HISTORY’S PANOLPLY

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 12 January 2012

I’ve sometimes wondered if authors have favourite pieces of their own writing. I know I have had the privilege of composing a couple of poems of which I’m particularly fond. My favourite is one called “Come”. It was inspired by the chorus, “Come, now is the time to worship”. It took place at a Ladies Conference in Fish Hoek for Aglow. I came to fetch Phyllida. She had been the speaker on that occasion. I crept in at the back of the audience just before she finished speaking. There had been a couple of brief references to weddings. Then, as the chorus was being sung I had a vision of the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. The vision was breathtaking. Then as I began to meditate on the vision I felt that I was seeing a picture of Jesus’ bride standing at the entrance of a heavenly “church building”. (If such a thing is possible) She was about to walk down the isle and Jesus was standing waiting to receive her. The poem described the preparations, the décor and what I thought was passing through His mind as He looked at her. I’ve attached a copy for your information.

Today’s meditation I suspect will become one of my favourites. The overview of prophetic history and the progressive unfolding of God’s Word to His people touches me deeply. I’ve always believed that God’s revelation of Himself to men and women unfolded over the years as people’s understanding of Himself became apparent. This is not to be misunderstood as a rejection of the inspiration of Scripture. Not at all. I love the way the NIrV translates Paul’s second letter to Timothy. ¹⁵ You have known the Holy Scriptures ever since you were a little child. They are able to teach you how to be saved by believing in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. ¹⁷ By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing. 2 Tim 3:15-17 NIrV. At the same time I’ve always accepted that God would not provide us with more information than we need at the time or our minds would “freak out”.

So I’m blessed when I find Samuel Bagster giving us a progressive revelation from Job to the New Jerusalem. Whether this was deliberate or accidental is unknown. But of this I’m convinced. There are times when men of God record things which may not be Scripture. But they are the promptings of the Holy Spirit leading us to a progressive understanding of His Word. I’d like to think that today’s meditation is included among such writings.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

History’s Panolply

The panoply of history is right before our eyes. From Job, to New Jerusalem. It comes as no surprise, To know that someone’s interested to bring it all in view. In Samuel Bagster’s Evening Light, he shows it all to you. He starts off with a picture of Job upon his bed. Longing for the night to end and wishing he was dead. He doesn’t say it openly, but no one can deny, That what he had experienced would make him long to die. His body covered totally with boils and worms and sores. With pus in an eruption from each one of his pores. How can a man be faithful, when suffering this blight? Not even in the holocaust, did people see this sight. We then move on to Edom, where Esau was their dad. They hated Jacob’s offspring and in many ways were bad. They clapped as they watched Babylon lead Israel away. They smashed their babies on the rocks and said, “Hip Hip Hooray!” But Father God was watching and His righteousness was pained. And when at last He dealt with them, not one of them remained. We read the words that David spoke before he passed away. He wanted his descendants to fear the Lord each day. He told them to rule wisely, with justice and be fair. He said they’d see the light of God and know the Father’s care. Jesus came and told them that His house had many rooms. He’d prepare a place for them and come back very soon. Then all of His disciples for evermore would be,      Living in the home he had prepared especially.

