THE NEW JERUSALEM

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 01 May 2012

Hi all,

Today is “Workers Day” which is something of a misnomer, particularly in the “New” South Africa where “Work” is anathema. Ah well it is an excuse to do nothing – as usual!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Time with Jesus – Tuesday, 01 May 2012
INTRODUCTION	DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	THE NEW JERUSALEM
Imagination is a wonderful thing. It enables us to go where we can never go while in our “earth-suit”! I’d like to walk onto the middle of the sun and see what God has at the centre. To explore the moon or the bottom of our deepest oceans unhindered by the limitations we all know so well. To soar aloft with the eagles. What would it be like? Did Adam and Eve know any of this before the fall? All answers are pure guesswork. Imagination is a God-given quality. But we can’t imagine the unimaginable! Paul in his letter to the Ephesians writes: 20 God can do anything, you know--far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20 MSG As we think about this and our imagination, we are forced to the conclusion that no matter what we can possibly think or imagine, what He has prepared for us, is infinitely more. Put another way, if you can think it or imagine it, it doesn’t measure up to what He has prepared for those who love Him. We know that He reveals things to us by His Spirit. We also know that He has placed into His Word just enough to make us ravenous for Him. Today’s Scriptures deal with the new heaven and earth. What will it be like? In today’s meditation I’ve tried to express some of the things He has already shown us in His Word. To a large extent they challenge our thinking. “Can such things be true?” we ask, not really knowing the question or the answers! One thing I can assure you is that what I have written is only what I see in His Word. I have imagined and thought these details through and have written them down accordingly. What I can, and will say, is that what I have written is utterly inadequate to describe the fullness of God’s plans for those who love Him. I suppose we could say that they are like the daubs on canvas of a two year old compared with a Rembrandt or a Reuben’s. There is almost no comparison other than the desire in the mind of a two year old to state what he sees in his imagination. If I can imagine it or you can imagine it, we are still daubing paint on the canvass of our imagination. We can say only one thing in its favour. We are at least trying to make use of the faculties He has given us. I love the daubs of paint by my young relatives. They are meaningless to me. But the potential within them exceeds my wildest dreams. I suspect Divinity feels the same way about us! Jim and Phyllida Strickland	35 "The four sides of the city measure to a total of nearly six miles.(18,000 cubits) ”From now on the name of the city will be YAHWEH-SHAMMAH: "GOD (the Lord) IS-THERE." Ezekiel 48:35 MSG	When Jesus is creating, We think in terms of size. But when we see what He has done, we’re in for a surprise. He has gone to make a place within His Father’s house. It takes some understanding and requires a bit of nous, To think what He’s been doing for some two thousand years. We know He has been busy. That’s how it now appears. But stop for just a moment and think how long it’s been. A day is like a thousand years. For God that’s how it’s seen. Now Jesus Christ ascended on a Thursday afternoon. So as He calculates it, it’s really far too soon. To Him, this is the middle of the next Saturday. It also is the Sabbath, if thought about His way. So from the Master’s view-point, the weekend isn’t through! So brother if He’s coming soon, what day is this to you? Furthermore the project is massive everywhere. The base as it’s explained to us is measured as a square. We know twelve thousand stadia is fourteen hundred miles, Give or take a mile or two. It makes me think awhile. That’s bigger than the distance from Jo’burg to the Cape! Such a massive city! Our mouths will be agape. Fourteen hundred miles each way and fourteen hundred high! It seems to use a massive chunk of Our creator’s sky! Is it like a pyramid, or cubic in its style? As I think about it, I sort of want to smile. What about the mansions? That’s what we’d like to know. There’s no need for lighting; our God provides that glow! Someone has informed us; it would just fit in the moon! And Jesus has informed us that He is coming soon! I’m glad He’s the Creator. A project of this size, Is quite beyond the reasoning of any mortal’s eyes. This is just the start of it. What about the sea? It will be redundant. No electricity! No temples will be needed! The Lord Himself is there! Everything required will come from Him to share. There will be no sun or moon and there will be no night. Father, Son and Spirit will be the source of light! There will be no sickness and death will pass away. There will be no crying; Lord, hasten in the day! This is what He’s making and I can hardly wait! Please do us a favour Lord! Please don’t postpone the date. Jim Strickland  Written 1st May 2012
	3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. Revelation 21:3 NLT
	22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. Revelation 21:22-23 NLT
	15 Because I do what is right, I will enjoy your blessing. When I wake up, I will be satisfied because I will see you. Psalms 17:15 NIrV
	25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. Psalms 73:25 ESV
	20 "But Judah will be filled with people forever, and Jerusalem will endure through all generations. 21 I will pardon My people's crimes, which I have not yet pardoned; and I, the LORD, will make My home in Jerusalem with My people." Joel 3:20-21 NLT
	10 Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. Zechariah 2:10 ESV
	3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. Revelation 22:3 TNIV

