BATTER SPATTER

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 02 August 2012

Hi all,

This morning’s meditation is about “batter spatter” and trampling the winepress of the “grapes of wrath”. Is there a connection? See for yourself!
Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Thursday, 02 August 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	BATTER SPATTER
After leaving South Africa in early 1960, I lived in England for the next 10 years. At first it was a little difficult. It’s always an adjustment moving from one country to another. The people are not being deliberately difficult to you. They are ordinary people living out their own culture in their own country. It’s always a case of “shape up or ship out”. For me it didn’t take long. The long winter nights and the cold weather were a bit much. On the other hand the long summer days more than compensated for it. The rain was another story! I enjoyed living there. It’s where I got to “fall in love” with British style fish and chips. Back then these shops were everywhere. The “Brits” had fish & chips at least once per week so it was a thriving little business. On a couple of occasions I’ve been back to UK and found that most of these shops have closed. They’ve been replaced with Chinese, Thai, Indian and various other types of take away food businesses. These taste great. But it was difficult finding a Fish and Chip shop that sold “spattered batter” on the side! On the occasions when I’ve read Isaiah 63:2-3 I’m reminded of the fish and chip shops. The picture in the Scripture is one of the Lord treading grapes in a winepress. In those days it was the way grapes were crushed as part of the grape juice and wine making process. Standing on the grapes often caused them to “pop open” and spray juice all over the clothing of the people doing the treading. It’s a vivid picture. So when God says that He’s been trampling His enemies underfoot like grapes in a winepress, we have an idea of the severity of what He depicts. There is always a problem for us when we read the Scripture, ascertaining when what has been prophesied will take place. Certainly the picture of Jesus on the cross on Mount Calvary bears little resemblance to what is recorded in Isaiah 63:2-3. There is a world of difference between trampling your enemies underfoot like grapes in a wine press and dying in agony for your “enemies” on a cruel Roman cross. Certainly reading what took place on that terrible day gives the opposite impression. As though His “enemies” were crushing Him underfoot in a Jerusalem winepress. How do we deal with these differences? It’s easy to say that these two verses refer to the Day of Judgement. Certainly His “enemies” will be dealt with severely. Perhaps the picture of Him treading His enemies underfoot on that day seems closer to reality than anything else we know. If that’s what you want to believe, I’m certainly not going to argue with you. For me there seems to be something greater than crushing enemies on Judgement Day. The fact that He describes His blood spattered clothing tends to make things appear to be far worse than that. It’s clear that this represents a time when the blood of His “enemies” has a greater impact on Him than appears on a cursory glance. Certainly He is shown as supreme over everyone and everything. If we think of the final stages of the crucifixion, we see a world at His feet. He is lifted up to draw all men to Him. We see His blood dripping down to the ground almost as though He is doing the tramping and His “enemies” are being defeated. We could say, “This was His finest hour!” Satan and sin were utterly defeated. His victory was complete! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			2 Why are Your clothes so red, as if You have been treading out grapes? 3 "I have been treading the winepress alone; no one was there to help Me. In My anger I have trampled My enemies as if they were grapes. In My fury I have trampled My foes. Their blood has stained My clothes. Isaiah 63:2-3 NLT 11 "Who is like You among the gods, O LORD--glorious in holiness, awesome in splendour, performing great wonders? Exodus 15:11 NLT 16 He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. Isaiah 59:16 ESV 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 NIV 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"-- Galatians 3:13 ESV A Psalm. 1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. Psalms 98:1 ESV 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:15 KJV 11 Out of that terrible travail of soul, he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it. Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant, will make many "righteous ones," as he himself carries the burden of their sins. Isaiah 53:11 MSG 21 The Kishon River swept them away--that ancient torrent, the Kishon. March on with courage, my soul! Judges 5:21 NLT 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 ESV 11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Revelation 12:11 NIV	We called it “batter spatter”, when we ate fish and chips. The batter was the “crispy bit” that passed across our lips. It had a lovely flavour. There was no fish inside. They’d even sell it to us, if that’s what we’d decide. The batter was delicious. A special recipe, Was used by different fishmongers for tempting you and me. They’d even sell some to you, at one third of the price, And we would think it wonderful and very, very nice. Of course it was a by-product, that somehow fell away, As every fish and chip shop cooked battered fish that day, It wasn’t done deliberately. It was an accident. And reading from Isaiah, it seems what He had meant. When treading in the vine press, The grapes would somehow spatter; And stain the Master’s clothing just like the fish shop’s batter. But this was something different. His clothes were stained with blood. As though He had been stamping in a field of reddish mud. He’d done it in His anger. His enemies like grapes. And none of them could hide from Him and no one could escape. This picture of the Master, should make a sinner scared; Bringing retribution while they were unprepared. The scene is so horrendous, it even frightens me. That God would crush beneath His feet sinful humanity. But that’s just half the story. The other half is great. He gave Mankind a way they could escape this dreadful fate. Instead of trampling people, He trod upon His Son! Until His sense of justice was fully overcome. And it was far more painful than what we’d ever see. His Son was executed in frightful agony. The pain of crucifixion is what our Saviour knew. His excommunication and death, the frightful brew, That Jesus Christ experienced, was meant for you and me. Justice for all sinful man, that day on Calvary. I don’t know how He did it. I’ll never understand, How Jesus Christ my Saviour took sinners by the hand, And led them to His Father and gently said to Him. I gave my life for sinners like Phyllida and Jim. No one is excluded. They are all justified. All that’s still outstanding to be always by My side, Is if they will come to Me and if they will repent, From all their sin and wickedness, that’s when I will relent. They’re not a bit of batter that has fallen off the fish. They’re children of My Father, if that is what they wish. I’m not a fish and chip shop but with Me they may dine, Upon the bread of Heaven, beyond the end of time. Jim Strickland  – Written 2nd August 2012

