LIGHT AND DARKNESS

Time with Jesus - Friday, 03 February 2012

Hi all,

The story of creation is laughed at by many scientists. Liberal Christians tell us it should not be taken seriously. They claim it is a “Fairy Story”, written for ignorant people. Well, if that’s what you believe, “good luck” to you. They say that in a couple of million years, you may evolve into something better. But they don’t know what it is.

Among Christians, opinion is divided. Some believe it took place in a literal 7 day 24 hour period. If that’s your opinion, I’m not going to fight with you. Others believe that since the word “day” is translated from the Hebrew Word “Yom”, the length of time of each “day” may be different in each case. As I’ve heard stated, “The day of the horse and cart is over” does not mean a 24 hour interval.

Followers of the “gap” theory, suggests that there is an interval between Genesis 1:1 and Gen 1:2. Thus the creation account from Gen 1:2 onward is a “recreation” rather than a creation. Of course they may be correct. My problem with this is that it doesn’t account for the initial “creation”. If God’s Word is perfect, how can there have been a creation followed by a recreation which God describes as a Creation?

There is a fact that we must establish before we speak of creation. Did God create time and space? If not, it means they existed before Him. In other words, God lives in time and space. If so, how is it He doesn’t age like you and me? You cannot be eternal if you dwell in time and space. However, if time and space dwells in God, He can be eternal. In other words, God created time and space.

So how come it isn’t included in the creation account? If we bear in mind that God is Spirit, it follows that He creates in and from the spirit. Furthermore, there is an account of God creating time and space. Einstein gave us the clue. [E=mC² (Energy = Mass X speed of light squared)]

We know that mass can be converted to energy and vice versa. This takes place at the speed of light squared. The atom bomb proves this. Now God is infinite power; infinite energy. So if He creates light, He has the two things necessary to make mass. In other words, when God created light, simultaneously everything in our universe could also be created. We know that it was.

So the creation of light is what started our universe ticking. This will continue to happen until He says “Stop”! Thus the universe continues to expand at the speed of light! Now I can believe in a God Who is able to do this! This is no little tin pot deity! This is the Infinite, Everlasting and Omnipotent God.

If you feel like throwing your hands up in despair at all this scientific gobbledegook, you really don’t need to worry. I have no idea how mobile phones work. All I can do is make calls and send text messages. But I still use the thing. It’s the same with creation theory. All we need to know is God created everything!

For the purpose of today’s meditation, this understanding is written into the poetry. You don’t have to accept it or believe it. It really doesn't matter. Jesus Christ matters. He is the main consideration.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Light and Darkness

A little light is quite enough to drive away the dark. The darkness doesn’t like it; and just one tiny spark, Is quite enough to send it galloping away; Running helter skelter, to escape the light of day. Of course, it’s not surprising, for Jesus Christ is light. In Him there is no darkness that’s hiding from our sight. And though we’ve lived in darkness, this fact we know is true. That in the blackest darkness, He can see me and you. I find it rather difficult to really comprehend; That light expels the darkness. A tiny dot will send, The darkness to another place. I think it’s rather odd. Until I start to understand the brilliance of God. Before there was creation, there was no time or space. There was no light or darkness; nor was there any place, For anyone to put it. No tiny micro-dot; Or anything the scientists could dream about or spot. So saying there was nothing, may baffle us a tad. There’s nothing less than nothing. The concept drives us mad. How can we speak of nothing? It makes the mind go “tilt” For if there isn’t anything, from what was all this built? I hesitate to say that it was somewhere in God’s heart. Somewhere in the Spirit realm, in which we have no part. But what was the “material” that God Almighty used? The universe from nothing? It makes me feel confused. One word and it all happened. The Lord God said, “Light be” And from that first commandment, came everything we see. So in the great creation, of time and light and space, The Lord God was the brilliance and darkness found its place. The Lord knew it would happen. He did it anyway. And that became the origin of night as well as day.    (Gen 1:4-5) But which one is the greatest? It cannot be the night. For darkness always runs away the moment that it’s light. And since the Lord is Master in all of space and time. The chance of darkness winning? – It isn’t worth a dime! So darkness is defeated, when Jesus Christ comes near. The fact is, if the truth be known, it runs away in fear! For Jesus Christ has conquered; the dark is overcome. And Christians can follow in the Light of God’s own Son. Jim Strickland – Written Friday 3rd February 2012

THE SERVANT PRIEST

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 02 February 2012

Hi all,

We all know that Jesus Christ is our Prophet, Priest and King. We also know that He came here as a servant. We are mostly familiar with the chorus, “The Servant King” by Graham Kendrick.

