Young Christians Calendar

November 2022

Singing

Singing has always been a way for the people of God to express their joy in the Lord and appreciation of the truth. A singing Christian is a healthy, happy Christian. Sometimes younger ones don’t think it is “cool” to sing. But let’s learn to lift up our hearts and voices to praise the Lord Jesus, who has done so much for us. Over and over again in the Bible we read of those who sang. Here are a few examples:

“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel”
(Exodus 15:1).

“Then sang Deborah and Barak … Praise ye the Lord” (Judges 5:1-2).

“And there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women” (Ezra 2:65).

“And when they had sung an hymn, they went out to the mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:30).

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises” (Acts 16:25).

Take time to memorize and sing good, scriptural, Christ-exalting hymns. You will be thankful you did.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

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Vision

“I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision”
(Acts 26:19).

I called a friend yesterday. I was feeling down and, to be honest, discouraged and burdened with the circumstances of life. Calling this particular friend and fellow believer was the best thing I could have done. Why, you ask? Because he spoke to me of Christ and reminded me of the Apostle Paul, who got a vision of that Man in the glory, and as a result was able to live for and serve the Lord amidst all kinds of problems and difficulties. My friend said, “Remember this: when Paul got a vision of Christ in glory his whole life changed, and everything else melted into insignificance.” This one statement did more to encourage me and lift my spirits than you can imagine. In fact, I didn’t realize how discouraged I was until I was encouraged by these words.

It is indeed Christ in glory that eclipses everything else. Paul got that vision, and it never faded. It made him a willing, obedient, happy Christian and servant of Christ, in spite of reproach, persecution and all the other things he suffered.

Monday, November 28, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,

“Remember, and forget not” (Deuteronomy 9:7).

I have note pads, memos, post-it notes, reminders, and alerts of one sort or another. I use them all the time, every day, and the older I get the more they have become an essential part of my daily life. I tend to forget the things I want to remember and often remember the things I would rather forget. That’s human weakness, and I suppose we all suffer from it to some degree.

Thankfully, our God never forgets. He says plainly, “Yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15). However, we need the reminders such as “Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 8:11), “and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2).

Make a point this week to remember something of the person and work of Christ every day. And make a point to remember some of the blessings and benefits we have because of Calvary. It might be good to make a list to help you to “remember, and forget not.”

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

Sunday, November 27, 2022

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The King’s Table

“So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he
did eat continually at the king’s table; and was
lame on both his feet” (2 Samuel 9:13).

“While the King sitteth at His table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof”
(Song of Solomon 1:12).

What a beautiful picture of grace the story of Mephibosheth is — brought by King David, a type of the Lord Jesus, to not only live in the comfort and safety of the palace, but to enjoy fellowship with the king at his table. Likewise the bride in the Song of Solomon had a heart overflowing with the fragrance of worship as she sat with the king at his table.

For us today, we have the privilege of sitting down at the “Lord’s table” (1 Corinthians 10:21). Let’s remember the love and grace that has provided for us so that we can eat of the “Lord’s supper” (1 Corinthians 11:20), in fellowship with Himself and with other members of the body of Christ. He desires our company there and, don’t forget, it is an invitation to the table of the King of kings and Lord of lords. What response will there be from our hearts?

Saturday, November 26, 2022

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A Contrast

As part of a wedding procession, we wound our way over the hills from Georgetown, St. Vincent, to the village of Point. There was much blowing of horns and a festive mood prevailed.

However, as we made our way to the reception, I was struck with the reality of life as we met a funeral coach coming the other direction. What a contrast! A young couple just starting out on the journey of life together, and someone having just ended their time on earth. So, while some celebrated, others mourned. As if to punctuate the brevity of life, just a half a mile down the road there was a large text painted on a brick wall. This is what it said: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

It brought to my mind the words of Solomon: “One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh” (Ecclesiastes 1:4). Thankfully, I know what is ahead as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. My eternal future is secure no matter what happens in this life. I trust all my readers have taken heed to the warning of the Lord when He said,

“Be ye therefore ready also” (Luke 12:40).

Friday, November 25, 2022

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Monthly Question Page

Q. When we have had disappointment in life how do we understand that all things that happen are good? Some things don’t seem very good.

