The “Pity-Party”

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Hi all,

Today we talk about having a “pity-party”. They are instantly recognisable and pathetic.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Tuesday, 29 May 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	The “Pity-Party”
While we were living in Fish Hoek we had delightful neighbours. We got on well with them and had a pleasant nodding acquaintance relationship. Then they had a baby. This was the noisiest child we have ever come across. At first we thought it was just bad behaviour. Then we were told that there was a medical problem with the baby and that the screaming was not unexpected with this disease. It was very trying for both families. What do we do with children who behave badly?  Most people today are not satisfied with the Biblical injunction,  24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24 NLT They tell us this is outdated and cruel thinking. More than that; if you do “smack” your child, you could be in serious trouble with the authorities. It seems that the authorities think they are ‘smarter’ than God. They have no compunction promulgating laws that are at variance with God’s Word. Then, when children run amok with anti-social behaviour, they won’t accept the fact that humanistic laws have disastrous consequences. So how do we deal with kids having a “tantrum”? My comment is that a good hiding would be a wonderful deterrent. That’s what my father did and I’m not traumatised by his discipline. A couple of months ago I came across a wonderful cure. The child was having a “paddy” on the floor yelling and screaming about goodness knows what. Mom quietly went and filled a bucket with cold water. Then, while the child was in the middle of his/her star performance, the mother threw the bucket of water on the child. The child was “shocked” into good behaviour. Since then, at the first sign of a temper tantrum, Mom reaches for the bucket. All of a sudden, peace reigns! What can happen is that instead of throwing a tantrum, the individual decides to have a “pity-party”. The mouth pouts, the eyes fill with tears, the child looks for a good hiding place. There, in the quietness of his/her room they have a full on “pity-party” which seems to last until suppertime when hunger draws them out of it. Sadly, adults remember all their childhood tricks. So when things displease them they retreat into their own private world and have their own private “pity-party”. There doesn’t seem to be any time limit either. Incidentally, group “pity-parties” don’t work. Not even in politics. People tend to laugh at each other. Laughter does not go well with such behaviour. We tend to spot how silly we are being. Then the whole thing breaks down. Is there a cure? Absolutely! An hour or two with Jesus Christ is the perfect antidote. He sees through it instantly Jim & Phyllida Strickland			6 And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; Psalms 55:6 ESV 8 And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. "Death is certainly better than living like this!" he exclaimed. Jonah 4:8 NLT 1 At last Job spoke, and he cursed the day of his birth. 2 He said: 3 "Let the day of my birth be erased, and the night I was conceived. Job 3:1-3 NLT 20 "Oh, why give light to those in misery, and life to those who are bitter? 21 They long for death, and it won't come. They search for death more eagerly than for hidden treasure. Job 3:20-21 NLT 18 The LORD is close to the broken hearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. 19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the LORD protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! Psalms 34:18-20 NLT 27 "Now My soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to Your name." Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, "I have already brought glory to My name, and I will do so again." John 12:27-28 NLT 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18 ESV	It’s called a “pity-party”; when you are all alone, And sit around and bellyache and sulk and moan and groan. We get quite good at doing it, although folk seldom see, Just how well we’re doing and our capability. I’ve had a lot of practice. And I’ve got very good. And give a small recital more often than I should. The expert in all History was known as Mister Job. He shaved His head, fell on the ground and even tore his robe. He had three special buddies who came to bring Him cheer. Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad both came near. Accompanied by Zophar a Naamathite of note, Thought that they could help him to leave his “sinking boat”! For seven days and seven nights they didn’t speak a word So it was only silence our “fallen hero” heard. There’s no need to go through it, it is a well-known tale. And every word they muttered would only help him fail. Another one was Jonah. A prophet sent by God. When told to go to Nineveh, did something rather odd. When told to warn the Ninevites, he went the other way. If God destroyed the lot of them, with him would be OK. He set out on the journey, but a great fish in the sea. Knew with great precision exactly where he’d be. So Jonah travelled free of charge within the giant fish. And so he got to Nineveh regardless of his wish. Then Nineveh repented. And this made Jonah wild. He went out of the city. He sat and never smiled. He had his “pity-party”. And asked if he could die. Nineveh repented and Jonah wondered “Why?” Of course there are no answers to questions of this sort. They had been forgiven so his warning came to naught! The moral of the story is do not be like me. A “pity-party” doesn’t work in Christianity. The Master doesn’t listen. He knows what’s going on. And waits till the performance is over, dead and gone. It doesn’t help to mutter, to “freak out” and complain. Our grumbling is useless and our sulking is in vain. But if we are obedient and do what we are told, We’ll find we are rewarded with heaven’s finest gold! Jim Strickland – Written 29th May 2012

FOREVER NEAR

Time with Jesus - Monday, 28 May 2012

Hi all,

The race of life we are running in is an extraordinary one. Paul tells us to run as to win. We are also told that there is a “Crown of Life” laid up for the “ Over-comer”. So which one is right? The answer is, both are true. A Christian must finishes the race. He/she must also run to win. I've found in life that my opponent is me! That’s our meditation

