FOREVER LOVE

Time with Jesus - Friday, 11 May 2012

Hi all,

This morning we take a brief look at the Greatest Love Story this world has ever known. Never mind Shakespeare, Mills and Boon or any other book we have read. The Greatest love story is the Bible. A description of how God reaches out to mankind. It’s an extraordinary story in which you and I play a minor role. Read it and see!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Time with Jesus – Friday, 11 May 2012
INTRODUCTION	DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	FOREVER LOVE
Yesterday we had a brief look at the inerrancy of God’s Word. It was mentioned that “shot-gun” theology is nonsense. You cannot stuff a whole bunch of various texts into your Gospel shot-gun and fire it at people. Every verse of Scripture must be carefully examined to insure we don’t make it say the opposite of what it means. One of my favourite comments on this is to point out that when Jesus says He is the “gate” we don’t start looking at Him to find “handles” and “hinges”! Quoting the Lord Jesus, John states: 27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27 NLT We know that Jesus is talking about His followers. They hear Him. Of course the implication is if you don’t hear Him, you are not one of His. Generally speaking this is true. However, many Christians do hear His voice but don’t recognise that He is speaking. Sadly, many are not taught how to do so. Don’t be surprised, the entire Sunday service mentality militates against this. All that’s normally required is to go and listen to the preacher. He does the hearing and he will tell you all about it. The body of Christ needs to scrap this attitude of dependence on a man and start listening to God’s voice personally. Is this dangerous? Absolutely! But hearing His voice is not optional. It’s each individual’s responsibility. Today’s Scripture looks at this. Examples are taken from Song of Solomon and 1st Samuel. (Samuel himself). What I have found is that God wants to speak to us. We believe He loves us. This being the case, surely He wants to speak to us. I’m mortal and love talking to those whom I love. Surely God, the perfect “person”, wants to talk to those whom He loves and love Him? The Bible is the World’s Greatest Love Story. The story of God pursuing men and women who have no interest in Him and refuse to love Him. In the very heart of the Bible, God has placed one of the most beautiful stories of the relationship between a young man and a young woman. Called the Song of Solomon it describes their love for each other in clear, intimate and touching detail. So beautiful is this story that it is almost impossible to describe. To do so would be sacrilege. We cannot deal with it adequately. What I can say is that the Jewish people speak of this book as the “Holy of Holies”. I believe they are correct. In today’s meditation I’ve taken some aspects concerning hearing the voice of the Shepherd. It’s continues with how Phyllida and I see Christian marriage. It culminates with the relationship between Jesus and His bride. Stunning! Jim & Phyllida Strickland	26 But you don't believe Me because you are not My sheep. 27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:26-27 NLT 20 "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:20-21 NLT 2 I slept, but my heart was awake, when I heard my lover knocking and calling: "Open to me, my treasure, my darling, my dove, my perfect one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night." Song of Solomon (SoS) 5:2 NLT 6 I opened to my lover, but he was gone! My heart sank. I searched for him but could not find him anywhere. I called to him, but there was no reply. Song of Solomon (SoS) 5:6 NLT 10 And the LORD came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied, "Speak, your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:10 NLT 5 When Jesus came by, He looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. "Zacchaeus!" He said. "Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today." 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. Luke 19:5-6 NLT 8 I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for He speaks peace to His faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Psalms 85:8 NLT	Have you heard from Jesus? I think perhaps you should! He says His sheep are listening. Do you think you could, Listen to the Shepherd, for if you do you’ll hear, The sound of Jesus speaking into your inner ear. He says His sheep will follow Him. They’ll go where He will go. The sound of any other voice, they surely will not know. Even when they’re gathered in some great, gigantic flock, They’ll hear Him when He’s speaking. No other sounds can block, The calling of the Shepherd. They’ll hear Him instantly. And go where He is leading. That’s where they want to be. They answer when He’s knocking. They open wide the door. They share a meal together, thrilled to the very core. That He has spoken to them. They don’t want Him to leave. They never want to stray from Him. They would far rather cleave, The way a faithful husband clings closely to his wife. The thought of separation? - not in this present life! They listen like a lover listens for the call, Of someone who’s so precious He is her all in all. This is reciprocated. His passion for her love, Exceeds His expectations. It’s over and above, All he has imagined in all His wildest dreams. They must stay forever, eternally - it seems! She’d love Him forever, He wouldn’t go away. She would give Him everything. She’d honour and obey, The man she was committed to with every ounce of strength. He was also willing, to go to any length, To see that she was satisfied in each and every way. They’d be joined in covenant right from that very day. He would lay His life down; even be crucified, To demonstrate His love for her; his woman, wife and bride. She would be responsive and listen like a sheep, Knowing that His love for her was long and wide and deep. He would call her darling and she would call Him Lord; Someone to be worshipped, hallowed and adored. Dedicate her life to Him and always do Him good; Just the way a faithful wife continually should. And in this commitment where one plus one is one, They would spend eternity; or until God has gone! Jim Strickland – Written 11th May 2012

