MOVING MOUNTAINS

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 24 July 2012

Hi all,

Today’s meditation deals with Abraham and faith. It’s interesting that in spite of the better understanding of “faith” we have in the 21^st century, particularly over the past 30 years, I’ve never seen anyone telling mountains to jump into the sea. Of course it’s possible that the mountain was spoken to but stayed put. What I do know is that men and women with mountainous trouble and difficulty in their lives have been ministered to by simple Christians. In the name of Jesus these mountains have gone! Which is better?

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Tuesday, 24 July 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	MOVING MOUNTAINS
In English we have an expression, “Are you pulling my leg?” We all know that nobody has even touched your leg, let alone pull it. It means, “Are you telling me the truth?” It’s an expression usually used between family and close friends and suggests that you may be “evangelaistic” truth. In the North-East of England, if the story was said to be true, the comment was, “Pull the other one. It’s got bells on!” Sadly, many Christians use this in their approach to the Bible and to God. For many reasons, many are of the opinion that the Bible is nothing more than a collection of stories and letters from antiquity. To think that any of it is true would be to commit intellectual suicide. Yes; there are stories in the Bible that are difficult to understand or believe. “The Bible is full of contradictions!” people tell me. To which I reply, please show me one! In my 70 years on this planet I haven’t found any. When people say to me, “Do you really believe that Jonah was swallowed by a big fish?” I tell them that I not only believe about the big fish, I also believe about the worm! (See Jonah 4:7) Then they say to me, “You’re crazy!” Then I can tell them I’ve been crazy about Jesus for more than 50 of those years. Over these years, opinions have come and gone. In the 1970’s we went through the Serendipity phase. (discovery of something fortunate) Then we arrived at the “Faith” years in the 1980’s. We loved those years. We felt as though the Lord was setting us free to believe Him for great things. Ken Copeland, Jerry Savelle and the Hagins brought in a freshness and simple approach to being a Christian. Of course there were problems. Show me any move of God and I will show you the problems they had in those days. The devil tried anything and everything to wreck the moves of God. Then we had the “Toronto Blessing” as it was called. This arrived on the scene at more or less the same time as “Alpha”. The faith message was very exciting. Above anything else we were taught to believe the promises of God. Accordingly we began to get to grips with the Patriarchs and the faith displayed by them some 4000 years ago. Even now, as I read the book of Genesis I get “intoxicated” with that which happened and how God honoured their faith. The Old Testament is “awash” with tales of real men and women and great faith. Hebrews 11 expounds on this. 39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us. Hebrews 11:39-40 NLT. In a way we are being told that as much as we look back at their wonderful example, they are looking at us and cheering us on. Did you know that Abraham is waiting for you and me? So are Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. We may never be told to take our one and only son to the top of Mt Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice. SAPS would never understand! But we are expected to exercise faith in a way that is meaningful today. We could start by finding out what “mountain” needs to be cast into the sea? Perhaps we could pray with a young couple who have been trying to conceive for years? Perhaps we could find someone who has been through a terrible divorce? Perhaps all that is needed is a word of encouragement for someone in a difficult place? Whatever it might be!  “Hang on Abe, I’m coming!” Jim & Phyllida Strickland			20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger; in this he brought God glory. Romans 4:20 NLT 22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24 NLT 6 No one can please God without faith. Whoever goes to God must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 GW 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. Hebrews 11:17-19 ESV 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises. Romans 4:21 NLT 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son." Genesis 18:14 NLT 26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." Matthew 19:26 NLT 5 The apostles came up and said to the Master, "Give us more faith." 6 But the Master said, "You don't need more faith. There is no 'more' or 'less' in faith. If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, 'Go jump in the lake,' and it would do it. Luke 17:5-6 MSG	We’ve all heard about Abraham and know just what he did. For thirteen years he said that God had promised him a kid. A son who would inherit the land in which they stayed. But Abram didn’t own it and kind of disobeyed. He conspired with Sarah that they would have a son; And came to an agreement; through Hagar it was done. Perhaps he thought that God Most High required them to do, That which in the natural was too good to be true. For thirteen years thereafter, Ishmael was the one, They thought that He had been given them as the expected son. But that was not God’s purpose. Sure Ishmael was OK. But he was not the promised son whom Hagar bore that day. Then at the age of ninety, Sarah gently laughed. “For me to have a baby!” The thought itself was daft. But nothing is impossible for God who reigns on high. So when He said to Abraham, that Isaac had to die. “Abie” wasn’t bothered. “If Isaac’s dead and gone, The Lord will raise him from the dead so he can carry on”. Such was the faith of Abraham. He knew that God could do, Anything and everything that He wanted to. For God, a resurrection, was just a “piece of cake”. So sacrificing Isaac was not too hard to take. And we all know what happened. That in the nick of time, God gave the sacrificial ram, which He said would do fine. How can we believe it? Some people look for proof. They think that God is distant, incredibly aloof. That He would never do it. That it is all a lie. But that is not the way it is for folk like you and I. We know if God has said it, the outcome’s guaranteed; That anything He ever says is “very truth” indeed! To us it seems impossible. But it’s a bagatelle. This miracle for Sarah, He did it very well. One word and opposition, is quickly blown aside. It’s certified to happen; for God has never lied. It may not be tomorrow and may not be next year. But if the Lord has said it, it’s going to appear. “Have faith in God” said Jesus. You don’t require much. The size of just a mustard seed is all you need as such. To tell a great big mountain, to jump into the sea. If that’s enough for Jesus; It’s quite enough for me. And all down through the ages, we’ve seen that it is true. God can work a miracle for folk like me and you. “Faith” is not a quantity. It all depends on trust. And knowing that His Father is always true and just. If we will just believe Him and that which He does say, The outcome is as certain as night will follow day. Jim Strickland Written 24th July 2012

