INTO EXISTENCE

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 16 August 2012

Hi all,

Today’s meditation is an exercise in mental gymnastics. We do a bit of digging into “now” as well as “past, present and future”. This is my way of dealing with things I know nothing about. So if we don’t see eye to eye, don’t worry about it. The Lord has blessed me with the ability to be delightfully wrong. So now what was is and will be new?

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

 

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Thursday, 16 August 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	INTO EXISTENCE
You and I have a major problem when it comes to visualising eternity. Our closest approach is probably a ring. It’s more or less circular with apparently no beginning and no end. But a ring is not eternal in the sense that it goes round and round. If we start at point “A” we will eventually come round to point “A” again. Even a ring with an infinite diameter is not exactly “eternal” in the sense that God is eternal. We may never be able to arrive at point “A” again. But we know it is “there”. God’s “eternity” does not have a beginning nor an end. Instead it has a never ending “now”. Which means, no matter where we are in “time”, it is “now” with God. For us, this has a universal “spin off”. It means that at any point in our time, salvation is obtainable “now”. It also means that there is no such thing as eternity past and eternity future. It is always “now”. It also means that Jesus’ death on the cross is always “now”. In other words, those born before Jesus was crucified and those born after he was crucified were all saved “now”.  This also confounds the concept of “how long will people be in heaven or hell?” They will be there as “long” as God is “alive”. They will be dwelling is the ever present “now”. We have no way of describing this in a manner that is meaningful to us. What I believe we can say is that Jesus’ death is somewhere in the middle of “now”. It also explains how we can say: 8 Everyone living on earth will worship it, everyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life. That book belongs to the lamb who was slaughtered before the creation of the world. Revelation 13:8 GW If nothing else, this proves one thing. Your and my salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross was catered for before God commenced creating. I don’t know what this does or says to you, but I’m utterly flabbergasted. This means that God knew all about the Crusades before they happened. He knew all about the holocaust in the Nazi concentration camps from before the beginning of time. He has always known the time, place and date of my birth, and the time, place and date of my death. People are often inclined to look at the world around them and complain bitterly about the way things are. Evil appears to be everywhere. Things look as though they are out of control. They ask why God doesn’t do something about it? The fact is He already has. Jesus Christ, slain before the foundation of the World! There is nothing He doesn’t know about and is beyond His control. I gasp when I think of this. It seems to be far too good to be true. But this does not take into consideration the power and knowledge of God. No matter what we may think, God is still in charge. Satan may seem to be giving Him the “run around”. But God knows all about that too. What I think is the most stunning conclusion about all this is: One day (if I may use such an expression) things will draw to a conclusion. God’s “whistle” will have blown and everything will have been dealt with. End times, judgement and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth will be “history”. Then in His infinite wisdom God will point to all that has taken place; all the sin, disease, suffering and hate. Looking back at it all, He will ask the question “Was it worth it? We will look at Him and say, “Yes Father, You were right!” Jim & Phyllida Strickland			17 He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. 18 And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. He was supreme in the beginning and--leading the resurrection parade--he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. Colossians 1:17-18 MSG 14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. Revelation 3:14 ESV 22 "The LORD formed me from the beginning, before He created anything else. 23 I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began. Proverbs 8:22-23 NLT 27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He drew the horizon on the oceans. 28 I was there when He set the clouds above, when He established springs deep in the earth. 29 I was there when He set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when He marked off the earth's foundations, 30 I was the architect at His side. I was His constant delight, rejoicing always in His presence. Proverbs 8:27-30 NLT 13 "And that is not all! I have always been God, and I always will be. No one can save people from my powerful hand. When I do something, who can undo it?" Isaiah 43:13 NIrV 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the Lamb's book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. Revelation 13:8 TNIV 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 TNIV	When you look at Jesus, what is it that you see? Upon first observation He looks ordinary. To see Him walking on the shore, I’m sure I’d double-take; And ask, “Is this man genuine, or is He just a fake?” I’m sure I couldn’t answer. What man can raise the dead? Who can say the sort of things that Jesus Christ has said? Who can cloth eternity with mortal flesh and bone? Who performs these miracles, save God and God alone? But it is so incongruous. That God may be a man! It seems to be impossible. No human being can, Enfold within his body incarnate Deity. Which person can believe it apart from you or me? And yet it is so obvious. There’s no alternative. Not if human beings are ever going to live. Unless the Lord takes action, each one of us are stuck. There is no other way the Lord could save us from the muck! And yet this is His purpose and very fascinating. One hundred million robots are easy in His making. But why would they obey Him? There’d be no other choice! They’d instantly obey the mere suggestion of His voice. But could they ever love Him? Not of their own free will. He’d have to give them choices if they were to fulfil, That which He intended when He started to create. Even with ability to govern their own fate! This would take great wisdom and many years of time. Freedom to obey Him, or embrace a life of crime. How intimidating and downright dangerous. When you think the outcome was creating all of us! Before He even started, He had to make a place, Suited for the purposes of all the human race. When it was completed, that’s when He next began, Creating men and women, generically called “man”. No one could resist Him. No one could tell Him “No!” No one could prevent it when He decided “Go!” He created Adam and a woman they called Eve Equipped with what was needed so that she could conceive! He knew just what would happen when Satan came along. But when He went ahead with it, He didn’t get it wrong! The pieces of the puzzle were firmly in His mind; And that the final outcome had been properly designed. This wasn’t all just guesswork. He knew that man would fall. And He had made provision for people great and small. He even planned the agony of dying on the cross. Though man was given freedom, it’s clear He’s still the boss. And even in this wicked world, He’s firmly in control. And not just of a little bit, I’m speaking of the whole! Jim Strickland – Written 16th August 2012

