UTTERLY RELIABLE

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Hi all,

Teaching and knowledge are the two operative words in this morning’s Scripture. Both words are important to us today.

We have certain automatic functions in life. We don’t need to be taught how to breathe. Our heart beats by itself without instruction. The blood goes round and round. We feel pain and get grumpy when we are hungry etc. Apart from these and a few other things, we arrive in this world knowing virtually nothing. Our brains appear to be completely uncluttered. We then go into a learning process that is phenomenal. I’m reminded of a Syrian friend of mine from Homs asking me if I could speak Arabic yet? Of course I’d picked up a couple of words. But I had to confess I didn’t. “What’s the matter with you” he asked tongue in cheek. “My grandson is only two and he’s quite fluent!”

Language is acquired quickly by a baby. They have the ability to do so very quickly; they learn to be manipulative in the first seven days. A baby knows that he/she bawls and squalls, someone will stick something it his/her mouth and feed him/her. They’ve found out that with a bit of effort they can keep Mom and Dad continually on the run. I’m told that by the time a child is three, he/she has already learned up to 80% of all they’ll ever learn. It sounds a bit far-fetched, but perhaps the figures are true?

God’s Word associates knowledge with wisdom. It’s obvious that we need knowledge in order to become wise. Sadly, many don’t want to learn. It’s too much like hard work. Many don’t believe that God exists. According to Scripture, they are foolish ⁷ If you really want to gain knowledge, you must begin by having respect for the LORD. But foolish people hate wisdom and training. Pro 1:7 NIrV The Scripture goes further and says that unbelievers are fools. ¹ Godless fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt. They do disgusting things. There is no one who does good things. Psalm 14:1 GW

Now you don’t have to believe me. God has given you the choice to believe in Him or not. So why should I try and deny you this privilege? Your decision is entirely yours. On your head be it.

As far as Phyllida and I are concerned, we have learned from personal experience that God is utterly reliable. Our meditation looks into this further.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

utterly reliable

A student, or a learner, or an undergraduate,

People seem to think that on a certain future date,

Our studies will be over and learning will be through.

But friend, if that’s your attitude, I’ve got bad news for you.

We’ll never quit from learning until we drop down dead.

There such a lot more knowledge to cram into our head.

The world is set on changing. Technology’s gone wild.

The ones who seem to “get it” is now a little child.

The “buzz word” in all industry is “keeping up to date”.

And if you do not do it, I’m sad to have to state,

That good qualification acquired in the past,

Is going to be outdated and is losing value fast!

What is the solution? What is it we must do,

To keep our thinking current, reliable and true?

If course it is impossible for us to know it all.

But I can say for certain there’s a person you can call.

He is the Master teacher, designer of all things.

He knows why people have two legs and why the birds have wings!

He’s fluent in all languages and has no need for sleep.

He’s instantly available, He knows each time we weep.

He knows your great grandfather as well as Abraham.

So He’s the man to look to, when you are in a jam.

His speciality is knowing if things are right or wrong.

And He will gladly lead you and it will not be long,

Before you’re on the right path your enemies don’t know.

And He will take good care of you no matter where you go.

He’s utterly reliable. In fact He is the way;

The truth; the life; the open door; He never goes astray.

He knows the way to heaven. In Him and Him alone

Can anybody enter and see God’s Holy throne.

It is an open secret just why this is a fact.

Because His life was sinless. All others “dudes” were sacked.

They’ll never get you entrance. They’re all as bad as me.

There isn’t an alternative. It’s Him exclusively!

So let’s be realistic. Let’s do what is required.

The fount of every blessing can give what is desired.

Ask Him any question and you will know as well,

That He can show you heaven and even show you hell.

We know His Name is Jesus. Some call Him Joshua.

“Jehovah is salvation” “The Bright and Morning Star”

No One’s better qualified to teach you how to go.

And when you get to know Him, you’ll surely love Him so.

He is forever faithful. He is unfailing love.

The author of redemption, The One Who’s high above,

Anyone and everything on whom we can rely

The Son of God Almighty. Thank God He’s always nigh.

