To dear Students...

INTRODUCTION

“Today’s youth are today’s leaders!” This sounds more apt than “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders.” “Youth can bring the two poles together!” So I read in a magazine. But, he who remembers not his Creator in his youth shall go unremembered. What classroom gives the youth is knowledge, but God and His Word alone can give him wisdom. Knowledge without wisdom is the tragedy today. That’s why... He smashes the glass windows of the library of his own School or College! He burns the bus which carries him to the College! He reviles his teachers and professors! And so on! The wisest of the wise, King Solomon, prescribes the pill for this ailment— “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom!” This book illustrates this truth practically.

The book "To dear Students..." is a compilation of letters written by students and Bro. Stanley's reply to them. Click the topic to read the letter and the reply.

* the names which appear in these letters have been changed for confidential reasons.

Topics

+ Tempest of Temptations!
+ Mounting Mockery!
+ Dumped in Dullness!
+ Cigars and Cigarettes!
+ Alas, Addiction!
+ Ensnaring Eyes!
+ Lost in Love!
+ Harassing Homosexuality!
+ Hue at Home!
+ Faltering Friendship!
+ Suffering from Studies!
+ Willingness but Weakness!
+ Bible the Book!
+ Stanley as a Student!
+ Formula for Fishing!
+ Science or Scripture?
+ Students on Strike!
+ Television Trap!
+ Recurring Remembrance!
+ Fear of Future!

Also Available in Assamese / Gujarati / Hindi / Kannada / Malayalam / Oriya / Tamil / Telugu

Price: Indian Rs 20.00 / US $4

Related Books: World of Youth | Sweet Sixteen

My dear brother,

Greetings with love!

I attended your recent Camp for students. As a fresher in College the Camp brought light to me and no doubt to many others also. I was thrilled at the talks delivered there. It was as if I had entered a different world altogether where you introduced Jesus to me. As I committed myself to Him, I felt as if Heaven came down and filled my heart and soul. An unforgettable experience!

But, problems started mounting when I returned to College. Although I decided to live a clean life, confusion fills me and now a host of temptations hovers around. The enthusiasm of the Camp is gone, so I am even tempted to think it was all a delusion. I feel lost. Can you help?

Eagerly awaiting your reply,

Yours sincerely,
Mohan

Hi Mohan,

Thanks for your letter.

Bubbling in the Camp but baffled since returning has been your experience. Listen to what Christ tells you—

“Let not your heart be troubled” (Jn 14:1).

“In the world you will have trials and sorrows, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world!” (Jn 16:33).

Before you came to Jesus you were a slave to Satan; but now that you have become a child of God, Satan is furious. So you will face more temptations than before. But, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world!” (1 Jn 4:4).

Christian life is a fight; But victory is yours. See what we read in God’s holy Word—

“We must through many tribulations enter the Kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

“All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim 3:12).

“Many are the troubles of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psa 34:19).

You have mentioned, “I am even tempted to think...” This is nothing but the voice of Satan, the deceiver and liar. Just command, “Begone Satan!” and confess, “I will only believe the words of Jesus.” If you resist Satan, he will run away from you. But if you entertain him, he will become your master. Beware!

Read your Bible and pray morning and night. We pray for you.

With loving greetings,
Your brother

Dear brother,

Thank you very much for the valuable counsel you gave when I met you recently. Because you emphasized time and again that I must be a bold witness for the Lord Jesus in the College, I started to speak to my roommates and hostelmates, telling them how the Lord saved me. I tried to obey what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that a candle must not be put under a bushel but kept on the candlestick. But the reaction is only mockery. They call me a fanatic. When I enter the dining hall, I can hear their scornful remarks and nicknames. I am very depressed. What shall I do?

Please write.
Your brother,
Vijayan

My dear Vijayan,

Thank you for your letter.

I understand your problem, but remember mockery is just a mosquito bite in the Christian life. You should not mind it at all.

Jesus Himself has said that those who follow Him are always a minority. You are certainly going to be a laughing stock to the majority which goes after the pleasures of this world. The Bible abounds with examples of this.

Christ was laughed to scorn. Read Matthew 27:29, 39-43.

Paul, a renowned preacher, writes, “We are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men” (1 Cor 4:9).

So Vijayan, don’t think your experience is unusual. It is the norm. But the most important thing is your reaction to their mockery. This is what you should do—

Rejoice and praise the God when mocked. “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Phil 1:29; Acts 5:41).
See that you don’t turn bitter against those who scorn. Keep smiling. Love them and pray that God may bless them (Mt 5:11,12,44; Lk 23:34).
Let mockery boost your enthusiasm, not dampen it. You know the path you have chosen is the right one. When Noah of old was making his ark to be saved from the deluge, you think he was not mocked at? But he was undeterred.

Finally, I want to tell you something interesting. Generally those who ridicule most, repent first! Don’t give up!

Praying for you,
Your brother

Beloved brother!

I am glad to contact you through this letter.

