THE GREATEST LOVE

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 10 March 2012

Hi all,

Many years ago I was told that the Bible is the greatest love story the world has ever known. I wasn't quite sure what was meant by this. Then I started to read it. I found that, if anything, the claim is an understatement!

The Bible is the story of God creating a people who, because of sin, refused to believe in Him. Most had no interest in Him and His claims. In spite of Him knowing all this before He began creating. He concluded that it was worth while. I’m prompted to say, “God alone knows why?” It’s about as clear to me as hieroglyphics to a blind man. But the more I “got into” the Bible the clearer it became.

At first it was astonishing to realise that God had no reason to create anything. He was and is complete. No needs! No urgent or unfinished business. Creating us, would not add to, or assist Him in any way. Furthermore, not creating us would also not change anything. We learn that He did it for His own good pleasure.

I must admit that this being done for His pleasure was puzzling? What possible pleasure can there be in creating men and women like us? Knowing what He knew, I don’t think I would have bothered. Of course, I’m not God so am in no position to comment meaningfully. Looking at the way we are now, creation for His own good pleasure seems to me to be totally masochistic. The human race seems to be unlovable and a contradiction to the very concept of love. It makes no sense to create something that will behave completely the opposite of what we are. To us it’s a bit like making a dog that we know is going to bite us!

Thank You Lord that You are not like that! Thank You that You can see beyond what we are, to what we can and will be in the fullness of time. Thank You that You love the unlovely. Thank You that You love every one of us. It seems beyond belief. But we must conclude that deep within Your loving heart, You knew that in the end, everything would work out correctly. No doubt ultimately, in the courts of heaven and history, we will come to the conclusion that You were right. Forgive us for doubting this. Forgive me for doubting that the entire story is the greatest love story the world has ever known.

Today’s meditation looks at this honestly.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

The Greatest Love

The Bible is a story about the greatest love, That ever has been written by Father God above. On every page it glistens with the story of His care, For everyone who’s every lived. It doesn’t matter where. It tells us that the Trinity decided to create, People and a Kingdom that knew nothing about hate! Each step He went about it, is told simplistically. Anyone who reads it can grasp it instantly. It tells us of a garden, of animals and plants; Of many different species of insects and of ants. He made them male and female and told them, “Multiply, Fill the earth with everything on earth and in the sky”. Then He made His masterpiece; a man to run it all. A woman was handcrafted, from his rib so very small. The two were told to multiply; begin to fill the place. That they were the progenitors, of all the human race. The Bible then continues and tells us of the fall. And indicates that Satan came in and spoiled it all. The love that God intended was distorted by this act. And sin came in to spoil it; and death became a fact. But God had known about it when He started to create. He knew the very instant. He knew the time and date. But since love has it’s centre, in the middle of His heart, The fall of man could never tear his love for us apart. The problem is, a Holy God can’t tolerate our sin. This was a major problem. But solvable by Him. He sent His Son to pay the price His Holiness demanded! So we were free to love Him and do what He commanded. We see this sort of love displayed throughout God’s Holy Word. It seems quite unbelievable and utterly absurd. This love is supernatural it looks at how we’ve been, And knows about our wickedness and that we are unclean. But He was not mistaken when He created man. Long before He made us, He came up with His plan.

So we can all come to Him and thank Him for His love. Praise His Name forever; that Father God above, Put a plan in action so we can be redeemed. A plan which is far better, than human minds have dreamed. Don’t ask me why He did it. I cannot even guess. But Father in His awesome love decided He would bless. A people undeserving of love of any kind, Could live with Him forever! Such love just blows my mind! Jim Strickland – Written 10th March 2012

THE SOUNDS OF THE REDEEMED

Time with Jesus - Friday, 09 March 2012

Hi all,

There are times when we must admit that we should be standing on our heads. The world we live in appears to be completely the opposite of what God’s Word informs us about the Kingdom of God. The way to the top in the world is up. To get on in the world we have to more or less fight our way until eventually we arrive at the top of the muck heap. We then find that it is still a muck heap and the cost in time, effort and getting past others leads to mental strain and burn out. Furthermore, staying at the top requires industrial and political “clout” which “takes the gilt off the ginger-bread”!