Jim Strickland 

Wednesday 11^th April 2012

KEEP MY COMMANDS

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Hi all,

“One potato, two potato, three potato, four.” Does that ring any bells? As a youngster it was the way we decided an issue. Choosing the boys for two sides always worked this way. I suppose if you were a mathematical genius you would have known very quickly who was on which side. For the rest of us, “decision by potatoes” worked fine. Mind you when it got down to only four or five “potatoes” left, some cheated and changed position! In their own sweet and innocent way they changed the rules.

Thank God we didn’t choose Jesus that way, and He doesn’t change the rules. He still approves of that which he approved 2000 years ago. Conversely … let’s not go there. God never changes the rules. Yesterday’s sin is sin today and will always be sin. The rules of society may change, but His don’t. Mostly, we choose to sin. Sure society now blames everyone and everything for what happened. If someone steals something today it gets blamed on the way their mother didn’t smile at them. Perhaps their father was rude? Anything at all!! Just don’t blame the culprit. Perhaps he has been robbed blind. But as far as God is concerned, a thief is still a thief. Don’t try and minimise it with a load of psychological claptrap.

Incidentally, how do we “un-steal”? If I’ve stolen something, even if I return it, it changes nothing. If we bear in mind that every sin is a sin against God, we start to feel the pressure of what we have done. It’s better not to take the chance. It’s better to obey His commands.

John makes a fascinating comment in his gospel: ¹⁰ If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. In the same way, I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. John 15:10 NIrV

At face value this seems an innocent statement. But it’s so much more than that. It’s actually an alternative way of checking if you are “in the kingdom” or not. Are you obeying His commands? Think back over the past several weeks. Have you been keeping His commands consistently? If you are not sure, ask Him. He’ll tell you.

David Pawson tells of the time he asked his congregation to check things out with the Lord. He told them to ask God if there was anything in their lives He (God) would like you to change. One lady immediately responded,” I know what it is”. “No you don’t” said David. “Go home and ask Him”. She came back to David and told him she had been right! I must confess that the question bothers me. He might tell me something I’m reluctant to change.

However, Jesus told His disciple in John’s gospel, that if we have kept His commands, we will abide in His love. More than that; He compares it with the way He stays in His Father’s love; which mean we have another method of checking to see if we are still in His love.

Today’s meditation explores this in the light of Song of Songs and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

 keep my commands

We have just been reading of the witness in our heart;

The Holy Spirit gives us, to show we are a part,

Of Jesus and His Kingdom. This method never fails.

But what is it that we can do if we’ve “come off the rails”.

We probably haven’t, it’s usually a lie,

That Satan tries to put on us, our trust in God to try.

But the Scripture tells us of something that reveals,

A method that does not rely on how we think or feel.

It tells us in John’s Gospel, Chapter fifteen and verse ten,

A way that we are certain we are not serving men.

Keeping His commandments, in all we say and do,

Proves to us conclusively that unto Him we’re true.

Willingly obeying Him, demonstrates our love,

And keep’s us intimately with Jesus Christ above.

Look back on your recent past and see if you’ve obeyed.

If you’ve been consistent, you needn’t be afraid!

Jesus Christ has told us, that if we’ve kept His Word,

Never be concerned about the lies which we have heard.

Jesus was obedient to Father God’s commands.

He was quite at home therein and that’s how His love stands!

So we can please the Father, by loving Christ His Son.

Keeping His commandments till all of life is done.

If you’ll be His lover and love intimately,

You’ll always be at home with Him for future history!

Smell His myrrh and spices and eat His honeycomb.

Eat and drink your wine and milk and you’ll be in His home.

Make Him your Beloved and surely He’ll be yours.

Give to Him your garden; He’ll wash away your flaws.

You will be His “woman”; a pure and spotless bride.

You’ll dwell with Him forever and never leave His side.

He will make you fruitful; the fruit which you will bear,

Is love and joy and gentleness; His patience will be there,

With faithfulness and kindness; with self control and peace,

And goodness motivating you, to never ever cease,

To be that special lover that Jesus Christ desires.

