A PARTNER IN PRAYER

They tell us that confession is so good for the soul. It isn’t in the Scripture but the principle is whole. What is the greatest problem, is where we choose to go, To find someone who’s trustworthy. Such folk we seldom know. Of course the perfect person is Jesus Christ our Lord. But most are so embarrassed they feel they can’t afford, To find someone so lofty who might not have the time. And so we do not go to Him; which really is a crime. That’s also not the purpose of that which James has said. We need a man or woman who shares our daily bread. A  capable prayer partner, who walks with us in light. There is no other way by which we’re going to win this fight. So who is it we go to see to lighten up our day? A brother or a sister who’s also in the fray. But is that person trustworthy or will he often blab; Who’ll mention all your secrets and put them up to grab? Is the person righteous or a spreader of bad tales? For if he talks about it, the purpose of it fails. He needs an iron memory where things are locked up tight. And others cannot get to him while he’s asleep at night. Where do we find such people? I think the right idea, Is take the problem to the Lord and ask Him please, to steer You to a special person a worthy confidant. And not anther person whom Satan’s tried to plant. It’s what the Master taught us. He told us all to pray And ask for the right person and not get turned away. He needs to be a person who’ll fulfil the Law of Christ, Not the sort of person you can buy or cheaply priced. Some one in reality who’s much the same as you. Make him your confessor. That is the thing to do. Someone who will pray in faith for people who are sick. Not the sort of sluggard whom we call “a clever Dick” A lover of their fellows who will lift their souls on high; A powerful prayer warrior who points men to the sky. Whose passion for the Saviour encourages us all, To be the Master’s bond slave who does the things God calls. Jim Strickland – written Wednesday, 17 August 2011

BUILDING THE TEMPLE

They tell me I’m a building block, but I don’t look the part.

The iron in my blood’s too low for pumping round my heart! My shape is also different. I’m sort of round not square. The mortar will not stick to me because of my thin hair But Jesus seems to think so and He is never wrong. So somehow I must learn to sing a new construction song. But what is my position? The middle or the top? The temple will look very strange and maybe it will stop, Before we reach the pinnacle and deck the temple out! But Jesus is the architect and knows what He’s about. He is the Master Builder. Regardless of our form, The temple will be perfect, won’t fall down in a storm. His job is very difficult and it is hard to do. Not just because of what I am, but it’s because of you! How can we fit together how can we stay in place, Without a massive outpouring of Jesus and His grace? The purpose is to glorify the God who makes it grow. The hardest thing the universe could ever, ever know. But when it comes to miracles, the Lord does instantly, The things which are impossible for folk like you and me. Yes, Jesus makes them easy and has all that He needs. He doesn’t have to conjure up the most outlandish deeds. For miracles are normal when they are in His hands. The universe bows instantly to all of His commands. But what is more amazing is He uses every stone, To bring about a purpose that is His very own. The strangers and the aliens are fitted into place, The instant they believe in Him and call out for His grace. And some are made apostles, or prophets with a call. Evangelists, and pastors He loves them one and all. He also has the teachers to keep the building square, So that when it’s completed, His people will be there. We know it sounds impossible; a little bit absurd. But not when He is doing it; not once has that occurred. And we will take our places when all has been complete, And everyone who looks at it will say of it “How neat!” For Christ will have the glory and we will just look on; Knowing that all sin and death is absolutely gone. Jim Strickland – written Tuesday, 16 August 2011

GIFT OF GRACE

 I had the strangest dream last night, I hadn't dreamed before.

It was a supermarket with rows of things in store.

The goods were something special with writing on that said,

This card you’re standing, looking at, you’ll need when you are dead.

The writing was quite simple. It just read “welcome home.

Bring this card along with you when you’re before God’s throne.

The store was very busy as people came and went.

But still the shelves were laden though no one paid a cent.

The store had no cash registers. The doors were open wide.

Outside there was a notice which read, “Welcome come inside.

The goods will cost you nothing They’re given out for free.

If you will just say sorry, for what you’ve done to me!”

The customers were mystified. “It’s too good to be true.

There has to be a catch somewhere. I wonder what to do?”

So many folk were milling round in that gigantic place.

A look of incredulity expressed on every face.

But one or two poor people had taken theirs for free.

And nobody objected; at least none I could see.

These people’s hands were empty. They didn’t have to pay.

They simple just believed it and took the gift away.

But many of the customers brought all that they possessed.

In wheelbarrows and donkey carts. “It surely can’t cost less”!

And so they wandered idly. There was no place to pay.

So not one of the silly folk would take their gift away.

I know the story’s simple and so hard to believe.

That is because the people pay for all that they receive.

We see it all around us. God’s special gift of grace,

It’s something they must pay for – Their faith has been misplaced.

The Lord gives it for nothing. It doesn’t cost a cent.

There’s only one requirement and that is to repent.

He knows we can’t afford it, so God gives it away.

And all who will believe in Him receive it come what may.

I woke up from my dreaming. The things I dreamed were gone.

Then Jesus whispered to me, “My son, just carry on”.

You cannot pay with silver and even gold is mud.

The only price that man could pay is covered by My Blood.

Please go and tell the people before the market’s closed.

You can’t pay for Salvation. That’s not the way it goes.

You only have to come to me and tell Me you repent.

If anyone will do this thing, I’ll certainly relent.

They’ll get God’s true salvation if they will trust in Me.

They cannot ever work for that which I have given free”.