It was the New Jerusalem, in which there was no night. A home for all believers, where God’s glory was the light. They were not to be troubled and not to be afraid. Not to be down-hearted and not to be dismayed. He said they’re children of the light; Yes, children of the day. He would come again to them and never go away. But until it happened, He gave them all His peace. He also had a love for them that would not ever cease. What a lovely picture Bagster “painted” long ago. A picture of how things would change, from what they used to know. A lovely understanding, of progressive revelation. Of God changing the circumstance for each and every nation. Preparing for a future, that forevermore would be, Being with the Saviour in a new eternity. Not of boils and worms and sores, but living in a place, Where they would know the Master and the wonders of His grace. Jim Strickland – Written Thursday 12th January 2012  Come Prayer Lord, what is the picture that You would have me paint. A very special portrait for a very special saint. A picture to bring comfort and help her try to see, What’s about to happen to the one betrothed to Thee. I’d like to try and show her how You feel about Your bride. The keen anticipation You have bubbling inside. I’d like to draw the veil aside so she can take a peek, At all the preparations; and then to ask You, speak To her about the wedding, and of the part she’ll play, So she may get a glimpse of what will happen any day. Answer: See the decorations. See what’s been prepared. Nothings too much trouble. No expenses spared. Look at all the tablecloths. See the fine detail. Everyone a masterpiece on a gigantic scale. Made from purest linen, enhanced with fine damask. Hand stitched by the angels who exalted in their task. Look at all the dinner plates laid out in perfect rows. Fashioned out of diamonds. Observe how each one glows! The goblets on the table, designed to look like bells, Were chiselled out of marble as thin as oyster shells. See, the candelabra, with aromatic oil, Shining like a million suns with light which cannot spoil. The fragrance and the perfume have been carefully selected. There’s only just a trace of it. But it can be detected; Recognised by everyone as what they each prefer, Combined with flower blossoms, and just a hint of myrrh. The seats around the table were specially made for Me; Hand crafted to perfection from solid ebony; Inlaid with polished walnut and rosewood decoration, And scarlet velvet padding for a royal coronation. The room is large and airy. It’s circular in size. No matter where a person sits, they’ll look into My eyes. No matter where a guest may be, each one will sit beside The honoured bridal party, the Bridegroom and My bride. The entertainment’s perfect; The music is sublime; Conducted by an angel and composed by the Divine. The timbre’s soft, yet lilting, to set the heart on fire, Accompanied in harmony by the angelic choir. The Church is a Cathedral. It’s specially designed, To cope with the invited guests. The walls have all been lined With panelling of cedar, upon which has been draped, Tapestries of golden thread, all beautifully shaped, And woven in the texture of pure translucent silk. Exquisite in their artistry, in frames as white as milk. The altar is behind me. I’m standing right beside. My heart is filled with longing. I’m waiting for my bride. I’m filled with expectation and terribly excited. My love is reaching out to her, and with her I’m delighted. The guests have all been seated. The organ has begun To play a Royal Wedding March. I feel I want to run! I want to run and catch you and hold you very tight. I’ve waited, O so very long, and now the time is right I gaze in expectation at the carpet on the floor It stretches right from where I am beyond the Church’s door. It’s coloured red as crimson. Its pile is deep and plush. No one has ever walked on it. Then suddenly, a hush Descends upon the people. The moment has arrived. That instant in eternity for which creation's strived. I hear the trumpet signalling it’s fanfare of delight I lift My eyes and I behold a real breathtaking sight. For, standing in the doorway is the woman of my dreams. The only one I’ve ever