LIVING WITH HIM IN GLORY

Some people I meet, who claim they are Christians, don’t behave like Christians at all! Of course, this sounds as though I’m being judgmental. Perhaps I am. But in my experience, you are what you look like. There is a very popular comment doing the rounds that states, “If it looks like a dog, barks like a dog and behaves like a dog, the chances are, it is a dog.” In the same way it seems to me that when we look at someone, “If it looks like a sinner, talks like a sinner and acts like a sinner, the chances are excellent that it’s a sinner”. Or to put it another way, If you put a cow into a garage, you can’t say it’s a motor car!

Am I entitled to observe this? The answer is an unequivocal “YES”! Note that I’m not talking about an individual. I’m talking about what I see. We are supposed to do this. How can we flee from all forms of evil if we can’t keep away from those who behave that way?

God’s Word is very clear on this issue. He says, “Judge not that you be not judged”. So even if your neighbour is a celebrated international drag queen, don’t discard him – or should I say her? Take this to a logical conclusion. If your close friend has been sent to jail for murder, he has committed a grave crime against God and humanity. He has broken the commandment. Thou shalt not kill. (Actually the commandment is against murder rather than killing) Now he is in prison. So do you reject him as a friend? If you do, you are judging him. You should reject what he has done. But he needs you now more than ever. Instead, obey the Lord by visiting him in prison.

Several years ago, a well known singing evangelist was caught in an adulterous relationship. At the time, Billy Graham expressed his disappointment in what had happened. But he added that they had been friends for a number of years and he would not abandon his friend.

So what do we do about people who say they are Christians but live like the devil? The answer is we should seek to show him or her, the error of their ways. Not with your special Gospel Colt 45. You know what I mean. Don’t use God’s Word on the person to inflict on him some sort of spiritual blunt force trauma. That’s what we are commanded not to do. It’s not the way to love your neighbour.

So let’s make a decision that no matter what others do, we will not judge them. But, as a person, will judge what they do. Then, don’t do it yourself. That’s real Christianity. Paul put it as follows: “⁶ But instead, one believer sues another--right in front of unbelievers! ⁷ Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? ⁸ Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.” 1 Cor 6:6-8 NLT It’s strange but in 50 years of following Jesus, I’ve never heard anyone preach on these verses of Scripture!

Today’s meditation goes down the road of looking at looking at what people do. Learn from what you see. Just don’t follow their bad example. I didn’t say it’s easy. It’s painful. But Jesus will be your closest friend.

The verse and rhyme content from previous days can be seen on my blog – http: //jimnphyllida.blogspot.com

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Living with Him in Glory

We’re told we have a duty; our bodies to control; There is no other way to let the spirit man be whole. Our carnal sinful nature will only bring us death. But in the Holy Spirit’s power, we share His mighty breath. The leading of the Spirit, isn’t subject to the law. But law is not abandoned. We don’t need it any more! The Holy Spirit guides us and keeps us clear of deeds, Our carnal self would follow, to satisfy its greed! Like blatant immorality, wild living, crime and lust. Idolatry and fighting; and a life that is un-just. It drunkenness and envy and all the others things, That Satan and his cohorts celebrate and bring. That’s not the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t lead that way. His way is love and patience; it’s kindness every day. It’s joy and peace and goodness and having self control. It’s faithfulness and gentleness; these are what make us whole. This is the “law of Jesus” and those who live this way, Obey the ten commandments on each and every day. So take all of your vices and nail them to the cross. You’ll find you do not need them, while Jesus is the boss. You’ll find you have the power for you to conquer sin. And through the Holy Spirit, you cannot fail to win! So take this opportunity, to cast off godless ways. Reject your secret longing for all that Satan says, And live a life like Jesus, our great and blessed hope; And you will find the power to more than merely cope. Keep looking unto Jesus and ask Him to draw near; He’s standing at the very door and soon He will appear. He set us free from evil. He wants us to be pure. He said that by His Spirit, we surely can endure. He wants to give us victory. He wants us to be free, To live with Him in glory throughout eternity. Jim Strickland – Written Saturday 24th December 2011

