Young Christians Calendar

August 2024

“Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid” (Romans 9:13-14).

Verses like this are sometimes hard for us to understand, and as a result, some people have dared to accuse God of being unfair. But when did the Lord say that He had hated Esau? It was not at the beginning of his life, but rather long after Esau had rebelled against God, despised his birthright, and exhibited hatred against his brother Jacob. It is not until the end of the Old Testament that God says that He had hated Esau.

God had a right to make Jacob the more prominent one of the two brothers, and to give him a larger blessing than Esau. If Esau had accepted this, he too could have been blessed by God, and enjoyed a relationship with Him. But his subsequent life showed that he had no interest in the Lord, and his bad attitude towards Jacob came out time after time.

Let us each take care not to question God’s dealings with us. If He wishes to give someone else more than He gives us, that is God’s right. But He will honor us too, if we use what He has given to us, for Him.

Friday, August 30, 2024

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“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Two days ago, we saw that in Romans 8:35, the Apostle Paul talks about the love of Christ. Here in our verse today he talks about the love of God. Two days ago, the difficulties described in the verse were problems that could occur in this world; in today’s verse Paul describes situations that may be outside of this world. We may experience problems in this world, but what happens after death, or what if angels are involved? Paul assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ or of God, whether in this world or outside of it.

When Scripture attaches the name of Christ to something, it is generally the practical side that is in view. When it attaches the name of God to something, it is usually the nature and power of God that is in view. See how many other couplets like this you can find in the New Testament. There are quite a few of them! (The grace of God and the grace of Christ is another example.)

Thursday, August 29, 2024

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“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

How is it possible to be more than a conqueror? After all, if we win out in a certain situation, then we may speak of ourselves as having conquered it. So how can we be more than conquerors? Let me use an illustration.

Suppose a ship back in the days of sailing vessels. Sometimes a storm would come up, and the wind would be so strong that they would have to take in the sails, and just let the wind drive the ship wherever it would. Then, after the storm was over, they would assess the damage, take a reading to decide where they were, and try to get back on course. They would say that they had survived, or conquered, the storm.

But suppose that after the storm, they found almost no damage to the ship, and then found that the storm had actually driven them right on course, and faster than if they had been able to sail in good weather. That would make them “more than conquerors.”

That is the way it is with storms in our lives. They are not our enemies, but rather only drive us nearer to our destination, and all through the power of the Lord Jesus, who loves us.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

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“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35).

We notice in this verse that the Apostle Paul, by inspiration, refers to the love of Christ. Then he describes many situations in which Christians may find themselves in this world, and points out that none of those things can separate us from that love. Sometimes, when we are in very difficult circumstances, we may wonder why the Lord does not deliver us. Our hearts may even say, “If the Lord really loves me, why does He not make my situation a little easier?” But the Lord loves us just the same, and His comfort in going through difficult problems is worth all the trouble we may pass through. His love will never fail us, and we will see tomorrow how the Lord uses those tough situations for our blessing.

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

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“The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:7-8).

These verses are worded very strongly, but they show us what we are by nature. Our old sinful nature is actually enmity against God. The word enmity means a deep-seated hatred of something or someone, and that is the way our old nature feels towards God. It cannot please Him in any way.

Many years ago a Christian young man asked a much older Christian brother if he had any advice for a young man just starting out on the Christian pathway. His advice was good; he simply said, “Learn well four words—‘the flesh profiteth nothing’ (John 6:63)” It was good advice, for how often we as Christians think that there is some good left in us, and that allowing our sinful nature to act will somehow make us happy. Let us remember that it can never please God.

Monday, August 26, 2024

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“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom” (Luke 6:38).

In the town where I live, there are two roadside stands on the outskirts of town, and in the summer they sell fresh produce from neighboring farms. They are almost across the road from each other, but they operate quite differently. At one of them, if you buy, for example, a quart box of fresh beans, you get a box that is barely filled to level. But at the other one, the man takes a big handful out of his large supply, and fills the quart box to overflowing. He charges the same price as the man who fills his boxes only to level. I think you can understand why this man gets by far the most business!

