TRAPPINGS

Time with Jesus - Friday, 26 October 2012

Hi all,

Ministry today can be a trap. We are always strongly influenced by the people we meet and hear about. Many of us rely on modern business methods to bring us the “success” we so sincerely seek. Advertising is one of the more popular methods. Today’s meditation looks at this and asks whether we should do so or not.

Blessings,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Friday, 26 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	TRAPPINGS
Advertising! The Western Church seems to be besotted with it. Some of our “big name” preachers have an itinerary that is fully booked for more than a year ahead. A month or so ago we went to see one of the best known names among Astronomy and Christianity. Dr David Bloch gave a presentation at local South African Methodist Church. It was wonderful stuff. But if you want him to come and give a lecture, try booking something like two years ahead. Much the same can be said for men like Benny Hinn and T D Jakes. You may find it easier with women like Joyce Meyer or Paula White, but I have my doubts. Incidentally, I’m not seeking to criticise these men or women in any way. They are doing the best they can under tremendously difficult circumstances. Personally, I would be greatly intimidated by having to generate the finance for the number of people who are working in their ministries. They can’t afford to have a poor “turn-out” where they have been invited to preach. If this means that there is insufficient money coming in to finance them, it will very quickly be “game over”. Incidentally, don’t be put off (or on) by the comment “God will Provide”. Charlatans and wicked men have succeeded without God’s help. So don’t be impressed by the “size” of their Ministry. It can be a real trap. You have to preach what the people want to hear. If you don’t, the people will soon go elsewhere. The fame is fabulous but what about motive? Jesus put it like this: 5 "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth that is all the reward they will ever get. Matthew 6:5 NLT Now people may point at me and say, “You are speaking from an envious spirit”. Perhaps that’s true. At least I’m willing to consider that possibility. In the final analysis, the Lord will decide! Jesus used none of these advertising tricks. He didn’t “pander to the crowd”. At times He deliberately avoided them. He didn’t publicise. He relied entirely on word of mouth and the power of the Holy Spirit. I’ve heard it said it’s doubtful if even His ministry could have survived the “fall-out” from a modern advertising campaign! I believe that people didn’t only come to watch a miracle worker. They came to see a man full of the Holy Spirit. A Man in Whom the Fruit of the Holy Spirit was visible in abundance. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Even during His closing hours, hanging on the cross, these “qualities” were on display. From these qualities, the very Nature of God was revealed. But crucifixion invariably exposes hidden agenda. He had none! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. Malachi 2:15 ESV 49 John answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us." 50 But Jesus said to him, "Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you." Luke 9:49-50 ESV 54 And seeing, His disciples James and John said, Lord, do You desire that we command fire to come down from Heaven and consume them, even as Elijah did? 55 But He turned and rebuked them and said, You do not know of what spirit you are. Luke 9:54-55 MKJV 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, "My lord Moses, stop them." 29 But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!" Numbers 11:27-29 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. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26 ESV	Jesus, when He walked the Earth, was not like us at all. His hunt for reputation was very, very small. He didn’t use the internet, or send out bulk email. He had no use for Google. And measured on a scale Of one to ten, publicity would not have helped one jot. The “Galilean Herald”, He totally forgot. He didn’t use these trappings. There truly was no need. Dependence upon word of mouth was what had been decreed. Was it a disadvantage? Not from the things I’ve read. You don’t need 10 inch headlines, to say you’ve raised the dead! And when you cleanse the lepers; and recreate an eye. You don’t need a press agent! The folk won’t pass you by! And what of competition? He didn’t really mind. If you’re not against Him, I’m sure that you will find, That He is not against you. That’s what the Scripture says. And He retained this attitude. Big-heartedness still pays! He had no hidden motives; God’s Kingdom was His goal. He came so He could rescue us and save our sinful souls. He didn’t have to look around at the itiner’y, Of other big name preachers, within the ministry. He didn’t have to do that. He knew He wouldn’t fail; And it would be accomplished on a vast eternal scale! Moses was the first one; when others prophesied. “Don’t think I am jealous” this man of God replied. “I wish the Lord’s anointing was resting on them all! If everyone could prophesy, I think we’d have a ball! So leave Eldad and Medad and do not make them stop. If it isn’t from the Lord, you’ll find their words will flop!” This was the Master’s attitude! He wanted folk to try. No lost opportunities should ever be passed by. His face was not on street-pole adds and there was no campaign. I’m sure He would regard such things with absolute disdain. If folk were not attracted, by Holy Spirit power, To come along and hear Him, the meeting would go sour! And that is what we’re seeing throughout the world today. If we advertise it, we will not have to pray! No wonder signs and miracles are now so seldom seen. The only way that this will change is when our hearts are clean. Jim Strickland – Written 26th October 2012

TAKE YOUR PICK

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 25 October 2012

Hi all,

Today’s topic is a bit controversial. We are paying a brief visit into the dangerous realm of eschatological opinion. I’ve tried to be as neutral as possible. This will offend some. I’ve expressed the three major views in humorous language. It’s the only way to present differences impartially. It’s worked for me. How about you?