ABSOLUTELY POINTLESS?

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 10 May 2012

Hi all,

King Solomon is often referred to as the “author” of the book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, sometimes called Canticles. It is said he wrote Song of Songs as a young man, Proverbs in mid-life and Ecclesiastes when he was old; true or false? Probably a bit of both. I’ve always struggled with the fact that anyone as wise as he was reported to be would have 700 wives and 300 concubines. That sounds like madness rather than wisdom!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Time with Jesus – Thursday, 10 May 2012
INTRODUCTION	DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	ABSOLUTELY POINTLESS?
During my first few months of being a Christian I had a number of questions. What had I let myself into? How do I know that it’s true? How can I be sure of Jesus Christ and His salvation? My biggest problem was that every time I had a question; someone would open the Bible and read. It was rather frustrating. I felt like interrupting and saying, “So what?” To me they were reading words from an old book that had little relevance for an eighteen year old male. It took me about six months to find out that the Bible was God’s Word. But that didn’t provide the complete answer. I quickly found the Bible contained God’s Word. But which were written by men and which by Him? It took me about a year to realise that It was all God’s Word. Then I started struggling with some of the things in His Word. Why were they there? What purpose were they there for? In particular, what about Ecclesiastes (Ecc) and Song of Solomon (SoS)? Ecc sounded like the moans and groans of an old and disappointed man. As for SoS, I thought it a bit too “racy” to be there anyway. How does a young man deal with such questions? I assumed that these books were included for reasons that would be apparent as I grew in my walk with God. As a complication, back in those days, many Christians were into what I termed, “Shotgun Theology” Texts would be referred to that didn’t seem consistent with the overall content. For example Paul wrote, 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 KJV Then a rather crazy thought occurred to me. I can’t fall pregnant. Men can’t do that. So here was something that didn’t apply. Then I found out that nothing can change the past. Also, I’m not a brain surgeon. I can’t do brain surgery tomorrow! So what was this passage all about? So I read the entire passage and found that Paul was talking about financial matters. Suddenly the verse made sense. These thoughts took me back to SoS. By then I’d grown a bit and found that it was a delightful love story about a man and a woman. An allegory on the relationship between Jesus and His Bride. I hadn’t realised that the Lord can love me physically and passionately. Then I looked again at Ecc; I was bit older and started to see the tragedy of an old man who had been sufficiently wealthy to have been able to afford whatever he wanted. He tried them all. Sex, Power and Wisdom. None of them brought contentment. Solomon was the wealthiest King who has ever lived. He tried to find satisfaction in life, in the pursuit of women. 3 He had 700 wives who were princesses and 300 wives who were concubines.1 Kings 11:3 GW  As far as wisdom is concerned: 29 God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore.1 Kings 4:29 NLT King Solomon concludes Ecc with the following: 13 That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone's duty. Ecclesiastes 12:13 NLT Now I’m convinced that God’s Word is the inerrant truth. Read and understand. You will never go wrong! Jim & Phyllida Strickland	1 The words of the spokesman, the son of David and the king in Jerusalem. 