As Christians, it is good to be generous in our dealings. Not only does this please those with whom we deal, but it pleases the Lord. Also, He will never allow us to lose out because we are generous. He will see to it that we prosper in what we are doing.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

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“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:5-6).

The Apostle John is beginning to write the book of Revelation, a book that gives us details of the judgments that will fall on this world after all the true Christians are called home to be with Christ. But before he talks about these judgments, John cannot help but express his joy in what the Lord Jesus has done, so that those who believe on Him do not have to suffer the judgment of God.

The Lord Jesus loves us, and has washed us from our sins in His own blood. More than that, He has brought us into a relationship with God the Father, so that we are both kings and priests. We do not reign as kings yet, but will do so in a coming day.

Surely all praise, glory, and dominion are due to the Lord Jesus, forever and ever. On this the Lord’s Day, we should especially be ready to honor and praise Him.

Saturday, August 24, 2024

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“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).

Some years ago there was a teenage boy who grew up in a Christian family, and he also had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. However, as he mixed with other students in his high school, many of them talked about movies that they had seen, and how exciting they were. They mocked him from time to time because he had never watched a movie, at least not the kind they talked about.

Finally, the boy told his father that he would like to watch a movie. To his surprise, his father said to him, “Fine, son, that is all right with me.” However, his father then said, “There is one condition I want you to remember. I would like you to pick a movie that does not have any of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life in it.” (These words are found as a warning in 1 John 2:16).

The boy looked at his father, and then wailed, “But then there wouldn’t be any movie left!” “Exactly,” said his father. “That is what most movies are made of. They do not build you up spiritually, but rather drag you down.” The boy got the point and realized that watching that kind of movie was not a good thing for a Christian.

Friday, August 23, 2024

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“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

In our verse today there is a further warning for those who are enjoying their Christian liberty. There is a danger of using our liberty as “an occasion to the flesh.” What does this mean?

It means that sometimes we may think we are walking in Christian liberty, when we are really just allowing our old sinful nature to act. Let me use an example.

The movie industry has made some excellent movies that are very educational, such as nature films, history films, etc. However, it is easy to move along from something like this to movies that excite our old sinful nature. We can justify this to ourselves by saying that there is no verse in the Bible that tells us not to watch movies. However, those who make movies know how to introduce things into the movie in order to make it popular. We will say more about this tomorrow.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

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“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again in the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

In giving us a new life in Christ, God has brought us into liberty. No longer are we the slaves of Satan, for now we are under a new Master—the Lord Jesus. Satan has no authority over us anymore, and we do not need to serve him. We are now like slaves who have been given their freedom, and who do not need to serve a cruel master anymore.

However (and it is very sad!), some believers in the Lord Jesus look back at the days before they were saved, and look out at Satan’s world, with longing eyes. Somehow they persuade themselves that there is more pleasure in that lifestyle than in following the Lord. Then once again they turn back to those things that bring them into bondage. In our verse for today, God is warning us not to do that, for it is a “yoke of bondage.”

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

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“For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage” (2 Peter 2:19).

When the Russian revolution occurred back in 1917, over one hundred years ago, many people there thought that they would enjoy real freedom. Instead, however, they found that under Lenin, and later under Stalin, they were brought into bondage worse than they had known before. Many people were killed, sent to labor camps, and ill-treated for simply disagreeing with what was being done to the country. They were “overcome” by force, and then literally made slaves of the state.

In this verse today, God is warning us that to turn away from the Lord, and to trust in this world, is indeed to be brought into slavery. The world promises us liberty and freedom, but Satan is a deceiver. He makes promises but never keeps them. He may make things nice for a short while, but then brings in bondage and death. Tomorrow we will see what the Lord wants to bring us.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

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“Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:9).

