Larry Lilly's Journal January 2015 Vol 17 Issue 1
Young David's Secret
1 Samuel 17:20 “And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.”
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Joseph Campbell
David’s secret is simple and one that any serious person can implement in daily life and enjoy, over time, a success only dreamed of by those who fail or refuse to see the light David so thoroughly enjoyed walking in.
According to the context David was taking lunch to his brothers who were enlistees in Saul’s army. He delegated the care of his sheep to a responsible person and did as his Father Jesse had instructed. Upon arriving at the encampment, David noticed the bully, Goliath strutting around calling the Israeli soldiers names of contempt. David got upset about this and offered names in return upon which action his older brother took umbrage and began to spew forth put downs about David concerning his youth, irresponsibility, pride, even implying that David had heart trouble from a heart perspective. Here are the searing words of David’s bother Eliab:
1 Samuel 17:28 “And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.”
David was as yet unaware that he was launching a career that would last the rest of his life, yet common sense tells us that the words of his older brother must have stung like fiery darts into his young heart. When Eliab’s vitriolic words are put under the microscope of sincere criticism you come up with something like this:
“David, I, your older brother am enlisted in Saul’s army. I know that I have never killed a lion or bear, I have enough knowledge to admit my fear of the giant. I am aware of your supposed courage in the bear/lion episode. I am also persuaded that your goal has been and is, to usurp my leadership as the firstborn. David, you need to remember that I, Eliab happen to be God’s chosen first born, and you have better not forget it. You may have Dad fooled, but I know you have a ro-ah, evil heart filled with naughtiness, sorrow, sadness and outright wickedness.”
So here we have the family leader cheering David on!
In this year of our Lord, 2015, as you face whatever giants may cross your path, be prepared to do battle with an eye toward victory, knowing full well that many who should be your helper, your encourager, your comrade in arms, are, in fact against you. David is a very good example of how to continue against the known enemies of God, but also the less than courageous, overly jealous fellow soldiers who could and should be cheering you on for God’s glory.
As you contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints, you must do so knowing that you can count on the Lord, and all others are at best questionable when the chips are down. David brushed off the slurs, character assassinations, youth despising family members. (See page 4 for encouragement).!
In 2015 as you prepare to face whatever giants, do so knowing that “though all the world forsake you, and Satan tempt you sore, you can and must rest upon His mercy and trust Him more.”
Instead of tucking his tail and running home, David, well aware of the contempt in which he was held, appealed to the unifying cause, which in this instant case was the killing of the giant. To encourage the fearful and become more brave himself, David recounted that he had killed a bear and a lion in hand to hand combat and this being true he trusted the God who had helped would again help him! Past victory can and should be a harbinger of present overcoming.
The great lesson from young David for us in 2015 is simple:
God in Christ has brought us this far by faith, we have every reason to trust Him for today and whatever today holds and for all of our tomorrows.
Instead of finding so much fault with each other, the cause will be better served when we recognize we are in an age long battle against Satan. When we understand that the fate of souls hangs in the balance and their only hope, as well as ours, is to fully trust that the greatness of the cause is greater than petty differences.
The cause to which, we who know Jesus Christ, have been called is bigger than Goliath. It is also bigger than the faults we knit pick one another about. Over many years and decades I have rallied again and again at the words of courage David threw into the face of Goliath. Read them and then look your adversary in the eye and use this God empowered phrase as your own:
“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45
In an article on this subject I used Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” as a catalyst to convince myself of the awesomeness of the power of the Holy Spirit residing inside of me and all God’s born again ones.
There is one overarching truth in this account that is often overlooked. The simplicity of it is astounding. Look again at the opening verse: 1 Samuel 17:20
“And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.”
It was as David was going about the business his father had ordered that the grand opportunity of his life was presented to him.
We must return to faithfulness in ordinary things, trusting Jesus to use us, often giving unbelievable opportunities to us to demonstrate His power in us. These moments of courage and glory are connected to ordinary people who are carrying out our Father’s plan. Today? Perhaps! LML
“Ninety percent of all those who fail are not really defeated. They simply quit.” Paul J. Meyer
“Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize.” Elizabeth Harrison.
