JOYFUL IN GOD

Time with Jesus - 20 July 2013

Hi all,

Comedians are supposed to be “funny” people. They come onto the stage, TV or radio and make us laugh. Many have acquired International status by virtue of their ability. Most will have heard of Bob Hope, Charlie Chaplain, Buster Keaton, Morecombe and Wise, Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett, Ken Dodd and many others.

Comedy being what it is, opinions concerning their ability to make us laugh, varies from person to person. Furthermore, as times have changed, so has the presentation of the individual.

The Thin Blue Line

Rowan Atkinson took the leading part of Inspector Fowler in “The Thin Blue Line”. I understand it’s one of the most popular BBC programs ever. We think it’s hilarious and we have copies of the two DVD’s among our collection. We asked ourselves, “Why?” We quickly spotted the reason. The difference is the scriptwriter, Ben Elton, who wrote it.

Likewise, the immensely popular Goon Show featuring, Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe, Peter Sellers and initially, Michael Bentine, (1951–1953) was the zany comedy of Spike Milligan with, in the early days, a small contribution from Michael Bentine. According to Wikipedia, 238 episodes and 12 specials were broadcast from 1951 to 1960. Phyllida and I recall some of the series which we heard on the radio while we were still at school.

The Goons (L/R)
Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan 

Comedians are not always “fun” people in real life. In many instances they suffer from heavy bouts of depression. Their comedy is an act they use to cover their dilemma. Perhaps the best example is the late Tony Hancock. During the 1950’s and early 1960’s he was perhaps the most popular comedian in UK and many other places. In spite of his success, he felt threatened by other, up and coming radio and TV stars. His disagreement with people resulted in his separation from his two scriptwriters, Allan Simpson and Ray Galton. It was the beginning of the end. He was never able to reach the same heights of popularity he had previously known. Finally, on 24 June 1968, age 44, he committed suicide.

What relevance does this have for you and me in 2013? It’s this. Who is writing your scripts? Are you taking your lead from Jesus or Satan? We will never be any better than the imagination of our scriptwriters and what they provide for us. God has a life planned for you and me which is better than anything we could imagine.

Furthermore, He has made you unique. You don’t have a double anywhere. You take the leading role in the life God has given you. He thinks you are the greatest! He loves you with a passion you can hardly believe. Jesus is your scriptwriter. Every thought or word you may ever wish to state is in His Word.

Read it. Memorise it. Immerse your life, heart and soul into being the person you have been made to be. You are not a “bit part player”. You are the star in a way no one else can be. But, like a good actor or actress, you must learn the script. Your script is His Word. Study it night and day until you know and understand it. It will take you a lifetime.

In the meantime, go and do it. The Psalmists wrote¹¹ I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 NLT The script will not be too hard for you, because He knows what you are going to say. ⁴ You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. Psalm 139:4 NLT 

He has also provided you with a Divine prompter should you struggle with your part. Your prompter is the Holy Spirit. You are called to go out joyfully and reflect the life of the greatest star this world has ever known. What are you waiting for?