HOSEA’S TEST

Time with Jesus - Wed. 15 August 2012

Hi all,

One of the glibbest statements we can ever say as a Christian is to listen to God and instantly obey Him. It sounds wonderful. Laudable even! But can we do it? I’d love to say, “Yes!” No doubt many will say, “What are you talking about?” There are a couple of things I don’t know what I would do if I was calle3d upon by God to do. The first would be to be willingly crucified. The other would be to go, find a prostitute and marry her! (Fortunately, I’m very happily married) Could I do it? I don’t think so. Today’s meditation looks at this.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Wednesday, 15 August 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	HOSEA’S TEST
There has been a lot of talk in recent years concerning the validity of modern prophets. It appears that there are three main views on this. The one view is that there is no such thing. Those who claim they are modern-day prophets must be charlatans, or liars, or both. This is always a possibility. I suspect that every Old Testament prophet, with the exception of Moses, would have disassociated themselves immediately with the claim. The truth of prophet-hood would be established about 100 years after they had died! The second view is that they are plentiful today. The difference is the understanding of what is meant by being a modern-day prophet. Mostly what they bring is in line with Paul’s comments to the Corinthians: 3 But those who prophesy speak to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.1 Corinthians 14:3 TNIV In the good old King Jimmy version these words are, for edification, exhortation, and comfort. In that sense, each and every Christian may prophesy. That includes you and me! (Perish the thought) The third and final group are those who don’t care one way or the other. If they like what they hear – great! If not – “What’s for lunch?” My position is very convenient. I’m a “card- carrying, fence-sitter”! There are aspects of the first and the second views I love. I believe there are men and women called prophets today. But I object strongly to those who are self-proclaimed Prophets. Frankly I’ve heard and read some of the most outrageous garbage masquerading as the prophetic word. I’ve also come across very ordinary men and women through whom the Spirit of God has spoken. They seldom realise it. If they thought for one moment that they were “prophetic”, they would run away. The Old Testament Prophets were often called upon by God to do some extraordinary things. In this regard, read some of the things Ezekiel was required to do. Isaiah was told to go and speak to a people who would not listen. Jeremiah went through the most horrendous life experiences. However, for me the one who really “takes the biscuit” was the prophet Hosea. He was told to marry a prostitute who would not love him. The Lord was showing through the life of His prophet, what it was like to be in covenant with a people who didn’t love Him. They preferred to go and chase after other gods. That’s exactly what Hosea did. He married a woman called “Gomer” the daughter of Diblaim. In “fairy stories”, they all lived happily ever after. In real life this seldom happens. This woman had no intention of changing her ways and being faithful to her husband. In no time at all, she was back “on the streets” following the oldest profession in the world. She left him and became the slave of her lover! Then the Lord commanded Hosea to buy her back, for the price of an ordinary female slave. He did! What shocks us today is that God would do such a thing. We are told in the New Testament not to touch the filthy things of unbelievers. So what do we do today with men like Hosea and women like Gomer? I don’t have the answer. I do know what usually happens when a Christian marries an unbeliever. My recommendation from personal experience is, “Don’t do it!” Jim & Phyllida Strickland			14 "But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. Hosea 2:14 NLT 17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 18 And I will be your Father, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty. " 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 NLT 1 Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT 12 So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make His people holy by means of His own blood. 13 So let us go out to Him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace He bore. Hebrews 13:12-13 NLT 31 And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Mark 6:31 ESV A psalm of David. 1 The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:1-4 NIV	Hosea; O Hosea! What a dreadful test. To have to marry someone who was second-hand at best! A prostitute; delighted to be with other men, Who didn’t do it once or twice, but time and time again! To then be told to look for her; return her to the fold. What a shock to find her, while she was being sold. And yet, you bought her back again and spoke so tenderly. I’m not sure I could take it Lord, if that was done to me. I think that I would run away as far as I could go! To go back to a prostitute? – O Lord I do not know. But Gomer was a picture of Your people, Israel. Who thought that they could serve You and serve other gods as well. This was prostitution in Your tender, loving eyes. Serving Baal or Molech was a thing which You despise. Hosea’s test was something, to tell us about You. About the things, Almighty God, that You have had to do! Your people were unfaithful; with other gods they whored. The covenant they had with you, they totally ignored. And though you took them back again innumerable times, The day would come when they would have to pay for all their crimes. “Leave the unbelievers! Don’t touch their filthy things! Shun all their unfaithfulness, their jewels and their rings! Be My sons and daughters and I will welcome you. Dedicate yourselves to being faithful, pure and true. Clothe yourselves with holiness in body, soul and mind. Jesus’ blood will cleanse you and you will surely find, That when you’ve gone to be with Him and dwell outside the camp, There’ll be no incentive for you to be a tramp! Come aside and be with Him where you can rest awhile. Come to a deserted place where you can’t be defiled. Then I’ll be your Shepherd and you will be my sheep. Thoroughly restored; by quiet waters, you I’ll keep. Let Me lead and guide you in the paths of righteousness. Leave that ugly lifestyle and surely I will bless. And you will be forever, in pastures which are green. No longer a prostitute; instead you’ll be My queen!” Jim Strickland Written 15th August 2012