Totally committed to lighting inner fires;

And being what He’s wanting to praise His Holy Name.

For when you fall in love with Him, you’ll never be the same.

Jim Strickland – Written Tuesday 10^th April 2012

THE HOLY NAME-TAG

Time with Jesus - Monday, 09 April 2012

Hi all,

Memories can be difficult to understand. There are times when they are painful. There are other times, in exactly the same place, where the memories are sweet and enjoyable. One of my most painful memories is how I felt on the day my parents “dropped me off” at boarding school. I’d never been away from them before and it was traumatic. I felt as though I had been deserted. Of course it wasn't true. But feelings don’t always go with facts. Later in life, as a young Christian I got to know that feelings follow facts, not the other way. I’m pleased to record that it wasn't long before I settled down at school and often look back on those days as among the best days of my life.

The truth that feelings follow facts was an essential piece of knowledge I had to learn. I remember well the time when I committed my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. A week or so later, when the initial euphoria over my having been “saved” began to subside, I was faced with a major problem. I didn’t feel any different. A couple of features were in place. I’d stopped using foul language and my lifestyle had changed such that I wanted to attend church meetings. Any sort of church meeting would do as long as it was Christian. (Whatever that meant back then) So although I was in the Methodist Church, I visited as many other churches as I possibly could when I could find the time.

This gallivanting had a lot to do with my not feeling any different. Furthermore, I had other male/female issues that typically bother a teenager. This led me to the Prudhoe Street Mission and contact with the Billy Graham association. They were holding a crusade in Manchester and Cliff Barrows came to the mission to assist with counsellor training and choir instruction. So I had good reason for attending. Looking back now, it seems odd that someone who didn’t know he was “saved” could think of being a counsellor for Billy’s crusade! Incidentally, there was no TV links in those days. We just sat together in a large, full hall and listened to the service.

Over a period of about six months, many of my concerns about salvation evaporated. Something I heard then is still true. If I am a married man and wake up the next morning and didn’t feel married, my feelings are fooling me. The facts are there. My wife has the wedding certificate to prove it!

At the same time, I needed to find assurance – in spite of feelings. The New Testament was opening up for me and I learned that the assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he states: ²² and He has identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first instalment that guarantees everything He has promised us. 2 Cor 1:22 NLT

For me, it was a “clincher”. The Lord transformed my life. If not, I’ve wasted 52 years of life chasing a myth! Believe me, it’s no myth. Furthermore, I’ve had a fabulous “ride”. Jesus Christ has exceeded all my expectations and I’m happy to serve Him until my dying breath and beyond!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

The Holy Name-tag

Back in 1951, I went to boarding school.

I really missed my parents. Some thought I was a fool,

Because I started crying and wanted Mom and Dad.

But when you’re only nine years old. How can you blame a lad?

I didn't want to run away. Besides, where would I go?

What would I tell my parents? I really didn’t know.

There was a little problem with my school uniform.

I kept it in a locker that was outside my dorm.

But when it came to laundry, how could I tell my own?

My mother had been very wise and she had carefully sewn,

My name on all my clothing. She’d hidden it away,

But I knew where to find it. So every single day,

As I was busy dressing I made sure things were mine.

I knew it by the label. Mom’s system worked just fine.

As I continued growing up, one thing I found was true.

There had to be a system for identifying you!

A name tag or a label; I knew how it was done.

And I could prove conclusively, I am my father’s son!

So every time I met someone and said, “How do you do?”

I found it was the formula for saying, “Who are you?”

I then learned about fingerprints. They said they were unique.

They put them on a database; and if they wished to seek,

To find out what my name was, they’d know if I was me!

They said, “Until the day you die, it’s your identity.

It didn’t really bother me. I didn't want to hide.

I surely wasn’t perfect; but wouldn't go “off-side”.

When I became a Christian I asked, “Lord show to me,

The way I can identify a person who loves Thee.

You do not have that problem. In fact, You've always known,

The people whom You have redeemed and love You Lord alone!

I cannot find Your name-tag. I’ve hunted high and low.

So Father, won’t You show to me the way I too can know?

