THE MORNING STAR

Time with Jesus - Monday, 06 February 2012

Hi all,

How many of us remember the choruses we sang as children? For me there is one or two I remember sketchily. Included in one of them are the words, “He’s the Lily of the Valley, He’s the bright and morning star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand.” I’d love to remember the rest of the words but each time I try to recall them I get muddled up with “What a friend we have in Jesus”; which is rather a good place to get muddled!

There was a time when the meaning of “He’s the bright and morning star” puzzled me. Why would He be called the bright and morning star? In the beginning I thought it referred to Venus, the planet that appears just before sunrise and is sometimes called the morning star. But there is another and perhaps better understanding. 

During the night when we look at the stars, some are brighter than others. Then dawn approaches. One by one all the stars appear to switch off. They are still there, but we cannot see them because of the brightness of our sun. Finally, all the stars but one have “switched off”. This one seems to be reluctant to go out. This is the one that is sometimes referred to as the bright and morning star.

What is so attractive about this concept is to think of all the men and women who have lived and shone brightly on the stage of life for many years. Churchill, Napoleon, Julius Caesar. There are many such people. Slowly but surely in the light of God they have vanished. Rather like a star that seems to have been switched off. Finally, when all the other stars have disappeared, only one remains; that is the Lord Jesus Christ.

During our few brief years on this planet, we tend to follow those whom we regard as stars; Pop-stars; Rock-stars; popular actors and actresses. Each of them in turn has “shone” in the dark. But the passing of time causes them to lose their brightness and significance. An example that springs to mind is Bing Crosby. Internationally known and recognised during his day, he has faded from the scene and is probably only remembered for “Dreaming of a White Christmas”.

Then there is the only real superstar who shines brightly forever. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. Some 2000 years after His crucifixion, His Light still shines as brightly as ever. But it’s not surprising. After all, He is God!

This morning’s meditation looks at the Morning Star in a bit more detail.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

The Morning Star

Jesus, without question, is the bright and morning star. We look up to the heavens; we can’t see very far. But early in the morning, just at the break of day, It seems as though the heavens are melting far away. An optical illusion is what is taking place. Perhaps we cannot see them, but they are all in space. The stars begin to vanish, with the approach of light; Until there’s one remaining from what was seen all night. The “morning star” we call it. It simply scintillates, As though it is revealing the way to heaven’s gates. It’s just imagination. But many think it’s true. Perhaps it is a reference, O Lord my God, to You? Could it be a parable repeated every day? The stars within our galaxy, keep vanishing away; Like the many “heroes” who have ruled the realms of men. They keep on disappearing and will not shine again. Men like Aristotle, Nero and the Hun. They’ve had their time of brightness and now their time is done. But Jesus is the morning star. He never fades away. And everyone can see Him, just at the break of day. This tells us He is reigning and He will carry on, When all our so called superstars have faded and have gone. The fact we have forgotten? He is the source of light. And even in the darkness He shines, forever bright. He stays within our vision, right to the very end, Because He is the Saviour, on whom we can depend. There’s multitudes of other stars men look upon and serve. But they are unreliable. Perhaps they have the nerve, To try and deviate us from Christ, the only One, Who always will outshine them when they are dead gone. So let us all take courage and let us face the fact. Jesus is the only One, Who has the power to act; To take us all to dwell where He is shining ever bright. Not only when the sun has set and given place to night; But like a mighty beacon that dominates the sky! The Master of the Universe Who will not ever die. For man can see His brightness, revealed to you and me; Shining in His brilliance for all eternity. Jim Strickland – Written Monday 6th February 2012.

JUDGEMENT DAY

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 05 February 2012

Hi all,

Judgement Day: When will it be? That there will be a Judgement Day is certain. If God is good, a judgement day is not in question. There must come a day when every man, woman and child living, or deceased will be held to account for what they have done. A good God must ultimately judge sin and sinners. There are only two possibilities associated with this.

The first possibility is that God does not exist. If so, we might as well live any way we want, because after we are dead, there is nothing else. This world is all there is. So eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. For those of us who have a relationship with Jesus Christ, this is not even a remote possibility. We know God has created everything; and everyone is accountable to Him.

