GLORY TO GOD!

See His Glory in the Sky

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 04 May 2013

Hi all,

 God’s Glory! What exactly is it? We are inclined to think of the pillar of fire by night and of cloud by day in the wilderness.  We may think of the glory cloud that came down around Moses while he was on Mt Sinai. We may think of the bush that burned and was not consumed. We may think of the presence of God who passed by Moses when he was in the cleft of the rock. Indeed, these were expressions of God’s glory. But although these episodes were wonderful and glorious, something was yet to take place that revealed the glory of God in a unique and life-changing way.

God's Glory in the Scrolls

The angels who appeared to the shepherds caring for the flock outside Bethlehem when Jesus was born, brought with them the radiance of God’s glory. Luke wrote: -⁸ That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. ⁹ Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified. Luke 2:8-9 NLT But there was a greater expression of God’s glory still to come.

Some year ago, Phyllida and I were praying about something we were attending that day. The Lord told us that we would see the glory of the Lord that day. We were very excited about what we would see. Exactly what it was, we really didn’t know. That day we were literally “taken apart” by the church leaders. It was a painful experience. Discussing it later that evening, we agreed that what we had been through, was as close to a crucifixion as we were likely to experience in South Africa, in the 21century.

Reading About His Glory 

Then the truth dawned on us. If you want to see the glory of God, go back in time to Calvary. There on that hill, between two thieves, God’s Son was crucified for you and for me. Angels must have stood and looked on in amazement and horror. God the Father permitted the greatest miscarriage of justice this world has ever known or seen. The second person of the Trinity, God Himself, allowed men to crown Him with thorns and nail him to a cross and leave Him to die. There He hung, suspended by nails somewhere between heaven and earth, stark naked. People had beaten him, abused Him and spat upon Him. Yet He allowed all this to take place. He went to His death just as Isaiah had predicted. ⁷ He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, He did not open His mouth. Isa 53:7 NLT

God's Glory Expressed in Humility

Never think it was the nails, the abuse, the whipping, the crown of thorns or the presence of the other two thieves which held Him there from ±09h00 to ±15h00. It wasn’t the terrible darkness that came upon that part of the world so that the sun was darkened, that kept Him there. He was waiting until the priest’s knife flashed to sacrifice the first lamb for the temple worship at the time of the evening sacrifice. At that moment, our Lord and Saviour gave up His Spirit and died. There was only one “thing” that kept Him there. That “thing” was love! “Amazing Love; how can it be, that Thou my God should die for me?” are the words penned by Charles Wesley.

The Glory of the
Empty Cross

This was the greatest expression of the glory of God this world has known or seen. The crowds missed it. They saw nothing, other than an unjust crucifixion. Even now, as we think back on it, we are shocked that God’s glory could be expressed in this way! 

Men see nothing. God sees everything.

Today’s meditation is on the Glory of God.