loved. The one who truly means Far more to Me than anything or anyone I’ve known. The woman I am longing for to share our Heavenly home. I gaze at her enraptured. She is a stunning sight. She’s wearing a white wedding gown of shimmering, liquid light. It has no spot or wrinkle, or stain of any kind. The outline of its symmetry is perfectly defined. It reaches from her shoulders to just above the ground, Alive with pleats and swirling folds where shadows can’t be found. Her veil is woven gossamer that’s overlaid with lace. It stretches from her coronet, obscuring her shy face. Her bouquet’s made from orchids, white as the driven snow, Which compliment her wedding gown and helps to make it glow. My hands spread out in greeting. My only thought is, “Come!” “Come to Me, My darling!” Her beauty strikes Me dumb! I almost can’t believe it. It’s too much to take in. At last I’m looking at My bride! Here is My next of kin. I hear the music’s playing. She’s walking down the aisle The journey takes forever. It seems a million miles. My heart inside is pounding. It’s beating like a drum And all I want to say to her is, “Come, My darling, Come!” At last she is in front of me. I take her by the hand. We turn and face My Father. In front of Him we stand. “Do you take this woman?” I hear My Father say. “Will You love and honour her, regardless? Come what may? So, in front of everyone, our marriage vows we make. We promise to be faithful and then I gently take The veil that was obscuring her face so I can see An unobstructed vision of the woman made for Me. Now I see her clearly. I gaze into her eyes. The woman I am looking at’s not hard to recognise. Lovelier than sun rise on roses dabbed with dew. The one who takes My breath away; My precious one, it’s you! Can you see the picture? Do you understand, What it is I’m saying as I reach out with My hand? Can you feel the tension of what is in the air? Comprehend what has been done in order to prepare For the special moment when I will take My bride, To live with through eternity - forever by My side? Tell this to My daughter. Tell her what I see. Tell her that I love her. She’s sanctified for Me. Say I’ve been protecting her each moment, every day Smoothing out the obstacles strewn all along the way. Tell her that I see her as a girl of seventeen, Radiant and virginal; the portrait of a queen. Not a spot or blemish; completely wrinkle free. Ultimate perfection personified for Me. Isn’t it fantastic? Isn’t it sublime? Isn’t this a miracle direct from the Divine? Isn’t this the vision that’s coursing through your soul? The thing you have sort after and set up as your goal? For I’ve watched you dreaming and know what you desire. Know you have a love for Me, that’s set your heart on fire. Watched you face life’s problems. Know what you can do. Understand your weaknesses, and I would say to you. Do not be downhearted, bothered or perplexed. I‘ve seen what you’ve been doing, and know what happens next. So, can reassure you, there’s nothing you need fear, For I will take the pain away and dry up every tear. Take courage now My daughter. The wedding has been planned. The invitations have been sent out to all throughout the land. The bridal chamber’s been prepared. The honeymoon is booked. The wedding feast will soon take place. The food is being cooked. There’s nothing left outstanding; no detail left undone. You know that I can hardly wait, and so I bid you, “Come!” Come to me the way you are. Put on your wedding gown. It is robe of righteousness, as soft as eider down. You can’t improve upon it, regardless how you try. I gave it to you as a gift, which money cannot buy. You do not need cosmetics. Your beauty’s not skin deep. Put aside your jewels. The crown I give, you’ll keep. Your hairstyle’s unimportant. A perm, you do not need. And as for your accessories - put them aside, I plead. So, finally, My precious one, to you I am appealing “Come and wear My wedding ring”. I say again with feeling. “Come and join your bridegroom and be My blushing bride.” For this is the inheritance for which you’ve often cried. United with your lover, your husband and your King. To sit with Me in glory and wear My wedding ring. Jim Strickland

