STRANGE FIRE!

Time with Jesus – Sunday 4^th March 2012

Hi all,

God is inscrutable. He is unfathomable. Isaiah expressed it as follows: ⁸ "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. ⁹ For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT

Why God does the things He does, often defies all human understanding. A classic example is the fact that what looked to us like an overwhelming defeat; a “man” dying on a cross; was actually the greatest victory this world has even seen or known. This is our inscrutable God in action. It has always been so.

There is one thing we can say about God with a reasonable degree of certainty. If He says something, it must be believed and acted upon. “Do not eat of the fruit” illustrates this. Adam disobeyed. We know the outcome.

Moving on down the centuries, we come upon an extraordinary statement by God to Moses. ⁸ "Have the people of Israel build Me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. ⁹ You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you. Exodus 25:8-9 NLT

This is what Moses and his people did. Men have tried to describe the magnificence of the tabernacle - the tent in the wilderness. No doubt they have done their very best. But it’s doubtful if anyone can do so adequately.

God required many things from His people; too many to go into in this short message. There were two I’d like to draw to our attention. The light shining from the menorah was never to go out. Another was associated with the consecration of the tabernacle and furnishings. The details are recorded for us in Leviticus. ²³ Then Moses and Aaron went into the Tabernacle, and when they came back out, they blessed the people again, and the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole community. ²⁴ Fire blazed forth from the LORD's presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When the people saw this, they shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground. Lev 9:23-24 NLT

We are told that the fire on this altar was never to be extinguished. It also follows that fire generated by any other method would be “strange fire”. In this morning’s Scripture we are informed that Nadab and Abihu were consumed by fire from the Lord for using fire obtained by another method. It was “strange fire”.

Nadab and Abihu disobeyed a direct instruction from God. The result was their death. Why the Lord did this is not for me to question. All we know is that they had violated a pattern He had laid down. We may not touch God’s Holiness. If we do, we could be proclaiming our own death sentence.

In today’s Meditation we look at “strange fire” in further detail.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Strange Fire!

We have to do things properly, so we can do them right.

The Lord is most particular; and so He shines His light,

On each and everyone of us, to make sure what we do,

Conforms to what’s expected from the likes of me and you.

We see this very clearly in the Scriptures for today.

His priests were consecrated in a very special way.

They’d been through all the ritual for them to be a priest.

Their ministry was starting. At death it would be ceased.

They’d heard all God’s instructions; The lamps must not go out.

They had to keep them burning; of that there was no doubt.

The offering was burned up by fire from on High.

That flame upon the altar; they mustn’t let it die.

It had to be kept burning. seven-twenty four.

Any other fire was acceptable no more.

But Nadab and Abihu; they failed to do it right.

Their incense burner’s fire was “strange” within God’s sight.

It wasn’t from the altar; so they were both consumed,

By fire from the Lord; “it doesn’t matter” they presumed.

Moses told Aaron, the reason they had died.

The holiness of God by their “strange fire” was put aside.

We have to be particular in everything we do.

To violate His holiness means death for me and you!

Much the same thing happened when Uzzah touched the ark. (2 Sam 6:7)

It must not be transported on an ordinary cart!

On the Levite’s shoulders was the place where it should be,

Covered and not visible, for everyone to see.

Perhaps it may be argued that these victims didn’t know,

That what they had been doing would offend the Master so.

But He is God Almighty. We know He does what’s right.

Your or my opinion doesn’t matter in His sight.

We must never violate the “pattern” He has shown;

Even accidentally; such things must not be known.

God is not an ogre. But sometimes He must act,

In ways we find disquieting and very short of tact.

Know that these things happen for reasons in His mind;

Seldom understandable, the cause is hard to find.

But Jesus and His Holiness we never may downgrade.

And it will never happen if He’s constantly obeyed.

