Larry Lilly's Journal Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Happiness Vol. 20 Issue 7/2019
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness!
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. (NKJV)
The great trilogy guaranteed by the founding documents, The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights, each one with a biblical basis, was burned into the heart of the human race from creation. The desire for an adequate expression of the trilogy is given the way to all three great desires as a study of God’s Word makes clear.
The first plank of Liberty’s platform is learning to obey God. Eden is the refresher 101 on this and the water of the knowledge of doing life under God’s leadership set forth as the absolute necessity. Adam and his wife recognized that failure to follow God’s way led to a horrific loss.
Thankfully they also learned that redemption is possible by accepting God’s offer, this being wearing the skins of innocents that were slew as tokens of a unique offering for sin to come much later.
Recognizing your sin is a painful experience, yet a necessary one. Accepting the righteousness of the worthy one who paid for your sin is also humbling. No matter how alien it may seem, the founders knew, most by experience, that as Jesus said, He is the only way. This truth is painted in the three mentioned documents.
God breathed into Adam, and Adam became a living soul, with a body. A little later, God took a rib from Adam and built a woman; this woman is the mother of all human life.
Life is God’s first gift; therefore, it is to be cherished and lived in the manner prescribed by its Creator.
Liberty is necessary to live in the manner prescribed by God, as God holds each person accountable for the lifestyle they choose to live while on earth.
The pursuit of happiness is probably the most misunderstood of the Trilogy as many take it to mean freedom to become addicted to gross habits in life. You can make that choice, but God nor the founding fathers created a method compelling the rest of society to suffer financially due to the consequences of your choice.
Brion McClanahan wrote a book titled; The Politically Incorrect Guide to The Founding Fathers.
Here’s a rundown of some of the content:
The Founders were right-wingers by today’s standards for gun rights, limited government, and religion in public life.
The Founders waged a war of Independence, not a revolution.
The Founders regarded the very idea of democratic government with scorn. (Ever notice we pledge allegiance to the flag and the REPUBLIC for which it stands)?
A Nation of immigrants? Most of the Founders were third-or fourth generation Americans, not recent arrivals.
The Founders believed in States’ Rights, including the right to secede from the Union.
Our current political mess needs to re-read, if any ever has, the Bible and accept its grand wisdom, to drink deep from its fountain of knowledge to gain some good, if hard, choices to reinvigorate the life, liberty, and pursuits of free Americans.
The writers of the New Testament under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit furthered the idea of God’s way in a nation. The people of Christ are certified as God’s new creation, His new nation (Ethnos, nation). Note Paul’ definition:
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.”(NKJV).
Peter enlarges upon the subject of Christians being God’s unique nation:
1Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (NKJV).
The verses that follow the above lay-out a solid foundation for living life in liberty controlled by the Spirit and Word of God, that this new creation becomes a blessing to all humans.
The current Zeitgeist (spirit of the age) via politics is doing all things possible to re-enslave our nation, including the newly created ones, to cause the bitterest harvest of bloodletting, debauched, depraved once proud, now derelict nation to ever walk the earth.
Some years ago, an enormous political party meeting in a packed stadium when asked if they wanted the rule of God, shook the earth with a loud repudiation of God with a resounding NO!
May we hear from politicians the sincere cry of Patrick Henry:
“What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
Please read the background and entire speech here: Patrick Henry will be first at the top.
http://www.truthontheweb.org/liberty.htm
Here's some great Quotes:
An old story has the Russian Rabinovitch touring Europe. He sends greeting from free Warsaw, greetings from free Prague, greetings from free Budapest. Finally he reaches Paris, outside the Iron Curtain, his last card states, Greeting from a free Rabinovitch!
“In its main features The Declaration of Independence is essentially a great spiritual document!” President Calvin Coolidge on The Declaration!
God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it! Daniel Webster
Letters & Comments
Dear Larry,
Good afternoon. I received your letter. Thanks for responding to my letter, instead of throwing it away since I have not written in a very long time. However, I did have you and Joyce in my prayers. I am pleased that you still pray for me.
This is going to sound strange, but I knew Joyce was ill. I cannot explain it. The Great Blond really loves her hair. I am glad that she is not going to lose it.
She has been through a lot, and I pray the pills work and that the breast cancer never comes back.
One of my attorneys also had breast cancer. After a lot of going back and forth my attorney got a year off. Of course, the Judge did talk to me. I was okay, and it is not like my case came to a stop. Just court appearances.