2 "Absolutely pointless!" says the spokesman. "Absolutely pointless! Everything is pointless." Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 GW 9 You have been angry with us all of our days. We groan as we come to the end of our lives. 10 We live to be about 70. Or we may live to be 80, if we stay healthy. But all that time is filled with trouble and sorrow. The years quickly pass, and we are gone. Psalms 90:9-10 NIrV 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all others. 1 Corinthians 15:19 TNIV 14 We don't have a permanent city here on earth, but we are looking for the city that we will have in the future. Hebrews 13:14 GW 6 "I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Malachi 3:6 NLT 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21 ESV 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope Romans 8:20 TNIV 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 GW 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and were covered with eyes, inside and out. Without stopping day or night they were singing, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is, and who is coming." 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, to the one who lives forever and ever, 10 the 24 leaders bow in front of the one who sits on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever. They place their crowns in front of the throne and say, 11 "Our Lord and God, you deserve to receive glory, honour, and power because you created everything. Everything came into existence and was created because of your will." Revelation 4:8-11 GW	Absolutely pointless; It isn’t worth a dime! It isn’t going anywhere; and all of space and time, Are nothing but a journey from the cradle to the grave. It makes so little difference if you spend, or if you save. Life is filled with nothing. We may live eighty years. They’re over in an instant and filled with grief and tears. No sooner have we started than we are dead and gone, And wonder if there’s purpose for us to carry on? This is the normal attitude of those outside of Christ. For them life is a lottery, that’s far too highly priced. They’re never going to win it and even if they did, They’d squander it, or wasted it and rapidly get rid, Of every cent of winnings until they’d lost the lot; And brood about what might have been if only they had not! But those who’ve come to Jesus and made Him Lord of all, Find things not so pointless and life can be a ball. They’ll still have lots of trouble, for they are not exempt, To that which Satan’s demons would bring to them; to tempt And push them into foolishness and knock them off their feet. But if they stick with Jesus, then Satan will be beat. We have to change our attitude and also, redefine, The way we look at money in the light of Christ Divine. We have to see we’re citizens of heaven, not the earth. We have to know the glory of the Christian’s second birth. The city we are living in, while we are still down here, Will ultimately crumble and then will disappear. Our city is not permanent. We look for one to come. The lovely New Jerusalem, without a single slum! To be with Him Who’s changeless and be conformed to Him; To see Creation deathless; not subject to the whim, Of some religious monster who hates what God has made. To live in an environment where no one is afraid. Free from interference by the devil and his crew. To worship God forever with everything made new; To join the living creatures and sing “Holy is the Lord” To be alive in Jesus and never once feel bored. It never will be pointless to give the Master praise; For He gives inspiration, in so many different ways. Jim Strickland – Written 10th May 2012