This is not the way to the top in the Kingdom of God. In fact there is already someone at the top. He is God. So don’t bother. But we are told that if we want to be great in the Kingdom of God, we must be the servant of all. Now I don’t know anyone in this world who is answerable to his servant. It doesn’t work that way. But the Bible teaches that if I want to be “better than you” (the statement is incongruent with Scripture) I must be your servant. The Politicians have got it right. The UK is led by the Prime Minister. He/She is supposed to be everyone’s servant. Perhaps someone will inform Mr Cameron in the UK of this rather unpalatable requirement.

In South Africa, at least we are honest. We have a President; the top man in a huge bureaucracy which seems intent on self survival! In the Kingdom of God, the secret is to die to self! Essentially, I’m told that the way up is down. That’s what Jesus did. He laid His life down for all of us. In this life we get a chance to try it. No man or woman has ever completely succeeded; although I’m told that the late Mother Teresa came close.

The one thing we are all taught in this life is that we get rewarded for effort; the more the work, the greater the reward. So in the end we can all sing Frank Sinatra’s favourite doctrine. “I did it my way!” Our libraries are stacked with books telling us how to do it.

The Kingdom of God is the opposite. Not one of us will be admitted on the basis of what we have done. Admission is based on what Jesus did. Sure we have a part to play. That part is faith in His finished work on Calvary! I’m not sure any of us understand this. It goes against everything we’ve learned from infancy. But we are talking about God’s Kingdom. So the best we can do is say, “Lord, if that’s what you want, whom may I serve today?”

Today’s meditation speaks of the song of the redeemed. It’s written slightly differently, but with the same style as yesterday. It’s another attempt at my trying to explain the inexplicable.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

The Sounds of the Redeemed

The choir was singing a wonderful song. The four living beings, they too sang along. The twenty four elders did more than just croon. The hundred and forty four thousand in tune! All praising the Saviour, who opened the way, So all the redeemed could enter and stay. They sang in amazement; for nothing at all Had made any worthy to answer His call. His mercy alone washed their sins far away. He was the reason they’d entered to stay. Life through the Spirit of mercy and grace, Shown by the Saviour to all in that place, Had made it possible, through faith alone. “Sinners” could come to His wonderful throne. Mercy had given them all they would need. So they rejoiced in God’s marvellous deed. All had been given a life that was new. Trusting the Master was all they need do! How can this possibly make any sense? Jesus alone had made full recompense. No one could brag of the things they had done. All had been given by Jesus, God’s Son. So they gave glory for the steadfast love; Streaming to them from the Father above. He had been faithful in every way, So they could come to the Father to stay. Cleansed from all sin by Him shedding His blood. Pouring on men in a glorious flood. They give Him glory, for He set us free! All kings and priests by His death on the tree! From every nation and from every tribe; Every language that we can describe; People all standing in front of His throne, Praising His Name for the love He has shown! Dressed in white linen with palms in their hands Saved by our God through the blood of the lamb. Shouting aloud and all praising His name. “Thank You Lord Jesus that you really came. Jim Strickland  Written 9th March 2012

GOD IS ABLE

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 08 March 2012

Hi all,

Today’s Scriptures focus on God’s ability. We find the word “able” in every one of the Evening Scriptures listed in Daily Light. So our focus today is on God’s ability.

One of my favourite Scriptures concerning this is found in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: ²⁰ Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. ²¹ Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20-21 NLT

There are times when we “run out” of superlatives. This Scriptures points this out vividly. No matter what we can think or imagine, God is able to achieve infinitely more. We can think of the universe. We know that the universe is not infinite, because only God is infinite. This is a good illustration of the meaning of what is meant here. We can’t comprehend the size of our universe. Even if we could, the reality would be even greater than our imagination.

