GRACE

They say it means God’s Riches At Jesus Christ’s Expense; And when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. For Grace is so contrary to everything men think. To get something for nothing could drive the world to drink! We’ve all been preconditioned to work for a reward. A sort of mental “fairness”, that means we can’t afford, To see someone get slightly more when equally employed. And if you’re given more than me it makes me most annoyed. So grace is contradictory to everything we know. The world demands equality no matter where we go. But Father isn’t like that; we don’t get equal pay. He does whatever pleases Him in spite of all we say. For grace is not dependent on anything we do. He gives it with abandon to folk like me and you. He says we cannot earn it; it doesn’t work that way. He gives it from the mercy He pours out every day. He says we cannot earn it. The price is far too high. And even if we’re working until the day we die, We don’t have one instalment to pay off the price of sin. The money in the universe can’t fix the mess we’re in. So God took the decision that He would pay the price. Forgiveness was available and given in a trice, To anyone who came to Him, no matter what they’d done; Provided they repented and believed in Christ His Son. He wouldn’t make it difficult for anyone to do. He would give His riches to men like me and you. Perhaps it was the opposite of anything we’d earned. His grace would make it possible in spite of all we’d learned. His grace became the substance of how He treated men. And though they had resisted Him time and time again; Though it was the opposite of what they aught to get; His gift of grace would see that His requirements were met. So grace is given freely to any man alive. There was no way to earn it, no matter how they strived. Regardless of all we’d done His grace would meet the need, Of those who had repented from all their evil deeds. No sin we can imagine that any could commit, Can possibly prevent us, or render us unfit, For being a recipient of His amazing grace; No matter what our standing within the human race. I know I couldn’t earn it and so He gave to me, His grace in its abundance and was absolutely free. Jim Strickland – written Monday, 19 September 2011 God's Riches At Christ's Expense

“PEEK A BOO”

When I was still a baby and when my son was born, There was a little game we’d play on nearly every morn. I’m not sure what they called it; but knew just what to do. I’d stand behind the baby’s chair and I’d say “peek a boo” It made the baby giggle with laughter in his eyes. And then we’d hide away again or put on a disguise. Then we’d again step forward and keep on with the game; No matter how we did it the outcome was the same. Of course we all looked silly. Of that there was no doubt. But we would keep on playing it until the lights went out! My memories are vivid about this little game. No matter whom the baby was, the outcome was the same. The child would shriek with laughter. Who cares if we looked mad? And looking back upon it now still makes my heart feel glad. I didn’t know it’s Scriptural; I didn’t spot it then. But that is how God’s Holy Law was passed along by men. I couldn’t read the Bible and didn’t know God’s law. I didn’t even understand what it was given for. Then He would come and “Peek a boo” from deep within His Word. And we would laugh and giggle at all that we had heard. I knew it wasn’t “funny” but it was always fun. And by this simple method He’d teach about His Son. He taught me from the Scriptures. I thought it was a game. But in the last analysis, the outcome was the same. I learned about Messiah by playing “peek a boo”. He made the game enjoyable for men like me and you. He’d step out from behind me with the Bible in His hand. “Peek a boo” he’d say to me, There’s something here so grand. Have a peek at Genesis, He’d tell me with a grin. Here’s Satan in the garden and Adam’s road to sin. He made it fascinating but didn’t go too fast. In truth the Lord was training me in ways quite sure to last. And then He’d sort of step away and somehow make me smile. And then it was repeated and meantime, all the while, The lessons He was teaching me were etched into my brain, In ways I could recall them, time and time again. So when I speak of “peek a boo” I’m sure you’ll understand; It was the Master’s method to take me by the hand; And lead me with His laughter into His precious Word, In ways I’d never thought about and hadn’t even heard. And now In my late sixties when I recall those days My grateful heart says “peek a boo” to all my Master’s ways. Jim Strickland – written Sunday, 18 September 2011