Recently we had a big Gospel Crusade in our city. On the last day when a call was given to accept Christ I ran to the front with tears. My sinful past weighed heavily on me. I cried in agony, “Lord, save me!” I felt my burden rolling away. I was enveloped with joy unspeakable. At the close of the meeting when all sang, “It’s bubbling, it’s bubbling, it’s bubbling in my soul; I’m singing, I’m dancing, since Jesus made me whole,” truly I also was singing and dancing. The week following the meetings was all joy. But slowly I find dullness taking hold of me. Everything seems very ordinary. Is this usual? I do not understand. I shared my problem with the friend who guided me to you. Please reply and help me. Thank you.

Yours, looking for help,
Richard

Dear Richard,

I praise God for your blessed experience in the Crusade. The doubts you have expressed are fairly common to those who newly come to Christ, so don’t worry.

In all Christian experiences there is an important order—

First, Fact
Next, Faith
Last, Feelings

“Fact” or “truth” is what we receive from the Bible. “God’s law is truth” (Psa 119:142,151). Now what is the truth of the Bible concerning your salvation?

“As many as received Christ Jesus to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His Name” (Jn 1:12).

“The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin” (Jn 1:7).

Fact remains fact, and truth is truth, whether it is believed or abandoned.

Next comes “faith.” It is by faith that we accept the facts. “What if some do not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not!”

After faith, last of all, come “feelings.” Constantly changing, feelings are most unreliable. But none of them can change the truth. Therefore rely only on the truth and never on your feelings. Does not the Spirit of God witness with your spirit that you are a child of God? (Rom 8:16). What more do you require?

The devil would delight to lead us by our feelings, encouraging us to believe they are reality, when only the truth is trustworthy. Never forget God’s order: Fact first, faith next and feelings last.

God bless you.
Your brother with love

Respected brother,

I hope you remember me. At the close of the last Camp I had a photograph with you. My heart is filled with praise to God whenever I think of the blessings I received in the Camp.

To be more specific, Jesus delivered me from the bondage of smoking to which I had been enslaved since my high school days. All my pocket money was spent on the habit. My roommate was a chain smoker. He used to share imported cigarettes with me. I could never agree with preachers who condemned smoking because I was myself addicted. Even in the Camp on the first day I would first smoke and then go in and sit conveniently near the exit. But on the second day I committed myself to Christ. Since then I have not so much as touched a cigarette. I developed an unconscious hatred for it. When I try to explain this change to my old smoking companions they argue with me that nowhere the Bible condemns smoking. “I was a slave; but now I am delivered”— This is all I tell them. But I am unable to answer their questions from the Bible. Can you please tell me how to tackle them? Sorry for the trouble.

Greetings with love!
Yours,
Victor

Dear Victor,

I shared your letter with friends here. We praised God for your deliverance.

True the Bible does not say, “Thou shalt not smoke!” But the principles cannot be ignored.

1. In every cigarette pack you find a note:

Statutory Warning: Cigarette smoking is injurious to health!

A fact universally proven. As for God’s will, 3 John 2 says,

“Beloved I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

How then can smoking be God’s will?

2. A smoker abuses his body. Look at his discoloured lips and teeth and the bloodshot eyes. What is God’s commandment?

“You are bought at a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor 6:15,20).

3. Undeniably smokers are slaves to the habit. But the principle for the Christian is—

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the slavery of any” (1 Cor 6:12).

Mere arguments take you nowhere. The Bible says, “Abstain from every form of evil!” (1 Thess 5:22).

Finally, mere knowledge that smoking is wrong does not deliver a person. He needs Jesus.

Referring to the deliverance from sin through Him, Jesus said, “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed!” (Jn 8:36). Is that not your experience? God bless your testimony.

Your brother

Loving brother,

Your visit to our hostel last week meant so much to us. All the members of our prayer group thank you sincerely.

I would like to write about my neighbour Rajkumar, a third year student. He comes from a Christian family and has a good reputation for his excellent behaviour and is loved by all in the hostel. But recently, through keeping bad company, he has become hooked on drugs. His brisk bright ways have gone, now he shuts himself in his room like a trapped animal and his studies have suffered. Though I pity him I don’t know how to really help him. We are all praying for him. Please let us know how we can help him out.

Thank you.

Lovingly,
Basker

Hello Basker,

I enjoyed my visit to your hostel very much. While returning I was imagining the formation of such campus cells in all the colleges of our country! May God fulfill this dream.

So sorry to hear about Rajkumar but I praise God for your compassion on him. My heart is grieved for the many young people deceived by drugs.

An addict is devoid of self-confidence. He believes the lie of the devil that he is finished. You should be very careful not to ever condemn Rajkumar. Also he must personally desire deliverance from drugs. Don’t preach at him; but spice your conversation with God’s promises for deliverance. Here are some sample texts—

“God will redeem my life from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me” (Psa 49:15).

“With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Mt 19:26).

“ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

Explain to him that Jesus came not for saints but for sinners. Lead him to receive Jesus in his heart. Show him from the Bible the passages like John 1:12;3:16; Romans 8:1,2,16; 6:14,22 and encourage him.

Keep him away from the influence of bad friends. Give him company and take him to your cell gatherings. Don’t let him be alone for long.