Blessings,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Thursday, 25 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	TAKE YOUR PICK
The Great Tribulation. One thing all Christians agree is that it will happen. Jesus made this very clear: 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. Matthew 24:21 ESV According to Strong, the Greek word is thlipsis (thlip'-sis) which means “pressure (literally or figuratively) such as afflicted, (-ion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.  Eugene Peterson translates the same verse: This is going to be trouble on a scale beyond what the world has ever seen, or will see again. It follows it’s not something any of us should look forward to. It’s going to be very tough! Now if that was all there was to it, Christians would agree. They know it will happen. The question is, “when”? That’s when things get decidedly murky! The disagreement focuses around the none-biblical word “Rapture”. The Bible talks about our being “caught up” (1 Thess. 4:17) to meet the Lord in the air. The disagreement is whether the “rapture” will occur before, during or after the tribulation. Of course this is an over-simplification. Tomes thick enough to choke a donkey have been written attacking and defending each author’s opinion concerning “when”. But which one is correct? That’s the $1 000 000 question! The most popular view in Western Christianity is the pre-tribulation rapture. It is comforting to think that when the big trouble comes, you and I will not be here. We will be having a party in the sky somewhere with Jesus and all the saints who have gone before us. This may not be theologically correct. But who wants to be here when God pours out His wrath? Any volunteers? Personally, not me. The reason is because I don’t fancy being “tribulated”! I’m also not entirely convinced the Scripture supports this view. But that’s just me! The view of the Church Fathers was the post-trib rapture. i.e. Jesus will come for His saints afterwards. This view was held by all the Church up to about 1820. Changes came about as a result of some of the thoughts of J N Derby. Along with others he rediscovered many forgotten Biblical truths. The idea was taken to the USA and promoted by Dr C I Scofield, a brilliant man and preacher. In 1909 a KJV Bible with his notes was published. This included pre-trib theology. It was and is hugely popular. In USA this view is almost universally accepted. The other view; the mid-trib rapture, is not extensively supported. It may be little more than a place to settle between pre-and post trib thinking. Ultimately it’s up to you to decide. What is sad is that most Christians seem to have forgotten the protective power of God. He can still protect His people. He is greater than the tribulation. He preserved His people during the Babylonian invasion. He still can! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7 ESV 11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. Revelation 20:11 ESV 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. 2 Peter 3:7 NLT To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song. 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah Psalms 46:1-3 ESV 6 You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Matthew 24:6 TNIV 1 We know that the earthly tent we live in will be destroyed. But we have a building made by God. It is a house in heaven that lasts forever. Human hands did not build it. 2 Corinthians 5:1 NIrV 13 But we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth. Godliness will make its home there. All of this is in keeping with God's promise. 14 Dear friends, I know you are looking forward to that. So try your best to be found pure and without blame. Be at peace with God. 2 Peter 3:13-14 NIrV	Pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib. Which one do you prefer? Not matter what folk want to think, it causes quite a stir! It hasn’t reached the stages yet, of grabbing by the throat. But folk who think that they are right just sit around and gloat. “I’m going with the first batch; the day the dead will rise. I‘m sorry, I don’t want to see the sorrow in the eyes, Of those who didn’t get it right. For I can guarantee, That when the tribulation comes, nobody will find me. I’m going to the party, with Jesus in the sky. And all those sort of fun and games will simply pass me by. The Lord thinks I am special, so I will go ahead, And leave the unbelievers to suffer ‘til they’re dead!” “You’ve got it wrong!” mid-trib replies, “it happens in the middle. And through the comfy, early bit, you’re going to have to fiddle. You’ll have to stay and watch it and hope you won’t get caught. For if they get their hands on you, your prospects equal naught. So we will miss the first bit; before things get real bad. And then we’ll take the fast train and be with Jesus’ Dad!” “I’m sorry, you are both wrong!” Post-trib to them declares. “Better dig a basement and fire-proof the stairs. You will have to hide away till tribulations done. Then listen for the trumpet call announcing that God’s Son, Is calling you to glory; to join Him in the sky. Hopefully the worst of it will simply pass you by. Have you heard these arguments? Which one appeals to you? It really doesn’t matter. The Living God will do, That which He intended before time was begun. Pre-trib; mid-trib; post-trib; before you turn and run, Could it be that some of you are also incorrect? Have you all forgotten, that Father will protect, Those who will be faithful? So let the tempest rage. He will do what He has done in each and every age. Of course you may be martyred. Do not be filled with fear. Jesus Christ has promised that He is ever near. You will be rewarded; it will be worth the pain. And you will get a special crown, when Jesus comes again. Jim Strickland – written 25th October 2012

Jimmets – Thirst & Cracked Cisterns

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 24 October 2012

Hi all,

The Scriptures today take on a melancholy note today. Isaiah spoke of the desperate thirst for God which only He can slake. Jeremiah spoke of the cisterns the people had dug for themselves; cracked cisterns that can’t hold water. These comments have been taken up in two “Jimmets” which are today’s meditation.

