DEAF EARS

“Listen every body, the ship is now on fire!”

The captain shouted loudly. His voice could not go higher.

He waved and flapped His arms about, but no one seemed to care.

It seemed no one was listening, so they were unaware,

Of the approaching danger. Their lethargy was deep.

They much preferred their indolence; and so they fell asleep.

And then the fire took them! They didn’t stand a chance.

Their end was very painful and not a royal dance.

The problem’s not a new one. It’s gone around for years.

The people were not listening. It seems they’d closed their ears.

And so the cataclysm caught them unprepared.

And all the implications make sober men feel scared.

It happened back in Germany. Good men refused to act;

Until the rise of Hitler was an accomplished fact.

We know that evil prospers when righteous men look on,

Until the opportunity to challenge it has gone.

Isaiah warned about it; and Jesus Christ agreed.

You have to listen carefully, before the dreadful deed.

And those who didn’t listen and simply closed their ears,

Would find they reaped a harvest exceeding all their fears.

Two people brought a warning to the people of the land.

They paid them scant attention, or heeded their demand.

The Baptist brought a message, which sounded like a dirge.

They didn’t want to hear him. His message on the verge,

Of making them uncomfortable and telling them to change.

They didn’t want to follow Him. They thought that he was strange.

And then the Lord Almighty appeared upon the scene.

He said the Father loved them and showed what that could mean.

His message was appealing and not a thing to dread.

But even so, the message went right above their heads.

The people were reluctant; they wouldn’t dance with John.

His message was depressing; their interest was gone.

And when the Lord spoke anything, it should have made them glad.

But none of them were dancing! My goodness it was sad.

Regardless of the music, not one of them joined in.

It might disturb their lethargy and preference for sin.

It sad to know, two thousand years since then have passed us by.

And in that interregnum, no one has wondered why?

So few have paid attention to the things that Jesus said.

They still refused to dance for Him or mourn their many dead.

But why should we expect it? How can they hear His voice,

If they refuse to listen, by preference and by choice?

Jim Strickland – Written – 3^rd November 2011

THE CHRIST-LIFE

We live in a society where people love to fight.

If just a bit offended, they want to scratch and bite!

They say that they are Christians. I wonder if it’s true?

For that is not what Jesus Christ taught all of us to do.

His method is far better. The outcome far more sure.

If you have been mistreated, it’s best to just endure.

Perhaps you have been beaten for standing for the Lord.

That’s actually a victory, in which you’ve surely scored.

The cost may feel so painful. But that is not the point.

By giving it to Jesus, you’re letting Him anoint

You with a special fragrance, that God alone will know.

And in your Christian journey, He’ll watch you as you grow.

What Christians don’t remember is, there’s victory in defeat.

But we like to retaliate, if we are getting beat.

We like to show society that we are in control!

That attitude is poison to body, mind and soul.

If they would take your overcoat, give them your shoes as well.

Don’t resort to vengeance. That’s better left for hell.

But if you are mistreated for doing something wrong.

Tell the people what you did. There is no finer song!

Take responsibility for all your evil deeds.

Finalise the matter and quickly be agreed.

It is the Lord’s injunction. So if you will obey;

He’ll see that you are justified in each and every way.

Never cast aspersions on anyone you meet.

He may just resort to, turning up the heat.

Then when he has finished, they’ll scrape you off the wall.

You would be far better off, by speaking not at all.

None of this is easy. In fact it’s very hard!

You may be their whipping boy and constantly on guard.

But in your Father’s heaven, there’ll be a mighty cheer.

Knowing that a Christian and what the Lord holds dear,

Are in complete agreement. Your actions will support,

Everything the Master came and personally taught.

Perhaps they’ll call you “weakling” and say you are a “wimp”.

But in God’s righteous kingdom, you will not be a shrimp.

You will have obeyed Him, so that He can decide.

Are you being genuine, or has your Christ-life died?

Jim Strickland – Written – 2^nd November 2011

A LIFE OF PRAYER

"My child, you know I love you. Put away your fear.

The fact is, it's your attitude that stops Me drawing near.

I've called you to a holy life, and one of constant prayer;

To leading many people, and teaching them to share;

Of leading by example, and not by word alone.

Therefore, take the time to hear the things which I have shown."

"You must start to talk with Me, whenever there's a chance;

Never mind the circumstance; never mind the glance

Other men may give you; their thoughts do not matter;

You must follow after Me, not men's idle chatter.

Son, there's no occasion that's special for a chat.

We can be in fellowship, regardless where you're at.