I knew when your anniversary was, though I didn’t know it was that many years of marriage for you two.
My case took a huge setback because of the Prosecutor. Lasted almost five years. Then there were three different lawsuits by inmates. Because of that the Supreme Court put cases on hold that were affected by those suits. Would you believe that all three of the lawsuits affected my case? So, more sitting on my hands.
Last week I cried on my attorneys’ shoulders for 30 minutes. This a new one. I have had her for about three years now. I am really pleased with her.
I broke my hip and fractured my shoulder. Both on my left side so I could still write. I had a complete hip replacement. My hip did not heal right, so I cannot run, jump, skip, or anything that affects my hips. I can walk straight.
I am almost 62 years old and I have the body of a 100 year old.
Though I am not in touch, I have read all of the Journals you have faithfully continued to send to me.
Larry, I have no doubt that Christ is with me because I can feel His love.
I will close for now. Do take care. Hello to Joyce. I am really glad she is around to pray for me.
Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers. RLR.
Editor’s Note: The writer has been receiving the Journal on Death Row for the last 20 years. Her case is one of the too many that should be overturned. The Northwestern College investigation of a few years ago pointed out gross miscarriages of justice associated with capital cases.
I hope you will pray for RLR as she as best as possible serves Our Lord Jesus Christ where she is planted.
Larry
Good afternoon. I received your letter. Thanks for responding to my letter, instead of throwing it away since I have not written in a very long time. However, I did have you and Joyce in my prayers. I am pleased that you still pray for me.
This is going to sound strange, but I knew Joyce was ill. I cannot explain it. The Great Blond really loves her hair. I am glad that she is not going to lose it.
She has been through a lot, and I pray the pills work and that the breast cancer never comes back.
One of my attorneys also had breast cancer. After a lot of going back and forth my attorney got a year off. Of course, the Judge did talk to me. I was okay, and it is not like my case came to a stop. Just court appearances.
I knew when your anniversary was, though I didn’t know it was that many years of marriage for you two.
My case took a huge setback because of the Prosecutor. Lasted almost five years. Then there were three different lawsuits by inmates. Because of that the Supreme Court put cases on hold that were affected by those suits. Would you believe that all three of the lawsuits affected my case? So, more sitting on my hands.
Last week I cried on my attorneys’ shoulders for 30 minutes. This a new one. I have had her for about three years now. I am really pleased with her.
I broke my hip and fractured my shoulder. Both on my left side so I could still write. I had a complete hip replacement. My hip did not heal right, so I cannot run, jump, skip, or anything that affects my hips. I can walk straight.
I am almost 62 years old and I have the body of a 100 year old.
Though I am not in touch, I have read all of the Journals you have faithfully continued to send to me.
Larry, I have no doubt that Christ is with me because I can feel His love.
I will close for now. Do take care. Hello to Joyce. I am really glad she is around to pray for me.
Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers. RLR.
Editor’s Note: The writer has been receiving the Journal on Death Row for the last 20 years. Her case is one of the too many that should be overturned. The Northwestern College investigation of a few years ago pointed out gross miscarriages of justice associated with capital cases.
I hope you will pray for RLR as she as best as possible serves Our Lord Jesus Christ where she is planted.
Larry
The Book Worm's Corner Comments From Helpful Books with Joyce D. Lilly
Joyce D. Lilly
The Man God Uses. Henry & Tom Blackaby. Broadman & Holman Pub. 7 chapters, 214 pgs
I was amazed as I read this excellent book. The chapter titles arrested my attention, and I found ways to get back to reading this book! Note these titles:
1. The Character of the Man God Uses
2. How God Shapes a Man
3. God’s Refining Process
4. The Godly Man’s Response to God
5. Made for Times of Crisis
6. Being a Kingdom Citizen
7. On Mission With God in Our World
Here’s an excerpt from How God Shapes a Man, the author presents Moses and comments:
“Don’t think that your background is too rebellious, too difficult, or too sinful for God to use you. If you have been guilty of deceit, robbery, hatred, racism, adultery, murder or rebellion, you are in the same company as Moses, David, Paul, Abraham, Jacob, and others!
God doesn’t take you just the way you are. He takes you in spite of the way you are. He takes your willing heart, regardless of its past, and creates a new heart, one that seeks after God. When that happens, you will know it is God who is doing the work and not you.
