COMPASSION

The qualities of Jesus. Which one would you prefer?

If you had any one of them, which one of them would spur

You on to being like Him, and doing what He did,

To everyone He came across and did as He was bid?

For me it’s His compassion that stands out like a mile.

It’s something you cannot “turn on” and use for just a while.

It happens deep inside you each time that you behold,

Any situation where compassion will unfold.

A typical example was His disciple John.

We’re told he was His favourite and that may not be wrong.

There was a special trio of Peter, John and James

The Master took them with Him, is what the Bible claims.

They were official witnesses to all that He did do.

So that the truth of everything was clear for all to view.

But when it came to choices, the person He called on,

It seems in every instance, the one He chose was John.

Of course he was the youngest and the custom of the day,

Was reclining in a circle in a very special way.

It never was haphazard. The oldest on His right,

And then in their birth order with everyone in sight

The youngest one was honoured and sat on His left side.

Where He could lean upon the Lord and listen to his Guide.

He’d listen to His heartbeat; He’d feel His joy or pain.

And when something was needed, it’s John who would explain

The nuances in Jesus’ voice to those who couldn’t hear.

For Jesus would repeat Himself and whisper in John’s ear.

So John saw His compassion in ways that other folk

Could never understand Him. He was that sort of bloke.

And Jesus was unrivalled in getting to the core

Of all He was requested, because of what He saw.

He comforted the mothers whose children had just died.

He laughed with other’s laughter and cried with those who cried.

He blessed the little children the twelve had sent away.

He laid His hands upon them. He blessed them all that day.

He fed a hungry people with food that multiplied.

The crowd was astronomical but all were satisfied.

He loved the twelve disciples although they often failed.

He didn’t leave them orphans when to a cross was nailed.

He told them he was coming back; They didn’t understand.

And after He ascended, His Spirit came as planned.

This was His great compassion. This was his love made clear.

This was the way He did things for people far and near.

This was His love in action, compassion put on view;

To everyone around Him; to folk like me and you.

Jim Strickland – written Monday, 04 July 2011

A SON OF ABRAHAM

If ever I had told you that Abraham’s my dad,

Tell me your reaction; the Jews would say. “He’s mad”

Where’s his circumcision, what about his nose?

Was he in the loony bin? He must be one of those!

Now in the world of nature, I guess they would be right.

I’ve got no Jewish ancestors; not even one in sight.

And flowing though my bloodstream is not the blood of Shem.

I’m told it’s purely gentile. So rightly they condemn,

And tell me I’m from Japheth of European stock,

And so my claim to “Jewish-ness” must surely take a knock.

And yet the Scripture tells me that what I’ve said is true.

I have no Jewish ancestors and yet I am a “Jew”. * ^{see note below}

Not by genealogy for that could never be.

But having faith in Jesus Christ affects my ancestry.

It seems I’ve been adopted into The Holy line.

My faith in God and Jesus means both of Them are mine.

Abraham believed God for what he couldn’t see,

And though it seemed impossible, he hung on constantly.

So he received the promise. The promised son was born.

Isaac, Jesu’s ancestor, was brought forth on that morn.

It really wasn’t difficult, the lineage came and went;

Waiting till the moment that the Son of God was sent.

But which one was the Promised Son? Sure, Isaac came along;

But Jesus Christ, the Son of God, He was the Promised One.

So Abraham was trusting God for Whom he didn’t know.

But God had made a promise and He would make it so.

This was the type of trusting that Father God desired.

A faith that never wavered and was utterly inspired.

So Jesus was the offspring to which Father God referred.

The others were all waiting for the fullness of His Word.

And anyone who trusts in God like Abraham that day,

Are offspring of the Father whatever others say!

The fact is I’m as much a “Jew” as those in Jesu’ line;

Only by my trusting in the Word of God Divine.

Not by mutilation of a portion of the skin,

But trusting Jesu’s mercy for forgiveness of my sin.

Nothing else will help me. It is by faith alone,

That I’m a son of Abraham the way that He has shown.

Jim Strickland – written Sunday, 03 July 2011
  Strictly speaking, “Jews” are the descendants of Judah, Jacob’s 4^th son by Leah. But common usage today calls all Abraham’s progeny “Jews”

COMMUNION OR PASSOVER?

Communion or Passover, Which one do you select?

Is there some special way for us whereby we can detect

The one that’s more important? If it was put to you,

Which one would find your preference; which one is the most true?

Of course the question’s silly. They both are much the same.

The one we find in Exodus; the one in Jesus’ Name.

Of course they’re not identical; No way could that be fact.

The one is in the upper room; the other action packed.

The one reads like a comic with pictures and with text.

It isn’t difficult to read; we know what happens next.