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Saturday, 20 July 2013			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	JOYFUL IN GOD
The derivation of words can be fascinating. The word translated “joy” in Gal 5:22 and rejoice in Phil 3:1 come from the same root. In other words joy and rejoice mean about the same thing! It’s important! When I first came into Christianity, I was full of the joy of the Lord. There were a number of other young men and women who had been touched the same way. It sounds a bit cock-eyed, but when we sang Wesley’s Great hymn, “And can it be that I might gain an interest in my Saviour’s blood?” I used to cry like a baby! God’s Spirit had so touched me I would weep tears of joy. It seemed the right thing to do. What disappointed me at the time was the fact that so many of the older people could sing it. But it was without any display of enthusiasm at all. At the time I felt that this was “normal” for older people. There was a problem in those days. People would not discuss religion or politics in public. It seemed to be an unwritten law of the “church” that people would not wax lyrical about Christianity. I’m reminded of a story from those days. A rather excitable Pentecostal visited a Cathedral while on holiday. Naturally, he got a bit excited during the service and kept on interjecting, “Praise the Lord” or “Amen, Hallelujah” Eventually one of the church elders tiptoed up to him and whispered in his ear, “We don’t praise the Lord here”. It would be funny if it wasn’t so tragic. No doubt the church elder and others in the congregation were disturbed by what they thought were the man’s emotional outbursts. Nevertheless, we see that the usual “atmosphere” in the church was one of strictly controlled emotion. Certainly that’s what I saw in the 1960’s. The comment was that the people looked as though they had been baptized in lemon juice! How the church of Jesus Christ has changed. There was a time when men and women were “thrilled” to have been whipped or beaten for believing in the Saviour. I’ve often wondered why it was like it in those dim and distant days. The question is not easy to answer. In every outpouring of the Holy Spirit that I’m aware of, the result was to touch the people in their emotions. People wept, shouted, cried and fell over unconscious as a result of what took place in their lives. There are even stories of people laughing hysterically under the influence of the Spirit of God. Why? I suspect it has much to do with the way they suppress themselves. Then, when they are touched by the Lord, the chains of their suppression are snapped. Then they start doing things they would have liked to do, but wouldn’t. Now they were free. Joy at their release would bubble up and overflow in a delightful expression of their love for the One who liberated them. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			15 All the days of those who are crushed are filled with pain and suffering. But a cheerful heart enjoys a good time that never ends. Proverbs 15:15 NIrV	God is not a spoilsport, He likes us having fun. It all depends on what it is He sees and what we’ve done. It is our definition of all the things we do. We may think it is funny! But what is it to You? If we abuse our parents, so we can have a laugh, The Lord will blow us all away like little bits of chaff. We may think stealing’s funny; but God is not amused; And entry into heaven, for you will be refused. There’s lying and there’s cheating and other funny jokes; And sexual offences with other gals or blokes. There’s cheating on your husband and there is also pawn. The only things these do to God are aggravate His scorn! God has a word for all of this. He says it’s blatant sin. And when we dabble into these, you’ll never see Him grin. In fact the Bible tells us, in words so very clear, That if we carry on with them, He never will draw near. We will not enter the reward the Lord Himself has planned; And end up in a dungeon, in darkest demon-land. The Lord is not a prostitute. He’s made it clear as day. That He is not a bit like that in the remotest way! He’s not manipulate-able; you cannot twist His arm. The Christians, who think that way, are at the “funny farm”! We really have to understand, that humour isn’t joy. The things I think are funny, may easily annoy, People who think differently. Perhaps you want to cry? But with the joy of Jesus, His peace is standing by. So even if the fig tree has no blossoms we can see. Even if the grape vine fails, perhaps the olive tree, Is barren and the flocks and herds lie slaughtered in the field. You can still rejoice because your covenant is sealed. With the blood of Jesus, there’s sure to be no lack. The Word of God declares that Satan has to bring them back! We don’t know how he’ll do it. We do not even care. He must find a method on time, in place, somewhere! Even if we suffer and they burn you at the stake. It’s an opportunity for joy to surely break, The bonds that are restraining you. So laugh aloud with glee. In just a few short moments, the Lord your God you’ll see. Pain is momentary and joy is evermore. Kept for those who persevere, right up to heaven’s door! Jim Strickland  20th July 2012
			10 He continued, "Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don't have anything: This day is holy to God. Don't feel bad. The joy of GOD (The Lord) is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10 MSG
			17 The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17 TNIV
			18 Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18-20 NLT
			15 So let us never stop offering to God our praise through Jesus. Let us offer it as the fruit of lips that say they believe in him. Hebrews 13:15 NIrV
			17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT
			10 We are sad, but we are always full of joy. We are poor, but we make many people rich. We have nothing, but we own everything. 2 Corinthians 6:10 NIrV
			3 That's not all. We are full of joy even when we suffer. We know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on. Romans 5:3 NIrV

IT’S YOUR DECISIONThe Decision

The Decision is Yours!

Time with Jesus - 19 July 2013

Hi all

Which Way?

How easily do you make decisions? Can you make them quickly or does it take you ages to make up your mind? I suppose, for most of us, it depends on the nature of the decision. “Shall I get up this morning or stay in bed?” This rather depends on what you have to get done and your circumstances. If you are on holiday, it doesn’t really matter, unless you have a deadline to keep.

How Not to Take a Decision

Forty years ago I lived in Canada and worked for Ontario Hydro. It’s more or less the Canadian equivalent of Eskom. Back then, I was a shift worker in a power station on the banks of Lake Erie. At the time it was one of the biggest power stations in the Western World. Shift work presented one or two challenges for the staff. The first was that you were not permitted to leave the job until your replacement had arrived and “signed in”. There were 3 shifts, each working 8 hours per day. For most of the year this was not a problem. During the winter, it could be difficult. Canadian winters could be severe with roads blocked with snow. The Ontario Roads workers did their very best to keep them open. But on the odd occasion, the power station was “snowed in” until road snow-clearing was complete. 

