IN PRAISE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Time with Jesus - Monday, 25 June 2012

Hi all,

The Scriptures were primarily in Praise of God. So today’s meditation is a hymn in Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ! It’s not new. It was written back in 1985. But it seemed appropriate to include it this morning.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Monday, 25 June 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	IN PRAISE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
What is it that you particularly like doing? Let’s keep away from things that may hurt other creatures. e.g. Fishing and hunting. Not that I’m opposed to these activities. What I mean is, what are you are looking forward to doing in heaven? There are certain activities we do here and now that we won’t be doing there. Blood sports and violent sports are likely to be excluded. It’s not easy to love your opponent in the boxing ring if you are trying to beat his brains out. I do have an idea for hunters. Give the animal a gun with which to defend itself. Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favourite things We are likely to have a few problems with some of our favourite things. Even Julie Andrews’s song from the Sound of Music becomes problematic. I suspect there will be kittens in heaven. Confirming it conclusively from Scripture is another matter! I’m also a bit puzzled about the “warm woollen mittens” This implies it will be cold up there. That really will surprise me. So, what will we be doing? Some say it will be what we might call a 24/7 praise and worship meeting. In principle, I suspect there’s a lot of truth in this. My problem is that if heaven is such a wonderful place, and we are all constantly in a meeting, why has God made it so beautiful? Also, what’s the point of having trees which bear fruit every month and have leaves which heal the nations if no one gets a chance to get to them. It also struck me as odd to be a part of the bride of Christ and not getting a chance to spend “time” with him in a personal basis of some sort? There are no straight forward answers here. An added complication is that time, as we know it, will not exist. We will be with God, so we will also be living in the ever present now. Thus 24/7 becomes meaningless. It’s difficult to imagine timelessness. We are accustomed to things being sequential. But all sequences are time related. All that we have ever seen of timelessness is a photograph. Photograms do not move. Movies do; but it’s an optical illusion we use to give us the impression of motion. Probably the best conclusion we can come to from all this, is that praise and worship will be a major feature in heaven. We will also be able to fellowship with each other and with God. I must say there are a number of saints who have gone before us that we will be able to meet. For me, meeting Moses would be special. Likewise, Paul, Habakkuk and John Wesley. I would like to share a hymn I wrote with his brother Charles. Today’s poem is the hymn in question. It’s called, In Praise to the Lord Jesus Christ. For me it would be extra special if we all sang it to Jesus! Jim and Phyllida Strickland			7 "My sword, wake up! Attack my shepherd! Attack the man who is close to me," announces the LORD who rules over all. "Strike the shepherd down. Then the sheep will be scattered. And I will turn my hand against their little ones. Zechariah 13:7 NIrV 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. Colossians 2:9 NLT 19 Long ago You spoke in a vision to Your faithful people. You said, "I have raised up a warrior. I have selected him from the common people to be king. Psalms 89:19 NLT 3 "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. Isaiah 63:3 ESV 16 There is no doubt that godliness is a great mystery. Jesus appeared in a body. The Holy Spirit proved that he was the Son of God. He was seen by angels. He was preached among the nations. People in the world believed in him. He was taken up to heaven in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 NIrV 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Hebrews 1:3 ESV 8 But to the Son He says, "Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a sceptre of justice. Hebrews 1:8 NLT 6 And when He brought His firstborn Son into the world, God said, "Let all of God's angels worship Him." Hebrews 1:6 NLT 16 On His robe at His thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:16 NLT	JESUS IS LORD; Let us rejoice! JESUS IS LORD; Lift up your voice; To JESUS, let your anthem raise And worship Him and give Him praise. JESUS IS LORD; Of sea and sky! JESUS IS LORD; He's Deity! The one whom, by His mighty hand, Created everything for man. JESUS IS LORD; Yes, He is strong! JESUS IS LORD; Of everyone; For, everything the eye can see Was all created, Lord, by Thee! JESUS IS LORD; All praises bring. JESUS IS LORD; My God and King; I'll praise him while He gives me breath For He alone has conquered death! JESUS IS LORD; Toward Him press; JESUS IS LORD; His Name, all bless! Let's magnify our risen Lord; Salute our King, the Living Word. JESUS IS LORD; All praise His Name! JESUS IS LORD; To Earth He came To win from Satan our release And to become our Prince of Peace. JESUS IS LORD; Yes, He achieved! JESUS IS LORD; Our sins relieved And snatched us from the jaws of Hell. That's why His praises, we forth tell! JESUS IS LORD; Let us adore; JESUS IS LORD; He did restore To sinful man what Satan stole. He set us free and made us whole! Jim Strickland Written 1985

