JESUS’ GLORY

In Caesarea Philippi, the strangest thing occurred. Jesus asked his followers what was it they had heard? Who do people say I am?. What is it that they say? Tell Me what it is you’ve heard about Me anyway? Some said John the Baptist, A Holy Man – no less. Some had said Elijah; A prophet was their guess. Then Jesus asked the twelve of them exactly what they thought? They seemed to be a bit confused by what the Lord had taught. Then Peter said “You are the Christ, Messiah, Son of God” Jesus listened carefully and gave an inward nod. This is what He was waiting for. His time was now at hand. He knew what He was destined for, the way His Father planned. But how would He go on from here. The time had come to chat. With Father in His Heaven; what He was aiming at. So He chose three disciples. Peter James and John. They had to scale Mt Herman and when six days were gone, The four of them began the walk to reach the mountain’s peak. They’d see the Lord transfigured and hear His Father speak. We not sure what they made of it when Jesus shone with light. With Moses and Elijah it was an awesome sight. For Jesus had the brilliance of all the stars that shine. This told them without question that Jesus was Divine. But it was overwhelming and Peter asked if he, Could build three tabernacles, one each for all the three, Who were in conversation. He couldn’t hold his tongue. That’s when the voice of God spoke out as if a bell was rung ““This is My Beloved Son; It pleases me to say, Instead of all your prattling, just heed His words today.” This was the very apex of Jesus’ ministry. From here he would go down the hill and walk to Calvary. He knew what lay ahead of Him. His task was almost done. He had to die upon a cross because He was God’s son. The three had seen His glory in the most amazing way. A vision that would stay with them until their dying day. Recorded in John’s gospel there is a little clue. “And we beheld His glory” We know that it was true. For there upon Mount Herman they saw His glory shine. And someday when my life is done, that vision will be mine. Jim Strickland – Written 21st  October 2011

CONFIDENCE IN GOD

Are you afraid of what may be? That ruin could come onto thee, The way it overtakes God’s foes, And catches you behind your toes. Because it causes you to trip; Or, worst of all, to lose your grip. But in the end you’ll find you’ll praise. The Lord above; and so you raise, Your hands to celebrate the way, That you will win and without delay. In life you’ve seen what sinful man, Will do to try and break the plan Of God, who shows you what to do; And How the Lord takes care of you. We’ve seen His anger on the boil; And watched the way that He will foil, The plans of those who seek to be, Opponents of His Majesty! But it is pointless, in the end; Because they find they must contend, With Him Who cannot know defeat, And so they’re certain to be beat! It’s possible they will survive. Perhaps they will escape alive? One thing is certain, they will know, The wrath of God on those below. For God is in complete command, Of kings and kingdoms in the land. No man can stand against the One, Who makes creation carry on. That’s why I know that I must wait, Until The Lord decides their fate. That’s why I’m standing on the tower, Watching for the fateful hour; When He’ll decide what must be done, With absolutely everyone!	It’s wonderful; to see Him move. The enemy falls in a groove, That leads them to the final hour, When they will know about His power. It’s then I start to realise, If things are right before His eyes; If people do what’s fair and right, Their future can be good and bright! This is acceptable to Him, Whose eyes can never fade or dim! That’s when the Master shows to me, That His approval I will see, By what will happen to my foes. I’ll shake their hand, not come to blows. That’s why my heart is filled with hope. No longer do I merely cope, With circumstances still unseen, But by what holiness can mean; To those who follow Him each day, Determined not to fall away. The miracle I’m blessed to see, For shame will never come to me, If I’ll continue in His will! In fact my dreams, He will fulfil; And this is why I have no shame. It’s cast away in Jesus’ name. The radiance that you behold, In me, the Lord’s made manifold. So let us celebrate today, There’s none like You in any way! You ride aloft up in the skies! Your majesty can’t be disguised; And You are powerful and true, Above what any man can do!                      -oOo-
Jim Strickland – Written  20th October 2011

LIMERICKS ON THE LAW

His Law is in my being and is fighting a great war. My mind control, Would make me whole, That’s what I’m fighting for. But here within my body there dwells a heart of sin. I fight this fight, With all my might. But I don’t seem to win! So who can fix this problem and set this sinner free? The Lord above; The God of love. Who gave His life for me. Thank You my God for saving me when all my hope was gone. You set me free; Brought liberty, Now I can carry on. Your Word, Lord has a flavour delightful to my tongue, You gave a feast, When I was least. That’s why Your praise is sung. You spread a banquet table. A feast fit for a King. And then You blessed, Each honoured guest. Thank You for everything! Your will O Lord is better. It’s perfect, right and true. The things I’d choose, Would mean I lose, My confidence in You.	I meditate upon Your Law by day as well as night. I’ve been inspired; By what’s desired, To help me win this fight. O Lord You give me wisdom that’s far beyond my years. And You have said, What lies ahead; Beyond the vale of tears. For there will be rejoicing beyond all that we know. We’ll shout and cheer,  “Our God is near!” Lord, never let us go! Your Law gives inspiration and doing what it says; Will bring to me, A victory, And keep me in Your ways. They came and asked the Master if He would like to eat. There is no need, For Me to feed; God’s will is drink and meat. O Lord all Your commandments are holy, right and true. If we obey, In every way, There’s nothing more to do! Your words, O Lord, are sweeter than honey from the hive. O Lord we dine On food Divine, That’s why we’re still alive.
Jim Strickland – written 19th Oct. 2011

SONNETS ON THE BLOOD

God’s Atomic Bomb

It’s sometimes called the Lords atomic bomb,

Because of what it does to people’s sin.

No matter where a person’s coming from

It breaks the grip that Satan has on him.

This really needn’t come as a surprise,

There had to be an item that would clean

Anything, including Satan’s lies,

Consciences, and even sins unseen.

Now we all can walk with God again.

Only yesterday the way was closed.

People knew about the awful pain,

Walking without God on us imposed.

Now it only takes a little drop

Of Jesus’ blood to bring sin to a stop.

          Jim Strickland – Written 18 October 2011

                             -oOo-

Only Possible Now

It started with the blood of bulls and goats.

At first this was the sacrifice required,

To bring atonement for the sins, and coat

The perpetrator with what was desired.

But animals can never take the place

Of sins that were committed by a man.

Where was the chastisement and disgrace,

Appropriate? No animal’s blood can

Equate to what was needed by the law.

It only worked for accidental sin.

Intended sin, there was no offering for!

The sinner had to take it on the chin.

That’s how it was until the Saviour came

Now all sins are forgiven in His Name.

          Jim Strickland – Written 18 October 2011

                                    -oOo-