LIMERICKS BY VERSE

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 11 January 2012

Yesterday it was two “Jimmets”. Continuing to be different, today’s meditation looks at the seven Scriptures from the Evening Light. What I’ve done is put together seven sections of limericks based loosely on the verses. For convenience they are identified by the horizontal lines that separate the verses.

By the way if you look closely at the limericks you will find that they are actually two lines of eight “beats” to the bar. In a genuine limerick, the first line is cut in half and the end of each line rhymes. e.g.

An old man who lived in the Park;
Liked to Wander around in the dark.

It then has two more two “beat” lines which rhyme. e.g.

He thought he was cute
And tripped over a root

There is then a final three “beat” line which ends with a word which rhymes with the word at the end of the first two lines. e.g.

A great way for making His mark!

The complete limerick is written below.

An old man who lived in the Park;
Liked to Wander around in the dark.
He thought he was cute
And tripped over a root.
A great way for making His mark!

Sadly, most of the limericks I know, I heard as a schoolboy. They are not repeatable in Christian company!

The limericks I’ve included for meditation don’t have a line one and two. They are one continuous line. They are easier to compose because they don’t need three rhyming words.

My style limericks are fun to compose and can convey a Godly message in few words. Hopefully you will enjoy these.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Limericks by Verse

Jim Strickland – Written Wednesday 11th January 2012
All that is within me, come bless His Holy Name, My sins are gone, My slickness, none. I’m like a youth again	He satisfies completely and crowns me with His love. My spirit sings, On eagles wings, About the Lord above.
The Lord who rules the nations says, “Don’t do My people harm. Just Let them go, Or you will know, The power of My right arm!” “For I will surely save them and return them to their land. Where they’ll know peace,	Which will not cease; And then, where will you stand?” “My rest will come upon them and they will know for sure, That I am true, In all I do, For those who’s life is pure!”
Death, I give you notice, for you will lose your threat. I’ll end your reign, And once again, My standards will be met!	That day I will destroy you and life will have no end. My people free, To worship Me, And know Me as their friend!
God’s children are all human. They’re made of flesh and blood. And so, My Son, Was made as one, I’d fashioned from the mud.	But deep within His spirit was dwelling the Divine. His final breath, Defeated death. Now all mankind is Mine!
There are no limitations on those who trust in Me. They’ll walk in light, Though it be night. My children they will be.	But those who walk in darkness and live in blatant sin, Will sadly find, That they are blind, And lose instead of win!
The way that you were living is finished and is dead. If He’s in you, You’ll always do, That which the Lord has said.	When Jesus Christ is living in you and fills your soul, His life will be, Continuously, Your one and only goal!
The Lord will bring His vengeance on those who don’t respond. But by His grace, He will embrace, And He will form a bond; With those who wish to serve Him. But those who turn Him down, Will find that they,	Will have to pay, When He comes back to town. So let this testimony be what we all declare. He honours those, Whom Christ has chose. Love Him and join us there!

SONNETS – HOUSES AND CAPTIVES

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 10 January 2012

Just to be different I’ve compiled two “Jimmets” (Sonnets with the same rhyming style as Shakespeare) Two aspects are dealt with as per the Scriptures for today. The first is all about building a house for God. This is where we have a paradox. Heaven is too small to contain God. Yet we are told He has chosen to live within the “heart” of a Christian. I suppose it’s a bit like pouring the Atlantic Ocean into a teacup. But we are told that with God all things are possible. Whether he makes the ocean smaller, or the cup bigger or both, remains open for discussion.

The second one is all about Jesus ascending and leading captives in His train. This is a quotation from Psalm 68:18. But in the KJV we are told that He took captivity captive. Now far be it from me to quibble with Scholars concerning which translation is correct. However I had a look at John Gill’s commentary and he suggests an alternative understanding which rather appeals to me.

We know that in days of old the victors would lead the way into their city with the leaders of the losing nation or city in chains. Very often these captives were then executed. But what if it was the jailhouse in which they were confined that was led captive. Then captivity would indeed be held captive. So for fun, I’ve suggested that what Jesus led captive was the prison in which the Old Testament Saints were confined. That would be a wonderful example of Jesus taking captivity captive. No longer would it then be possible for Satan to keep the Old Testament Saints locked up!

Have a look at what I’ve written in today’s meditation. See if you don’t like the idea as much as I do.

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.

Sonnets – Houses and Captives

      A House for God

Where do you think the Father aught to live?

In some gigantic, ornate house of brick?

What sort of honour should His servants give?

Should absolute obedience do the trick?

We have such strange ideas concerning God.

We think his home should be a bit like ours.

But such an understanding seems quite odd

That He Who made the all creatures, trees and flowers

Should want a habitation, we can see.

How can eternity be fastened down

In something like the gross monstrosity,

That we can find erected in a town

There’s no container that the human mind

Can fabricate, where God could be confined

         -oOo-

Jim Strickland - Written 10^th January 2012

Captivity Held Captive

When Jesus Christ ascended up on high,

We’re told that He took captives in His train.

But when we care to look up to the sky,

The question of “Who were they?” Still remains.

Who were these captives and what did they do?

Were these some demons to put on display?

If that’s the case we need to ask just who,

They were and where they are today?

But what if these were places that contained

The spirits of the men of God of old.

The ones who by the devil were constrained,

But now are free to join the Master’s fold?

