Young People’s Blog

Dear Young Christian:

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians  5:20).

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

I am on Union Island in the eastern Caribbean today. It is the southernmost Grenadine island belonging to Saint Vincent. While visiting with a brother in Christ in his little grocery store, we spoke of the need to be thankful for all things and being thankful in every situation as well. As we talked on the subject, he made the following comment: “True gratitude is a result of a proper attitude.” His point was, that we can say we are thankful, and even act like it, but inside we are anything but.

I don’t believe we can be truly thankful in the circumstances of life until we are truly thankful for them. Whatever happens this week learn to take it from the Lord and be thankful in and for everything that the Lord allows.

Your Christian Friend,

 Jim Hyland

Sitting

“And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with him … And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, 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 22:14, 19, 20).

There in the upper room, the Lord sat down with His disciples and gave them very specific instructions as to how they were to remember Him in His absence.

“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12).

Now our Savior is seated in Heaven. What a glorious person and work we remember today. Will you be sitting down in His presence, at His table, to remember Him?

“And, behold, a throne was set in Heaven, and One sat on the throne” (Revelation 4:2).

Soon we are going to see the Lord seated on the throne in Heaven and be with Him forever.

Our Judge or Savior

We must one day stand before a Holy God to answer for our sins. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). But don’t despair, the gospel proclaims what God has done before that day of judgment arrives, that we might not be condemned for our sins. The next verse reads, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).

If my creditor comes to claim a debt, and I have nothing to pay, it is all over with me, but if he comes and pays it, I am now free and clear. God cannot overlook iniquity; but it is very different to insist upon the payment of a debt and to come and pay it. The gospel tells us of what Christ has done as Savior, before He comes as judge. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). The Lord Himself affirmed, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Will you meet God as your Judge or your Savior?

Service and Reward

“The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee” (Ruth 2:12).

There’s a reward for service that’s done from the heart for the Lord and for the benefit of others. Ruth had been very kind to her mother-in-law, Naomi. She cared for her and refused to leave her to return to Bethlehem-judah alone. As a result of her devotion, she was rewarded.

Service for the Lord is giving what you have for others as unto the Lord. There are many needs and opportunities for service. Let’s serve Him today in humbleness and simplicity, and follow the instruction given to those in Colosse, who were told to serve the Lord, “not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:22-24).

The Lord wants to give us a “full reward” (2 John, verse 8). Will He have that privilege when your life and service is reviewed?

Young People of Scripture
Joseph

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

Joseph is one of the most beautiful types of the Lord Jesus in the Old Testament. However, there are many practical lessons to learn from his life as well. Introduced to us as at seventeen, we find him going in obedience to his father to see how his brothers were faring. We see him patiently enduring reproach and suffering. With moral integrity and by the grace of God he resisted sin and temptation. In spite of this, Potiphar’s wife unjustly accused him of something he did not do, and he ended up in prison. There he trusts God for His time and way of deliverance, and eventually he rises to be next to Pharaoh on the throne of Egypt. No matter where he was and no matter how difficult the circumstances, he sought to be faithful and not compromise for any reason. In the end we learn of his spirit of forgiveness in dealing with his brothers who had so wronged him, and we observe his love and care for his elderly father. Read prayerfully and carefully the story in Genesis chapter 37 through chapter 50. I know it will be a blessing.

Gaius

“Gaius mine host, and of the whole church” (Romans 16:23).

There are five mentions of Gaius in the New Testament. He was a Christian from Corinth who had been baptized by the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 1:14). He travelled with Paul in his service for the Lord (Acts 20:4). In so doing, he suffered persecution at Ephesus (Acts 19:29). The Apostle John later writes him a short letter of encouragement and exhortation, referring to him as “the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth” (3 John, verse 1)

In the above verse, he is mentioned as Paul’s host and the host of the whole church. Paul often named individuals with a commendation of some kind. One of the characteristics that God views with pleasure is that of a believer being hospitable. When we open our homes to other Christians, we can be assured that we are doing God’s service. Many of my readers live with their parents. The next time they open their home and have company over, be there to help and to encourage. You will find it will not only be a blessing to those who are invited, but it will be a blessing to you as well.

Wisdom

“Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth … . Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding … . The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom … . He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul … . O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God … . Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world … . For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God … . If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him … . The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy … . Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence … . That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Proverbs 4:5; 4:7; 15:33; 19:8; Romans 11:33; 1 Corinthians 1:20; 3:19; James 1:5; 3:17; Ephesians 1:8; 1:17).

Dear Young Christian:

We all need encouragement, and remember our greatest encouragement comes from the Lord Himself through His Word, the Bible. When David was in trouble he knew where to turn. On one occasion we read, “And David was greatly distressed … But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).

Are you starting out this week with fear and trepidation? Have you had a discouraging weekend? Get your Bible out and read a few verses. Spend a few moments in prayer. You will find it will do wonders in lifting your spirit and giving you the courage to face the day, no matter what happens.

Life is tough! I don’t discredit that for a moment! But I do know that we have One who is greater than any problem, and greater than our enemy, the Devil. Don’t forget, “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Don’t be discouraged, find your strength and encouragement in the Lord.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

He Took Our Place

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Pedro and Francisco were brothers in Bolivia. Francisco was brought to know the Lord Jesus as his Savior at a missionary school he attended. Pedro and Francisco looked very much alike; but unlike Francisco, Pedro did not know the Lord as Savior. He would not listen to the Gospel. When the Chaco War (1932-1935) between Bolivia and Paraguay broke out, Pedro, who was older than Francisco, was called up for duty. Francisco, knowing his brother was not ready to die, was concerned he might be killed. One day, he dressed in his best Indian clothes and went to visit Pedro in the barracks. Finding him alone, Francisco said, “Pedro, you are going to war. You may be killed and you are not saved; you are not ready to die! Quickly! take off your clothes, change with me, and go out. When the guard asks your name, don’t forget to say ‘Francisco Gira.’” They changed clothes. Pedro thanked him and embraced him.

This story is a faint illustration of the Lord’s love in taking our place and laying down His life for us. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16). Don’t forget to thank Him today!

Three Questions

Here are three good questions to ask ourselves, all of which are answered in the Word of God.

Question: Where did I come from?         
Answer: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and insin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5).

Question: Why am I here?         
Answer: “That ye may be blameless and harmless,the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst ofcrooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shineas lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

Question: Where am I going?     
Answer: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wideis the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth todestruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

I trust all my readers are saved and on their way to Heaven, and that, in the meantime, you are shining as a light for Jesus.