UTTERLY RELIABLE

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Hi all,

Teaching and knowledge are the two operative words in this morning’s Scripture. Both words are important to us today.

We have certain automatic functions in life. We don’t need to be taught how to breathe. Our heart beats by itself without instruction. The blood goes round and round. We feel pain and get grumpy when we are hungry etc. Apart from these and a few other things, we arrive in this world knowing virtually nothing. Our brains appear to be completely uncluttered. We then go into a learning process that is phenomenal. I’m reminded of a Syrian friend of mine from Homs asking me if I could speak Arabic yet? Of course I’d picked up a couple of words. But I had to confess I didn’t. “What’s the matter with you” he asked tongue in cheek. “My grandson is only two and he’s quite fluent!”

Language is acquired quickly by a baby. They have the ability to do so very quickly; they learn to be manipulative in the first seven days. A baby knows that he/she bawls and squalls, someone will stick something it his/her mouth and feed him/her. They’ve found out that with a bit of effort they can keep Mom and Dad continually on the run. I’m told that by the time a child is three, he/she has already learned up to 80% of all they’ll ever learn. It sounds a bit far-fetched, but perhaps the figures are true?

God’s Word associates knowledge with wisdom. It’s obvious that we need knowledge in order to become wise. Sadly, many don’t want to learn. It’s too much like hard work. Many don’t believe that God exists. According to Scripture, they are foolish ⁷ If you really want to gain knowledge, you must begin by having respect for the LORD. But foolish people hate wisdom and training. Pro 1:7 NIrV The Scripture goes further and says that unbelievers are fools. ¹ Godless fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt. They do disgusting things. There is no one who does good things. Psalm 14:1 GW

Now you don’t have to believe me. God has given you the choice to believe in Him or not. So why should I try and deny you this privilege? Your decision is entirely yours. On your head be it.

As far as Phyllida and I are concerned, we have learned from personal experience that God is utterly reliable. Our meditation looks into this further.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

utterly reliable

A student, or a learner, or an undergraduate,

People seem to think that on a certain future date,

Our studies will be over and learning will be through.

But friend, if that’s your attitude, I’ve got bad news for you.

We’ll never quit from learning until we drop down dead.

There such a lot more knowledge to cram into our head.

The world is set on changing. Technology’s gone wild.

The ones who seem to “get it” is now a little child.

The “buzz word” in all industry is “keeping up to date”.

And if you do not do it, I’m sad to have to state,

That good qualification acquired in the past,

Is going to be outdated and is losing value fast!

What is the solution? What is it we must do,

To keep our thinking current, reliable and true?

If course it is impossible for us to know it all.

But I can say for certain there’s a person you can call.

He is the Master teacher, designer of all things.

He knows why people have two legs and why the birds have wings!

He’s fluent in all languages and has no need for sleep.

He’s instantly available, He knows each time we weep.

He knows your great grandfather as well as Abraham.

So He’s the man to look to, when you are in a jam.

His speciality is knowing if things are right or wrong.

And He will gladly lead you and it will not be long,

Before you’re on the right path your enemies don’t know.

And He will take good care of you no matter where you go.

He’s utterly reliable. In fact He is the way;

The truth; the life; the open door; He never goes astray.

He knows the way to heaven. In Him and Him alone

Can anybody enter and see God’s Holy throne.

It is an open secret just why this is a fact.

Because His life was sinless. All others “dudes” were sacked.

They’ll never get you entrance. They’re all as bad as me.

There isn’t an alternative. It’s Him exclusively!

So let’s be realistic. Let’s do what is required.

The fount of every blessing can give what is desired.

Ask Him any question and you will know as well,

That He can show you heaven and even show you hell.

We know His Name is Jesus. Some call Him Joshua.

“Jehovah is salvation” “The Bright and Morning Star”

No One’s better qualified to teach you how to go.

And when you get to know Him, you’ll surely love Him so.

He is forever faithful. He is unfailing love.

The author of redemption, The One Who’s high above,

Anyone and everything on whom we can rely

The Son of God Almighty. Thank God He’s always nigh.

Jim Strickland 

Wednesday 11^th April 2012