WIPE AWAY YOUR SIN?

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 14 April 2012

Hi all,

Most of us have an arrogant attitude toward those who commit sin. Perhaps “pharisaic” better describes our reaction to those who fall into sin. “I’ll never do that” seems to be the unseen and unheard words that pass through our heads. Reading the account of David and Bathsheba’s adultery and the terrible consequences prompt us to say, “I wouldn't do that!” Check your own attitude. Are you genuinely appalled or envious? My honest opinion, which I suspect is true of most men, is to ask the Lord to keep them away from such a situation. What would I have done? What would you have done? Be honest!

David was the King. He was untouchable. He loved the Lord. There are dozens of reasons why this should never have happened. What about Bathsheba. She was at the most amorous time of her month. Her husband had been away fighting in David’s army. She knew she was very attractive. So was it her plan to entrap David? I suspect not. But there were so many “coincidences” in the incident. Could she have refused to come? Only David, Bathsheba and God can answer the question. Our opinion is irrelevant.

Whatever the reason, we know that from that day onward, the nation went into decline. The seeds of the fall of the nation were planted. Some 500 years later, Jerusalem was destroyed and those who survived were taken captive to Babylon.

New Christians tend to have a superior attitude to this. “I would never have done that” dismisses the question contemptuously. Then, in the course of time, your own imperfections surface and we realise that we have not been vaccinated against sin. With the Lord’s help, we have to resist temptation. Can we? Will we? Frankly, I don’t know. It’s a bit like having to face up to persecution. Will you stand or will you collapse? Don’t answer. I can’t truthfully answer that question myself. Corrie ten Boom, who was sent to one of the Nazi concentration camps, said that the Lord gives you the ticket when you get on the train.

My own somewhat limited experience is to recommend that we be truthful with ourselves and with God. He knows what you and I would do. Let’s not try and test the theory in real life.

Our meditation looks at David and Bathsheba and concludes that obedience to God is the only way to be.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Wipe Away Your sin?

It happened in the Springtime; when Kings go off to war.

But David didn’t do it. What did he stay home for?

Perhaps he knew Bathsheba’s naked body would be seen?

The time had come for her to be washed ritually clean.

So when he walked upon the roof, what did he think he’d see?

And what about Bathsheba? What sort of wife was she?

Was she there to flaunt herself before the Nation’s King?

Regardless of the motives, it was the very thing,

That brought about the murder of the man whom she had wed.

For David summoned her to him and took her to his bed.

The outcome was a infant. But what could David do?

The truth became apparent and all the Kingdom knew,

That they were both adulterers. They should have both been stoned.

But David was the nation’s King. The deed was thus condoned!

But God knew all about it. The baby would soon die.

And after it had happened, they knew the reason why!

But we will never know the truth on this side of the grave.

Except it’s not the proper way for people to behave.

Do not stop and preen yourself. One thing we mustn't say,

Is that we are quite certain we will not go that way!

David and Bathsheba’s sin is really not unique.

You and I are just as bad. Don’t ever have the cheek,

To think you are impervious to such a dreadful sin,

It’s a prideful attitude that’s dwelling deep within.

Let us all be grateful for what the Lord can do.

If He pardon’s sinners, He’ll surely pardon you!

Ask Him to forgive you. Trust His Holy Son,

And the Holy Spirit; the gracious Three-in-one,

To take your sin so scarlet and wash you white as snow.

Don’t think you can hide it. There’s naught He doesn’t know.

He will heal our faithlessness, if we will but return.

Admit that there is so much more that we still have to learn.

Turn in true repentance and ask Him to forgive.

There can be no question. He’ll surely let you live.

Don’t forget the good things which He’s already done.

Healed you from diseases; the victories He’s won!

You will know His righteousness; the straight and narrow way,

Surely He will lead you; if Him you will obey,

His anger will be turned away and then you will revere,

The One Who always loves you and is forever near.

Your sin’s won’t be remembered and you will know for sure,

A lifestyle in the Master which is good and clean and pure.