BE ANGRY AND DO NOT SIN

Time with Jesus - Monday, 30 April 2012

Time with Jesus – Monday, 30 April 2012
INTRODUCTION	DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	BE ANGRY AND DO NOT SIN
A couple of years ago Phyllida and I went to renew our driving licenses in Randburg. Queuing up for most things tends to be frustrating at the best of times. For some reason it always seems so much worse in government offices. What do you do when standing in a queue? Look round at others in a discreet way trying to convince them you are not looking at them, while they try to convince you they aren’t looking at you! We also tend to read and re-read all the notices and adverts on the walls. One such notice really amused me. It said, “Do not lose your temper. We do not have spares!” The first Scripture this morning reminded me vividly of that notice. I looked up Proverbs 14:9, the Scripture in the “God’s Word” translation. It resonated with me immediately. I understood it saying, “A patient person has great understanding and a short temper is the height of stupidity”. Part of me felt like saying “Amen”! Almost all of us have a short temper in certain areas. Some manage to keep it under control. Others do not have this luxury. On occasions, when we go off “pop”, it isn’t serious. Much depends on circumstances and other people. Some of us have very stressful lives. The police are constantly confronted by angry people. It goes with their job! So when we go off “pop” with policemen, in all probability they will reciprocate and you will end up in trouble. For a Christian there needs to be a solution. Short of closing our eyes and ears, we have to do something. But being the people we are, we are tempted to want to “beat him to a frazzle”. Apart from it being illegal to assault someone, the Saviour is unimpressed when our anger boils over. There is a solution for a born again, Spirit-filled Christian. The answer is to “walk in the Spirit”. If we are doing so, we will be experiencing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. These “fruit” are all legal! How do we do it? I have no formula for this. But the recipe is in the Scripture. We need to be in a close and constant relationship with Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. So much so that every moment of every day we are aware of the abiding peace that is made available to those who are seeking to follow Christ. “Impossible!” I hear people say. My answer is, “Yes, it is impossible.” But not with God. Matthew’s Gospel states; 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 ESV We make what is impossible for us, possible for Him in us, by prayer. Today’s meditation suggests how! Jim & Phyllida Strickland	29 A person of great understanding is patient, but a short temper is the height of stupidity. Proverbs 14:29 GW	Please don’t lose your temper. We can’t supply a spare. The last few that we had in stock have vanished in thin air! We’re told the manufacturers can no longer supply; Which means the one God gave you, should last until you die. Perhaps around the corner, you’ll find another shop. They have a different model, which seems to be a flop. So please be very careful and do not put it down. It’s almost irreplaceable from anywhere in town. Remember the original came with a guarantee, To last you for a lifetime. So use it cautiously. Perhaps it needs a service? Just add a little oil! If it is neglected you’ll find that it may boil! The danger is it’s possible for it to go off “pop”. A nasty thing to happen when dealing with a “cop”. Policemen are suspicious of everything we do; And want to find a reason to be arresting you. Their model is outdated and it is wearing thin; They want an opportunity to bash you on the chin! They asked us for an upgrade, but they’re not made to fit. So try a little patience. Eventually they’ll quit. Perhaps you’ve heard a rumour, the very best of all, Is readily available? It only takes one call To access the supplier. They have nine qualities, Each one of which is legal; and all designed to please! There’s love and joy and patience; with peace and self control, Assembled by the Maker and weaved into a whole. There’s kindness and there’s goodness, combined with gentleness. They come encased in faithfulness and sure to solve your mess. Oh Yes! I didn’t mention. They do not cost a cent! There are no service charges. The price is just repent! Call Him on His hotline. His Spirit will reply. You will need His baptism; which others can’t supply! You’ll find that nothing’s missing. For you, it’s a “done deal”; And when it’s properly installed, He’ll mark you with His seal. When all is up and running your temper you will see, Your anger monitored by Christ in His authority. Why not try and call Him on His hotline to heaven? Try “P R A Y J E S - U S 7 7 7,7!” Jim Strickland – Written Mon. 30th April 2012
	6 The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Exodus 34:6 NLT
	9 The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 ESV
	1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT
	22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
	19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:19-21 ESV
	25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:25-27 ESV

HOPE FOR ALL CREATION!