JIMMETS – COVENANT GIFT

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 14 August 2012

Hi all,

Today we meditate on God’s Promise to David and on Ephesians 1:3-6. There is also reference to Romans 8:28 in the introduction. 2 Tim 1:12 is not referred to directly, but Paul’s conviction that God is able to guard that with which He has been trusted is clear. This conforms with Romans 8:28. Thus all four Scripture references are utilised. Expressing Ephesians 1:3-6 in Jimmet form was fun!

Blessings
Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus Tuesday, 14 August 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	JIMMETS – COVENANT GIFT
A couple of days ago we looked at an occasion early in David’s reign. At that time he had wanted to build a “house” for God. The Temple that would be built by his son Solomon. David was told by the Lord through His prophet that he was not permitted do this. He was a man of war with blood on his hands. The temple would be built by his son who would be a man of peace. However, he was informed that God would build him a house! A throne on which his descendants would always sit. David’s reaction to this was that he felt completely overwhelmed. It’s worth pointing out that God would build this line. He would be the One who would design and supervise the building of David’s “house”. In a way, David would emulate what God had promised to do. He became the architect of the Temple and went about accumulating materials for the task. He also made provision so that on his death, all his personal wealth would be donated for the building of the temple. In this respect, although Solomon built the temple, it was based on his father’s provision. Perhaps we should refer to the Temple as “David’s Temple” rather than “Solomon’s Temple”. We don’t do that for good reasons. But we do remember Sir Christopher Wren as the architect of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Does anyone know who did the building? In today’s first Scripture, we move in time to the end of David’s reign. By now, he was an old man. In spite of this, we notice that he had not forgotten God’s everlasting covenant with him. It’s interesting to read how confident David was that God would do this. The New Living Translation expresses his confidence in God’s undertaking to him and his family: 5 "Is it not my family God has chosen? Yes, He has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail. He will ensure my safety and success. 2 Samuel 23:5 NLT David’s attitude sheds additional light on the assurance Paul describes in Romans 8: 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT  David had no idea that it would be some 1000 years before Jesus would be manifest in the flesh. During the interim, David’s line had almost disappeared. But it could be traced back through his mother’s antecedents as well as His stepfather’s antecedents. Here was the fulfilment of God’s promise to David; the everlasting King of Kings! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			25 "Is it not my family God has chosen? Yes, He has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail. He will ensure my safety and success. 2 Samuel 23:5 NLT 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 TNIV 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:3-6 TNIV 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:27-30 TNIV	EVERLASTING COVENANT An everlasting covenant was cut; That David would forever have a son, Who sat upon the throne; no ifs or buts; Until creation’s time on earth was done. I wonder if He really understood, How God would bring this promise into fact? He realised that God, the Father, would Keep His Word and was obliged to act; The way He had declared to him that day. Who else but God had the ability, To bring about the things he heard God say, And keep it going for eternity? But there was one thing David knew for sure. God’s promises forever would endure. Jim Strickland written 14th August 2012     HIS FREE GIFT Praise be unto the Farther of our Lord; Who blessed us in the heavenly realms above. All Spiritual blessings He has poured, On us, through Jesus Christ, the King of Love. In Him. He chose us in the “days” before, He started to create the things we see. Predestined our adoption to be more, Than creatures who are lost eternally. This was according to His Sovereign will; The Sons of God; Not merely men of mud. And by His grace, decided He would spill Christ Jesus’ own and very precious blood! O what a plan! To take our punishment! The very reason why His Son was sent! Jim Strickland written 14th August 2012