When our children were young, we had both a dog and a cat as pets in our home. They were very different and kept out of each other’s way. But they had one trait in common. Whenever there was the sound of a can opener beginning to open a can of anything in the kitchen, no matter where she was in the house, the cat would immediately be found in the kitchen purring and wondering if the sound meant food for her. And our dog, even if he were asleep by the fire on a cold winter day, if he heard the word “walk” in our conversation, was at the door, tail wagging, and ready to go.

Our verse today is about young Samuel, who was told by Eli the priest that the Lord wanted to talk with him, and that when he heard the Lord’s voice calling him, he should reply in this way. What a wonderful attitude to have to the voice of our Lord! Ready always to hear, with the purpose of also obeying what the Lord may be about to tell us. As we go about our schoolwork, job or whatever may be ahead of us today, let’s have an open ear to listen to anything the Lord may want to tell us. Also, may we be ready to say, “Yes, Lord, I’m willing to do that for You.”

Monday, August 19, 2024

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“Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Today’s verse follows the verse we had two days ago, concerning our spirit and soul and body. We said then that we would explain a little why the Lord put these three things together like this, in this verse.

If you and I are to be kept from the evil in this world, and be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord, the process has to start with our spirit. Our spirit is the God-conscious part of our being, and if our spirit is right with God, and then that is the first and most important step in living right as a Christian.

However, we also have a soul, and as we have seen, it makes us aware of our own existence. It also makes us unique as an individual, with certain ideas, abilities, preferences, a distinct personality, and so on. It is important that those appetites and desires be directed in the right way, and that we do not indulge wrong desires that come from our old sinful nature.

Finally, we have a body that we need to control, for even our bodies can be used to do wrong things. It is good to look after our bodies, and to use them for the Lord rather than for sinful things.

But how encouraging our verse for today is! If we really want to please the Lord, He will help us to keep our spirit, soul and body for Him. None of us are absolutely blameless in spirit, soul and body, for we still have our old sinful nature, but that is God’s desire for us.

Sunday, August 18, 2024

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“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).

There are many people who have no interest in accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, yet would be very upset if you and I were to refer to them as “ungodly.” Since they believe that there is a God, and perhaps acknowledge His power and authority to some extent, they do not feel that they are ungodly.

However, in the Word of God, that word “ungodly” is used to describe not only those who do not believe there is a God, but also those who may believe in a God, but pay no attention to His claims over them. Sadly, there are many like that in the world today. God says that we were all once in that state, and also without strength. None of us likes to think that we are without strength, but spiritually, before we are saved, we are unable to do anything to save ourselves.

However, the wonderful part of our verse today is that Christ died for that kind of person! We were ungodly and without strength, yet the Lord Jesus suffered and died for us. How wonderful the love of God is! Today, on the first day of another week, we have a special chance to thank Him.

Saturday, August 17, 2024

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“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly [completely]; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

The Apostle Paul has just finished an epistle to some new believers—the Thessalonians. Paul had been preaching to them for less than a month, but they had left their heathen ways and accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior. Then Paul had to leave the area because of persecution. Shortly afterward he wrote this epistle to them, in which he speaks quite a bit about the Lord’s coming.

Now he utters a prayer, that through the God of peace, they would be completely sanctified. That means being separate from this world. Also, he prays that their spirit, soul and body would be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord Jesus. Each of us, as a human being, has a spirit, a soul and a body. Animals have souls and bodies, but no spirit. A soul is what makes animals (and humans) aware of their own existence. Plants have bodies, but do not have either a soul or spirit.

As Christians, it is important that we be separate from this world, for everything in this world system will tend to drag us down spiritually. But why does Paul talk about our spirit, soul and body like this? We will speak a bit more about it in a couple of days.

Friday, August 16, 2024

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“But though He [the Lord Jesus] had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him” (John 12:37).

