we want, with just the swipe of a plastic card. As a result, we begin to think that this is the way the Lord operates.

The Lord always answers our prayers. The writer of Psalms 66 could say with certainty,

“Verily God hath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer” (verse 19).

However, it may not always be in the way we had hoped or wanted. If it is according to His will and for our blessing, He says, “Yes.” If it is not for our good, He says, “No.” If it is not His timing, He may say, “Wait.” I would impress upon your friend that, when we pray, we need to have the spirit of the Lord Jesus, who prayed,

“Father, if Thou be willing…nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).

Thursday, June 23, 2022

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Ashamed

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16).

Paul wrote these words to the Christians at Rome, probably to encourage them to take a stand. Rome was the capital of the known world at that time. It was a dark, heathen metropolis full of violence, corruption, and the worst of sins and loose living. In short, it was a pagan Gentile city!

The Apostle had been given a commission from the Lord to preach to the Gentiles:

“He is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear my name before the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15).

So he was very interested in going to Rome and preaching the good news.

Each of us has a commission as well.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Ask the Lord to help you to not be ashamed, but take a stand for Him. Be like those in the early church who prayed,

“Grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word” (Act 4:29).

The Lord will certainly help you not to be ashamed.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Mark 3

13 And He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him.

14 And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach,

15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

16 And Simon He surnamed Peter;

17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and He surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed Him: and they went into an house.

20 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

21 And when His friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on Him: for they said, He is beside himself.

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

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Silence

“A time to keep silence” (Ecclesiastes 3:7).

In keeping with yesterday’s meditation, I often wonder, Whatever happened to silence? Thought? Remembrance? Meditatation? Study? These can be troublesome and wearying exercises for some. So, with clicks of the button, on goes the music and up goes the volume.

On the other hand, time in the presence of the Lord, listening to His voice and quietly considering what He says, is invaluable. It calms our minds and hearts; it gives peace and joy; it strengthens our faith, and it gives us to know His mind and will for us. In the silence of His company, He can speak in ways that are not otherwise possible. Like the prophet Elijah, we will hear Him in

“a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12).

Schedule some time each day away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and the noisy routine of necessary activities. Be like the writer of Psalm 85, who said,

“I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people” (verse 8).

Monday, June 20, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,

I see them everywhere! Heads bobbing, shoulders swaying, toes tapping, fingers drumming. Children and young people, middle-aged and elderly, men and women! They can be found almost anywhere: jogging in the park, sitting in the airport, on the way to school and work, or just sitting idly whiling time away. They all have one thing in common — those little earphones connected to some device hooked on their belt or tucked in their pocket.

Of course, there are many things of spiritual profit that can be listened to, and we certainly don’t want to lessen the value of Scriptural hymns and the spoken Word of God.

Yet, if we were as in tune to the voice of the Lord as we are to that which the world has to offer, I suggest that we would be stronger Christians and that we would have greater joy and more spiritual fruit. We need to say, like Samuel, “Speak; for Thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:10). In order to do this we need to take our ear-buds out and open our Bibles.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

Sunday, June 19, 2022

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Mockery

“And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews…And after that they had mocked Him, they took the robe off from Him, and put His own raiment on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him” (Matthew 27:29,31).

“And the men that held Jesus mocked Him”
(Luke 22:63).

“And the soldiers also mocked Him” (Luke 23:36).

They gave the Lord a crown, a robe, a scepter, a throne, and a title. But it was all in mockery — a crown made of thorns, the robe probably a cast-off and well worn, a scepter of earthly decay, and a cross of wood. But the title was true! He was the King of the Jews.

Today we bow before Him, not in mockery, but with hearts bowed in worship and a sense of deep awe, as we consider His person and work. Echoing the language of the inspired writer, “To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 25).

Saturday, June 18, 2022

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Water Ahead

The story is told of some travelers crossing a desert and, being overtaken with fatigue, were thirsty. Some were completely exhausted, while others continued their trek in search of water. Sighting what they thought was water, they were disappointed when it proved to be only a mirage — an atmospheric delusion. Two of them actually found water, and at their cry, “Water ahead,” a long line of hikers pressed forward and were strengthened and refreshed.

“Water ahead” sums up the gospel message. The prophet Isaiah records, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1).

While here on earth, the Lord gave the invitation: “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink” (John 7:37). As mentioned in last Saturday’s meditation, He said to the woman at the well, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

Have you drunk of that life-giving water?

Friday, June 17, 2022

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Reward

The Olympic runner competes for the gold medal and the approval of their fellow-man. They run for a flash of glory, worldly fame, and the cheer of the admiring crowd. Their name may appear on the front page of the newspaper or the cover of a sports magazine, and then they are usually archived and forgotten.

Having said all that, the Christian race is very different. The Apostle Paul put it in perspective when he wrote,

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

In living the Christian life, we are to live in view of eternity and the Lord’s approval. Paul tells us, “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). A life lived in this way will never be forgotten by the Lord Jesus. On the last page of Scripture, He has promised, “And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12).

Are you running the Christian race for the world’s approval, or for the Lord’s “Well done” (Matthew 25:21)?

