CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

It’s very much a paradox the way that Christians think. We know the way that we should be, but do not see the link, Between the way that we behave and what we aught to do. We think all men are equal. Of course that is quite true. Then fall into the error of how we think of others. It aught to be identical with all the nations’ brothers. But this can never happen. We are not all the same. We may look very similar, but that is just in name. It doesn’t make allowances for things that make us tick. And unbelievers look at us and say that we are sick. I don’t think we can blame them, for it’s what they observe. We Christians are “genuine” until we have to serve. At least that’s what they’re thinking and they are seldom wrong, Because of all the things we do to string the world along. The two are inconsistent and do not make good sense. They say, “If you’re a Christian, then what is your defence? The things that you are doing are not in Jesus’ style! If you keep doing what you do, you’ve missed it by a mile! That isn’t love for brother. It seems much more like hate. And if you carry on this way, then you’re a reprobate.” Stand up for Jesus’ character and do the things you should. That is the definition of truly doing good. You cannot be a Christian and follow Satan’s ways. You have to live a life-style the way the Bible says. Adultery is something we shouldn’t see in you. You can’t be a whore-monger and to the Lord be true. You cannot worship idols, not even motor cars. And do not seek the future by staring at the stars. By faithful to your husband. Be faithful to your wife. Do not try and emulate the seamy side of life. Discipline your children the way God’s told you to. And do unto your neighbour what he should do to you! It isn’t complicated. A child can get it right. Only do the things you know are pleasing in God’s sight. That way it doesn’t matter. The people will all see, The things you know that Jesus would do continually. For if you take this action and if you do it right. They’ll see you are a Christian from morning until night. Jim Strickland – written Monday, 22 August 2011

I’M HIS AND HE IS MINE

I gave my life to Jesus and thought I’d lost it all; My dreams and my ambitions, my plans both large and small. I gave them to My Master. Henceforth He’d call the shots. But I had made a big mistake. I sort of lost the plot. Oh yes He was my Master. That point was very clear. But I would make decisions as days gave way to years. It was the way He wanted it. A robot was no use. To think that I would just sit back was really most obtuse. I had to do the following. He’d only point the way. And it was me who had to do the things He said each day. Of course I was a Christian. I’m His and He is mine. But when it comes to action, I’ve got to keep in line. He will not do the things for me that I’m supposed to do. The life that’s lived from day to do is lived by me or you. And this is right and proper. It is my life to live. If I am not responsible, what is there to forgive? Of course He is the Master and He is in control. But He is just the pilot and it is still my soul. This is the greatest comfort. The ultimate design. This is the way it has to be; locked in with Christ Divine. There’s nothing more exciting and He’s made life a blast! And I am thrilled that as a youth I nailed onto the mast, The colours of my future. In Jesus I can boast. He’s washed away my wrinkles and He has made the most, Of everything before me. My future is secure, Because the very Lord of Life has made my black heart pure! I wear His robe of righteousness. I’m decked out as His bride. There’s nothing more that I desire. I’m filled with Him inside! Who else is there in heaven that any could desire? And even when I’m feeling weak, He strengthens me with fire. The fire of His Spirit. The One who makes Him real. The Holy One who fills us all with power, love and zeal. Does this mean there’s no trouble? That never could be true. But He is my inheritance. I stick to Him like glue! The world may have its master and worship other things; But when I think of what He’s done, my spirit man just sings! For He is all Who matters. Suffice for you and me. He is my cup of blessing and ever more will be. Jim Strickland – written Sunday, 21 August 2011

GOD DOES NOT LIE

God is a special person. This is the starting phrase. We know He isn’t human but has many human ways. But unlike everyone I know whom I have ever met. Our God is not a liar or in any person’s debt. He doesn’t tell us stories in which there is no truth. He keeps away from falsehood and never is uncouth. The words that He has stated are absolutely clear. And nothing can be hidden for He is always near. He sets a certain standard; He expects that we obey And none of us can think that we can turn to Him and say, Anything imperfect that’s not truth personified. For He can tell the instant that any of us lie. We know this is His nature. We know it has to be. A lie can’t hold the universe for all eternity. Anything untruthful would surely fall apart. There no other foundation for something that’s this smart! If He began creation with a certain plan in mind, Think of what would happen if the truth you couldn’t find. Everything would crumble and end up in a heap. But God is not a liar whose words He cannot keep. In fact He’s so much more than that. We know He doesn’t change. We may think this is difficult and absolutely strange, But if on one occasion He chose to change His mind. Nothing He’s created would be possible to find. We know His people alter. We have to come in line With all that He’s intended according to design. But if He’s inconsistent where do you think that we’d be? Not even a shadow in His unformed history. It goes without our saying, we cannot change a bit. Jesus makes quite sure of this in order that we fit Into the great salvation the Trinity designed. Their plan was in position when He called us from His mind. It wasn’t going to happen and “nothing” was the norm. Until He spoke the words He did and all began to form. And even when it started so many years ago, He knew where we are heading and how we had to go. It sounds a wee bit fanciful. How Could all this be known? It tells us in the Bible that He reaps what He has sown. So when we were all planted when He called the world to  be, The object of His exercise was making you and me! It’s what the Lord intended before the worlds were made, And everything is just this way so He would be obeyed.  Jim Strickland – written Saturday, 20 August 2011

