DISCIPLINE

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 28 January 2012

Hi all,

Over the last six months or so I’ve written meditations that have placed great emphasis on discipline. We have seen how God disciplines His children. In fact God’s Word tells us that if you are not being disciplined by the Lord, you are probably not one of His children! Sure, that’s hard to believe when just about every non-believer in the world is convinced that he/she is one of God’s children.

We tend to forget that life today has a disciplinary system. Try driving around the streets and motorways on the wrong side of the road. You will quickly get the point. If the airplane to London leaves at 18h30, don’t pitch up at 19h00 and expect it to be still there. We are constantly subjected to society’s rules. Can you imagine an army that doesn’t follow orders? “Don’t wake me up now sergeant. I’m still sleeping! Marching would also be chaotic. Some would and some wouldn’t. What about direction? Where would they march to? How about Church services? When will they start? Even more important, when will they end?

Most of society’s norms are learned when we are young. Get to school late and there is a problem! In my day we were encouraged not to be late by a stick wielding headmaster. It’s amazing how his stick made sure we were there in good time. Yes, discipline was “beaten” into us. But it seems to have done me more good than harm.

Today’s meditation looks at the recent rioting in London where “kids” did their best to destroy anything and everything. Looting, burning and all sorts of anti-social behaviour were carried out in public. There was one case where a young lady who had just qualified with a University degree walked into a shop and helped herself to items of clothing. Subsequently she was horrified by her own action. But this only underscores the fact that discipline was absent in that mob. It had become redundant. Caning was thrown away. Along with it went discipline. Scripture describes as follows; ¹⁸ When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Prov. 29:18 NLT As we see, God’s Word continues to be vindicated.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Discipline

Not so many weeks ago, we saw on the TV, People in a riot, where none should ever be. Youngsters going crazy, burning down the stores. Rushing in and looting; they couldn’t carry more. That this took place in London came as a surprise. We found it difficult to see this right before our eyes. Sadly it was noted, that they were not all “yobs”. Although they stated vocally, that there weren’t any jobs. So they were disappointed and had nothing else to do, But vandalise the neighbourhood and leave it all askew. The viewers were astonished and couldn’t comprehend, Just what the world was coming to. When would the violence end? It wasn’t many years ago that life in the UK, Was very, very different, from what it is today. The children were well disciplined, were courteous and kind. But when we look at them right now, what is it now we find? A culture grossly different from what it used to be. For discipline has ended; so children can be free! Many are uneducated; some can hardly read. They thrive on TV programmes, that concentrate on greed. Violence is normal. So grab what you can get. The norms of our society no longer can be met. But I could see it happening in nineteen sixty six. The teachers could no longer give anyone the stick. They said it was inhuman, to beat a little child. The fact that it restrained them, from truly running wild, Was not even considered! For we had “spared the rod”. And didn’t seek to follow the sound advice from God. “Spare the rod and spoil the child”, was simply not believed. Psychologists knew better! But they had been deceived! Discipline moulds character. It’s plain as plain can be. That’s why it’s not surprising at what we all can see. There wasn’t any discipline and as the Lord has said The little brats had all been spoiled and this in turn had led, To what we are now seeing. God’s word had been ignored; And those who do not follow Him, will perish by the sword. Discipline is needed according to God’s Book. If we’re disobedient, then Lucifer will cook, A situation up for us that few of us desire; And when it’s at maturity, the thing will then backfire. So let’s make a decision to do what God’s Word says. Then we will find our children act according to His ways. Jim Strickland – Written, Saturday 28th January 2012

CHOOSE LIFE

Time with Jesus - Friday, 27 January 2012

Hi all,

The goodness of God! What can we say? At times it seems impossible for us to even get a glimpse of His infinite goodness. Today’s Scriptures make this abundantly clear.