Driving in your motorcar; Lying on your bed;

Everywhere you go, or are, I'm right inside your head!"

"Praying is so easy. It's done naturally.

All you have to do, is think, and you're in touch with Me!

It isn't a position, nor any special time;

To limit Me to intervals, that is the greatest crime!

I bid you therefore, do it; Start communicating

With Me every chance you get. It's Me you're keeping waiting!

You're the one with problems, which will all disappear,

As soon as we're in fellowship, and you allow Me near.

Do it son, and tell those with whom you minister,

This is the kind of prayer life, I want them all to share;

Being in My presence is what they will enjoy;

They have had a sample now, and I will employ

All of them in teaching that prayer's a way of life;

As natural as speaking between a man and wife.

It isn't being pompous, nor turgid liturgy;

Instead, it's a relationship that's personal, and free,

With Me! Their Lord and Master. It's being closely knit,

In deep communication with Me, as I see fit."

"So teach this to the people; tell them that there's more

To praying to their Maker, than kneeling on the floor,

Or prone before the altar. for, though that has its place,

The purpose of the exercise is being face to face!

Certainly I'm awesome, and I require respect.

But for My sons and daughters, the way I will perfect

Is intimate, communion; Not distant recognition;

They're members of My family, and so their right position

Is here beside My Father; where actually, I'm seated.

They don't have to grovel, as though they've been defeated!"

"Give them all encouragement to get to know me more;

Talk with Me whenever; Not only from the floor.

That's how I desire it; A life of constant prayer,

With Me, their God and Saviour, whose presence is right there."

Jim Strickland – Written – October 1998

THE SPIRIT IS THE WAY

 We know that God is different in all respects from man.

There’s nothing He’s in need of. He needn’t make a plan.

One word and it has happened. It steps into its place.

Such things are quite impossible for all the human race.

Exactly how He does it, is anybody’s guess.

We know it’s by His Spirit. A miracle – no less.

It isn’t done by power, although God has it all.

It is a mighty action, which nothing else can stall.

His Spirit knows what’s needed. It’s clearer than a bell.

In such exquisite detail, too beautiful to tell.

The angel told Zerubbabel, this was the way to go.

The temple would be finalised; the capstone surely show,

That grace had been triumphant. Not power and not might.

God Spirit had achieved it in everybody’s sight.

God didn’t need instructions. No one can tell Him how.

The world may think it’s foolishness and what to do right now.

But all is in position and those of humble birth,

Would soon behold the Saviour, Who came for all the earth.

But where was it they’d find Him? They’d look for Him in vain.

The wind blows where it wishes. We know not whence it came.

We hear it in the tree tops. But no one ever sees,

The way the Spirit of the Lord is like a holy breeze.

How do we understand this? What is it that we mean?

Can anyone explain the way the Spirit can be seen?

But those born of the Spirit, do not need might or power.

The Lord is their protector; their wonderful High Tower.

As fearless as the High Priest. Like Joshua of old.

Who followed God’s instructions and did as he was told.

It wasn’t done by power. It wasn’t done by might.

It was the Holy Spirit through Whom they got it right.

They didn’t have to tremble; they didn’t have to fear.

The Spirit of the Living God was always very near.

Perhaps it’s all Old Testament. But much is still the same.

It isn’t by our ability; it’s only Jesus’ Name,

That draws to a conclusion. His Spirit is the way,

For us to win the battle and help us take the day.

For if it is God’s battle, then we can watch Him win,

The battle over Satan’s might and all the power of sin.

Jim Strickland – Written – 31^st October 2011

BE PATIENT!

You tell us to be patient Lord and wait for You to act.

To not be in a hurry and nothing will be lacked.

And Lord, we all acknowledge, the things You say are true.

And everything You say is what You’re wanting us to do.

But all of us are living in a universe of time.

We are not immortal in Your Spirit paradigm.

We do not live forever; our time on earth is brief.

We flourish for a moment and then vanish like a leaf.

There is no other method. Imperfect men must die.

We’ve earned sin’s dreadful wages; they will not pass us by.

Perhaps it was our ancestors who turned to sin and fell.

But we are still imprisoned in Satan’s “living Hell”.

So when You say “Be patient”, we do not understand,

The timing of Your prophesies; or what it is You’ve planned.

You tell us in the Bible, that You are coming soon.

But from our time perspective, that’s like walking on the moon.

You say in Your economy one day’s a thousand years.

So we don’t understand it. It’s not what it appears!