The one is mainly Jewish; They were Egyptian slaves.

The other is more Roman and proves that Jesus saves.

The stories are quite different and so it’s hard to spot,

That both declare God’s glory, as His “forget-me-not”.

The Hebrew ram was perfect; a yearling in it’s prime.

The Roman one was Perfect; the Son of God Divine.

The Hebrew one was sacrificed. It throat was cut to bleed.

Its life was slowly drained away; a bloody act indeed.

The Roman one was sacrificed upon a cruel cross.

The blood ran down his body, He died from His blood loss.

The Hebrew one was sacrificed; the timing was precise.

The very instant when God’s lamb was being sacrificed.

The blood upon the lintels of every house door frame.

Looked rather like a bloody cross on which God’s ram was slain.

The Hebrews hear the weeping; All Egypt’s first born son.

Were taken by death’s angel. That “Passover” was done.

But those who were protected by the sprinkled blood were free.

Their children and their animals were set at liberty.

The life and death of Jesus shines forth in every place.

The Hebrews saw it happening. We witness it by grace.

So which is more important? The image is the same.

The story book of Exodus and Calvary both claim

To tell us all what happened; and both of them are true.

Perhaps it’s the perspective you want to have in view.

But this one thing is certain. Death’s angel passed us by,

The moment that the lamb of God decided He would die.

He shed His blood upon us and saved us all by grace.

It really didn’t matter; the proper time or place,

The end is still consistent with what happened way back then,

And nobody can change it until Jesus comes again.

Jim Strickland – written Saturday, 02 July 2011

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

We need to have a method that’s as sure as it can be,

To know the Holy Spirit is alive in you and me.

It cannot be a colour or that would advertise,

To everyone what happens when they look into our eyes!

It cannot be a halo, or everyone could see,

That you and I are holy when they know it cannot be!

It has to be a quality that flows from deep within.

A fervent contradiction to all that looks like sin.

And yet it must be visible and never in dispute,

And surely that’s the reason it’s spoken of as fruit.

It has to be discernable so everyone can know,

That surely what their looking at is pure as driven snow.

It has to be distinguished as left hand from the right.

It also must be pleasing to everyone in sight.

The proper word is character. That shapes the things we do.

It has to be consistent, inflexible and true.

It mustn’t vary daily as the product of a whim,

But something that will demonstrate our burning love for Him.

We know that love’s included. It cannot tolerate,

The tiniest suggestion of any form of hate.

It has to make us joyful in spite of circumstance,

No matter what is happening deliberately or chance,

The joy deep down within us must be clear and true and strong,

That even though we’re crying, our hearts are filled with song.

Peace is not the option of the absence of all war.

Instead it is a quality that’s worth our dying for.

In spite of every effort that the enemy can bring,

It’s knowing He is with us in spite of everything.

It’s patience through the hardship of an overwhelming trial,

Retraining our composure as we go the extra mile.

It’s kindness when confronted by deep bitterness and gall,

Knowing your reaction will confound them one and all.

It’s doing everything you can for someone else’s good.

And doing it with willingness not just because we should.

It’s faithfulness and gentleness and perfect self control,

Not because observers are looking for our goal,

But simply ‘cause it’s always the proper thing to do.

Even when all Satan’s hordes are chasing after you.

Isn’t this the character that others want to see,

Present in the lifestyle of folk like you and me?

Will we see these qualities no matter where we go?

Only in a Christian who’s not putting on a show.

For this is the lifestyle of Jesus Christ our King.

So let’s vow to copy it, whatever life may bring.

Jim Strickland – written Friday, 01 July 2011

THE GAIN BY PAIN!

I can’t remember what I did in nineteen fifty eight.

I got to school with plenty time and wasn’t running late.

And then our dear headmaster, called me to the front.

He spoke about behaviour and about the stunt,

Which I had been involved in with one or two school friends.

And he was going to deal with us by warming up our ends.

It wasn’t done in rancour. He didn’t lose his smile.

That thought did not occur to him. It never was his style.

And so in front of all the class, he quickly drew his cane.

And let me say for certain he was good at bringing pain.

The reason why he did it has vanished from my mind.

I couldn’t justify it. Perhaps I’m old and blind.

But I can well remember the stinging in my rear.

But since I was a teenager, I didn’t shed a tear.

One thing that I must say about that grand old man.

When the job was over his big heart overran.

He didn’t show resentment. I think he never could.

But always said politely, “I did it for your good!”

The picture isn’t perfect but that is like our God.

He knows just what is needed and then takes up His rod.

He never is vindictive but when He wields the cane,

It’s always for a reason that’s very, very plain.

It isn’t very pleasant. In truth, it’s rather sore.

But never will he crush us though He must strike some more.