A place like this where once captivity

Held captives, which the Lord has now set free

          -oOo-

Jim Strickland - Written 10th January 2012

PRIORITIES

Time with Jesus - Monday, 09 January 2012

Hi all,

The Martha/Mary situation is widely known in Christian and other circles. What took place is difficult to understand outside the context of the male and female roles of the Jewish people of those days. To some extent African culture is similar in that domestic work was primarily done by the women. This is perhaps best illustrated with reference to what took place when men, women and children travelled from one place to another

To illustrate this, think of the journey that was made by Jesus, Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Jerusalem for Jesus’ Bar-mitzvah. The women and children would leave Nazareth and travel to the place where they would stop for the night. The women would then pitch the tents and prepare a meal for the men. The men would leave Nazareth later, after the women had departed. The idea was to arrive at the campsite in time to have the evening meal together. Before his bar-mitzvah a boy was regarded as a child and would travel with his women. After his bar-mitzvah he was considered a man and would travel with the men. A little thought about this custom helps us understand how and why Jesus was “lost” on the return journey.

In those days the women were the homemakers and this was fairly rigidly applied. The role of women in today’s Muslim countries gives us an understanding of the role Mary and Martha would have been expected to follow when guests arrived. The behaviour of Martha confirms this. However, Mary did not follow suit. We are not told why. We do know that Jesus’ attitude to women was more tolerant than was customary in those days. It’s been said that He was one of the first male advocates of gender equality. I suspect that this is true.

So Jesus was not offended when Mary sat and listened to Him teach. Martha however was irritated by what she saw as Mary leaving the work to her. Furthermore, Jesus did not rebuke Mary for laziness. What He did was comment on priorities. Both ladies were right and both should have been busy preparing for the evening meal. But Jesus indicated that this could have taken place later. They could have both listened to Him teaching. Then they could both have proceeded with the preparations for the evening meal.

Today we all have problems with priorities. It’s essential that we all establish what they are and respond accordingly. This is needed by all of us today in our busy lives.

This morning’s meditation looks at this in more detail.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

PO Box 1694, Randpark Ridge, 2156, South Africa.

Priorities

Priorities! Priorities! We make them every day. To rush around the kitchen, or what does Jesus say? We fluster like a housewife, getting everything prepared. But sitting at the Master’s feet; for that she isn’t spared. A meal was in the making. She had to make the bread. But what was more important, was what the Master said! The Mary/Martha saga we all know very well. Mary chose to listen. Martha couldn’t tell, That she was too preoccupied with incidental things. When she could have been hearing the Lord; The King of Kings. The problem was her gender and the things which women do. She couldn’t pause a moment, to hear His words so true. In fact she was offended, with her sister sitting there. “I think she should be helping. There’s dinner to prepare.” But Jesus answered, “Martha where’s your priority? The dinner could come later. You could sit here with me! Put aside anxiety and madly fussing round. If you would come and listen, I’m sure you would have found, Time to do the housework and hear me teach as well. Mary did the right thing, as time will surely tell. This attitude of Martha was certainly not wrong. The dinner must be perfect and satisfy the throng. But Martha’s inner spirit would not be satisfied. No mater how she worked for Him it could have been denied. We need to pay attention, if we’re to here Him speak. We may long for the water, until we’re feeling weak. We may be parched and thirsty and longing for God’s Word. But if we are too busy, His voice will not be heard. The place where we are living could be dry as dry can be. But Jesus has a sustenance that very few can see. He gives us living water; He gives life’s daily bread. He gives us all that’s needed, to do what He has said! So when we’re feeling hungry and we’re longing for a meal. The Lord will fill our belly, with a bread that is more real, Than anything the baker could lay upon your plate. And Jesus’ living water, will more than satiate. So let us set our focus, on the sustenance we need. Alter our priorities and ask the Lord to feed, Us with His living water; and bread from up above. And we will be abounding in all the Master’s love. It’s all in our priorities and that which we decide. A life of mad activity or sitting by His side. Jim Strickland – Written Monday 9th January 2012.