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Young Christians Calendar

A daily meditation for young Christians

August 2022

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Wednesday, August 31, 2022

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Our Minds — Part 2
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself” (Philippians 2:5,8).
In this passage of Scripture (including verses 5-9), we have the whole course of the life of the Lord Jesus, from His coming from heaven to the work of Calvary’s cross, and then His return to heaven as a glorified man.
The great truth of these verses is to teach us that the Lord voluntarily humbled Himself in the path of service. Having done this, He is the supreme and perfect example of selflessness and humility for us as we go through life. It has been well said, “All right actions flow from right thinking.” The question then arises, How should we think? The answer is, we need to think like Christ.
We are to have the same mind — the same attitude — our whole way of thinking — like His. We are further told,
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3).
If we all had this attitude, how many problems and difficulties it would solve! Or, perhaps they would never occur.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

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Our Minds — Part 1
How busy our minds are with so many things…school, work, recreation fun, and on and on. Satan also has a host of activity and corruption available at our fingertips. But how busy are our minds with God’s thoughts, His Word — the Bible — and the Lord Jesus Christ?
Here are some exhortations that are good for us to take to heart:
“Have your mindon the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth” (Colossians 3:2 JND Translation).
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think onthese things” (Philippians 4:8).
What these verses are really saying is that we need to be occupied with the person and work of Christ, and occupied with the Lord Jesus where He is now, a glorified man in heaven at the right hand of God. This is what will feed, encourage, and edify our souls.

Monday, August 29, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,
Recently I have been going through some old papers and notebooks. Some I am shredding and some I am keeping and rereading.
Today I came upon a page in an old notebook I thought I would share:
“It is easier to suffer in silence, if you are sure someone is watching. The Lord said to the church at Smyrna:
“I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty… Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer” (Revelation 2:9-10).
Maybe no one else sees or knows what we are going through, but the Lord always does, and because He does we can take it all quietly and patiently to Him as a result.
“The God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, August 28, 2022

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He Arose
Today we worship a risen, ascended, and glorified person — The Lord Jesus Christ! Here are some verses that confirm this beyond a shadow of a doubt:
His Resurrection
“He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins…But now is Christ risen from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:4,17,20).
His Ascension
“Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.)” (Ephesians 4:8-10).
His Glorification
“O Father, glorify thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was…Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again” (John 17:5; 12:28).

Saturday, August 27, 2022

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Bowing the Knee
Does the name of Jesus bring any comfort to your heart, or bring any thought of peace and joy? Have you bowed to the authority of that name? Be assured that everyone must bow. The Bible clearly states, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). If you do not bow now in this day of salvation and grace, then those rebellious, stubborn knees must bow and the tongue confess to Him at a time when there will be no pardon or mercy. Then you will be at that event described by the Apostle John:
“And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works…And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-12,15).

Friday, August 26, 2022

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Monthly Question Page
Q. Could you please explain the following verse? “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).
A. The perfect love of God removes all fear as to the present as well as the future by bringing us to see that we are seen in all the perfection and loveliness of Christ. As believers we are completely clear from our sins and the judgment those sins deserve. When we appear before the judgment seat of Christ, we shall have our glorified bodies and be like Him; but, even now, while we are in this world, we are as clear from our sins as we ever will be. “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). We do not need to look at our own hearts to see if we are clear of judgment; we look to Christ and the work of Calvary. Thus perfect love casts out fear. Delivered from the fear of torment, we are made perfect in love, our love being drawn out by His great love to us. As the next statement indicates, “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). It is the enjoyment of His perfect love that gives us peace and confidence in His presence.

Thursday, August 25, 2022

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Love
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).
When it comes to Christian love and loving one another, we are given a very high and lofty standard. We are to love one another as Christ loved us — no less love will do!
So now we ask the question, how did Christ love us? It was a love that loved us when we were sinners at complete enmity against God and His Son. His was a love above every barrier — a love that proved superior to every hindrance.
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).
As we consider this, and it gets a hold on our hearts, it will be the springboard to love our fellow-believer with the same intensity of divine love that we are loved by.
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God”
(1 John 4:7).