Get him read the Gospel of John and the Psalms often. He must be encouraged to witness openly. Help him to receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The antidote for being “drunk with wine” is to “be filled with God’s Spirit” (Eph 5:18).

We will be praying for him. God bless your efforts.

With love,
Your brother

Dear Sir,

I was introduced to your magazine, BLESSING, by my friend. I went through your counsel for youth and was glad that you invite them to share their secret problems with you. I have a longstanding problem. Please keep my letter confidential and post your reply in an envelope.

It is three years since I accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour but I don’t enjoy any freedom from the lust of the eyes. My thoughts are not clean. Dirty dreams fill my night. I am obsessed with guilt. I am unable to concentrate on my studies.

I am repeatedly convicted of my sin in revival meetings and I honestly make decisions to be pure but only to be defeated within a week. I am tired of trying, but I love Jesus. Where can I go from Him? I don’t know the solution to my problem. Please help me.

Yours desperately,
Paramanandam

Dear Paramanandam,

Thank you for your letter. Many youth who open their hearts to me are sailing in the same boat. Don’t lose heart. There is a way out. You have said you love Jesus. As a youth He walked in this world amidst all its temptations. But what do you read about Him?

“In that He Himself has suffered being tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted!” (Heb 2:18; 4:16).

Jesus is your Lord and Saviour; now accept Him as your Helper. This is the first step.

Then shun all practices, places and persons which lead you to temptation. All other sins my be resisted but you must “flee” the sin of lust. The Bible says,

“Flee youthful lusts” (2 Tim 2:22).

“Flee sexual immorality” (1 Cor 6:18).

No one can lightly play with fleshly lusts. It is a fire. King Solomon challenges, “Can a man take fire in his bosom without his clothes burnt?” (Prov 6:25-28; Job 31:12). Follow the example of Joseph (Gen 39:7-12). He ran away from the woman who tempted him.

This does not mean you should walk down the road with your eyes closed. No. You Cannot avoid the first look. That is not sin. But avoid the second!

Always keep yourself busy. Never be lazy. The lazy mind is the devil’s workshop. Read the Bible more and more and fill your heart with the Scriptures. “When you roam they will lead you; when you awake they will speak with you” (Prov 6:21-23). What a blessing!

Next time the devil tempts you, say within yourself, “My old man is dead; now I am alive for God.” God’s grace is sufficient for you. Sin shall not overcome you. Victory is yours.

With my prayers,
Your brother

Loving Annan,

Greeting from Ravindran!

At the close of your talk last Saturday in our hostel, you gave us an invitation to ask questions which had been bothering us; but to my disappointment no one brought up my problem. I too felt rather delicate to ask this in front of others. Here are my questions. Hope you won’t misunderstand me.

1. Is it sin to fall in love?
2. Is petting sin?

Please destroy this letter. Kindly mark your envelope “personal.” Thank you very much.

Ravi

Loving Ravi,

Received your frank letter. I appreciate youth openly coming out with their problems rather than covering them and ending up in a mess. Your letter is kept confidential, don’t worry! I have tried here to give you a concise answer.

1. It is quite natural for a young boy to desire a girl. Opposite poles attract! But you must heed some of the pitfalls. “Love is blind.” Countless youth have become victims of their emotions stirred up at first sight. They fail to be sensible. A prudent student will declare, “I have no time for a love affair.” He will make the best use of his student days for study. Even with regular attendance and hard work many students fail to get high grades. During these days of stiff competition a mere pass gets you nowhere. After you finish your studies and settle in a job, seek the help of your parents and elders of find a suitable girl. Start praying for your future even from now on. (I have explained this matter further in chapter 84 of my book, Frank Answers.)

2. Though in love several marriages do not materialize. What damage petting will cause then! Petting does not stop there; it invariably advances to the ultimate. Are we angels? Even if you are engaged, why not reserve the thrill for the marriage bed? If you have already given your bodies to each other, it will be hypocrisy before God and men when the minister in the Church takes you through the wedding ceremony. So, please wait.

Western culture has not been ideal.

Here is a word of counsel for your future: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass” (Psa 37:5).

Your brother

My dear brother,

We have a youth meeting in our Church every Sunday. I shared my testimony there the week before last. The Pastor and the youth leader appreciated it and gave me another opportunity last week. I chose my text from Galatians 5:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 6:9,10, and explained how we cannot enter the Kingdom of God, unless we are delivered from the sins listed in these passages. I could see a lot of wet eyes. Many confessed their sins and committed their lives to the Lord.

As I was returning from the Church praising God, a young boy met me alone. He was broken. With trembling lips he said he was deep in homosexuality and masturbation and found no way out. Moreover he had lost his self-confidence and his physical health is undermined. I assured him that Jesus would deliver him, then prayed and sent him away promising to meet again. Other than that I could not give him any practical counsel. I will be meeting him before this weekend. Could you please write your valuable suggestions to help him? I do not want to disclose his name. Please pray for him.