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 29 April 2012

Hi all,

For a change, a couple of “Jimmets”; my style sonnets.  They follow the same style as Shakespeare. Not in his league but fun to write.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Time with Jesus – Sunday, 29 April 2012
INTRODUCTION	DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	HOPE FOR ALL CREATION!
The Scriptures today focus on hope. Have you heard anyone preach on the subject of hope? I think that I can count the number of times on the fingers of one hand. But what exactly is hope? My first “Jimmet” looks at this. For most of us :”hope” is nothing more than a vague possibility for the future. “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow”. Is a good example. There is a 99.9% certainty that tomorrow is sure to come. What the weather will be like tomorrow is a bit of a guess. I’d like it to be fine and sunny. Not too hot and not too cold. We plan on visiting friends for a braai. So we say we hope it doesn’t rain. It’s a nice “wish” for tomorrow. But we have no control whatsoever over the weather. There is no certainty in the wish. The weather will do what it wants and we submit to whatever happens. In most ways “hope” is regarded as little more than wishful thinking. There is no measure of certainty at all. We say we hope to win the Lotto. That’s a possibility. Phyllida and I don’t buy Lotto tickets, so for us to say we hope to win the Lotto is nonsense! Biblical hope is not like that at all. Hope in Scripture has a predicted outcome. The only question is when it will take place. Paul’s letter to Titus in the God’s Word Translation shows this clearly.13 At the same time we can expect what we hope for-the appearance of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 GW. We know He is coming back. The only question is when? We can all truthfully say that we “hope” to die. It’s not something we look forward too, so it sounds a bit negative. But it’s the truth. To say I hope I won’t die is nonsense. It is a certainty. The only question is the date. The second “Jimmet” speaks of a hope of a different kind. This one looks at the fall of man from creation’s point of view. We forget that Adam’s sin didn’t just affect him and Eve. It had a “Tsunami” effect that rolled over all of creation. It distorted the plants and animals and has given us a world which thrives on death. To think of a world without death is almost impossible. Scripture tells us that the groans of creation resemble the groans of a woman in labour. Our ears are not attuned to the “voice” of creation so we, as a rule, don’t hear its sounds. The closest we get is listening to the noises geologists detect as the tectonic plates rub against each other. Most of us never hear them. What is certain is the appearing of Jesus Christ when He returns. It’s described as our “blessed hope” It’s an absolute certainty. Jim & Phyllida Strickland	13 Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:13-14 ESV	HOPE Have we every   realised the fact, Christianity is based on hope? Faith is pointless if it isn’t backed, By a certainty. We do not grope, For that which we really can’t believe! Hope can’t be just possibility! It’s assurance that we will receive, That which we are certain we will see. Hope’s an anchor, not a lucky draw; Never a mere rolling of the dice. If it’s only that and nothing more, All of it could vanish in a trice! Hope is never something which might be; But assurance it is what we’ll see! Written 29th April 2012 CREATION GROANS Scripture tells us, all creation groans; Waiting For the coming of the Lord! Listen and you’ll hear it as it moans, Longing for what was, to be restored. Adams’s fall affected everything. Death impacted more than human life. All the evil Satan chose to bring, Ushered in this time of sin and strife. Adam was the one we all should blame; But Creation was under his control. Nothing therefore, could remain the same. Touching one would also touch the whole! But a new Creation we will see! Jesus will return and set all free! Written 29th April 2012 Jim Strickland
	19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20 NLT
	19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and He will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. 21 For He must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through His holy prophets. Acts 3:19-21 NLT
	10 This will happen on that day when he comes to be honoured among all his holy people and admired by all who have believed in him. This includes you because you believed the testimony we gave you. 2 Thessalonians 1:10 GW
	22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us. Romans 8:22-23 NLT
	2 Dear friends, we are already God's children, but He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is. 1 John 3:2 NLT
	4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4 ESV
	20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 ESV