So how great is His goodness? I’m reminded of the comment that when Jesus was asked how big His love was, He stretched His arms out wide and then He died. What can any of us say in the face of love and goodness this big? Any attempt to express it in any language is doomed to failure. The context of the following quote from 1^st Samuel 3 is not correct for the quote. But the sentiments are 100% accurate. “He is the Lord. He will do as He thinks best. ¹⁸ So Samuel told him everything. He didn't hide anything from him. Then Eli said, "He is the LORD. Let him do what he thinks is best." 1 Samuel 3:18 NIrV

There have been occasions, particularly in connection with salvation, when someone has told me that he or she is a good person. My response is to ask if I they will permit me to shake their hand, because I’ve never met a good person before. The comment by Jesus was ¹⁸ "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. Mark 10:18 ESV I then add, “So I’m in the presence of someone who is good?” This usually brings the individual back to reality.

But this little “put down” cannot conceal the goodness of God. God is good. (Period) As Moses, God’s spokesman, said to the Israelites before handing over to Joshua. ¹⁹ "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! ²⁰ You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Deut 30:19-20 NLT

Something of His goodness is revealed here. He tells them to choose blessing or curses. Then He tells them to choose life. This is approaching the ultimate in goodness. Only the goodness of Jesus exceeds this.

In today’s meditation I’ve chosen to use God’s words. “Choose Life”. There is no way that I can express it any better than this.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Choose Life

We’re standing at the junction, of a most important street. And which is the direction that will not bring defeat? One way leads to heaven. The other leads to hell. Which is the correct one? We really cannot tell. Of course we can be foolish and camp there on the road, Delaying a decision and carrying our load. The choice is ours entirely. No man may tell us “Nay!” So what is it that we must do upon this crucial day? For many it is simple. They’ll merely ask their wife, Which one of these alternatives leads to eternal life? But that is not acceptable. The husband takes the lead. It’s his responsibility where both of them will feed. Another way to do it is gaze upon the way. Is it broad and easy, on which we all can play? Is it straight and narrow with only room for one, So one behind each other is the way to carry on? Jesus told us plainly, to take the narrow road. The broad way is quite certain, to be disaster’s mode. There is a simple answer to, “Which way will be correct?” Ask the Holy Spirit to come and to direct, Into the way that’s suitable for you to walk along. Listen very carefully; you will not get it wrong. For God will always show you the right and proper route; A way that is impossible for any to refute. He want’s you to be with Him. He doesn’t want to see, The death of any person through their own stupidity. He wants to give eternal life. He wants us at His side. He wants us for the Saviour; to be His precious bride. He wants us to be perfect! He wants us to be whole! He wants to save our spirit, our body and our soul. He wants us to be numbered among His chosen folk, Who’re thrilled to be His servants and wear His pleasant yoke. So as He said to Israel before His servant died, “I’ve offered you both life and death. It’s you who must decide. Choose to have the blessing. Do not choose the curse. I will not prevent it. I will not reverse, What you have decided. So I say to you, Choose life! It is the finest thing that you will ever do!” Jim Strickland – Written Friday 27th January 2012.

TRANSFORMED TO BE LIKE HIM

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 26 January 2012

Hi all,

Somewhere in the depths of memory there is a hymn that went, “Changed in the twinkling of an eye”. I can’t remember the rest of it. No matter. These words express the essence of what Christians believe. Paul expressed it as follows: - ⁵¹ But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! ⁵² It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. ⁵³ For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. 1 Cor 15:51-53 NLT

When we read this for the first time, we have that distinct feeling that if this was not in the Bible it would be out of a children’s fairy story! It sounds too incredible! But it’s not incredible. It’s a fact! It will happen just as Paul stated. For those of us who are pensioners, the prospect of having a body that works properly again is fabulous. To be able to touch my toes! At present it seems that they are just too far away. As a pensioner friend stated recently, “If the Lord wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees”.

