GOD KNOWS BEST

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 10 November 2012

Hi all,

Stress! The sound of the word gives us the willies. It should. It’s a six letter word containing three S’s; one at the beginning and two at the end. If the imagery in Genesis 3 depicting Satan as a serpent is still correct, then the word is surrounded by Satan himself. One bite at the front. Another two bites at the end. Today our meditation focuses on the pressures of this world. There is only one answer. His name is Jesus.

Blessings,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Saturday, 10 November 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
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INTRODUCTION			DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	GOD KNOWS BEST
Have you ever come to a place in your life when everything seems to be impossible? Molehills look like mountains. The car has a flat tyre and a new one is needed. Where the money for a new tyre will come from is anybody’s guess. Perhaps a child or a spouse has died? Perhaps you are alone because your last child has left home to make a new home with his/her new spouse?  Perhaps you’ve been struck down with a dread disease e.g. cancer? Perhaps you’ve just discovered that your first-born is a drug addict? Perhaps the Bank is about to have you evicted because you can’t pay the mortgage? Perhaps you’ve done something silly and it’s possible that you will be sent to prison? There are so many possibilities. One answer is to trust God will provide for your need. Our prayer (Jim & Phyllida) is that the Lord will do so. The fact is, He also may not. Statistically Divine help does not come and you have to confront your situation “on your own.” Of course, as a Christian you will never be alone. Jesus will not desert you. But He may direct that you must go through the circumstance anyway. I remember on one occasion, Phyllida and I had to move home. My health dictated that it was necessary. I had not been healed miraculously and the only opportunity for us was to move from one power station to another. The idea was about as welcome as flies round the braai! Then on the morning we were moving, our faithful little cat died. We think it was poisoned. I found the body in the back garden and had to bury it. We were both distraught. I remember crying out to the Lord. These were real tears not something “put on” for effect. Then with tears streaming down my face I paused and raised my eyes to heaven. Lord, Your Word says, 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT I know it, but for the moment it seems impossible to believe. The pain is too great”. Later, as God’s will for Phyllida and I began to unfold, we began looking back and getting excited about His promise. I became progressively more ill and in the end Eskom decided that I should go off on early pension. So I was out of a job but started to draw a small pension. We still don’t know how He did it but He kept our heads above water and we were able to pursue a call into ministry. So it was that 3.5 years after leaving that power station, we were both set free to serve the Lord. We had learned a valuable lesson. Even in extreme circumstances, God continues with His purposes. All that was needed was to wait patiently for Him. It is now 22 years since I was an employee of Eskom. In all that time He has been faithful. I’m not sure Phyllida and I have been! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			1 Restless in bed and sleepless through the night, I longed for my lover. I wanted him desperately. His absence was painful. Song of Solomon 3:1 MSG 1 Israel, return to the LORD your God. You have stumbled because of your sins. 2 Return to the LORD, and say these things to him: "Forgive all our sins, and kindly receive us. Then we'll praise you with our lips. Hosea 14:1-2 GW 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:13-17 NLT 14 Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalms 27:14 NLT 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:26 ESV 6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" Luke 18:6-8 ESV For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David. 1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. Psalms 62:1 NLT 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. Psalms 62:5 NLT	O Lord my God I need you. I truly cannot cope. Distress is overcoming me and I’ve run out of hope. I’m lying in my bedroom; I’ve tossed around all night. The prospects of not seeing You, it fills my heart with fright. There is a pain within me, a yearning in my soul, Which only You can satisfy, none else can make me whole! My need for you is desperate. I’m red-hot with desire. My bones inside are burning; My heart is now on fire. O God please come and help me. Nothing can take Your place. And I am undeserving, to look upon your face. My sins are overwhelming. It feels like being crushed. My thoughts are all in overdrive. How can all this be hushed? Return O Lord; forgive me; O come to me once more. Come and soothe my spirit as in the days of yore. Cast out this dreadful emptiness which only You can fill. You know that I have loved You; and Lord I love You still, It isn’t You who’s tempting me. It’s from the other side. They drive me toward wickedness; to fill my heart with pride. I’m drawn to sinful actions. Temptation’s ugly head, Is standing right before me and seeks to fill my bed. Send that which is perfect; nought else will satisfy. Please send Your Holy Spirit. Without Him, I shall die. Resistance is now waning. My feet have almost slipped. But if You Lord will come to me, then I will be equipped, To stand against the evil one and see his power reversed. Save me from myself O God; then I will not be cursed. You tell me to be patient; courageous, strong and brave. You have made it very clear just how we must behave. But I can hardly stand it. I’ve waited far too long. My days have all been numbered; and soon they will be gone. But even so, I trust You. Lord even if I’m slain. It’s absolutely certain I’d do it all again. So if I die a million deaths; am crucified like You, There’s one thing which I know for sure; that You will always do, The right thing for your children. So I’ll lie down and rest, Knowing that in everything, My Master knows what’s best. And even though You slay me, it comes, Lord, from Your hand. And it will serve a purpose, which You will understand. Jim Strickland  Written 10th November 2012