NO CONNECTION WITH SIN

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 21 June 2012

Hi all,

Today’s meditation is about deafness and the associated problems therewith. We know God hates sin. He also tells us that if we don’t “put away” sin, He doesn't hear us.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Thursday, 21 June 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	NO CONNECTION WITH SIN
Have you ever wondered what it would be life to be deaf? Phyllida and I lived in Worcester for 4 years in the 1990’s. There were two special schools there. One for the blind and the other for the deaf. So we came upon a number of them fairly regularly. To some extent, the town does it’s best to provide facilities for who are blind. One way was that the traffic lights “sounded” when the light was green. A different sound was emitted when the lights were red. This didn’t help the deaf, but they could see the lights anyway. There were a number of blind and vision impaired children in the Sunday School. One of the Sunday School teachers was blind. Being deaf must be a terrible affliction. We tend to shout in their company. My own hearing is slightly impaired, so Phyllida and others have to speak up so I can hear them. My hearing aid helps, but will never be a complete answer to deafness. We all know that Beethoven went progressively deaf as he aged. I understand that he got to the point where he would lie on the floor trying to feel the vibrations from the piano. It seems incredible that such a talented composer may never have “heard” his own compositions. I’ve been told that he “heard” them in his head and that a number of compositions he was completely deaf! Few things can be worse than deafness. This tragedy has two sides to it. The one we all know something about. Not hearing is terrible. The other side of the coin is how the speaker feels about not being heard. My Dad was hearing impaired. It came about by working in noisy power stations. In his day there were no regulations to protect the workers from noise levels. So he started getting deaf at a relatively early age. Talking to him, particularly over the last 10 years of his life became progressively difficult. The family struggled to get him to know what we were saying. In that respect it was a double affliction; for him and for us! The psalmist stated: 18 If I had enjoyed having sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18 NIrV. Consider the crux of this problem. If we get to the place where we refuse to put away sin, we are in danger of praying to a blank wall. Firstly, God stops listening to those who love their sin and refuse to change. At this point God won’t listen to us. God hasn’t gone deaf. He simply refuses to listen. For us it has the same result! But we also have a problem. If He refuses to listen, prayer is pointless. Then, if we continue to pray, it is an exercise in futility. It’s pointless praying to a God Who isn’t listening. The problem is not with Him, it’s with us. Today’s meditation is an imaginary phone call from someone to God. The frustration of the speaker is exaggerated. Likewise God’s comment is also exaggerated. Nevertheless it points out what happens when we “love” our sin and will not put it away! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			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 5:6 NLT 8 Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies? 9 For when the Canaanites and all the other people living in the land hear about it, they will surround us and wipe our name off the face of the earth. And then what will happen to the honour of your great name?" 10 But the LORD said to Joshua, "Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this? 11 Israel has sinned and broken My covenant! They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for Me. And they’ve not only stolen them but have lied about it & hidden the things among their own belongings. Joshua 7:8-11 NLT 1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; 2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2 ESV 18 If I had enjoyed having sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18 NIrV 21 Dear friends, if our conscience doesn't condemn us, we can boldly look to God 22 and receive from him anything we ask. We receive it because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. 1 John 3:21-22 GW	Waiting for an answer that’s never going to come! It’s truly devastating! Why is it ever done? You pick up the receiver and then you turn the dial. Hoping you will hear the voice, which causes you to smile. But somehow that phone number just rings and rings and rings. Isn’t there somebody who’ll pick up the dumb thing? Maybe it’s not working? I know it was last week. Isn’t anyone around to pick it up and speak? I’ve got to keep on trying. I’ll stand here all the day. I have to telephone Him. There is no other way. I’ve never known it like this. In fact, it’s very strange! Perhaps there is a problem at the telephone exchange? O Lord, what is the matter? This problem isn’t fun. I’m sorry to inform you, I’m not listening My son. You say the phone is ringing. Do you not think that’s odd? There shouldn’t be a problem with your getting through to God! Please know the line is perfect. It always is that way! The angels go and check it out each morning every day. Everything is working exactly as it should. There isn’t a malfunction; the reception’s very good. It comes to Me directly; straight into my ear. And when the circumstance is right, please know I always hear. I’m able to communicate with billions of men. I hear them all in person; It doesn’t matter when. So if I cannot hear you. Don’t think I do not care. You’re sure to find the problem is on your side somewhere. There is a special filter connected to your heart. And if it sees there’s sin in it, that’s when the problem’s start. It functions like a special valve and only works one way. Your voice is overridden and I don’t hear what you say! My child I have to say this. The problem lies with you. Until you put that sin away, I will not hear from you. So here is My suggestion. Your attitude within, Has got to be to put it right and you must put away your sin. I see that you enjoy it; I’m sorry, that must change! Deal with it! Put it right and you’ll be back in range. My child, until you do it, My listening to you Is something you have got to know, I will not ever do! Jim Strickland  Written 21st June 2012.