“May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions! “ Joey Adams
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Joseph Campbell
David’s secret is simple and one that any serious person can implement in daily life and enjoy, over time, a success only dreamed of by those who fail or refuse to see the light David so thoroughly enjoyed walking in.
According to the context David was taking lunch to his brothers who were enlistees in Saul’s army. He delegated the care of his sheep to a responsible person and did as his Father Jesse had instructed. Upon arriving at the encampment, David noticed the bully, Goliath strutting around calling the Israeli soldiers names of contempt. David got upset about this and offered names in return upon which action his older brother took umbrage and began to spew forth put downs about David concerning his youth, irresponsibility, pride, even implying that David had heart trouble from a heart perspective. Here are the searing words of David’s bother Eliab:
1 Samuel 17:28 “And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.”
David was as yet unaware that he was launching a career that would last the rest of his life, yet common sense tells us that the words of his older brother must have stung like fiery darts into his young heart. When Eliab’s vitriolic words are put under the microscope of sincere criticism you come up with something like this:
“David, I, your older brother am enlisted in Saul’s army. I know that I have never killed a lion or bear, I have enough knowledge to admit my fear of the giant. I am aware of your supposed courage in the bear/lion episode. I am also persuaded that your goal has been and is, to usurp my leadership as the firstborn. David, you need to remember that I, Eliab happen to be God’s chosen first born, and you have better not forget it. You may have Dad fooled, but I know you have a ro-ah, evil heart filled with naughtiness, sorrow, sadness and outright wickedness.”
So here we have the family leader cheering David on!
In this year of our Lord, 2015, as you face whatever giants may cross your path, be prepared to do battle with an eye toward victory, knowing full well that many who should be your helper, your encourager, your comrade in arms, are, in fact against you. David is a very good example of how to continue against the known enemies of God, but also the less than courageous, overly jealous fellow soldiers who could and should be cheering you on for God’s glory.
As you contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints, you must do so knowing that you can count on the Lord, and all others are at best questionable when the chips are down. David brushed off the slurs, character assassinations, youth despising family members. (See page 4 for encouragement).!
In 2015 as you prepare to face whatever giants, do so knowing that “though all the world forsake you, and Satan tempt you sore, you can and must rest upon His mercy and trust Him more.”
Instead of tucking his tail and running home, David, well aware of the contempt in which he was held, appealed to the unifying cause, which in this instant case was the killing of the giant. To encourage the fearful and become more brave himself, David recounted that he had killed a bear and a lion in hand to hand combat and this being true he trusted the God who had helped would again help him! Past victory can and should be a harbinger of present overcoming.
The great lesson from young David for us in 2015 is simple:
God in Christ has brought us this far by faith, we have every reason to trust Him for today and whatever today holds and for all of our tomorrows.
Instead of finding so much fault with each other, the cause will be better served when we recognize we are in an age long battle against Satan. When we understand that the fate of souls hangs in the balance and their only hope, as well as ours, is to fully trust that the greatness of the cause is greater than petty differences.
The cause to which, we who know Jesus Christ, have been called is bigger than Goliath. It is also bigger than the faults we knit pick one another about. Over many years and decades I have rallied again and again at the words of courage David threw into the face of Goliath. Read them and then look your adversary in the eye and use this God empowered phrase as your own:
“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45
In an article on this subject I used Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” as a catalyst to convince myself of the awesomeness of the power of the Holy Spirit residing inside of me and all God’s born again ones.
There is one overarching truth in this account that is often overlooked. The simplicity of it is astounding. Look again at the opening verse: 1 Samuel 17:20
“And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.”
It was as David was going about the business his father had ordered that the grand opportunity of his life was presented to him.
We must return to faithfulness in ordinary things, trusting Jesus to use us, often giving unbelievable opportunities to us to demonstrate His power in us. These moments of courage and glory are connected to ordinary people who are carrying out our Father’s plan. Today? Perhaps! LML
“Ninety percent of all those who fail are not really defeated. They simply quit.” Paul J. Meyer
“Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize.” Elizabeth Harrison.
