TRUE LOVE

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 22 June 2013

Hi all,

Apart from Jesus Christ, is there anyone who has ever lived who knows what love is? I doubt any man or woman can plumb the depths of love. One reason is because we are told by John, “God is Love”. 

He tells us: ⁸ But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8 NLT and ¹⁵ All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. ¹⁶ We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. ¹⁷ And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the Day of Judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 1 John 4:15-17 NLT

These Scriptures speak clearly about the love of God. But do we know and understand what John was writing about? I would like to say, “I do!” The fact is, I really don’t. According to what is written above, our “love” grows more perfect as we live in Him. Wonderful! But what is it we look for and see?

When it comes to love we are like a little child with an electric light switch. We know that if we switch it on, the light will shine. If we switch it off, the light goes out. Why? The best way to put it is to say that someday in the future they will learn about electricity, circuit diagrams, Volts, Watts and Amps etc. But they don’t need the details to make the thing work. 

The Good Samaritan

As a youngster, I worked on a couple of motor cars, getting them to run again. It was fairly elementary stuff. Now, when I open a car’s bonnet, I hardly recognise what I’m looking at. A week or so ago I was looking for the battery of my daughter’s car. The car was faulty and wouldn’t start. There had to be a battery in there somewhere. But where was it? In the end, someone showed me where and how to get to it! Love is a bit like that. It has to be in there somewhere. But where is it? Also, what is it and how does it work?

To complicate the issue we bandy the word “love” around as though we know all about it. I love my wife; I love ice cream; I love Jesus; I love sleeping in in the morning; I love flowers. 

We also know that the Greeks used different words for the type of “love” they were speaking about. The words are phileo, storge’, eros and agape. We understand the first three. But “agape” is a horse of a different colour. It’s the “love” God has for His people and the Love we are supposed to have for Him and each other. We know it’s the “love” which gives itself away; a love that will cause us to give our lives for Him and/or each other. OK, that’s fine. How do we actually do it? The police aren’t keen on crucifixion, assault, suicide or mutilation of self or others.

So how can I love you and others in a way that is meaningful? I can’t truthfully say, “I love Eskimos!” I don’t know any and they live so far away, I’m unlikely to ever meet one. I’d like to say that I love my neighbours. But how can I do that if I don’t know them? I can pretend that I do, in order for you to think more highly of me than you should.

Some dispose of the question neatly by saying you must love them by “faith”. That’s fine. Now tell me how to do that? When it comes to “agape” I often think I’m still trying to find the light switch referred to above.

There is only one way I know that helps me and, hopefully, others. According to John’s Gospel, Jesus said, ¹⁵ "If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15 NIrV In other words, if I am following the commands of Jesus Christ, I’ll be loving Him and others.

Am I doing that? Are you? If we are, we are beginning to know something about the love of God.