Jim Strickland – Written, Saturday 14^th April 2012

LIGHT AND NIGHT

Time with Jesus - Friday, 13 April 2012

Hi all,

Trying to visualise something can be totally impossible. For example, before the Lord started creation, what, if anything existed? If we say nothing, does that include the “space” into which creation was “placed”? My supposition is that before creation, only the “spirit realm” existed. In other words, God created time, space and the material that fills the space. My logic is that if anything existed before creation, God would not have created it. In this way “space” would be infinite. But we know that only God is infinite. So the answer to the question, “What lies beyond the universe?” Will it be either infinity or God! If that doesn't makes sense, join the club.

So what took place when God began creation? “Light, be!” Is how some experts state it. It could well have been the “expression” God used to begin our time, space continuum. One of the biggest problems with this for me is the origin of darkness. Where did it come from? All we know is that God separated the light from the darkness. The light He called “day” and the darkness He called “night”.

Just to complicate all this, Scripture informs us ⁵ This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. 1 John 1:5 NLT How all this fits together is beyond me.

Nevertheless, today’s Scriptures focus on light and darkness, day and night in the New Jerusalem. In this situation, the Bible gives us just enough information to stir our curiosity. I’ve no doubt that everything stated will be true. How it fits together is anybody’s guess. What we can say is that the truth will emerge into the light! For you and me it will be our own personal experience of, “Light be!”

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Light and Night

Right at the beginning, the Lord created light.

He separated darkness and called that darkness night.

So right from the beginning there were these two great fields.

The light by which all men can see; to it the darkness yields.

It only takes a little light to penetrate the dark.

A little ray of sunshine, perhaps a little spark,

A golden tinge of twilight, that heralds in the day,

Is quite enough to make the darkness turn and run away.

The Bible tells us clearly That God Himself is light!

Darkness is impossible when He comes into sight.

So when we live with Jesus, the light within Him shines.

Eliminating darkness because He is Divine.

This means when we are with Him, our vision will be clear.

Nothing can get to us when Jesus Christ is near.

So in the New Jerusalem, it is forever day;

Illuminated by the Lord; not in the present way.

The sun will not be needed. At night the moon won’t be,

Shining on the people, for all they need is Thee!

But Master, in the meantime, we are a chosen race.

We are the Royal Priesthood whom Jesus will embrace.

Your very own possession, where darkness cannot be,

Called to be proclaiming, Your Glorious Majesty!

Taking part in everything which You have called us to.

Rescued from dark dungeons, to always be with you.

Thank You Lord and Master for all that you have done.

Putting us forever in the Kingdom of Your Son.

Taken from the darkest pit where we were out of sight.

Lifted by your Spirit into realms of glorious light.

Father we remember, how bad we used to be.

Now in realms of glory we’ll stay eternally.

It seems to be ridiculous, that I committed sin;

And Jesus paid the price for all the mess that I was in!

I know that my salvation’s by grace and grace alone.

Indeed, I had no righteousness, at least none of my own,

And now, because of what He’s done, Your wrath won’t fall on me.

How can I ever thank You for what You’ve caused to be?

A monster of Iniquity; a candidate for hell

With You has now been reconciled! But why, I cannot tell?

Jim Strickland – Written Friday 13^th April 2012

THROUGH ALL ETERNITY

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 12 April 2012

Hi all,

My time in Bible School in 1982 – 30 years ago; was a time of learning and understanding. We had a number of lecturers. Some were very “Ho Hum” Others were outstanding. My favourite was not very popular with most of the others. He was Dr Ken Stewart; an American from the Dallas area if I remember correctly. His series, Foundations of Faith, was very informative. I learned a great deal of truth from him. I've still got the series on tape somewhere. He was the man who said that he had gone to seminary to prove the existence of God. There he shared a room with a man who had gone to prove that God didn't exist. He stated that neither was successful. He added that when he started believing God’s Word was true, suddenly everything worked!