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

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Monthly Scripture Reading
Galatians 4
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

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Strength
At 73 years of age, John Wesley (1703-1791) wrote the following in his journal:
“I am far abler to preach than at 23. Ten thousand cares trouble me no more than ten thousand hairs upon my head. I feel grief, but fret nothing.”
This is quite a testimony for one who spent most of his days in rigorous travel, denying himself the comforts of life so that he could preach the gospel and minister to believers.It made me think of Caleb, who, after the wilderness journey, said, “I am this day fourscore and five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in” (Joshua 14:10-11). This doesn’t mean that if we follow the Lord we won’t get old and feeble and have burdens and cares. But it does mean that there is an inner spiritual strength and satisfaction that comes only from the Lord. Many older Christians do not feel this, because they wasted their youth and did not live for the Lord when they were younger. Let’s covet and strive for the commendation given to Caleb at age 85:
“He wholly followed the Lord” (Joshua 14:14).

Monday, August 22, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,
During a recent illness, I have lost all sense of taste. Other than texture and the difference between hot and cold, you could feed me almost anything blindfolded and I would not know what it was.
However, I am thankful for spiritual taste, and the sweetness of two things. First of all, the person of Christ: “O taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). Secondly the sweetness of His words — the inspired Scriptures. “How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119:103)!
I trust we never lose our taste for those two things. If we do, it is very likely the result of allowing sin or spiritual dullness in our lives. Or, we may be neglecting reading and the enjoyment of our Bible, or perhaps our prayer time. Maybe we are not walking in close communion with the Lord, or any number of other reasons. When this happens, confess it and get back on track. Have your appetite refreshed, and taste again the sweetness of Christ and His words.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, August 21, 2022

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Excellent
We often use the word EXCELLENT in connection with many things that really aren’t very EXCELLENT. There is only One who is completely EXCELLENT in character and purpose, council, and activity.
Here are some examples of His EXCELLENCE:
• “Touching the Almighty, we cannot find Him out: He is EXCELLENT in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice” (Job 37:23).
• “O Lord our Lord, how EXCELLENT is Thy name” (Psalm 8:1).
• “How EXCELLENT is Thy lovingkindness” (Psalm 36:7).
• “Let them praise the name of the Lord: for His name alone is EXCELLENT; His glory is above the earth and heaven” (Psalm 148:13).
“Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His EXCELLENT greatness” (Psalm 150:2).
• “His countenance is as Lebanon, EXCELLENT as the cedars” (Song of Solomon 5:15).
• “Sing unto the Lord; for He hath done EXCELLENT things” (Isaiah 12:5).

Saturday, August 20, 2022

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Saved
“We are not saved” (Jeremiah 8:20).
“Be ye saved” (Isaiah 45:22).
A person can get saved anywhere! We don’t need to be any special place or in any special position to come to Christ as a repentant sinner. When the Lord was here on earth, people young and old received blessing and forgiveness of sins in many different places. Some at night, some during the light of day, some in their homes, others by the road side, and some by the sea. In the book of Acts we find similar situations…some in an upper room, Saul of Tarsus on the open road, a jailer in a prison in Philippi, and on and on the list goes.
I was saved in the back seat of my parent’s car as a young boy coming home from a gospel meeting in Montreal, Canada. I know of others who knelt by their bedside, were driving their car, or were simply walking down the road.
Now I ask, “Are you saved?” Not that you have to give a specific time, date, or place, but “Are you saved?” If not, the time, date, and place can, and should, be RIGHT NOW! Don’t wait another moment or there may not be any more times, dates, or places. “Behold, NOW is the day of Salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Friday, August 19, 2022

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Prove Him
“Prove Me” (Malachi 3:10).
Two simple words, but what a great challenge they offer!
Are you willing to take up the challenge today? Are you ready to prove the Lord in every aspect of life — practical, emotional, and spiritual? If you are, you will find that, unlike earthly supports, He will never let you down and is always worthy of your trust.
As you prove Him in the little, everyday things of life, you will find that your faith in Him grows. Reading the accounts of those in Scripture who proved Him will also help to increase your confidence. Take for instance the stories of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Nehemiah, and Queen Esther, just to name a few. And of those “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions…” (Hebrews 11:33).
Now it’s your turn. He is the same Lord that they had, and the promise in the rest of the opening verse is, “Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).

