Time with Jesus - 01
August 2013 |
| Sandy Hook Guns |
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| Victims at Sandy Hook Elementary School |
We are told that the USA people are the most “liberated”
in the world. Certainly they have a fine history. In ±250 years, the nation has
gone from fighting an “unwinnable war” against the mighty British army, to
being what many regard as the most powerful nation in the world.
Economically, technologically, and militarily, USA is an awesome nation. Most Americans today would state; “this “national miracle” is directly attributable to the faith of their fathers”. There is no doubt that the Pilgrim Fathers and many of the early immigrants had a deep and committed relationship with God. USA began as a God-fearing nation and as a result, the blessings of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, propelled the nation to the place of prominence they still enjoy.
Economically, technologically, and militarily, USA is an awesome nation. Most Americans today would state; “this “national miracle” is directly attributable to the faith of their fathers”. There is no doubt that the Pilgrim Fathers and many of the early immigrants had a deep and committed relationship with God. USA began as a God-fearing nation and as a result, the blessings of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, propelled the nation to the place of prominence they still enjoy.
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| President Obama's Tears after the shooting |
Sadly, what has happened in the USA over the past 50
years, reflects the changing attitude toward God throughout the nation. Slowly
but surely, God has been “jockeyed out of position” by atheism, agnosticism and
secular humanism. Although there remain many USA citizens who love God, the “tide”
of human belief and behaviour has turned away from Him. This is a sure recipe
for disaster; to overtake the fortunes of the men and women in USA.
Now please don’t think I’m saying that God is the author
of the tragic events that have taken place for many years. It doesn’t work like
that. Perhaps the best illustration of what has happened is to think about a
rainstorm.
Those who have umbrellas won’t get wet while the umbrella is open
above their heads. However, if the umbrella gets damaged or you decide to close
it, the rain will fall on your head. Don’t blame the umbrella. You did it
yourself.
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| Keeps you Dry |
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| Take it Down - You get Wet |
Now allow me to point out that God is not “fair” and He
is not “nice”. These are both human concepts and are utterly unscriptural. Scripture
makes it very clear that His blessings come on those who love and obey Him. If
they stop doing so, the blessings dry up and Satan’s deluge begins to fall on
the people.
It works that way whether you like it or not! Your opinion is irrelevant. He decides one way or the other and the only prayer that would make a difference is one of repentance. That’s because of His love and mercy.
It works that way whether you like it or not! Your opinion is irrelevant. He decides one way or the other and the only prayer that would make a difference is one of repentance. That’s because of His love and mercy.
If you don’t believe this is true, read the books of
Judges, Kings and Chronicles. What I’ve just described is repeated in these
books so often, it becomes boring! The cycle begins with the people being
blessed, following and loving God. Then they begin to sin and fall away.
God
responds by bringing disasters; a plague of locusts; a raid by the Philistines,
war etc. In the end, they either respond to Him or continue on their own path. Deuteronomy
28 and Leviticus 26 make this abundantly clear.
God has blessed USA for past obedience. But when USA
turns away from Him, the probability that God will treat USA the same as He did
Israel can never be in doubt. What none of us know is how far down the road of
disobedience USA has travelled. What can be said is that their umbrella is leaking.
Bad things are happening. His “covering” is not quite what it once was.
What will happen next? I’m not in a position to say.
What I can say is that unless there is repentance and a return to God, what we
have seen recently will not abate. In all probability it will increase. If so,
do not “blame” God. He will continue to be utterly consistent. Can things be
turned around? I don’t know. He will decide.
This much I can say. As Abraham said to God while travelling to Sodom; 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing--to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Gen 18:25 TNIV I’m certain that ultimately, whatever He does, will be seen to be correct.
God
responds by bringing disasters; a plague of locusts; a raid by the Philistines,
war etc. In the end, they either respond to Him or continue on their own path. Deuteronomy
28 and Leviticus 26 make this abundantly clear.God has blessed USA for past obedience. But when USA
turns away from Him, the probability that God will treat USA the same as He did
Israel can never be in doubt. What none of us know is how far down the road of
disobedience USA has travelled. What can be said is that their umbrella is leaking.
Bad things are happening. His “covering” is not quite what it once was. |
| Useless Umbrella |
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| Three "Angels" visit Abraham |
This much I can say. As Abraham said to God while travelling to Sodom; 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing--to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Gen 18:25 TNIV I’m certain that ultimately, whatever He does, will be seen to be correct.
Jim & Phyllida
Strickland
Matt 10:8
Freely you received, Freely give |
Time with Jesus
Thursday, 01 August 2013 |
Matt 10:8
Freely you received, Freely give |
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©
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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
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©
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INTRODUCTION
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DAILY
LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES
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LOVE
DISCIPLINE!
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Have you ever thought that pain is a blessing from
the Lord? One of the reasons why I ask this, is because of something we saw a
week or so ago. We saw a baby who did not experience pain. This child bit off
a piece of his own tongue and was not aware that it had happened. I also
recall seeing a video of a child who had badly burned her hand; so badly, her
hand looked blackened and charred. The young girl was unaware of what had
happened. The danger was losing her hand. Fortunately doctors managed to save
it.
Pain is also an excellent trainer. We hear of people
“pushing through the pain barrier” in order to achieve an objective. Olympic
athletes have demonstrated this on many occasions. They “push” themselves
almost beyond endurance so that they will achieve their very best. They do it
for fame, the medal and their country – not necessarily in that order.
