THE THRONE OF GRACE

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 18 December 2011

Hi all,

Today’s Scriptures are filled with the goodness of God. He has done so much for us and we can do so little for Him. That sounds contradictory. It isn't. One of my favourite preachers describes us as “monsters of iniquity”. That is true before He gives us His righteousness. So from the point of view of the Scripture, we are sons and daughters of the Most High God. Sometimes it seems to me that His righteousness is only a sort of spiritual veneer. Certainly when I look back over my life, the expression “monster of iniquity” seems far more appropriate. But in some incredible way, Jesus transforms me into being what I could never be without Him.

We have a wonderful word in English that describes what He has done. The word is grace. Do I understand grace? Not really. Does anybody really understand grace? I’m not sure. It isn’t something you understand. It’s something He gives us. It’s His gift of grace which transforms someone from a monster of iniquity into a child of the Living God. How? I haven’t a clue. It’s not something we earn or deserve. It’s a free gift!

Hebrews 4:16 seems to take grace one step further. “So let us boldly approach the throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it” We are invited to come before the throne of God. He calls it the throne of grace. This is where we really need His righteousness. Without His righteousness, the Holiness and Purity of God would destroy us. Nothing sinful can come into God’s presence. It would be completely annihilated.

Now we are told that we can come before the throne of grace boldly. To do so without His righteousness is impossible. Even with His righteousness, I must confess that I feel a bit intimidated. This is no tin-pot man imagined god that we humans seem to be able to concoct with our minds. This is the Creator of the Universe. You don’t get on the wrong side of God and survive. At the same time, He is the One extending the invitation!

Our meditation today reflects on the throne of grace and is an attempt to express in English something of the exhilaration and awe of such an occasion.

Please forward my poetry to others you think would enjoy it. All I ask is that it is not used for commercial purposes

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

The Throne of Grace

It’s time to get excited; it’s time for being bold. For entering the throne room, with confidence untold. The reason we can do this, is purely by His grace. For if He had not given it, we daren’t come near this place! And so because of Jesus, we overflow with joy. For if He hadn’t done it, we’d still be Satan’s toy. And so instead of worrying, we worship God Most High. We talk to Him of everything. He is “the reason why”. We thank You Lord for listening and “lending us an ear”; For You have made it possible, for us to enter here. Your grace is supernatural; its by-product is peace. Its value is eternal and doesn’t wane or cease. It guards the inmost being, The heart; the soul; the mind. So we say, “Abba Father” You’re merciful and kind. Lord Jesus, I’m your brother! I’m an adopted son! A member of Your family, in spite of all I’ve done. And You have told us plainly that nothing is concealed.      Nothing’s done in secret; it’s openly revealed.

Some folk try to hide it, but it’s a waste of time. Jesus Christ will publish every Christian’s crime. So when we come and seek You, you’re never far away. You entered the Most Holy Place, our sins are void today. No wonder we have confidence; Your blood has washed us clean! You’ve opened up a living way, where none of us had been. You made a declaration, the doorway’s open wide. So we have full assurance, where grace and truth abide. Our consciences are sprinkled and cleansed from sin and stain. Our sins have all been pardoned; we have been born again. And we hold on unswervingly, to that which we profess. A hope that never falters; a faith which You can bless. You’re our Priest in Heaven; the Son of God Most High. The One Who made it possible, for us to all draw nigh. The One Who has instructed us, that we must carry on. Be faithful and be diligent, until this world is gone. Be diligent and never turn away from confrontation. But constantly forgiving those who seek the Lord’s salvation. Helping fellow travellers; and spur them on each day! Until our life is over and we come home to stay. Jim Strickland – Written 18th December 2011

PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 17 December 2011

Hi all,

Attached herewith, please find a copy of my latest Daily Light Meditation in rhyme and metre.

The people of God are divided into two camps. I’m referring to Bible believing Christians, not denominationalists and Roman Catholics. There are many beautiful born again, Bible Believing Christians in both. I am of course referring to Evangelicals and Charismatics. The division usually centres on the work of the Holy Spirit in the 21^st century. Generally speaking, evangelicals believe that gifts of the Holy Spirit were no longer required after the apostles died and the New Testament was in the hands of the Church. These beautiful Christian men and women believe that the Bible is the Word of God. They believe in the inerrancy of Scripture and seek to live life as best they can in terms of Scripture. Generally they are well versed with the Old and New Testaments. In the main, experiences tend to be mistrusted. Indeed, they are inclined to say, “The Word says it; that settles it; I believe it. This group of people have much to be commended. To a large extent it is from this group of people that most of the evangelistic work of the 19^th and early 20^th century was carried out.