Thursday, August 18, 2022

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Prayer
Groanings
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27).
Have you ever been so burdened or confused about something that when you prayed about it you couldn’t even put it into words? I have! In cases like that I have been very thankful for the assurance of these verses. In other words, by the time my groanings reach the ear of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, the Spirit has taken them and molded them perfectly so that what I could not express in human language has been graciously presented in perfection.
It has been well said, “It is wrong to murmur and complain but not wrong to groan.”“For we that are in this tabernacle do groan” (2 Corinthians 5:4). Don’t be afraid to come to the “Throne of Grace” (Hebrews 4:16), with your groanings.The Lord will hear and answer!

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

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His Face
“And they shall see His face” (Revelation 22:4).
“Then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
We often think about heaven and what it will be like to be there. We picture in our minds all the beautiful things that will comprise the Father’s house and the grand chorus of praise and worship that will arise from the heart and tongue of every redeemed person gathered around the Lamb.
However, as wonderful as all that will be, yet I believe that one look into the face of the Lord Jesus Christ will eclipse everything else, and whatever else we are occupied with will be in relation to that glorious person.
The Lord Jesus, when introducing this subject for the comfort of the disciples just before going to the cross, did not dwell on all the fine things that no doubt will make up the Father’s house, and no doubt we will be aware of. No, instead he said, “That where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). We often say “Four walls and fine furniture don’t make a home, but the presence of those who live there.” This is certainly true in regard to the Father’s house. What will make heaven is the presence of the Lord Himself.

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

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Bits of Wisdom
A young sister in Christ who is taking care of an elderly couple who are both past their hundredth birthdays, sent me some bits of wisdom that the lady passed on to her. I feel they are well worth sharing with our young readers.
• When we trust God, we are not supposed to have a plan B.
• Today we don’t know all the arrangements that the Lord has for us, but we can trust Him.
• If we have no trials, we can’t bring full praise and honor to the Lord Jesus.
• Now, in this life, is the time to bring glory to the Lord.
• We use our reason sometimes and our reason leads us astray.
This good, sound wisdom, shared from one who has walked the path of faith with her Lord for so many years reminded me of the verse, “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age” (Psalm 92:14).
How thankful we should be for those who have had years of experience in walking with the Lord and who are happy to share and pass on what they have learned!

Monday, August 15, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,
In a recent email I was reminded of a comment made by a brother in Christ many years ago, whose preaching I grew up under as a teenager. It was a Bible conference in Walla Walla, Washington, and the speaker was John Brereton. This is the quote: “If we had our choice of circumstances we would choose only easy ones and be the losers for it.”
How true this is, and I suppose, easy to say, but harder to accept. Our Father in His infinite wisdom has mixed the good with the bad, the hard with the easy, and the happy with the sad. It is through these different circumstances that we learn to trust Him and rely on His strength. In short, we learn that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). We would never know the loving and gracious heart of our Father if we only had the good and the sweet and not the hard and the bitter. Learn to accept, trust, and rejoice through it all, and you will be a happy believer no matter what.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, August 14, 2022

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Inditing
The word inditing is not a word we use much today, but it simply means to “write or compose…to give literary or formal expression to.”
The inspired writer of Psalm 45 did this when he said, “My heart is inditing a good matter” (verse 1). Going on, he gives a wonderful account describing the Lord in His glory and majesty. Here we will quote just part of the narrative and I encourage you to open your Bible and read the rest. I am confident that a prayerful, meditative read of this psalm will swell your heart with praise and worship.
“I speak of the things which I have made touching the King: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into Thy lips: therefore God hath blessed Thee for ever. Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O most mighty, with Thy glory and Thy majesty. And in Thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and Thy right hand shall teach Thee terrible things. Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under Thee. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of Thy kingdom is a right sceptre” (Psalm 45:1-6).

Saturday, August 13, 2022

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Your Escape
Yesterday, while driving with my wife, we noticed a roadside sign advertising for a local insurance company. It had a rather pointed and direct slogan. This is what it said:
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE!
My wife’s comment was, “That would make a good gospel message.” I certainly agreed with her, and the first verse that came to mind was, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).
Of course, the answer is contained in many gospel verses, and we are not left in any doubt as to how to plan our escape from hell and the awful consequences of being shut out from God in that dreadful place for all eternity. Here are just three of those directive Scriptures:
“Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
So the question remains, Have you not only planned your escape, but have you made your escape?