If you ask any Christians they will tell you that we are supposed to be like Jesus. We are supposed to serve one another and see others than better than ourselves. Mark puts it as follows: - ⁴² Jesus called the apostles and said, "You know that the acknowledged rulers of nations have absolute power over people and their officials have absolute authority over people. ⁴³ But that's not the way it's going to be among you. Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant. ⁴⁴ Whoever wants to be most important among you will be a slave for everyone. Mark 10:42-44 GW For the majority of us, this is not the way we behave. Self importance and ambition tend to persuade us to put this so far behind on the back burner that it is just about falling off. The theory is nice. But let others do so.

Jesus is quoted in Matthew 11 as telling us that ¹¹ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Mat 11:11 ESV the one who is the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John. This Scripture has been grossly misquoted and misunderstood. Every teaching I’ve heard has said that a New Testament Christian is better than John the Baptist. In other words, you and I are greater than John the Baptist. As usual, we have put self-importance and ambition above the clear meaning of Scripture.

Jesus was saying to His disciples, “The Servant of all is the greatest in the Kingdom of God.” Jesus Christ came as the servant of all. There is no doubt that in God’s Kingdom, He is the greatest of all. But it is possible to emulate Jesus. We must seek to be everyone’s servant. Sure, Jesus is a “hard act” to follow. But it’s His level of servant-hood that makes us better than others. The way up in God’s Kingdom is always down. So to become “better” than you, I must be your servant.

God’s Kingdom does not have a “pecking order”. It has a “serving order”. If you or I are able to be a greater servant than Jesus Christ was, then we will be greater in God’s Kingdom than He is. So if you have a vision for greatness in God’s Kingdom, start serving others. In some respects, the late Mother Theresa got it right. Her “secret” was to lovingly serve others. She did exactly that. “But she wasn’t a Christian!” I hear people say. Be that as it may. She certainly did what God’s Word tells us all to do. Become the servant of all.

Today’s meditation looks at being a Servant priest. Are you a servant priest? Am I?

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

The Servant Priest

Men thrive on self importance and everything they’ve done. Many are called ministers, but don’t obey God’s Son. They look at other people, as though they are not there. And when it is convenient, they scream and yell and swear. O Lord it is so easy to carry on this way. I know that I was doing it and am ashamed to say; Just like the apostles I’ve thought, “I am the best!” Look at what God’s given me! It proves that I am blessed!” But there has been an emptiness, which blessings cannot fill. An absence of Your presence. O Lord where is the thrill, Of beautiful relationship? At times my heart’s felt dead. O Lord, where is the promise of being Spirit led? My brother and my sister, does this apply to you? Someone who is struggling to do and do and do? Is everything mechanical? Are you behind a mask? And what has happened to the joy behind your daily task? My friend, I’ve been there often. It is a path well trod. A path that takes you everywhere, except to Father God. Perhaps you cannot see the way through all the many tears, That you have shed while seeking Him, throughout your former years? Is this perhaps a “somewhere” you know you’ve often been? Are you feeling dirty? Your memories unclean? Like the twelve apostles are you fighting to be top? My brother and my sister, now is the time to stop. It isn’t very easy. But Jesus showed the way. Make yourself contented, with Jesus every day. Status isn’t anything. He didn’t make a fuss. He Who made the Universe became a one of us! He didn’t cling to privilege; He made Himself a slave; Who’d think that the Creator would do something so brave? And then the crucifixion. It shakes me to the core! For You have said so clearly, there isn’t any more, That You could do for sinners. “It’s finished” You have said. And finally, to cap it all, You came back from the dead. You did all this for people. O Lord, it’s upside down. You did it so that wicked men could also wear Your crown. You showed us by example we must become the least. Honour other people; become a servant priest. There are not many people at the bottom of the pile. So go ahead and join them; Be with them for a while! Remember I have promised that you will be My bride. You’ll sit with Me in Glory; forever at My side. So when you’re serving tables and have to clean the loo.  (Means toilet in SA) You’re getting a promotion that’s perfect; just for you. You do not have to like it. Just do it all the same. And you will know the glory, of serving in My Name. Jim Strickland - Written Wednesday 2nd February 2012