Blessings,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Wednesday, 24 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	Jimmets – Thirst & Cracked Cisterns
Stick-ability. This quality in most people is lacking. If I said unstick-ability the word would better reflect the built in fickleness we find all around us. Perhaps the best example to describe this generically is to look at pop-stars. Some are remembered. The Beatles, the BG’s, the Rolling Stones and Frank Sinatra are among the best known and best loved. Some are now distant memories. Al Jolson, Peter Sellers, Sidney James, Doris Day, Gertrude Lawrence and scores of others spring to mind. There’s also been a few one day wonders. Debbie Boone, Leapy Lee and Johnny Ray spring to mind. The fact I barely remember their names suggests they were little more than one day wonders! Ladies fashions also come and go. Who remembers the mini-skirt? For some inexplicable reason, men seem to remember them much better than the ladies. I wonder why? When we look at photographs taken more than 20 years ago, we are surprised how much fashions have changed. For the ladies, skirts went up and down; became fuller and slenderer. Swim suits went from one piece all concealing to two piece all revealing. Well, revealing as much as modesty and the law permit. Men’s shoes from long and pointed “winkle-pickers” to square toes. Trousers from turn-ups to no turn-ups. String ties to cravats. Sadly this has also happened with people and their relationship with God. During WW2, the Brits were a God-fearing nation. No longer. A recent survey revealed Britain as second on the list of the most Godless nations. We are now nearing the end of the third generation since WW2. People have no thirst for God because they think they have no need for God. Why should they? The state provides just about everything. Taxes are high but what can you expect from a nation where there is very little incentive to work. Why bother with a job when you can get as much “on the dole” as you would from an employer? It is not grossly different in RSA. Except the people have replaced God with politicians! Today, people look everywhere to find God! Ancestor worship, Politicians, Islam, Buddhism and New Age to name but a few. Jeremiah commented that the people had deserted the One true God and dug themselves cisterns. Broken cisterns than cannot hold water. They had looked for God everywhere except where He can be found. Our nation is dying from thirst. There is no stick-ability. No thirst for the only God Who can save. Instead they search and experiment with the false gods of the nations. Nothing has changed in ±2500 years. People continue to search for their own gods. Then they die, thirsty and empty, just as has happened since the fall. Help Lord Jesus! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			17 "Those who are poor and needy search for water. But there isn't any. Their tongues are dry because they are thirsty. But I will help them. I am the LORD. I will not desert them. I am Israel's God. Isaiah 41:17 NIrV 6 Many are saying, "Who can show us anything good?" Let the light of your presence shine on us, O LORD. Psalms 4:6 GW 22 What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? 23 For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 ESV 17 So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 2:17 ESV 13 "For My people have done two evil things: They have abandoned Me--the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all! Jeremiah 2:13 NLT 37 Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me. I will never turn away anyone who comes to me. John 6:37 GW 3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground. I will pour My spirit on your seed, and My blessing on your offspring; Isaiah 44:3 MKJV 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 ESV A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. 1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalms 63:1 ESV	Thirst Isaiah 41:17 Are you truly longing for a drink, That will banish thirst for evermore? Does it so consume you that you think, “Isn’t there a way I can restore, Sanity to find that which I crave? I have scratched this itch until it bleeds! This will surely drive me to the grave. Anything to gratify my needs. Something that will slake this dreadful thirst, Nothing ever seems to satisfy! I’ve become so desperate I will burst! Help me Lord or I will surely die!” “Come to Me my child and drink of Me. Thirst will pass away eternally”. Jim Strickland 2012/10/24 Cracked Cisterns Jeremiah 2:13 Why is it My people seldom learn? Why is it they try to catch the breeze? Why is it they always seem to turn? Why is it they go on bended knees, Worshipping their gods made out of gold? Why is it they dig wells of their own? Cisterns that are cracked and will not hold, Water and are just as dry as bone? They’ve abandoned Me the only One, Who can bring the rain upon the land. Why is it that when the water’s gone, They don’t even try to understand; That while walking in apostasy, Blessing will not flow to them from Me? Jim Strickland  2012/10/24