PRAYER LIFE

Time with Jesus - Monday, 23 July 2012

Hi all,

Today’s meditation is about prayer and Hearing from God. Some of my comments are unusual, to say the least. Be that as it may, something has to be done to bring reality into our prayer life.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Monday, 23 July 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	PRAYER LIFE
If there is one aspect about Christianity that is the most spoken about and the least done, that aspect is surely prayer. How many Christians actually pray? Speaking personally I must confess that my prayer life is not what it could be. Not even what it should be. If you were to ask why, the answer must be a lack of commitment to prayer. Another reason is because so much of it is artificial. It is so easy for prayer to become an unprofitable habit. As a schoolboy in a Roman Catholic School, there was prayer every hour on the hour. The bell would ring and we would all stand and recite the same old prayer every time except at lunch time, when a couple of prayers were added to the routine. It became so stereotyped that it was meaningless. At least it became meaningless to me. This was exacerbated by seeing my classmates going through their rosary beads. If they could have done it any faster, I’m sure they would have done. Incidentally, during our time in Syria 12 years ago, we found that the Muslims there had their own “rosary beads”. As a child and later as I father, the idea of talking to no one, as it were, seemed ridiculous. When I spoke to my dad or when my children spoke to me, there had to be an answer. Even if the answer was, “Not now!” It would have been an answer. Much later when Phyllida and I became part of the Charismatic, Pentecostal move of God, prayer still seemed artificial. Walking up and down, waving arms round, shouting and quoting Scripture with such a loud voice, we would think that God was deaf. We quickly realised that many think that this was a good way to pray. Perhaps it is. But it all seems so far away from Jesus’ simple model prayer and so unlike the Scripture which states. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 NLT I have difficulty reconciling current practice with what Jesus clearly taught. It was not until the late 1980’s that I came to the conclusion that prayer was meant to be a dialogue with God. Rather like a discussion between two close friends. It came as something of a revelation to discover that we could pray anywhere and everywhere. We didn’t have to find a special place or posture. We could pray at any time. That’s when Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians began to make sense. 16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV Paul indicated that this sort of prayer was God’s will for us. Here was the essence of simplicity. That’s when we changed from prayer in accordance with a religious formula to dialogue prayer. Praying and expecting God to answer. We call it “Hearing from God”. We quickly found that He wanted to speak to us more than we wanted to speak with Him. Out of all this came the accompanying poem, “Prayer Life”. Phyllida and I have tried to follow this as best we can. We still make mistakes. We still get puzzled by what He says to us. But not quite as badly as it was at first. As a “method” for prayer, we use this model in corporate prayer meetings. When we are alone together, we do our best to do the same. Our challenge to you today is to put aside anything “religious”. Then go to Him quietly and expectantly. Hopefully it will revolutionise your prayer lifestyle! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			25 Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:25 NLT 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. James 5:14-18 ESV 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 NLT 9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about His Son. Romans 1:9 NLT 12 Epaphras sends greetings. He is one of you. He serves Christ Jesus. He is always praying hard for you. He prays that you will stand firm in holding to all that God has in mind for us. He prays that you will continue to grow in your knowledge of what God wants you to do. He also prays that you will be completely sure about it. Colossians 4:12 NIrV	"My child, you know I love you. Put away your fear. The fact is, it's your attitude that stops Me drawing near. You must walk in obedience, and do the things I say. There isn't an alternative. That is the only way. I've called you to a holy life, and one of constant prayer; To leading many people, and teaching them to share; Of leading by example, and not by word alone. Therefore, take the time to hear the things which I have shown." "You must start to talk with Me, whenever there's a chance; Never mind the circumstance; Never mind the glance Other men may give you; Their thoughts do not matter. You must follow after Me, not men's idle chatter. Son, there's no occasion that's special for a chat. We can be in fellowship, regardless where you're at. Driving in your motorcar; Lying on your bed; Everywhere you go, or are, I'm right inside your head!" "Praying is so easy. It's done naturally. All you have to do is think and you're in touch with Me! It isn't a position, nor any special time; To limit Me to intervals, that is the greatest crime! I bid you therefore, do it; Start communicating, With Me every chance you get. It's Me you're keeping waiting! Do it son, and tell those with whom you minister, This is the kind of prayer life, I want them all to share; Being in My presence is what they will enjoy; They have had a sample now, and I will employ All of them in teaching that prayer's a way of life; As natural as speaking between a man and wife. It isn't being pompous, nor turgid liturgy; Instead, it's a relationship that's personal, and free, With Me! Their Lord and Master. It's being closely knit, In deep communication with Me, as I see fit." "So teach this to the people; Tell them that there's more To praying to their Maker, than kneeling on the floor, Or prone before the altar. For, though that has its place, The purpose of the exercise is being face to face! Certainly I'm awesome, and I require respect. But for My sons and daughters, the way I will perfect Is intimate, communion; Not distant recognition; They're members of My family, and so their right position Is here beside My Father; where actually, I'm seated. They don't have to grovel, as though they've been defeated!" "Give them all encouragement to get to know Me more; Talk with Me whenever; Not only from the floor. That's how I desire it; A life of constant prayer, With Me, their God and Saviour, whose presence is right there." Jim Strickland – Written 1988

GOD’S ABIDING LOVE

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 22 July 2012

Hi all,

Today we have a couple of “Jimmets”. The first is about the vine and the second is about keeping ourselves in God’s love. Overall we are looking at integrity. This is today’s meditation