Phyllida and I had both been through divorce; something not to be recommended. God hates it, and so do we. The damages and recriminations are horrendous. Back then we were looking for something to help us through this traumatic time. Dr Ken had produced a 6 tape series on Divorce and Remarriage and In view of his lectures; we decided to get the series.

Dr Ken’s main point was that divorce was sin. We already knew that. What we didn’t really appreciate was sin and its nature. So he started the series with an introduction I’ll never forget. He told us that he was a Pastor in a church somewhere. He added that his elders asked him to preach about sin. So he started his series by saying, Today I want to talk about sin. God’s against it. The elders are against it and I’m against it. So let’s talk about Jesus!” I wept when I heard this. The reason for this is that Jesus specialises in forgiveness of sinners. So Phyllida and I were able to go to Jesus and be forgiven. In this regard, Dr Ken’s final statement in the series was to ask the question, “What is sin?” “Sin is forgiven”, he answered in a way that we felt was a direct message from the Lord. We vowed it would never happen to us again. That was 30 years ago. We are still happily married and will stay this way until our death. If that should be a million years from now, it would still be too soon for us. In spite of our imperfections, our relationship grows deeper every day.

Today’s meditation is something of a foundation for being a Christian. I’ve tried to bring out the impossibility of man’s condition outside of Jesus Christ; helpless, hopeless and unable to change it even if we wanted too. Then Jesus Christ enters the equation and everything changes.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Through all Eternity

Each of us is suffering from that which can’t be cured.

It happened to our forefathers and we can be assured,

That each of us will perish and lie down in the grave.

Only Jesus Christ can ever interfere and save,

Us from all the consequence of being born in sin,

And reaping the corollary of what we’re living in!

None of us are righteous. It doesn’t work that way.

We can’t ever earn it. We cannot even pay,

To buy sufficient righteousness to satisfy the Lord.

The riches of humanity together can’t afford,

To come up with the purchase price of any human soul.

But Jesus’ objective, His purpose and His goal,

Was bringing the solution for each and every man,

Women and their children by His salvation plan.

No one was excluded and none would be denied.

Anyone who comes to Him will not be turned aside.

If he has repented and Jesus is his Lord,

He’ll be truly rescued from God’s terrible swift sword.

He will be forgiven and though he’ll have to die,

Jesus will receive him in His heavenly home on high!

When a man’s repented, he has been born again.

Cleansed from all His wickedness and all of sin and stain.

But God hasn’t finished. Before His work is through,

He has an extra something that He will give to you.

He has all the righteousness and we have all the sin.

On the cross He paid for all the mess that we are in.

Then He traded places. His righteousness bestowed,

Upon each fallen sinner when Jesus’ life blood flowed.

So He’s made me righteous. My friend, do not blame me.

Who would ever turn away a gift from Deity?

“But you don’t deserve it!” I hear somebody cry.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus” is what I then reply.

Put your faith and trust in Him. Repent from all your sin.

Ask His Holy Spirit to come and enter in.

If you truly mean it, of this you can be sure.

He will wash away your sin and He will make you pure.

He’ll give you His righteousness, just as He did for me

And you will live with Jesus Christ for all eternity.

Jim Strickland 

Written Thursday 12^th April 2012.

UTTERLY RELIABLE

Time with Jesus - Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Hi all,

Teaching and knowledge are the two operative words in this morning’s Scripture. Both words are important to us today.

We have certain automatic functions in life. We don’t need to be taught how to breathe. Our heart beats by itself without instruction. The blood goes round and round. We feel pain and get grumpy when we are hungry etc. Apart from these and a few other things, we arrive in this world knowing virtually nothing. Our brains appear to be completely uncluttered. We then go into a learning process that is phenomenal. I’m reminded of a Syrian friend of mine from Homs asking me if I could speak Arabic yet? Of course I’d picked up a couple of words. But I had to confess I didn’t. “What’s the matter with you” he asked tongue in cheek. “My grandson is only two and he’s quite fluent!”

