WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME!

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 08 August 2012

Hi all,

At Kingswood College in 1951 we sang hymns most evenings from the 1936 Methodist hymnbook. I was nine years old. One of my favourites was, “Whosoever Will May Come”. I learned later it was a celebration of that great passage from John’s Gospel. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 TNIV Today I love saying, “I’m a whosoever! Are you?”

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Wednesday, 08 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	WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME!
One of my favourite quotations is, “Love God and do as you please”. My suspicion is that it dates back to Augustine. It’s the sort of comment one would expect from him. Its meaning is dramatic. If you love God, you will want to please Him. Furthermore, what pleases you will be what pleases Him. So we end up with one of the most liberating quotations a Christian can know. The question is, whether or not it’s that simple? It should be. But we tend to be so complex in our thoughts and actions; it’s all too easy to falsely imagine that we are correct when we are not! By way of illustration we only have to look back over the last two thousand years of Christianity. Literally millions of Christians, men and women have been tortured and butchered in the name of Jesus Christ. It is also quite true that the Crusades are not really something to brag about. Rightly or wrongly, their dealings with Islam are still remembered in the Arab nations to this day. Before everyone jumps down my throat and says that what happened was not Christian, let me state categorically, I agree. But the perpetrators genuinely believed that what they were doing was in the best interests of Christianity! So how can we know that what we are doing is Christian? The fact is we do not have a series of “laws” with which we must comply. That would make it easy. We do have the Holy Spirit and He will guide us, if we are prepared to pause and listen. But bear in mind, in those days the perpetrators thought He was leading them too! So where do we go from here? In the Old Testament we have been given a couple of thumbnail sketches which we may apply as we think about Christian life. My favourite comes from the Book of Micah. 8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 ESV These instructions encapsulate most of what the Lord requires of us to this very day. The reason I mention this in today’s meditation, is because many people come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they ask, “What now?” Generally speaking this question is seldom raised by those who come to Jesus Christ. The emphasis has always been, “Come to Jesus!” Nothing could be more important. But what then? Often they go home and that’s the last anyone sees of them. We must help our new converts. They may be sinners, dying on their own cross. They could be young people with lives and potential ministry in front of them. What they don’t need, is to be forgotten! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			13 So then, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13 GW 37 Everyone the Father gives me will come to me. I will never send away anyone who comes to me. John 6:37 NIrV 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:42-43 KJV 32 Jesus stopped and called over, "What do you want from me?" 33 They said, "Master, we want our eyes opened. We want to see!" 34 Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant, and joined the procession. Matthew 20:32-34 MSG 13 Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:13 NIrV 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 ESV 37 "'Message of GOD, the Master: Yet again I'm going to do what Israel asks. I'll increase their population as with a flock of sheep. Ezekiel 36:37 MSG 14 And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. 15 And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:14-15 NLT	Poles and Finns and Russians, Norwegians, Czechs and Danes, Swazi’s and Namibians, citizens of Spain. Peruvians and Latvians, and men who come from Chad. Canadians, Australians, though they be good or bad. Chinese and Koreans and folk from Pakistan. Everyone’s included be you woman or a man. He’s said “whosoever”, and that means me and you. All the citizens of earth, they are invited too. All your friends and relatives, yellow, white or black. No one is excluded, the Master want’s them back. Islamists and Buddhists, Confucians and Hindu’s Sikhs and Orientals, Christians and Jews. He is all inclusive and will not turn away, Anyone who trusts Him and calls on Him today. The vilest, wicked sinner this world has ever seen, If they come to Jesus, He’ll wash them squeaky clean. Even if you’re on a cross, being crucified; Do not be discouraged. For you, the Lord has died. You are not excluded, paradise awaits. You don’t have to go to Hell. Indeed, the Master states, If you will return to Me, you will be secure. I will cleanse you white as snow and I will make you pure. If the devil’s blinded you, let Me touch your eyes. You will have your sight restored and see the devil’s lies. Step right up and follow Me. You won’t be led astray. I’ll be with you constantly, each second of the day. Even though you’re evil, your children get the best. My Father up in Heaven, He wants to see you blessed. He’ll give the Holy Spirit, to anyone who asks. He’ll give to you a brand new heart to fit you for the task. That stony heart within you, He’ll certainly replace. You will have a heart of flesh to fit you for the race. You will be My people, fruitful you will be. Like sheep within a pasture, if you will follow Me! Anything you ask for, in line with Father’s will, I know He will certainly provide and will fulfil, The deepest aspirations that you have ever made. Just because you follow Me; and Me you have obeyed. Jim Strickland Written 8 August 2012

JESUS CHRIST THE KING!