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Sunday, 22 July 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	GOD’S ABIDING LOVE
Hanging on my wall there are three certificates of which I am rather proud. They are the result of a number of years of tertiary study. They required time and effort on my behalf to obtain. No doubt many of you have similar certificates or diplomas. On occasions I’ve wondered how accurate they really are. I’ve asked myself, “How do I know that the examination was actually written by the person in question?” Much depends on the integrity of the individual and the vigilance of the examining authority. They needed to be sure it was me who sat in the exam room on the date and time. Is it possible that a “professional exam writer” went and wrote the exam on my behalf? In which case, the qualification isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. Do such things happen? On occasions, I’ve felt the “expert” found his/her qualification in a lucky packet! Integrity is a very strange “thing”. There was a time when such questions were never asked. People were as good as their word. Not very long ago, agreements were settled with a handshake. No longer. We employ lawyers to examine each clause and the fine print before we agree to any contract. Obviously, the lawyers have profited from this. But what about you and me? As a schoolboy I remember the number of “weighing machines” that were found on just about every street corner in town. For one penny it would “spit out” a piece of paper with your weight on it. One of the later refinements was to select a question on the dial. Then the machine would give you your weight and the answer. The one I remember most was the one that asked, “Where will I find happiness?” The answer was, “Under ‘H’ in the dictionary. I mention this because I’ve found that in the world around us, if I asked the question, “Where will I find integrity?” the answer would be, “Under “I” in the dictionary”. It particularly grieves me, that this is true even among Christians. Our Lord, Jesus Christ and his human half-brother Jude commented on this some 2000 years ago. Jesus said, “Abide in Me and I in You”. The very fact that He said this indicates that there was a possibility, large or small, that His followers would not do so. They would be tempted away from Him and lose their connection with Him. They would be “cut off from the vine”; as a result they would perish and die. He added that without Him, we can do nothing. There is a sense in which if we lose our integrity as Christians, we have lost everything. You may well be forgiven, but others will not trust you again. Jude made it clear that we are to keep ourselves in God’s love. By implication this suggests that we are free not to do so. Whether or not this refers to our eternal salvation is not the issue here. What is important is to see that you and I have a responsibility for doing so. He will not do it for us. His love is there and is available for anyone and everyone. But He does not force His love on anyone. If you don’t want it, you can quit or say, “No thanks!” Staying in His love is our responsibility. We must do it. How? The answer is by living a life that follows His lifestyle. Integrity is an example of this. Integrity may perhaps be equated to keeping your word. Better still, it’s a question of keeping His Word. Are we, or does He look at us and say that for us, integrity is only found in the dictionary. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 21 NIV 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 ESV 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV 8 When you bear a lot of fruit, it brings glory to my Father. It shows that you are my disciples. 9 "Just as the Father has loved me, I have loved you. Now remain in my love. 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 15:8-10 NIrV 5 But whoever obeys what Christ says is the kind of person in whom God's love is perfected. That's how we know we are in Christ. 1 John 2:5 GW 12 This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. John 15:12 MSG 8 But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT 16 So we know that God loves us. We depend on it. God is love. Anyone who leads a life of love shows that he is joined to God. And God is joined to him. 1 John 4:16 NIrV	ABIDE IN THE VINE Those who are abiding in the vine, Their fruit will always be the very best. This is His intention and design, Helps us see how much we have been blessed. The sap is always flowing from the root, And spreading to each branch’s outer tip. To bring it’s juicy richness to the fruit, And luscious flavour to its very pip. There’s no other way for fruit to grow. The sap must rise to bring the nourishment. If you ever interrupt the flow, The fruit will wither, for its life is spent. Abide in Him. United to the vine. You’ll be fruitful, ‘til the end of time. Jim Strickland – 22nd July 2012 KEEP YOURSELF IN GOD’S LOVE Jude said “Keep Yourselves within God’s love; Wait for Christ, eternal life to bring. It is not the task of God above. We’re responsible to do this “thing”. There are some tasks Jesus will not do. They’re for our accountability. God is never going to do for you, That which He’s commanded you and me. Loving others isn’t idleness. It’s involvement, not just standing by. Seeking opportunities to bless, Other folk and never asking “Why?” This was Jesus’ lifestyle to the hilt! It’s no wonder that His blood was spilt. Jim Strickland 22nd July 2012