PETER TESTIFIES

Time with Jesus - Monday, 16 January 2012

One of the greatest proofs in the existence of God is personal testimony. Provided it is true and not a distortion of the truth, there is nothing that can be said or done to you to negate it.

One of my favourite teachers when I was in Bible School was Dr Ken Stewart. I distinctly remember him teaching on the topic of personal testimony. He gave a classic example of what to say when questioned by non-believers. The two words are “I Believe”; very little can be done with such an answer. “You’re an idiot! God doesn’t exist! This is just your imagination! Don’t tell me that some old book is the Word of God!” What can be done against, “I believe!” How can this be changed? It cannot. How can people come against someone who says, “I’ve seen it!”

Few of us understand the power of a personal testimony. In the book of Revelation we read the following: -¹¹ They won the victory over him (Satan) because of the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony. They didn't love their life so much that they refused to give it up. Rev 12:11 GW Truthful personal testimony is irrefutable.

One of the best known personal testimonies today is that of Rev John Newton. “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind but now I see.” He had been the captain of a slave ship. This great hymn is his personal testimony. We all know it.

You have a testimony. So have I. I know what I was like before He found me. I know how much He has changed me. It is irrefutable. People may not believe me. But I’m in good company. They didn’t believe Jesus either!

Today’s meditation has been compiled as though Peter is addressing people. He is giving his personal testimony concerning what he had seen and knew of Jesus Christ. There are only two possibilities. It is either a pack of lies or it’s the truth. His audience must decide one way or the other. You cannot be neutral regarding personal testimony. You either believe it or not. The decision is yours and yours alone. “Choose ye this day”.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Peter Testifies

High upon the mountain, we saw His glory shine! His person was transfigured, with light from the Divine. Three disciples saw it. James and John and me. Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Man from Galilee. Moses and Elijah spoke with Him that day. And then we heard the voice of God! There isn’t any way, That we could be mistaken. We didn’t see a ghost. We saw Him as the Master of the Angelic Host. For three years we were with Him. We heard Him prophesy. We heard Him speak the words of God and later saw Him die. When he was resurrected, we saw His flesh and bone. This isn’t just a fairy tale, concocted on our own. We know what He intended. We know what He revealed. The fellowship we have with Him can never be concealed. And I am an eye witness and I confirm these things! He wasn’t just a phantom that came to pull our strings! He showed to us His hands and feet. The nail-prints were still there. He even let us touch Him. For in our deep despair, From knowing what had happened, kept us trembling with fear. And this is what He dealt with the moment He came near. My friends, I am not lying. We know He’s coming soon. For that is what He told us on that wondrous afternoon. And that is why I’m talking and telling you the truth. Indeed it surely happened when John was still a youth. But friends I’m getting older. My days are running short; And have responsibility that I should give report, Of all that we experienced. I’ve had it written down, So that you'll have the record, when I have left this town. I know He is Messiah. We saw it all come true. The many words the prophets spoke; they all came into view. You know I was the leader of the little band of men, Whom Jesus called to be with Him. These words I speak are “gen”. I was just a fisherman; and Peter is the name, The Master thought that I should have. I’ll never be the same. Not after being with Him. He gave me life anew. And that is why I’m here today, to tell each one of you, To put your faith in Jesus; and trust Him with your soul. For He knows all about you; and wants to make you whole. Jim Strickland – Written 16th January 2012

ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 15 January 2012

Hi all,

Today’s Scriptures focus on faith. I’m always reticent when it comes to speaking or writing about faith. Unfortunately it’s one of those topics in Christianity which everyone has heard about and has fixed ideas on. Indeed, the “Church” has just passed through a time when “Faith” was taught by all and sundry. Sadly sundry seems to have won the speaking contest and has left many of us down-stream without a paddle.

Before I proceed with this, please allow me to make it clear that Phyllida and I were very much a part of the faith movement. We loved it and learned many lessons that we still regard as invaluable. We are much indebted to men like Jerry Savelle and the Hagin family. That’s where our roots are.