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Monday, 28 May 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
INTRODUCTION			DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	FOREVER NEAR
Schooldays were great fun. Getting to know the guys in the class and watching them develop into manhood was an experience that’s hard to forget. Occasionally, I look back at my old school photographs. I was with most of them for nine years apart from the odd times when I was elsewhere at a different school. The class photographs are a bit eerie! The same guys shown in short pants with school socks and “toothy” smiles have grown up and are barely recognisable. It’s not difficult to follow their and my development, adds a touch of pathos to revisiting the photographs. Sadly some of them have died far too young! In 2009 most of us attended our 50 year matric reunion. That’s when the changes were really obvious and “fallen comrades” were really missed. In an odd way we remembered them best as we knew them years before. It’s easy to remember the good times we had together. The bad times, when we had been in trouble at school were not forgotten but were raised as something to laugh about. At our 50 year reunion we had a look at the sports team photographs. We found that five members from the under-13 school rugby team were present. So we took another picture. We doubted if any of us could “go the distance” in a 90 minute rugby match. Those of us present doubted that we could do well against the current under-13 team. But it was fun. I was never much good at sport. A wee bit too large round the girth if you follow my drift. A bit too timid for competitive rugby and not good at athletics; the only sport I was any good at was cricket. Not good enough for the first team so I was relegated to keeping wicket (rather badly) for the second team. Since there were only two teams it wasn’t much of an achievement. In those days in school, sport was “played” for fun. Win or lose didn’t matter. Winning was easy. Losing was a bit disappointing. But we were back in the classroom on the Monday morning with another week in front of us. We had enjoyed the exercise but the outcome was not critical. In real life after school, sport changed rapidly. The sporting attitudes displayed so brilliantly in Chariots of Fire had passed away. That’s when I first came across the phrase, “There are no prizes for coming second”. I felt it was very unfair! Then I became a Christian. Suddenly I found that we are all in a competition. It’s a lifetime marathon. The prize is given to everyone who finishes the course. No prize for quitters! I found that my biggest competition came from me! Age, health, size and gender didn’t matter. If you completed this marathon, you received a crown of life! The Lord and His angels want us to finish the marathon. They help wherever possible. Lord, please help me finish. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			24 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24 NLT 13 The loafer says, "There's a lion on the loose! If I go out I'll be eaten alive!" Proverbs 22:13 MSG 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV 1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, we need to cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit and live a holy life in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 GW 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 ESV 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NLT 31 Those who use the things of the world should not become all wrapped up in them. The world as it now exists is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:31 NIrV 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 2 Peter 3:13-14 ESV 13 Therefore, your minds must be clear and ready for action. Place your confidence completely in what God's kindness will bring you when Jesus Christ appears again. 1 Peter 1:13 GW	They all came to the stadium the objective was to run, The aged and the crippled all thought it would be fun. The little tiny children, the old ones in wheel-chairs. Men and women, boys and girls. As singles and in pairs. They didn’t look athletic. The short, the fat, the tall. No person was excluded; they responded to the call. If you looked closely at them, you’d see that some were scared. As though they were attempting that which they hardly dared. They came up to the starting line, they knew they would succeed. Others came reluctantly afraid to do the deed. The fittest ones stood at the front. The others stood behind. The sick, the lame and lazy, the halt, the lame, the blind. They were the strangest people who thought “This can’t be done”! And Our Lord and Saviour, set off the starter’s gun. The fastest of the runners had wings upon their heels. They shot off like a rocket charged by their mighty zeal. To run and keep on running so they could win the prize. And be some sort of “hero” in everybody’s eyes. Some started off so badly, they’d hardly run a yard, When they began to grumble and say, “It’s far too hard”. But, miracle of miracles, though they were far from fit. Not one of them decided that it was time to quit. Take a closer look at them and tell me what you see. Jesus and an angel were with them constantly. So as they found the difficulty far too much to do. They heard a word behind them, “I’ll always be with you”. And so it hardly mattered that they could hardly cope. For Jesus filled their being with, love and faith and hope. The first one reached the finish line and Christ was standing there. He gave to him a victor’s crown. “I think this will take care Of trials and tribulations, you noticed in the race” And then He gave the same reward to him in second place. At last all the contestants had crossed the winning line. “My good and faithful servant, you really have done fine! Your biggest competition, My son, it came from you. With all your disadvantages you really couldn’t do, The things which you had wanted. But you have won the prize. You didn’t come in last of all and truly, in My eyes, This crown of life is yours to wear for you have overcome; All that Satan tried to steal from you; My “special son”. I don’t reward the fastest, just those who persevere. So take your place with Me My son. With you, I’m always near. Jim Strickland Written 28th May 2012