Yours sincerely,
Jeyaseelan

Dear Jeyaseelan,

I am thrilled to hear God is using you. May He make you a great blessing to the world of youth. Our prayers are with you. Here is some advice for your friend. I have taken these points from a book by David Wilkerson, the Founder of Teen Challenge, a worldwide ministry dedicated to young people.

(a) Deliverance from masturbation

Masturbation is an unnecessary, unhealthy habit.
Forget your past and realize such a life is no longer necessary. Don’t condemn yourself but look up in faith. Jesus delivers!
Avoid suggestive pictures, literature and songs; shun evil company. Do not idly spend your time alone. Be active and involve in youthful interests and pursuits.

(b) Deliverance from homosexuality

Don’t blame others for your sin.
Stop crying, “Can God?” but start confessing, “God can!”
Hate your sin and look to God for a miracle.
Leave your old companions once and for all and lean on Jesus.
Fill your mind with the Word of God.

Don’t worry about tomorrow. Today’s Saviour will be tomorrow’s Saviour too. Know for sure that God is observing from Heaven every effort you make against this sin. He will not leave you alone in this battle.

(c) The problem of night discharge

The emission of semen during sleep once or twice a week is a physiological phenomenon called “a wet dream” because it usually follows a dream. For lack of understanding about this uncomfortable happening, youth may develop a guilt complex. Your are not responsible for this and therefore please ignore it.

Every young person must read the book, Sex, Love and Marriage, by Zachariah Poonen. Purchase a copy and go through it. Give it to your friend too.

Your loving brother

Respected Servant of God,

I am a final year student of the Government High School at Ariyalur.

I was born in an orthodox Hindu family and was zealous for my own religion. Some of my close friends in School are Christians. I found that they enjoyed a peace and joy which I had never experienced. They gave me a book titled, Gospel of John. I felt enlightened as I read it and understood that Jesus is the only sinless person the world has ever known and His death was for all sinners. My friends brought me to your last Students Camp. There I was captivated by the presence of God and I surrendered myself to Christ. My life was transformed and I gained victory over my sins.

I shared this experience with my parents and all at home. At first they listened with interest but soon started to revile me and they even threatened to throw me out if I read my Bible. I kept quiet and returned to the hostel. Now whenever I go home for weekends there is a battle. My father’s anger boils over everyone and everything.

I am joined to Jesus. I cannot forsake Him now. But I don’t know how to stand the trial. Problems are mounting up day by day with no sign of abating. Please pray for me and I would be grateful for your advice. May God bless your work and multiply it.

With love,
Palanichamy

Beloved Palanichamy,

Thank you for your letter. I perfectly understand your situation Don’t lose heart. See what Jesus says—

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (Jn 15:16).

“I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (Jn 10:28).

Paul was an orthodox Jew. In his zeal for his religion he persecuted the Christians and killed them. Finally he met Jesus. And Jesus said of him, “He is a chosen vessel of Mine. I will show him how many things he must suffer for My Name” (Acts 9:15,16). Friend, you are also called not only to believer on Christ, but also to suffer for Him (Phil 1:28-30). Fear not!

Jesus came into this world as the Prince of Peace. But there is always a division between those who accept Him and those who reject Him. In reference to this Jesus said,. “A man’s enemies will be those of his own family. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of being Mine” (Mt 10:32-37). This does not mean you should hate your parents. Let your love and honour for them abound but don’t compromise the divine truth. Pray for their salvation. Here’s the promise: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). Nothing is impossible with God.

Don’t ever forsake the fellowship of other believers. Be regular in your campus prayer cell. Attend a good Church in your place. Read your Bible and pray regularly. You will be strengthened to overcome your problems.

The Bible says, “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 Jn 5:4). Write often.

Praying for you,
Your brother

Loving brother,

Thank you for sending me the Bible Calendar to help me read through the entire Bible in a year. Morning and evening I read the prescribed portions. I like it. Yesterday I was reading 2 Corinthians Chapter six. The last 5 verses captured my attention. I understand that I cannot have fellowship with unbelievers, but practically that raises some questions. I will list them here and be grateful for your reply.

Cannot anyone who has not accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour be my friend?
Do the idol pictures in a hostelmate’s room prevent me from going there?
We have filthy songs and dirty magazines in our hostel Reading Room. Is it wrong for me to go there even to read newspapers?
I alone am saved in my family. My parents, sister and brother are regular church-goers, but they have not come to the saving faith yet. Is it right for me to go home for holidays?

I will be eagerly awaiting your reply.