A. “We know 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).

Notice, it doesn’t say that all things are good, but that all things work together for good. Our Father mixes the good with the bad, the bitter with the sweet, the fiery trials with the joyful experiences, and in the end it all works out for good and blessing, like the baker who adds just the right amount of ingredients, stirs and beats it just right, and bakes it the correct amount of time at the right temperature. The result is that the bitter as well as the sweet ingredients, exposed to the heat of the oven, turn out a delicious cake or pastry. If we are willing to submit, and realize that He loves us and desires our best, in the end we shall see that everything, whether it seemed good or bad was really for our blessing. We may not always see this now, but when our lives are reviewed in heaven we will praise Him for all His ways with us. Let’s learn to trust His goodness!

Thursday, November 24, 2022

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Victory

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

There are so many sporting events going on in the world — regional, national and international championships are organized continually. The athletes train extremely hard and persevere with great willpower for victory! They renounce many pleasures of daily life to be fit and ready on competition day. That is the one side.

On the other side, how soon are great victories forgotten! How quickly heroes are set aside by the crowds who are always finding new ones who are quicker and stronger, in short — better — until these too are forgotten. Such is worldly, transient, short-lived glory.

Yet there is another race, we know. There is no esteem, no applause from the crowds, but something much more important: approval from God. This is the Christian race of faith. This exercise does not strengthen the body — it strengthens the soul, protecting against the influence of Satan and the world.

“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

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Monthly Scripture Reading

Revelation 21:3-8

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5 And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

6 And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

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Honor Him

“O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works”
(Psalm 71:17).

Many of my readers were saved when they were quite young, and what a wonderful thing that is. But how good, too, as we get older and understand more of what the Lord has done for us and who He really is, to learn to honor Him in our daily lives and with all our heart and substance. Here is a story from history that illustrates this very well:

When the Punjab came under British rule, Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India. The young Maharajah, a mere boy, sent the Koh-i-noor diamond to honor her, his new sovereign. It was placed with the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Some years later the Maharajah, now a young man, came to England to visit the Queen. He asked to see the diamond, and it was brought out under armed guard. He took it with great reverence and carried it to the window. Then he knelt at the Queen’s feet and said, “I gave you this jewel when I was a child, too young to know what I was doing, and now in the fulness of my strength, I give it to you again with all my heart.”

Monday, November 21, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,

I have recently spent several days in the desert. While I would not like to live there, yet I realize that all areas of creation have a beauty all their own given to them by the Creator. Two verses of Scripture came to mind while viewing mountains that seemed like piles of rock surrounding a giant sandbox. “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). “Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11).

Wherever you are today, step out of your door and look for the wonders of God’s creation. Then thank Him that you know Him as your Father and Savior, and that He continues to give you life and the ability to enjoy what He enjoys. Mankind has marred and spoiled much of creation through sin and exploitation, but there is still beauty in every direction. How then can we doubt the hand of God in creation? The Bible clearly states, “By Him all things consist [subsist]” (Colossians 1:17).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

Sunday, November 20, 2022

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The Shepherd

“Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding
the flock with his brethren” (Genesis 37:2).

“Behold, he keepeth the sheep…David”
(1 Samuel 16:11,13).

The two most beautiful and complete types, or pictures, of the Lord Jesus in the Old Testament are Joseph and David. At every turn there is something in their lives that points forward to the life and work of Christ, either past, present or future.

It is significant that in both instances they are introduced to us as shepherds. I am sure we see the parallel immediately from some verses in John’s gospel.

“He that entereth in by the door is the Shepherd of the sheep…I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep…I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine” (John 10:2, 11, 14).

As we consider this aspect of the person and work of Christ, what comfort and joy will fill our hearts. As the Shepherd He died for us, and as our Shepherd He is caring for us as well. David could say, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

Saturday, November 19, 2022

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Citizenship

My passport is a very important part of my travel accessories. The first thing immigration wants to see when I arrive in another country is proof of citizenship. Some of you may have dual citizenship for one reason or another. Perhaps one of your parents is a citizen of another country other than the one you were born or live in…or you were born in another country from the one your parents are citizens of…etc…etc…

There was a man in the Bible who had triple citizenship, the Apostle Paul. He was a Jew by birth — “of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Philippians 3:5). He also had Roman citizenship. “They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans” (Acts 16:37). He was also a citizen of heaven. “For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). So he was Jewish, Roman and heavenly.

