TALE OF TWO TREES

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 28 August 2012

Hi all,

On this occasion we meditate on Jesus and the two trees in the Garden of Eden. We trace a bit of the ancient history associated with what took place in that Garden. One or two aspects are imaginary and included to make sense of what happened. I have no claim to fresh revelation other than the fact that Jesus is our “tree of life”.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Tuesday, 28 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	TALE OF TWO TREES
Over the past ± 55 years I’ve come across two types of people. One believes in God. The other doesn’t. The ones who believe in God may be classified in many different ways. Usually we talk about Hindus, Buddhists, Islamites, Jews and Christians. These comprise the vast majority of those who believe in God. Among those who include themselves among the Christians there is a huge variety of different persuasions. A comparatively small minority of these are born again, Bible believing Christians. Phyllida and I include ourselves among their ranks. We believe the Bible is inerrant and totally trustworthy. We may not have all the answers to everything. But if it comes to a matter of opinion, we choose Biblical truth over and above the opinion of even the most erudite professor of any university. This means we believe the story about Adam, Eve and the fall of man. We feel no need to justify our position. If God’s Word states it, we are convinced it is true. Stubborn? Yes. Objectionable? Where necessary! Pig Headed? Absolutely, provided it is Kosher! We haven’t yet come across anything to contradict this Scripture. Many have tried and failed. We have a phrase we apply to every challenge. “I believe” If people say, “You are stupid!” we reply, “I believe!” Today’s Scriptures focus on trees and eternal life. There is a clear connection between the two. No doubt there was a great variety of trees in the garden. Two are referred to specifically. One was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God forbade Adam from eating the fruit of this tree. The other was the tree of life. Presumably a diet of this fruit would give mankind immortality. In other words, provided man fed regularly on this fruit he would continue to live. How this all worked is the million dollar question. What we know is that from the day Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden, apparently it has not been found. This “tree” appears in various parts of Scripture. There is a sense in which Jesus Christ is the tree of life. Certainly all life comes from God and is at the behest of His Son Jesus. John’s Gospel makes this claim unreservedly. 6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 NLT Precisely how this fits together is not known. What we do know is that when He was crucified and nailed to the “tree”. In some mysterious way He became the “fruit” of that tree! To find life we need to be in Him. So we must be crucified with Christ Galatians 2:20 NLT. Then we too are integral with the “Fruit” of the tree of life. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			9 The LORD God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground--trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden He placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:9 NLT 11 This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11 MSG 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV 21 For just as the Father gives life to those He raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone He wants. John 5:21 NLT 26 The Father has life in Himself, and He has granted that same life-giving power to His Son. John 5:26 NLT 7 He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 NIV 2 The river flowed down the middle of the city's main street. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing 12 crops of fruit. Its fruit was ripe every month. The leaves of the tree bring healing to the nations. Revelation 22:2 NIrV 13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom. Blessed is the one who gains understanding 16 Long life is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honour. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways. All her paths lead to peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who hold her close. Those who hold on to her will be blessed. Proverbs 3:13, 16 & 18 NIrV 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30 TNIV	The Lord planted a garden. We do not know the size. But this we know for certain. It was perfect in His eyes. Sin had not yet touched them, so plants would never die. They kept on stretching upwards, till they nearly reached the sky. After God made Adam, he got a job of work. He took care of the garden. No need to go to kirk! There really was no reason. They chatted every day. In the cool of the evening, they talked and talked away. Adam tended Eden. I’m not sure what that means. Flowers, peas and parsnips; and even runner beans? His home was in a forest of yellowwood and pines. Acacia, and willow with interwoven vines. And there within those confines, our man was free to rove. Along with fruit and nut trees all dotted round the grove. Two trees were also in it. One was the tree of life. The other would bring knowledge of sickness, death and strife. How long that Adam stayed there, the Bible doesn’t say. Which isn’t so surprising; it’s not needed anyway. We know about the story, of the way God gave him Eve. We know about the serpent, who intended to deceive. We know about that which we are unable to refute! That Adam was persuaded and he ate forbidden fruit. An apple or an orange; we all have had a guess? But after he had eaten it, the world was in a mess. The garden was in chaos; plants withered up and died. The orchard was invaded by plant disease and flies. They saw that they were naked; their righteousness had gone. And so they sewed up fig leaves for clothes they could put on. The forest was affected in ways we do not know. Except we think that trees became quite difficult to grow. And when the Lord confronted them, about this dreadful mess, They knew He hadn’t come to them, to comfort and to bless. Now they had the knowledge of things evil and things good. Their banishment from Eden, they quickly understood. And every day thereafter, man’s tried to find the tree, They believe will give them all, their immortality. Jim Strickland – Written 28th August 2102

GOING HOME?