Greetings in Jesus’ Name.
Yours,
Jebaraj

Dear Jeba,

I deeply appreciate your questions regarding fellowship with unbelievers. This is the way to study the Word of God. God gives us wisdom and grace to obey Him in practical life. Here are the answers to your questions—

Friendship is different from fellowship. Jesus was called the Friend of Sinners! He was so friendly with them (Mt 11:19). At the same time, He kept Himself away from their sinful deeds. We read He was “separate from sinners” (Heb 7:26). The Book of Psalms has this opening text: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful” (Psa 1:1). Don’t forget this.
In India the majority of people worships idols. You will see idols and idol pictures everywhere — in private houses, public offices, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, buses and vehicles, and even in Railway Stations. You would need to go out of the world if you want to avoid places where idols are kept (1 Cor 5:9,10). Even to the outer space our country has sent some idols! Idol is nothing. It is just a metal or stone of wood. Give no importance to it (1 Cor 8:4). You are a child of the living God.
Better don’t go to the Reading Room if it corrupts your mind. Why not two or three of you join together and buy a newspaper? Choose the good.
Actually your love and concern for your unsaved parents should increase after you are saved. Their salvation and spiritual wellbeing are your responsibility. God who saved you is equally interested in your family members. A prison officer asked Apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” The answer was, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and your familyfolk” (Acts 16:31)! Don’t ever despise or avoid your familyfolk, rather embrace them, pray for them and claim them for eternal life.

With love,
Your brother

My dear brother,

Our Final Examinations start on the 15th next month and I have so much to prepare. But these past few months I find myself unable to concentrate on my studies. Memorising is so difficult and my thoughts wander although my eyes are glued to the pages. I am getting frightened. My family is poor. My parents have taken a loan for my education. Brother, please pray for me. I have also written to Brother Dhinakaran. The thought of writing the examination in a month’s time is a nightmare! Please ask your friends there to pray for me. Write any suggestions.

My love to you.

Seeking your help,
Manohar

My dear Manohar,

Received your letter. Why lose courage? Take heart. God has not given you a spirit of fear but of a clear mind, hasn’t He? (2 Tim 1:7). Fear is the enemy of faith. Your negative thought of failure will undermine your confidence. Hear what Job an old time saint says, “The things I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes” (Job 3:25,26). So the first thing: “Do not lost your confidence, which has great reward” (Heb 10:35).

You have said there is just one month to prepare. Don’t spend too much time on any one subject. Before starting with each lesson pray, “Lord, give me grace to understand, remember and finish this lesson in time.” I want to remind you of a promise of God you should claim—

“If you need wisdom, ask God and He will gladly give it to you. He will not resent your asking” (Js 1:5).

Be strengthened. Believe, God gives you wisdom.

When you finish a textbook, write down in a notebook a synopsis of the contents of each chapter and the important points for a quick glance on the eve of the exam.

All memorization can be quickly and easily done if it is in the early mornings when your mind is fresh. An evening walk will refresh you.

Do your best and leave the rest in God’s hand. Victory comes from the Lord. He says, “My people shall never be put to shame!” (Joel 2:27). We will be praying for you.

Your concerned brother

(Prayer for Exams)

Beloved Uncle,

I am writing to ask you to pray for my health. I would love to accomplish many things for God, but I have no strength. My body refuses to cooperate with my decision to rise up early and pray. I am unable to be active in the daytime. I find it impossible to fast even one meal for prayer. Often I feel like lying down. At nine or ten in the evening after my studies I desire to read the Bible for at least half an hour but fall asleep with the open Bible. When our prayer group members go for evangelistic outreach in villages walking or bicycling on Sunday evenings, I am unable to join them.

Please pray for me. Thank you.

Yours lovingly,
Sundaramoorthy

Dear Sundar,

After reading your letter my husband gave it to me for reply. We prayed for your health. But you need to know certain practical lessons on health.

Although widely believed, it is unscriptural and a false notion that the more we neglect our body the more spiritual we are. We read, “Jesus increased in stature”—that is physical growth and wellbeing (Lk 2:52). That was why He could accomplish so much in just three and a half years.

Early rising is an excellent habit. Don’t immediately sit down to read or pray. Brush your teeth, wash your face, comb your hair and then sit for your meditation. You won’t drop back to sleep!

Don’t be choosy but eat the whole meal served at home or in the hostel. Don’t refuse greens and vegetables saying they are not tasty. These and fruits contain vitamins which maintain the body’s health. Don’t believe tales about foodstuff producing “cold” or “heat!” Sweets, biscuits and coffee or tea between meals are not good. Drink plenty of water and not aerated soft drinks. Many youth spend money on tonics neglecting simple natural food. Physical exercise is a must. Drawing water, gardening, bicycling and walking are good exercises. The Boy Jesus worked hard with His dad at carpentry. Read Mark 6:33 and Matthew 8:20. Keep the body well and you can serve God better!

You have written about sleep. Ordinarily 6 hours of sleep is enough but this comes only by training oneself. Keep the windows open and sleep in natural breeze rather than using the fan.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Wash your clothes, especially the inner wear, daily. Brush your teeth before retiring to bed. Stop excusing yourself from activities under the guise of weakness. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! (Phil 4:18).

Aunty Lilian

(The two books by Dr. Lilian Stanley, M.B.B.S., D.C.H., titled Sweet Sixteen and The World of Youth, are excellent for youngsters.)

Respected brother,

Greetings with love!

During your recent three day programme in our city, while addressing the youth, you emphasized the need to regularly meditate the Bible. You said that it is the only way a young person can keep himself pure. Immediately I made a decision to be regular in my Bible reading. But I do not know what is the method to follow. Will you please guide me?

Thank you.