The Lord Jesus had done many miracles during His earthly ministry, and all of these miracles demonstrated clearly who He was. However, according to our verse today, the Jewish people did not believe on Him, even though they saw all these miracles. Their minds were blinded, and this only shows that miracles by themselves do not bring people to Christ.

There is no doubt that the Jewish people were impressed with these miracles, and were very glad when they themselves had their diseases healed, or were fed when they were hungry. But they did not want to believe that the Lord Jesus was the Son of God.

The Lord Jesus is not here in the world today, doing miracles, but He speaks from heaven by His Spirit. You and I can now appreciate who He is through His Word, and the greatest miracle that God does today is to give new life in Christ to those who come to Him.

Thursday, August 15, 2024

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“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Several days ago we mentioned that while we could learn the power of God in creation, we could not learn His heart. Yesterday we learned that God is a God of judgment, and will judge those who have sinned. But here in today’s verse we see the heart of God. If God is a God of judgment, He is also a God of love. His love did not want to see man judged for His sin, and sent to hell. For this reason God sent His beloved Son into this world as a man, to die for us, so that we could be saved from the awful judgment of God.

We read in 1 John 1:7 that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Do you think the blood of Christ could wash away the sin of stealing 17 million dollars? Yes, it could. There are men in history who have been guilty of murdering millions of innocent people. That sin is worse than stealing, for murder is a most serious sin before God. Can the blood of Christ wash away that kind of sin? Yes, it can.

Perhaps none of you have been guilty of stealing in the ways that I have mentioned, and likely you have not been guilty of murder, but we know that we have all sinned. It is only the blood of Christ that can wash those sins away.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

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“But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things” (Romans 2:2).

Here we learn that God is a God of judgment, and that His judgment is “according to truth.” What does this mean? It means simply that there will be no excuses when guilty man has to stand before God. If people have stolen, they will be judged for stealing. If people have told lies, they will be judged for lying. If people have committed murder, they will be judged for that.

This does not mean that all sins are the same before God. The Lord Jesus could tell the Roman governor Pilate that those who had delivered Him to Pilate had “the greater sin” (John 19:11). The Jews ought to have known who the Lord Jesus was, because they had the Old Testament scriptures. But Pilate was guilty too, for he knew that the Lord Jesus had not committed any crime.

It will be a serious thing for men and women to stand before God in a coming day, if they are not saved. God’s righteous judgment will have to be carried out then.

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

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“Therefore thou art inexcusable…for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things … . Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?” (Romans 2:1,21).

Some years ago in the city where I used to live, a young man went into a men’s clothing store and bought several items. On the way out of the store, he picked up several other things and attempted to walk out with them. Naturally the storekeeper stopped him at the door, and demanded that he pay for the additional items. The boy protested, “I bought enough stuff in this store that I am entitled to some extra things free!” Needless to say, the storekeeper did not see it that way, and told him either to pay for the extra items or put them back.

If we had asked that young man whether it was wrong to steal, he would probably have said yes, but somehow he felt that if he had already bought some things, it was all right for him to take a few more without paying for them. Other people steal in different ways. Some who would hesitate to steal from a store think it is all right to cheat the government on their income tax. They excuse themselves by saying that the government wastes money anyway. Still others would not steal from a small store, but think it is all right to steal from a big company. I read today about a man and his wife who stole about 17 million dollars from the large company for which they worked, over a period of 15 years.

God takes account of all this, and we will see tomorrow what will happen.

Monday, August 12, 2024

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“For the invisible things of Him [God] from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

Down through the ages of man’s history in this world, and even today, there are people who have never seen a Bible or had someone tell them about God. They do not know who the Lord Jesus is, nor do they know God’s way of salvation.

However, according to our verse today, they ought to realize that there is a God, simply from looking at creation. The vastness of the universe, or the amazing instincts of wild animals—all tell us that there must be a God who created it all. How do some birds know to fly south in the winter, while others stay around and live through the cold weather? Who gave eagles and hawks eyes that can see a mouse more than a kilometer (close to a mile) away? Only God could do that.