Time with Jesus - Monday, 27 August 2012

Hi all,

Today’s meditation is called, “Going Home!” What we need to know is if we are going home to be with Him? It’s a crucial question which needs an honest answer. I’ve expressed my view in the meditation. Whether or not you agree is up to you.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Monday, 27 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	GOING HOME?
Those who believe “Once Saved Always Saved” will not like this message. I wish I could believe that. It has some Scriptural support. But not nearly enough to contradict the teaching of the Scripture. This indicates that God demands His people live a “sin free” life. I know that none of us can do that! But, in His strength, we should commit ourselves to living that way. I’m sorry, I can’t believe that a few words of prayer mumbled 20 odd years ago and not followed up with a changed life, allows us to sin as much as we want with impunity. The fact is I can train a parrot to say “the sinner’s prayer”. But the parrot is not saved. Nor can it ever be saved. God makes it very clear that without repentance, there is no forgiveness. Thus without repentance a “sinner” isn’t saved. I wish this was not the case. But God’s Word states this is true. I believe that a garbled prayer, not followed with the fruit of repentance, is worthless. Worse than worthless. The person in question has been given a false sense of security, which is a lie! Now I’ve heard about “extreme grace”. I’ve also know about the argument that living a sin free life is more or less impossible. It is impossible. But God knows our hearts. He knows if we are sincere or otherwise. He knows our weaknesses. There is nothing He doesn’t know. So He knows if your decision to receive Christ as your personal Saviour was genuine. It may have been just words strung together to satisfy some convenient formula. Satan doesn’t want any of us saved. So if he can make us think we are saved when we are not, he has achieved his objective. Now you don’t have to believe me. But think of the consequences. I committed my life to Jesus Christ over 50 years ago. According to your belief I am saved and have been for all that time. According to me, that’s only true if I’ve followed Him through trials, temptations and errors. So in Terms of “Once Saved Always Saved” I am saved. In terms of my understanding of the Scripture, salvation takes place when life is over. In other words, God insists that my life be changed continuously. Matthew 10:22 informs us: But the person who patiently endures to the end will be saved. Furthermore God promises the reward “To him who overcomes” in the following Scriptures in Revelation, 2:7; 2:17; 2:26; 3:5; 3:12 & 3:31. “Overcomes what?” people ask. Good question. The only possible answer is sin. Not necessarily sinless perfection. It must surely be an attitude; a desire to be holy just as we are commanded in Scripture. 1 Peter 1:16 "Be holy, for I am holy." In addition we are told in Hebrews 12:14 Work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Nowhere are we told that we may live a life the same or worse than sinners and be assured we are saved. God does not condone that. Of course if you don’t believe me, that’s between you and Him. I’d like to think you are right. I want you to be right. But if I’m correct, you had better start praying for God to show you the things you must do for salvation. Ask Him for the help of the Holy Spirit. You will not be successful without Him. The next step is entirely in your own hands. Joshua 24:15 states “choose this day whom you will serve”. No one can do this for you or for me. We must change! Whom do you choose? It’s your call! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish." Jonah 1:6 NIV 10 Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy. Micah 2:10 NIV 2 Think about things that are in heaven. Don't think about things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 NIrV 10 Do not count on extortion to make you rich. Do not hope to gain anything through robbery. When riches increase, do not depend on them. Psalms 62:10 GW 19 your part is to give yourselves, heart and soul, to praying to your GOD. So get moving--build the sacred house of worship to GOD! Then bring the Chest of the Covenant of GOD and all the holy furnishings for the worship of God into the sanctuary built in honour of GOD." Chronicles 22:19 MSG 46 He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up, and pray that you won't be tempted." Luke 22:46 GW 34 "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, Luke 21:34 NLT 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. Matthew 25:5 NLT 37 In just a very little while, "The one who is coming will come. He will not wait. Hebrews 10:37 NIrV 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 ESV 35 Therefore, be alert, because you don't know when the owner of the house will return. It could be in the evening or at midnight or at dawn or in the morning. 36 Make sure he doesn't come suddenly and find you asleep. Mark 13:35-36 GW	The Lord our God will only use a vessel on the go. A stationary vehicle, He will not use, you know. It’s only those who are alive, that Jesus will inspire. When you’re lying in the grave, it’s too late for His fire. Others, who are sleeping, may also miss His call. He tells us to be awake, to greet the Lord of All. Know you’re fully organised; although the time is late. If you are caught out unawares, you will regret your fate. Ensure your lamp is ready and you have oil to spare. In your haste to fill your lamp, you may find He’s not there. Perhaps He’s in the banquet hall and He has closed the door? Don’t bother with your knocking you can’t get in no more. Don’t think it will not happen. The parable is clear. Those who are not ready, have very much to fear. Remember He’s the bridegroom. His people are His bride. But if you are not ready, then you’ll be left outside. That’s why He keeps on saying, “Get up and go away. This world is not your resting place. Don’t think you’re here to stay. Because this world is ruined; beyond all remedy. Frankly it’s not suitable for those who want to be, Living in My Kingdom. Don’t think of things on earth. Only use them for the chance to find your second birth.” Extortion will not help you. The Lord cannot be bribed. He won’t tolerate the sin to which you have subscribed. One look and He says, “Uh-Uh! That doesn’t work old son. Go and join the other side and see if it is ‘fun’!” Get your life in order. Do not be afraid. I know you cannot do it; but the Holy Spirit’s aid, Is so much more effective than trusting in yourself. You will miss the banquet and be left upon the shelf. Satan wants to tempt you with orgies and with booze. He will stoop to anything that causes you to snooze. Don’t be too concerned with all the worries of this life. Husbands please take note that He is looking at you wife! He will treat you just the way that you have treated her. Is that kind of treatment you think you would prefer? Don’t provoke your children! Treat them tenderly. Care for them the self-same way that He has cared for thee. Wives obey your husbands and quietly submit. If he treats you badly, just wait a little bit. He will have a problem with Christ the Lord Most High. That’s how he’ll be treated in His home up in the sky. “Do not be discouraged. Wait patiently for Me; And you’ll be excited about what I have for thee.” Jim Strickland -  Written 27th August 2012

