A critic said, “Larry is too acquainted with failure to suit me!” I certainly do know more about failings along the path than does my critic. However, I also know more about success than most people who think their calling in life is that of the critic. The reason is simple, if you are terrified of failing, you never give true success a try.
Early in my life as a Christian called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the study Bible thought to be the very best among the group was, and still is, the Scofield Reference Bible by Dr. C.I. Scofield, the stellar producer. Prior to conversion, one incident in my life was identical to one in his. When I discovered this I found great hope in being used greatly despite that supposed disqualifying mark. To my chagrin, I discovered a seldom used Bible doctrine, the flaws of dead men don’t count, only the flaws of the living. So, onward I marched, with the nagging thought of hypocrisy and double standards. Over time my thoughts were confirmed. Therefore, I ignored the wrath of those who made it a point to “stamp out Lilly.”
Along the way statements, biblical accounts of God using people whom other people thought were improper to serve God, gave me the courage to keep on trucking for Jesus. Here’s a gem from a man acquainted with human weakness that may help you:
“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” - Johnny Cash.
The Lord Jesus Christ does not care all that much about yesterday, but He is concerned that we acknowledge the sins, trust Him for forgiveness and restoration, in many cases, as in salvation, a placement to a higher level than that previously enjoyed. Man being placed higher than angels once Christ is in the heart is one, and certainly Saul who became Paul, another.
2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Copyright © 2017 Larry Lilly
Today's IT Work! Oral Deckard
Early in my life as a Christian called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the study Bible thought to be the very best among the group was, and still is, the Scofield Reference Bible by Dr. C.I. Scofield, the stellar producer. Prior to conversion, one incident in my life was identical to one in his. When I discovered this I found great hope in being used greatly despite that supposed disqualifying mark. To my chagrin, I discovered a seldom used Bible doctrine, the flaws of dead men don’t count, only the flaws of the living. So, onward I marched, with the nagging thought of hypocrisy and double standards. Over time my thoughts were confirmed. Therefore, I ignored the wrath of those who made it a point to “stamp out Lilly.”
Along the way statements, biblical accounts of God using people whom other people thought were improper to serve God, gave me the courage to keep on trucking for Jesus. Here’s a gem from a man acquainted with human weakness that may help you:
“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” - Johnny Cash.
The Lord Jesus Christ does not care all that much about yesterday, but He is concerned that we acknowledge the sins, trust Him for forgiveness and restoration, in many cases, as in salvation, a placement to a higher level than that previously enjoyed. Man being placed higher than angels once Christ is in the heart is one, and certainly Saul who became Paul, another.
2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Copyright © 2017 Larry Lilly
Today's IT Work! Oral Deckard
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