Friday, August 12, 2022

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Choices
“In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee”
(1 Kings 3:5).
David’s son Solomon is taking over the kingdom of Israel from his father, and in so doing is asked by the Lord what he desires in regard to this solemn and monumental responsibility. I have often wondered, What would I have said?
Perhaps I would have asked for great riches, a peaceful reign both from enemies around and countrymen from within. In the end Solomon got all those things, but not because he asked for them. He was given them because of his unselfish request benefitting the people of God who had been entrusted to his care for the forty years of his reign. Solomon asked,
“Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people?” (1 Kings 3:9).
What would you ask for if God gave you a choice? Solomon made a wise decision and the Lord certainly blessed him for it. Something to think about isn’t it!

Thursday, August 11, 2022

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Speaking to Others
When we speak to souls concerning the gospel we never have to worry about results. Rather, as someone else has said, we only have to be concerned with these three things:
1. Being in communion with the Lord Himself.
2. Being in communion with the mind of God as to those to whom we are speaking.
3. Purity in delivering the message.
In the end there will be blessing as a result of the Word of God, called in Scripture the “Good Seed,” being sown in the heart and conscience of the hearer. Thankfully, blessing does not depend on our ability to present the gospel, but on the Spirit of God taking the Word and applying it in all its living power. The lost are, “Born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23). That is why it is important to use the Word when we speak to others. Remember, it is the “Sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), and it is when it is used in communion with the Spirit that it is effectual. Knowing this gives us confidence and joy to speak to others of the need for salvation and point them to the Savior of Sinners.

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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Wonderful
We use the word “wonderful” in regard to many things concerning day-to-day life. But here are seven things that the Bible speaks of as truly WONDERFUL or full of Wonder!
• The Son of God: “His name shall be called Wonderful” (Isaiah 9:6).
• The human body: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
• His greatness and ability: “His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done” (Psalm 78:4).
• All that He has shown us and is showing us: “Thy testimonies are wonderful” (Psalm 119:129).
• His instructions: “The Lord of Hosts, which is wonderful in counsel” (Isaiah 28:29).
• His goodness: “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness” (Psalm 107:31).
• His knowledge: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me” (Psalm 139:6).
To meditate on these seven things and the context in which they are found will truly fill the soul with wonder and awe. I would encourage you to take the challenge!

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

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Are You Listening?
“I will hear what God the Lord will speak” (Psalm 85:8).
Are you listening?
The writer of the 85th Psalm was listening, and he was listening to the right voice…the voice of God!
There are many voices all around us, some good and some bad. Often, we get into trouble because we listen to and heed the wrong counsel, other times we get into trouble because we don’t listen and take heed to the right voices.
The voice we always want to make sure we listen for and listen to, is the voice of God. He speaks to us in many ways. Sometimes through circumstance and trials, but more particularly through His book we refer to as the Bible, the Word of God, or the “Holy Scriptures” (2 Timothy 3:15).
So, I ask you the question, “What are you listening to and more importantly, who are you listening to?” Eight times in the book of Revelation we are exhorted to listen to the voice of God through His Spirit, with our ears: (Revelation 2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:29; 3:6; 3:13; 3:22), and concluding with, “If any man have an ear, let him hear” (Revelation 13:9).
So, I ask again,
“Are you listening?”

Monday, August 8, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,
Because I have been going through a long-term sickness, someone brought me a 5” x 7” frame with the following text inserted:
“The Lord stood with me, and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17).
It is a wonderful comfort to know that we are never alone. Paul at the end of his life often found himself alone, and no doubt felt real loneliness. In prison and cut off from his fellow-believers and the joy of visiting and ministering Christ and preaching the gospel, he was thankful for the company and comfort of the Lord Himself.
Perhaps none of us will ever be that isolated, but sometimes we do feel very alone. Remember, “The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5). In other words, He is right there…always near. Claim this promise today, and you will not feel alone, no matter who else is with you or not.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland

Sunday, August 7, 2022

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My Beloved
Let’s listen in as the bride in the Song of Solomon describes her Bridegroom, relating it to our heavenly Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ.
• “Behold, Thou art fair, my BELOVED, yea, pleasant” (1:16).
• “The voice of my BELOVED! behold, He cometh” (2:8).
• “My BELOVED is mine” (2:16).
• “My BELOVED put in His hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for Him” (5:4).
• “I am my BELOVED’S, and my BELOVED is mine” (6:3).
• “I am my BELOVED’S, and His desire is toward me” (7:10).
• “Make haste, my BELOVED, and be Thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices” (8:14).
Her summary of the whole matter is contained in the following conclusion…
“HE IS ALTOGETHER LOVELY. THIS IS MY BELOVED” (5:16).
Can you say the same?