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Time with Jesus – Saturday, 04 May 2013
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes			©
INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	GLORY TO GOD!
Phyllida and I were married on 12th December 1981 and had a short honeymoon at Linga-Longa Guest farm just outside of what was then called Warmbaths. I say this because, back in those days, we were both what was called “tape worms”. We spent many honeymoon hours listening to various people speak on audio cassette tapes. Derek Prince, Ed Raebert, Bob Mumford etc. We don’t hear much from them lately. Besides which, audio tapes have given way to CD’s and DVD’s. We both remember listening to a tape by a man called Bob Whittaker. He was speaking about “Handling the Glory Of God!” He had written a short book that was meant to be a companion for the tape. We still have it somewhere! The essence of the Bob’s teaching was that God will not give His glory to others. In terms of the Lord’s model prayer: 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:13 KJV Note that the glory belongs to God. Later Bible translations, based on corrupts manuscripts, have excluded; “for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Please don’t ask me why. The difficulty with having to deal with the glory of God is that preachers and teachers have to learn how to “handle” it. By this I mean that everything we say and do in His Name comes to us by His grace. We haven’t earned it or deserved it. If the truth be known, we “deserve” the very opposite. It’s a little bit like the things we receive from our parents. We receive from them because we are their children and they love us! Why? They love us because they are our parents. They chose to have us. Even if we were unplanned and unwanted, they chose to have us. Why do we love them? There is only one answer that makes sense. We love them because they loved us first. Actually they gave us our first “love lessons”. Our example is explained by John in his first epistle. 19 We love, because God loved us first.1 John 4:19 GW So how do we handle God’s glory? One commentator said, “very gently”. I agree! In some ways, handling His glory is like driving a road-tanker full on Nitro-glycerine. Bob Whittaker’s comment was that you give the glory straight to the Lord. No sticky-fingers! When you have done something in His name and you are applauded for it, reflect the glory back to Him. The more you do so, the more He will let you handle. But if you are unfaithful handling His glory in small things, it’s highly unlikely there will be a next time! Humility for every Christian should be a lifestyle. God detests people who “show-off”. So let’s all take a good look inward and put things right! Jim and Phyllida Strickland		4 I have brought you glory on earth. I have finished the work you gave me to do. John 17:4 NIrV 34 Jesus said, "My food is to do what my Father sent me to do. My food is to finish his work. John 4:34 NIrV 4 While it is still day, we must do the work of the One who sent me. Night is coming. Then no one can work John 9:4 NIrV 49 Jesus said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you realize that I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they didn't understand what he meant. Luke 2:49-50 GW 4 When Jesus heard the message, he said, "His sickness won't result in death. Instead, this sickness will bring glory to God so that the Son of God will receive glory through it." --- 40 Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that if you believe, you would see God's glory?" John 11:4 & 40W 52 Jesus grew in wisdom and maturity. He gained favour from God and people. Luke 2:52 GW 52 Jesus became wiser and stronger. He also became more and more pleasing to God and to people. Luke 2:52 NIrV 22 and the Holy Spirit came down to him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, "You are my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with you." Luke 3:22 GW 22 Everyone said good things about him. They were amazed at the gracious words they heard from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked. Luke 4:22 NIrV 9 Here is the new song they sang. "You are worthy to take the scroll and break open its seals. You are worthy because you were put to death. With your blood you bought people for God. They come from every tribe, language, people and nation. 10 You have made them members of a royal family. You have made them priests to serve our God. They will rule on the earth." Revelation 5:9-10 NIrV	Are you by your actions bringing glory to the Lord? Is it automatic and are you feeling bored? What is it that’s driving you? Are medals what you seek? Would you like to “chuck it up” in an unhappy streak? Have you asked Him recently about the things you do? Have You His approval? It all depends on you. Many people follow Him for money in the bank. When the day is over, who is it whom you thank? Is this just an exercise to demonstrate the gift, He gave you for preaching? Your motives, do you sift, To find if what you’re doing is to demonstrate your skill, Before your little fan-club to give them all a thrill? If you somehow vanished, would anybody care, Or even make a comment that you’re no longer there? Who receives the glory? Is it all your own? The truth is always something between you and God alone! Can you know for certain? You may have started well, But are you still with Jesus? That’s something folk can’t tell! It’s easy to fool people with a religious phrase. But what about your home-life? Criticised or praised? Your family can tell us how you have been today. If someone went and asked them, what is it they would say? Has greed become your master in heart and mind and soul? Perhaps this is unsavoury. Is Mammon in control? It’s either gold or Gospel. The two of them don’t mix. Your heart is where your treasure lies. You could be in a fix, If you think you can please yourself! Then you have got it wrong. But if you turn from evil, it won’t be very long, Before God gets the glory and you don’t mind a bit. Jesus must be glorified, or you will never fit, Into the grand equation that Jesus Christ has penned. And He’s Whom you must satisfy right at the very end. So find your magnifying glass and have a look inside. What is it you’re looking at? God’s glory or your pride? Everything you do for Christ; will make His glory shine. If they’re only done for you, I think you should resign! Give Him all the glory. It isn’t yours to keep. Fame is not an issue for an obedient sheep. Jim Strickland Written 4th May 2012

WALKING NOT TALKING

Time with Jesus - Friday, 03 May 2013

Hi all,

Eight limericks today; a bit of a break! The content focuses on the Christian lifestyle. Christianity is a walk and not a talk. Remember the old chorus we used to sing? “They know we are Christian by our love”. I remember singing it in England in the 1960’s and in Canada in the 1970’s.

Singing choruses reminds me of a story I heard some years ago. It featured round the singing of “He walks with me and He Talks with me! It was sung as a solo that evening by a very talented young lady. She had a beautiful singing voice and was in much demand to sing in various churches. 

On this particular occasion, there was a young man in the congregation who was deeply committed to Jesus. He listened carefully to what the lady sang. He was entranced and delighted with what he heard. After the service that evening he approached her and asked her, “What did He say?” She was a bit puzzled and he asked her, “If He walks and talks with you, what does He say?” He was very disappointed when she told him she was only singing a song!

Sadly tales of this nature are all too real. I remember in my early days when I attended Charismatic church meetings, I would hear a word of prophecy. I thought I was hearing the words of God Himself. When I learned a few more things and found how fallible we all are, I learned to listen carefully to hear the instructions. Some of the “stuff” was rubbish! How do I know? Because, to my shame, I’ve been there and done it. 

At times I’d like to go back to those days of innocence and simplicity. We can’t. When innocence is lost, it can never be recovered. As a child, I believed in Father Christmas. My disappointment when I learned the truth, took me close to heartbreak. My innocence in that area had gone. It could never be recovered.

On occasions I’ve wondered what it would be like to live in a world where only facts are stated. We think it would be marvellous. I have my doubts. Generally speaking, men and women, including Christians, tend to be “economical with truth” when speaking. Many of us exaggerate for effect. Like the little boy who said to his father, the minister of the local church after the service. “Daddy were you telling the truth in your sermon today, or were you only preaching”! The comment cuts us to the quick. The trouble is, it’s so often true.

Today in our meditation we go back to Christian speech and behaviour. We should practise what we preach and preach what we practise. Do we? Don’t answer me, take the question to Jesus and ask Him.