Thursday, June 16, 2022

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Prayer

Fellowship

“Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).

God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ desire our fellowship. Perhaps the simplest definition of prayer is given to us in 1 Timothy 4:5. In connection with giving thanks for our food we are told, “it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.” Or, as another translation puts it, “by God’s Word and freely addressing Him.” In other words, prayer is speaking to the Lord. It may not be with any special need or request, but just enjoying sweet communion, as we would with a dear friend or acquaintance.

Moses enjoyed this companionship with his God. “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Exodus 33:11).

Take time each day to freely address God and the Lord Jesus, of course remembering that it must always be with reverence and respect — realizing that we are addressing deity. There is nothing like time spent in His presence, bringing joy to your heart, and certainly joy to His.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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The Lord Knows

Another card received today, reads as follows:

The Lord knows you are hurting-

He sees your pain and feels your grief.

He will be near you to comfort you,

give you peace and bring you hope.

He loves you and sees each tear you cry,

because you matter so much to HIM!

It brought to mind the verse that says,

“For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

The Lord Himself as a man spent less than thirty-five years here in this world. Now as a man, although in heaven, He feels with us everything we pass through. Not only does He sympathize with us as we go through the difficulties and sorrows of the path of faith, but He empathizes as well.

Sometimes we may feel that there is no one who understands what we are going through. However, while there may not be anyone on earth who does, there is always the Man in heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t forget that!

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

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By Faith

Today, I received a card of encouragement from some dear friends and fellow-believers in the mail. Here is the message that was on the front:

It’s never easy going through

things that we don’t understand.

But there is comfort in knowing that

the Lord is close, and the Lord is near,

and that we are HIS!

For me it was a good reminder that we will not always have all the answers as to why the Lord allows certain things in our lives. If we had all the answers now, we wouldn’t need faith. Faith believes, trusts, and accepts, not because we understand everything, but because we know that our Lord is doing the very best for us.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

When we get home to heaven we will then understand fully and see the perfection of the Lord’s ways with us. Then, and only then will there be a full explanation. Until then we are called on to

“live by faith” (Hebrews 10:38).

Monday, June 13, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,

Life can change drastically or come to a screeching halt very quickly. We make plans, we have hopes, we set goals, we have aspirations and dreams. When these schemes fail to work out according to our designs, it is very easy to become frustrated and annoyed. We may even chafe under it and question God’s ways.

Joseph had his life turned upside down the day he went in obedience to his father Jacob to see how his brothers were doing. As a young person, Daniel found himself in Babylon with a complete change in lifestyle. However, both of these young people took their circumstances from their God, profited by them, and were used in great blessing to many.

So it is with us today. If we are willing to accept whatever the Lord has for us, even though it may not have been what we planned or wanted, there will be peace in our souls, and we can be used in blessing to others. You will be “like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

Sunday, June 12, 2022

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Worship

“When they saw Him, they worshipped Him” (Matthew 28:17).

What is it that produces true worship?

It is a fresh and deepened sense of who Christ is! It is to be occupied with Himself, His glories, His beauties, His character. It is to have our minds and our hearts absorbed with Himself!

Open your Bible and read Song of Solomon 5:10-16. Here we have the bride describing the qualities of her Bridegroom, and at the end of it all, she says, “He is altogether lovely” (verse 16).

As we meditate and enjoy the person of Christ, our heavenly Bridegroom, it will produce worship in our hearts, just as the disciples worshiped when they saw the Lord, as indicated in our opening verse.

Someday soon, we will worship as we gaze unhindered upon Him in the Father’s house, as indicated in Revelation 5:14: “And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped Him that liveth for ever and ever.”

However, He wants that response from our hearts now.

Will you give Him that honor today?

Saturday, June 11, 2022

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Living Water

“Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst” (John 19:28).

“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely” (Revelation 21:6).

What a striking contrast these two verses invoke in our minds! First of all, the Lord Jesus suffering on the cross, and instead of water to quench His dire thirst, it could be said,

“They gave Me vinegar to drink” (Psalm 69:21).

Now for the sinner the invitation goes out to come and take of that “living water” (John 4:10). This divine, endless spring quenches the spiritual thirst of the soul — now and for eternity. Like the woman of Samaria, at Sychar’s well, all you have to do is receive the Lord Jesus as your Savior by simple faith. Then and there the same promise made to the woman that day will be yours:

“Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

Friday, June 10, 2022

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Seeing Jesus

“We see Jesus” (Hebrews2:9).

“Looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).

“I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1).

“Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56).

“And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him” (Matthew 28:17).

What vision of enjoyment will you have of the Lord Jesus as you head out for another busy day of activity? Here is a good prayer for us to recite or sing at the beginning of each new day.

Oh fix our earnest gaze
So wholly, Lord, on Thee,
That, with Thy beauty occupied,
We elsewhere none may see.

C.A. Bernstein (1672-1699)

Although in heaven and hid from our physical sight, He is no less real to the eye of faith.

Thursday, June 9, 2022

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The Day

“This is the day which the Lord hath made.”

