Young People’s Blog

By Faith

“We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than
the angels for the suffering of death, crowned
with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9).

Faith sees what people can’t. By faith we see the Lord honored and glorified for His faithfulness unto death. The Lord was hated, mistreated, rejected and crucified on earth. Now in heaven He is loved, worshipped and honored. Remember, it was “God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory” (1 Peter 1:21).

While we look back to the cross and remember the mighty work of atonement, yet we look up by faith and worship, praise and thank the Lord as a risen, ascended, glorified man at the right hand of God. “We see Jesus,” not with the natural eye as those who saw Him when He was here in this world, but with the eye of faith. It is the delight of God the Father to have us honor the one who He has honored. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).

Can you see Him this way today — by faith?

 

New Management

Have you ever walked past a restaurant or store and noticed a sign in the window, UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT? This sign is to let people know that the place has changed ownership and improvements can be expected. But have you ever heard of people being under new management? That is something that has been happening since the beginning of Christianity.

The Bible has many examples of people who came under new management. Saul of Tarsus became the Apostle Paul as a result of what took place on the road to Damascus in Acts 9. Later he was used of God to pen the words, “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).

When a person gets saved it is not just an overhaul, a patch up job, or a renovation. No, they become a totally new person because of the work of Calvary. “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

 

Monthly Question Page

Q. How can I know who is the one the Lord has for me to marry?

A. The way to knowing God’s mind in this most important step is the same as in every other matter in our Christian life, whether small or great. It is determined by prayer and quiet waiting upon the Lord in communion and fellowship, seeking His face and searching His living Word.

However, remember that the first and most necessary step to knowing God’s mind is to have no will of our own in the matter. When our wills are inactive, God can then show us His will. Then, and only then, can we “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). At that time the guidance of His eye can be clearly seen and His voice distinctly heard communicating His mind. Like Abraham’s servant, who was sent to get a bride for Isaac, your experience too will be, “I being in the way, the Lord led me” (Genesis 24:27).

Another good Scripture to keep in mind is, “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).

 

Your Name

“I know thee by name” (Exodus 33:13,17).

It’s amazing but true. In the Lord’s eyes you are not just part of the crowd — or worse yet, just a social security number or impersonal statistic easily looked up on a computer. No, you are an individual — with a name — known and loved by the Lord Jesus. He knows you by name; He calls you by name; your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. It is good for us to get hold of this fact. “He calleth His own sheep by name” (John 10:3).

He has saved us as individuals and He cares for us as individuals. He says, “I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

Not only does He know our name and treat us as individuals, but He will never forget any one of us either. Sometimes when I meet a young person and try to greet them by name, I either forget or make a mistake. Maybe I confuse them with their brother or sister. But not so with the Lord. He says, “Yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15).

 

Your Name

“I know thee by name” (Exodus 33:13,17).

It’s amazing but true. In the Lord’s eyes you are not just part of the crowd — or worse yet, just a social security number or impersonal statistic easily looked up on a computer. No, you are an individual — with a name — known and loved by the Lord Jesus. He knows you by name; He calls you by name; your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. It is good for us to get hold of this fact. “He calleth His own sheep by name” (John 10:3).

He has saved us as individuals and He cares for us as individuals. He says, “I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

Not only does He know our name and treat us as individuals, but He will never forget any one of us either. Sometimes when I meet a young person and try to greet them by name, I either forget or make a mistake. Maybe I confuse them with their brother or sister. But not so with the Lord. He says, “Yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15).

 

Monthly Scripture Reading

Titus 2

6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

Computers

An elderly friend of mine made the following observation regarding the use of computers. He said, “They are both fabulous and frustrating.”

I think he got it right. They are fabulous when they work and frustrating when they don’t. The trouble is we get so dependent on technology for our daily routine that when it breaks down or doesn’t work as fast as we think it should we get upset.

Thankfully, we have a resource that will never break down or fail. It is the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven and the open line of communication we have with Him. We are told, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). You will never get a busy signal; you will never be put on hold; there is no call waiting or call forwarding and there are no automated recordings.

Use this wonderful resource today, and if your computer and other technological gadgets fail you, remember, you have one who will never fail, and who is “a very present help” (Psalm 46:1).

 

Dear Young Christian:

I read a simple little story today that touched my heart.

Martin Luther saw a little bird preparing for sleep. “See,” said Luther, “how it teaches us a lesson! He takes hold of his twig, tucks his head under his wing, and goes to sleep, leaving God to take care of him.”

Let’s remember this simple illustration from nature as another week begins. As you step out your door today, commit yourself to the care of God your Father and remember what the Lord Jesus said concerning His care of His own. “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).

He sees the little sparrow,

But He knows His children best,

Our Father never slumbers,

But gives His loved ones rest.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to [email protected]

Remember

“There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man” (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15).

This account illustrates very beautifully the following verse: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

The “great king” is a picture of Satan. The “little city” is a picture of the world, and the “poor wise man” is the Lord Jesus. He was once rejected and nailed to a cross. Through that work there has been a great victory won over sin and death and Satan. Yet, for the most part, He is despised and forgotten. However, by a few He will be remembered today in the breaking of bread. Will you be one of those? He has requested, “This do in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).

 

Substitution

Ed Leonard, an employee of a Canadian mining company, was working in Columbia South America, when he was captured by rebel soldiers in 1998. In an unprecedented move, Norbert Reinhart, the owner of the company, secured Leonard’s release by taking his place. Reinhart was then held hostage for 94 days.

Centuries ago the Lord Jesus took our place by becoming our substitute. The Bible states, “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Although He was sinless, Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, took our punishment on the cross. With sin’s penalty paid, He rose from the grave and offers forgiveness to all who will accept it.

Just knowing these facts, though, doesn’t mean that we are forgiven. We must admit that we are helpless, lost sinners, turn from our sins, and in faith receive Christ and His offer of pardon. Then He truly is our Saviour and our Substitute. We can then say with the Apostle Paul, “Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Ephesians 5:2).