SLEEP IN SAFETY

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Hi all,

Today’s meditation is my version of Psalm 91. It’s been rephrased into rhyme and metre. A short poem of Thanksgiving for sleep is also included.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Wednesday, 20 June 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	SLEEP IN SAFETY
I think I’ve mentioned it before. If not, please be aware that I don’t know Hebrew or Greek. I’ve picked up the odd word or two, but not enough to do any damage. When necessary, I’ve looked at Strong’s numbers and they’ve been very helpful. (Obtainable for free www.e-sword.net ) This means, that for a number of years, I was under the misapprehension that Hebrew poetry and English poetry, are the same. They are not. Hebrew poetry is not written in rhyme and metre. It has a different construction, some of which comes through in the translation. This is not the place to go into the differences, Sufficient to say that in the Bible, where we see similar statements repeated in a different way, we can be reasonably certain that the translators have followed the Hebrew style. When I found this out, I felt a bit disappointed. It means that my insistence on rhyme and metre is an English trait rather than the way the Psalmists wrote. In spite of this, I have tried to express some of the Psalms in rhyme and metre. The challenge with this is trying to squeeze into English poetry the content of the various verses. It usually takes much longer and involves a certain amount of head scratching. Today I’ve included my “version” of Psalm 91. Originally attributed to Moses, this is one of the most “powerful” Psalms in the Psalter and a favourite in Pentecostal circles. I remember when I first met Phyllida; her eldest son was in the army, on the border. We were a bit nervous back then in 1981. We prayed this Psalm together, asking the Lord for His protection. He came home safely and was able to “give his mother away” at our wedding! (Thank you Stu) Two things usually go together when we are worried. I know we shouldn’t worry. But we do. Worry usually goes jointly with not being able to sleep. Yes, I know it’s silly and shows a lack of confidence in the Lord. But we still do it. Actually, sound sleep is a gift from the Lord. Proverbs tells us that wisdom and discretion are foundational for sweet sleep. But these qualities come from God. As it states in Proverbs; 24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 ESV If you take the time to read Proverbs 3 you can see a number of “echoes” from Psalm 91. No doubt the writer – perhaps Solomon – picked up these threads from Moses’ Psalm? Sleep is a blessing. It’s something about which we should give thanks to God. Most of us forget to do it. It becomes another blessing we overlook in our prayers. Some years ago I wrote a short four line poem of thanksgiving for the blessing of sleep. I’ve included it here to underline Psalm 91. If He’s protecting you, thank Him for your sleep. Counting blessings is better than counting sheep!  Good night! – sweet dreams! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. Psalms 139:3 NLT 16 Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, "GOD is in this place--truly. And I didn't even know it!" 17 He was terrified. He whispered in awe, "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God's House. This is the Gate of Heaven." Genesis 28:16-17 MSG 9 The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war." 2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT 8 I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone, O LORD, enable me to live securely. Psalm 4:8 GW 9 If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. 11 For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. Psalms 91:9-11 NLT 24 When you lie down, you won't be afraid. When you lie down, you will sleep soundly. Proverbs 3:24 NIrV 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Psalms 127:2 ESV	Psalm 91 1              Dwelling in the Shadow of the Sovereign Lord Most High                 Shows you are abiding with Him Who’s Almighty. 2              Surely You’re my fortress; in You I’ll always trust;                 This is my confession, “The Lord is true and just.” 3              Assuredly He’ll save you from the fowler’s deadly snare!                 The lethal pestilence may call and find you are not there! 4              His pinions will cover you; You’re underneath His wings.                 His faithful shield and buckler; a refuge He will bring. 5              You need not be in terror of that which comes at night.                 The arrows in the daytime will not put you to flight. 6              Don‘t fear the stalking pestilence that strikes when it is dark,                 The wasting noon destruction you’ll think is just a lark. 7              A thousand may confront you; Ten thousand may join in.                 But they will not draw near you. They all know you will win. 8              Your eyes will see the wicked, they’ll get just what is due;                 The recompense for everything which they have tried to do. 9              Because you’ve made the Lord Most High, the place in which    you dwell;                 He will be your refuge far more than words can tell. 10            No evil will come near you, no plague come near your tent 11            His angels; they will guard you, for that’s why they were sent! 12            They’ll bear you up upon their hands, ensuring you won’t slip;                 In case you stumble on a stone or accidentally trip. 13            The lion and the adder will be underneath your feet.                 The serpent and young lion by you will both be beat. 14            He will deliver all of those who hold fast in His love;                 He’ll certainly protect those who know Him high above. 15            When he calls I’ll answer him. He needn’t be afraid.                 I’ll rescue and will honour him. In trouble, I’m his aid! 16            With long life he’ll be satisfied; salvation he will know.                 These are the promises I make to those who dwell below. THANKS FOR SLEEP Thank You Father; I have slept, right throughout the night. Thank You that I feel refreshed, cheerful, clean and bright! Thank You for the blessed fact of rest when we are tired. Thank You that You satisfy far more than man's desired! Jim Strickland – Written 20th June 2012

KEEP ON, KEEPING ON.