Jim Strickland – written Monday, 15 August 2011

JOY IN JESUS

No matter what is happening, it’s time to praise the Lord. In weeping or in laughter, joy is your precious sword. The odds may seem impossible. You may think you are through. That’s when, if you are joyful, you’ll see what God can do. For joy is like a medicine; a tonic for the soul; The strength of His empowering that always makes you whole. A change in situation need never get you down, For joy can be the antidote for anything in town. The fact is He is coming no matter how you feel. So sing for joy you heavens; His joyfulness is real. Even if you’re living in a dim and distant land; His joy will give you energy to change what has been planned. He’ll bring you right back home again though you may be a slave. For Jesus and His joyfulness are powerful to save. The springs of His salvation are a source of joy and peace. The whole world may be trembling but His joy will never cease He hears your cries for mercy in the face of all your foes, And gives the power to vanquish them when joy within you grows. The Lord is my defender. He is my mighty shield. I sing for joy for with it, His mighty sword I wield. My heart exalts within me and I praise Him with my song, Because the joy of Jesus makes sure I am not wrong. He’s clothed me with salvation; His righteousness I wear. I’m decked out like a bridegroom and joyfully I swear, Allegiance to my Master. He is the King of Kings. No wonder that my spirit in joy for Jesus wrings. I know I’ve no ability to do things on my own; And so I boast in Jesus; His joy is now my throne! So I am proud in Jesus! His joy is now my pride. It isn’t me who did it for I am but His bride. And I may celebrate the joy of what my “husband” wills. In joy I’m in submission and all His doings thrill, And makes me so delighted to let Him take the lead; And from this place of joyfulness, He meets my every need. It’s really not a struggle it’s all I seek to do. My joy is in my Master who makes my dreams come true. So I rejoice in Jesus, my Saviour, Lord and King. I am His joyful subject. So let His joy bells ring! Jim Strickland – written Sunday, 14 August 2011

ARE YOU PREPARED?

Post trib, mid trib, pre trib. A fact or is it fraud? The only thing that’s certain is the coming of the Lord. We know that Christ Himself will come; a trumpet blast shall ring. The dead in Christ will then arise and all of us will sing, Our praises to the Saviour. With Him we’ll always be. This truth is an established fact from Pauline history. The Lord said He was going and would return again. He’d go to make a place for us. He made this very plain. He said it was His purpose for us to always be, United with the Saviour throughout eternity. God has prepared a city like one we’ve never seen; A place where all of us can live; a city new and clean. A home from home where we can be with those who went before; This world was just not good enough; They looked for something more. He said it’s our inheritance. A priceless, pure reward. A special word of Holy thanks from Jesus Christ our Lord. A place that’s free of sickness; where death will be no more. He’ll wipe away the tears we’ve cried and joy will be in store. But when will all this happen? Will Christians have to stay, And go through tribulation? Will they be snatched away? The popular opinion is that they will all be gone; And leave the folk remaining to simply carry on. It’s called the ”secret rapture” when Christ comes for His bride. And leaves the world to carry on without Him on their side. We know it’s very popular, but popularity, Has never been the measure of true reality. The people thought the world was flat, but it just wasn’t so; And all the people of the world were wrong and didn’t know. The secret rapture is the same. It’s lapped up by the ton. But Scripture doesn’t lend support. In truth there’s really none. Of course you’re free to think it. The Lord won’t throw you out. But why do people think it’s true when it is still in doubt? It’s not my understanding of what the Lord has said. He’s told me I must be prepared to face it head to head. So that is what I’m doing and that is what I’ll teach. Hopefully, a million folk, these words of mine will reach. The choice is yours to pick and choose that which you will believe. You can accept the Scripture or carry on deceived. It doesn’t really matter. The choice is up to you. But if you are not “snatched away”, what is it you will do? Will you cope with what happens when Satan vents his spleen, And shows what tribulation for Christians can mean. Jim Strickland – written Saturday, 13 August 2011

RESTORATION

Her father said, “Get out of here, I will not see your face. This thing you’ve done is horrible, so get out of my place. The little girl was only twelve and  mostly she was good. She’d always done as she was told exactly as she should. So what had caused her father to treat her in this way? What had she done so terrible upon that dreadful day? But nonetheless she left the house and walked down to the gate; With tears a-streaming down her face she wept about her fate. Why has my daddy done this? What is it I have done? I know I broke that precious vase but we were having fun.

What can I do to mend it? If not, where can I go? The more she thought about it, the more her tears did flow. She was a helpless prisoner. She couldn’t cope alone. Where could she turn and go to now she was on her own? But daddy was still watching her. Although she couldn’t see, And then just moments later, “Come in my love” said he We wonder why he did it for she was traumatised. She felt she was rejected and that is no surprise. Her great “brute” of a father had thought it was a joke. He had behaved atrociously; He was a “nasty bloke”. It’s very sad in some ways the Lord must deal this way. And though He wasn’t nasty, not that or any day, His people were unfaithful. Their sins had mounted up; The time had come for them to drink of this most bitter cup. And so the Babylonians had carried them away, Their town and temple ruined; In Babylon they’d stay. But Father God was watching. He couldn’t give them up. He knew that there would be a day when once again they’d sup. For Father God is faithful and would not let them go. The day would come when once again, Jerusalem they’d know. But all of them were weeping when taken off in chains. The thought of what had happened still traumatised their brains. They thought it unbelievable that God would do this thing. But they’d had plenty warning of what their sin would bring. Our God is not vindictive. He’s merciful and just. His punishment is righteous. His covenant they’d bust. But He returned a remnant to Jerusalem again. When they had spent sufficient time in Babylon in pain. This is the major difference between daddy and the lass, And how He takes them back again when time had come to pass. They may have been rejected, but they would be restored; And once again the people would serve the Sovereign Lord. Jim Strickland – written Friday, 12 August 2011