GOD’S RIGHTEOUS STANDARDS

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 01 February 2012

Hi all,

The only Righteousness a Christian possesses is that which has been given to him in Christ. This is one of those things we’ve heard about but don’t really understand. Paul writes, ²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21 TNIV

As I read and come to terms with this, I’m compelled to believe that God has made me righteous. Many years ago, Dr Ken Stewart put it as follows. Jesus had all the righteousness and we had all the sin. Then we traded. He got our sin and we got His righteousness. It may sound very unfair. But God is not “fair”. Fairness is a human expression and does not apply to God. There’s nothing fair about the first being last and the last being first. There’s nothing fair about him taking our sinfulness and giving us His righteousness. He does it by grace; and grace is seldom “fair”.

God chose to do this. He didn’t have to do it. He didn’t need to do it. His infinite grace welled up and as a result we traded. So in some inexplicable way, in Him I have been made righteous. Don’t blame me for this. God did it and I’m not complaining.

I must confess that in those early days, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t feel like it, look like it or behave like it. If anyone had asked me if I was righteous, I would have said, “No Way!” None of that has changed. But since then I’ve learned to lean more and more on Jesus Christ. I like to put it this way. I may look like a cheap and nasty old fiddle. But the Lord tells me I’m a Stradivarius. The music I play sounds terrible. The strings are broken and the bow is twisted and bent. Then Jesus picks me up and begins to play the very music of heaven. One day, I’ll look like a Stradivarius. In the meantime, “Play on Lord Jesus”. You see, He has made me righteous. Don’t blame me for the way I look! Furthermore, it was His idea and I’m not arguing with Him!

Today’s meditation looks at God’s standard of righteousness.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

God’s Righteous standards

There’s never been a single day in all of history, That anyone’s been righteous. It cannot ever be. But there is one exception. Our Master, Jesus Christ. He was completely perfect. His righteousness sufficed, All of the requirement that Father God required; And it’s by His perfection we do what He’s desired. God created Adam and he was innocent. It’s when he had defected, that human life was bent. Of course men claim that they are good. But it is a delusion. None of us are righteous. So let’s clear the confusion. Any righteousness that you perceive in me and you, Is nothing of our making; but just what Christ can do. The fact is, we are wearing His cloak of righteousness. Take a look what’s underneath and see the ugly mess! Some say this is offensive. “My righteousness is fine. I’ve always been a “good guy” and I’m content with mine” But here is what is shocking. The best that’s ever done, Is just a pile of garbage the Lord above will shun. No matter what we think we are, we cannot make the grade. The finest deed done by the flesh and anything that’s made, Is far beneath the standards the Lord above demands. It’s tainted by the filthiness of sinful human hands. So when we start repenting, we must bear this in mind. We’re wicked, ugly sinners. In us you cannot find A morsel of true righteousness. And so we must repent Of all the “good things” we have done. They’re twisted, warped and bent. So now let us all face the facts. It is in Christ alone, That we acquire our righteousness. Do I detect a moan? “Without Him I am nothing? I’m sure that cannot be. There has to be a little good deep down inside of me.” But that is a deception. Whatever you may see, Came down to you from heaven and from His Majesty. So let us all be sober and take a proper look; See what has been written in God’s Most Holy Book. Forget about your goodness. It isn’t good at all. It doesn’t meet His standards. I hope this makes you stall. Because, till this is understood, you’ll think you’re good enough. But it is what the Lord declares. I’m sorry if it’s tough! I’m sad if you’re offended. I wish it wasn’t true. I’d like to think the things I’ve done was all I need to do. But Jesus Christ has made the rules. He is the referee And He will blow the whistle on “stuff” from you and me. Jim Strickland – Written Wednesday 1st February 2012

SIN AGAINST GOD

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Hi all,

Sin! What can we say about it? Not much other than the fact that we love it! The people of the world sincerely believe that basically, we are good people who have gone wrong. What we need is sympathy and a bit of understanding. Perhaps a visit to a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist will straighten us up and then we will be fine. But it isn’t true. Each and every one of us is a “monster of iniquity” who loves their sin. We aren‘t looking for salvation because we think it’s unnecessary. We will continue with this opinion until we learn that sin is no laughing matter. It is a deadly cancer that destroys us all. It may take a few years. On average it takes about 70 years.

