WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT!

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 11 February 2012

Hi all,

The Hebrew people of the Old Testament were remarkable. Their language was simple and very expressive. Their thought patterns had not been influenced and downgraded by Greek culture and thinking. As a result we read beautiful pictures. The mountains skip like a calf. The trees of the field clap their hands. We know that this was their way of expressing the glory of God in nature. Modern thinking looks at such language and describes it as “quaint”. It is not logical and fails the “truth test”. It follows that it annoys modern rationalists who are trapped into an inflexible mindset that fails to comprehend the beauty of such expressions.

What I find exciting about this is that it challenges my own thinking. Perhaps I’ve got no understanding of modern art. But, “I likes what I fancies and fancies what I likes!” It may sound comical, but I really enjoy this form of Hebrew thinking. It appeals to me to think that nature gets so excited about God that the trees clap their hands. I suspect that if others could get excited about God, they would also love to see nature honouring the Creator in such a beautiful way.

The first three verses of Psalm 1 likens upright men to trees planted next to a stream of water. The tree may not be free from trouble. It’s the same way as Christians are subject to the normal trials of day to day life. But those who follow God and walk in His way have a wonderful promise. They will have a fruitful life. Everything he does prospers. ¹ Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; ² but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. ³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 ESV

Today many Christians regard prosperity as consisting of an accumulation of things. Big cars, big houses, big ministries and all the trappings that go along with being rich have defined prosperity for too many of us. By this standard, Jesus was a failure. He died alone, naked and ignored. He didn’t attend a Seminary and get a PhD. He didn’t build a school and was hated by all the influential people. What little money He did have was taken care of by a thief with sticky fingers. His only means of transport was his own two feet. The donkey He rode on was not his. He didn’t even have a grave of His own. So much for the greatest man who ever lived.

Paul’s definition of prosperity is vastly different from ours. ¹¹ Not that I was ever in need; for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Philip 4:11-12 NLT It seems to me that he encapsulated genuine Christianity in these magnificent words.

Many years ago Phyllida and I were listening to a tape by Bob Mumford. I can’t remember the topic but we do recall one of his statements. He said, “I’ve known what it’s like to be rich. I’ve known what it’s like to be poor. Believe me, rich is better!”

In some respects, Phyllida and I agree with him from personal experience. Furthermore, I don’t suppose we’ll ever know what it’s like to be really rich. But we do have something or rather Someone who would make Paul Getty look like a pauper. His name is Jesus Christ! All we are looking for is, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Nothing is of greater importance.

Today’s meditation is about the beauty of creation. Nature might be described as God’s garden. He spoke of His creation as being “very good”. That’s what life is all about; looking for and finding God everywhere.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

What life is about!

God did us all a favour, when He created trees. The beauty of creation is what His people see. The birds that flap their feathered wings and fly into the blue. The cats, the dogs, the reptiles. O Lord You made them too. The wild goats and the pine trees, rock badgers and the stork; The parrot and the cockatoo that do their best to talk. Lord, Your imagination and the creatures you have made, Truly are stupendous and they all make the grade. In fact when we see anything and mark it out of ten, It seems you’ve scored eleven! But in the world of men, You certainly excelled Yourself. Your image is our mould. And every person You have made is worth their weight in gold! You gave us what we needed; our minds to help us think. The power to make decisions, may take us to the brink Of nuclear destruction. So You gave us restraint! A quality essential in each and every saint. You gave us a root system that goes down very deep. Perhaps it isn’t like a tree; but what we sow, we reap! And You have given knowledge. It’s wisdom that we lack. And with all our inventions - there is no turning back. We've unlocked many details of what you first designed. Some doctors can restore the sight of those who have gone blind Our medical practitioners have learned what makes us “tick”. And vehicles to get there if needed double quick. We understand that many things we’ve used have made You sad. But on the odd occasion, we’ve made Your great heart glad. We know that all the plant life is standing in its place. The pine tree and the cedar can’t flee from what they face. They have to grin an bear it, or we will chop them down, Because we need the lumber to expand our little town. You give us the ability to choose what’s right from wrong. We could enslave our neighbour for you have made us strong. It isn’t many years ago we walked upon the moon. We’ve even got atomic clocks to tell us when it’s noon. You haven’t put restrictions on those things which we can do. But we still have the problem of listening to You. We all get old and wither. And then we will sign out. And face your final judgement; that’s what life’s all about. Jim Strickland – Written 11th February 2012

ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT

Time with Jesus - Friday, 10 February 2012

Hi all,

Eleven years ago, Phyllida and I were in Syria. We lived in Homs and formed a close attachment with a number of people. This accounts for our interest in what is happening in Syria and Homs at present.