Of course, the witness of creation does not tell us about the heart of God. However, it tells us about His power, and then man ought to realize that he too has been created by God. But unlike the animal creation, man has a God-conscious part to his nature—a spirit. He also has a conscience that tells him that there is a God—a God to whom he is responsible for his conduct. As our verse says, no one in this world has an excuse for refusing to believe that there is a God.

Sunday, August 11, 2024

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

When I was a boy, I remember an occasion when my father’s boss bought a new car. It was an expensive car, for he was a wealthy man. However, within a day or two, the car would not start, and it had to be towed back to the dealer for repairs. The dealer was very embarrassed and ashamed about this, and apologized to my dad’s boss several times. They also gave him a nice replacement car while the first one was being repaired.

However, we never need to be embarrassed or ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It always does what God says it will do! It is always the power of God unto salvation, for anyone who believes. I have never yet met a Christian who said to me, “I am sorry I accepted Christ as my Savior; it wasn’t worth it!” No, you will never find a believer who will talk like that, for God always hears and always answers a sinner who calls on Him.

Referring to cars, I have met many people who were dissatisfied after buying a particular make of car, and they wish they had never bought it, because they had so much trouble with it. But those who trust in Christ will never be disappointed!

Saturday, August 10, 2024

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“But Naaman was wroth [angry], and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper” (2 Kings 5:11).

Probably most of you know the story of Naaman, the captain of the army of Syria, who had leprosy. A young girl who had been taken captive from the land of Israel, and who worked for Naaman’s wife, told Naaman’s wife about the prophet Elisha. She told her that Elisha would be able to cure Naaman of his leprosy.

But when he went to Elisha to be cured, Naaman had his own ideas about how he should be cured. When Elisha did not even come out to meet him, but simply sent a message to him, to go and wash seven times in the River Jordan, Naaman was very angry. He was an important man, and expected to be treated with more respect! Also, he did not want to go and dip in the Jordan river. He thought the rivers in Syria were better!

This is often the case with people who want to be saved. Many will recognize that they are sinners, but have their own thoughts about how God should save them. They want to maintain some bit of pride and respectability before God. But when we come to God, we must take the low place, as those who are not only sinners, but helpless sinners. Naaman needed to learn this about his leprosy, which is a picture of sin.

If we read the whole story, we find that Naaman eventually did go and dip seven times in the Jordan river, and was cured of his leprosy. But he had to humble himself, and do as the prophet told him.

Friday, August 9, 2024

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“So we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us…whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage” (Acts 28:14-15).

Before Paul was ever placed on a ship bound for Rome, the Lord had appeared to him and told him that he would reach Rome, and witness for Him there. However, Paul had to pass through many hardships in order to get to Italy, nor did he know for sure how his trial before Caesar would go. As any other man would be, he was probably somewhat concerned, although he trusted in the Lord.

It was surely a real cheer to him to find brethren in Christ at various points along the way, who took the trouble to come and meet up with him, and to encourage him. As a result, Paul “thanked God, and took courage.” Sometimes we do not realize how much meeting up with other believers encourages them, even though we may not say much. Whether these brethren said much to Paul is not recorded in Scripture, but the very fact that they took the trouble to come and meet him meant a lot to him. He was encouraged as he journeyed toward Rome, for much of his time along the way had to be spent in the company of unbelievers. But the Lord knew that His servant needed encouragement, and graciously provided it for him.

We too can be a help and an encouragement to other believers in this world, and especially those who may be in difficulty, or those who are being persecuted. Sometimes a short message can mean much to those in this kind of trouble, and particularly for them to know that we are praying for them.

Thursday, August 8, 2024

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“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

This is a very short verse in the Word of God, yet full of meaning for us. But just what does it mean? In Matthew 6:7, the Lord Jesus warned the people that when they prayed, they were to not to use “vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” The Lord does not mean us to be like that, and to use empty repetitions.