“May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions! “ Joey Adams
Letters & Comments
Pastor Lilly,
The 2nd Wednesday of November marked the 1 year anniversary since you brought me to WVCF for the first time. At the time I knew that God was preparing me for something but didn’t have a clue what. Jen had mentioned to me a couple of times that I should see if I could accompany you down there sometime, and my response was “MEH”. When you offered to take me without me asking about it, I got the feeling that God was telling me something. After spending just a few evenings there with you and Darrell I knew he had planted me where he wanted me.
Over the past year I have preached to the men several times and completed the teaching of the first New Testament Survey course for them. The men I had in the class were a real blessing to me and I was so encouraged to have a group of guys that genuinely wanted to be there. I am doing things that I would have never thought I would have had the courage to do. Being with these men in this environment has really inspired me and has helped me realize that God can use anyone, anywhere. Thank you for encouraging me to pursue this and for the support you have given me since it began. Brad Utz
Editor’s Note: Brad is a pleasant surprise from the Lord to help in this much needed ministry at Wabash Valley. I see a great future for him in the service of Jesus Christ. LML
Praise the Lord for the following note:
The Lord has been so gracious to us this year with the classes we have conducted at Wabash Valley correctional facility. With the addition of Brad Utz we have been able to expand our classes. With the help of Brother Lilly and Pastor Phil Price we established the Advanced Pastoring and Bible Doctrines Class last year. Brad graciously agreed to teach New Testament Survey this year, and has done an excellent job. With the Bible Doctrines, New Testament Survey, Advanced Pastoring and Practical Pastoring, we will graduate 26 offenders. This will bring our total up for the last three years to between 180 and 190 who have graduated. Darrell Case
****Here’s a great note sent from The Other Side of the Bars:
“A mighty wind blew night and day. It stole the Oak tree's leaves away. Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark until the Oak was tired and stark. But still the Oak tree held its ground while other trees fell all around. The weary wind gave up and spoke, "How can you still be standing Oak?"The Oak tree said, I know that you can break each branch of mine in two, carry every leaf away, shake my limbs and make me sway. But I have roots stretched in the earth, growing stronger since my birth. You'll never touch them, for you see they are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn't sure of just how much I could endure. But now I've found with thanks to you, I'm stronger than I ever knew.” Johnny Ray Ryder
Editor’s Note: A friend sent the above to Sheriff Bob Spence of Vermillion County who just finished 8 years of service with a stellar record of achievement. I think the piece applies to Bob. I had the privilege of serving as a special chaplain at the request of Sheriff Spence. LML***
Larry,
I apologize for cutting back on every ones offering. It was necessary. I will not list the reason, but I will ask for prayer for physical and financial wellbeing, for God to have mercy and gives us grace in our new circumstances. T. G. and B.
Editor’s Note: Please pray for this dear pastor and group who have supported this work since 1999. Times are tough in many places. This family/church are outstanding servants of Jesus Christ and stand for the entire truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please hold them in your heart and prayers. LML
The 2nd Wednesday of November marked the 1 year anniversary since you brought me to WVCF for the first time. At the time I knew that God was preparing me for something but didn’t have a clue what. Jen had mentioned to me a couple of times that I should see if I could accompany you down there sometime, and my response was “MEH”. When you offered to take me without me asking about it, I got the feeling that God was telling me something. After spending just a few evenings there with you and Darrell I knew he had planted me where he wanted me.