A BRUISED REED

Let’s take a trip in history back to Isaiah’s day. Have a look at what they did, and see if there’s a way To illustrate what happened when young boys played around, With instruments or anything to use to make a sound. They couldn’t be professional. Not at that tender age. But they would grab at anything; for music was the rage. There wasn’t much available. They couldn’t buy a flute. But anything that made that sound, they’d think was rather cute. So they would search the river bank especially the reeds. They wanted something suitable to meet their “Fluting” needs. The best ones were quite sturdy; they’d carve them in a trice, It only took a minute and their music sounded nice! They’d last them for the morning; til they were bent or bruised. It wasn’t so surprising the way that they were used. So when they sounded out of tune, they threw the reed away. Occasionally they’d break one, when through with it that day. This is a little picture of things which people do. But Jesus never does that with the likes of me or you. For we are broken people; we’re battered and we’re bruised. It’s what has happened in this life; By Satan we’re abused. But Jesus doesn’t discard a person He has seen. It isn’t in His nature to ask where we have been. He wants to play sweet music, and uses you and I, To play a mighty symphony; He never tells us why. He finds us bruised and battered; by Satan, thrown away. He knows our imperfections, but moulds us anyway. For He will play sweet music on anyone He finds. It doesn’t seem to matter; He breaks the chains that bind. And then with grotesque people, He plays notes so Divine, The angels stare in wonder; when He says “They are Mine”; They hardly can believe it. That something so obscene, Could play the sort of music that God alone Has seen. So when you’re looking at me and notice what I’ve done, Remember He has touched me and all my sin has gone. Perhaps I’m not a violin or even a bassoon. But since the day He saved me, don’t call me a buffoon. Why did He ever bother? Good “reeds” are plentiful. Perhaps a Stradivarius He didn’t choose to pull? Instead He plucked me out of the river bank of ”reeds”. And since that special morning He’s sanctified my deeds. Of course I don’t deserve it. My sound is a discord. But Jesus came and chose me to play music for the Lord. Jim Strickland – written Saturday, 17 September 2011

THESPIAN BEHAVIOUR

 They called him Elmer Gantry; that name was his name on screen.

It told about a scoundrel with a spirit most unclean.

He was the sort of person we far too often find,

Coming to our churches with wickedness in mind.

They tell us they are born again and can preach up a storm.

But living as a Christian has never been their norm.

Now Elmer had one passion; to satisfy his lust.

He’d look and see a pretty girl;  then see if he could bust,

Whatever she was doing to keep the wolves at bay.

And he would use seduction until he got his way.

A regular con artist with seeming boundless charm,

Used to “get his woman” and then to do her harm.

Now Elmer knew the Scriptures from when he was a child.

He found them very helpful for getting folk beguiled.

A man with great potential who knew the way to preach.

Some called him an evangelist, impressed by flowery speech.

One day while he was travelling he met a lovely “broad”,

A dedicated Christian who truly loved the Lord

He wanted to seduce her, but she was far too chaste.

She wouldn’t let him get to her and put her life to waste.

The movie was about the way he went about his task;

Of getting into bed with her. He even had to ask,

If they could both be married; to that she soon agreed.

And that is just what happened to pander to his need.

The movie was disturbing for it made very plain,

That many folk are in it to seek financial gain.

Some have some other purposes; some other form of greed

So they pretend to be someone the Christian church would need.

It seems that things were much the same back in our Master’s day.

For He could spot a hypocrite “a hundred miles away”.

There’s no doubt there’s still lots of them; some whom we do not know.

They’ve mastered the ability to not let evil show.

And so they fool a lot of us. We think that they are pure.

But if we could look into them, we’d understand for sure,

That they’re a bunch of charlatans dressed up in a disguise,

To make us think they’re Christians in God the Father’s eyes.

We cannot see their motives, their purposes and goals;

But God has the ability to weigh up all of our souls.

Perhaps they can deceive us. But everything’s laid bare,

When Jesus looks into them, and He is everywhere.

So let us all be careful of this never changing fact.

The Lord can spot a Thespian whose whole life is an act.

Jim Strickland – written  Friday, 16 September 2011

THE LAW AND GRACE

 The Bible teaches clearly we’re not subject to the law.

But what exactly does this mean and what is it there for?

It’s not the ten commandments. Our covenant proclaims,

The self same ten commandments, this time in Jesus Name!

So what are we to understand? Perhaps we aught to try,

And understand the meaning before it’s time to die.

Our first realisation, is that without the law,

We wouldn’t know about our sin; we’d all have to explore,

The content of our conscience. But they’re not all the same.

And living in that kind of way, would be a silly game.

We have been told correctly, to break the law is sin.

And it’s because we break the law we’re in the mess we’re in.

We also know the Lord has given to His people grace.

He wouldn’t need to give it, if sin was not in place.

Which means grace isn’t needed unless we break the law.

So grace is only needed if sin is at our door.

But if, as some folk tell us, the law does not apply,

Then grace cannot be needed for us to live or die.

So what is it that’s passed away and why do we need grace?

The curse of sin has vanished and the penalty we face.

We’re free to follow Jesus and free to sin no more.

We’re free to be God’s people; walk out through Satan’s door.

We’re free to love each other; to love and not to hate.