Oddly enough, the best message we heard on faith was in 1982 in Rhema Randburg by Lester Sumrall. He called it “The Trajectory of Life”. The little illustration he gave at the time, lives with us today. He spoke of a young girl standing on the stage. Her father walked up to the stage and said to her, “Come on honey, Jump!” The little girl took one look at her father. Then she ran up to the edge of the stage and leaped into his arms accompanied by shrieks of delighted laughter. A few moments later, Lester tried it out on the little girl. “Come on honey, Jump!” She looked at him, then looked round for her parents. She couldn’t see them. So she looked back at Lester sadly and shook her head. Lester then asked a profound question. He asked us why the little girl didn‘t jump? He was as big as her father and as strong as her father and his arms were just as good. But she wouldn’t jump. “Why?” he asked. His answer was simple. She had no faith in Lester, because she didn’t know him. He then told us that faith was knowing God.

Since that day, Phyllida and I have taught people that faith was not a “commodity” that you can have more or less of. Faith is knowing God. The more we know Him, the more faith we have; and the more we trust Him. We have taught this now for almost 30 years. At times we have been accused of having no faith. Be that as it may, the fact is we have developed a relationship with Him. It may not be all that it could be. But we trust Him to the best of our ability and as the relationship has deepened, so has our trust and thereby faith in Him.

Today’s meditation takes a look at faith from this particular angle. Some of our brothers and sisters may not agree. But that’s fine. Eugene Peterson translates Hebrews eleven verse one as follows: - ¹ The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. Heb 11:1 MSG

This “definition” is a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ. He makes everything in life worth living. It’s not a “magic handle” on getting stuff from God. Who wants “stuff” when we can have Jesus?

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

According to your faith

The big misunderstanding about our “faith” today, Is thinking we can measure it. It doesn’t work that way. The faith we often speak of is a “quality” of God. He is the One Who gives it. It isn’t something odd. It isn’t something that we own; it never will be ours. The Father distributes it, a bit like April showers. There isn’t “lots” or “little” He gives it as He wills. According to His Holy ways the Master comes and fills, Believers with what’s needed; within a circumstance. It’s not a Holy lottery that we can leave to chance. It’s trusting the Lord Jesus for what you think is needed. It never rests upon how much that you have prayed and pleaded. It never does take very much; a mustard seed in me, Could cause a giant sycamore to jump into the sea! The essence is believing that Jesus Christ can do, Everything that’s needed to make the dream come true. “According to your faith”, He said. Not faith in me or you. But trusting only in what Christ, the Lord of Life can do. We cannot generate it. We cannot make it come! It’s not something inflatable. To think that way is dumb! It’s always very simple. It’s like the A B C. It starts and ends with Jesus. It’s His ability. Of course we’d like to do it. Of course we’d like the power. But only He can ever cause the seed to bloom and flower. In fact, if I could do it, why should I trust in Him? Then life would be a fairy tale like those by brothers Grimm! It isn’t fatalism. It isn’t cast in stone. It’s going to the King of Kings and trusting Him alone. A pious Christian guru can never get it done. But when we put our faith in Christ, God’s One and Only Son, Things get into proportion. That’s when we get things right; For only He can ever change the darkness into light. So when we think of having faith, don’t make a big mistake. Don’t run around and punch the air, don’t tremble, scream or shake. There really is no purpose. You cannot bring it on. The pagan priests on Carmel succeeded – not a one! That’s when you ask Him humbly, if He will intervene. It’s not some “quantity of faith” but hope in the unseen! An absolute assurance in what the Lord can do; And not relying on the “faith” you’ve got inside of you. The fact is there is nothing that “faith” can bring about. But when your faith’s in Jesus Christ, the answer’s not in doubt. Jim Strickland – Written Sunday 15th January 2012.

JESUS’ SUFFERINGS

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 14 January 2012

Hi all,

Some two thousand years after Calvary we look back on our history with much unbelief and with little sense of understanding of what took place that day. We shouldn’t! It’s the most important day in human history. Time has bound a sort of cocoon around us. We know what happened, but have heard about it so often we tend to yawn and ask, “What’s for lunch?”

I’m reminded of what General Eisenhower said when the Allied forces came across the concentration camps. He said, “Make sure this is thoroughly documented. Some day in the future some bastard (quote) will say it never happened.” He was right. Many Muslims today believe it is a figment of Western imagination; a concoction to produce sympathy for Israel. They don’t like the truth about the holocaust so they claim it didn’t happen. And that was only 65 years ago.