Another example is our concept of the resurrection and resurrection life. At present all we see is the seed; the “bulb” planted in the ground when you and I die. What will the plant look like when it is in full bloom? We can’t think or imagine its splendour.

The prophet Isaiah struggled with describing the indescribable! ¹ In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a high and lofty throne. The bottom of his robe filled the temple. ² Angels were standing above him. Each had six wings: With two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. ³ They called to each other and said, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory." ⁴ Their voices shook the foundations of the doorposts, and the temple filled with smoke. Isaiah 6:1-4 GW

Ezekiel had a similar problem. Reading Ezekiel Chapter 1, we are quickly aware that the prophet was attempting to describe the indescribable. Artists have tried to portray this on canvas. Their attempts are fascinating and beautiful.  The reality of what Ezekiel saw exceeded anything He could think or imagine. It’s impossible for us to get to grips with this.

So when we speak of God’s ability, we are looking at the shallows around the coastline of the ocean which represents God. We cannot think or imagine such an ocean. But even if we could, His reality would be an infinite number of such oceans.

Our meditation takes a look at some of His infinite abilities.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

God is Able

What are the things God is able to do? Able to speak and to make it come true. Able to love through the fullness of time. Able to deal with the wickedest crime! Able to fashion whatever He thinks. Able to live with no water to drink. Able to send us to Heaven or Hell. Able to break any potion or spell. Able to live where His people cannot Able to visit the sun when it’s hot. Able to save and He’s able to guard. Able to do what’s impossibly hard. Able to do things miraculously. Able to go where nobody can see. Able to love and is able to free. Able to know what is lacking in me. Able to strengthen and tell us “Be brave”! Able His people to perfectly save. Able to separate people from sin. Able to triumph and always to win. Able to cause all His grace to abound. Able to find that which cannot be found. Able to save those who are longing to live Able to listen and then to forgive. Able to help when we’re tempted by sin. Able to conquer and always to win. Able to save us from stumbling round Able to hear in the absence of sound. Able to know what tomorrow will bring. Able to hide His folk under His wing. Able to laugh and is able to cry Able to see to it, we’ll never die. Able to heal someone who was born blind. Able to bless and to always be kind. Able to raise people up from the dead. Able to give us the heavenly bread. Able to come here and be crucified. Able to live when we know that He died Jim Strickland –  Written 8th  March 2012

THE PROVISION DECISION

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 07 March 2012

Hi all,

All the promises of God are Yes in Christ. In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul stated, ²⁰ For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Cor 1:20 TNIV

At the same time, all God’s promises are conditional. Is this a contradiction? Not at all! God’s promises to the entire human race are made possible to the recipients in and through the finished work of Christ Jesus. We cannot add to them or take away from them. You will find that most of them are “If/then” statements. E.g. If you keep My commands then I will be your God and you will be My people! By implication, if we don’t keep His commands it’s possible that He will not be our God and we will not be His people. It’s a bit severe. But I don’t make the laws. I only have to keep them!

The word “Testament” gives us a clue about this. We get our expression, “Last will and Testament” from this concept. The New Testament is a bit like God’s “will”. In this case, Jesus has signed it at the bottom in His blood. His signature makes it valid. Thus everything God has promised is ours by virtue of Jesus’ “signature”.

The question is whether or not you are a beneficiary? I can’t answer that. It’s a matter for you to settle with the Lord. Check the “If/then” clauses to see if you are or are not!

John Gill (1697 – 1771) in the quaint language of the 18^th century summarised the promises of God as follows:

 1.     There are some which concern the temporal good of the saints; as that they shall not want any good thing; and though they shall be attended with afflictions, these shall work for their good, and they shall be supported under them.