JESUS’ PLANS

Time with Jesus - Friday, 23 December 2011

Hi all,

The impact of the sin nature on men and women is horrendous. So much so, we are almost unable to separate lies from truth. Popular opinion today believes that man is basically good. He is filled with altruistic purpose and only occasionally violates this innate goodness. That, if we are left to ourselves, everything will end up like roses. Many of these people ridicule religion in any form. They see it as a crutch to support those who are struggling to accept their own deity. They would go so far as to state that everything exists for the happiness of man and that God is nothing more than a delusion, weak people need to prop up their lack of faith in themselves.

Things today are not grossly different from the days of the Jewish prophets. Here and there men like Isaiah and Jeremiah would speak out against the things that were taking place around them. They spoke for the Lord and called the people to repentance. They gave dire warnings of impending judgement. But the people were stubborn.

Today’s Scriptures speak of what would happen to Israel unless the people repented. Isaiah told them God saw them as His vineyard. He poured out His love on them and did everything He could to persuade them to live godly lives. He warned them that there would come a time when His vineyard was so full of weeds, thorns and briars that He would have to take action against them. First He would deal with them locally within Judah. But if there was no real change, He would hand them over to the Babylonians.

There were three invasions of Judah by the Babylonians. The first was in ±606BC. Daniel and his three friends were among those taken to Babylon. The next was in ±596BC. The final one was in ±586BC when everything was destroyed and very few Jews escaped capture. Figuratively, it was time for His vineyard to be torn down.

Yet even in captivity, God did not forget His people. He promised to bring them back. He told them through Jeremiah to settle down in Babylon and that after 70 years they would be permitted to return.

The patience and long-suffering of God is incredible. His judgement took them away. His love would bring them back. How do we see this long absence of His people from the land He had given them? I’m not a farmer but I’ve been told that by leaving the land to lie fallow for 70 years it was rejuvenated.

It’s an astonishing fact, but the same land which was useless and unproductive remains in that condition until the Jewish people farm it. Why? That’s the great question? Why is it that only when it is farmed by Jews does its fruitfulness return? It’s an ongoing miracle.

Today’s meditation begins with God’s vineyard and culminates in Jesus! I’ve tried to express the meditation in the first person; to show that what He said and did led from Isaiah’s description of the vineyard to the coming of Jesus Christ. It explains that even in our fallen state, God loves us and wants us to be with Him. Don’t ask me why? That’s one of the great differences between men and God. Fortunately for us, He has the only vote and the outcome is in His hands alone.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Jesus’ Plans

I sing about a vineyard, I cared for every day. I watered and protected it, but still it went astray. I said that I would guard it; That I’d incinerate, The briars, thorn and thistles, if they pursued that state. But if they found repentance and turned around to Me, There would be no destruction; just peace abundantly. But that is not what happened. My folk they led away; As prisoners to Babylon where they would have to stay. Yet in that foreign country they would be treated well. My plans for them were very good. I told them, “buy and sell. Settle in your houses, work hard and carry on. For I will bring you home again when 70 years are gone”. Declare this with a passion. Announce to them for Me, That like a flowing river is how their peace would be. But I’d deal with the wicked. Their peace would disappear. They’d have to face My judgement. That’s absolutely clear. But one day in the future I’d turn things all around. I’d cut a brand new covenant, where righteousness is found. I’d send them a redeemer. A man I’d fill with Me. A God-man who would smash their chains and set My people free. In Him, My very nature would be upon display. But few would recognise Him when He came to them that day. Instead they mocked and spat on Him. They nailed Him to a cross. And He would let it happen. They’d see it as a loss. But by the act of dying and pouring out His blood, Mankind would be forgiven; It would produce a flood, Of such enormous magnitude! Far greater than the mess, That Satan tricked them into. It would be nothing less, Than ending the dominion that Adam gave away. He’d bring back peace and righteousness into this world to stay. So now there is a way for men to deal with all their sin. A matter of repenting and inviting Jesus in; Their sins would be forgiven; unrighteousness undone. Completely done and dusted by Jesus Christ, My Son. Jim Strickland – Written Friday, 23 December 2011