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 07 August 2012

Hi all,

The apostle John stated in his gospel, ²⁵ Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25 NLT Looking at our meditation from the Scriptures, we are left with the same reaction as John. How can we ever do justice to all He is!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Tuesday, 07 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	JESUS CHRIST THE KING!
Mentioning the Book of Revelation in the 21st Century Western Christian Church is a bit like playing leap-frog in a minefield. The number of different interpretations is extraordinary. For today’s meditation I’d like to take one verse for our mutual edification. What I write here may not be in line with your personal understanding. Nevertheless, let’s look at the expression below – “silence in heaven”. 1 When the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. Revelation 8:1 NLT This statement is extraordinary. We know that in the third heaven, the angels, elders and seraphim never stop praising and worshiping God. Did they stop while the lamb broke the seventh seal? In the first heaven, where we dwell, for humanity to be silent is equally extraordinary. We have been created sociable, talkative beings. For us, silence is almost impossible. If you’ve ever attended a corporate prayer meeting you will know that most are only silent until they get an opportunity to say something; anything to break the silence. For there to be silence in the first and third heaven for what is described as “half an hour” suggests something stupendous is about to take place. It is a “pregnant” moment full of breathless excitement and keen anticipation, along with a touch of the fear of God. I’m not sure we have anything on earth with which to compare it. Perhaps the nearest is the appearance of a dignitary. The crowd is silent for a moment or two before bursting into applause. Reading this morning’s Scriptures gives me a sense of intense anticipation. In each one, Jesus Christ is depicted as someone far greater than we can ever be. Trying to compress these seven Scriptures into one coherent poem is beyond me. So I’ve compiled six short poems which deal with all seven. It’s possible to write so much about each Scripture. They are dynamic and show us many aspects of His perfect, multi-faceted character. The Scripture which impacts me the most is John 21:1-18. There is a fascination about Jesus’ “fish braai” and discussion with Peter The scene is vivid; the dialogue and meaning challenges our thinking about the nature of true Christianity. This portion of Scripture is sometimes described as Peter’s restoration by the Lord. Restoration from his failure by denying Him. There is however, a “pregnancy” of Divine character, that makes us want to fall silent in deep reverence and love for the one who has “broken the fish”. Whether it’s the seventh seal or a fish meal, the feeling of anticipation is awesome. All creation pauses and awaits His instruction. He will give it! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			42 "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said, "David's son." Matthew 22:42 MSG 9 Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory. Psalms 24:9-10 TNIV 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16 TNIV 7 This honour belongs to those who believe. But to those who don't believe: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 1 Peter 2:7 GW 22 Jews ask for miraculous signs, and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but our message is that Christ was crucified. This offends Jewish people and makes no sense to people who are not Jewish. 24 But to those Jews and Greeks who are called, he is Christ, God's power and God's wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 GW 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. John 21:17 ESV 8 Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, first hand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant--dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ Philippians 3:8 MSG	“What do you think about the Christ; Who’s Son, think you, is He?” “The Son of David”, they replied. “That’s Who He has to be.” “If He’s the Son of David, why does He call Him Lord?” The only person higher is Him Who is adored. If He was David’s Master, How could He be His Son? It’s clearly quite incongruous when all is said and done. Lift up your heads O ancient gates, ye doors swing open wide; The King of Glory is the One Who wants to come inside. Who is the King of Glory? The Mighty One is He. The Lord Mighty in battle, Who reigns eternally He is the King of Glory. The Lord of Lords most High. Who bears THE NAME upon His robes and also on His thigh. Jesus is the cornerstone, on which creation stands. The universe and everything were fashioned by His hands. The Stone that was rejected, as having little worth, The Lord has indicated is the Greatest on the earth! The Jews are seeking miracles; the Greeks for someone wise. But we declare Christ Crucified! The greatest in God’s eyes. None of them acknowledge that which God has said is true. They think that they have wisdom. But I would say to you, The people who are perishing are foolish and are blind. God’s power and His wisdom they seek and cannot find. It’s sad they are offended by what we all believe. That’s why the King of Glory they never will receive. Peter, do you love me?” “My Lord, You know I do!” “There’s nothing that You do not know. You know my words are true.” “Then feed my Sheep!” said Jesus, “for it is my command. That each of them is nourished as if from my own hand.”
				The things I thought important are dog dung now to me I heard Him call; Gave Him my all. The rest is history.	Now nothing will divert me, not even painful death My heart will beat Until we meet When I’ve breathed my last breath.
				Jim Strickland Written 7th August 2012