 2.     Others concern their spiritual good; some of which relate to God himself, that he will be their God, which includes his everlasting love, his gracious presence, and divine protection.

 3.     Others relate to Christ as their surety and Saviour, by whom they are, and shall be justified and pardoned, in whom they are adopted, and by whom they shall be saved with an everlasting salvation:

 4.     Others relate to the Spirit of God, as a spirit of illumination, faith, comfort, strength, and assistance, and to supplies of grace by him from Christ: and

  5.     Others concern everlasting life and happiness, and are all of them very ancient, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; are exceeding great and precious, suited to the various cases of God's people; are free and unconditional, immutable and irrevocable, and will all of them have their certain accomplishment.

They are a little difficult to follow. But with perseverance, you’ll find that they are worth reading. I must state that this man’s commentary is excellent. It’s untarnished with the opinions of later commentators. I particularly enjoy this. It’s too easy to comment on Scripture by quoting our own “flavour of the day”. It’s one of my shortcomings. Some 30 years ago, Malcolm Smith pointed this out. He was right.

Our meditation today looks at the promises of God.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

The Provision Decision

We’re never isolated, though we may think it’s true. No matter where we go to, My God we’re near to You. We know you are more able than a multi-millionaire; That all the money in the world, cannot buy Jesus’ care. When I first started knowing this, I really wasn’t sure. You may do this for others; but I am far from pure. I really don’t deserve it. You’re much too good for me. Perhaps one day I’ll qualify; then maybe You I’ll see! And yet there’s something in Him that still commands our trust. We know that He has made us, from a little pile of dust. And yet the dust has feelings, so desperately we cry! My God I long to be with You. How do I qualify? I know I have to trust You! My life is in Your hands! Teach me how to serve You and follow Your commands. I’ve done this every hour, since I was but a lad. Help me know You love me and make my spirit glad. Your Word tells me I’m holy. Why don’t I feel that way? I feel more like a little boy who’s wandered far astray! So Lord Please help me follow. I cannot trust my mind. For every time I do it, it seems as though I’m blind. Perhaps Lord, Like Elijah, You’ll send me to the brook? Perhaps you’ll send the ravens with food for me to cook? Perhaps there is a widow, already standing by? Perhaps You’ll send the manna which comes from You on High? Lord, teach me not to worry. It doesn't help at all. It shows I only trust myself and not Your Holy call. I’ve looked around at nature. The birds, the flowers, the trees. They surely lack for nothing. You take good care of these! So if I’m feeling nervous about what You’ll provide, Help me look above it. For when I’m at Your side, I’m amply provided for. For clothes and food and drink, Will come to me in such a way that I can never think. In fact there will be plenty. For surely You’ll provide! For You are Yahweh Yireh. Who came to earth and died. Yes! You provided Abraham a sacrificial ram. He didn’t have to slay his son. For You’re the great I AM. You gave him what was needed. And Lord You are the same. You are the great provider, In Christ the Saviour’s Name. So Lord. please take my worries and all my cares and fears. Teach me that from here on in, through my remaining years, That You are the provider of food and clothes and drink. And all of the necessities my mind can ever think! Jim Strickland – Written 7th March 2012

FREEDOM OR SLAVERY

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 06 March 2012

Hi all,

Have you visited a zoo recently? It’s a fun place for people. Lions, tigers, polar bears, snakes, birds and all the other forms of wildlife nicely displayed for us to gawk at. How about the animals? Do they like it there? Oh they look comfortable enough. They get fed regularly. All they have to do is be on display for people. They can’t get out even if they want to.

It occurs to me that there’s not much difference between an animal in a zoo and people in Satan’s lair. They look comfortable enough. But they are locked in and there is no way for them to get out. Of course they can die. That’s an out for sure. There are also other zoo’s who want to buy them. So they get moved to another destination which, in most respects, is much like the one they were in.