I would suggest that today’s verse means that we are always to be in an attitude of prayer, and ready to lift up our hearts to the Lord, whether in thankfulness, praise, or in bringing a need before the Lord. We are not to allow anything in our life that would keep us from instant prayer.

Also, we are to be ready to pray until we receive an answer from the Lord. For example, the Apostle Paul prayed three times that a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) might be taken away from him. But when the Lord showed him that He was not going to take it away, Paul submitted and did not pray any more in that way. On the other hand, I prayed for a good friend for almost 50 years, that he might be saved, because I had the sense in my soul that he would be saved. Eventually he did get saved—a wonderful answer to prayer.

Prayer is a wonderful privilege for every believer! Let us use it constantly, but in the right way.

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

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“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour [take the lead] among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

In our local assemblies, there are those who “take the lead” in ministry and teaching, and who sometimes admonish us. We do not use the word “admonish” much today, but it means to warn, to advise, and sometimes to correct someone. As young people, we may sometimes resent this, and feel that those who take the lead are being too hard on us.

An older brother, now with the Lord, used to remind us that if we really wanted to learn the truth of God, God might test us on that desire by making us learn spiritual things from a brother whom we naturally did not like. This can be a real test, for we do not like to learn things from teachers who “rub us the wrong way.” Even in school and college, we all have had teachers or professors whom we liked, and those whom we did not care for. Sometimes we might even have skipped classes taught by those whom we did not like!

However, in our verse for today, we are told to regard such leaders very highly, “for their work’s sake.” Yes, leaders in the local assembly should strive to make themselves agreeable and easy to get along with, but even if they are not like that, we are to listen to them and give them the respect due to them. They are over us in the Lord, and we can learn from them.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

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“Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God” (Acts 27:25).

The Apostle Paul had been taken prisoner in Jerusalem, and after two years was being taken to Rome to be tried before Caesar. This meant a long and dangerous boat trip across the Mediterranean Sea. During this time they encountered a terrible storm, and all others on board the ship thought that the ship would sink and that they would all be drowned. But the angel of the Lord spoke to Paul, and told him that while the ship would be seriously damaged, no one’s life would be lost. In spite of the way things looked naturally, Paul believed what God had said, and was able to cheer up everyone else on board. As a result of Paul’s belief in God, it tells us three times in this chapter that others were able to be of “good cheer.”

All of us, as Christians, can be like this in the world. Many people are discouraged as they see the world going downhill in many ways, and you and I have a message of hope for them. Although this world is headed for judgment, God has provided a way that people can be saved, through faith in the Lord Jesus. We too can spread “good cheer” in this world!

Monday, August 5, 2024

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“So built we the wall…for the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6).

This was a difficult time in Israel’s history, for Israel had been carried into captivity about 150 years before. Later the Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem, broken down the wall, set fire to the buildings, and carried away all the wealth. But there were some who had been allowed to come back after being in captivity for 70 years, and they had rebuilt the temple. Some years later Nehemiah was concerned that the wall of Jerusalem was still broken down. He encouraged the people to rebuild it, and we find in our verse today that the work was done because “the people had a mind to work.” Of course they looked to the Lord for protection and help, but they themselves took their responsibility seriously too. As a result the wall was finished, although there were enemies who wanted to stop the work.

This is a good lesson for us too, in both natural and spiritual things. Sadly, there are young people today who do not seem to want to work, even in a natural way. Instead of pursuing their studies or obtaining a job, they tend to drift around, with no real goal before them. This attitude can spill over into our spiritual life too, for if we are lazy in natural things, we will not be diligent in spiritual things either. In the Bible, when God wanted to use someone to serve Him, He picked busy people, not those who were sitting around, and not working.

It is easy to become discouraged in these last days, when the world is in disorder, and when the circumstances around us seem to be turned upside down. It was like that in Nehemiah’s day, but the people felt the call of God, and “had a mind to work.” Let us imitate them!