Generally, the Charismatic movement began early in the 20^th century and gave birth to modern Pentecostalism. This group believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are alive and well today. They tend to be experiential and believe that the gifts did not cease with the receipt of the New Testament. There is evidence to suggest that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have been active throughout the past 2000 years in small pockets of born again Bible believing Christians. These men and women have been heavily persecuted by the church. Charismatics have faults primarily because of the way the gifts are abused. In some respects, many of the same excesses which prompted Paul to write his first letter to the Corinthians, is apparent today.

Personally, I believe that both streams need to be together. The Charismatics need the Biblical knowledge of the evangelicals. Likewise, the Evangelicals need the spontaneity of the Charismatics. My wife and I claim to be both. Charismatic-evangelicals,

This introduction is necessary because today’s Scriptures and meditation looks at the prayer in the Holy Spirit and leans more toward the Charismatic position. And yet, having said that, there is also a thread of the evangelical position.

The verse and rhyme content from previous days can be seen on my blog – http: //jimnphyllida.blogspot.com

Please forward my poetry to others you think would enjoy it. All I ask is that it is not used f or commercial purposes

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT

O Lord we come and pray to You, “Revive us once again. We need to turn once more to You for all our hopes are vain. O Lord of Heaven‘s Armies; please make Your face shine down. Salvation is in no one else, in any earthly town. Please send Your Holy Spirit; in Him alone is life. Only speak Your Living Word and end our earthly strife. We are all weak and helpless; we don’t know how to pray. But when Your Spirit dwells in us, He knows just what to say. We do not understand Him; His prayers are far too deep; And when He groans inside us, those prayers are never cheap. He knows our hidden motives; He knows what makes us tick. To try and do without Him; that thought makes us feel sick. Please come now Holy Spirit; Please come and intercede. We cannot cope without You; You are the Lord indeed. You know the circumstances; You know what’s going on. And when Your Spirit in us prays; The problems are all gone! In every situation Lord, we all make this request. Help us pray for others, so that they may be blessed. Help us change our focus and help us be alert. How can we make a difference; if with this world we flirt? Our flesh is not important; it will all pass away. It’s only in the Spirit Lord, we benefit today. And Lord the words You’ve spoken, alone can give us life. No other factors matter; they only cause us strife. O Father, by Your Spirit, You’ve caused us all to be, Competent as ministers, of something new and free. A wonderful new covenant, inscribed upon our hearts; Where, by Your Holy Spirit, a brand new life now starts. A life that’s filled with Jesus, Your Spirit and with You. Where we can hear the Words You say and do what we should do. A special place for meeting; a home where we can be, Constantly united in love eternally; Talking with the Living God and knowing You will hear, The prayers that we are praying Lord, for You are always near. And we will call You Father; Your Holy Name we’ll praise; Your Spirit will empower us to speak of Jesus’ ways. How else can we be faithful? How else can we be true? Unless the Holy Trinity is Lord of all we do.” Jim Strickland – Written 17th December 2011

SONS OF THE DIVINE

Time with Jesus - Friday, 16 December 2011

Hi all,

Attached herewith, please find a copy of my latest Daily Light Meditation in rhyme and metre.

Writing about Jesus in the first person is always a problem. It suggests you have some hotline to Heaven, that enables you to do so. Is this superstition? I really can’t say. I remember the days of my youth when actors were playing the part of Jesus in various films. It always made me feel uncomfortable. How could anyone portray Jesus? Not me!

Some years later and as a fledgling poet, I found that sometimes it was necessary to put words into the mouth Jesus. How was I to avoid the charge of blasphemy? There was not and still is not an easy answer to this. All that can be done is to adhere to the dialogue in the Scripture as closely as possible and try not to include any inference that is not in the Scripture. So it is with some trepidation that I submit this poem with a prayer that if there is anything contained herein that might lead someone astray, please bear in mind I’m human and am trying to give the best interpretation I can. I’m not teaching doctrine, but presenting a possible scenario.

In the poem, I suggest that John 17, usually referred to as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, took place in the courtyard of the temple. There is no evidence that I know of that would support or contradict this suggestion. We know that He prayed this prayer after leaving the upper room and before crossing the Kedron. We also know that the gates of Herod’s temple included a reference to the vine. (Israel saw itself as God’s vine) It seems they had forged something from metal which was a permanent part of the gate itself.

In John 15, Jesus begins a dialogue about the vine. He says I am the true vine. It seems likely that he spoke these words while looking at the ornamental vine on the temple gates. In support of this we know that the route from the upper room to Gethsemane would have taken them past the temple.

If my conclusion is correct, the importance of the prayer takes on a deeper significance. It would be our High Priest praying for His Church in the place where He would have been expected to be before He ascended. (A building rather then in people) It would be a sort of “earthly rehearsal” of His High Priestly role in the Heavenly Tabernacle.