He said, “There is a ‘name-tag’ inscribed upon your heart.

My Holy Spirit put it there when He set you apart.

He’s deep inside your spirit man and will not go away,

Unless you have decided you don’t want Him to stay.

So look deep down inside you, in places you can’t see.

Use your ‘spiritual eyes’ and look around for Me.

You’ll know that I am present, by the witness you will find,

Confirming you’re My servant. Your life to Me’s consigned.

There, in your inner sanctum, is where I’ll always be;

Alive in you and proving that you belong to Me!”

Jim Strickland – Written Monday 9^th April 2012

SEEING CLEARLY

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 08 April 2012

Hi all,

Consequences! Everything we do has an end result. Even doing nothing has an outcome. Many of the things we do are coincidental. They are the result of natural laws that God has put in place in the universe. If I step off the roof, the consequence could be fatal. The fact that I was standing next to someone may be a coincidence. If he pushed me off the roof it couldn't be a coincidence. It was someone using the upshot of the law of gravity to “get rid” of me. Some would argue that God had told him to do it. Others would say, “The devil made me do it!” Others may suggest that I was foolishly testing my own jumping ability. The outcome for me would be the same.

We often warn our children not to do certain things. “Don’t touch the hot plate, it will burn you” is a classic example. The child does it and gets burned. That was the outcome of disobedience. Often, children do these things to see if what we say is true. They get a quick lesson in effects. Hopefully they won’t test the consequence of playing hop-scotch on the motorway.

There is an aspect of consequences that we don’t understand when we make choices. The impact it will have on life in the future. Having children is perhaps the greatest example. Even if the choice was accidental and unplanned, the consequence is permanent for the mother and the father. In the vast majority of cases, the children will outlive their parents. So for the parents, the consequences are life long.

For a Christian, the decision to make Jesus Christ Lord of life has eternal consequences. It is life changing on this side of the grave and, on the other, dictates our ultimate destination.

Today’s meditation refers to an unfortunate incident in the life of a friend of mine. Circumstances “conspired” to give him “arc eyes”. For the next couple of weeks he had to visit the sick bay for treatment. It was the brilliant light from welding that caused it. He had looked at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Scripture informs us that to look at the face of God would kill us. ²⁰ But you can't see my face," he (God) said. "No one can see me and stay alive." Exodus 33:20 NIrV

But the day will come when we will see Him and will not die. This will be the day He returns! ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. ¹⁷ Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thess 4:16-17 NLT

Now this is something to look forward to. The consequence of committing our life to Jesus will become reality.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Seeing Clearly

 When I was an apprentice, in nineteen sixty three,

There was a silly accident to someone close to me.

Another friend was welding; and so he “struck an arc”.

A light so very blinding, he wore a pair of dark

“Glasses” on his helmet to see the welding place.

And also keep the sparks away from flying on his face.

The man who did the welding was very highly skilled.

They called upon him often: The company was thrilled,

Because of his ability to do the hardest job.

A talent that had raised him above the average mob.

My other friend was watching. He should have turned away.

But he was not quite quick enough when he stood there that day.

The welder started welding and as the arc was struck,

It seemed on this occasion my friend was “out of luck”!

The light, in all it’s brilliance, went straight into his eyes,

And left him semi-blinded. If only he’d been wise,

It never would have happened. A price he had to pay.

To let his eyes recover in the company’s sick bay.

The moral of the exercise is something Moses learned.

Just a little look at God; he could be badly burned.

A welding flash is nothing compared with what will be,

If by some odd coincidence, the face of God we see.          Exodus 33:20

My friend was semi-blinded. The flash was very bright.

But that is next to nothing. If somehow, we catch sight,

Of Father in His Majesty we cannot stay alive!

His purity and brilliance; we simply can’t survive.

And yet, the Lord has told us, that there will be a day,

When we will look upon Him and not be blown away!

John tells us in his letter; his first one in God’s Word,

We’ll see Him and be like Him. I know it sounds absurd!

But we’ll be like the Saviour! He will protect our eyes.          1 John 3:2

We will not need a helmet when we meet Him in the skies.