LOVE DISCIPLINE!

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 01 August 2012

Hi all,

Most of us strongly dislike pain. The dentist’s chair is seldom a place where we feel completely comfortable. Not that he would hurt us; he dos his very best to make sure he doesn’t. Even so most of us don’t like it. My Dad used to say, “You’re afraid of the death you’ll never see”. But pain does have advantages as we see in our meditation.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Wednesday, 01 August 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	LOVE DISCIPLINE!
Have you ever thought that pain is a blessing from the Lord? One of the reasons why I ask this, is because of something we saw a week or so ago. We saw a baby who did not experience pain. This child bit off a piece of his own tongue and was not aware that it had happened. I also recall seeing a video of a child who had badly burned her hand. So badly, her hand looked blackened and charred. The young girl was unaware of what had happened. The danger was losing her hand. Fortunately doctors managed to save it. Pain is also an excellent trainer. We hear of people “pushing through the pain barrier” in order to achieve an objective. Olympic athletes have demonstrated this on many occasions. They “push” themselves almost beyond endurance so that they will achieve their very best. They do it for fame, the medal and their country – not necessarily in that order. The twentieth and twenty-first centuries have been times when people think they are cleverer than God. As a result, people who discipline their children by spanking are considered dangerous, unfit parents. Some Mom’s and Dad’s have been prosecuted for disciplining their children, In some instances; children have been taken away from their parents. The courts find it difficult to distinguish between discipline and brutalisation. Children should never be abused. But discipline is essential if a child is to grow up and take his or her place in a balanced, law abiding society. God’s instructions to parents are clear. Three examples from Proverbs are quoted below. 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 - 15 Foolishness is firmly attached to a child's heart. Spanking will remove it far from him. Proverbs 22:15 GW - 13 Don't fail to discipline your children. They won't die if you spank them. 14 Physical discipline may well save them from death. Proverbs 23:13-14 NLT The foolishness of taking away discipline from parents and society is very evident in Western culture. Children have no respect for authority. The classrooms are filled with children who are rude and abusive to teachers. The streets have become dangerous for the elderly. Other people’s property is not respected and damaged. A well-known example occurred in London recently. Children, mainly teenagers, went on the rampage, burning and looting businesses. There is little doubt that, the tragic death of students at Columbine High in USA where juvenile gunmen shot their fellow students is a classic example of what can happen when discipline is disregarded. The murder of young people in Norway and a similar incident in a Colorado movie house is typical of what happens when discipline is removed from society. My Dad was not exactly a disciplinarian. But when he or Mom spoke, there was no question in my mind whether or not to ignore them. I loved my parents and deeply regret their passing. They loved me enough to discipline me when they considered warranted. Phyllida and I have followed their example. Our children thrived within defined boundaries. God’s instructions are clear. Let’s just do what He says! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			11 We give great honour to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. James 5:11 NLT 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; Psalms 103:13 TNIV 4 He has made his miracles unforgettable. The LORD is merciful and compassionate. 5 He provides food for those who fear him. He always remembers his promise. Psalms 111:4-5 GW 3 He won't let you stumble, your Guardian God won't fall asleep. 4 Not on your life! Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep. Psalms 121:3-4 MSG 11 Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreads its wings to catch them, and carries them on its feathers, 12 so the LORD alone led his people. No foreign god was with him. Deuteronomy 32:11-12 GW 22 the LORD'S mercy. We were not completely wiped out. His compassion is never limited. 23 It is new every morning. His faithfulness is great. Lamentations 3:22-23 GW 14 When Jesus came ashore, he saw a large crowd. He felt deep concern for them. He healed their sick people. Matthew 14:14 NIrV 8 For Jesus doesn't change--yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself. Hebrews 13:8 MSG 29 What is the price of two sparrows--one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31 NLT	“I think that this will hurt me far more than it hurts you”. That’s what my father told me when he was going to do, Something rather painful and make my bottom sting. But just before he did so, that “platitude” he’d bring. I don’t know where he got it from. I thought it was a lie. Once when I suggested it, a tear was in his eye. He wiped it with a handkerchief; his face began to burn; That’s when I learned a lesson that everyone must learn. Always take your punishment and face it like a man. The stinging wasn’t permanent; My rear end got a “tan”. But actually I’d earned it for doing what I did; Then was very careful to do what I was bid. A generation later, my kids were on the scene. I began to treat them the way my Dad had been. The words were not identical but bottoms just as sore, As anything I’d known about, back in the days of yore. Then I began to realise that what my dad had said. It wasn’t just a “platitude” to rumble round my head. There really was no pleasure, in bringing discipline, Provided that it rectified the trouble they were in. I didn’t want to do it. Why make my children sore? But if I didn’t do it, somehow it hurt me more! It wasn’t “retribution” that I was meeting out. It was to bring correction and make their “backbone” stout. There was another factor. I didn’t mean them harm. And so I had to wait until the pair of us were calm. To do it in a temper would harm the child far more. And I was bringing discipline, not “evening the score”. I also learned a lesson. The mood that I was in, Influenced the way I looked upon my children’s “sin”. I couldn’t be consistent. Sometimes I was severe. I felt like I should “thrash them”! That’s when I shed a tear. I didn’t want to harm them, but discipline was due; And if I lost my temper! – Lord, help me be like You. Compassionate and merciful and discipline in love. Not to dish out punishment, but with a velvet glove. Enough to give a warning and not their spirit break. Sufficient to encourage them; and help them to forsake, That which brought the discipline. Lord, take control of me. A “monster” that beats children, I do not want to be. Lord I need Your faithfulness Your tenderness and care; To be the sort of Christian You can send anywhere. Who will not harm his children, but will correct their way, So when they too are adults, their children will obey. Jim Strickland Written 1st August 2012

MATHEMATICS?

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Hi all,

Today we have a look at logic, mathematics and the Scripture. What can maths have to do with Scripture? Well, God speaks of “unity”. Maths also speaks of unity. What’s the difference? That’s our meditation