Some of the other words attributed to Jesus in the poem are assumptions based on what we know took place in Gethsemane. They are intended to increase the tension of the situation to our understanding. They may not be correct, but my intention is to present a scenario that seems both logical and Scriptural.

The meditation looks at the journey from the Upper Room to Gethsemane. I pray it will be beneficial to those who read it.

The verse and rhyme content from previous days can be seen on my blog – http: //jimnphyllida.blogspot.com

Please forward my poetry to others you think would enjoy it. All I ask is that it is not used for commercial purposes

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

PO Box 1694, Randpark Ridge, 2156, South Africa.
14 Conduit St, Jo'burg North, 2153, South Africa - Tel 011 462 4061 - Neotel 011 023 4560
Jim 082 755 8872 - Phyllida 082 574 0750 – Fax 086 531 4962

phyllida@telkomsa.net ; - jim.s@telkomsa.net – ejsnpbs@gmail.com

P. S. If you would like to be removed from the circulation list please return the message with the instruction "unsubscribe" I will do so as soon as possible.

Sons of the Divine

Just before the Passover, so many years ago.

I knew what would soon happen. In truth it scared me so.

It wasn’t crucifixion; I knew there would be pain.

But taking on the wickedness and all the evil stain,

Of all the consequences of mankind’s dreadful sin!

The prospect of that happening - and yet I had to win!

I had to take on Satan; I had to smash his power!

There surely was no other way for me to take the hour.

And here were My disciples looking unto Me!

No one comprehended that which soon would be.

I told them that I loved them; their feet I washed and dried.

They didn’t get the picture, no matter how they tried.

Consumed with self importance; they didn’t understand!

Vying for position - to sit at My right hand!

We celebrated Passover and Judas went his way.

“What you must do, do quickly!” Was all that could I say.

When we’d eaten supper, here are the words I said.

“Eat my broken body”; and then I broke the bread.

I took the special vessel; it’s called Messiah’s cup.

“My blood, poured out for many, drink anytime you sup.”

We quickly left the upper room and we were on our way.

My destiny was calling. I needed time to pray!

We went into the temple; the courtyard was the place.

I had to talk to Father about them face to face.

There wouldn’t be another chance to talk about the vine.

And give the reassurance that all of them were mine.

The time was quickly over, though we would all have stayed.

We crossed the Kedron Valley. Soon I would be betrayed.

The quiet of Gethsemane; with all its olive trees.

It silently was beckoning and brought me to my knees.

“O Father if it’s possible, please take this cup away.

But most of all I want Your will”, was all that I could pray.

I prayed in desperation. My tears became a flood.

In grim determination My tears were mixed with blood.

Then finally it happened. My pain was turned to peace.

I knew it was My destiny and with it came release.

I had to keep My focus on what lay just ahead.

Submission to this agony would surely raise the dead!

I knew that it was certain. The things they did to me,

Would bring the world salvation and set My people free.

Free to love each other, with a love that is like Mine,

Willingly and totally, as sons of the Divine.

Jim Strickland – Written 16^th December 2010

DOING GOD’S WORD

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 15 December 2011

Hi all,

The last couple of days I’ve had problems with my ADSL. So if you wonder where my email has been, ask Telkom. They have been here to fix the problem; but still no connection. Have asked my computer specialist to call in and do what needs doing.

Today we are looking at what is meant when we say, ² I am now controlled by the law of the Holy Spirit. That law gives me life because of what Christ Jesus has done. It has set me free from the law of sin that brings death. Rom 8:2 NIrV

It’s something I struggled with for a long time. I couldn’t understand how anything could set me free from the requirements of God’s Holy law. But then I’m not a lawyer so it was to be expected. In the end the penny dropped. My understanding is shared in today’s meditation.

The verse and rhyme content from previous days can be seen on my blog – http: //jimnphyllida.blogspot.com

Please forward my poetry to others you think would enjoy it. All I ask is that it is not used for commercial purposes

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

P. S. If you would like to be removed from the circulation list please return the message with the instruction "unsubscribe" I will do so as soon as possible.