During every revival, people have been made aware of the enormity of their sin and the terrible consequences thereof. For this to happen on a local, national or international scale requires the intervention of the Holy Spirit. Without His intervention our efforts are perfunctory at best. He is the only one who can bring an awareness of sin to the listeners. Because of this, the likes of Wesley, Whitefield, and Finney to mention only three, commenced every meeting by preaching on the topic of sin. They knew that in every revival, the listeners had to be aware of the enormity of their rebellion against God. As a result they commenced every series of meetings by preaching about sin and its consequences. They would continue with this topic until the people came under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The people would begin crying out to the Lord for forgiveness. Many of them would pass out and fall down under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Only then would there be an invitation to receive salvation.

This was no “half baked” repentance. Under the ministry of John Wesley Redfield, the jails became empty. The police were told that if they came across anyone lying on the road they were to go and smell the persons’ breath. If there was no trace of alcohol, they were to leave the person exactly where they were. That person had Redfield’s disease. This meant that when they awoke, if they had been drunkards, they would drink no more. If they were thieves, they would steal no more. Redfield’s disease transformed the individual into a God fearing believer. Similar tales can be quoted about examples from the lives of other men of God. If they as much as walked into the gates of a factory, workers would pass out and others would cry out to the Lord for salvation.

We no longer see these signs of revival. Why not? I think it is because we no longer preach about the consequences of sin. Instead we fill our pulpits with popular men who preach ear tickling pabulum that does not touch the heart. We would rather hear motivational messages, prosperity and irrelevant drivel. Sure it brings in money. But does it touch the hearts and lives of sinners? What do you think?

Today’s meditation looks at sin. This is the gospel. This is what changes the hearts and lives of men and women. God help us to bring this back into our churches. If we don’t, we are responsible for the inevitable consequences.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Sin Against God

There is an understanding that people seldom know. It’s all about what happens when into sin we go. We sin against a person. Perhaps we steal his tie. We think that it looks pretty, although it makes him cry. We’ve taken from him something and said it is our own. Of course that is deception and sin in us has grown. Perhaps it’s not important; not from our point of view. But we have just committed an act we should not do. Perhaps the value’s minimal. A Rand or two at most. And so we soothe our conscience, until the Holy Ghost, Reminds us we have stolen and that we are a thief. And that until we’ve put it right, there will be no relief, From what is deep inside us. Our conscience has been pricked. And even if we give it back, the problem isn’t licked. In fact it never can be! We’ve sinned against the Lord. The value’s not important. We have released His sword, This brings His retribution. We’ve disobeyed His Word; And everything we say or do, by God is seen and heard. So every sin committed is not just against man. It is a violation of Father’s Holy plan! But can we be forgiven? The answer’s yes and no. Forgiven for the action, but the consequences grow! I think it’s very fortunate the cost of sin is death. No matter what a man has done, after that final breath There’s nothing more for us pay. We cannot die again. A Christian knows for certain and the Bible makes this plain. We do not keep on dying for sin repeatedly. Perhaps that is what we deserve. But no more will that be. So Jesus can forgive me. The record is wiped clean, But only ‘cause He’s paid the price for all that I have been! The sin perhaps is miniscule and only once is done. That’s quite enough for Satan to start his evil fun. So every sin committed is marked up on our slate. And we will surely die for it, upon some future date. But Jesus Christ our Master came and took my place. So there is not another death which I will have to face. There’s one consideration. Repentance from our sin, Determined that it’s over, we will not take part in, Another repetition of what we have just done. It’s over and it’s done with. From now on, we will shun, Anything and everything the deed in fact implies. Then we’ll be forgiven. But don’t use a disguise, And show a false repentance. Then things will not have changed. This will make it very clear we’re mentally deranged. Perhaps you’ll find it easy to make a fool of me. But Jesus knows about it. You can’t fool Deity! Jim Strickland – Written Tuesday 31st January 2012