The late Rev John Stoddard Kennedy, sometimes known as “Woodbine Willie”, wrote a poem during the First World War. He got the nickname from crawling round the trenches at immense personal risk giving cigarettes (Woodbines) and bringing comfort to dying soldiers. Called “Indifference”; I’ve tinkered with it slightly to make it more relevant for today. When I first read it, I wept like a baby. Sometimes I still do!

INDIFFERENCE
When Jesus came to Golgotha, they hanged Him on a tree. They drove great nails through hands and feet, and made a Calvary. They crowned Him with a crown of thorns.  Red were His wounds and deep. For those were crude and cruel days and human life was cheap.	When Jesus came to Randburg, they simply passed Him by. They never hurt a hair of Him.  They only let Him die. For men had grown more tender and they would not cause Him pain. They only just passed down the street and left Him in the rain.	Still Jesus cried, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And still the thunderstorm poured down and drenched Him through and through: The crowds went home, and left Him, to stare at the TV. And Jesus crouched against a wall and wept for Calvary

What disturbs me is that the crucifixion has become little more than an historical event. Oh yes, the recent movie, “The Passion” touched many people. But 10 years later, who remembers it? Very few.

Strangely enough, the Prophet Isaiah described it in fascinating detail. The gospels don’t say much about it. I suspect they were deliberately cautious of conveying incorrect information.

What about you and me? Are we aware of the enormity of what happened? Do we sense the part we played in the drama of that day? “But that was 2000 years ago” I hear people comment. For me it’s much more than just a story. I see myself in almost every character that condemned and crucified Him. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Thanks for that Lord. I need your prayer and protection more than I dare admit.

Our meditation today looks at the Passion of the Christ.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Jesus’ Sufferings

The suffering of Jesus on the day He bled and died, Was more than just a simple case of being crucified! That sort of death was common. Too many died that way. It was a sort of standard death, Rome practised in that day. Many men had been there; they died in agony. So what was extra special when He died for you and me? It wasn’t crucifixion. Though that was bad enough. It was a combination of factors that were tough. The gospels don’t describe it. The prophets made it clear, How much that He would suffer before His death was near! His face was so disfigured, His body was so marred, That He could not be recognised. This fact is very hard, For us to come to grips with. His beard they just ripped out. The pain of going through it. Try it, if you’re in doubt! But that alone was not enough to change how He appeared. It seems they broke His nose and cheeks while people stood and cheered! The crown of thorns upon His head would cause His blood to flow So when the people looked at Him, Who was He? None would know! The whipping and the beating by the Romans was routine. They “qualified” in viciousness and knew what pain could mean. They didn’t have a limit; some men were flogged to death.       And they’d continue flogging Him, until His final breath.

The Roman way of flogging was to carry on and on, Until the victim passed away, or all His strength was gone. They seldom flogged a victim, who would be crucified. They knew that if they did so, too soon he would have died. They would prolong his agony as long as what they could, So wouldn’t flog the victim first. He’d die before he should. How long were people on the cross before they passed away? The records tell us of a man who lingered nine whole days. We know that they flogged Jesus for as much as He could take. They didn’t plan on killing Him. Their “jobs” were all at stake. But when at last they’d finished, the Lord could hardly stand. The cross was far too heavy. That wasn’t what they planned. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to do this for The Lord. He walked behind the cross. He couldn’t do much more. And then they stripped Him naked and nailed Him to that “tree”, For anyone to look at and everyone to see. But no one recognised Him; just as Isaiah said. Beaten, flogged and crucified and left till He was dead. But by this act of dying, the serpent’s head was crushed. And in the self-same process, the Master’s heel was touched. But what no one could understand and no one else could see, Was what was done to Jesus, was meant for you and me! For He was not a sinner. That one was you and I. And it is what we all deserve from God who reigns on high. Jim Strickland – Written Saturday 14th January 2012

DEALING WITH THE ANGRY MAN

Time with Jesus - Friday, 13 January 2012

Hi all,

The majority of people I’ve met do not like confrontation. I’m not too keen on it myself. We want people to like us. In fact we seldom say anything which others may perceive as offensive. So we try to keep a foot in both camps. If Tom and Dick disagree with each other, we don’t want either side to think we are not with them. So we smile and say the “right thing” to both hoping that they won’t check out what we have said to them individually. It’s hypocrisy but we seem to be able to live with it.