Jim Strickland – Written 4^th March 2012

FOLLOWING JESUS

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 03 March 2012

Hi all,

Following Jesus is not as easy as we thought it would be. When I committed my life to Jesus back in 1960, I was told nothing about the fact that it would be a life long commitment which may not go down well with friends and relations. From what I remember it was a case of “Come to Jesus. Your troubles will be over and everything will be fine.” It was a wonderful thought. Unfortunately, it wasn't true. That’s when my troubles really started. Was I sold a pup? The answer is yes and no!

Of course, much of it was my own fault. There were major problems in my life and they needed to be sorted out. Certainly Jesus Christ made this possible. More than that! He helped me to prioritise and focus on what really mattered. What I was not warned about was the reaction others would take towards my new “fad” as it was called. Some saw it as a “flash in the pan” and concluded that in a couple of weeks it would by “business as usual”. In a way, that galvanised my determination to keep going. There’s something unpleasant about failing in the area you are expected to fail.

The real problem was I didn’t know what I should or should not do. Salvation back then was more a question of being able to answer a couple of questions correctly in certain ways. You know what I mean. Put up your hand in response to the evangelical appeal. Then go and be prayed for. Then you get an entrance ticket into heaven valid for your lifetime, however long or short it may be. It sounded marvellous. All this and heaven too! Only a fool would say, “No thanks”!

No one actually said this. But it was implied indirectly. I wasn’t fooled into anything. I needed Jesus in much the same way a drowning man needs a life jacket. So I came in with both eyes open and willing to take on whatever confronted me!

Now it’s a question of following Jesus. Most people think it’s easy. But there are challenges facing all of us and we need to be aware that what we are doing has His approval. Today’s meditation looks at this from both sides of the divide. I've got some idea where I am at present. Where are you? This meditation may enable you to locate yourself!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

FOLLOWING JESUS

Are we looking forward to the day when Christ returns?

Every time I think of it, my heart within me burns!

I long to see the Saviour and look into His face;

To see the self-expression of God’s amazing grace.

To see Him will be better than any sort of prize.

The crown of life is nothing to the love-light in His eyes.

These other things are wonderful and thrill me through and through.

But nothing can be better, my Lord, than seeing You.

The crown of life You’ve told us Lord is what You will bestow.

A crown that’s incorruptible. O Lord we surely know,

That nothing is more precious than kneeling at your feet,

In absolute submission to the Christ we long to meet.

And yet there is a nervousness as we anticipate,

The moment of Your coming and our eternal fate.

The problem is our knowledge that in our Christian walk,

We haven’t been consistent and haven’t walked the talk.

It’s easy to be faithful in the presence of our friends.

But sometimes, Lord, in public is where our witness ends.

We feel intimidated and we succumb to fear.

Even when we know, Lord that You are very near.

We do not visit prisoners. We haven’t fed the poor.

And facing persecution, we just could not endure.

At times we have been lazy and we have lacked the zeal,

That shows our Christianity is positively real!

The spirit has been willing; but Lord our flesh is weak.

And we have lacked the courage to stand up tall and speak.

It’s this sort of behaviour that bothers me so much.

Will we be acceptable to know Your, “Thank you!” touch?

Has our Christianity all been an outward show?

Have we been deluded by the things we think we know?

Are we satisfactory or merely hypocrites,

Trying to please people and totally unfit,

To be among the people, that Master, You have saved?

Will we win approval by the way we have behaved?

Lord please show us plainly just what it is you think.

Have we stumbled backwards and does our lifestyle stink?

Master come and show us, just what we need to do,

To be the sort of people, Lord, who truly follow You.

Jim Strickland – Written 3^rd March 2012

THE SABBATH REST

Time with Jesus - Friday, 02 March 2012

Hi all,

Do you know any Seventh Day Adventists? The ones I've met are God fearing and deeply committed Christians. They do have one or two emphases that we aren't too keen on. But I’m sure we could have great fellowship with them discussing and laughing at our differences. They are passionately interested in the prophetic, the second coming of Jesus and have an approach to the book of Revelation that we would do well to seriously consider. In these days where there seems to be umpteen different interpretations, I find their’s fascinating and interesting. In some respects, it’s the best understanding I've come across.