PARADOX

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 09 May 2012

Hi all,

Christianity is a paradox. In order to win you must lose. The way up is the way down. To be the greatest you must be the least. In order to get you must give. In order to have life you must first die! These are well known generalities. Today’s meditation touches on the paradox of fearing Him and being with Him. It’s how it is for me!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Time with Jesus – Wednesday, 09 May 2012
INTRODUCTION	DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	PARADOX
Today we look at one of the great paradoxes of Christianity. So let’s begin by looking at one of the definitions of the word “paradox”: a statement, proposition, or situation that seems to be absurd or contradictory, but in fact is or may be true. The paradox in this instance is how each of us should feel in the manifest presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible seems to be consistent regarding this. Every Bible character we know who comes into the presence of God feels overwhelmed. Abram is no exception. 1 When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to him. He said, "I am the Mighty God. Walk with me and live without any blame. 2 I will now put into practice my covenant between me and you. I will greatly increase your numbers." 3 Abram fell with his face to the ground. Genesis 17:1-3 NIrV John Gill’s commentary states: At the sight of so glorious a Person that appeared to him, and in reverence of his majesty, and as sensible of his unworthiness of such a visit, and of having such favours bestowed upon him. Falling flat, face down on the ground seems to be the action of those who’ve had the privilege of what we call a “Christophany” – An appearance of Jesus Christ before or after Calvary; all have reacted similarly. Peter the apostle is not recorded as having fallen face downward. But as it states in Luke; 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened; he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, "Oh, Lord, please leave me--I'm too much of a sinner to be around You." Luke 5:8 NLT, so his experience was similar to Abram’s. Isaiah was similarly affected. 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Isaiah 6:5 TNIV Saul/Paul had an almost identical experience. He fell to the ground and the brightness of the Lord blinded him. John the Apostle; the one who had leaned back onto the chest of Jesus; the one called “The disciple whom Jesus Loved” did much the same. We think John was Jesus’ favourite. Even so, John fell face down when Jesus appeared to Him. His manifest presence does this to mortal men. Today’s meditation explores this. The paradox is wanting to run away while being drawn to the Lord. I suppose it could be called a lose/lose situation. Whatever I do is the wrong thing. I can’t leave because of my love for Him and His love for me. I can’t stay because his absolute purity scares me spit-less. So what do I do? I really don’t know. What would you do? Jim and Phyllida Strickland	20 But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." John 6:20 ESV 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. Then he put his right hand on me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One. I was dead. But look! I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Hell. Revelation 1:17-18 NIrV 25 "But I, yes I, am the one who takes care of your sins--that's what I do. I don't keep a list of your sins. Isaiah 43:25 MSG 5 So I said, "Oh, no! I'm doomed. Every word that passes through my lips is sinful. I live among people with sinful lips. I have seen the king, the LORD of Armies!" 6 Then one of the angels flew to me. In his hand was a burning coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said, "This has touched your lips. Your guilt has been taken away, and your sin has been forgiven." Isaiah 6:5-7 GW 22 I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offences like the morning mist. Oh, return to Me, for I have paid the price to set you free." Isaiah 44:22 NLT 1 My dear children, I'm writing this to you so that you will not sin. But suppose someone does sin. Then we have one who speaks to the Father for us. He stands up for us. He is Jesus Christ, the Blameless One. 1 John 2:1 NIrV	If Jesus stood before you, how do you think you’d feel? Put your arms around Him and hug Him with great zeal? I wish that I could say that. He’s said He is my friend. But it is much more likely; my knees would shake and bend. I know that Jesus loves me. Of that there is no doubt. But when I stand before Him. He’s everything - I’m nowt. He’s the One Who’s known me since before the world was made. The One Who speaks and His command is instantly obeyed. The One who formed the universe when there was nothing there; Designed the “Laws of Nature” in detail and with care; Made the law of gravity; He fixed the speed of light; The sun to rule the daytime, the moon to rule by night. He fashioned all the galaxies and put each one in place; Planned the” Laws of Motion” and made both time and space! His infinite ability, the power of His lips. He only has to glance at me and I have had my chips! How can I not feel humbled the instant He appears? He knows when I was “started”. He’s numbered all my years. I think I’d do what John did – fall at His feet as dead. He fills me with abundant joy and just a tinge of dread. How do we cope with someone who is the King of Kings? What do we say to someone who flies on eagle’s wings? What is the first reaction when Jesus Christ draws near? Peter knew exactly, a sense of reverent fear, Came up and overwhelmed Him. “Don’t come too close to me. For Lord, I am a sinful man and your bright purity Is now so overwhelming I think I’ll surely die. So don’t come any closer”; would also be my cry! And yet there is a paradox. I want to know Him more. I’d want to stay just where I am and worship and adore, The one who means far more to me than I will ever know. Master what a privilege to let me love You so! Have mercy Lord, I need You. Please don’t send me away! Although I know I have no right to come to you and stay. O Lord, how do I handle this? I want to stay and leave. To stay intimidates me. But I cannot conceive, A life that is without You. Please don’t cast me away. How do I face this paradox confronting me each day? Jim Strickland  Written 9th May 2012