But what will we look like? I love the way the Eugene Peterson in the message gives us an idea of our future appearance. ² But friends, that's exactly who we are: children of God. And that's only the beginning. Who knows how we'll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we'll see him--and in seeing him, become like him. 1 John 3:2 MSG

What will it be to be like Jesus? We don’t really know. It’s most unlikely that we will all be “clone look-alike’s” of Jesus. No doubt we will be able to recognise each other and Him. It seems that we will have bodies like His supernatural body! I can’t even begin to imagine what that will mean. Yes, He appeared to His apostles and many other folk. They touched and handled Him. Then He vanished. What kind of body is that? One instant He was “flesh and bone”. The next instant he was gone. But flesh and bone can’t pass through walls!

In the Old Testament, the Lord appeared to men and women occasionally. These pre-birth appearances are called “Theophanies” or sometimes, “Christophanies” In these instances, He walked and talked with people. He looked human. But then He was gone. In some ways we may be looking at the same thing. We can’t say this is true. But it does indicate that the Lord has the ability to “materialise” and “dematerialise”. I know this sounds something like an episode from Star Trek. But since Jesus is God, He probably has no difficulty in doing so.

From our point of view, does it mean that when we are with Him and like Him we can do the same? Will our new bodies be able to “materialise” and “dematerialise”? Frankly, we have no idea. All we know for sure is that when Christ is openly revealed, we'll see him--and in seeing him, become like Him.

Can we really understand this? I admit that I can’t. If you can perhaps you will assist me?

Today’s meditation takes a look at being transformed to be like Him!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Transformed to be Like Him

I’ve wondered what we’ll look like, the day the Lord returns. We know we will be like Him. That flame within us burns. We’ll have a glorious body. One that can walk through walls. That floats into a cloudy sky, the instant that He calls! It never will grow older. We’ll all be at our peak! For men that is at 33. I do not have the cheek, To comment for the ladies. I’ve heard it is eighteen. But will there be a gender? If no, what does that mean? It’s all too complicated. My head’s in overdrive. The rest of me is thanking God, that I will be alive! And what about our relatives? I hope they’ll all be there. But who knows their condition! We’re mostly unaware, Of whom the Lord has chosen to reign with Him on high. And none of us know what they did before their time to die! I’m not sure if it matters? Our master knows what’s best. And everyone who loved Him will surely pass His test. There has to be surprises! Who listened to His call? The big surprise for me will be that I am there at all! I know I don’t deserve it. It’s only by His grace That there can be the slightest chance, I might access that place. I’m sure it will be wonderful; beyond what I can think; And He’ll transform each one of us far quicker than a wink! I wonder what He’ll look like. But this I understand. There still will be the nail prints in both His feet and hands. I cannot guess their purpose, but this I know for sure. Each time I get a glimpse of them, I’ll think what He endured, So the people He’s redeemed, forever more can see, How much the Master suffered, for folk like you and me. I know He’ll wash away our tears. But I’ll still want to cry, “O God, You did all this for me; a sinner such as I?” For as I think about it now, my eyes just fill with tears. Thinking just how much You’ve done to drive away our fears. Perhaps I’m thinking far too much about this great event. And tremble as I realise that this is heaven sent. It’s time to get excited, because He’s coming soon. The thought of a new body. It makes me want to swoon. To be a brand new man again; once more back in my prime! Renewed to be like Jesus! O what a thought Divine! Jim Strickland – Written Thursday 26th January 2012

FATHERS AND FATHERHOOD

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 25 January 2012

Hi all,

The Lord blessed me with an extraordinary man as a father. He was not easy to get to know. He tended to be a thinker and was well read. I distinctly remember seeing the complete works of Charles Dickens in his father’s home. His father (my grandfather) was an extraordinary reader. He even read books walking too and from work.

My grandfather was something of a pianist. In the days between the wars, going to the pub was more or less the only form of entertainment available in North East England. He would walk into a pub and sit down at the piano; a prerequisite in those days. In no time there would be several “pints” lined up on the piano for Ernie the pianist. He would play for a couple of hours and then get up, walk out and walk home. I’m not sure if he would read then?

