BEING PURIFIED

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 09 October 2012

Hi all,

Purity! Living a life that is pure before the Lord for most of us is little more than a pipe-dream. We’d like to get there but the difficulties of everyday life make it virtually impossible. Our meditation today looks at this in more detail.

Blessings,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Tuesday, 09 October 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	BEING PURIFIED.
Purity is a very strange thing. We try to achieve it and soon find that it is an impossible task. Those of you who remember or know about the 1950’s will recall the drive among athletes to beat the 4 minute mile. Today, most of us don’t know what a mile is! Why should we. It was a measurement of length in the old “English” system. At the time, this was seen as the “Holy Grail” of middle distance athletes. The record for this distance had been reducing from 4min 10 seconds. Many regarded the time to be an impossible target. Then on 6 May 1954 Roger Bannister succeeded. A couple of weeks later, John Landy, the great Australian runner, also than the mile in less than 4 minutes. In the British Empire Games in Vancouver, in a race billed as "The Mile of the Century," both runners beat the four minute time, but Bannister came in first at 3:58.8 to Landy's 3:59.6. Since then, many men have broken this “barrier” and it is no longer seen as impossible If people ask what has happened in the intervening years, we are informed that training techniques have changed significantly. Better nutrition and intensive exercise have equipped sportsmen to achieve what was once thought to be impossible. Obviously, there will come a time when it will be humanly impossible to break the record. In other words, we will never be able to produce a perfect athlete. Now Jesus is perfect in every respect. But, in His manhood, to improve on the record will be impossible, even for Him in His perfection! Don’t ask me when that will be. But it would be very helpful if you would tell me! If you take the time to read the dietary requirements and exercise programme of any Olympic athlete, you will probably decide not to try it yourself. I came to that conclusion shortly after the Sydney Games. There was a TV program showing us some of the young Australian gymnasts preparing for the Beijing and London Olympics. Little girls who volunteered to commit to a regimen to which they would devote the following 4 or 8 years of life. Will any of us achieve perfection? It’s a good question. In the race of life it takes the willingness of an Olympic athlete to finish the course. But there is a difference. We only compete against our self. In addition, the Holy Spirit is our coach and Jesus is our trainer. They assure me that if I keep going, I will definitely come first in my race! They also tell me that it won’t be for just a gold medal. It will be for a crown of gold that Jesus will give. All who finish the course will get the same or similar golden crowns. Will we then be perfect? I’m told that by then it could be possible. Our mortal bodies require adjustment. But when we will change our mortal body for a resurrection body, It may be bit easier. Will we then be able to run a sub 4 minute mile? Good question! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. Psalms 12:6 TNIV 140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much. Psalms 119:140 NLT 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalms 19:8 TNIV 5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. 6 Do not add to His words, or He may rebuke you and expose you as a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6 NLT 11 I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You Psalms 119:11NLT 15 I will study Your commandments and reflect on Your ways. Psalms 119:15 NLT 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV 2 Like new-born infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation 1 Peter 2:2 ESV 17 You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us. 2 Corinthians 2:17 NLT 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don't try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. 2 Corinthians 4:2 NLT	Purifying anything takes lots and lots of time. Silver in a crucible, is how it is refined. Gold is heated seven times to skim away the dross. People can be purified by nailing on a cross. Jesus was the perfect man. And yet He had to learn, Obedience to Father, by going through that burn. The agony of whipping, which would kill lesser men, Inflicted by a specialist for pain beyond our ken. Tormented by the hammering, of nails through hands and feet; Of hanging there stark naked in that “hellish” midday heat. That’s what Jesus suffered, when He was crucified. That’s what He experienced while being “purified”. He didn’t have to do it. He could have walked away. But in the middle of it, He knew He had to stay. Because He traded places; He took it all for me, And all the other members of the human family. We needed to be purified. The sin was yours and mine. But since the Blessed Master, was also Christ Divine, His death was efficacious for all the human race. So what the Lord experienced, we do not have to face. There wasn’t an alternative. The heat was turned up high. And just because of what He did, we know that death will die! What Jesus did was flawless. He is the Living Word. Everything predicted has certainly occurred. Not a tinge of falsehood.  Each prophesy fulfilled. There is now a “way to God” because His blood was spilled. Lord, You said You’d do it. O Lord You’ve been proved right. You achieved the victory, so we may win our fight. You sent Your Holy Spirit, so we’re not on our own. We grow in our salvation, through You and You alone. You gave Your commandment, to help us stay on track; And by Your generosity, there’s nothing that we lack. You grant to us discernment to reject all shameful deeds. And willingness to follow You and put aside our greed. We know You are refining us, to bring us forth as gold. That somehow in the process, Your plans for us unfold. We’re yearning for perfection, when we will be like You! And all the promises You’ve made, will certainly come true. Jim Strickland – Written 9th October 2012