If we continue doing, the things He says are right,

He said He’ll turn the darkness into everlasting light!

The shout of the archangel and the trumpet of the Lord,        1 Thess 4:16-17

Will snatch us from the graveyard to come for our reward. 1 Thess 4:16-17

And nothing could be better than being face to face,

With Father, Son and Spirit and feeling their embrace.

Jim Strickland – written Sunday 8^th April 2012.

BE A LITTLE PATIENT!

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 07 April 2012

Hi all,

Patience is a virtue. That’s what we are told. The problem is endemic in today’s culture. “I want it and I want it now!” Alternatively, “Lord, please give me patience; quickly!” Of course, the Lord has us at a great disadvantage. He has all the time in the world. We don’t!

The fact is, God has everything under control and timed down to the smallest part of a nanosecond. But that seldom helps us. For example, in Genesis we learn: ¹³ Then the LORD said to Abram, "You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. Gen 15:13 NLT Now I don’t want to be “picky”; but I’m not sure how I would feel if I was a slave. Then I found that there was a couple of hundred years still to go for me and my family. My comment would be something like this: “Lord, I know you have lots of time, but what do I tell my kids? It wouldn’t help, but it might make me feel a bit better.

In spite of all this, you and I have to get on with life. We either do so with enthusiasm and a passion for living, or we allow ourselves to sink into the slough of despond. The choice is ours. We can side with Solomon in his old age and say, ² "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." Eccl 1:2 TNIV or we can side with Jesus who said, ¹⁰ the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 TNIV

Our meditation looks at both aspects. We begin with a man asking “meaningless” questions; questions to which we have no answers. Then the tone changes and we meet the one Who is able to answer all questions; the One who wants us to have “abundant” life. The questions cannot be answered directly on this side of the grave. But the Lord has all the answers. The meditation concludes with Him giving us His assurance that all is well in Him and asking us to be a little patient.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Be a Little Patient!

Life is an enigma! No one seems to know,

The reason why somebody’s born: and why they have to go!

It seems so contradictory; we’re only born to die.

And no one I have known has ever said the reason why.

Are we just like the animals, who how have to find a mate,

To keep the species going and so they copulate?

Is this the only purpose? Then why be born at all?

Surely man’s extinction is better than his fall?

Why is it we continue? Why didn’t God see fit,

To finish with His creation and simply stop and quit?

I know these are big questions; but who can indicate,

His purpose in continuing with all our sin and hate?

How long has it been happening? About ten thousand years?

And man has still learned nothing; is how it now appears.

It’s like an endless treadmill that we can’t start or stop.

We’re born and keep on moving till finally we drop!

Where will we find the answer? Without theology,

Such questions can’t be answered; that’s how it seems to me.

God must have had a purpose; but where did it go wrong?

The fact is that the Father had known it all along.

It didn’t come and shock Him, or take Him by surprise.

He knew what Lucifer would say to spread his evil lies.

In fact He’d always known it. When Lucifer was made,

The Lord knew there would come a time when He was disobeyed.

That pride would be the reason for this archangel’s fall.

In spite of this, He knew that it was somehow worth it all.

The whole thing’s still in process. But Jesus knows the end.

It won‘t be interrupted; on this we can depend.

Some day the Lord will say to us, “My child can you now see,

It had to be all finalised to wind up history?

Look now at what has happened! See, It was all worthwhile!

Think back on your questioning. It’s sure to make you smile.

For sin and Satan’s empire, I had to bring to naught.

And that is why I came to earth. To fight the war I fought.

If I had quit the way you said, no one would ever see;

The awesomeness of Jesus and His Great Majesty!

While you were in the grip of time, I couldn’t then reveal,

The fullness of My purpose. You wouldn’t think it real!

How could it ever happen? But now it is so clear!

And in this new dimension, I am forever near!

So be a little patient and wait til time is done;

And you will have the answers directly from My Son.