Some of them get bought by owners of wildlife parks. This enables them to live as close to nature as they could in their natural habitat. Even so, they were still in a form of Zoo; one that has large boundaries. Within the confines of that Wildlife Park or farm, they are free. But someone paid lots of money for them so they are not exactly free.

It’s much the same for people. We are born into slavery; Satan’s slaves. There is no freedom except within the confines of our own cages. We may even be in one of his human-parks. We are there for his amusement and abuse. We are kept in sickness, disease, prostitution, drugs, thievery, murderers and even denominations. We’ve don’t know that things could be different. There is no way out. We cannot escape, even if we would like to. If we did, where would we go? Who would look after us and feed us? We hear rumours that someone is interested in buying us. Even more incredible, He is willing to change places with us. He becomes a prisoner and we go free. From our point of view it’s magnificent; but what about Him? From His point of view it’s not a good deal at all. A classic win/lose situation. But it’s His idea in the first place. So if this is what He wants to do, who are we to buck the system?

Now Satan is tricked into doing this for millions of his slaves. There is a difference of course. We are only a human and Jesus is God. So Satan gets all excited. He has the Son of God in his domain. Satan doesn’t care how many of his slaves he has to set free in exchange for Him. So what! He has defeated God’s Son and must be next in line to the Eternal Throne.

Then, along comes the third Day. Jesus simply walks out! It’s a bit like Paul and Barnabus walking out of prison! ²⁶ Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the jail. All the doors immediately flew open, and all the prisoners' chains came loose. Act 16:26 GW He’s lived a sinless life so Satan can’t keep Him. Satan freaks out. He’s lost everything. The only slaves he keeps are those who prefer to live with him rather than serve the Living God. They stay behind until the day of judgement.

Our meditation today looks at this in rhyme and metre.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Freedom or Slavery

They treated them like cattle as they carried them away.

Chained up like an animal; and from that very day,

They took away their freedom and treated them as slaves.

Now they had an owner till they fell into their graves.

They sold them in the market place. They had no rights at all!

They didn’t have protection. There was no one to call.

Families were broken up; the husbands and their wives,

Taken to plantations for the balance of their lives.

Utterly barbaric! To work till they were dead!

This was thought as “normal”; at least that’s what was said.

But treating men and women as some sort of beast,

Is taking place this morning from the greatest to the least.

But most of us don’t spot it. We think it is the norm.

To be a slave of Satan. We do not need reform!

We’re monsters of iniquity who revel in our sin.

Enjoying every moment in the devil’s rubbish bin.

All our friends are with us. Their company is fun.

Never mind the fiendish things that all of us have done.

We prefer our bondage and would rather not be free.

Then we meet the Saviour. The Christ of Calvary.

Tell me what He’s saying. Why should I change my ways?

I’ve been so long in slavery! Can there be better days?

Will he smash my manacles? Will He let me go?

It really sounds inviting. But tell me, “Is it so?”

Will He take good care of me when I get out of here?

Do you think He really means that He is always near?

There’s been umpteen liars. Is this another one?

Or when He’s got me out of here, perhaps He will be gone?

I can’t say that I blame them. That’s how I used to be.

Until my blessed Saviour, paid the price for me.

For me it was a bargain. He gave His life for mine.

It still sounds rather crazy, I thought that I was fine.

He’s given me my freedom and so was Satan’s slave;

It seemed to me the strangest way for Jesus to behave.

He took my sin and wickedness. His righteousness I wear.

I had the right to come and go and He was locked in there.

But Jesus had a secret that Satan didn’t know.

Jesus Christ was sinless and had to be let go!

Satan got so angry. He almost blew a fuse.

But the courts of heaven rejoiced at the good news!

Jesus Christ had tricked him out of all the souls of men!

Everyone who loved Him and had been born again,

Stood and gave a mighty cheer. He had done it all,

He made it available to mankind’s great and small!

No one was excluded. But if they’d rather not,

They may stay with Satan and get what he has got!

Jim Strickland – Written 6^th March 2012