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Time with Jesus – Friday, 03 May 2013
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES		WALKING NOT TALKING
Eight Scriptures today. So I thought eight “limericks” would be a great idea. It makes a bit of a change for all of us. This style is not as easy as it looks. It’s actually two lines with eight “beats” to each line. The first line is straight forward. Then it gets complicated. Two short “phrases” of two beats which rhyme with each other. Then the final “phrase” of four. Very often the construction is thought to be two lines of seven. A closer look shows that for rhyme and verse purposes, they are in fact two lines of eight beats. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 have challenged me repeatedly over the past fifty years. There is a little statement in English which says, “children should be seen and not heard”. My dad said this on several occasions! It was his way of telling me to “shut up”! When he said them, invariably he was looking at me. I understood. As a Christian I’ve found a much better application. “Christians should be seen and not heard!” This has come about as a result of our misunderstanding of what it is to be a witness. We are encouraged to tell as many people as possible as soon as possible that we have become a Christian. “I’ve been saved!” is how we are told to put it. But this is not what Jesus meant when he told us to be a witness. Basically, a witness doesn’t volunteer information. A witness answers questions. Jesus told us to let our light shine, not let our tongues wag. If a person is a Christian it should be visible. A witness is seen. He doesn’t need to say anything. His light shines for all to see. Then, when people want to know why you are different, they will ask you. That’s the time to speak out. St Francis of Assisi told his disciples, “Go into the world and preach the gospel. Speak only if you have to!” I like these instructions. We should tell new Christians they should be recognised by their lifestyle. We are told, “Actions speak louder than words”. If you are really following Jesus Christ you will be walking in the opposite direction to the world. It won’t be long before you are seen and known to be Christian. Your words will follow your actions. I get irritated when a celebrity is converted to Christ and is then asked to speak about Christianity. Very often their testimony is a disaster. It damages God’s Kingdom. Sadly, few people are “discipled” when they come to Jesus. As a result, there is no change in lifestyle. Are such people genuine Christians? I’m glad that He is the only One who knows. It’s an interesting truth that if you play rugby for the “Sharks”, you’ll look like a “Shark”. You don’t hear of people walking the streets saying, “I’m a “Shark”. (Unless they play for the Bulls) They don’t have to say anything. Go and watch the next game. The team will appear dressed like “Sharks”. Go DO likewise! Jim & Phyllida Strickland		1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 TNIV	1	Since we’ve been given the Promise, friends let us now purify,        All of our stains.        1                Our sickness and pains, In reverence to God Most High! Let us leave nothing outstanding, in spirit and body and soul.        Free to obey,        The Lord everyday; With holiness over the whole! Lord God my greatest desire is writing your truth on my heart.        Father I plead,         2        For the wisdom I need. Cause my instruction to start! Father You’ve shown very clearly, that wisdom is what You desire.        Deep down within,        Is where to begin. Light up my heart with Your fire! Burn out my ungodly passions, that Godliness smoulders within.        Help me say No!              To the way man would go. 3 Tear out my longing for sin! Let self-control be the standard for which I now constantly strive.        Help me say “No!”        To the ungodly flow, That surely will burn me alive. Help me to shine like a beacon, so everyone clearly can see,        The things that I do,  4        Are directed by You; When people are looking at me. Make me a living example who speaks up as clear as a bell!        A flickering flame              In Jesus’ Name. Could send many people to hell. Please help me live like a Christian not by the sound of my word.        Help people see        You are living in me. Let me be seen and not heard!	I’ve not succeeded already; I’ve still a long way to go.        And I will try 5             As time passes by My Saviour far better to know! Nothing will get me diverted, from this my ultimate quest.        With heart and soul,        I’ll get to my goal, Before I am laid out to rest! We are now all at the ready, to welcome the soon-coming King.        We anticipate,          6        That wonderful date, When all of creation will sing; Praises to Jesus our Saviour, the Son of our Almighty Lord.        The standard He set,        We cannot forget. We model our life by His Word. We yearn for the heavenly bodies that someday we all will receive.        These ones which decay,        We’ll “put off” one day.         7 This fact we all firmly believe. How do we know this will happen? He’s given us His guarantee.        These bodies of sin        Will be all “handed in!” His Spirit confirms this will be. Jesus gave gifts to His people, Apostles and Evangelists;        Pastors who Teach;     8        Prophets who preach, The body of Christ to assist! We have to grow as a people, to where we are seen to be one.        Our knowledge must be        Shown in faith constantly; Till all our divisions are gone. The standard He’s given is Jesus; perfect in every way.        He wants to be sure,        We’re completely mature, In all we are doing each day!
		6 I know that you want truth to be in my heart. You teach me wisdom deep down inside me. Psalm 51:6 NIrV	2
		12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, & to live self-controlled, upright & godly lives in this present age, Titus 2:12 TNIV	3
		16 "In the same way, let your light shine in front of others. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will praise your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NIrV	4
		12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Philippians 3:12 ESV	5
		3 All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus' life as a model for our own. 1 John 3:3 MSG	6
		5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 5:5 ESV	7
		11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT	8
				Jim Strickland – Written 3rd May 2012