Over the past year I have preached to the men several times and completed the teaching of the first New Testament Survey course for them. The men I had in the class were a real blessing to me and I was so encouraged to have a group of guys that genuinely wanted to be there. I am doing things that I would have never thought I would have had the courage to do. Being with these men in this environment has really inspired me and has helped me realize that God can use anyone, anywhere. Thank you for encouraging me to pursue this and for the support you have given me since it began. Brad Utz
Editor’s Note: Brad is a pleasant surprise from the Lord to help in this much needed ministry at Wabash Valley. I see a great future for him in the service of Jesus Christ. LML
Praise the Lord for the following note:
The Lord has been so gracious to us this year with the classes we have conducted at Wabash Valley correctional facility. With the addition of Brad Utz we have been able to expand our classes. With the help of Brother Lilly and Pastor Phil Price we established the Advanced Pastoring and Bible Doctrines Class last year. Brad graciously agreed to teach New Testament Survey this year, and has done an excellent job. With the Bible Doctrines, New Testament Survey, Advanced Pastoring and Practical Pastoring, we will graduate 26 offenders. This will bring our total up for the last three years to between 180 and 190 who have graduated. Darrell Case
****Here’s a great note sent from The Other Side of the Bars:
“A mighty wind blew night and day. It stole the Oak tree's leaves away. Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark until the Oak was tired and stark. But still the Oak tree held its ground while other trees fell all around. The weary wind gave up and spoke, "How can you still be standing Oak?"The Oak tree said, I know that you can break each branch of mine in two, carry every leaf away, shake my limbs and make me sway. But I have roots stretched in the earth, growing stronger since my birth. You'll never touch them, for you see they are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn't sure of just how much I could endure. But now I've found with thanks to you, I'm stronger than I ever knew.” Johnny Ray Ryder
Editor’s Note: A friend sent the above to Sheriff Bob Spence of Vermillion County who just finished 8 years of service with a stellar record of achievement. I think the piece applies to Bob. I had the privilege of serving as a special chaplain at the request of Sheriff Spence. LML***
Larry,
I apologize for cutting back on every ones offering. It was necessary. I will not list the reason, but I will ask for prayer for physical and financial wellbeing, for God to have mercy and gives us grace in our new circumstances. T. G. and B.
Editor’s Note: Please pray for this dear pastor and group who have supported this work since 1999. Times are tough in many places. This family/church are outstanding servants of Jesus Christ and stand for the entire truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please hold them in your heart and prayers. LML
The Book Worm's Corner Comments on Books Joyce D. Lilly
A truly great book
The Image. Paul F. Gordon 10 Chp 186 pgs Available at the regular outlets.
The stated purpose of The Image is “God’s purpose for man and how He gets him there. Navigating in the will of God. For the serious Christian.”
Each page is loaded with examples of God’s mercy and grace as experienced/witnessed by Pastor Gordon over 32 years as Senior Pastor and more as a teacher. While each page is rich with wisdom for daily living a victorious life, some are as captivating as a polestar guiding the reader to a deeper grasp of God’s love and power.
I was blessed by Paul’s treatment of the mostly forgotten story of Alexander Selkirk who as a teen was barred from his church for rebelling against his parents. Rather than face the church trial Alex hired himself to a ship’s Captain and began a voyage around the world. The captain soon had enough and set Alex off on a deserted island. He spent about four years on the island and God worked a miracle in his heart. In later years Daniel Defoe used the story of the change in Alex as the basis for Robinson Crusoe.
Key #7 is worth the price of many books, the title, God’s Roadblocks Are Not Always the End of a Plan. This chapter is among the most amazing I have ever read on the working of God in our life, for His glory and our long term benefit. The resurrected plans of several biblical characters are given to strongly remind us of how God brings beauty for ashes and success from apparent failure. Larry is raving about Brother Gordon’s latest book. You really need to get this book and soon! Joyce Lilly, TGB
The stated purpose of The Image is “God’s purpose for man and how He gets him there. Navigating in the will of God. For the serious Christian.”
Each page is loaded with examples of God’s mercy and grace as experienced/witnessed by Pastor Gordon over 32 years as Senior Pastor and more as a teacher. While each page is rich with wisdom for daily living a victorious life, some are as captivating as a polestar guiding the reader to a deeper grasp of God’s love and power.
I was blessed by Paul’s treatment of the mostly forgotten story of Alexander Selkirk who as a teen was barred from his church for rebelling against his parents. Rather than face the church trial Alex hired himself to a ship’s Captain and began a voyage around the world. The captain soon had enough and set Alex off on a deserted island. He spent about four years on the island and God worked a miracle in his heart. In later years Daniel Defoe used the story of the change in Alex as the basis for Robinson Crusoe.