LOVE, WORKS AND FAITH

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 22 December 2011

Hi all,

The 1960’s introduced the world to one of the all time great pop/rock groups. The Beatles literally hit the streets running. The compositions of Lennon and McCartney were hugely successful. The group became popular beyond their wildest dreams. So much so that one of them claimed to be more popular than Jesus. Those words sealed the fate of the group. They broke up and, following the assassination of John Lennon, they were never able to recover the popularity they once had known.

Their music, which started out as pop/rock music, has in many instances been recorded by full orchestras and even now is just as well known as it was some four decades later. It’s impossible to select which of their compositions was/is the most popular. One of them was “All you need is love”. It was a wonderful song. But it wasn’t good theology. Love on its own is not sufficient!

We often refer to the Holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There is a lesser known “trinity”. Not one that’s easily recognised. These are, love, works and faith. They are intertwined in such a way that it is sometimes hard to separate them. Let’s look briefly at the words of Paul to the Galatians. ⁶ For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Gal 5:6 KJV Here they at combined in an unmistakable way. Faith on its own is pointless as we are reminded by James.

Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians is often referred to as the “love” chapter. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 1 Cor 13:2 TNIV; This puts faith and love into a Christian perspective. But there is still a final “ingredient” in this “trinity”. It’s the word “work”. Faith requires action. Love requires action. The action is “work”!

I don’t want to push this analogy too far, but think for a moment about the Holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We know them as three Persons in One. The mystery is how three separate Persons can be indivisible. If I could answer that I’d have a queue of theologians from here to next week asking me to explain “it” to them. Similarly, if we think about our lesser known “trinity”, we have faith, work and love. For this “trinity” to be meaningful, the “qualities” must work together in some sort of indivisible way to produce balanced Christianity.

In my early days in the “Faith” movement, I understood that I needed faith. It was true then and is true to this very day. As a Beatles fan I soon realised that “all you need is love” was inadequate. What the last 50 years has taught me is that faith depends on love and love depends on faith. But for these two wonderful “qualities” to become a reality, we need to do something. You cannot love in a vacuum. For love to be meaningful there must be someone or something to love. To love someone requires that I take action toward that person. Action is a verb. It’s something we do. But faith also requires action; another verb. So this “trinity” is the hallmark of the Christian life. Let us then actively love and actively have faith and our Christianity will become meaningful.

Our Meditation this morning looks at love, works and faith. We need all of them alive and active in our lives.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

LovE, Works and Faith

O Lord, there’s a connection, between Faith and Works and Love. I don’t think I had known it, but it fits us like a glove. For Love produces service, and service is called work. And laziness gives little more, than the desire to shirk. But Lord You’re also saying, the work that God desires, Is when men put their trust in You and do what You require! It isn’t complicated! It isn’t hard to find! We do not need a guru. Not even if we’re blind! But faith alone is useless when it is on its own. There must be an expression of doing what is shown. For faith demands an action; a task that can be seen. It isn’t wishy-washy or slovenly and mean. The principle is simple. We reap what we have sown. So when faith has no action, the crop will not be grown. Of course, we do not like it. We much prefer to sleep Our favourite occupation is dozing, counting sheep. Our comfort is addictive; and working far too tough. We’d like to sleep out lives away, But You have said “Enough If you will not take action, There won’t be any food; If you don’t work, you will not eat; had better be construed”. To put it very simply, don’t belly-ache and cry; It’s only when you act in faith that you’ll get your reply. To contemplate your navel will never get things done. But when faith is in action, the devil’s on the run! Don’t sow to please your nature, for flesh will reap decay. Instead, sow to the Spirit; and blow your cares away. Just do the things He’s told you and put your trust in Him. Your faith will be rewarded and it will not grow dim. When faith combines with action you’ll find it doesn’t fail, And you will be a follower, along the Jesus trail. So let us keep on praying and knocking on His door. He’s sure to come and answer You and He will give far more, Than what you had expected. That’s surely guaranteed. For that is what He’s promised and placed into faith’s seed. You’ll find faith is an energy that comes from God Most High; To help you live a life for Him, until the day you die. And it will give Him pleasure, to see what can be done. All in the Name of Jesus. His one begotten Son. Jim Strickland – Written 22nd December 2011