DOING GOD’S WORD Some Christians get a big surprise when hearing of Christ’s law. They say if He has set us free, what is it put there for? And what about the liberty wherewith we are set free? How can a bunch of ancient rules still hover over me? The question’s not invalid, but don’t misunderstand. The regulations He has made, are His Divine command. The Lord’s commands are higher than the law of death and sin. So if you are a Christian, He’s helping you to win. The law says, “Do no murder”; and that’s how it should be. But when you love your neighbour, you will live “murder free”. You will not want to cheat him. To him you’ll only do, The things you want your neighbours, to likewise do to you. Another way to look at it, is think of gravity. You say you are a Christian, but there’s no liberty, To step off some high building and think you will not fall. The law of gravity applies, to all things large or small. And yet there is another one that’s used by aeroplanes. Provided you go fast enough the wings bring lift in range. You’re not defeating gravity it’s just a higher law. An aeroplane that goes too slow will fall down to the floor. Now Jesus and His Spirit don’t set God’s Law aside. In fact you will embrace them, not run away and hide. You won’t commit adultery and you will never steal. Because of what’s inside of you. His presence is so real, You will not even want to do a deed to violate, Another person’s property or harm their marriage mate. Of course it isn’t easy. Temptation’s all around. But freedom in Christ Jesus is where your strength is found. The Holy Spirit’s power, will tell you not to do, The thing that’s Satan’s messengers are bringing unto you. You do not have to listen. You do not have to hear, Or give co-operation to that which they bring near. Resist him and he’ll flee from you, is what God’s Word has said. So do not leaving him hanging, somewhere around your head! Now, can we see the picture, of how to beat the law, Of sin and death, or anything that would defeat your score? Just ask the Holy Spirit or Jesus to direct, And they will show you what to do to always be correct. Jim Strickland – Written 15th December 2011

PRAISE THE LORD IS NOT A MYTH

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Hi all,

Attached herewith, please find a copy of my latest Daily Light Meditation in rhyme and metre.

Today’s Scriptures focus on praising the Lord. This is one aspect of Christian life today we hear a lot about but seldom bother with.

Thirty years ago it was different. There were a number of books written on this subject. One of the most popular was called, “There’s Dynamite in Praise”. I’m not sure who wrote it. When I scratch back in my memory box, I think it was Don Gosset. But I may be wrong. The person who seemed to be leading this move of God was “Merlyn Carothers” (Spelling may not be correct) A “catch phrase” from those days was, “There are two times to praise the Lord. A) When you feel like it and B) When you don’t.”

In some respects, the praise movement “kick started” the “What you say is what you get” movement. I was taught to praise the Lord continually and to start to thank the Lord that I had received what I had asked Him for.

Those were the days when we were taught never to make a negative confession. In addition we were taught that to exercise faith we should repeat what we believed over and over until it happened. The comment was, “Confession precedes possession”. I remember doing this myself. Finally it became a sort of mantra. In the end I got what I wanted. But there were unfortunate ramifications that were associated with it. The expression is “Leanness of soul” an alternative translation to “a wasting disease” quoted in the Psalm 106. ¹⁴ In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test. ¹⁵ So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease among them. Psalm 106:14-15 TNIV

There are times when God will grant you your request only because you continually “belly-ached” for it. The best example is King Saul. The people wanted a king so they could be like other nations. In the end it seems that God said to them, “You want a king? You got one! Try this one for size”  That’s the Scriptural principle.

There was another teaching which appeared to contradict the “confession technique”. The teaching was that if you asked God twice for the same thing, you were exercising unbelief. In my opinion this is just as bad as inventing a mantra to get what you wanted. What Phyllida and I have found is that God requires truth from His children. Not superstition or manipulative tactics designed to get God to give you something.

For today’s meditation I thought it was time for a change. So I put together 2 “Jim style” sonnets. One asks the question, when is it the right time to praise the Lord. Springing out of this, is a second “Jim style” sonnet which asks the question raised by many unbelievers. They say God is a myth. So I’ve tried to identify with this comment and have written accordingly.

TIME TO PRAISE THE LORD

The time for Christians to praise the Lord.

Is not something that can be written down.

How can we state when God should be adored.

Or think a time of day would make Him frown?

For praise is not just singing a few words.

It cannot be a system men design.

It isn’t what we do which makes us heard.

He makes Himself available each time,

To even think He doesn’t is absurd.

The best time is when life seems far too tough.

He knows precisely all that has occurred.

And how we try to cope when things are rough.

But if we praise Him through the thick and thin,

You’ll find He always causes us to win!

Jim Strickland – written 14^th December 2011

-oOo-

PRAISE THE LORD IS NOT A MYTH

 GOD IS NOT A MYTH

Thank You Lord for all You’ve caused to be;

There’s nothing man can handle on his own.

So each time You act, Your Majesty

Is magnified and all Your glory shown!

Why is it that we lose our trust in You,

When we cannot tell you are around?

Is there something that we fail to do,

That makes us think Your presence can’t be found?

Many think that You are just a myth.

Why is it that the God Who reigns on high,

Tolerates and seems to put up with

Silly people? Men who have to die!

None of us can answer. How can we?

None of us possess Thy Deity!

Jim Strickland – written 14^th December 2011

-oOo-