Sunday, August 4, 2024

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“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept…For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20,22).

Today is the Lord’s Day—the day on which our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He has truly become “the firstfruits of them that slept.” What does this mean? It means that since Christ rose from the dead, and is up there in heaven—in glory, every true believer in Christ will also rise from the dead when the Lord Jesus comes back to take His own people home to be with Him. He was the first one to rise from among the dead, but because of His resurrection power, every other true believer who has died in Christ will rise too. What a wonderful truth this is!

As children of Adam, we are all subject to death, sooner or later, but because of the resurrection of Christ, all who believe on Him will be made alive. This is because we are “in Christ”; that is, we have the same life as He has, and are seen before God in all the perfection of Christ Himself. That glorious hope is before us, of being both with Him and like Him, when He comes for us.

Saturday, August 3, 2024

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“He [Felix] hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him” (Acts 24:26).

We see from this verse how corrupt the Roman world was, for here was a man kept unjustly in prison, while the governor spoke frequently with him, hoping for a bribe, so that he might be set free. But Paul would not do this; he looked to the Lord and depended on Him, not on bribing a Roman official.

Also, this verse shows what was uppermost in the heart of Felix. Instead of speaking with Paul about his soul, he was hoping Paul would give him money, so that he would release him. Poor Felix! He was in the presence of one of the greatest gospel preachers of all time, yet all he could think about was money! Did he ever get saved? We do not know, but if he did, it is not recorded in the Bible. He was removed from being governor after two years, and probably given a position in another locality. We do not hear anything more about him in the Bible. It seems that “a convenient season” never came in Felix’s life.

All this is a solemn lesson for anyone who is not saved. God does not promise us multiple chances to be saved. Felix turned his back on the gospel, and even though he trembled when Paul preached, there is no record that he ever listened seriously again to the Word of God. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).

Friday, August 2, 2024

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“And as he [the Apostle Paul] reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25).

Felix was the Roman governor at that time in that area of the land of Israel, and as such, he decided to keep Paul in prison. However, he must have been curious to hear more about the gospel, for he called for Paul, and “heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” We can only imagine how earnestly Paul preached to him, telling him of God’s way of salvation, and warning him of “judgment to come.” Paul knew how to adapt his message to the condition of the souls of those to whom he spoke, and it is noticeable that he spoke of temperance, which means self-control, and not indulging ourselves to excess.

Men like Felix (and his wife Drusilla) were no doubt accustomed to a luxurious lifestyle, with all the good things that were available to them in their position. Yet they did not know Christ, and thus Felix trembled as he listened to Paul. His conscience told him that what Paul was saying was true.

But this world and its attractions were too strong for Felix, and he put Paul off, telling him that he would call for him again, when he had “a convenient season.” We will see tomorrow that the Word of God does not record that this convenient season ever came. How serious it is to hear the Word of God, and to neglect it!

Thursday, August 1, 2024

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“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).

Back in the year 999, Christians in Europe had really lost the truth of the Lord’s coming for them at any moment, and had become very superstitious. Somehow many of them had gotten the idea that the year 1000 A.D. would be the Lord’s “judgment day,” and that Christ would appear to judge the world at that time. This idea was supported in their minds by the fact that Christians were under attack at that time from many different groups, including the Muslims, Vikings, and others who opposed Christianity.

Because of this widespread belief, many did not bother to plant their crops that year, or to put grain and other food supplies away for the winter. They waited anxiously as December 31, 999 drew to a close, only to find that the sun rose on January 1, 1000 A.D., just as it always had done. Then, as you may imagine, there had to be a wild scramble to put everything back into proper order so that life could go on.

God did not intend for you and me to live like that. As we saw yesterday, we are to continue our work for the Lord and also fulfil our everyday responsibilities while we are in this world, yet at the same time to expect the Lord to come for us at any moment. We may see from events around us that the Lord’s coming for us is near, but we cannot set a date.