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Saturday, 22 June 2013			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	TRUE LOVE
Love. Most people think that love is just another four letter word! What it really means is just about the opposite of what it really is. “I love, my granny”. “I love ice cream”. “I love lying in bed in the mornings”. “I love dancing”. “I love my wife”. “I love ‘sexy dames’”. The only thing these statements have in common is the word “love”. What is meant in each case is different. Very different! The main difficulty here is the limitations of the English language. Four different Greek words are all translated “love” in most of our Bibles. The KJV uses the word “charity” in a number of instances. The following two translations from 1st Corinthians show this very well 1 Corinthians 13:13 - KJV 1 Corinthians 13:13 - God’s Word And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. The word “charity” and “love” are the same words in Greek (I’m told) I found this confusing. We have the expressions, “as cold as charity” and “charity begins at home” along with “donations to charity”. I’ve been tempted to change my name to Mr Charity and collect other people’s money on this basis. But I managed to resist the temptation! Back in the 1980’s, one of the very popular Gospel singers was Don Francisco. As well as being an accomplished composer, he was also a talented guitarist. He had a remarkable repertoire one of which was called, “Love is not a feeling, it’s an act of the will”. We Christians need to have that statement “etched” into our minds. A little earlier, in the 1960’s, Julie Andrews sang a song in “My Fair Lady” called “Show Me!” Both songs make the point that merely saying, “I love you!” is inadequate. As the earlier statements in today’s introduction illustrated, love is not something we talk about, it’s something we do. Love demands action. In the past, men have crossed oceans to get near the woman they loved. As a teenager, I walked miles to be with my girlfriend. In Christianity, we have the most outstanding example of love that could possibly be expressed. Jesus Christ came to this world and gave His life for His friends. More than that, He gave His life for His enemies. He was not compelled to do so. He chose to do it. Part of the Gethsemane account shows us that He didn’t want to do it. He could have stood up and walked away. He didn‘t. He went to the cross for you and me. Could I do that? Could you? But His example is the one we must follow. As a husband, I am expected to lay down my life for my wife. Actually, it’s not a suggestion; it’s one of His commands. We are told “greater love has no man than this. To lay down his life for his friend. Will I? Will you? Jim and Phyllida Strickland			36 The Jews said, "Look how deeply he loved him." John 11:36 MSG 14 Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NLT 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13 NLT 25 Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. Hebrews 7:25 NLT 2 My Father's house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I'm going to prepare a place for you? 3 If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again. Then I will bring you into my presence so that you will be where I am. John 14:2-3 GW 24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am. I want them to see my glory, the glory you have given me. You gave it to me because you loved me before the world was created. John 17:24 NIrV 1 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father. He had loved His disciples during His ministry on earth, and now He loved them to the very end. John 13:1 NLT 19 We love each other because He loved us first. 1 John 4:19 NLT 10 If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done--kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love. John 15:10 MSG	“I think you do not love me” the lovely maiden cried. If you did I’m sure you’d put that stupid game aside. It’s “Rugby, rugby, rugby, that’s all I ever hear. Have you no sweet nothings to whisper in my ear? I’m thinking of our future. You talk about “The Bulls” You say you want to marry me and yet your mind is full, Of things which do not matter! You talk of Ellis Park. The Lions and the Cheaters or the next match with the Sharks. If you really loved me, you’d put all that aside. I’m a rugby widow before I am a bride!” Have you heard this story? I’m sure it isn’t new. For many wives and husbands, I’m sad to say it’s true. We have our expectations, of how love ought to be. It’s mostly an impression of some childish fantasy. Love became an exercise in how much we could get. Of wedding bells and honeymoons and going into debt! It’s living with a partner who refuses to commit, In case there’s an occasion to say, “Good bye, I quit!” It’s physical relationships; it’s free love and the pill. It’s anything erotic which gives some kind of thrill. It’s watching television where strangers fornicate. “Your feelings do not matter as long as I feel great!” We see this all around us and none of it is true. We need to know the meaning when we say “I love you”! You get a rapid overview by standing on your head. True love keeps on giving ‘til the moment you are dead! It focuses upon the need of those you plan to love; And does the same as Jesus did when He came from above. He loved all His disciples and did so till the end; He died upon a wooden cross so you and I may spend, Eternity in fellowship with all the Trinity. He did it to express His love for sinners just like me. He didn’t have to do it. He could have walked away. It was the love of Jesus that functioned on that day. He gave His life for people. His love was manifest, So that the folk who hated Him could have the very best! So when I say “I love you” I really want to say; I’ll freely give my life for you as Jesus did that day. Jim Strickland Written 22nd June 2012

NO CONNECTION WITH SIN

Time with Jesus - Friday, 21 June 2013

Hi all,

For many years I’ve adopted the following attitude. “Never ask a question when you don’t know what you will do with the answer.” It’s a bit like answering the question, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Any answer given can lead to a misconception. If you answer, “I’ve never beaten my wife!” some will say you’re lying. It’s a lose – lose situation. Keep clear of it! Asking a lady, “How old are you?” is a definite “no-no”.

I have great sympathy for politicians who are constantly being barraged with questions. In this regard, it’s so easy to say something that will be misunderstood. Typically, if you said your favourite colour was “red”, people would say you’re a communist.

The Deaf use
Sign Language

Fortunately, we do not have this problem in prayer. God knows everything. It’s no good saying, “It wasn’t me!” He knows if it’s true or not! In spite of this, God “loves it” when you ask Him questions. As long as you are not in some way trying to “challenge Him” He will provide an answer. Not always in ways you are expecting. In fact at times His reply will appear “obtuse” to you. Later on, you spot that His way of answering was perfect for the occasion.

This Sign Means
I Love You

Many years ago Phyllida and I were praying about our next move. He kept giving us a word. We eventually found that His “word” to us was an anagram of our destination! Then, when we got there, we were casually looking round a shop. We came across an LP by Jim Reeves which we rather liked. When we got home that evening, we found that the title of the album was, “Welcome to My World”!

Today’s meditation is about deafness and the associated problems therewith. We know God hates sin. He also tells us that if we don’t “put away” sin, He doesn’t hear us. 

The Father
Always Heard Jesus

Not that He can’t hear us; He most certainly can. But there is no answer and the heaven feels like brass.