The vast majority of the Syrians are Muslim. There is a small number of Greek Orthodox Christians and a few Jews, all of whom were more or less integrated into the population. There was also a number of Palestinians among the inhabitants. People who claimed they were displaced from the land of Israel when it was established as a country in 1948. Strangely enough these people were not anti-Jewish. Their “beef” was with the state of Israel.

Living in a Muslim country was a fascinating experience. We found the people hospitable and very welcoming. They also introduced us to concepts that were strange to us. Among them was their concept that anyone who came from UK or America was a Christian. Of course, we knew better. But we all make assumptions about what other people are like in foreign lands. Phyllida and I were never asked whether or not we were Christians. There was no need for them to do so. We were from a Christian country so we were Christians. So we were all “lumped together” as Christians regardless of our denominational or non-denominational preferences.

This is a very common error; one which we tend to make ourselves. Saying “Syria is a Muslim Nation” does not take into consideration the many different Muslim sects found there. It follows that when we say we are living in a Christian country, some errors immediately spring into the conversation. The biggest error is to say that a country is Christian. By definition that is impossible. Only an individual can be a Christian. There is no such thing as a Christian horse. Likewise, there is no such thing as a Christian country. A piece of real estate may belong to a Christian. But the real estate can never be Christian.

Taking this a little further, we must understand that within Christianity there is a plethora of different belief systems. To gather everyone into one belief system is foolish. A Roman Catholic and a Baptist are not the same. Fundamentally, they may share a number of beliefs. But they are very different.

Sadly, the word “Christian” is misunderstood and is hated in some quarters. Too many wicked things have been done in the name of Christianity. That’s why Phyllida and I have dropped the word in favour of “Christ Follower”. It is more descriptive of a life style. Perhaps we should go back to the original expression, followers of “the Way”?

In today’s meditation, I’ve contrasted the beliefs of followers of “the way” with those of a typical modern Liberal Christian, New Age Believer, agnostic or atheist. These views and opinions are very different. Sadly, “Christ Followers” are seen as fundamental extremists. But if the cap fits ……….?

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Ask The Holy Spirit

We’re told the human body, is mainly H2O. Another word for water, for those who do not know. And water is essential, for those who want to live. For people who are thirsty, its essential that we give, Water that is drinkable and largely free of salt. If you do not give it, they’ll die and it’s your fault! Back there in the wilderness, Moses got it right. “Strike the rock” God told him and they beheld the sight, Of water flowing freely, from a rock that looked so dry! Their thirst was quenched completely and so they didn’t die. For forty years it happened. They dined on heaven’s food. We’re told it had the flavour, according to the mood, Of everyone who tasted, the water and the bread. About two million people would drink and they were fed. We wonder why God did it. He’d sentenced them to death. So why not kill them quickly? Why let them waste their breath? But that is not the method, which God would ever choose. Forever He’s compassionate and wouldn’t hold such views. This happened in the physical, while they were on the earth. Then Jesus made His visit and spoke of second birth. He spoke of “living” water. His “body” was the bread. It may sound very strange to us, but that is what He said. His Spirit would be in us and we would overflow, In ways that only God above could understand and know. This special kind of water, we’d get from Him for free. An undeserved gift of grace, He’d grant to you and me. It never could or never would, be based on what we’d done, But only on the Master; God’s One and only Son. But people want to work for it. They think that they can earn, The gift of Christ the Saviour. Some folk will never learn. They think that by self effort they’ll get to God Most High. They keep on working desperately for somewhere in the sky. They do not want the Spirit. “It must be done my way!” Is what this kind of person will think about and say. They think that the atonement is immoral and is wrong! They think that they are good enough and they will join the throng Of those who are developing into divinity. That Jesus Christ was just a man Who looks like you and me. They’re on their way to godhood. Religion’s all the same; That we are fundamentalists and that our silly claim, That Jesus Christ is God most High. They say it is “hate speech”. That all the “god’s” are equal and all within our reach. But they have been deluded by, humanistic aims. And so refuse to tolerate God’s realistic claims. So what is the solution? What can God’s people do? Let God’s Holy Spirit speak from deep inside of you! Jim Strickland – Written Friday 10th February 2012

SAUL’S FALL

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 09 February 2012

Hi all,

There’s something tragic about the death of King Saul. He had been an impressive young man, standing head and shoulders above most of his countrymen. * He was handsome, strong and modest. He was just what the people wanted. They demanded a king like the surrounding nations.