Decisions - Decisions

During these times, the staff had to remain on duty. The plant could not be shut down. Electricity was needed in much the same way as it does in South Africa. It was hard on the staff at the power station not being able to go home. But it was seen as an emergency situation and everyone was prepared for such an eventuality. In this sense, the “decision” was out of our hands. No one could go home until their relief arrived!

Our bodies also function that way. Can you imagine what life would be like if your heart decided it would like the day off? What if your foot decided it wasn’t on speaking terms with your leg, making it impossible to walk! As I write this message, The Queen is awaiting the arrival of her first great grandchild. Now Queens don’t like to be kept waiting. But in this instance, Kate’s body and her baby will decided when he/she will make an entrance into the world. Without surgical interference, the baby will have the last word. Like Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth may not be amused. But the future monarch will make the final decision regardless of any other opinion.

Mathematical Certainty?

There is another area in which decisions cannot be made. In the late 1940’s I learned that 1 plus 1 was 2. This did not require legislation. The Constitutional Court could not overrule. Even if Parliament agreed unanimously that 1 plus 1 was 3, it would not make any difference.

There are other things that are “cast in concrete”. The speed of light was decided by God. To the best of my knowledge, it has been unchanged ever since. Today, you may desire to assert that the world is flat. Perhaps you have sufficient oratorical ability, personality and character, to convince the entire population of this planet that the world is flat. Guess what. The world would still be round. (Well sort of) King Canute could not command the sea not to ebb and flow. Much as I would like to, I cannot decide that I won’t grow old. (Some say I’m there already)

There is something else we cannot decide. Sin is sin in every age. God has decided that it will be so. 

You've made your Choice?

We cannot get up tomorrow and say we’ve decided that shooting the President is not a sin. (Sorry about that!). It is a sin and the wages of sin is death. We cannot take this to the Constitutional Court or appeal to the United Nations. God has decreed that we will get paid in full for sin. Furthermore, He has decided that it only takes one sin in life to qualify you and me for a ride on hell’s red hot and ever burning “magic roundabout”. The one God has designed, is unbearably hot and completely fire-proof. It also runs for eternity. There is no way to get off. It’s a question of “welcome aboard for the ride of your death”! (Not life).

Welcome to
The Magic Roundabout

Fortunately, God is not a sadist! The “magic roundabout” was designed for the devil and his buddies, not for people. People only go there because they choose to do so. We don’t have to. We can make a decision not to go there. We must make that decision before we die. 

Your Choice - Heaven or Hell?

For those who choose the better alternative, (life Himself) He asked His Son to do what was necessary to take care of the “magic roundabout”. He did. He decided to “swallow the thing whole”! Of course it still exists but it is now “inside Him”. (All Creation is "within" God) To the riders, it doesn’t seem any smaller. That’s because they are riding on it. But for those who decide to give themselves to Jesus, the whole thing is about the size of a microbe! If they “swallowed it themselves” the impact on them would be ± ⅔ of ⅛ of 0.

The Ride of your Death

Now’s the time to make the greatest decision it is possible for any human. What are you going to do about sin and salvation? You have a choice; the Son of God or the “Magic Roundabout”? Take your pick! It’s your choice!