Language is acquired quickly by a baby. They have the ability to do so very quickly; they learn to be manipulative in the first seven days. A baby knows that he/she bawls and squalls, someone will stick something it his/her mouth and feed him/her. They’ve found out that with a bit of effort they can keep Mom and Dad continually on the run. I’m told that by the time a child is three, he/she has already learned up to 80% of all they’ll ever learn. It sounds a bit far-fetched, but perhaps the figures are true?

God’s Word associates knowledge with wisdom. It’s obvious that we need knowledge in order to become wise. Sadly, many don’t want to learn. It’s too much like hard work. Many don’t believe that God exists. According to Scripture, they are foolish ⁷ If you really want to gain knowledge, you must begin by having respect for the LORD. But foolish people hate wisdom and training. Pro 1:7 NIrV The Scripture goes further and says that unbelievers are fools. ¹ Godless fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt. They do disgusting things. There is no one who does good things. Psalm 14:1 GW

Now you don’t have to believe me. God has given you the choice to believe in Him or not. So why should I try and deny you this privilege? Your decision is entirely yours. On your head be it.

As far as Phyllida and I are concerned, we have learned from personal experience that God is utterly reliable. Our meditation looks into this further.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

utterly reliable

A student, or a learner, or an undergraduate,

People seem to think that on a certain future date,

Our studies will be over and learning will be through.

But friend, if that’s your attitude, I’ve got bad news for you.

We’ll never quit from learning until we drop down dead.

There such a lot more knowledge to cram into our head.

The world is set on changing. Technology’s gone wild.

The ones who seem to “get it” is now a little child.

The “buzz word” in all industry is “keeping up to date”.

And if you do not do it, I’m sad to have to state,

That good qualification acquired in the past,

Is going to be outdated and is losing value fast!

What is the solution? What is it we must do,

To keep our thinking current, reliable and true?

If course it is impossible for us to know it all.

But I can say for certain there’s a person you can call.

He is the Master teacher, designer of all things.

He knows why people have two legs and why the birds have wings!

He’s fluent in all languages and has no need for sleep.

He’s instantly available, He knows each time we weep.

He knows your great grandfather as well as Abraham.

So He’s the man to look to, when you are in a jam.

His speciality is knowing if things are right or wrong.

And He will gladly lead you and it will not be long,

Before you’re on the right path your enemies don’t know.

And He will take good care of you no matter where you go.

He’s utterly reliable. In fact He is the way;

The truth; the life; the open door; He never goes astray.

He knows the way to heaven. In Him and Him alone

Can anybody enter and see God’s Holy throne.

It is an open secret just why this is a fact.

Because His life was sinless. All others “dudes” were sacked.

They’ll never get you entrance. They’re all as bad as me.

There isn’t an alternative. It’s Him exclusively!

So let’s be realistic. Let’s do what is required.

The fount of every blessing can give what is desired.

Ask Him any question and you will know as well,

That He can show you heaven and even show you hell.

We know His Name is Jesus. Some call Him Joshua.

“Jehovah is salvation” “The Bright and Morning Star”

No One’s better qualified to teach you how to go.

And when you get to know Him, you’ll surely love Him so.

He is forever faithful. He is unfailing love.

The author of redemption, The One Who’s high above,

Anyone and everything on whom we can rely

The Son of God Almighty. Thank God He’s always nigh.

Jim Strickland 

Wednesday 11^th April 2012

KEEP MY COMMANDS

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Hi all,

“One potato, two potato, three potato, four.” Does that ring any bells? As a youngster it was the way we decided an issue. Choosing the boys for two sides always worked this way. I suppose if you were a mathematical genius you would have known very quickly who was on which side. For the rest of us, “decision by potatoes” worked fine. Mind you when it got down to only four or five “potatoes” left, some cheated and changed position! In their own sweet and innocent way they changed the rules.

