Young People’s Blog

Redeemed

To be redeemed is to be bought back to be set free. Here are some Scriptures that set forth the characteristics and blessings of those who have been redeemed:

“In whom we have REDEMPTION through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not REDEEMED with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal REDEMPTION for us” (Hebrews 9:12).

“Being justified freely by His grace through the REDEMPTION that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

“Fear not: for I have REDEEMED thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

Are these things true of you? If not, this wonderful redemption is available to you right now!

Prophecy

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19-21).

The Bible is the only book whose prophecies are unfailingly true, because man cannot tell the future. The writer of Psalm 119 affirmed, “Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation” (verses 98-99). In other words, the person who is diligently and prayerfully reading their Bible has more light and understanding as to future events and God’s plans and purposes for this world than others who are not.

Every Scripture and every prophecy will have its fulfillment, and through it all the Lord Jesus will be magnified and glorified.

Satisfied

“Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee” (Psalm 73:25).

Can you really, in truth, echo these words? Do you truly desire the Lord Jesus above all else? The inspired writer of Psalm 73 had one person and one person alone that captivated his heart and soul, magnified in the context of the above verse:

“Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever” (Psalm 73:23-26).

All the writer needed was found in his God! He was content and satisfied with His person.

David found the same, as he penned the following:

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits…Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:2,5).

No Surprises

We all have surprises as we go through the different facets of life. Sometimes they are good surprises, and sometimes they are not so good, and certainly not so welcome. However, there are no surprises with God our Father. He knows everything that is ahead in your life and mine. It was all planned out in a past eternity.

That’s why we can trust Him without question or hesitation. We need not fear the future. We can have settled, unwavering peace in our hearts. And we can say, “The will of the Lord be done” (Acts 21:14).

No wonder David could say,

“O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it” (Psalm 139:1-6).

What a comfort it is to know that there are no surprises with Him!

Look To Jesus

“They looked unto Him, and were lightened”
(Psalm 34:5).

“Looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).

Looking unto Jesus,
Joy has filled my soul;
Gazing at my Savior,
Precious, glorious goal.
Pressing, running forward,
Onward to the mark;
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus — 
Light, where once was dark.

Looking unto Jesus,
Nothing else beside,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
Who once for me has died.
Heavenly Man of splendor,
Beauties, none compare;
Focused on His person,
This is all my care!

Dear Young Christian,

Some of us are punctual to a fault. Others are always behind schedule. Often we are too early or too late. And occasionally we are right on time. Thinking of this, a friend of mine, while visiting in our home recently, made this comment: “God is always on time!”

All through the Bible we see this played out time and time again. We see it in the lives of so many Bible characters — such as in the story of Abraham and Isaac…Joseph being sold into Egypt…the story of Queen Esther…the coming of Christ into the world…indeed, in every facet of God’s plans and purposes.

If this is true, and it is, then what about your life? Can’t you trust Him for perfect planning and scheduling? Sometimes it may not seem right to us, but remember we are never wiser than the One who knows “the end from the beginning.” Also remember, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

The Savior

Today we worship a crucified Savior:

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).

Today we worship a risen Savior:

“He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:6).

Today we worship an ascended Savior:

“He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things” (Ephesians 4:10).

Today we worship a coming Savior:

“I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).

What a glorious meditation the person and work of Christ is! Open your Bible and read portions concerning the cross of Calvary. Find verses regarding His resurrection. Turn to Scriptures that speak of His ascension. Read and rejoice in the truth of His soon return.

Belief

“Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:3-4).

Can unbelief make the Word of God or the faith of God without effect? No, thank God, it shall not.

William Hone (June 3, 1780 – November 8, 1842), an atheist, wrote a fictitious gospel, that he might bring contempt on the New Testament. He maintained that he could write a gospel of his own that would produce as good results as that which was called the gospel of God. When the book was published, there was such an outcry that he set to work to read the true Gospels that he might the better reply to his opponents. Whilst reading them, such a flood of light burst upon him that it led to his conversion, and he then wrote:

The proudest heart that ever beat
Hath been subdued in me;
The wildest will that ever rose
To scorn Thy Word, or aid Thy foes,
Is quelled, my God, by Thee.

Have you believed God’s Word? Have you believed in Jesus? If not, don’t delay!

Together With…

“For ye are laborers together with God”
(1 Corinthians 3:9).

This phrase is remarkable. Does God need us? He could speak and the whole world would shatter into a million pieces. And yet Christians, God’s people today, walking in tune with Him and serving Him in His harvest field, are “laborers together with God.”

We are working with God…He and we working together. Do you get the importance of this statement, dear young Christian?

WE ARE WORKERS TOGETHER WITH GOD.

He is our God, He gave His Son to save us, and now we can be laborers together with Him.

When the Lord was here on earth, He instructed His disciples, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).

On another occasion, He said, “Go work to day in My vineyard” (Matthew 21:28).

Do you hear the call? What He has for you to do may be little or big. But “Do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Teach Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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