BE A WITNESS

Time with Jesus - Monday, 08 October 2012

Hi all,

The Scriptures today really challenged me. For several years I’ve been gravely concerned that people go and attend Miracle and Healing Crusades and nothing happens; lots of healings that may be psychosomatic; but just about nothing that can be confirmed medically. I know that Kathryn Kuhlman was most particular about this. We should be too. God is not hiding away. So we should be quite sure that a so called “miracle” is a genuine “miracle” before we start to spread lies about something that isn’t true. God is not impressed.

Blessings,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Monday, 08 October 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	BE A WITNESS
It’s a terrible thing to say but the fact is the Christian Church today is apparently more or less powerless. We look at programmes on TV and notice that although there is a measure of healing taking place, the power and the presence of God appears to be lacking. I’m not accusing anyone about this. If anything I’m pointing at myself. Think about this for a moment. The Holy Trinity is the same forever. So what was done by the Living God in the past should be seen today. Sadly we see hardly any observable and documented healings that can be medically attested. Why? Don’t tell me God doesn’t do that anymore. Don’t tell me that it’s a lack of faith on our behalf. If this is the case, it means that God is tucked away in some “hidey-hole” and won’t show Himself until our Faith level has reached some prescribed level. To say that implies that the power of God depends on you and me! That’s not true. Now I know the Word says 58 And so He did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58 NLT. The question that must be asked here is what Jesus meant. There are two possible reasons. One is that He was not able to perform a miracle because of their unbelief. That can’t be true. Whether we believe or not, God’s power and ability remains the same. Nothing we do can ever change that. The second is that Jesus responds to the faith of the people. In better words, if you don’t believe, He won’t heal. This is probably nearer the facts and may well be what took place. Certainly we know that if you don’t believe, you won’t receive. It follows that this is probably the Scriptural reason. We also know that 17 Faith comes from hearing the message. And the message that is heard is the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 NIrV The fact is, the vast majority of those who attend a church meeting are already believers. So “faith” must be there. Even so, almost nothing seems to happen. People do not receive their healing. Why? Don’t tell me they do receive and lose it immediately. That’s a “cop out” and is nonsense! I suspect that the problem is our own motives. We go to hear a message. We should go to meet Jesus. The preacher gives a message. Even so, nothing happens. Question: Have we gone to listen to a man or woman instead of going to be with Jesus? Our big name and small name evangelists and their ilk. Are there to promote their own ministry and – and this is usually the case – to make money or to point to Jesus? Sure it looks very professional; the speakers are eloquent and inspiring. But is the focus on Jesus or on us? One of my “favourite” saints of yesterday – yes he was a Roman Catholic – St Francis of Assisi would commission his followers with words to the following effect. “I want you to go into all the world and spread the Gospel. Then, only if people ask you, speak”. Speaking should follow seeing. What people say should be seen to be their life in action. This was Jesus’ model. The voice of Jesus created all that we will ever see. “Light be” and it was so! But Jesus knew people. He knew they would not listen, even to Him, unless they knew His lifestyle corresponded with His words. How should we respond to this message? Easy. Next time we meet; let’s not focus on what any person says. Let’s focus on Jesus entirely. If we have to sit in absolute silence worshipping and praising Jesus, that’s fine. Let’s get the focus on Jesus and not man! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			For the choir director: A psalm of David. 1 I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalms 40:1-2 NLT 4 They all drank the same supernatural water. They drank from the supernatural rock that went with them. That rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:4 NIrV 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon son of John, because My Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I will build My church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:16-18 NLT 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 ESV 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; Hebrews 10:22-23 NASB 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 ESV 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 ESV	What do we do with “hate-speech” in two thousand and twelve? Does it mean our witness, each one of us must shelve? There’s great misunderstanding about this very thing. We have not been muzzled. Our praises to our King, Are still just as important as they have ever been; And Jesus told us clearly, our witness must be seen! A witness answers questions. He doesn’t volunteer, To give his information to everyone who’s near. Try that in the courtroom. They’ll tell you to be quiet. If you want to go to jail, just carry on and try it. Don’t give your opinions. We’re looking for the facts. Courtrooms aren’t the proper place for distributing tracts. Listen to the lawyer. Do not rabbit on. Give an answer truthfully. You’re not number one! We are living in a world which truly is a court. Don’t fall into error. You must not resort, To blabbing and to chatting about the Lord Most High. You must be a witness men look at with their eyes. They can spot a liar and recognise a fake. Every little word you say could show them you’re a flake. Go and preach the Gospel That was the Lord’s command. Do it with a lifestyle which men can understand. Everyone is looking and if the things you say, Contradict your actions in just a tiny way, They’ll call you a hypocrite and what they say is true. But, if they first see it, they’ll listen unto you. Back in the Old Testament a witness was a stone Set up by the people so everyone was shown, What was commemorated. A rock says not a word. But every time men looked at it, its message could be heard. If it had started speaking, the folk would run away. They’d think perhaps a demon was visiting that day! Christians must remember that credibility, Is not what people listen to, but that which people see! The people in the Bible first saw what Jesus did. Heal the sick and raise the dead. His witness wasn’t hid! They could see it plainly. That’s how He got their ear. If He had only spoken, the folk would not draw near! He told each of His followers. His words were “follow Me”! And that is still the only thing a Christian should be. Walking in His footsteps and speaking not a thing. We won’t find the Living God by idle chattering. But when people see it, their hearts will open wide. And they’ll know the living God is down on your inside. Jim Strickland – Written 8th October 2012

BUILDING A HOUSE

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 07 October 2012

Hi all,

Today’s meditation is about surprises. David loved God. He was a man after God’s heart. We may not understand exactly what that means. But we do know that he was not permitted to build the Temple. That would be left for Solomon. But God told David that although he would not build a house for God, God would build a house for him; an everlasting dynasty. We know Jesus was a descendant of David. Just as God told David, Jesus will reign forever!