Thank God we didn’t choose Jesus that way, and He doesn’t change the rules. He still approves of that which he approved 2000 years ago. Conversely … let’s not go there. God never changes the rules. Yesterday’s sin is sin today and will always be sin. The rules of society may change, but His don’t. Mostly, we choose to sin. Sure society now blames everyone and everything for what happened. If someone steals something today it gets blamed on the way their mother didn’t smile at them. Perhaps their father was rude? Anything at all!! Just don’t blame the culprit. Perhaps he has been robbed blind. But as far as God is concerned, a thief is still a thief. Don’t try and minimise it with a load of psychological claptrap.

Incidentally, how do we “un-steal”? If I’ve stolen something, even if I return it, it changes nothing. If we bear in mind that every sin is a sin against God, we start to feel the pressure of what we have done. It’s better not to take the chance. It’s better to obey His commands.

John makes a fascinating comment in his gospel: ¹⁰ If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. In the same way, I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. John 15:10 NIrV

At face value this seems an innocent statement. But it’s so much more than that. It’s actually an alternative way of checking if you are “in the kingdom” or not. Are you obeying His commands? Think back over the past several weeks. Have you been keeping His commands consistently? If you are not sure, ask Him. He’ll tell you.

David Pawson tells of the time he asked his congregation to check things out with the Lord. He told them to ask God if there was anything in their lives He (God) would like you to change. One lady immediately responded,” I know what it is”. “No you don’t” said David. “Go home and ask Him”. She came back to David and told him she had been right! I must confess that the question bothers me. He might tell me something I’m reluctant to change.

However, Jesus told His disciple in John’s gospel, that if we have kept His commands, we will abide in His love. More than that; He compares it with the way He stays in His Father’s love; which mean we have another method of checking to see if we are still in His love.

Today’s meditation explores this in the light of Song of Songs and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

 keep my commands

We have just been reading of the witness in our heart;

The Holy Spirit gives us, to show we are a part,

Of Jesus and His Kingdom. This method never fails.

But what is it that we can do if we’ve “come off the rails”.

We probably haven’t, it’s usually a lie,

That Satan tries to put on us, our trust in God to try.

But the Scripture tells us of something that reveals,

A method that does not rely on how we think or feel.

It tells us in John’s Gospel, Chapter fifteen and verse ten,

A way that we are certain we are not serving men.

Keeping His commandments, in all we say and do,

Proves to us conclusively that unto Him we’re true.

Willingly obeying Him, demonstrates our love,

And keep’s us intimately with Jesus Christ above.

Look back on your recent past and see if you’ve obeyed.

If you’ve been consistent, you needn’t be afraid!

Jesus Christ has told us, that if we’ve kept His Word,

Never be concerned about the lies which we have heard.

Jesus was obedient to Father God’s commands.

He was quite at home therein and that’s how His love stands!

So we can please the Father, by loving Christ His Son.

Keeping His commandments till all of life is done.

If you’ll be His lover and love intimately,

You’ll always be at home with Him for future history!

Smell His myrrh and spices and eat His honeycomb.

Eat and drink your wine and milk and you’ll be in His home.

Make Him your Beloved and surely He’ll be yours.

Give to Him your garden; He’ll wash away your flaws.

You will be His “woman”; a pure and spotless bride.

You’ll dwell with Him forever and never leave His side.

He will make you fruitful; the fruit which you will bear,

Is love and joy and gentleness; His patience will be there,

With faithfulness and kindness; with self control and peace,

And goodness motivating you, to never ever cease,

To be that special lover that Jesus Christ desires.

Totally committed to lighting inner fires;

And being what He’s wanting to praise His Holy Name.

For when you fall in love with Him, you’ll never be the same.

Jim Strickland – Written Tuesday 10^th April 2012

THE HOLY NAME-TAG

Time with Jesus - Monday, 09 April 2012

Hi all,

Memories can be difficult to understand. There are times when they are painful. There are other times, in exactly the same place, where the memories are sweet and enjoyable. One of my most painful memories is how I felt on the day my parents “dropped me off” at boarding school. I’d never been away from them before and it was traumatic. I felt as though I had been deserted. Of course it wasn't true. But feelings don’t always go with facts. Later in life, as a young Christian I got to know that feelings follow facts, not the other way. I’m pleased to record that it wasn't long before I settled down at school and often look back on those days as among the best days of my life.