Most of us will never have dual citizenship as far as two countries here on this earth. But it is vital that we secure heavenly citizenship. God has made citizenship to that “better country” (Hebrews 11:16), available through the Lord Jesus and His work at Calvary. That is a citizenship we cannot lose once we have it.

Friday, November 18, 2022

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GIGO

What are we taking in through our eyes and ears?

When I was a young person, computers were about the size of a classroom, and involved laboriously feeding information into them through computer punch-cards. Back then there was an expression Garbage in — garbage out, (GIGO). In other words, computers will unquestioningly process unintended, even nonsensical, input data (“garbage in”) and produce undesired, often nonsensical output data (“garbage out”).

There is an application of this in our Christian life. The Lord made several statements on the subject, and here are just a couple:

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34).

“Those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:18-19).

Let’s be careful what we take in…what we watch…what we read…what we hear…etc.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

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Prayer

Praying Always

“And she … served God with fastings and
prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37).

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18).

George Muller, who lived from 1805–1898, was a man of faith, prayer, and spiritual energy, used mightily of God. This is a quote of his on prayer and work for the Lord:

“Here is the great secret of success…Work with all your might, but trust not in the least in your work. Pray with all your might for the blessing of God, but work at the same time with all diligence…with all patience…with all perseverance. Pray then and work…work and pray…and still again, pray and then work. And so on all the days of your life. The results will surely be abundant blessing. Whether you see more fruit or little fruit, such kind of service will be blessed.”

We read of the Lord during His busy days of service on earth, “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35).

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

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Self

“Not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord” (2 Corinthians 4:5)

One of the greatest hindrances to the work of the Spirit of God in the believer is self. Good self or bad self…self is still self. Self-esteem, self-worth, self-image, self-love, are at best the occupation with the wrong man, the very man whom God has set aside and condemned in the death of Christ. God is not attempting to improve man in the flesh. Instead He has introduced another Man, “the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

This is a hard lesson for us to learn: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

We may well ask ourselves, “What should we do? How does this solve the problem?” First, we must realize and admit that “in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7:18). Then as I learn how wretched the flesh in me is, I turn away from self and turn my eye of faith toward Christ. There I find an object of supreme delight, the One in whom God finds eternal joy and satisfaction.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

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Reality

“Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ”
(2 Corinthians 3:2-3).

Gustavus Adolphus the Great was the King of Sweden from 1611 to 1632 and is credited as the founder of Sweden as a great power. After his death, Swedish representatives met to consider the situation. Some wanted a republic. Oxenstierna, the Chancellor, said, “Let there be no talk of that; we have the heir of Gustavus with us, a girl of six years old.”

Larsen, a peasant, said, “We have never seen her. We do not know that the king has left an heir. How do we know that you are not tricking us?” The Chancellor went out and returned with the child, Christina. They pressed near to gaze, and Larsen turned and said, “I see in this child the features of the king. Look at her eyes, nose, her chin. She is indeed the child of our king.” As a result she reigned as Queen Christina Alexandra, from 1632 to 1655.

The world watches the Christian closely to see if we are real, and to discern in us the characteristics of Christ. If they do not see that which marks us as children of God, they will consider us pretenders.

Monday, November 14, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,

Back in February, we considered the following verse: “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18).

While we still don’t know what the future holds, or what will happen this week, we do know who has full knowledge of what’s ahead, whether in the short term or long term. I recently enjoyed the following quote in this regard: “What a comfort to realize that our unknown future is safe in the hands of our all-knowing [omniscient] God.”

Solomon, no doubt understood something of this when he wrote, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We can start out this week with real confidence, knowing that no matter what happens, we know the One who is in full control. There are no surprises to God our Father. Everything is carefully anticipated, calculated and allowed for our good and blessing.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

Sunday, November 13, 2022

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Behold

What will occupy your thoughts today? Here are three aspects of the person of Christ that should focus our attention and fill our spiritual eyes and hearts.

1. “Behold My Servant” (Isaiah 42:1).

2. “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36).

3. “Behold the Man!” (John 19:5).

The Lord Jesus was the perfect servant sent by God the Father to accomplish a great work: the work of redemption on the cross. He could say,

“I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:4).

He was also the Lamb, the sacrifice, the One of whom we read,

“Christ … offered Himself without spot to God” (Hebrews 9:14).