The second possibility is that He is not a good God. This too is unthinkable. Creation itself declares His glory. Many of His creatures may have arbitrarily decided that He is not good. But if He is not a good God, He would not have sent His one and only Son to die for us. A bad God would be indifferent to the plight of His creation and would simply ignore it.

Both of these two possibilities are lies. But those who choose to believe that He is not a good God and those who choose to believe that there is no such “Person” as God, are free to do so.

I am forever indebted to my late headmaster. He pointed out that truth has nothing to do with our opinions. He pointed out that 2 and 2 equals 4. This would be true even if every person who was, is, or is yet to be born, unanimously agreed that it is not so. We cannot vote truth into or out of existence. You may like the truth, be indifferent to it, or hate it. Truth remains truth in spite of public opinion. For example, everyone believed the world was flat. Now we know it’s round(ish).

Judgement day is another absolute. God has said it will happen. It will happen in spite of the opinions of the entire creation. It must do because God will not allow sin to continue to contaminate His creation for eternity. He will deal with it. He has also said that He will do so. Thus on both these counts it will happen without a shadow of a doubt.

When it will happen has been discussed by theologians ad nausea for longer than we know. However, “when” is not important - Pre-tribulation; mid- tribulation; post- tribulation; before the millennium; after the millennium. Such arguments constitute an exercise in futility. The fact is everyone will ultimately stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Sure, whether or not you are a Christian will be taken into consideration. But no one can avoid it!

What will happen on that day has been described by the Lord Jesus and referred to by other New Testament writers. ³¹ "When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. ³² Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, ³³ putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. Mat 25:31-33 MSG

When this happens, on which side will you be placed? If as a Christian you have already been placed on His right hand side, don’t think for one moment you will enjoy what will then take place. What will happen to the goats is not exactly material for our Sunday Schools. After the judgement there will be a terrible sentence imposed on them. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Belief in Hell may not be popular today. Many Christians have dismissed the idea completely. But Jesus Christ is the one who has given us the vast majority of the Biblical teaching about Hell. I’m sure He knows all about Hell. I believe Jesus only taught truth. So in the final analysis, regardless of what any theologian may say, it is a reality. All our opinions are irrelevant. When it comes to a decision as to whether Jesus or the theologians are correct, it’s a one horse race. I believe Jesus is always correct!

Today’s meditation looks at Judgement Day in more detail.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Judgement Day

Which side will you be standing on? The left side or the right? We know when Jesus comes again; some folk will get a fright. They thought that they were genuine, but this just wasn’t true; And when you stand before the Lord, what will He say to you? “My good and faithful servant, with you I’m very pleased. You did what I commanded. You haven’t only squeezed Into the place prepared for you by Father High above! Your right reward is waiting in the Kingdom of My Love!” Perhaps He’ll turn and say to you, “Depart for you are cursed. The life you lived is only by the hypocrites rehearsed. It’s true you did a lot of things you said were in my Name.     But I have never known you. Your life was just a game.

Cast this wicked person, into the lake of fire. Where you will weep and gnash your teeth. Your punishment is dire.” Of course we’ll all be standing at Jesus judgement seat. He’s going to judge each one of us and tell us if we meet, The standards He has set us. Then will you pass or fail? You’ll stay with Him forever, or languish in His jail! This concept isn’t popular. In fact it’s seldom taught. For “God’s a Sugar Daddy” is what your teacher thought. “A God of love could never cast a person into Hell. I’m sorry if you think that way. He got it wrong as well! My sheep will all be standing, upon My right hand side. Each one of them will constitute my faithful, Holy bride. The goats will all be gathered and stationed on my left. They will be filled with terror. Indeed, they’ll be bereft, Of any sense of safety. They’ll tremble in their fear. They’ll wish they had been different and that I wasn’t near. They only have themselves to blame. They went and joined a sect! They didn’t get into My Word, so they could not detect, That what they had been hearing, was tickling their ears. If only they had asked Me then! They wouldn’t be in tears. Until the dreadful instant, when I’ll be on the scene, There’s still an opportunity for them to still come clean. Never mind the devil and all his dreadful lies. If you are obedient there will be no surprise. For I will show before the time, the things that you must face. A place with Me in glory, or by your sin disgraced.” Jim Strickland – Written Sunday 5th February 2012