Saturday, August 6, 2022

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Death
“And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died….And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died” (Genesis 5:5, 27).
Nobody living today would ever expect to approach anything like the age of Adam or Methuselah. However, one thing is certain, we must all die! The Bible clearly states, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment…For the wages of sin is death” (Hebrews 9:27; Romans 6:23).
Thankfully, neither of these verses conclude with this condemnation. Hebrews 9 goes on to say, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many” (verse 28), and Romans 6:23 tells us, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Now the searching question remains, “Are you one of the many, and have you accepted God’s gift of eternal life by receiving Christ as your Savior?” If you refuse this wonderful salvation, you will be among those who are eternally banished to the Lake of Fire, “which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

Friday, August 5, 2022

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Sleep
“He giveth His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2).
The story is told of two young brothers, who, living with their parents on the edge of a dense forest, wandered too far one evening and were soon lost. Family, friends, and neighbors searched through the long, cold autumn night, but it wasn’t until the following day that they were found.
Upon being asked what they had done once they realized they were lost, the older boy replied, “When it got dark, I kneeled down and asked God to take care of us. Then, on a soft bed of leaves, we went to sleep.”
What a wonderful example of complete trust and confidence this is. Sometimes we may lay awake at night wondering and worrying about tomorrow. But to learn the respite and peace contained in the following verse will give rest through the night and fresh courage and stamina to face tomorrow. “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). I am not saying it’s easy, but it is a formula for a good night’s sleep, as Solomon reminds us,
“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet”
(Proverbs 3:24).

Thursday, August 4, 2022

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Books
Solomon, tells us, “Be admonished: of making many books there is no end” (Ecclesiastes 12:12). History has proven this to be true, and certainly today in many forms and venues there are books abounding on every hand. However there is a day when these books will be burned up and gone.
Yet there is one book that will remain for eternity. It is the “Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23). We also read, “For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). I take it from this verse that we will continue to have fresh enjoyment of the living Scriptures as we dwell with Christ throughout those blissful ages of eternity.
There are other books that will remain intact for eternity as well. One is the “Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27), in which are written only those who have been saved and redeemed by the work of Calvary and the blood of Christ. Another is God’s “book of remembrance” (Malachi 3:16), which is a record of reward for faithfulness and service in this life.
God’s books are vital and eternal, man’s books at best pass quickly away with time.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

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Victory
A recent phone text encouraged me greatly, especially the last sentence:
“Certain victory lies ahead of the believer!”
Yes, whether in the day-to-day living of the Christian life, or whether we are called to pass through death, there is victory in Jesus. As we avail ourselves of the many resources that we have in Him, we can with triumph and certainty say,
“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
And in the end it is a win-win situation. Here is how the Apostle Paul expressed it in the preceding verses:
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (verses 54-57).
In the meantime we are given a further exhortation,
 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (verse 58).

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

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Hope
“Hope in Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:19).
Hope in Christ, oh precious concept,
Truth secure that never fails:
Hope in Christ, gives joy and triumph,
Fortitude that thus prevails.
Hope divine, oh what a comfort,
Bringing grace to bear each day;
Confident that Christ is with us,
Every step along life’s way.
Hope secure, the Lord is coming,
No way can this hope be stilled:
And we’re looking, hourly watching,
For this hope to be fulfilled.
“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast” (Hebrews 6:19).

Monday, August 1, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,
For many of our readers here in Canada where I live, the beginning of August marks the midpoint of summer. This is a good time to look back and consider how things are going, not just in a practical way, but more importantly, spiritually.
Here are seven questions we might ask ourselves:
1. Have I kept up on my daily Bible reading?
2. Has my prayer life been neglected?
3. Have I been a witness for the Lord in what I say?
4. Have I been a witness for the Lord by my actions?
5. Have I consistently judged the sins I have allowed?
6. Has there been purpose of heart to follow the Lord?
7. Am I keeping as close to the Lord as I should?
Even if we live in some other country besides Canada, this is still a good check list, and certainly not an exhaustive one. If you are truly walking with the Lord this summer, the promise is, “Thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8).
Your Christian friend,
Jim Hyland
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