Time with Jesus - Monday, 09 April
2012
Hi all,
Memories can be difficult to
understand. There are times when they are painful. There are other times, in
exactly the same place, where the memories are sweet and enjoyable. One of my
most painful memories is how I felt on the day my parents “dropped me off” at
boarding school. I’d never been away from them before and it was traumatic. I
felt as though I had been deserted. Of course it wasn't true. But feelings
don’t always go with facts. Later in life, as a young Christian I got to know
that feelings follow facts, not the other way. I’m pleased to record that it wasn't long before I settled down at school and often look back on those days
as among the best days of my life.
The truth that feelings follow
facts was an essential piece of knowledge I had to learn. I remember well the
time when I committed my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. A week or so later,
when the initial euphoria over my having been “saved” began to subside, I was
faced with a major problem. I didn’t feel any different. A couple of features
were in place. I’d stopped using foul language and my lifestyle had changed
such that I wanted to attend church meetings. Any sort of church meeting would
do as long as it was Christian. (Whatever that meant back then) So although I
was in the Methodist Church, I visited as many other churches as I possibly
could when I could find the time.
This gallivanting had a lot to
do with my not feeling any different. Furthermore, I had other male/female
issues that typically bother a teenager. This led me to the Prudhoe Street Mission
and contact with the Billy Graham association. They were holding a crusade in
Manchester and Cliff Barrows came to the mission to assist with counsellor
training and choir instruction. So I had good reason for attending. Looking
back now, it seems odd that someone who didn’t know he was “saved” could think
of being a counsellor for Billy’s crusade! Incidentally, there was no TV links
in those days. We just sat together in a large, full hall and listened to the
service.
Over a period of about six
months, many of my concerns about salvation evaporated. Something I heard then
is still true. If I am a married man and wake up the next morning and didn’t
feel married, my feelings are fooling me. The facts are there. My wife has the wedding
certificate to prove it!
At the same time, I needed to
find assurance – in spite of feelings. The New Testament was opening up for me
and I learned that the assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit. In
Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he states: 22 and He has identified us as His own by placing the Holy
Spirit in our hearts as the first instalment
that guarantees everything He has promised us. 2
Cor 1:22 NLT
For me, it was a “clincher”.
The Lord transformed my life. If not, I’ve wasted 52 years of life chasing a
myth! Believe me, it’s no myth. Furthermore, I’ve had a fabulous “ride”. Jesus
Christ has exceeded all my expectations and I’m happy to serve Him until my
dying breath and beyond!
Blessings
Jim & Phyllida Strickland
The Holy Name-tag
Back in 1951, I went to boarding school.
I really missed my parents. Some thought I was a fool,
Because I started crying and wanted Mom and Dad.
But when you’re only nine years old. How can you blame a lad?
I didn't want to run away. Besides, where would I go?
What would I tell my parents? I really didn’t know.
There was a little problem with my school uniform.
I kept it in a locker that was outside my dorm.
But when it came to laundry, how could I tell my own?
My mother had been very wise and she had carefully sewn,
My name on all my clothing. She’d hidden it away,
But I knew where to find it. So every single day,
As I was busy dressing I made sure things were mine.
I knew it by the label. Mom’s system worked just fine.
As I continued growing up, one thing I found was true.
There had to be a system for identifying you!
A name tag or a label; I knew how it was done.
And I could prove conclusively, I am my father’s son!
So every time I met someone and said, “How do you do?”
I found it was the formula for saying, “Who are you?”
I then learned about fingerprints. They said they were unique.
They put them on a database; and if they wished to seek,
To find out what my name was, they’d know if I was me!
They said, “Until the day you die, it’s your identity.
It didn’t really bother me. I didn't want to hide.
I surely wasn’t perfect; but wouldn't go “off-side”.
When I became a Christian I asked, “Lord show to me,
The way I can identify a person who loves Thee.
You do not have that problem. In fact, You've always known,
The people whom You have redeemed and love You Lord alone!
I cannot find Your name-tag. I’ve hunted high and low.
So Father, won’t You show to me the way I too can know?
He said, “There is a ‘name-tag’ inscribed upon your heart.
My Holy Spirit put it there when He set you apart.
He’s deep inside your spirit man and will not go away,
Unless you have decided you don’t want Him to stay.
So look deep down inside you, in places you can’t see.
Use your ‘spiritual eyes’ and look around for Me.
You’ll know that I am present, by the witness you will find,
Confirming you’re My servant. Your life to Me’s consigned.
There, in your inner sanctum, is where I’ll always be;
Alive in you and proving that you belong to Me!”
Jim Strickland – Written Monday 9th April 2012