They differ from us in their doctrine of hell, life after death, eating healthily, the second coming and of course their observation of the Sabbath Day. I’ve got no real problem with any of these views. If you would like to meet on Saturday to worship God, I’m not about to try and stop you!

What disturbs me about the strict observance of the Sabbath, is the fact that we are no longer an agrarian society. Essential services take place 7/24! In my younger days I worked for ESKOM. When pastors of big churches with all sorts of electric and electronic “stuff” were pedantic about observing the Sabbath, it appealed to my sense of humour. It was fun asking them if they would like me to arrange to “switch them off” every Sunday, They were not impressed. Then I mentioned the Sunday roast in the electric stove. People were not quite so eager to enforce a complete shut down. Hospitals and other essential services didn't stop from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday. Also, nature has no Sabbath. Cows need milking seven days a week and crops continue to grow. So what is God’s command about the Sabbath? Exodus states:
 ⁸ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. ⁹ Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: ¹⁰ But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: ¹¹ For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11 KJV

Please note that I have no authority to overrule the Lord. So although we are required to obey His commandments, we must do it as best we can, where we live. I know this is “Christian pragmatism”. But there are times we think that God doesn’t understand. Thank God, He does.

Today’s meditation looks at Sabbath observation.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

The Sabbath Rest

We talk about a Sabbath rest and wonder what it means?

We know it’s on the seventh day; the day it’s always been.

We cannot really change it. It is the day God gave.

It’s always been on Saturday. So how should we behave,

From sunset on a Friday, to when the sun has set,

On Saturday, because the Lord God hasn’t changed that yet?

Jesus Christ observed it! The Pharisees made sure,

That anything the people did, was what they thought was pure.

And then the Master pointed out, that God made it for man.

This sort of pricked their bubble; and their religious plan!

Now we can be pedantic; and say it must take place,

On Saturday, regardless of what men have to face.

But Jesus rose on Sunday; the first day of the week.

I’m sure this was significant; the day when Christians seek,

To worship Him in Spirit, integrity and truth.

And that is how it’s always been, since I was but a youth.

The early church suggested it and Christians went along.

Perhaps they chose improperly and what they chose was wrong?

But what is His opinion? I wonder if He cares,

What day we come and worship Him and offer up our prayers?

Today we have a problem with everyone’s life-style.

There’s many things we cannot stop, not even for a trial.

There’s life support and water and the electric power.

We cannot put these things aside. for even half an hour.

And so we keep them running each hour, every day.

I can’t think in His endless love the Lord would ever say,

“Turn off the electric power and let the people die.

It’s really not My problem. Oh no! You must comply.

With all of My commandments. I've written them all in stone.

So you must go along with them, the way My Word has shown!”

This makes me sort of wonder how to serve Jesus the best?

Is it in the minutiae that we will pass the test?

Perhaps when it is finished and all our work is done,

Is when to take a Sabbath and worship Christ, God’s Son?

Of course, I cannot prove this. But God is not a fool.

He knows our situation! This isn’t Sunday School!

So let us serve the Master when circumstance demands.

One day out of seven, complies with His commands.

That’s when we’ll have our day off and take a Sabbath rest.

For that would surely follow Him and pass His Sabbath test!

Then while we are relaxing, refreshing from our work,

I’m sure this is the best day we should gather as His Kirk.

Jim Strickland – Written 2^nd March 2012

A DYING SHAME

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 01 March 2012

Hi all,

Have you ever stood on one side of a thin wall and heard something awful happening on the other side? You don’t have to be physically standing there to know what is going to happen next. Instinctively you know the final outcome and can do nothing about it. You’d like to but it’s not possible. It’s a bit like watching a program on TV. You see it all happening and have no ability to change the outcome.

This sort of thing is seen regularly on the goggle box. There’s a fork in the road. A choice must be made. One road leads to safety. However, you can see that it is bumpy and goes through difficult situations. The other looks easy. It’s wide, well made with a good tar surface. There are lots of attractions on both sides for you to have fun. One of the roads leads to heaven. The other one leads to hell. You have to decide which way to go.