We see this sort of thing depicted on many of our TV shows. A group will be discussing something together usually associated with what the boss will do or say. The comments are seldom complimentary. Then, when the boss makes an appearance, we smile politely and suddenly abandon our opinions and go along with the boss. We don’t want to get the boss angry. So we smile at him and pretend that nothing is wrong.

I think this is a fair description of what most people do. We’ve seen it being done from the sidelines. To be honest, I’ve done it myself more times than I care to admit. The problem is fear of the unknown. How many times has your wife said to you, or have you said to your wife, don’t mention that in front of …….. You know how touchy he/she gets when that’s mentioned. So we say nothing.

As husbands and wives we quickly learn what not to say in front of him/her. We begin married life being able to talk about anything and everything. Then, something is said which sparks a bad reaction. So we learn not to speak about that again. It’s helpful to say that we have closed that particular door in a relationship. As we continue to live together, we close more and more doors. Finally we have nothing left to talk about and the marriage fails.

To further complicate this, we find that our spouse gets angry if we keep on coming back to the same thing. In the early days of our marriage, I discovered that if I mentioned something about a particular member of the family, I’d get an angry reaction from Phyllida. Incidentally, she had much the same problem with me! There was a very good recommendation on fireworks. It read, “Light the blue touch paper and stand well back”. So Phyllida and I did our best to keep clear of the “blue touch paper”. If we did, there could be an angry explosion!

The fact remains that we must be able to deal with anger. But how do we do it? Ignoring the problem doesn’t help. We have to learn to do it with tact, patience and humility. We have to learn to be diplomatic in our approach.

What few realise is the Bible has a great deal to say about anger and how to deal with angry people. For instance, what do I say when Phyllida comes home with a new hairdo that looks as though she has been dragged through a bush backwards? I daren’t tell her that it’s hideous. In any case, it’s a perception and we may not agree on this issue. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I’d better stop looking!

But there are ways of dealing with an angry man. As a consultant in the power station industry I’ve had to learn how to deal with touchy clients. Today’s meditation looks at this.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Dealing With The Angry Man

It’s always hard apologising to an angry man! Even coming close to him, could be a “dodgy” plan. You don’t know his reactions. It may be he’ll explode; And dump on you the consequence of his unpleasant load. At times we have to do it. There isn’t any choice. We have to go and say it, to obey the Master’s voice. But they are ways of speaking, which will not make him riled. The danger is for him to think you treat him like a child. So don’t be condescending and try not to be blunt. For that will be disaster, when you and he confront. You’ll find it’s very easy when you give the man a gift. Take responsibility, for your side of the rift. Use the sort of language that he’ll think you’ve told a joke. Don’t intimidate him; He’s not that sort of bloke. Always take the humble route. It very seldom fails. Never try to “hammer him” for he will sense the nails. Do not beat about the bush, but do not be too rash. His anger just might flare up and give your nose a bash. Seek to fix the focus, not so much on what He’s done. For if you do it nicely, the angry man is won. I know this from experience. I know that it sounds weak. But if you do it properly, you’ll come across as meek. But do not ever lie to him. You’ll find that if you do, When the honest truth comes out, he’ll surely turn on you. This little bit of wisdom; please know it isn’t mine. I’ve found the perfect pattern, from Jesus Christ Divine. When the people hurt Him, He didn’t say a thing. Even when the lash of tongues, produced an awful sting. He didn’t answer anger, He gently took it all; Even though all heaven would answer to His call. I know it isn’t easy. It is the humble way. But if you help your brother, you’ll seldom hear him say, That he is disappointed. You won’t provoke his ire. Then, trust in the Lord Jesus, to dispel his angry fire. This tried and trusted method will help your faith increase. You’ll see how very quickly, you’ll have the Lord’s release. You’ll find this fellow’s anger will be under God’s control. Then trust in the Lord Jesus to fill body, mind and soul. Jim Strickland – Written Friday 13th January 2012.