Key #7 is worth the price of many books, the title, God’s Roadblocks Are Not Always the End of a Plan. This chapter is among the most amazing I have ever read on the working of God in our life, for His glory and our long term benefit. The resurrected plans of several biblical characters are given to strongly remind us of how God brings beauty for ashes and success from apparent failure. Larry is raving about Brother Gordon’s latest book. You really need to get this book and soon! Joyce Lilly, TGB
Interesting Letters and Thoughts from Various Writers
Hey Doc,
I just received a call early this morning from someone that told me I had been of tremendous encouragement to them. That was a great encouragement to me. And then after a while Maggie and I were talking and she passed the mail over to me and there was your monthly letter. I saw it and said to her, "Larry continues to be faithful, even after all he has been through."
Then I thought, after resigning my last pastorate and not knowing what God had next, I purposed in my own heart that I would not become a "has-been", no matter what. I would stay faithful and consistent in God's Word, I would grow and become more fruitful, and would not become one of those in preacher's circles where it is asked, "What ever became of old brother so-and-so after he left the ministry?"
I didn't quit the ministry, God just redirected my efforts. And I study more now and am more faithful than ever before. I refused to become a has-been.
I have also seen that same quality of character in you. When you probably were at your lowest, you refused to give up and just roll over and play dead. To me that speaks volumes about the man you are. You have been an inspiration to me, and I know to multitudes of others. Thanks for not letting the enemy beat you and for not giving up.
I think of what Dr. Sightler told about when a drunk hit and killed his daughter and critically injured his wife. He said when he got the news, his first thought was to resign everything for God. And as he was contemplating how to step out gracefully, an older preacher came and laid his hand on his shoulder and said, "Harold, I'm glad God has a man in South Carolina that he is not afraid to turn the devil loose on."
I appreciate how you have endured and overcome. You truly are a blessing and inspiration to multitudes. May God continue to keep his merciful hand of blessing on you, your family, and your ministry for him.
Your brother in the faith, George
Editor’s Note: Only God and those who have “been through it” know the value of such a letter! I had no idea I had/was/am impacting others in such a way. LML
****
At his father’s funeral, American track and field star Carl Lewis placed his 100-meter gold medal from the 1984 Olympics in his father’s grave. “Don’t worry,” he told his surprised mother. “I’ll get another one.”
A year later, in the 100-meter final at the 1988 games, Lewis was competing against Canadian world record holder Ben Johnson. Halfway through the race, Johnson was still five feet in front. Lewis was convinced he could catch him. But at 80 meters, he was still five feet behind. “It’s over,” Lewis thought. As Johnson crossed the finish, he stared back at Lewis and thrust his right arm in the air, index finger extended.
Lewis was exasperated. He had noticed Johnson’s bulging muscles and yellow-tinged eyes, both indications of steroid use. “I didn’t have the medal, but I could still give to my father by acting with class and dignity,” Lewis said later. He shook Johnson’s hand and left the track.
Then came the announcement that Johnson had tested positive for anabolic steroids. He was stripped of his medal. The gold went to Lewis, a replacement for the medal he had given his father.
There are times that standing firm for what you believe will result in you losing. You might lose respect from those you want to please. You could lose a job. You may even lose friendships. But when the pressure is on, stand firm in your faith knowing that a better reward is on the way! Dale Flynn
Dale Flynn, Preacher Mentor Word of Life Local Church Ministries, dflynn@wol.org Get on this list!!!
+++
Happy New Year!
I sincerely pray that you will prayerfully discern God’s perfect will for your life in 2015. Every day of every year can and should be fantastic in the life of every Christian as we take hold on the truth expressed by the Apostle Paul, “Greater is he that is you than he that is in the world.” Knowing this truth and acting upon it makes all the difference in our attitude about the abundant life promised to us, by Jesus Christ. John, who wrote the Book of Revelation enjoyed the abundant spirit filled life while living in a prison/stone quarry, Patmos. On the Lord’s Day John saw Jesus high and lifted up. The reality of Jesus supersedes current circumstances. LML
Please send requests etc to
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
or Snail Mail
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5112
Terre Haute, IN 47805
Be certain of my sincere prayers for you and yours as you face the tremendous challenge of 2015 with hope in your heart, your mind on things above and your spiritual eye on Jesus!!