Your loving,
Sekar

Hi Sekar,

Thank you for your letter. I rejoice to know your love for the Word of God. King David said to God, “Great peace have those who love Your Law; and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psa 119:165).

It is good to read through the entire Bible once, to begin with. As you go through, the important themes will stand out. You will find the central theme to be “Redemption through Christ.”

Next, starting from the Acts of the Apostles, meditate on the next twentyone books, one chapter in the morning and one in the evening. As you read, underline the verses, sentences, phrases and words which appeal to you most. These twentytwo books will embed in your heart the message and ministry of the New Testament Church.

Revelation and Daniel must be read together. There are several Study Bibles. Choose one that will suit your taste and purse. The NIV Study Bible, the Nelson Study Bible and the Full Life Study Bible are among the best.

There are Calendars to help you to complete reading the Bible systematically in a year or two. Choose one according to your convenience and follow it strictly. See pages 50-53 of this book for a Bible Reading Calendar. Proverbs contains 31 chapters, each containing a daily quota of practical wisdom.

What you meditate each morning is God’s message to you for the day. It may be a commandment, correction, counsel or a promise. It is a good habit to memorise at least one verse each day. David told God, “Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psa 119:11).

It is impossible to understand the Bible with our intellect alone. We need the help of God’s Holy Spirit. Don’t forget to pray, “Lord open my eyes, that I may see wonderful things out of Your law” (Psa 119:18).

Visit www.StanleyOnBible.com when you find time. It’s my website for Bible lovers.
Your loving brother

My dear brother,

Greetings in Jesus’ Name!

You shared your testimony in Bangalore how you devoted your life to prayer, Bible Study, and soulwinning while you were a student. Four of us from our hostel attended your meeting and we were very challenged. We long to spend our student days the same way. Please write us and tell us the details of your devotional life during your student days. We would all be much benefitted.

You must be very busy, but since you promised to do anything for youth, we are writing to you.

Yours lovingly,
Vincent

My dear Vincent,

I appreciate your interest. The Lord Jesus saved me in 1962, when I just began my University education in St. John’s College, Palayamkottai, Tamilnadu. From 1963 to 1968 I did my Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering at Karaikudi and then joined the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai for my Master’s in Technology, 1968-70. I often praise God that He enabled me to spend all the 8 years of College life walking closely with Him.

I used to get up at 4 or 5 in the morning and spend an hour with God. After praising God I would read the Bible for a about half an hour. That would be my “daily bread.” Sometimes I used to spend the midnight hour in prayer. I did not neglect these morning devotions even during exam days.

On my way to the College I would be praising the Lord. There will always be a small New Testament in my pocket. Now and then I would open it, read a verse and keep chewing it!

My evenings were for God. Between six and seven I would be on my knees for prayer and self-examination in a nearby forest. All the members of our campus prayer fellowship would get together between seven and eight. We would share what we had received from the Lord in our personal meditation. Those evening gatherings greatly helped our growth. After my studies before retiring to bed I would read a Psalm and then sleep whilst thinking about it.

Weekends were set apart for village evangelism and tract distribution. We had fasting prayer collectively once a month, and individually we fasted once every week. Looking back my heart is filled with gratitude as I realize how the Lord had trained me during those student days, though on a smaller scale, for the elaborate ministries in the Blessing Youth Mission today. Marvellous are His plans!

Dear friend, consider your student days a training period. Your future will be bright.

With every good wish,
Your brother

Dear brother,

I write this letter on behalf of the Students For Jesus (SFJ) Cell of our College. We are longing to reach our collegemates for Christ, right from the beginning of this academic year. Last evening all the five members of our Cell gathered and prayed. We are ready for action but we need to know how to work effectively. Please send one of the seniors immediately and write in detail. We hope to hear from you before we gather next Saturday.

Please pray for us.

With love,
Francis Antonyraj

Dear Francis,

I was overjoyed to receive your letter. We were encouraged to hear of your passion for souls.

I am very sorry we cannot send anyone immediately as they are all on tour for two months, but before the end of August someone will certainly visit your Cell.

The first step for successful evangelism is to show Christ by your life. Be friendly with fellow students and respect your lecturers. Be known for your discipline, punctuality and industriousness. Dress smartly but decently, avoiding undignified fashions.

“Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27). Just a “Jesus Saves” badge on your shirt will not attract students. They may even call you a fanatic and shun you for that. Don’t scare the fish when you go for a catch!

Youth hate religious propaganda. Therefore Jesus must be introduced to them very naturally, in a conversational manner. A good approach is to present Jesus as the Answer to the youth problems of loneliness, depression, sex abuse, addiction, fear, guilt, uncertainty of future, and so on.

Use good gospel tracts. Take interested students to gospel meetings. Pray much for them.

God who sees you in secret will reward you openly! (Mt 6:18).

You will not go without opposition, but pray for those who resist you. Love them.

Mr. Senthil who will visit you in August will teach you specifically on presenting the gospel to students of various religions.

“Your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58).