I’ve deliberately simplified the scenario. But the real life situation is much the same. Each one of us must choose the way to go. Sadly, those on the road to heaven can’t make people go their way. You cannot make other people’s choice for them. As an additional complication, people won’t listen to what you want to say. They think you are a religious fanatic. No matter what you say is greeted with howls of derision. It’s heart-breaking! You have the one solution to their sickness. They are sick and dying from sin. There is no cure and no hope. There is only one way. The way is in and through Jesus Christ.

Tragically, many will die without ever knowing Him. A number of them are so set in their own ways that they would rather die than admit they have a problem. A few would rather die than believe you!

Today’s meditation takes us down this road. It’s a shame. It’s a crying shame. Worse than that, it’s a dying shame.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

A Dying Shame

Why is it that all things come right, for those who serve the Lord?

It isn’t just a lucky plan, or what we can afford.

The secret isn’t hidden. It’s there for all to see.

When God raises His banner, His enemies all flee!

We think it might not happen. Perhaps we feel afraid?

But those who fight against the Lord will never make the grade.

They do not seem to listen; they miss the starter’s gun.

It seems they are so terrified, they turn around and run.

God has a mighty banner and when it’s held aloft,

The people of the world bow down, and every hat is doffed!

It started out with Joshua when he fought Amalek.

The mighty banner of the Lord held all His foe in check.

And from that very moment, Amalek was doomed!

Every time they raised their heads and battle was resumed,

The outcome was a certainty. They couldn’t win the day.

For those who fight against the Lord, all simply melt away.

You can’t fight God Almighty, so do not even start!

For when He fights against you, your army falls apart.

His people were all chosen, before all time began.

We don’t know how He does it. It makes no sense to man!

We know He has no favourites; but it is not by chance.

He knows the ones who’ll follow Him in His Divine Romance.

He doesn’t hate the others. He’d love them to join in;

But knew they wouldn’t bow the knee; they love it in their sin!

He didn’t make them that way. He’d like them by His side.

But they refuse to come to Him. They simply won’t abide,

The fact that they should follow Him and not the devil’s bunch.

So Satan rubs his hands with glee and has them all for lunch.

They do not have a stronghold; a fort or other shield.

In their battle with the Lord, they have no choice but yield.

And in their stubborn fight with God, it seems they’d rather die,

Than serve the risen Lamb of God, Who reigns supreme on high!

They look at us and giggle. “Extremists!” they all state;

And carry on with serving their lord of sin and hate.

The Lord God longs to free them and break apart their chains.

Their ears are deaf; their eyes are blind and little else remains,

For them to find repentance. “Forgive them Lord!” we cry.

But even so, they love their sin. In shame, they’ll surely die.

Jim Strickland – Written 1^st March 2012

OUR CHANGELESS GOD

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 29 February 2012

Hi all,

Our Love is Here to Stay It's very clear Our love is here to stay ; Not for a year But ever and a day. The radio and the telephone And the movies that we know May just be passing fancies, And in time may go ! But, oh my dear, Our love is here to stay. Together we're Going a long, long way In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibralter may tumble, They're only made of clay, But our love is here to stay.  George & Ira Gershwin

In 1890 Albert B. Simpson wrote: “Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same. All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name! Glory to His Name! Lord Jesus; Glory to  His Name! All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name! Music by James H. Burke

For me, 1955 was a “water-shed” year. I was at school in Sasolburg. Dad’s company suddenly called him back to England for a six month refresher course. So I had a six month holiday in England. I was 13, and overnight became acutely aware of girls. At the time, Taaibos Power Station was being constructed. Taaibos was rather isolated. It was ±15 km from Sasolburg.  In those days, Sasolburg was little more than a small housing estate. The nearest town was Vereeniging, some 30km away. Taaibos village boasted a recreation hall for bioscope shows, dances and a variety of social and sports clubs.