Jim Strickland – Written Saturday 7^th April 2012

YOUR OPEN INVITATION

Time with Jesus - Friday, 06 April 2012

Hi all,

In the Scriptures today, Isaiah 9:6 appears three times as indicated in the quote. ⁶ A child will be born for us. A son will be given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: (1) Wonderful Counsellor, (2) Mighty God, Everlasting Father, (3) Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 GW I’ve combined two of them to preserve the quoted Scripture portion to manageable proportions.

I’ve often wondered why we are told that, 1) a child will be born for us and 2) a son will be given to us. At first I thought it was just semantics. So I consulted a couple of commentaries. The Believer’s Bible Commentary stated: The First Advent is described in verse 6a: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given." The first clause speaks of His humanity, the second of His deity: Isaiah 9:6

This made a lot of sense and I’ve incorporated this into today’s meditation. Thus you find them highlighted in the Scripture portion and emphasised in the poetry portion.

The meditation has been compiled as a dialog with the Lord. The two colours make it easier to follow. The topic emphasises Jesus’ Humanity and His Divinity to assist us understand the Scripture.

I wonder what was in Isaiah’s mind when he wrote this Scripture. Seldom were the prophets even remotely aware that their words were inspired by the Holy Spirit. I suspect that if they had been, they would have been terrified. The insight was so “normal” that they had no clue of Divine influence. I’ve noticed this in my own life. On the odd occasion when I’ve been used by the Lord in any capacity, it was so normal that I was completely unaware what was taking place. For this I thank God. I’m sure that if something abnormal took place whereby I was convinced that what I was about to say or do was motivated by the Lord, I would have run away! It’s altogether too awesome to consider seriously!

Many years ago I heard a man speak about this in his own life. The comments above more or less correspond with what he said. He was afraid of getting into pride because of what happened. This terrifies me too. If I knew that my next few words were directly from the Lord, I think I would be struck dumb. It’s not something to brag about but something very humbling.

The meditation is an open invitation for people to come to Him. The invitation is open to us from birth to death. After that the opportunity has gone.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Your Open Invitation

To know Him is to trust Him. This is forever true!

But you will never know Him, until He’s met with you.

It seems a contradiction and also rather odd.

But if we are to know Him, we first must meet with God.

But where’s the invitation for us to go and meet?

Is it in the market place or on a busy street?

This is the burning question in more that just one sense.

For if we’re not in contact, what will be your defence,

If He turns round and says to you, “You never even tried,

To come and meet your Maker. No effort on your side,

Was made by you to contact Me. You seldom had the time,

For anyone except yourself. This is your greatest crime.

My doors were ever open and just one little prayer,

Was all you ever needed; but you just didn’t care.

There were too many baubles attracting you away!

And there was never time enough to hear what I would say.

You missed out on the blessings through the power of My Name.

To you, your sojourn on the earth, was just a little game.

And yet a child was born to you, an ordinary man.   Isaiah 9:6 - Humanity

Deliberately chosen to fit into My plan.

He had to take on Satan and never ever sin.

A person fully human to represent your kin,

Or He would be disqualified. An angel wouldn’t do.

He had to be a person, a man the same as you.

Yet in his full humanity, He had to be Divine;

And so a Son was given. The only Son of Mine.      Isaiah 9:6 - Divinity

Humanity united with Divinity in One.

A sinless individual whom man could look upon.

He came here as a servant. No title and no rank.

And by the very life He lived, the “ship of Satan” sank!

Each moment He was on the earth He had to spend with me.

Yet represent your people simultaneously!

So why was it so difficult? For you one little glance,

Would be of such sufficiency, that you would have the chance,

To live with us forever! But you would not comply.

So you must reap the consequence. Indeed you have to die,

Outside of the protection that I had offered you.

You showed you didn’t want it; and I’ll respect your view.

Your lifestyle demonstrated the way you wish to go.

Do not try and lie to Me and say you didn’t know!

My brother or my sister, you’ll surely rue the day,

If you reject the Master before you pass away.

Spend some time with Jesus. If you’ll invite Him in,

You will not know the consequence of your disgusting sin.

Repent and cry out to Him, to be one of His own.

Then follow in obedience, the way His Word has shown,

Jim Strickland – Written 6^th April 2012