Do you really believe that? If you do, then you can truly experience the rest of the verse:

“We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

We talk about good days and bad days. But when we know the Lord and trust Him for every situation that comes our way, then every day is a good day. No matter what happens, His promise remains,

“As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25).

Even in the midst of deep trial and distress, Jeremiah wrote,

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:22-26).

Whether having a good day or a bad day, will you be able to echo the same sentiment?

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

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Anxious

In an uncertain, ever changing, chaotic world, many are suffering from severe anxiety and other related maladies. Maybe you too are approaching today with concern and worry? If so, pause and reflect upon the assurances which the Lord gives you in His unchanging Word.

For instance, rest your heart in the assurance of His companionship: “I am with you alway” (Matthew 28:20).

Also, take note of His relationship: “I am thy God” (Isaiah 41:10).

Don’t forget His ability: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Above all, don’t forget His stupendous love: “God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).

And remember, we have a wonderful future, and the promise from the Lord Jesus: “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

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Perfect Peace — Ezra 7:12

“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).

“Perfect peace, and at such a time,”

Resting in Jesus, a joy so sublime;
Peace like none other,
Peace for the soul,
Peace for the journey,
Until reached the goal.

“Perfect peace, and at such a time,”

Then in that home of peace, there to chime,
Songs of fresh worship,
Thanksgiving, and praise,
For peace we enjoyed,
And God’s marvelous ways.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Monday, June 6, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,

During a recent illness, I received many cards with expressions of comfort and love. One in particular stood out in regard to the front cover message. Here is what it said:

Someone’s taking really good care of you. Our God is the Great Physician. He is the One who made you. He knows how to mend you. His healing touch restores body, soul, and spirit. His schedule is never too full. His diagnosis is always accurate. His treatment is always wise and gentle. His results are amazing.

“He hath done all things well” (Mark 7:37).

Maybe there is one of my readers going through some sickness. I trust these lines will be a help and comfort today. They certainly were to me!

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

Sunday, June 5, 2022

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Love

“I love the Lord, because…” (Psalm 116:1).

What is it that draws out our hearts’ affections as we meditate on the Lord’s person and work on another “Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10)?

Here are just two examples:

“We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

“Because of the savor of Thy good ointments Thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love Thee…We will remember Thy love” (Song of Solomon 1:3-4).

Yes, it is His love combined with His beauties and glories that causes our love to ignite and to set ablaze our hearts’ affections.

As we remember the Lord in the breaking of bread, as we sing hymns of His person and work, as we read our Bibles and consider the work of Calvary, as we think of where He is now, all He is doing for us at the right hand of God, and all that is ahead in the future day of glory, how can we not have enlarged affections for our precious Savior and Lord?

Saturday, June 4, 2022

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Resurrection

Since the earliest days of Christianity there have always been those who deny the fact of the resurrection, asserting that with physical death all is over and done with. Others are more cautious, saying that there will be a general resurrection at the last judgment. Both views are wrong!

The Bible plainly states:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live….Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:25, 28-29).

Now the question for each reader to consider in light of eternity is, Which resurrection will you be a participant in? Will it be the resurrection of life for eternal blessing with the Lord Jesus in the Father’s house? Or will it be the resurrection of damnation in the confines of Hell?

This matter needs to be settled immediately!

After death or Christ’s second coming it will be too late.

Friday, June 3, 2022

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Rest

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass” (Psalm 37:7).

“Augustine of Hippo (November 13, 354 AD – August 28, 430 AD), was a Roman African, and early Christian theologian and philosopher from Numidia. Sometime during his lifetime he penned the following quote: “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in the Lord.”

Even as a true child of God we can have an empty, aching, restless heart if it is not centered on Christ and His promises and purposes. However, a heart centered and fixed on Christ will have an inward peace and rest that outward circumstances cannot affect.

If you are not experiencing this rest today, then the Lord is saying to you,

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Thursday, June 2, 2022

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Make It Count

I received a card from a dear friend in the mail the other day with the following acronym on the front:

YOLOMIC

Here is what it stands for:

You

Only

Live

Once

Make

Count

Some day we, as believers, are going to have to give a detailed account of our lives as to whether we lived each day and moment for the Lord, or whether we wasted the time that was committed to us. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

Whatever time and effort we have wasted in the past we can’t go back and redeem. However, we can from this point

“live the rest of (our) time…to the will of God”
(1 Peter 4:2).

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

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Suffering

The famous actor, Bruce Lee, is quoted as saying,

“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”

Whatever he may have meant from a purely natural point of view, there is certainly some truth in the statement regarding our Christian pathway. The Bible does not teach that a life of faithfulness to the Lord will be an easy or pain-free life. In fact, just the opposite! For instance, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous” (Psalm 34:19). As we read the Biblical accounts of men and women, young and old, we find that there was much suffering.

Recently going through a time of severe pain and physical suffering, I found comfort in the fact that the Lord Jesus suffered far more for me than I could ever suffer in this life. It has brought to mind the verse, “For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Hebrews 12:3). And of course, there are those atoning sufferings which we will never enter into or understand.

“Christ also suffered for us…Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:21, 24).