I distinctly remember going to the recreation club to see the movie, “An American in Paris” staring Gene Kelly and Lesley Caron. For me it was the first “Love story” I’d seen. It featured one of my all time favourite songs, “Our love is here to stay”. The haunting words and melody are with me some 57 years later.

I had no idea that the title would dwell in my heart for so long. The fact is, 5 years later I met the only one of whom it is correct to say, “Our love is here to stay”. I met my Lord and Saviour in Bainbridge Memorial Methodist Church Hall in England and discovered someone about whom the words of this song truly apply.

At age 13, some things do not cross your radar screen. All of life was in front of me so death was little more than a column in the newspaper. Perhaps this is why the song is so significant? Those who know me know that I love singing. I’m no Mario Lanza, so my voice is unlikely to be anyone’s favourite. But I know the Lord loves it; particularly when I sing about Him and His love.

In 1961 I first came across another song which I love. The theme is similar. I learned it and sang it with the people who were attending the Cliff College Easter Convention. Already I knew something about change. There are enormous changes between 13 and 18. But as far as I was concerned, the years ahead were beckoning with eager anticipation.

Many other things have changed since then. “Age and decay in all around I see”. There are things I could do then that I no longer attempt. In spite of all these changes, a couple of things remain true. “All may change but Jesus never”. And “Our love is here to stay”. Thank you Lord!

Today’s meditation looks at some aspects of our changeless God.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Our Changeless God

We don’t know what it can be like for things to never change.

Even now, just thinking of it, seems so very strange!

Will the next word in a sentence; fill our listening ears?

Surely it can never happen. What about our tears?

Can they flow over our faces? Surely they will freeze?

Any movement that we think of, like an engine seized.

Every photograph we look at, constantly the same.

Every particle of motion, captured in its frame.

Relatives we knew so closely, some have passed away;

But each time we see their pictures – was that yesterday?

Is there aught that we can think of, in our time and space,

That will carry on forever? Change will not take place?

Mountain ranges all will crumble. They cannot endure!

Time will do its work upon them. This we know for sure.

But there must be somewhere stable; fixed and ever firm.

Something like a tiny virus or some tiny germ?

Nothing in this vast creation will go on and on.

Though we think its everlasting; soon it will be gone.

God alone is never changing; Thank Him it is so.

He alone is everlasting; doesn’t ebb and flow.

Yesterday, today, forever; starting point and end.

Isn’t subject to the seasons; doesn’t flex or bend.

Every word that He has spoken surely has come true.

He’s the fullness of perfection; needs not me nor you.

Priest and King Who reigns forever. He will always be,

Author of our great Salvation, loving steadfastly.

Merciful in great abundance; constantly the same.

Not the slightest variation in His Holy Name!

Infinite in every aspect, Length and breadth and height,

Reaching out in all directions; Lord of endless light.

How can we extol Thy virtues; Words are far too small,

To declare to men and angels, Him who’s all in all.

Even with our limitations, we all long to see;

Him who has no start or finish, ruling endlessly.

Lord forgive us for attempting to expound Your Grace.

For us it would be sufficient, just to glimpse Thy face!

Righteousness and love abounding. Lord to Thee we bow.

Knowing that we will be with You in Your timeless now!

Jim Strickland – Written 29 February 2012

BLINDED BY LOVE

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Hi all,

It was a Sunday evening in October 1960. I had just committed my life to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. For most of the next couple of days, Jesus Christ thrilled and excited me. Then, progressively, over the next few weeks, doubts started to multiply in my heart. These doubts are best summed up by the question, “How do you know you have been saved?

