Month: June 2016

Dear Young Christian:

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). What do we think about? What really occupies our mind?

Sometimes when I cast my thoughts down they are like cats! They always land on their feet and come back to bother me! This word “casting down” really means “to demolish or to destroy.” This goes a lot further than just setting them aside or tossing them away! Do we have thoughts that are displeasing to the Lord Jesus Christ, and a hindrance to our spiritual growth? Destroy them!

This week, let’s fill our thoughts with Christ and His Word. “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 on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

In The Spirit

In the first chapter of the book of Revelation, the Apostle John said, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10). As a result he had a wonderful vision of the Lord and special insight into God’s future plans and purposes concerning this world and His Son.

So, what about you today? Here we are at the beginning of another week. We read of the early believers, “upon the first day of the week … the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7). That is the same day referred to as “the Lord’s day.”

If we are “in the Spirit” when we come together with other believers for the purpose of remembering the Lord today, we will be able to have three things “in the Spirit.”

Worship:

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Prayer:

“I will pray with the spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:15).

Singing:

“I will sing with the spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:15).

 

Your Profile

Does the following profile fit you?

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).

Washed in the Blood of Christ:

“Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. 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).

Living in the power of the Spirit:

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).

If the above profile does not describe you, this way of blessing is open today through the work of Calvary, and the activity of the whole Trinity.

 

A Crown Of Rejoicing

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?
Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus
Christ at His coming?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19).

The Apostle Paul’s “crown of rejoicing” was his Thessalonian converts. They had been saved through his preaching and testimony and he looked forward to the day of glory and manifestation when he would see them in heaven. He referred to the believers at Philippi in the same way: “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” (Philippians 4:1).

Paul will, no doubt have a vast “crown of rejoicing.” Many were saved and encouraged through his ministry. But what about you and me? Someone has called this crown the Soul Winner’s Crown. Will we be able to rejoice, like Paul and many others, as we see those there in the Father’s house, who are present because of our life and words? Solomon reminds us, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

 

Jacob’s Twelve Sons — Zebulun

Zebulun was the tenth son of Jacob and the youngest of Leah. He entered Egypt with his three sons, but of himself personally we are told nothing. When they left Egypt those numbered of the tribe bearing his name were 57,400, and when they entered the promised land there were 60,500. Jacob said of his descendants, “Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea, and he shall be for an haven of ships, and his border shall be unto Zidon” (Genesis 49:13).

If we learn any practical lesson from Zebulun, it is that he speaks of the people of God having interaction with the world merely for monetary profit. Not that we can escape the world. We need to make a living and get through it, but not to the extent that the world drains us of our spiritual energy and enjoyment of our heavenly blessings in Christ.

Moses blessed the tribe thus, “Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out.” Then, classing him with Issachar, said, “They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand” (Deuteronomy 33:18-19).

 

Location Change

Perhaps some of our readers are making a change in location or leaving home to take a summer job, or maybe even making a permanent move, and going into an environment that is not what you are used to. If so, consider the story of the girl who was taken to Syria in the days of the prophet Elisha.

“And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. And she said unto her mistress … ” (2 Kings 5:2-3). The Israelite maid provides us with a beautiful example of how we should behave if circumstances take us far from home, friends and Christian influences. Surrounded by idolaters, having little knowledge, and no access to the written Word of God, she gave her testimony by her consistent walk and conduct. Our faith too should be seen before we speak! Then when the occasion came, she did not hesitate to speak out for God, even in the palace of Naaman. Her words were so earnest, clear and full of conviction that she succeeded in convincing her mistress. Guided by the Living God, we too will be enabled to speak with wisdom and conviction so that there will be eternal results.

 

Principles

“The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the
heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Psalm 19:8).

The commands and principles of the Bible “rejoice the heart.” The world has its principles which end in sorrow and defeat. The following are just a few examples:

Go with the flow.

Everyone’s doing it.

Look out for number one.

If it feels good, do it.

In contrast, God’s principles bring joy to our hearts. Because they are pure they lead to pure lives. Because they enlighten the eyes, they bestow wisdom. David went on to say, “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11).

Which would you rather go by: the world’s maxims or the truth of Scripture?

 

Dear Young Christian:

How often have you seen the advertising promise, “Satisfaction guaranteed”? Sometimes there is the promise of your money back, or some other compensation if you are not totally satisfied with the product or service being offered.

How many times have you bought something, and not been totally satisfied with it? Maybe it was no fault of the manufacturer, but it just didn’t bring the gratification that you had expected. No, things in this world don’t fully satisfy.

However, there is One who has the power to fully and completely satisfy and fill the human heart. That person, of course, is the Lord Jesus Christ. Here is what the Lord says concerning those who know Him, “My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 31:14). We also read, “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9). If you want to have a soul-satisfying week, walk with the Lord and enjoy all the wonderful blessings and good things He has in store for you. If you do, there is “satisfaction guaranteed.”

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca

The Loaf & The Cup

I have often sung the following lines on Lord’s Day morning, as I remembered the Lord in the breaking of bread:

In this broken bread we own Thee,

Bruised for us and put to shame;

And this cup, O Lord, we thank Thee,

Speaks our pardon through Thy name.

These words were penned by a lady named Mrs. C. A. Wellesley many, many years ago, and as frequently as I have sung them, their meaning is just as fresh every time. Although very little if anything is known about the authoress of this hymn, whose first line is “O Thou great all-gracious Shepherd”, she must have been a lady who really appreciated being able to remember the Lord as He has asked us to do. When writing this hymn (#40 in the Little Flock hymn book) I am sure she was thinking of the Scripture where the Lord said, “This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20). What does this precious privilege mean to you?

 

Love Your Enemies

Are you a real Christian … a true believer in Christ? If not, consider carefully the following testimony.

An elderly Christian often gave out gospel tracts on the foreign ships that came into the seaport near where he lived. Sometimes he invited men he met on the ships to his home for a meal.

There was one very rich Asian man who came frequently to the port. The Christian got to know him quite well and often invited him to his home. But in spite of the kindness shown him and the prayers of the Christian the man continued to worship the false gods of eastern religion and to mock Christ.

Then one day the Asian man came with a very different attitude. He said, “I want to tell you that I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, and now He is my Saviour! Each time I came to your house I watched you. I knew you loved me even though, by my religion, I was your enemy. My heart told me it must be your God who made you different, and I called upon the Lord Jesus to save me.”

“I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you” (Luke 6:27).