Samuel went to God and apologetically “told” God, the people didn’t want Him as their king. They wanted someone they could see and follow. Samuel had warned them what would happen if they insisted on making Saul their king. God consented. But even as I read God’s consent, I get the feeling that He was saying something like, “They want a king? Try this one for size.”

Moses had told them that one day that God would grant them a king. He would be from the tribe of Judah. It seems likely that God had already started making preparations for David. God’s only begotten Son would someday be called the Son of David. But the people couldn‘t wait for God’s timing. It’s rather like an advert that used to be on TV. “I want it and I want it now!” They were impatient. They sowed impatience and reaped an impatient man.

For forty years, Saul was on the throne. For most of these years, Saul treated the people much as Samuel warned them their king would behave. But it was too late. They were stuck with him.

We are told that power can drive us mad. If this is true, Saul was a good example. His fine mind crumbled. * He suffered from fits of madness, senseless jealousy and melancholy and became a periodic lunatic. In the end, desperate to hear something – anything from God, he consulted the witch of Endor. It’s interesting to record that she was the only known witch who survived his earlier attempt to rid his kingdom of idolatry and witchcraft!

Finally, he died by falling on his own sword. The Philistines beheaded his corpse and hung his body on the walls of their city. His kingdom was taken over by a red headed youngster who conquered a giant with a pebble and a slingshot. He was a Jew – descended from the tribe of Judah. In spite of all his faults, David was God’s chosen King. God saw Saul’s and David’s hearts. Saul went insane and failed. David went on to be the most loved king the Jewish people have ever known. Only those who have met King Jesus know a better King.

Today’s meditation looks at the fall of Saul and the implications for people today.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

* Some of the information was taken from “Who’s Who in the Bible” by Frank S Mead. A Spire book printed and published in 1976 by Pyramid Publications, for Fleming H Revel Company. Copyright © 1934 by Harper & Brothers. Renewed by Frank S Mead in 1961

Saul’s Fall

King Saul was a Benjamite. A son of Kish was he. The people had selected him. His genealogy, Disqualified from kingship, this tall and handsome man. But when the people wanted him, God told them, “Yes you can!” But it was a disaster. He set off rather well. But when he did a task that God reserved for Samuel, The kingdom was torn from him. He’d broken God’s command; And he was on the downward slope to losing all his land. Of course he didn’t abdicate. He tried to carry on. But in the fullness of the time, his kingly power was gone. His final act was played out, when He went to Endor. He went to see the local witch, to hear from her, his score. She conjured up a person who looked like Samuel. Who said his days were over. Today was his death knell. He’d die next day in battle, along with all his sons. The Philistines would win the day; his army’s day was done. And this is just what happened. Saul’s reign was at an end. This king was going to the grave. Too late to make amends. The Bible makes it very clear, one day we all shall be, Taken to a lifeless grave; the dead can’t hear or see. The grave takes all men captive; and they will be at rest, Waiting for the day they will arise at Christ’s behest. Until our certain ending, the best thing we can do, Is anything that comes to hand, to challenge me or you! There in the silence of the grave, each one of us must wait, Until the Master comes again. That’s when we’ll hear our fate. Christian “believers” will arise to their reward. Those who have resisted Him shall perish by His sword. But what about the “others”. Those who are unprepared? The Word of God tells plainly, they too will not be spared. They’ll join the unbelievers and share their frightful lot. It is the judgement’s sentence. Like it or like it not! I wish that I could change it. I wish I could repent, For those who thought God’s judgement, for them just wasn’t meant. But I have no authority. The Lord God has it all. I’d love to tell all nations the outcome of the fall. I’d love to take them with me. I wish that I could share, The love of the Lord Jesus for sinners everywhere. Jim Strickland – Written 9th February 2012