Blessings,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Sunday, 07 October 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	BUILDING A HOUSE
Do you love surprises? For me, it all depends on the circumstances. Usually I love surprising other people. But I get a bit embarrassed when people surprise me. The example I have in mind is the notices most churches issue every week. In most of them there is a column with names, birthdates, and telephone numbers. The idea is to phone the person on their birthday with a greeting of some sort. For as long as possible I’ve done my very best to keep my date secret. These well-meaning and supposedly encouraging calls I find most embarrassing. What about a surprise party? Have you ever been the subject of one? Organising such an event can be hectic. How do you arrange a party for someone and keep it secret? Has it occurred to you that nothing can surprise God? He is omniscient. Besides which, God doesn’t have a birthday. Well, perhaps Jesus does have a physical birthday. But that’s different. In this regard God always announces His intentions before He acts. Amos tells us: 7 The fact is, GOD, the Master, does nothing without first telling his prophets the whole story. Amos 3:7 MSG In the light of this, let’s spend a few moments thinking about King David. Apart from Jesus Christ, he is one of the best loved men in the Bible. We are told that Samuel informed Saul that God had rejected him as King; - 14 But now your kingdom must end, for the LORD has sought out a man after His own heart. The LORD has already appointed him to be the leader of His people, because you have not kept the LORD's command."1 Sam 13:14 NLT The man was David. Now David was not perfect and he knew it. But he loved the Lord. David was a man of war. His hands were stained red with the blood of his enemies. The “Bathsheba” incident confirms he was subject to the same temptations we experience. He wanted to build a temple for God. David was the architect of the first Jerusalem Temple. His chief aim in life was to build it. All his personal wealth was given to finance it. Through the prophet Nathan, David was told God had said he was not to do so. It would be built by his son, King Solomon. Nathan added that although he (David) had wanted to build God a house, God would build a house for him. An everlasting dynasty. 16 Your house and your kingdom will continue before Me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.'"2 Sam 7:16 NLT This was David’s big surprise. To say he was “gob-smacked’ is an under-statement. We are told: King David went in and sat before the LORD and prayed, "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that You have brought me this far? 2 Sam 7:18 NLT How do we handle such surprises? You tell me! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			29 And now, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, so that it may continue forever before You. For You have spoken, and when You grant a blessing to Your servant, O Sovereign LORD, it is an eternal blessing!" 2 Samuel 7:29 NLT 27 Now you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant that it may continue forever before you, for it is you, O LORD, who have blessed and it is blessed forever." 1 Chronicles 17:27 ESV 22 It is the LORD'S blessing that makes a person rich, and hard work adds nothing to it. Proverbs 10:22 GW 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35 TNIV 13 Instead, when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the handicapped, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then you will be blessed because they don't have any way to pay you back. You will be paid back when those who have God's approval come back to life." Luke 14:13-14 GW 34 "Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, my Father has blessed you! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me into your home. 36 I needed clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Matthew 25:34-36 GW To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; Psalms 41:1 ESV 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalms 84:11 ESV	The crafter of a building is called the architect. He puts his plans on paper. His purpose, to reflect, The vision of the building, which he has got in mind. They’re very skilled and competent; is what you always find. They don’t erect the building, although I’m sure they could. A builder takes the set of plans and does just what he should. He brings in brick and mortar, the marble, sand and stone, The wood, the tiles and scaffolding to build what has been shown. Now who should get the credit when all the work is done? The architect or builder? It should be everyone, Who made a contribution to see the work complete. For as folk take a look at it they’ll say, “That’s quite a feat!” Now what about God’s temple? King David made the plans. God wouldn’t let him build it with blood upon his hands. That task was left to Solomon. It took him seven years. But David was the architect. At least that’s what appears. Everything that David owned; all this was dedicated. To build a temple for the Lord, precisely as he stated. God wouldn’t let him build the house; He had a better plan. God said “Your son will build it – he is a peaceful man”. He said He’d build a dynasty that wouldn’t ever end. David was the starting point. God said He would send, A King who’d reign forever. He’d be from David’s line. The “house” He’d build for David, would have a King Divine. David sat there “gob-smacked”. It’s hard to comprehend, That someday He would send a King, Who’s life would have no end. David was His forefather. How do you come to grips, With anything the Lord had said? A King Who would eclipse, Anything and everything that David might have done? A King Who’d rule in righteousness; Who also was God’s Son! I don’t think I could handle that. I think somehow I’d freak! I think I’d sort of shake my head and say, “Lord, I’m too weak! O Lord I’m just a servant and I can hardly cope, With knowing what You’re doing. It’s far beyond the scope, Of all I have imagined. You’d do all this for me? You know I am a sinner Lord. How can You let this be? But Lord, You said You’d do it. So Father, carry on. Thank you Lord for telling me that I will be that one!” Jim Strickland – Written 7th October 2012