Your brother with prayers

Dear brother,

Every month we have a class debate in our College on a given subject. Next month’s topic is “Science or Scripture?” Of the four candidates, I am the only Christian. One is an atheist and the other two hate the Bible. All are on pins and needles awaiting the day. No doubt it is going to be a heated session.

I want to embrace this opportunity to confess my faith. I am preparing with prayer. If you have any information which will be of help, please send it. The debate is on the 13th between three and five in the evening. Please uphold me in prayer during that time. I trust God for wisdom.

Your loving brother,
Titus Chacko

Dear Titi,

I read you letter with interest.

Prepare with courage and God shall bless you wonderfully. We shall certainly be praying for you and we will also mention it in our prayer circular.

You will find the book, Creation or Evolution?, by Prof. H. Enoch helpful. It is a simple but profound treatment of the subject. I have enclosed an article, “Scientists who Believed” from the Good News Broadcaster, January 1981. I hope you find it useful.

He was an Italian mathematician and physicist. He proved that the sun moves on its axis. Galileo was a serious student of the Bible and sought to uphold the absolute authority of the Scripture as the Word of God. In one of his works he wrote, “The Holy Scriptures and nature are both produced by the Word of God. The former is the result of the dictation of the Holy Spirit and the latter is the most obedient agent of the ordinance of God.”

He was perhaps the greatest astronomer of all time and a brilliant mathematician. His three laws of planetary motion were discovered without the use of telescopes and without the benefit of modern mathematics. How Kepler did it is something which still amazes present-day scientists. Kepler wrote many books on Christianity. It was he who discovered and concluded that Jesus was actually born in 4 B.C. when he used his mathematical genius to study the chronological problems in the Gospel of Luke. He wrote this lengthy treatise to defend the absolute verbal authority of the Book of Luke!

He is often called the Father of Modern Science. Boyle was the first to differentiate an element and a compound. Boyle’s law is still a scientific truth 300 years later. He stated again and again in his scientific writings that his whole purpose of scientific experiment was to demonstrate the reasonableness and harmony of the Bible and natural law and principles. He privately sponsored the first Bible published in America in an American Indian tribal language.

The greatest scientific mind of all history was Isaac Newton. His Law of Gravitation is known to all. He developed Calculus and invented the reflecting telescope. It is estimated that he wrote 1.4 million words on theological subjects and only one million words on scientific subjects. He said, “The authority of Emperors, Kings and Princes is human. The authority of the Prophets is divine, and no power on earth is authorized to alter what they wrote.”

He discovered Electrolysis and was the first to describe electromagnetic fields of force. He first discovered and demonstrated the inter-relatedness of energy and matter. These discoveries were absolutely essential to the construction of the dynamo and electrical motor, which ushered in the new era of science and technology. Faraday was a lay preacher in a Bible Chapel in London. About 150 of his sermons are still in a box in England waiting for publication.

Reading the biographies of all these scientists who laid the foundation of experimental science, one cannot see any trace of evidence that science was antagonistic to Christian belief. Though the Bible is not a science book it is absolutely scientific.

Justly wrote Paul to his disciple Timothy 2000 years ago, “Avoid oppositions of science falsely so called!” (1 Tim 6:20).

Write us when the debate is over. Your joy will be ours!

With love,
Your brother

Dear Uncle,

I am one of your admirers especially because of your free and friendly involvement with youth in their problems. I have attended several Rallies addressed by you. I have always enjoyed the question-answer hour. Your frank and Biblical answers have helped me sort out many of my problems.

There is one question that frequently bothers me. Can a Christian student join strikes? We argue so much over this and there is no satisfactory conclusion. Nowadays even teachers go on strike! What do you say about this?

Thanking you for your reply,

Yours lovingly,
Ramesh

Dear Ramesh,

You have asked me a difficult question! I think I won’t be able to give you a yes-or-no answer.

Since strikes were perhaps quite unknown in the early days, there is no direct reference in the Bible for this. But I believe the Bible has sufficient principles laid down for our life and conduct. Please look at the following texts—

A leader must not be “violent or quarrelsome but gentle” (1 Tim 3:2,3).

“God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Cor 14:33).

“Submit yourselves to all authority for the Lord’s sake... For this is the will God that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Pet 2:13-16).

These and such other passages from the Bible definitely do not endorse violence even for a just cause. If the authorities are quite unreasonable and adamant, and the students stage a strike to present their grievance before the public, I don’t think it is wrong for you to abstain from classes along with the rest. But resorting to pelting of stones, abusing, burning of vehicles, destroying properties and such violent acts are definitely wrong. You cannot be a part of it.

Make best use of the days of agitation to personally witness to your friends of the awaited New Heaven and New Earth where alone dwells absolute righteousness (2 Pet 3:13). Tell them there will be no peace without Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6).
May God give you wisdom that you may neither earn the enmity of your classmates or collegemates nor partake of ungodly deeds.

Your Uncle

Dear brother,

Greetings!

The breakthrough in the Television industry is undeniable. There is nothing that arrests people in streets, bus stations and railway platforms like the motion pictures on the TV screen. While some preachers are using this media to propagate the Gospel, others call it an idol or cine theatre at home. I am told that in one Church they don’t serve communion to those who own a TV set! I am really confused over these divergent views. What do you think about Television?