JUDGING OTHERS

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 04 February 2012

Hi all,

Judging other people; we know we shouldn't do it. We know it’s forbidden. But most of us do it anyway. Sadly, we have been created a gregarious people. We love to talk – about anything and everything; about anyone and everyone. Prior to the internet, I’m told there were four main means of communication; Telephone, Telegram, Tele-fax and Tele-woman. (Sorry ladies)

Speaking of the tongue, Jesus’ half-brother James, had a couple of things to say. One quote is: ⁷ This is scary: You can tame a tiger, ⁸ but you can't tame a tongue - it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. James 3:7-8 MSG. This problem accounts for why there are a number of “silent” orders among the Roman Catholics and Anglicans. The argument is that if you never “speak” you can’t sin with the tongue. The only way I know whereby a tongue can come under some semblance of control is to hand speech over to the Holy Spirit.

So, knowing about our penchant for passing on juicy tit-bits of information about others, how do we deal with judging others? One way is to refuse to listen to anything people wish to say about a situation, unless you are involved in the problem or you are part of the solution. I’ve tried to do this for many years but have not really succeeded.

There is another consideration here. Are you judging the person or the situation? For example it is correct for me to say that extramarital relationships are sinful. But to point a finger at John Doe and Jane Citizen, and say he or she is sinful is wrong. By all means judge the sin; but don’t judge the person. Leave the person for God to deal with. I’ve been told on several occasions that if I point a finger at you, there are three of my fingers pointing back at me!

In the gospel of John we see this in action by no lesser person than Jesus Christ. ³ The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone ⁴ and said, "Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. ⁵ Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?" ⁶ They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. ⁷ They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, "The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone." ⁸ Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt. ⁹ Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. ¹⁰ Jesus stood up and spoke to her. "Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?" ¹¹ "No one, Master." "Neither do I," said Jesus. "Go on your way. From now on, don't sin." John 8:3-11 MSG

Here we see that Jesus was clear in His judgement of the sin. She admitted to the sin. But Jesus didn’t condemn her. He judged the sin but not the sinner. There will come a day when He will do so for each and every one of us. Until that day comes, it’s best left in His capable hands.

Christians need to adopt His method in everything they do. Where there is sin, let’s call it sin. Don’t bring any lame excuse for the sin. Let’s call a spade a spade. But having done so, let’s adopt His attitude. Don’t judge the person. Leave that to Him. The truth will be made manifest when He decides.

Today’s meditation looks at judging others in more detail.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Judging others

Justice is impossible for folk like you and me. We don’t know what has happened! How can it ever be? What was the person thinking? Why did he take that course? Perhaps it was an accident, or was it done by force? There’s many possibilities. So many reasons why, The man did what they say he did. We cannot even try, To understand the motives deep down within his heart; And in this situation, we surely cannot start, To judge the situation. We can’t pontificate! We may have our suspicions, but none of us can state, That we know why he did it. It’s mostly just a guess. We’re not in a position to comment on the mess. But Jesus Christ knows everything. In fact, He’s always known, The truth about what happened. It’s known to Him alone. He doesn’t need the witnesses. No detail is concealed. And when it comes to judgement, the facts will be revealed. I know I cannot do it. I dare not even try. For if I am in error, then I deserve to die! There’s dreadful implications when judging other folk. It’s better to refer to Him, than wear a Judge’s cloak. Rather beg for mercy, for that is never wrong, And leave the judgment to the Lord, for that’s where it belongs. And when the verdict’s given, don’t ever stand and cheer. Never go beyond that point. Just stand in holy fear. If we exceed the limits of what the Lord has set, The wrath of God will come on us; a sure and certain bet! So when we “deal” with people, let love illuminate, The way ahead for all of us, until the certain date, When Jesus Christ will judge us for all we’ve done and said. It’s better to be lenient and thereby Spirit led. Remember it is possible, for anyone to fall. No one is excluded, or far above it all. So let’s all be more patient and never criticise, Anything that people think; it may be their surmise, Is not what’ they’ve concocted or drummed up in their head. Perhaps the Lord has hinted at what is still unsaid. Perhaps the Lord is telling you to button up your lip. For if you make a comment, He just may sink your ship! Jim Strickland – Written Saturday 4th February 2012

LIGHT AND DARKNESS

Time with Jesus - Friday, 03 February 2012

Hi all,

The story of creation is laughed at by many scientists. Liberal Christians tell us it should not be taken seriously. They claim it is a “Fairy Story”, written for ignorant people. Well, if that’s what you believe, “good luck” to you. They say that in a couple of million years, you may evolve into something better. But they don’t know what it is.