My father, another Ernie, was like my grandfather in many ways. He didn’t learn to play the piano, but he was very much like his father. Both of them were better at listening than at talking. So they were quite content to listen to the banter, take it all in and quietly go about the business of living life.

Dad had a touch for working on large turbo-alternators. As a fitter, he was able to line up the large turbine spindles with remarkable skill and accuracy. This skill put him into a reserved occupation during WWII. He spent most of the time visiting power stations and other plant that had similar equipment. Somehow he managed to get it going again in spite of Hermann Goering’s bombers doing their level best to destroy UK. He met my mother in 1938. They married in 1940, on the day after her 21^st birthday. (So her father couldn’t say no.) She was his first and only girlfriend. I was born in 1942 and was given the name – would you believe Ernie? True enough. Mom insisted they call me by my second name (James) Jim for short.

In some respects, his skill influenced our relationship. He was constantly being called away to fix things - turbines. Even when we came to South Africa he travelled around installing, checking and repairing similar equipment. So we were never really able to get close. In any case, he was my Dad. He was seldom wrong about anything. He only ever commented about topics he was familiar with. Looking back now, I think he overawed me and we were both content with that.

Was he a good role model for me? How would I know? He was the only father I had. I thought the world of him. It never occurred to me that he might not be right. Besides, he behaved much like his father. That’s the way it was back in the 1950’s for me and the 1930’s for him. No doubt it would have been much the same as my grandfather was treated at the beginning of the 20^th century! Before that? Who can say.

Was I a good father? In the light of God’s word I must say no. I treated my children much the same way as I’d been treated. It was the same way for each generation! All of it was terribly normal – whatever normal means.

Those days are now about 60 years ago! Knowing what I know now, I’m sure things would have been much different. But that’s the problem. Hindsight is always 20/20 vision.

Today’s meditation is all about fatherhood.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Fathers and Fatherhood

Take a little walk around Jerusalem today, It won’t be very long before you hear a young boy say, “Abba” meaning father. The little boy will run, And jump into his father’s arms. Why not? He is his son! It’s really quite delightful. It’s often on the go; And from a Christian standpoint, it’s wonderful to know, That fathers and their little boys, relate in such a way, That people in the Western world so seldom see today. We’re missing out on something. The father - son lifestyle, It’s something that we aught to know. It makes Our Father smile. But what about the fathers, that you and I have known? Have they truly acted the way the Bible’s shown? For what we have experienced, is what we’ll likely be. That is our role model, most unfortunately. Some of it was very good; some of it was not; And some of it was something far better off forgot! Some fathers are fantastic. They seem to get it right. They do just what the Bible says, by day as well as night. They clearly love their children the way a father should. So when it comes to fathering, we say that they are “good”! Some men are a “disaster”, if you’ll forgive the phrase. These men abuse their children in many different ways. Some of it is physical. They leave their children sore. Others psychological, which damages far more, Than giving a few bruises. They leave their children scarred, Some should be arrested and from all children barred. The problem which arises is, these children never trust Any sort of father, they treat them with disgust. And so because of what they’ve seen, they think that every Dad, Is better off avoided, or they’ll be driven mad. So when it comes to Father God, they think that also He, Will be as bad as what they knew back in their history. But this is a perception and never is the truth. We can’t compare God’s Fatherhood with knowledge from our youth. He’s infinitely better than anything we’ve known. We cannot rate His fatherhood – not even with our own. I may be a “good father”. But only God is good! The very best that I can be, it can’t be what it should. My fatherhood is limited to hours in the day. And when I’m busy sleeping, there isn’t any way, That I can be a father. As long as I’m asleep, What sort of standard can I set? I cannot ever keep, The standards He has set out. I also have my moods; And cannot feed my children on supernatural food. There is a gulf between us. I do the best I can. But I am not Christ Jesus. I’m only just a man. Jim Strickland – Written Wednesday 25th January 2012