The twentieth and twenty-first centuries have been
times when people think they are cleverer than God. As a result, people who
discipline their children by spanking are considered dangerous, unfit
parents. Some Mom’s and Dad’s have been prosecuted for disciplining their
children, In some instances; children have been taken away from their parents.
The courts find it difficult to distinguish between discipline and
brutalisation. Children should never be abused. But discipline is essential
if a child is to grow up and take his or her place in a balanced, law abiding
society. God’s instructions to parents are clear. Three examples from
Proverbs are quoted below.
24 Those who spare the rod of discipline
hate their children. Those who love their children, care enough to discipline
them. Proverbs 13:24 NLT - 15
Foolishness is firmly attached to a child's
heart. Spanking will remove it far from him. Proverbs
22:15 GW - 13 Don't fail to
discipline your children. They won't die if you spank them. 14
Physical discipline may well save them from death. Proverbs 23:13-14 NLT
The foolishness of taking away discipline from
parents and society is very evident in Western culture. Children have no
respect for authority. The classrooms are filled with children who are rude
and abusive to teachers. The streets have become dangerous for the elderly. Other
people’s property is not respected. A well-known example occurred in London a
year or so ago. Children, mainly teenagers, went on the rampage, burning and
looting businesses.
There is little doubt that, the tragic death of
students at Columbine High in USA where juvenile gunmen shot their fellow students
is a classic example of what can happen when discipline is disregarded. The
murder of young people in Norway; and a similar incident in a Colorado movie
house, is typical of what happens when discipline is removed from society.
My Dad was not exactly a disciplinarian. But when he
or Mom spoke, there was no question in my mind whether or not to ignore them.
I loved my parents and deeply regret their passing. They loved me enough to
discipline me when they considered warranted. Phyllida and I have followed
their example. Our children thrived within defined boundaries. God’s
instructions are clear. Let’s just do what He says!
Jim &
Phyllida
Strickland
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11 We
give great honour to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know
about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him
at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness
and mercy.
James 5:11 NLT
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“I think that this will hurt me far
more than it hurts you”.
That’s what my father told me when he
was going to do,
Something rather painful and make my
bottom sting.
But just before he did so, that “platitude”
he’d bring.
I don’t know where he got it from. I
thought it was a lie.
Once when I suggested it, a tear was
in his eye.
He wiped it with a handkerchief; his
face began to burn;
That’s when I learned a lesson that
everyone must learn.
Always take your punishment and face
it like a man.
The stinging wasn’t permanent; My rear
end got a “tan”.
But actually I’d earned it for doing
what I did;
Then was very careful to do what I was
bid.
A generation later, my kids were on
the scene.
I began to treat them the way my Dad
had been.
The words were not identical but
bottoms just as sore,
As anything I’d known about, back in
the days of yore.
Then I began to realise that what my
dad had said.
It wasn’t just a “platitude” to rumble
round my head.
There really was no pleasure, in
bringing discipline,
Provided that it rectified the trouble
they were in.
I didn’t want to do it. Why make my
children sore?
But if I didn’t do it, somehow it hurt
me more!
It wasn’t “retribution” that I was
meeting out.
It was to bring correction and make
their “backbone” stout.
There was another factor. I didn’t
mean them harm.
And so I had to wait until the pair of
us were calm.
To do it in a temper would harm the
child far more.
And I was bringing discipline, not
“evening the score”.
I also learned a lesson. The mood that
I was in,
Influenced the way I looked upon my
children’s “sin”.
I couldn’t be consistent. Sometimes I
was severe.
I felt like I should “thrash them”!
That’s when I shed a tear.
I didn’t want to harm them, but
discipline was due;
And if I lost my temper! – Lord, help
me be like You.
Compassionate and merciful and
discipline in love.
Not to dish out punishment, but with a
velvet glove.
Enough to give a warning and not their
spirit break.
Sufficient to encourage them; and help
them to forsake,
That which brought the discipline.
Lord, take control of me.
A “monster” who beats children, I do
not want to be.
Lord I need Your faithfulness Your
tenderness and care;
To be the sort of Christian You can
send anywhere.
Who will not harm his children, but
will correct their way,
So when they too are adults, their
children will obey.
Jim Strickland
Written 1st August 2012
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13 As a father has
compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
Psalms 103:13 TNIV
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4 He
has made his miracles unforgettable. The LORD is
merciful and compassionate. 5 He provides food for those
who fear him. He always remembers his promise.
Psalms 111:4-5 GW
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3 He
won't let you stumble, your Guardian God won't
fall asleep. 4 Not on your
life! Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep.
Psalms 121:3-4 MSG
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11 Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, hovers over its
young, spreads its wings to catch them, and carries them on its feathers,
12 so the LORD alone led his people.
No foreign god was with him.
Deuteronomy 32:11-12 GW
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22 the
LORD'S mercy. We were not completely wiped out. His
compassion is never limited. 23 It
is new every morning. His faithfulness is great.
Lamentations 3:22-23 GW
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14 When Jesus came ashore, he saw a large crowd. He felt
deep concern for them. He healed their sick people.
Matthew 14:14 NIrV
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8 For Jesus doesn't change--yesterday, today, tomorrow,
he's always totally himself.
Hebrews 13:8 MSG
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29 What is the price of two sparrows--one copper coin? But
not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.
30 And the very hairs on your head are
all numbered. 31 So don't be
afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 NLT
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