Among Christians, opinion is divided. Some believe it took place in a literal 7 day 24 hour period. If that’s your opinion, I’m not going to fight with you. Others believe that since the word “day” is translated from the Hebrew Word “Yom”, the length of time of each “day” may be different in each case. As I’ve heard stated, “The day of the horse and cart is over” does not mean a 24 hour interval.

Followers of the “gap” theory, suggests that there is an interval between Genesis 1:1 and Gen 1:2. Thus the creation account from Gen 1:2 onward is a “recreation” rather than a creation. Of course they may be correct. My problem with this is that it doesn’t account for the initial “creation”. If God’s Word is perfect, how can there have been a creation followed by a recreation which God describes as a Creation?

There is a fact that we must establish before we speak of creation. Did God create time and space? If not, it means they existed before Him. In other words, God lives in time and space. If so, how is it He doesn’t age like you and me? You cannot be eternal if you dwell in time and space. However, if time and space dwells in God, He can be eternal. In other words, God created time and space.

So how come it isn’t included in the creation account? If we bear in mind that God is Spirit, it follows that He creates in and from the spirit. Furthermore, there is an account of God creating time and space. Einstein gave us the clue. [E=mC² (Energy = Mass X speed of light squared)]

We know that mass can be converted to energy and vice versa. This takes place at the speed of light squared. The atom bomb proves this. Now God is infinite power; infinite energy. So if He creates light, He has the two things necessary to make mass. In other words, when God created light, simultaneously everything in our universe could also be created. We know that it was.

So the creation of light is what started our universe ticking. This will continue to happen until He says “Stop”! Thus the universe continues to expand at the speed of light! Now I can believe in a God Who is able to do this! This is no little tin pot deity! This is the Infinite, Everlasting and Omnipotent God.

If you feel like throwing your hands up in despair at all this scientific gobbledegook, you really don’t need to worry. I have no idea how mobile phones work. All I can do is make calls and send text messages. But I still use the thing. It’s the same with creation theory. All we need to know is God created everything!

For the purpose of today’s meditation, this understanding is written into the poetry. You don’t have to accept it or believe it. It really doesn't matter. Jesus Christ matters. He is the main consideration.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland.

Light and Darkness

A little light is quite enough to drive away the dark. The darkness doesn’t like it; and just one tiny spark, Is quite enough to send it galloping away; Running helter skelter, to escape the light of day. Of course, it’s not surprising, for Jesus Christ is light. In Him there is no darkness that’s hiding from our sight. And though we’ve lived in darkness, this fact we know is true. That in the blackest darkness, He can see me and you. I find it rather difficult to really comprehend; That light expels the darkness. A tiny dot will send, The darkness to another place. I think it’s rather odd. Until I start to understand the brilliance of God. Before there was creation, there was no time or space. There was no light or darkness; nor was there any place, For anyone to put it. No tiny micro-dot; Or anything the scientists could dream about or spot. So saying there was nothing, may baffle us a tad. There’s nothing less than nothing. The concept drives us mad. How can we speak of nothing? It makes the mind go “tilt” For if there isn’t anything, from what was all this built? I hesitate to say that it was somewhere in God’s heart. Somewhere in the Spirit realm, in which we have no part. But what was the “material” that God Almighty used? The universe from nothing? It makes me feel confused. One word and it all happened. The Lord God said, “Light be” And from that first commandment, came everything we see. So in the great creation, of time and light and space, The Lord God was the brilliance and darkness found its place. The Lord knew it would happen. He did it anyway. And that became the origin of night as well as day.    (Gen 1:4-5) But which one is the greatest? It cannot be the night. For darkness always runs away the moment that it’s light. And since the Lord is Master in all of space and time. The chance of darkness winning? – It isn’t worth a dime! So darkness is defeated, when Jesus Christ comes near. The fact is, if the truth be known, it runs away in fear! For Jesus Christ has conquered; the dark is overcome. And Christians can follow in the Light of God’s own Son. Jim Strickland – Written Friday 3rd February 2012