DAVID’S PRAYER & WORSHIP

Time with Jesus - Monday, 06 August 2012

Hi all,

Today we look at one of the most extraordinary prayers in the Old Testament. It’s recorded twice so it’s reasonable to think God wanted us to know about it. It’s David’s prayer of thanksgiving, praise and worship for God’s promised to him that one of his descendants would sit on the throne forever.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Monday, 06 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	DAVID’S PRAYER & WORSHIP
There are some experiences in life that are both intimidating and unforgettable. As I write this I’m reminded of the Olympic Games which are currently in progress in London. Just over a week ago, Bradley Wiggins won the “Tour de France”. This cycle race must be the greatest test in cycling and perhaps many other sports than we have in 21st century. His next opportunity was to compete in the Olympic Games. As we know, he also won that race. Listening to Bradley, we are tempted to wonder which of these two events was the greatest in his eyes. He seemed to struggle with his answer. It seems that an Olympic Gold Medal means more to competitors than any of us realise. This opinion was shared by many of the athletes who won a silver or bronze medal and not a gold medal. We watched as men and women burst into tears because they had not won gold. We also observed the tears of joy of those who had won gold. Paul captures the attitude of the competitors in his letter to the Corinthians. 24 Don't you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win.1 Corinthians 9:24 GW Not many of us have won medals at the Olympics. The vast majority haven’t even competed in the games. Those who have tell us of the honour and privilege of representing their country. To have competed is described as a great honour. I agree with them. One of Scripture’s best loved men is surely King David. In spite of all his faults and mistakes it’s clear He had a love for God that is quite extraordinary, even by today’s standards. If nothing else we can tell from his Psalms that he was an extraordinary worshipper of God. One of his greatest aspirations was to build a “house for God”. We also know that through the Prophet Nathan he was told that because he was a man of war, God forbade it. We know that he did not do the building. That was left to Solomon, his son. But David designed the temple and left most of his personal wealth to be used for this purpose. In a way, God gave David a “gold medal” for wanting to build Him a house. In effect He said, “No David, you won’t build Me a house. Instead, I will build you a house” God told David that his descendants would always be seated on the Royal Throne! David was “gobsmacked”. It was something akin to God telling Bradley Wiggins that one of his descendants would always win the “Tour de France”. Today’s poem, which I wrote back in 1984, is my attempt to describe David’s reaction when God brought him this news. It was his response in thanksgiving, praise and worship to the Lord! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			A psalm of David. 1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. Psalms 24:1 NLT 8 She doesn't realize it was I who gave her everything she has--the grain, the new wine, the olive oil; I even gave her silver and gold. But she gave all My gifts to Baal. 9 "But now I will take back the ripened grain and new wine I generously provided each harvest season. I will take away the wool and linen clothing I gave her to cover her nakedness. Hosea 2:8-9 NLT 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to You? Everything we have has come from You, and we give You only what You first gave us! 15 We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace. 16 "O LORD our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honour Your holy name comes from You! It all belongs to You! 1 Chronicles 29:14-16 NLT 36 All things come from him. All things are directed by him. All things are for his good. May God be given the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36 NIrV 17 Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 GW 4 Everything God created is good. Nothing should be rejected if it is received with prayers of thanks. 5 The word of God and prayer set it apart as holy. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 GW 19 You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Philippians 4:19 MSG	2 Samuel 7:18-22   &   1 Chronicles 17:16 - 27 “I am not worthy, Sovereign Lord, of what You’ve done for me, Nor of the promises You‘ve made unto my family; And now You‘ve told me, Sovereign Lord, that You are doing more; Revealed the plans, for all my children that You have in store! To think that You would show me this! Lord, what can I say? You’ve shown this to Your servant, to demonstrate Your way! All these wondrous things You‘ve done, display Your loving will. There is no other God like You, who rescued Israel, From Egyptian bondage, to make us all Your own; And by Your great and mighty acts, Lord God, Your fame has grown, Until throughout this world of ours, You are known to be, The God who saved His people from Egyptian slavery! So now Lord God, for all of time, fulfil Your promises, To me and my descendants. May all the people bless, And spread Your universal fame. May they forever say, ‘The Lord is God of Israel and will remain that way!’ Oh Lord, preserve my dynasty until the end of time. Almighty God of Israel, please hear this prayer of mine. For unto me, Your servant, You have revealed these things; And shown that my descendants will always reign as kings! Lord, keep all these promises You’ve made to me today. Bless all my descendants! Lord, permit that they Will all enjoy Your favour. Lord, let Your blessing be, Continually resting upon my family.” Jim Strickland Written 1984 A Worship Poem I worship You, my Lord, my God and lift Your name up high; In adoration, I look up and now, I testify, That You alone are God above. Yes, You created all; You spoke The Word and so it was, from very large to small! Yes Lord, You are The Mighty God; The King of all the Earth; The never changing, glorious one, who gives us second birth; And every atom of my frame, a tribute to You sings A loud expression of my love for Christ, The King-of-Kings! Jim Strickland Written 1986