THE SHEPHERD

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 26 August 2012

Hi all,

Today’s meditation is a bit of a hotchpotch. Trying to sustain the theme of the Scriptures was a difficult. I’ve succeeded to a small degree. I’ve called it The Shepherd because we focus largely on Him.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Sunday, 26 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	THE SHEPHERD
Few men in the Bible have been loved as much and hated as much at the same time as David and Paul. Few men, with the exception of Moses, have had the privilege of writing as much of the Scriptures as these two men. Both men did so under exceptional circumstances. David was the shepherd boy, psalmist/harpist, who became the king. The youngest of Jesse’s eight sons, to him fell the responsibility of taking care of his father’s sheep. His exploits as a shepherd are well known. Perhaps what is not realised is that he learned his job as he went along. A shepherd boy would lead a lonely life. But he didn’t waste time complaining. He spent those early years becoming adept at playing the harp and loving God. No doubt that was where he began his life-long relationship with God, composing psalms and hymns of loving praise. It has been said that his psalms reflect the wonder of his early shepherd boy life along with other experiences as a fugitive from King Saul. A brief look at Psalm 23 reflects his experiences as a shepherd. But verse 5 tells us that it was written after he was anointed King by Samuel. It was also written before he became king so it was while he was a fugitive running from the mad king. It took a man of genius who has a close walk with the Lord to compose this Psalm. In spite of the fact that he had been anointed as the one who would replace Saul and was constantly on the run, he composed this brilliant Psalm. An extraordinary man. On occasions I’ve thought about Paul. He started life as Saul the Pharisee. Like king Saul, he was a Benjamite. When Saul first came across the followers of King Jesus, the “Son of David”, he behaved much like his ancient kinsman had done 1000 years previously. He pursued them with madness akin to that of his namesake pursuing the previous King David. It all seems so familiar. He slaughtered Jesus’ followers with madness akin to King Saul. King Saul had his own a shepherd. Doeg the Edomite. On King Saul’s command, Doeg slaughtered 85 of the priests of Nob in their priestly garments. But King Jesus, the “Son of David” intervened in Saul the Pharisee’s life. Saul was converted. I’ve often wondered if King Saul could have been confronted by the Lord Then I realise he was. It happened at Nob. No Israelite would slaughter all the Priests and animals of those who lived in Nob. Doeg would, could and did; on King Saul’s command. Madness personified! By a shepherd? Jim & Phyllida Strickland			5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalms 23:5 NLT 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! 9 Fear the LORD, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. Psalms 34:8-10 NLT 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 5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalms 16:5-6 TNIV 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, 1 Corinthians 3:22 NLT 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:3 ESV 11 I'm not saying that because I need anything. I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. Philippians 4:11 NIrV 6 A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have. 1 Timothy 6:6 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	O Lord, You are my Shepherd, there’s nothing that I need. Your presence hovers over me and I may safely feed. And where my enemies abound, I know that all is well. For there I am protected, from all the powers of hell. You honour me and care for me; and you anoint my head. My cup is overflowing. You’re blessed My child You said. I have had a sample of the food which You supply, Directly from the fountain which never will run dry. And every time I taste it, I realise it’s You! The flavour is exquisite; You’re good in all You do. In You I can take refuge. With joy, my heart abounds; And yet O Lord, I fear You, for godliness is found, In being in Your presence; and it’s intimidating. For Lord, You are an awesome God; and that is understating, Your glorious omnipotence; Your mercy and Your grace. Even strong young lions occasionally face, The fact that they are hungry. But men who trust in You, Will find they lack for nothing for You are just and true! O Lord this is Your mercy. We haven’t been wiped out. There’s still a few remaining and it’s beyond a doubt, That You will turn the tables. Your faithfulness is great. Unlimited compassion! Not leave us to our fate! You’ve assigned my boundaries. My lot You have made sure;              My portion; my inheritance; my cup; all are secure. And since we know for certain that Lord, You own it all,                                Present, past and future; by you are all on call. In Jesus You have blessed us with everything required.                                Nothing’s been excluded; it’s just what You desired. Not that I lack anything. No matter what is sent,                                     I’m resting in the Master; in Him I am content! So help me to be Godly. You’ve told me it will bring,                                Profit to a people; content with everything. Then Lord, I’ll know for certain, that generosity,                                      Is what You are demanding in Christianity! Help us see the glory that pours to us each day. While we are all living in a proper Christian way! Jim Strickland – Written 26th August 012