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – 19 July 2013			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	IT’S YOUR DECISION
“Decision, decisions”, said the man grumpily as he lay under the bedclothes. “Hurry up my dear, it’s time to get up and go to church” said his wife. It’s Sunday you know!” she added sweetly. “I don’t want to go. I think I’ll stay in bed this morning.” he replied somewhat petulantly. “But you must” replied his wife. “You’re the minister!” Decisions are never easy, particularly when they disturb our comfort zones. No doubt this passed through the minds of many of the people who had wandered round and round in the wilderness for the past ± forty years. No doubt life was repetitive. They had worn the same shoes and clothing for the duration. All they did was follow the cloud by day and the fire by night. Then, in the morning, they wandered round in the wilderness looking for the manna that would feed them for the next 24 hours. It wasn’t very exciting. The presence of Moses brought them a certain amount of comfort but so many of their parents had died en route to where they were going. The days had stretched into weeks; the weeks into months and the months into years. But those days were drawing to an end. They had just defeated the Ammonite Kings, Sihon and Og and were about to go in and take possession of the Promised Land. We are all fairly familiar with this background. What we often don’t spot is how similar this is to our own Christian experience. No matter where we are on the journey of life we have the Jordan of our own personal life to cross. The other side is beckoning us on and we have to take our courage in both hands and go across. We’ve had a number of battles with our opponents. They have been defeated in the strength and power of the Lord, while we were still wandering round in our own self contrived wilderness. Personally, I identify with this phase in an extraordinary way. After committing my life to Jesus in 1960, there were a number of personal battles in front of me. I found that the Lord had performed the miracle of deliverance from sin, but there were some battles He expected me to go through. Yes, these things would be confronted and defeated in and by His power. But the fact is He required me to play my part. By way of illustration, God provides the saving power. But we have to do the repenting. In Acts, Paul tells the Athenians, 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. Acts 17:30 ESV. The facts are clear. God provides salvation. But He commands us to repent. No repentance, no salvation! So you and I have trials and tests of the Promised Land in front of us. He is with us and He will give us the power to win. But we have to do it. We can and will if we submit to Jesus and obey His Word. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			3 It's like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that's where GOD commands the blessing, ordains eternal life. Psalms 133:3 MSG	They could never have achieved it, if they’d been all on their own. You cannot defeat a kingdom if you’re standing all alone. First of all they beat King Sihon, then moved on to trounce King Og. These two Ammonitish armies, crashed like falling off a log. They conquered it right from Aroer to Mount Hermon’s frozen peak. All along the Arnon Valley to the Salt Sea dead and bleak. From the foothills of Mt Nebo from which Moses saw the land. All of this they saw and conquered, just the way the Lord had planned. God was with them, strong and mighty and He settled like the dew; Like the Lilly of the Valley; like the cedar trees that grew. Why was this? Because they listened and His teaching fell like rain, It came down like falling raindrops, on the grasslands of the plain. Tender plants began their growing, reaching upward to the sky. Fertile and in huge abundance; giving praise to God most High. All of this was just a foretaste of what God was going to do. He would speak a word in season, doing what He wanted to. All the land would bud and flourish; Yielding seed and making bread. Not a single Word was wasted, doing just what He had said. Not a Word would come back empty; it accomplished His intent. No man ever could resist it; it achieved just what He meant. After they had crossed the Jordan, they began to take the land. Thus they entered into Canaan by the Master’s Mighty Hand. This is not an odd occurrence for the Israelites of old. Those of us who are God’s people, if we do as we are told, Also can attain the victory, everywhere we place our feet. One with God can’t be defeated. In His power we are complete! Unity must be our watchword, as we face the Master’s foes. Harmony! How good and pleasant; covers us from head to toes. Yes indeed it’s His anointing. Scented oil upon the beard; Running over robes and collar. That’s the way that it appeared! This is where He gives His blessing, when His people are all one. When all arguments are over; each and every squabble gone. Once more we have crossed the Jordan, like God’s people on that day. Will we stand as one together, or once more be Satan’s prey? Will we be a mighty army? Turned aside by Achan’s sin? Only if our God will help us, is it possible to win. You alone make the decision. You and all of those you lead. There will never be compulsion - honesty or human greed? Take your pick then you must do it. This is where you must begin, Stay with Jesus Christ forever, or forever trapped in sin? Jim Strickland Written 19th July 2012
			48 So Israel conquered the entire area from Aroer at the edge of the Arnon Gorge all the way to Mount Sirion, also called Mount Hermon. Deuteronomy 4:48 NLT
			5 I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; Hosea 14:5 ESV
			2 Let my teaching fall like rain. Let my words come down like dew. Let them be like raindrops on new grass. Let them be like rain on tender plants. Deuteronomy 32:2 NIrV
			10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 TNIV
			34 For He is sent by God. He speaks God's words, for God gives Him the Spirit without limit. John 3:34 NLT
			16 We have all received one blessing after another. God's grace is not limited. John 1:16 NIrV
			A song by David for going up to worship. 1 See how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in harmony! 2 It is like fine, scented oil on the head, running down the beard-down Aaron's beard- running over the collar of his robes. 3 It is like dew on Mount Hermon, dew which comes down on Zion's mountains. That is where the LORD promised the blessing of eternal life. Psalms 133:1-3 GW