I must admit, apart from being excited about Jesus Christ, everything seemed so normal. I didn’t feel any different. In fact, I felt much the same as I had done before my conversion. I distinctly remember being shown words in the Bible. “So what”, I kept on asking? “What is this all about? What is there about the Bible I can trust? There was very little in it I could understand anyway. Furthermore what had the antics of a bunch ex Egyptian slaves, roaming round the wilderness carrying a weird tent and its furniture got to do with it? Genesis and Exodus were easy enough to read; but what about all those odd regulations and sacrificial rituals in Leviticus? Where was God in all this? Where was Jesus? Furthermore, why should I trust it? They said it was the Word of God. But how did I know it was God’s Word? Everything was as clear as mud and twice as murky. I didn’t know it then, but I was experiencing a head on attack by Satan or one of his pals. I think I would have quit, but I was quite enjoying it and getting to know the other young people in the church; especially the girls. Sometimes I think I was attracted to Christianity by the ladies. O well at least I’m willing to admit it!

Then something very important happened. I started attending the Prudhoe Street Mission on Saturday afternoons. Shortly thereafter I began responding to calls for salvation. I kept going to the front regularly. I needed assurance of salvation. The people helped me considerably. Then came 1961 and Billy Graham’s Greater Manchester Crusade. They wanted counsellors. I volunteered on the basis that it would help me with my understanding of being a Christian. I didn’t get to meet Billy Graham. But the counselling and choir sessions were being led by Cliff Barrows in the Prudhoe Street Mission. It was during these training sessions that I began “soaking up” Christian truth and getting answers to my questions. Of course, I didn’t get all the answers. What I did get was a passion for Jesus that is with me today.

This experience taught me one unforgettable lesson. I learned that God is greater than my heart. I had so many questions that needed answering. But somehow, He kept me going on with everything. In other words, His Word was bigger than my doubts. I felt condemned by what I didn’t understand. But He was and is greater than my feelings! Now I try and keep short accounts with God. By regular confession and repentance I’m able to stay close to Him. As a result, the words in John’s first epistle help me continue. ²⁰ It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. ²¹ And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God! 1 John 3:20-21 MSG

All this comes from beginning to know the Word of God. No longer are there any questions in my mind concerning its validity.

Today’s meditation deals with Divine love and assurance.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Blinded by Love

No matter where we run to, from God we cannot hide.

He knows us intimately; what’s going on inside,

The heart of every person. Be they Christian or not,

The way that we react to Him. That puts us on the spot.

He penetrates our Spirit, with light ineffable;

And He continues doing it. He carries on until,

We come to the position, where we have made Him Lord.

Where sin has been defeated, by His great and mighty sword.

He doesn’t take a holiday. The Lord is never tired.

He knows our every motive for the things we have desired.

The things we think are hidden, in the recess of our soul,

Are lit up like a lighthouse to display our every goal.

Adam couldn’t fool Him from the time he ate the fruit.

He’d disobeyed the Master. The man could not refute,

His terrible exposure, to the God Who reigns on high.

And understand because of it, that He was bound to die.

Humanity had fallen. With all destined for hell.

Until the Saviour came and rang the “liberation” bell;

And by the Holy Spirit, could break the bonds of sin;

Return again to Father and truly enter in.

But still we have a problem, for Satan’s on the prowl.

He hunts around to get us like a predatory owl.

But he is unsuccessful, if Jesus is our King.

And we desire to serve Him much more than anything!

Christ provides the method, by the Holy Spirit’s power,

For Christians to be “sinless”, every moment, every hour.

Confession and repentance from sin will keep us clean;

And He will keep us spotless, no matter where we’ve been.

But Satan is a liar. He tells us we are lost.

He says that we are wicked; and we must pay the cost,

Of something that’s forgiven. He makes us feel condemned;

And that it is impossible to ever make amends.

But God has made a promise and assures us we are saved.

That we have been forgiven for the way that we’ve behaved.

Perhaps our heart condemns us, but God is so much more.

And He’s the One to turn to, to obtain the final score.

His truth brings the assurance of the facts about our fate.

While we are serving Jesus, the devil is too late!

God’s given us the victory, no matter how we feel.

And we can keep on serving Him with fervency and zeal.

So do not be misguided; Satan’s lies can make you blind.

But while you are obedient, God love is what you’ll find!

Jim Strickland – Written Tuesday, 28 February 2012