The truth that feelings follow facts was an essential piece of knowledge I had to learn. I remember well the time when I committed my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. A week or so later, when the initial euphoria over my having been “saved” began to subside, I was faced with a major problem. I didn’t feel any different. A couple of features were in place. I’d stopped using foul language and my lifestyle had changed such that I wanted to attend church meetings. Any sort of church meeting would do as long as it was Christian. (Whatever that meant back then) So although I was in the Methodist Church, I visited as many other churches as I possibly could when I could find the time.

This gallivanting had a lot to do with my not feeling any different. Furthermore, I had other male/female issues that typically bother a teenager. This led me to the Prudhoe Street Mission and contact with the Billy Graham association. They were holding a crusade in Manchester and Cliff Barrows came to the mission to assist with counsellor training and choir instruction. So I had good reason for attending. Looking back now, it seems odd that someone who didn’t know he was “saved” could think of being a counsellor for Billy’s crusade! Incidentally, there was no TV links in those days. We just sat together in a large, full hall and listened to the service.

Over a period of about six months, many of my concerns about salvation evaporated. Something I heard then is still true. If I am a married man and wake up the next morning and didn’t feel married, my feelings are fooling me. The facts are there. My wife has the wedding certificate to prove it!

At the same time, I needed to find assurance – in spite of feelings. The New Testament was opening up for me and I learned that the assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he states: ²² and He has identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first instalment that guarantees everything He has promised us. 2 Cor 1:22 NLT

For me, it was a “clincher”. The Lord transformed my life. If not, I’ve wasted 52 years of life chasing a myth! Believe me, it’s no myth. Furthermore, I’ve had a fabulous “ride”. Jesus Christ has exceeded all my expectations and I’m happy to serve Him until my dying breath and beyond!

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

The Holy Name-tag

Back in 1951, I went to boarding school.

I really missed my parents. Some thought I was a fool,

Because I started crying and wanted Mom and Dad.

But when you’re only nine years old. How can you blame a lad?

I didn't want to run away. Besides, where would I go?

What would I tell my parents? I really didn’t know.

There was a little problem with my school uniform.

I kept it in a locker that was outside my dorm.

But when it came to laundry, how could I tell my own?

My mother had been very wise and she had carefully sewn,

My name on all my clothing. She’d hidden it away,

But I knew where to find it. So every single day,

As I was busy dressing I made sure things were mine.

I knew it by the label. Mom’s system worked just fine.

As I continued growing up, one thing I found was true.

There had to be a system for identifying you!

A name tag or a label; I knew how it was done.

And I could prove conclusively, I am my father’s son!

So every time I met someone and said, “How do you do?”

I found it was the formula for saying, “Who are you?”

I then learned about fingerprints. They said they were unique.

They put them on a database; and if they wished to seek,

To find out what my name was, they’d know if I was me!

They said, “Until the day you die, it’s your identity.

It didn’t really bother me. I didn't want to hide.

I surely wasn’t perfect; but wouldn't go “off-side”.

When I became a Christian I asked, “Lord show to me,

The way I can identify a person who loves Thee.

You do not have that problem. In fact, You've always known,

The people whom You have redeemed and love You Lord alone!

I cannot find Your name-tag. I’ve hunted high and low.

So Father, won’t You show to me the way I too can know?

He said, “There is a ‘name-tag’ inscribed upon your heart.

My Holy Spirit put it there when He set you apart.

He’s deep inside your spirit man and will not go away,

Unless you have decided you don’t want Him to stay.

So look deep down inside you, in places you can’t see.

Use your ‘spiritual eyes’ and look around for Me.

You’ll know that I am present, by the witness you will find,

Confirming you’re My servant. Your life to Me’s consigned.

There, in your inner sanctum, is where I’ll always be;

Alive in you and proving that you belong to Me!”

Jim Strickland – Written Monday 9^th April 2012