A VIEW OF HEAVEN

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 08 February 2012

Hi all,

Have you ever read or heard accounts of men or women taken briefly to see heaven and/or hell? Many Christians and unbelievers find these visits fascinating and highly descriptive. Certainly they can and do challenge people to examine their relationship with Jesus Christ. This is a good thing. The question is, “How real are they?” None of us can say with any degree of certainty that the one describing the “event” really saw what they claimed to see. Indeed, some of the statements made by these “visitors” appear to be inaccurate. Most of us have a tendency to elaborate on what we have seen and add a bit of our own opinion thrown in for good measure.

Many years ago, in Emmanuel Church on Grosvenor Road (Now called New Life Church) I felt moved to bring a prophetic word. I duly went to the front and was handed the microphone. The message I believed I was to bring was the following: "Why do you call me Lord but don't do what I tell you?” Luke 6:46 GW It was a very challenging message; one which remains true for all Christians today. But somehow or other I felt that I should continue. So for the next couple of minutes I rabbited on inanely trying to add something extra. All I succeeded in doing was to confuse everyone with my drivel. Afterwards, it was clear that my contribution made things worse. I wasn’t deliberately intending to cloud the issue. I was trying to be helpful. One thing it did do was make me aware that we are all able to deflect the truth from something by a desire to be helpful. It’s a very common human weakness. I suspect that this is the sort of thing that sometimes happens when people elaborate on their experiences in heaven or hell. They are not deliberately telling lies. They are trying to be more helpful.

Today’s meditation takes a look at the New Jerusalem. Some of it was written several years ago; in particular the portion about the foundation of the walls being from semi-precious stones. Getting them all included into rhyme and metre was a real challenge. So what I’ve done is to incorporate portions of that poem into today’s meditation.

In the construction of this meditation I’ve tried to stick to the descriptions in the Bible. (NIV) The New Jerusalem will be so much more than this poor description. Quoting from Isaiah 64:4, Paul tells us: ⁹ It is written, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has known what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Cor 2:9 NIrV In the case of my description and God’s Word, it’s clear that the most fertile mind can’t imagine the things God has prepared for us. All we can do is point to the unimaginable, unseen world and agree with John the apostle, ²⁰ He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Rev 22:20 NLT

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

A View of Heaven

We're looking for a city that will ever more endure. One, not made with human hands, but that Jesus has made pure. The Heavenly Jerusalem that Jesus Christ prepared, For those who love and follow Him and whom His teachings shared; The mansion He erected that's filled with love and light; With streams of living water flowing outward day and night; And trees that have the healing of the nations in their leaf, Which bear twelve different kinds of fruit and harvest-time's not brief; Where walls are made from jasper and the city is pure gold. Laid on a foundation that is lovely to behold. From emerald and sardonyx, from beryl and sapphire, Chrysolite and amethyst that glows with inner fire; With chrysoprase, carnelian and precious chalcedony, With jacinth and twelve gates of pearl in glittering harmony. We’ll call the walls “Salvation”, The gates will be called “Praise” In honour of the Master, the Ancient of all Days. The city has been measured. It’s long and wide and high. About two thousand meters that reaches to the sky. We think it would fit perfectly, right within our moon. We cannot wait to see it. “Lord Jesus, come back soon!” Twelve gates have been inserted. Three gates along each side. An angel’s stationed at each one; each gate identified; And named after the founders of the tribes of Israel. The names of the apostles are written there as well, On each of the foundations. Their service to the Lord, Acknowledged for eternity where Jesus is adored! It doesn't need a temple,  Almighty God is there; And Jesus Christ illuminates the pure and death free air. But, what makes heaven wonderful is not what man can see, It's rather just the presence of the Lord of Majesty; The ever-living presence of the God of endless love; The radiance of everything The Christ! The Lord Above! It’s been years in the making; a home for Jesus’ bride; A place where every one of us, will constantly abide. Furnished to perfection, to suit each person’s taste. Where nothing that was done for Him will ever go to waste. At last we will be with Him. Our Saviour, Lord and King. We’d rather be with You O Lord, far more than anything. Jim Strickland – Written Wednesday 8th February 2012