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Hi all,

Today’s meditation is all about the Christian life. It explains that it’s not easy; but that there’s no other option. 

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Tuesday, 19 June 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	KEEP ON, KEEPING ON
Education and qualifications go hand in hand today. Regardless of personal preferences or your chosen profession, you have to be qualified. It hasn’t always been like that. My mother tells me that after one week at pre-primary school I came home and told her that I knew everything so didn’t need to go back to school! I can’t remember what gave me that impression. My guess is that I didn’t like school. Being qualified for life, up to the time of WW2, probably equated to our Grade 10 today. Work was not too difficult to find and with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn “on the job”, it was quite sufficient for most people. Things began to change significantly by 1960. You had to have a matric to reach the upper echelons in business. Today, if you don’t have two degrees, you will not “rise to the top”. Fortunately, to qualify to become a Christian is the same as it has always been. All sinners qualify regardless of education, race or gender. It only applies to sinners. So if you aren‘t a sinner, you’re OK. The problem is, if say you are not a sinner, you are a liar and all liars are sinners! Paul in his letter to the Romans tells us, 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23 NLT Everyone means – everyone! We’re all sinners. From Anglicans to Zen Buddhists. We are all in the same boat, on a free one way ticket to Hell. You may not believe there is a Hell. It is real; believe it or not. The question is how do we get off the boat? Again, it’s no great problem. Ask the Lord Jesus to save you. There’s no other way. If you prefer to stay on the devil’s boat, that’s up to you. He will let you! Jesus will rescue anyone and everyone who asks Him. He has a very ecumenical attitude toward rescuing sinners. It will require some changes in your life. He knows that. He is willing to provide you with supernatural assistance specifically for this purpose. There is only one condition. You have got to give him everything, including your life. You also have to agree to obey Him completely. He will then put you in a “canoe” and tell you to “paddle against the stream”. That will lead you to His Kingdom. So you have a choice. Row all the way into His Kingdom or sit back and relax on the devil’s boat. It will take you straight into Satan’s kingdom via going over something like the edge of Victoria Falls! Then you will be stuck there. So here’s your choice. A bit of strain and uphill to an eternity with Him, or carry on over the falls into an eternity without Him. The hard way is in your best interests. But it’s entirely up to you. Don’t let anyone tell you that Christianity is a life of idle, affluence. It doesn’t work like that. It’s a life of blood, sweat and tears. Know it before you ask Jesus to save you. But your canoe will only capsize if you let it. It’s the greatest challenge you will ever know. But it’s infinitely worth it. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			18 "Here's what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that's been through the refiner's fire. Then you'll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You've gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. Revelation 3:18 MSG 29 Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. Mark 10:29-30 ESV 12 Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 NLT 6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honour on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT 10 God always gives you all the grace you need. So you will only have to suffer for a little while. Then God himself will build you up again. He will make you strong and steady. And he has chosen you to share in his eternal glory because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 5:10 NIrV 33 I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." John 16:33 MSG	There isn’t a professional in Christianity! There’s ordinary people; the likes of you and me. There are no Christian Giants. No “favourites” with God. To think there is a hierarchy is truly rather odd. In Christ we are all equal. The women and the men. We may have different functions; some quite beyond our ken. We all start at the bottom. We progress going down. It’s service to our brothers that earns for us a crown. To ever be the greatest, you have to be the least. That’s how our dear Lord Jesus became our Great High Priest! When first we come to Jesus, our service has begun. And everything that happens won’t be a lot of fun. The trials and temptations that we all have to face, Each gets a little harder as we run in this race. The Master has assured us, that we will go through trials. And how do we confront them? We face them with a smile. For every time we’re tested and when we have passed through, We know that we are doing what Jesus told us to. Of course it isn’t easy. Instead, it’s very hard. Not sleeping in a deckchair within your own back yard. Satan tries to tempt us, to turn around and quit. He does his very best to prove, we’re totally unfit, To dwell in Jesus’ kingdom. So just lie down and rest. It really doesn’t matter. You’re sure to pass His test. But gutless Christianity, my friend is just a lie! To satisfy the Master, You’ve really got to die. Die to self-ambition and get into the grave. It’s only those who perish, whom Jesus Christ will save. Die to all you’re wanting, to every lust and greed Put aside your “everything” for He is all we need. If you think you can do it; believe me, you are wrong. It’s only at your weakest, that Jesus Christ is strong. No matter what you’ve given up, to follow Him each day, He has a great reward for you, for doing things His way! So keep on with your trusting; you won’t be here for long. You’ll be with Him forever if you keep on, keeping on. And when He comes to fetch you and bring you the reward. You’ll say, “Thank God it’s over and I am with You Lord.” Jim Strickland  Written 19th June 2012.