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Signposts to Sin

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Friday, 21 June 2013			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	NO CONNECTION WITH SIN
Have you ever wondered what it would be life to be deaf? Phyllida and I lived in Worcester for 4 years in the 1990’s. There were two special schools there. One for the blind and the other for the deaf. So we came upon a number of them fairly regularly. To some extent, the town does it’s best to provide facilities for those who are blind. One way was that the traffic lights “sounded” when the light was green. A different sound was emitted when the lights were red. This didn’t help the deaf, but they could see the lights anyway. There were a number of blind and vision impaired children in the Sunday School. One of the Sunday School teachers was blind. Being deaf must be a terrible affliction. We tend to shout in their company. My own hearing is somewhat impaired, so Phyllida and others have to speak up so I can hear them. My hearing aid helps, but will never be a complete answer to deafness. We all know that Beethoven went progressively deaf as he aged. I understand that he got to the point where he would lie on the floor trying to feel the vibrations from the piano. It seems incredible that such a talented composer may never have “heard” his own compositions. I’ve been told that he “heard” them in his head and that for a number of compositions he was completely deaf! Few things can be worse than deafness. This tragedy has two sides to it. The one we all know something about. Not hearing is terrible. The other side of the coin is how the speaker feels about not being heard. My Dad was hearing impaired. It came about by working in noisy power stations. In his day there were no regulations to protect the workers from noise levels. So he started getting deaf at a relatively early age. Talking to him, particularly over the last 10 years of his life became progressively difficult. The family struggled to get him to know what we were saying. In that respect it was a double affliction; for him and for us! The psalmist stated: 18 If I had enjoyed having sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18 NIrV. Consider the crux of this problem. If we get to the place where we refuse to put away sin, we are in danger of praying to a blank wall. Firstly, God stops listening to those who love their sin and refuse to change. At this point God won’t listen to us. God hasn’t gone deaf. He simply refuses to listen. For us it has the same result! But we also have a problem. If He refuses to listen, prayer is pointless. Then, if we continue to pray, it is an exercise in futility. It’s pointless praying to a God Who isn’t listening. The problem is not with Him, it’s with us. Today’s meditation is an imaginary phone call from someone to God. The frustration of the speaker is exaggerated. Likewise God’s comment is also exaggerated. Nevertheless it points out what happens when we “love” our sin and will not put it away! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			6 I opened to my lover, but he was gone! My heart sank. I searched for him but could not find him anywhere. I called to him, but there was no reply. Song of Solomon 5:6 NLT 8 Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies? 9 For when the Canaanites and all the other people living in the land hear about it, they will surround us and wipe our name off the face of the earth. And then what will happen to the honour of your great name?" 10 But the LORD said to Joshua, "Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this? 11 Israel has sinned and broken My covenant! They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for Me. And they’ve not only stolen them but have lied about it & hidden the things among their own belongings. Joshua 7:8-11 NLT 1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; 2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2 ESV 18 If I had enjoyed having sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18 NIrV 21 Dear friends, if our conscience doesn't condemn us, we can boldly look to God 22 and receive from him anything we ask. We receive it because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. 1 John 3:21-22 GW	Waiting for an answer that’s never going to come! It’s truly devastating! Why is it ever done? You pick up the receiver and then you turn the dial. Hoping you will hear the voice, which causes you to smile. But somehow that phone number just rings and rings and rings. Isn’t there somebody who’ll pick up the dumb thing? Maybe it’s not working? I know it was last week. Isn’t anyone around to pick it up and speak? I’ve got to keep on trying. I’ll stand here all the day. I have to telephone Him. There is no other way. I’ve never known it like this. In fact, it’s very strange! Perhaps there is a problem at the telephone exchange? O Lord, what is the matter? This problem isn’t fun. I’m sorry to inform you, I’m not listening My son. You say the phone is ringing. Do you not think that’s odd? There shouldn’t be a problem with your getting through to God! Please know the line is perfect. It always is that way! The angels go and check it out each morning, every day. Everything is working exactly as it should. There isn’t a malfunction; the reception’s very good. It comes to Me directly; straight into my ear. And when the circumstance is right, please know I always hear. I’m able to communicate with billions of men. I hear them all in person; It doesn’t matter when. So if I cannot hear you. Don’t think I do not care. You’re sure to find the problem is on your side somewhere. There is a special filter connected to your heart. And if it sees there’s sin in it, that’s when the problem’s start. It functions like a special valve and only works one way. Your voice is overridden and I don’t hear what you say! My child I have to say this. The problem lies with you. Until you put that sin away, I will not hear from you. So here is My suggestion. Your attitude within, Has got to be to put it right and put away your sin. I see that you enjoy it; I’m sorry, that must change! Deal with it! Put it right and you’ll be back in range. My child, until you do it, My listening to you Is something you have got to know, I will not ever do! Jim Strickland Written 21st June 2012.