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Tuesday, 31 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	MATHEMATICS?
Logic was never exactly my strength. Perhaps it was my sense of the macabre that influenced this. People would say that something was “so”. I would scratch my head and try and assimilate what I was being told. Then, after a quiet chuckle to myself, I would nod my head knowingly and think that if that’s what they wanted me to think, why not? Living under the apartheid regime, I became aware of things we were supposed to do, but didn’t. For me it was a total contradiction that black people were not allowed to live outside their “homelands”. Then the same legislators would hire domestic servants who had to live “on the property” in order to work the required hours. For me this was not only illogical, but hypocritical. What I found was that logic had little to do with reality and everything to do with politics. At School they would give us statements and ask if the conclusion was logical. For example we were asked to look at a quotation and say if it was correct. The statement was: - All Fords are motorcars. That is a motor car. Therefore it’s a Ford. It didn’t take long to spot the flaw in this “logic”. Logic fell apart when it came to Christianity. We were taught, quite correctly, that we were all “children of God”. But when it came to church attendance, there were different buildings for different ethnic groups. So although we all had the same God and were all equal in His eyes, some of us were more equal than others. Strangely enough, even after the collapse of the apartheid government, the old systems didn’t fall quite as quickly. The old system had kept apart the “rich white minority”” from the “poor black majority”. The result was that although in theory anyone could come and go as they wished the distinction between rich and poor had more to do with race than anything else. Phyllida and I remarked on the fact that sadly, although the country’s motto was “Unity is Strength”, there was very little unity in South Africa. In those days, Phyllida and I were living in Worcester taking care of a small congregation for the Methodist Church. Our superintendent was Rev Joe Mpanza. He was responsible for all the Methodist Churches in our circuit. But the workload for him was impossible. So he more or less left us to our own devices with the small “white” and large “coloured” congregations. Theoretically, in April 1994, all this changed. Legally there was unity. But in practice we remained unchanged. Very quickly, we learned that you cannot legislate unity. You cannot compel people to come together. The best you can do is set the example in your own life and in your relationship with others. But the whole thing was a minefield. Everybody was looking at everyone else trying to spot flaws in character and behaviour. They were easy to spot. Our cultural differences seemed to be gigantic. The hurts of the past were astronomical. I remember talking to an elderly coloured gentleman. He told me with tears in his eyes how he went to work one morning and found he was no longer permitted to use the footbridge over the railway line. It was for “Europeans Only”. There were many similar stories. Somehow we had to work our way through this. To this day we believe that Jesus Christ empowered us to embrace each other. No, it wasn’t easy. But it was very much worthwhile. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			3MATHEMATICS? Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; Ephesians 4:3-4 TNIV 18 Through Christ we both come to the Father by the power of one Holy Spirit. 19 So you are no longer strangers and outsiders. You are citizens together with God's people. You are members of God's family. 20 You are a building that is built on the apostles and prophets. They are the foundation. Christ Jesus himself is the most important stone in the building. 21 The whole building is held together by him. It rises to become a holy temple because it belongs to the Lord. 22 And because you belong to him, you too are being built together. You are being made into a house where God lives through his Spirit. Ephesians 2:18-22 NIrV A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. 1 How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! 2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. 3 Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the LORD has pronounced His blessing, even life everlasting. Psalms 133:1-3 NLT 22 Love each other with a warm love that comes from the heart. After all, you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth. As a result you have a sincere love for each other. 1 Peter 1:22 GW	I know when I was very young; I had to go to school. And in that fine establishment, I learned the golden rule. They said what was important, and that I had to learn. So when my schooldays ended, I could go out and earn, Sufficient in the first place for just supporting me. And then a little later, for all my family. I didn’t really grasp it. I knew we needed cash. But never that without it, my life on earth would crash! That this was fundamental; and no one was excluded. The fact is, that if finances are totally denuded, The outlook for the future was best thought of as bleak. And that the way to put it right, was for a job to seek. They taught me mathematics, that one plus one is two. But that was not sufficient. I also had to do, Many things with figures – I don’t mean female shapes. But adding and subtracting and other mental japes. Like messing on with fractions to find the LCM. But through the intervening years I can’t remember them. I learned about log-tables and trigonometry. About a man called Euclid and his geometry, About the hippopotamus, and sons of all the squaws; Pythagoras discovered it along with other laws. I started with the calculus and differentiation. And that there’s nothing racial, when we speak of integration. I also loved the Scripture and knew about St Paul; Of Adam and King David and of mankind’s dreadful fall. I learned about Christ Jesus and His victory on the cross. And wondered why they said He’d won. To me it looked like loss! Then I got very puzzled for one and one was two. At least that’s what the teacher had said was always true. But then I found a problem, which mathematically, Seemed a contradiction of what was taught to me. I found from God’s perspective that one plus one was one. That’s when it seemed impossible for me to carry on. The point is. God was speaking about our unity. But I’d been taught in college, that mathematically, That unity was number one. That one and one made two. But God had contradicted our mathematics view! That one, plus one, plus one, plus one equates to unity. It’s only in my golden years that this makes sense to me! God wasn’t speaking numbers, but linking human hearts. For it’s in our agreement, that unity first starts. And when we’re all likeminded, we’ll certainly agree, That one plus one, plus Jesus is always unity! Jim Strickland Written 31st July 2012