He was

“The Man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Let’s BEHOLD this wonderful Person by faith today, as we will, very soon, BEHOLD Him, in the Father’s house, “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Saturday, November 12, 2022

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Caesar’s Three Words

In May of 47 B.C., Julius Caesar left Cleopatra, who was soon to give birth to their son Caesarion, to rout the enemy. This enemy was Pharnaces of Pontus, an area by the Black Sea in what is modern northeastern Turkey. Caesar captured Pharnaces near the town of Zela. He claimed he did it all in only four hours. To inform the Senate of his victory, Caesar succinctly wrote and sent the message, “Veni, Vidi, Vici,” or, “I came, I saw, I conquered.”

Just so it is with the Lord Jesus.

He came: “Christ Jesus came into the world” (1 Timothy 1:15).

He saw: “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them” (Matthew 9:36).

He conquered: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54).

The Lord Jesus not only came to planet earth and viewed on every hand the results of sin, but He went to the cross and accomplished a great victory over sin and Satan and death, so that you could be saved. Have you availed yourself of this great victory? The results of it are available for your eternal blessing.

Friday, November 11, 2022

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The Word — Part 2

“The words that I speak unto you, they are
spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

THE BIBLE IS NOT ONLY THE WORLD’S BEST SELLER, IT IS ALSO MAN’S BEST PURCHASE.

Woodrow Wilson, 28th president of the United States, said, “I am sorry for people who do not read the Bible every day. I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and pleasure.”

On another occasion he wrote, “The Bible is the Word of Life. Read it, and find this out for yourself. Read …not only little snatches here and there, but long passages — that will really be the road to the heart of it. When you have read the Bible you will have found it the key to your own heart and your own happiness.”

John Quincy Adams, 6th president of the United States, remarked, “I have for many years made it the practice of my life to read through the Bible once a year.”

Abraham Lincoln said, “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.”

Thursday, November 10, 2022

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The Word — Part 1

“O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

With almost every kind of machine goes a book of instructions. The Bible is the instruction book that comes with man. Think of it! Sixteen or so waking hours every day to travel the highway of life, and no time to read the Guide Book! No wonder so many go astray — no wonder there are so many “wrecks” strewn along life’s road!

William Gladstone (1809-1898), England’s great prime minister and statesman, often came home from the British Parliament late at night. But no matter how late he went to bed, he rose at 6:30 in the morning and gave the first hour of every day to reading the Word of God. He said,

“Talk about the questions of time! There is but one question — how to bring the truths of God’s Word to the minds and hearts of all classes of people.”

If we neglect to read the Bible, we are missing the best things in life. The Bible is the Book of the heart. Satisfaction in life is found by reading and receiving the Word of Life into our hearts.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

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Individual Faithfulness

“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on His breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth Thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me” (John 21:20-22).

Too many Christians are exercising curiosity in areas where they have no business. Why do we find such attraction in the lives of others? Is our life so dull and boring?

As in the past, so once again, Peter took his eyes off of the Lord. His interest in John can certainly be appreciated, yet the Lord gently rebuked Peter for his curiosity. The Lord’s admonition was given in order to emphasize that interest in one another must never be allowed to stand in the way of, or be a substitute for, faithfully and individually following the Lord Jesus Christ. Later on the Apostle Paul wrote,

“But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden”
(Galatians 6:4-5).

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

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Now and Then

In this world the Lord Jesus …

Was born in a manger …

Grew up in a carpenter shop …

Sat on a well …

Slept in a boat …

Rode on a donkey …

Prayed in a garden …

Hung on a cross …

Rested in a tomb.

But Jesus will come again!

He will sit on a throne …

Ride on a white horse …

Wear many crowns …

… not only as King of the Jews, but as “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16).

What a day that will be when we reign with Him! We follow a rejected Christ now, but soon we will be associated with Him in His kingdom. As followers of Christ we should not expect better treatment than He received, but remember, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12).

Monday, November 7, 2022

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Dear Young Christian,

I am in southern California this morning, and outside my bedroom window a hummingbird is enjoying the sweet liquid in the feeder that my host and hostess keep for its kind in their back garden. What tiny creatures these birds are, and yet, what an intricate wonder of God’s creation!

Do you ever feel small and insignificant, even forgotten or forsaken? Remember, there is a God who says, “Ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7). You have a Father who tells us, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls … and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things” (Luke 12:24,30). You also have a Savior who says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). Just as the Creator is sustaining and caring for the tiny bird outside my window, so our Heavenly Father is caring for us. Don’t forget to thank Him every day this week.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

Sunday, November 6, 2022

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Our Passover

“Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover” (Exodus 12:21).