Yet Lord we’ve seen Your mercy. We’ve seen in every way,

The things you do for people, who have taken time to pray.

They are not disappointed. A perfect interlude,

Takes place before it happens and it can be construed.

And so we take the option that leads us to success.

We put aside all judgement and ask You Lord, to bless

The people who are threatening to take us into Court.

They don’t know what they’re doing and so they all resort,

To seek what they are after, by fair means or by foul.

They think we will surrender or just throw in the towel.

So Master in obedience, we’ll stand aside and wait.

The enemy will panic in a most confusing state.

They’ll fight with one another and slaughter all our foes.

We’ll only need to stand and watch just how the battle goes.

This is the fruit of patience. In spite of all our fears,

The Lord will be victorious and wash away our tears.

If we will wait for Him and let patience have it’s way,

We’ll see a mighty miracle arrive from God today.

The outcome is as certain as the autumn and spring rain.

The only thing in question, “When will You come again?”

Jim Strickland – Written 30^th October 2011

IT’S YOUR CALL

We know that God created the women and the men. He said go forth and multiply; and we know that since then, There’s been a sort of “tussle” between husband and his bride, To following Jehovah the way that each decide! It isn’t a great contest; each has its special role. A man is not a woman or how could we be whole? A woman isn’t masculine; thank God it cannot be. But in our own exclusiveness, there’s things we cannot see. My wife can’t be my husband. it doesn’t work that way But husbands have a problem that faces them each day. It all relates to Jesus and the things which we’ve been told. Regardless of our gender, we know as things unfold, That Jesus is our husband and we’re His precious bride! I find that most confusing; and though I’ve often tried, To somehow get my head around exactly what this means. I cannot wear a wedding dress! I’m comfortable in jeans! And yet, He is my Saviour. I love Him passionately. I’m willing to be anything that He would have me be. But how do men relate to this? We don’t know what to do. The ladies do it perfectly. But what of me and you? The Lord gave us directions. It’s found in Song of Songs. A passionate relationship for which a Christian longs. It speaks of how a woman and her husband can relate, In ways that are too intimate for me to ever state. She loves Him with a passion that only He can match. It’s like a roaring fire, that we would love to catch. It tells us that His love for her is totally unique. A love that men and women continually seek. It helps me to appreciate the longing in her soul. A longing so exquisite, that it is now my goal. A love that is far greater than gender-based desires. A love for which I’m longing; a love which so inspires, The husband and the bride to be so absolutely one, That every trace of gender has somehow past and gone. For when I think of Jesus, I’m longing to submit. To wallow in His loving arms, until I’m somehow fit, To be what He is wanting. For He’s my all in all. For Him to be my husband! My God! It is Your call! Jim Strickland – Written 29 October 2011

WHAT THE PROPHET SAW

When reading in Isaiah, It comes as a surprise, That what the prophet looked at, is still before our eyes! Our courts oppose the righteous. It seems that happens still; And trying to find justice, is like pushing up a hill, A barrow load of heavy stones with no one to assist. No wonder that our law-courts are something we have missed. Truth cannot be located unless it has been stretched. And honesty imported. From “overseas” it’s fetched! Now in the days of history, when prophets looked around, They saw this sort of problem, continuously abound. They knew that from His Heaven, the Lord could see it all. And figured out He’d soon require the “true repentance” call. And yet, as He looked at it, He really was amazed. Surely there was someone, who by this wasn’t fazed? But no one ever volunteered to put the whole thing right. No one who would intervene, to turn the darkness light. So He made a decision. He’d have to do it all. So He put on His Righteousness to make all evil fall. Salvation was the helmet; He put upon His head. If anybody interfered, they’d wish that they were dead! And all down through the centuries, the story’s much the same. He’d have to send in Jesus to foil this wicked game. He didn’t want a sacrifice. The blood of bulls and goats Were not what He desired; it didn’t get His vote. And so He sent in someone Who longed to do His will. He gave to Him a body, His purpose to fulfil. The Scriptures say He loved it. Your will was all His joy. Your words were written on His heart. That was a clever ploy! We’re also told that He was free to lay His whole life down. That He could take it up again, much like a dressing gown. He said that this authority had come direct from You. And since You are the only God, it really must be true. He sent a righteous Saviour. He is the only way, For anyone to come to God, regardless what men say. There is no Name in heaven and none upon the earth, That’s able to redeem a man and bring him second birth. So Lord today we thank You. You’ve blessed us with Your wealth. You’ve taken on our poverty. Our future? Divine health! Jim Strickland – Written 28 October 2011