COME AND SEE

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 24 June 2012

Hi all,

2000 years ago Jesus spoke effectively five words to two of John’s disciples who came and asked Him where He lived. Condensed these words were “Follow Me” and “Come and see”! Today, His words are unaltered but can be put into a single sentence. “Follow Me and Come and See”! It’s more or less the only things He ever says to newcomers. It’s still true. Follow Me and Come and See! Today this is our meditation.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Sunday, 24 June 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	COME AND SEE
From the day we docked in Cape Town on the Carnarvon Castle, we lived in hotels. That’s not something to boast about. It was like that, because during WW2, very few houses were built and even rental property was hard to find. In addition, most hotels were “Residential” and cheap. My Dad told me that when we moved into Hornby House in Humewood, Port Elizabeth, the hotel costs were £7 per person per month. In other words He paid £18 per month for all three of us. This included three meals per day. The last time I was in Port Elizabeth, Hornby House was still there. But now it had been converted into apartments, catering primarily for holiday makers. No meals provided. Since it’s slap bang on the Humewood beach front, there is no shortage of holiday makers at ±R750 per day. When we lived there in 1950 the idea of such staggering rents didn’t even appear on our radar screen! At the beginning of 1952, through a friend of a friend, we rented a flat in Pearson Street. And shortly thereafter rented a house in Park Lane almost next to St Georges Park. We had gone from a flat to a house. Such a possibility was unimaginable when we were in Hornby House. By 1959/60, developers were building more and more houses so it was easier to buy your own home than to pay the rent. It wasn’t until 1960 that Dad could buy a house. Having lived in hotels and rented property since 1947, it was like going to heaven. If I had been asked in 1947 to describe my “dream home” I think my mind would have gone “tilt”. But now we were living in it. I was 5 in 1947. I was 18 in 1960. The imagination of a 5 year old does not measure up to the reality of what things are to an 18 year old. In many respects, what is described above is reminiscent of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians: 9 But as Scripture says: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him."1 Corinthians 2:9 GW We can never even try and guess the things God has prepared for us. It will be infinitely greater than the difference between the imagination of a 5 year old and an 18 year old. One thing we do know is that Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for us. Scripturally each one of us will receive a mansion. I’m reluctant to try and guess what this might be. This I do know. 8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.2 Peter 3:8 NLT Jesus ascended on a Thursday. Two “days” later takes us to the middle of Saturday. So He’s only been preparing for us for two days! Furthermore, if today for Him is Saturday afternoon then it’s His Sabbath. I’m not sure how much preparing He is doing today? Not that it matters. He will come when all is ready. I can wait! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			38 Jesus looked around and saw them following. "What do you want?" He asked them. They replied, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are You staying?" 39 "Come and see," He said. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when they went with Him to the place where He was staying, and they remained with Him the rest of the day. John 1:38-39 NLT 2 There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? 3 And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live. John 14:2-3 MSG 20 Look, I'm standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I'll come in and we'll eat together. 21 I will allow everyone who wins the victory to sit with me on my throne, as I have won the victory and have sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Let the person who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelation 3:20-22 GW 15 For this is what the high and lofty One says-- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15 NIV 20 Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end." Matthew 28:20 NIrV 7 How precious is Your loving-kindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Psalms 36:7 NASB	John’s disciples followed Him. “What do you want: said He? “Where are you living Rabbi?” He answered, “Come and see”? Two thousand odd years later, the same thing is still true. We ask Him where’s He’s living? He says to me and you, “Follow Me and I will surely take you on a road, That ultimately takes you to My heavenly abode.” He doesn’t show before-hand what it’s like in His home. To give a full description would fill a giant tome. You can’t describe what’s infinite with any English words. Just the thought of doing it is utterly absurd. How do you pour the oceans into a little jug? If you think you can do it, my friend, don’t be so smug! And yet the Lord has hinted at what it is we’ll see. He says it is a mansion He’s making just for me! And I am not the only one. He’s making one for you. And every other Christian will find they have one too! So Jesus has been busy since he went up above Building us a mansion which speaks about His love. Each mansion will be different. Each one is tailor made To fit the personalities of those who have obeyed. If you like fitted carpets, they’ll be upon the floor. All your aspirations you’ll find they’re there and more. For if you can imagine it, your thinking’s far too small. It’s infinitely better than what you can recall. I don’t know how He’ll do this; each mansion’s right next door, To where the King is “living”. You couldn’t ask for more. To live next door to Holiness, means you’ll be holy too. O Master I can hardly wait to be a bit like You! O Lord Your loving-kindness. It blows my puny mind. There isn’t any other God that anyone can find. O Lord, You are exclusive and totally unique. All You ever want to do, You only have to speak; And it starts its existence. It stands before your throne; Only You can do this. Just You and You alone! How can a man describe these things? Your Spirit indicates, The things we cannot guess at, or even estimate. For what you have prepared for those who seek to follow You. And follow in obedience, Your Holy will to do. Jim Strickland  Written 24th June 2012