“Then came the day of unleavened bread, when
the passover must be killed” (Luke 22:7).

“For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7).

The Passover lamb was the basis for Israel’s redemption and deliverance from the slavery and the bondage of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. If God was going to come in on their behalf for blessing it needed to be in a way that made them feel their guilt and His provision for them.

The New Testament leaves us in no doubt as to what the Passover foreshadows. In the mind and heart of God it looked forward to the time when the Lord Jesus would go to the cross and be offered up as that supreme sacrifice. The Passover lamb was but a feeble, yet precious foreshadow of this. Thus today, we are never to forget that mighty sacrifice, just as Israel was to never forget the ground of their redemption and deliverance from Egypt. The Lord says,

“This do in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24).

Saturday, November 5, 2022

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Grace

I dreamed death came the other night,
And heaven’s gate swung wide,
With kindly grace an angel came,
And ushered me inside.

And there to my astonishment
Stood folks I knew on earth,
Some I considered quite unfit,
And some of little worth.

Indignant words rose to my lips,
But never were set free,
On every face stood stunned surprise…
Not one expected me.

This poem was shared with me recently and reminded me of the verse, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). All who are saved and enter heaven are saved by the grace of God. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Thankfully this grace and salvation is available to all who will receive it by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). Does that include you?

Friday, November 4, 2022

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Tribulation

On June 10, 1770, British navigator and explorer James Cook’s ship hit a reef off the northeast coast of Australia. He sailed the ship out into deeper waters, only to hit the reef again, and this time the collision almost sank the boat. That day, he wrote in the ship’s log: “The north point was named Cape Tribulation, because here began all our troubles.”

Maybe you are experiencing a Cape Tribulation in your life. It just seems like no matter where you turn there is one disaster and problem after another. Remember, our God and Father loves us and knows all about it.

The Bible says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4).

All is under His full control and ordered by the One who knows best what we have need of. There are many lessons to learn as we continue on in our Christian pathway, and He has promised to see us through and to provide all the grace that is needed in every situation. As Samuel Rutherford wrote, almost 400 years ago,

“Faith grows best in the winter of trial.”

Thursday, November 3, 2022

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The Truth in Love

“Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

Do you ever feel discouraged and ready to give up? I do! In fact today I am rather discouraged. Yesterday someone spoke rather harshly to me, and it really upset me. What they said may have been true, but the way they said it hurt. I felt as if someone had whipped me.

It got me thinking about Job and his three friends in the Old Testament.

“Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite” (Job 2:11).

Many of the things they said to Job were true, but the way they said them and their attitude in talking to Job was anything but a help. In fact, Job finally said to them,

“Miserable comforters are ye all” (Job 16:2).

Let’s be careful, not only about what we say, but how we say it. We may speak the truth, being clear as ice and just as cold. It is good to be faithful with our friends, but let’s make sure it is in a way that not only speaks to the conscience but also warms the heart.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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Our Hearts

The Lord wants our heart’s affection. He says to each of us, “My son, give Me thine heart” (Proverbs 23:26). The children of Israel were instructed, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). However, grace does not buy hearts — it wins them. That’s why “it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace” (Hebrews 13:9).

The Lord Jesus went to the cross and died, not merely to save us from hell, but to win our hearts’ affections. When we consider His great love for us — all that He has done to prove that love, all that He is doing for us now, as well as all that is ahead and waiting for us when we arrive in the Father’s house of joy — it will indeed win our hearts and draw out our affections for Himself. The Apostle John enjoyed the fact that he was “the disciple, whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20). Later on, he wrote,

“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. We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:18-19).

Has the Lord won your heart?

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

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Youth

“It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth” (Lamentations 3:27).

“Redeeming the time” (Ephesians 5:16).

Wasted time and wasted talents,
In our days of youthfulness,
Never can they be recycled,
Gone those days of usefulness:
Do not squander, do not lose them,
Serve your Master, serve today:
There is much to do for Jesus,
Do not waste your youth away!
Jesus wants our youthful vigor,
He desires our very best,
All the energy He gives us…
This is not our final rest:
We are going on to heaven,
There our service will be done,
Then rewards and commendations,
When our race is fully run.