Sorry for bothering you.

Loving,
Prince

My dear Prince,

It is good to get things cleared than be living in doubt and confusion.

During my student days I have heard preachers condemning those who owned a radio! In course of time it has become an accepted thing because almost everyone started owning a transistor! And radio broadcasting has been very successfully used for evangelism. I believe the same has become true of television also.

But there is an important underlying principle we should not miss. While scientific and technological advancements can be used for the good of mankind, the devil invariably uses them to corrupt and destroy people because he is primarily a killer, destroyer and stealer (Jn 10:10). There are several educational and cultural programmes which greatly enhance the general knowledge of the viewers, especially the children. At the same time all sorts of filthy pictures are telecast. It is my conviction that only those who know when to switch off a television can switch it on! I’m sure you get the point. Proper discipline and self-control will keep one from the evils of television. Beware of being addicated to the screen!

The world is under the evil one. God’s counsel is—

“Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil!” (1 Thess 5:21,22).

God bless you!
Your brother

Dear brother,

I write this letter in a mood of depression. I am not able to come out of it. It is because I am suddenly reminded of my past sins. I feel condemned. I wonder whether God has really forgiven me. I go sleepless and I have no mind to eat or study. What shall I do? Is there a way out?

Yours sincerely,
Ranjan

Dear Ranjan,

What happened? Why do you listen to the devil? It is only his job to remind us of our past sins. The Bible calls him an accuser. He does this job “day and night” (Rev 12:10,11). But have you forgotten what God has done with your sins when you came to Him in repentance?

“God has cast all our sins into the depths of the sea!” (Mic 7:19).

“God has blotted out, like a thick cloud, our transgressions, and like a cloud, our sins!” (Isa 44:22).

“God has removed our transgressions from us as for as the East is from the West!” (Psa 103:12).

“God has cast all our sins behind His back!” (Isa 38:17).

This is the four-dimensional love of God—the depth, height, breadth and length! (Eph 3:18).

Sins forgiven are sins forgotten! God remembers our sins no more (Jer 31:34)! It’s all buried under the blood of Jesus (Heb 8:12; 10:17). You are a child of God. Who can condemn you? (Rom 8:34). Refuse to believe the lie of the devil. Resist him and rebuke him with the truth of God’s Word and the power of Christ’s blood. Shout your victory!

Keep writing. My prayers are with you.

Your brother

Dear Stanley uncle,

Loving greetings!

I praise God for all the blessings I received from our College Prayer Cell all these three years. The regular visits of the SFJ (Students For Jesus) leaders to our Cell greatly helped our growth. This is my final year and our exams are due for April. But I have already started to worry about my future. The un- employment problem in our country is too obvious. My parents are too poor to send me to higher studies. The very thought of tomorrow is a horror. Please pray for me.

Thank you.

Yours lovingly,
Sukumar

My dear Sukumar,

Your letter of February 13th to hand. I perfectly understand your anxiety about future. We need not know what the future holds for us but who holds the future for us! David said to God, “As for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, You are my God. My times are in your hand. Do not let me be ashamed!” (Psa 31:14,15,17).

Jesus asked, “Which of you by worrying can add one foot to his height? Therefore do not worry, saying, What shall we eat, drink or wear? But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these (material) things shall be added to you” (Mt 6:27-33).

Instead of worrying, give yourself to praying. I come from a poor family. My parents never thought about higher studies for me because of their economic condition, even though I was a rank student. But God in His mercy enabled me to postgraduate in Engineering and blessed me with a scholarship too. Our Lord is good.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6,7).

I remember a promise my grandmother taught me to memorize: “Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing” (Psa 34:10).

I will be praying for your exams and future. Stop worrying and start concentrating on the lessons. The Lord is with you!

Your brother,
R. Stanley

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Reader's comments
DR.P.SELVARAJ
The reply to sukumar is a source of apt counsel to all particularly the youth and the letter-reply pattern of the book deserves kudos. Please write more such books,Bro.Stanley and may the Spirit of God strenghthen you in your endeavours like this and others.GOD BLESS YOU.
Coimbatore, India
DR.R. PANNEERSELVAM
Dear Brother in Christ, Greetings in Jesus name, It is very nice to know about this type of programme. It will create very good impact among the youth. May our good God will bless this programme.
Martandam, S.India
JOHNSON
Praise God for uncle stanleys minsitry particularly for youth.I was blessed in one of the youth minisrt in sitheri hills in my high school.i praise God for his advice for the youth.
Madurai / Dublin, India / Ireland
ARUN
This is very useful for many young generations not only the believers but for all who are workong for youth revival (COLLEGE PROFESSORS AND SCHOOL TEACHERS MUST READ)
MADURAI, INDIA
MERCY EBENEZER
All Answers are awesome my dear stanely Uncle.. In fact i came into ur site accidently while juz browsin... n i hv been glued to ur site now.... Mind blowin n thought Provokinnnnnggg Thnx in tonzz n loads
Chennai, India