RUTH’S REST

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 23 June 2012

Hi all,

When you and I talk about “rest” we think about sitting or lying down after a trying time of some sort. That’s partly true. We do stop doing whatever it is because we are sick or tired. God is never tired. We know that God “rested” on the seventh Day. It means He ceased creating. In that sense we also rest when we have achieved our intentions. In Bible days, looking for a husband or a wife was completed after marriage. The couple could then rest from their task. Today we look at “Ruth’s rest.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Saturday, 23 June 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	RUTH’S REST
It’s always been a source of some amusement that Elimelech, his wife Naomi and their two sons Mahlon and Kilion left Bethlehem in Judah because of famine in the land. They went to Moab. Moab means “of my father”. Moab was the incestuous son of Lot and his eldest daughter. Bethlehem means House of Bread. It makes no sense to leave the house of bread because they have no bread! The story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, the man Ruth subsequently married, is popular beyond the confines of Judaism or Christianity. We read how Ruth followed behind the reapers and picked up what they dropped. We smile when we read of Boaz instructing his harvesters to be deliberately clumsy! Surely there was more to this than meets the eye? Who knows? Was this love at first sight? This story of a poor girl becoming a princess has universal appeal. Furthermore, we applaud when we learn that subsequently as Boaz’s wife, she became the great grandmother of King David. What most of us fail to recognise is the open handed generosity of Boaz. How many of us would ask our workers to be clumsy for the benefit of a pretty, out of town stranger? How many would willingly take on the responsibility of a spouse with an impoverished and family related mother-in-law? Yet, that's what Boaz did. Why? Is this generosity the root of David being a man after God's heart? Perhaps? This man, who could have had his pick of any of the marriageable young women in the Bethlehem area, was moved by the plight of a destitute widow who had no other means of support for herself or her mother-in-law.. His generous heart opened to her. Why? He did it because it was required of him in terms of his commitment to God. In consequence of his generosity, Boaz "gleaned" something from God. Something or rather someone of greater value than he could possibly have guessed. Tucked away in a corner of God's field he found a wife; yet someone much more than a mere wife. He found a legend; someone who has become one of history’s favourite women. This story of how Ruth, Naomi and Boaz entered their “rest” is extraordinary. Ruth had to work hard. At harvest time, the fields are very hot from the scorching sun. Gleaning was not a task for the lazy. It took commitment by Boaz to Ruth and the customs of that day. In a way, Naomi became the tool in God’s hand whereby a Moabite woman became the forerunner of David and Jesus. Four women are referred to by name in Matthew’s genealogy. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba. All are of questionable ancestry. God’s call enabled them to rest in the pages of Biblical history. Later another woman would feature. Her name is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Together they are now at rest in the arms of God. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			1 One day Ruth's mother-in-law Naomi spoke to her. She said, "My daughter, shouldn't I try to find a secure place for you? Shouldn't you have peace and rest? Shouldn't I find a home where things will go well with you? Ruth 3:1 NIrV 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, Hebrews 4:9 ESV 18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:18 TNIV 16 Why wasn't I buried like a stillborn child, like a baby who never lives to see the light? 17 For in death the wicked cause no trouble, and the weary are at rest. Job 3:16-17 NLT 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them." Revelation 14:13 NIV 20 That is where Jesus has gone. He went there to open the way ahead of us. He has become a high priest forever, just like Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:20 NIrV 28 Then Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NLT 15 GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: "Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me-- The very thing you've been unwilling to do. Isaiah 30:15 MSG A psalm by David. 1 The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters. Psalms 23:1-2 GW	Naomi was the mother. Two sons she had brought forth. She was from a village a little to the North, Of Bethlehem in Judah. Her husband moved their home, Into the land of Moab. But now she was alone. Her husband and her sons had died. So now all she had left - The wives her sons had married! Now all three were bereft. Naomi then decided to go to the “House of Bread” To Bethlehem in Judah. If not, she’d soon be dead. Ruth went with her “mother”, Orpah stayed behind. They both needed a husband and thought that they might find, Someone who would marry them. So Orpah made her choice, To stay behind in Moab. Perhaps she would rejoice? If she could find a husband, where she was quite well known. But Ruth went with Naomi; she’d not leave her alone. The Ruth and Boaz story. He took her as his wife. Ruth then had a husband who’d take care of her for life. The story is a classic, of true love and romance. And how the God of Israel gives folk a “second chance”. She became a mother and so found peace and rest. King David was her great grandson. So she was truly blessed. Now resting isn’t idleness. She had a lot to do. To be a wife and mother and “rest” is never true. Her rest was from her searching to be taken as a bride. Now her quest was over, she put that search aside. We’re told that our God rested, upon the seventh day. But He was never tired. Not in the smallest way. He rested from creating. All He had planned to do, Was finally completed. He’d done it “right on queue’! And what about the Christian. He doesn’t lie in bed! He always does precisely, that which the Lord has said. And one day in his working week, he seeks to put aside, To being with his children, his family and bride. We call it “recreation”. And this word says it all. A time of his refreshing from duty’s busy call. Of being with his Maker. The Shepherd of his soul. To walking in green pastures and where still waters roll. Of getting inspiration right from its proper source, And how is it we do this? In Jesus Christ of course! Jim Strickland  Written 23 June 2012