THE NEW CREATION

Hi all,

Attached herewith, please find a copy of my latest Daily Light Meditation in rhyme and metre.

30 years ago, when I went to a prominent Bible School, I was confronted with the Scripture which Daddy Hagin believed passionately. It was; ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Cor 5:17 ESV One of the topics we learned was what was called, “New Creation Realities”. For someone who was primarily a Methodist, it was “revelatory”.

I remember sitting there for a couple of evenings amazed by what I had never understood. Not that I understand it 30 years later. I doubt if anyone has unpacked this Scripture fully. We used to sing a chorus entitled, “I’m a new creation, I’m a brand new man.” It continued, “Old things have passed away”. Of course, what we were singing in the services was 2 Cor 5:17. It concluded with the words, “I’m a new creation; I’m a brand new man”. The words were easy enough. But how to put it into effect was a bit beyond most of us. Well, it was for me anyway.

The problem for me at the time is that although I knew I was a new creation, I felt as though I was still living in the old one. A number of us felt much the same, but said very little because we thought it would reflect badly on what we were being taught!

Today’s Scriptures remind me vividly of those days. They were wonderful and very exciting days. So much to understand; so much to learn. But the reality of the new creation still burns in me and sets my heart on fire. So our meditation today looks at the Scriptures and takes us on a journey from the times we are living in to God’s New Creation. Not just you and me. It’s a complete new creation for which this present universe longs to see.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

The New Creation

O Father, what a promise; and this applies to me! It’s quite incomprehensible. How can it ever be? I’ve struggled with this problem, since can’t remember when. My sorrow will be ended; It won’t plague me again! The prospect’s so exciting. It surely makes me scared. It’s happened unexpectedly; it’s caught me unprepared. I know I shouldn’t feel like this, I have expected trouble. And Jesus Christ has come along and pricked this foolish bubble. It thought I faced this on my own and couldn’t overcome. I knew I was a friend of Yours, but not a closest chum. And yet the application goes further than just me. It seems that all creation has groaned continuously. It’s looking for deliverance, from Adam’s fatal fall. Creation was affected, and Satan’s had a ball. It’s all been warped and twisted, as though in labour pains. It’s calling for deliverance, from mankind’s wicked stains. This thing is universal. It’s all within the reach, Of Satan and his demons, like flotsam on the beach! Our bodies are affected. We aren’t what You first made. We lost most of our faculties when Adam disobeyed. So everything around us is longing for relief. We know that it is coming Lord, but let the time be brief. Clothe us with brand new bodies in heaven, earth and sky. Not what Jesus swallowed up, but ones that cannot die. Renew Your old creation. Cause it to live once more. Return the life that Satan stole back in the days of yore. Make us a new creation with all sins washed away. Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus and with us here to stay; A place without the sun and moon; a place of dazzling light, Where Jesus and his brilliance is always shining bright! A place that’s sheltered by Your throne; where hunger is no more; And thirst a distant memory of what we knew before; Where Jesus is our Shepherd, who fills our every need Where every tear is wiped away and You are Lord indeed. Where tribulation’s ended and sin shall reign no more. Where Father, Son and Holy Ghost is whom we’ll all adore. Jim Strickland – Written 21st December 2011