Young People’s Blog

Creation

We accept the Biblical account of creation, not because we understand how it all happened or how it all works, but because we have believed what God says. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3).

Dr. Alfred R. Wallace (January 8, 1823 — November 7, 1913), a famous propagator of the theory of natural selection, cast aside Evolution at the age of 87, and returned to his earlier faith in creation as told by God in Genesis 1. He left two statements on record:

1. “Nothing in evolution can account for the SOUL of man. The difference between man and the other animals is unbridgeable.”

2. “An honest scrutiny of NATURE forces upon the mind this certain truth, that at some period of the earth’s history there was a CREATION, a giving to the earth of something which before it had not possessed, and from that gift, the gift of LIFE, has come the infinite and wonderful population of living forms.”

 

Dear Young Christian:

“Why me?” Have you ever asked that question? If you are like me you probably have. But someone has said that rather than ask “Why me?” Why not ask the question, “Why not me?” Why do we think we are special and should be immune to trials and difficulties? And when we realize that our heavenly Father has our good in view, and that He is working out a plan and purpose in our lives, we should be like David who said, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of his countenance” (Psalm 42:5). David realized that there was a time coming when He would see everything that had happened in His life from God’s perspective, and that He would be filled with praise as a result.

If we start the work and school week with this understanding and attitude, we will have a submissive spirit, a happy attitude, and a fruitful experience.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

One Offering

“For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrew 10:14).

Yes, one mighty and complete sacrifice, and the work was eternally done to the glory and satisfaction of a holy God. What a contrast to the thousands and thousands of sacrifices that were offered in the Old Testament, starting with Abel. “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering” (Genesis 4:4), and continuing through the history of the children of Israel. We read, “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).

Let’s thank God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ once again today for that wonderful, all sufficient sacrifice. And not just today, but let’s make it our daily habit to offer our thanks for all that we have because of the finished work of Calvary.

 

Terror

“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord,
we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11).

Since September 11th 2001, terror and tragedy have been on everyone’s mind. Terrorism has become a household word, and is often the subject of conversation in circles of business and every level of society. Just when we seem to be forgetting and moving on, something else happens to bring the reality of it back to the forefront. Certainly the things that have happened in the last few years have been shocking and awful beyond words.

The Lord has allowed these events, and one reason is to wake people up as to their need of a Saviour, and the need to prepare for eternity. There are terrible judgments coming on this world, such as have never been before. How important then to have refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ and a home in heaven. This we can have because of the work of Calvary, the death of Christ, and His precious blood. All the true believers will be raptured out of the world before those awful judgements happen, and those who are left behind will realize that it is too late! That is why John the Baptist warned, “Flee from the wrath to come” (Luke 3:7).

 

That Old Serpent

I have on my bulletin board in my office a photo of my youngest daughter taken some years ago with a live python snake draped around her shoulders. This was taken during an animal exhibit here in the town of Smiths Falls where we live.

I keep this picture to remind me of sin and the wiles of “that old Serpent, called the Devil, and Satan” (Revelation 12:9). He is always trying to trap us and trick us, and while he can never take away our salvation, he can certainly rob us of our joy in Christ, and get us very discouraged.

This is why we need to read our Bibles every day and spend time in prayer. This is how we “resist the Devil” (James 4:4). By lifting “the shield of faith” we are then “able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).

We are no match for the clever, sly, sneaky ways of Satan, and his host of demons, but the Apostle John reminds us, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). We have everything we need to meet the enemy and be victorious for Christ’s glory.

 

Minor Prophets — Micah

This prophet tells us, not only of the judgment on Israel and Judah, but on the nations as well. This is confirmed at the very beginning of the book, when he says, “Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple” (Micah 1:2).

In Micah we have a wonderful prophecy concerning the Messiah: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). The Lord rebuked the people in His day for not knowing this and other prophecies concerning His being born in Bethlehem. He said, “Hath not the Scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was” (John 7:42)?

Micah also gives us the truth of the wonderful millennial blessing to follow the judgments. “They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it” (Micah 4:4). What a happy day it will be!

 

The Power of Prayer

“I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me” (Psalm 3:4).
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
“God hath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer” (Psalm 66:19).
“In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me” (Psalm 120:1).

Prayer has divided seas, rolled back flowing rivers, made hard rocks gush into fountains, quenched flames of fire, muzzled lions, disarmed vipers, repelled frauds, burst open iron gates, recalled souls from eternity, conquered the strongest demons, and commanded legions of angels down from heaven. Prayer has bridled and changed the raging passions of man and destroyed vast armies of proud, daring, blundering atheists. Prayer has brought one man from the bottom of the sea and carried another in a whirlwind to heaven.

What has prayer not done! Think about what it can do for you!

 

Free

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God”
(1 Corinthians 2:16).

Many of us have heard the statement, “The best things in life are free.” There is certainly a lot of truth in that. However, some people think that the best things are expensive or even out of reach of the average person. Another statement I read recently said, “The best things in life are not things.” What a great statement! What we have of greatest value is what we have in the Lord and He Himself is our greatest possession. The best things in life are the eternal riches and the heavenly inheritance that God has provided for us through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. He has, on the basis of the work of Calvary, freely given us more than we can ever imagine. “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things” (Romans 3:24; 8:32)?

 

Dear Young Christian:

Some people don’t like Mondays because it starts another school or work week. Some people are already thinking about Friday afternoon when they will be free once more to enjoy another weekend and do what they want.

But the Lord wants us to take one day at a time and enjoy the blessings that He has given for that day. Here are some verses to think about in that regard:

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

“As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25).

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Let’s start the week with the joy of the Lord in our hearts, a song on our lips, and a sense of His provision and presence with us. That way we will have a happy week.

Your Christian Friend,

Jim Hyland

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

I Will Sing

“I will sing unto the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously” (Exodus 15:1).
“I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God” (Judges 5:3).
“I will sing unto the Lord, because He hath dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:6).
“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being” (Psalm 104:33).

How much will these verses be true of us today? Singing is a wonderful way to express our appreciation of the person and work of Christ, our joy in the Lord, and our worship, praise, and thanksgiving, for all that He has done for us.

As you meet with other believers today, open your mouth and sing. Even if you can’t carry a tune very well, remember, seven times in the book of Psalms we are told to “make a joyful noise.” For example: “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1). The Lord loves to hear our voice in song. Let’s give Him that privilege.