I just received a call early this morning from someone that told me I had been of tremendous encouragement to them. That was a great encouragement to me. And then after a while Maggie and I were talking and she passed the mail over to me and there was your monthly letter. I saw it and said to her, "Larry continues to be faithful, even after all he has been through."
Then I thought, after resigning my last pastorate and not knowing what God had next, I purposed in my own heart that I would not become a "has-been", no matter what. I would stay faithful and consistent in God's Word, I would grow and become more fruitful, and would not become one of those in preacher's circles where it is asked, "What ever became of old brother so-and-so after he left the ministry?"
I didn't quit the ministry, God just redirected my efforts. And I study more now and am more faithful than ever before. I refused to become a has-been.
I have also seen that same quality of character in you. When you probably were at your lowest, you refused to give up and just roll over and play dead. To me that speaks volumes about the man you are. You have been an inspiration to me, and I know to multitudes of others. Thanks for not letting the enemy beat you and for not giving up.
I think of what Dr. Sightler told about when a drunk hit and killed his daughter and critically injured his wife. He said when he got the news, his first thought was to resign everything for God. And as he was contemplating how to step out gracefully, an older preacher came and laid his hand on his shoulder and said, "Harold, I'm glad God has a man in South Carolina that he is not afraid to turn the devil loose on."
I appreciate how you have endured and overcome. You truly are a blessing and inspiration to multitudes. May God continue to keep his merciful hand of blessing on you, your family, and your ministry for him.
Your brother in the faith, George
Editor’s Note: Only God and those who have “been through it” know the value of such a letter! I had no idea I had/was/am impacting others in such a way. LML
****
At his father’s funeral, American track and field star Carl Lewis placed his 100-meter gold medal from the 1984 Olympics in his father’s grave. “Don’t worry,” he told his surprised mother. “I’ll get another one.”
A year later, in the 100-meter final at the 1988 games, Lewis was competing against Canadian world record holder Ben Johnson. Halfway through the race, Johnson was still five feet in front. Lewis was convinced he could catch him. But at 80 meters, he was still five feet behind. “It’s over,” Lewis thought. As Johnson crossed the finish, he stared back at Lewis and thrust his right arm in the air, index finger extended.
Lewis was exasperated. He had noticed Johnson’s bulging muscles and yellow-tinged eyes, both indications of steroid use. “I didn’t have the medal, but I could still give to my father by acting with class and dignity,” Lewis said later. He shook Johnson’s hand and left the track.
Then came the announcement that Johnson had tested positive for anabolic steroids. He was stripped of his medal. The gold went to Lewis, a replacement for the medal he had given his father.
There are times that standing firm for what you believe will result in you losing. You might lose respect from those you want to please. You could lose a job. You may even lose friendships. But when the pressure is on, stand firm in your faith knowing that a better reward is on the way! Dale Flynn
Dale Flynn, Preacher Mentor Word of Life Local Church Ministries, dflynn@wol.org Get on this list!!!
+++
Happy New Year!
I sincerely pray that you will prayerfully discern God’s perfect will for your life in 2015. Every day of every year can and should be fantastic in the life of every Christian as we take hold on the truth expressed by the Apostle Paul, “Greater is he that is you than he that is in the world.” Knowing this truth and acting upon it makes all the difference in our attitude about the abundant life promised to us, by Jesus Christ. John, who wrote the Book of Revelation enjoyed the abundant spirit filled life while living in a prison/stone quarry, Patmos. On the Lord’s Day John saw Jesus high and lifted up. The reality of Jesus supersedes current circumstances. LML
Please send requests etc to
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
or Snail Mail
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5112
Terre Haute, IN 47805
Be certain of my sincere prayers for you and yours as you face the tremendous challenge of 2015 with hope in your heart, your mind on things above and your spiritual eye on Jesus!!