Time with Jesus - Sunday, 01 April
2012
Hi all,
The Psalms are a constant
source of inspiration and guidance. Furthermore, they are always appropriate
for any day and at any time.
I’ve found that peace only
comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You probably remember
singing, I’ve got the joy, joy, joy joy, down in my heart. One of the verses
was, I’ve got the peace which passes understanding down in my heart. Another
was, I’ve got peace like a river. For some reason choruses or hymns along these
lines reflect what happens when Jesus comes into your heart!
Peace is an extraordinary
experience. Many people think it is the opposite of war. There is a sense in
which this is true. But the peace of God is so much more than that. I’m told
that during the first century, the Christian martyrs went to their death with a
sense of calm so great that even Roman soldiers were envious of them. I’ve been
told that some of the se soldiers were so impressed with the way they went to
their death, one or two took off their armour and joined the Christians. The
comment was that if the Christian God was so powerful that Christians could die
like that, they should join them. I don’t know how valid this will be in the
eyes of Jesus Christ? I have a sort of gut feel that He will approve.
To get a better grasp on peace
and its meaning in the Christian context, read Foxes book of Martyrs. It’s
fairly readily available in Christian Booksellers. Alternatively, it is
available on e-Sword. http://www.e-sword.net/support.html
It’s a bit gruesome in places. But it is part of our Christian heritage.
Furthermore, if that’s what happened and is still happening to Christians, we
need the peace of God to go through similar experiences. I’m not looking
forward to it. But in the world today we are not immune to having to suffer and
die for our belief in Jesus Christ.
In today’s meditation we look
at two psalms which help to strengthen our trust in Jesus and help us prepare
for whatever might happen.
Blessings
Jim & Phyllida Strickland
Psalm 112 and 128
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i)
Blessed is the person who fears the
Sovereign Lord,
Who takes a great delight in His command
ii)
His children will be mighty in the
land. And his reward?
A blessed generation who can stand;
iii)
Wealth and riches in his house, with
righteousness forever,
Where the light obliterates the dark.
iv)
Gracious deeds, compassion, will
forsake the righteous never
An upright, righteous man will have this mark.
v)
Good will surely come to him who
generously lends,
Conducting his affairs and being just.
vi)
He will not be shaken; will not need to make amends;
Remembered as a person one can trust.
vii)
He will not be fearful of bad news for
he will be
Steadfast, ever trusting in the Lord.
viii)
He will be secure and will not fear
what he might see;
Triumphing o'er his foes is his reward.
ix)
He has scattered gifts unto the
poor. His righteousness
Endures until the very end of time. His horn will be exalted and with honour he'll be blessed. He will not be guilty of a crime.
x)
Wicked men will see it and be vexed as
they observe;
Will gnash all of their teeth and waste away. Their longings come to nothing, they’ll get what they deserve; Reaping what was sown yesterday.
---oooOOOooo---
PSALM 128
A Song of Ascents
1)
Blessed are those who fear The Lord
Who walk in all His ways
2)
You'll eat the fruit of what you do
and prosper all your days.
3)
Your wife will be a fruitful vine
within your house and home;
Your sons, just like an olive grove, around your table, grown!
4)
This is how The Lord will bless the
man who, His name, fears.
5)
From Zion may He bless your life, for
all your coming years.
May you see great prosperity; Jerusalem's as well;
6)
And live to see your grandchildren.
Peace be on Israel.
---oooOOOooo---
Jim Strickland – Written 1995
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