He does it ‘cause He loves us. We cannot get away,

With anything we ever do, or think about or say.

This surely is quite proper. He makes the rear end sting.

But more to serve His purpose that righteousness may ring,

Throughout His holy people. He wants to get us right.

And walk in true obedience that’s proper in His sight.

So if your rear end’s stinging you’d better ask Him why?

He never will chastise you so much to make you die.

He has a special reason. Perhaps you pulled a stunt

That in His Holy wisdom, He thought was an affront.

To everything He’s taught us. It doesn’t work that way.

But don’t make the assumption He won’t do it today.

So when He says, “Bend over, reach down and touch your toes.”

You know that it is coming for that is how it goes.

And when it is all finished, I’m sure you will agree,

He worked for my advantage in disciplining me!

Jim Strickland – written Thursday, 30 June 2011

MY COMMANDMENT

Here is my commandment. Don’t walk upon the grass.

The green rubs off on shoes and pants so don’t look like an ass.

You see that great big signboard that’s driven in the ground?

It spells out what I’m saying and doesn’t make a sound.

The letters are not tiny. They’re plain for all to see.

The only ones to walk on it are Peter, Paul and me.

Don’t look at me at so strangely. Your supercilious grin

Does not reflect the attitude I speaking to you in.

The fact Is I would like you to have eternal life.

Not the way you’re feeling now but free of hurt and strife.

Why do you never listen? Why don’t you wear my yoke?

You’ll find it so much easier and will not make you choke.

I’m asking this so nicely. Please do this thing I say.

It’s really in your interests to listen and obey.

Please keep my commandments and do not please yourself.

Those who say they can’t comply I’ll leave upon the shelf.

The only way to love me is to do the things I say.

The choice is never optional. There is no other way.

For those who try and keep them The Love of God they’ll know.

Only do it willingly don’t put it on for show.

I truly want to manifest Myself and come to you.

My Father likes the whole idea so do what you must do.

Seek for understanding. Do it the wisdom way.

Better than great treasure is simply to obey.

It is the way of blessedness and is the way of peace.

She is to you a tree of life that shouldn’t ever cease.

And if you really trust Me and keep all of my law.

You will not slip and stumble and fool around no more.

So put away all evil and do the things I say.

See if you can sort it out, there is no better way.

No better way to love Me that doing what I’ve said.

You’ll find it will keep going on till long after you’ are dead.

For love can have no ending. It goes on constantly.

And It’s available to you and everyone you see.

So please don’t think I’m talking about a field of grass.

It goes so far beyond this, that you won’t want to pass

The blessing it will bring you, just doing what your told.

Will far outweigh the problems of finding hidden gold.

Jim Strickland – written Wednesday, 29 June 2011

WHERE WERE YOU?

When we speak of Jesus Christ, who is it that we mean?

We‘re told He’s God in overalls. The God who last was seen

About two thousand years ago. Just dying on a cross.

You wouldn’t think it credible that all creation’s boss,

Cold ever let it happen. It’s too good to be true

That Father incognito would ever, ever do.

Something incomprehensible. Why do it? After all

He didn’t do a sinful thing from He didn’t even fall.

It’s equally impossible to think He walked on earth.

What purpose was there in it? An act of supreme mirth?

And did He think it funny squeezed into a balloon?

With hardly any space around to give Him elbow room.

Why bother with humanity. They’d only cause Him pain.

What purpose did it serve for Him? Did He Himself ordain

That it was necessary? If it was left to me,

They couldn’t point a finger at the man from Calvary.

And yet He came and did it? Perhaps He just went mad.

Was He perhaps a masochist who relished being bad?

That couldn’t be the Jesus, the one I’ve know so long.

The Man Who came to rescue us from all we have done wrong.

But that does not explain it. What plan was in His mind?

What reason did He give Himself? He wasn’t deaf or blind.

He knew what they had purposed. Perhaps He thought they’d missed

But Judas made it very plain for He was whom he kissed.

My greetings to you master. Now show me what to do

While all creations was transfixed and what would become of You?

A taste of Roman lashes? A mock up silly crime.

The only thing He ever said that He was Devine.

But that’s not good a reason to have Him crucified.

They couldn’t find a fault in Him, no matter how they tried.

Of course He was their scapegoat. Somebody had to die.

The High Priest hadn’t volunteered and so it was you or I.

And I’m paid up member a coward through and through.

So when it comes to volunteers, my friend its must be you.

So tell m e now where you were on that day the Jesus died.

Where were you when they drove the nails And thrust Him the side

You had to be quite close to Him. I’m sure you know it well.

The day they murdered God most High and sent Him off to Hell.

Jim Strickland – written Tuesday 28^th June 2011