To freely love our neighbour and love our marriage mate.

So how should we continue in the light of this good new?

How can we disseminate these proper Christian views?

It is no easy matter, most people much prefer,

To go with the majority and all that they infer.

We have to break this thinking so everyone is free

It’s pointless walking blindly with the majority.

This means we must encourage folk to start and use their brains.

If we have been set free indeed, why do we love our chains?

Why are we so resistant to any thought that’s new?

It’s time we all decided to do what we must do,

To find out from the Word of God exactly what it says,

So that where it is needed we all can change our ways

Search the Scriptures eagerly and ask the Lord to show,

The truth that He’s revealed to us that we all need to know.

He didn’t make a bunch of clones; He’s given us a mind.

So ask Him to reveal to us, where we’ve been really blind.

Then we will appreciate the value of His grace;

Instead of the opinions that men have put in place.

Jim Strickland – written Thursday, 15 September 2011

THE GOD WHO CARES

You really cannot care for someone whom you do not know. We try and do it publicly but nothing makes it grow. We may have legislation. It may be carved in stone. But care is quite impossible for someone all alone. You cannot fold their clothing when nobody is there. You cannot sit down next to them if no one’s on the chair. You cannot have a favourite; you cannot share a meal. To do so you need someone else who’s absolutely real. But this is not a problem to Him who reigns on high. You do not have to know someone to give your life and die. You only need the knowledge that something’s going on, And you can take good care of them when all their hope has gone. The Lord looked at us sinners. He knew just what to do. He couldn’t always be remote; not if His love was true. He couldn’t be indifferent. He couldn’t stay aloof. He had to show how much He cared. There had to be some proof. So He extended comfort when people were afraid. He gave to them His mercy although they disobeyed. It seems a contradiction and quite the wrong way round. For even in their wickedness, He made His grace abound. He knows us all in detail. He understands our frame. That all we can rely on is the power of His name. He’s said that if we’re willing to cast our cares on Him; The prospects for our future will never fade or dim. We know that He is tender; that He is pure and kind. In spite of all our actions He keeps this truth in mind. He said He’d send His Spirit to keep us on the go; And He will never change His mind, because He loves us so. He helps us in our weakness. He hears our every groan. He knows our inner sighing each time He hears us moan. He’s promised He will wipe the tears from all His people’s eyes. That death will be defeated and banished from our skies. It’s true we do not understand the strangeness of His ways. He doesn’t act like any man throughout His endless days. He is the Lord Almighty of comfort and of care. Thank You when we need You Lord, that You are always there. Jim Strickland – written Wednesday, 14 September 2011

SPIRITUAL THIRST

In all my years of living, one thing I’ve never known;

   I’ve never truly thirsted. Although the Bible’s shown,

How terrible it is for us. I’m told it makes us crazed.

   So if you don’t have water, it’s time the Lord was praised!

The only information was in a book I read.

   A group, with Allan Quatermain, were very nearly dead.

They tried to cross the desert in search of Sol’mon’s mines.

   And at a small oasis, some water they did find.

They couldn’t reach the mountains without quenching their thirst.

   And we are told quite graphically how heat had done its worst.

The tale is very similar in each and every age.

   Jesus brings them “water” when thirst begins to rage.

The Psalmist best describes it as “fainting” for the Lord.

   The search is indescribable; this “thirst” can’t be ignored.

We have to find an answer to this unceasing need.

   So people have to pray for it; and other people plead.

Anything to satisfy their emptiness inside.

   It seems the inner spirit man must have this need supplied.

We’re told, “Come to the waters. If you will ask of Me,

   I’ll see that it’s provided and given you for free.

Why should you pay for victuals? There isn’t any need.

   You’ll find that I’ll supply them. I’ll quench your thirst indeed!

The “water” I will give you will more than satisfy.

   And when My Spirit fills you, you cannot ever die!

I’ll open wells within you of which you aren’t aware.

   I’ll overflow your spirit in ways that can’t compare,

With anything you’ve ever known. An overwhelming flood,

   Of water of salvation, that’s given by My blood.

Come feast upon My nature; Mine is the life you need.

   Come and ask in confidence; you do not have to plead.

I have a plan to give you a supernatural feast,

   Of everything that’s needed to make of you a priest.

So come into My garden and gather myrrh and spice.

   I give you My assurance you’ll find it very nice!

You won’t be disappointed if you will trust in Me.

   My honeycomb with wine and milk will last eternally.”

So “dine” upon your Saviour. He gives to you His best.

   And those who come and ask of Him, forever will be blessed.

Jim Strickland – written Tuesday, 13 September 2011