THE CALL TO HOLINESS

“Holiness!” Yes, Holiness is what you are to cry. For it's a lack of holiness which is the reason why, The name of many Christians has now become a stench. Because they will not change their ways, they consequently wrench The leading I have given them from My directing hand, And live a life that all can see is what the devil planned. But you have been appointed a shepherd of the flock. It's your responsibility to quietly take stock, Of how the sheep are living and how the pasture seems. To ascertain the difference 'tween vision and the schemes, That Satan would endeavour to place into their minds. To know if what they're eating will feed or make them blind. To be a flock protector and not a bird of prey. To keep the wolves and predators continually at bay. For this is what I've called you to and this is My desire. But it is your obedience that really I require.  The way ahead is difficult. With danger it is fraught. But you will find that I am here, the enemy to thwart. Provided that you're listening and do the things I show, Then, step-by-step and day-by-day, you'll definitely know, That nothing I require of you will ever be too much, Successfully to overcome, for I will be your crutch! And as you start to lean on Me and let Me take your weight; The power of The Holy Ghost will clearly demonstrate, That you are Mine. A Servant; A Shepherd of the King; Because I have decided that I will do a thing, To shake the very heavens and rattle earth and sky; To illustrate to everyone, just what it means to die! Just what I have accomplished by coming to the Earth, And giving to the humanity the chance of second birth. But, many of My people don't seem to care at all. Their lives aren't changed and many have ignored My Holy call; And consequently, judgement is now upon the scene; And they will now experience just what My wrath can mean. But even now it's possible for Me to stay My hand. If they will change their attitude and DO what I command; Diligently minister to ALL of those I've saved, And demonstrate repentance by the way that they behave. For if a sinner turns from sin, I've promised he will live. Regardless what a man has been, I always will forgive. But if the righteous turns to sin and practise fleshly lust, I will forget their righteous acts. For them it will be just As though they never came to Me; And all their sinful acts Will be restored again to them and judgement will be fact. Jim Strickland – written Friday, 19 August 2011

THE GREATNESS OF GOD

The difficulty that Christians face is what we cannot see. Particularly when we speak about Divinity. We understand that God is there, but what is it we mean? We see a universe of stars with little in between. The size is astronomical we cannot see the end; So all the “qualities” of God are hard to comprehend. We know that God is Spirit. But where is Spirit found? We cannot quantify it, for we are too earth bound. We do not have a test tube which states, “essence of God”. We can’t locate Him in the sky or underneath the sod. And yet He isn’t hiding. The evidence is there. His fingerprints are all around if only we’re aware, To spot what we are looking at. There is no “empty space” There’s nowhere we can flee from Him and everything’s in place. The sky proclaims His Glory. The stars all sing along. And when we listen to a bird we hear an angel’s song. Our sight is obfuscated and filters out His form; So when we look at nothing, we find that is the norm. We know that He is powerful. We know all time and space, Are held together by His Word! An awesome fact to face. To stop the earth’s rotation does not take sleight of hand. It happens in the instant He issues His command. Men talk of “Mother Nature” a Lady who’s not there! We speak of her abundant power. But how can “nothing” care? God keeps the very universe and yet He’s never tired. He is the very pinnacle of all that is desired. He has no competition. No one can change His mind. But speak to Him in reverence and you are sure to find, That He will change the circumstance and miracles you’ll see, If you will only ask Him in true humility. You cannot give Him orders. He does what He desires. There is no one to tell Him “Nay!” - We do what he requires! And yet in all this awesomeness He’s gentle as a dove. He seldom has to use His power. Instead He uses love. It is the way He treats us; with tenderness and care; This “quality” is manifest and constantly is there. And though Our God is infinite; Whom we cannot control. He tells us of His love for us which covers heart and soul. Jim Strickland – Written Thursday, 18 August 2011