ANXIETY AND FEAR

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 27 May 2012

Hi all,

Anxiety and fear are terrible things. Jesus’ comments suggest that if we have anxiety for the future you’re suggestion that God is more interested in His pets than He is in you. ²⁶ Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are? Matthew 6:26 NLT Today’s meditation looks at anxiety.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Time with Jesus – Sunday, 27 May 2012
INTRODUCTION	DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	ANXIETY AND FEAR
Have you ever asked yourself, “What is the difference between a healing and a miracle?” There is of course a sense in which they are both miraculous, having come from the supernatural. But to you and me, they are not the same. If someone has leprosy, that person can be healed from the disease. The person will no longer have leprosy. Wonderful and good. Yes it is supernatural. We rejoice with the person that he has been healed. A miracle? Yes but not in the sense I’m referring to. Leprosy is a terrible disease. Slowly it affects the extremities. People get to the point where they may lose a toe, a hand or a foot. Now when the toe is gone, a reconstructive miracle is needed to replace the toe. God is able to do that as easily as He can heal leprosy. Reconstructive miracles are not seen very often. John gives a wonderful account of a constructive miracle. The man was born blind. In all probability he had no eyeballs. Jesus then made new “eyes” for him with his spittle and soil. 6 Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud. John 9:6 ESV This was similar to what had happened when Adam was formed from clay. (wet mud) God breathed the breath of life into Adam and created him. Jesus did the very same. He mixed His breath with the “clay” and made mud. This He placed on the man’s “eyes”. Jesus sent him to wash off the mud in the pool of Siloam. A miracle had taken place. The man could see for the first time in his life. Such miracles still take place today. Usually we don’t hear about them. Sometimes, God does not heal someone. Paul asked the Lord to heal him from the thorn in the flesh. He asked three times. He was not healed. God told him He liked him better the way he was. This kept Paul being humble and dependant on God. Today, many healings take place at conferences. Some of them are genuine. Some are not. Personally, I’m a bit sceptical when someone tells me he had a headache and now it’s gone. The man could be a liar. It’s happened before. The leader’s entire ministry has been a money-making scam. That’s why I like to hear of medically attested miracles. It can be demonstrated that the person had a certain medical condition. After the healing, the affected part was healed and the medical profession can prove it! I’ve had anxiety syndrome since I was a tiny baby. The bombs and my Mom’s anxiety about my safety were communicated to me. I’d love to get rid of it. But the Lord says He likes me the way I am. Sure, I’ve got a thorn in the flesh. Sure I’d like deliverance. But only he can create a reconstructive miracle in my head. Some say that Jim is going mad. My comment is that I didn’t have far to go! “Why not join me?” Jim & Phyllida Strickland	32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:32 ESV 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honour. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT 9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war." 2 Chronicles 16:9 TNIV 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the person who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the LORD, you holy people who belong to him. Those who fear him are never in need. 10 Young lions go hungry and may starve, but those who seek the LORD'S help have all the good things they need. Psalms 34:8-10 GW 25 "So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothes? 26 "Look at the birds. They don't plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? Matthew 6:25-26 GW 6 Don't worry about anything. Instead, tell God about everything. Ask and pray. Give thanks to him. 7 Then God's peace will watch over your hearts and your minds because you belong to Christ Jesus. God's peace can never be completely understood. Philippians 4:6-7 NIrV	I was born in England in nineteen forty two. We lived in Hull together; and there we surely knew The terrible destruction as bombs came raining down A dangerous place to live in; and we lived in that town. The mothers were all terrified. “My baby” they would scream. It really was a nightmare. Far from a pleasant dream. My mother’s disposition was great anxiety. I know I shouldn’t say this, but her problem then was me! How to protect the little ones from all these bombing raids? No wonder that the families were terribly afraid! We were evacuated to, a village fairly near. But we could hear the bombing; and Mom was filled with fear. I do not have a memory of any of those things. But deep in my subconscious, those fear-filled days still cling. It isn’t so surprising, Mom’s anxiousness was shared, With me while still a baby; for she was really scared. I’m sure you’ll understand that I’m a very anxious man! That is just what happened and how it all began. And so this great anxiety has been with me for years. Assisted by the things which caused my dreadful inner fears. A Christian isn’t anxious. That’s just what Jesus said. I know this for a fact, but the problem’s in my head. I’ve prayed about this matter. I’ve pleaded to be healed. But every time I do it, the Father has revealed, That this remains a problem that has helped to make me, me! “My grace is quite sufficient”. He’s said repeatedly. I know that He could heal me. But it is in His hands. I think I’d rather live with it than break my Lord’s commands. He’s kept me and protected me and given me a life That I have found together with Phyllida, my wife. It really is quite wonderful; the best I’ve ever known. An excellent example, man shouldn’t be alone. And in this time He’s shown me that a man without a limp Simply can’t be trusted; He’s a religious chimp. So, what about anxiety, of worries and of fear? Is Jesus truly teaching us to never let them near? Of course He is! It’s obvious, Don’t wobble like a jelly! Jesus Christ is with you and Satan’s tricks are smelly. Don’t let the aroma of what may never be, Come and interfere with your true tranquillity. God knows all about it and He is in control. Protecting you in spirit, in body and in soul. Jim Strickland  Written 27th May 2012