Life’s circumstances teach us most about our character and God’s faithfulness. God can use both our failures and our successes for His glory. He can take what we have done to ourselves and what others have done to us for His glory. Remember, “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” Romans 5:20.”
This book is a page-turner filled with hope for many who are browbeaten by Satan and often well-meaning Christians over yesterdays in their life. Henry uses God’s Word to clear up things via Christ’s blood.
Get the book! JDL
I was amazed as I read this excellent book. The chapter titles arrested my attention, and I found ways to get back to reading this book! Note these titles:
1. The Character of the Man God Uses
2. How God Shapes a Man
3. God’s Refining Process
4. The Godly Man’s Response to God
5. Made for Times of Crisis
6. Being a Kingdom Citizen
7. On Mission With God in Our World
Here’s an excerpt from How God Shapes a Man, the author presents Moses and comments:
“Don’t think that your background is too rebellious, too difficult, or too sinful for God to use you. If you have been guilty of deceit, robbery, hatred, racism, adultery, murder or rebellion, you are in the same company as Moses, David, Paul, Abraham, Jacob, and others!
God doesn’t take you just the way you are. He takes you in spite of the way you are. He takes your willing heart, regardless of its past, and creates a new heart, one that seeks after God. When that happens, you will know it is God who is doing the work and not you.
Life’s circumstances teach us most about our character and God’s faithfulness. God can use both our failures and our successes for His glory. He can take what we have done to ourselves and what others have done to us for His glory. Remember, “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” Romans 5:20.”
This book is a page-turner filled with hope for many who are browbeaten by Satan and often well-meaning Christians over yesterdays in their life. Henry uses God’s Word to clear up things via Christ’s blood.
Get the book! JDL
Page Four Most Requested article of June 2019
LLLV19 6-13-2019 Joseph’s Understanding God’s Use of Betrayal
Have you ever been victimized by a close friend? Perhaps a family member? Has your status in the family, team, or group caused the green-eyed monster to rise with rage against you?
If so, welcome to the human herd.
The Book of Genesis gives the account of Joseph, the chosen of his father as the favorite and also prepared by God for a world-class job, saving the infant nation of Israel. Near the end of Joseph’s saga, his brother, who had sold him as a slave, found themselves under any sentence Joseph would pronounce against them.
When they voiced their fear that he would have them executed, Joseph gave them one of the grandest grace verses in the Bible. Here’s his statement:
Genesis 50:20 "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (NKJV).
This verse is often used to comfort people who are going through tough times brought on by envious people. While browsing, I came across this comment on Genesis 50:20 by Max Lucado:
“Joseph told his brothers, using a Hebrew verb that traces its meaning to “weave” or “plait.”
“You wove evil,” he was saying, “but God rewove it together for good.”
God, is the Master Weaver. He stretches the yarn and intertwines the colors, the ragged twine with the velvet strings, the pains with the pleasures. Nothing escapes His reach. Every king, despot, weather pattern, and molecule are at His command. He passes the shuttle back and forth across the generations, and as He does, a design emerges. Satan weaves; God reweaves.”
You see this principle working all through the Bible, and if you are observant, you have been through it! Perhaps you are experiencing it in your life now.
When we studiously avoid vengeance against those who do us wrong, we set the hand of the Divine Reweaver free to work his wonder in our life and often the experience of many others.
Larry Lilly Share with friends. For Twitter use http://www.larrylilly.net/blog
IT work by Oral Deckard
Have you ever been victimized by a close friend? Perhaps a family member? Has your status in the family, team, or group caused the green-eyed monster to rise with rage against you?
If so, welcome to the human herd.
The Book of Genesis gives the account of Joseph, the chosen of his father as the favorite and also prepared by God for a world-class job, saving the infant nation of Israel. Near the end of Joseph’s saga, his brother, who had sold him as a slave, found themselves under any sentence Joseph would pronounce against them.
When they voiced their fear that he would have them executed, Joseph gave them one of the grandest grace verses in the Bible. Here’s his statement:
Genesis 50:20 "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (NKJV).
This verse is often used to comfort people who are going through tough times brought on by envious people. While browsing, I came across this comment on Genesis 50:20 by Max Lucado:
“Joseph told his brothers, using a Hebrew verb that traces its meaning to “weave” or “plait.”
“You wove evil,” he was saying, “but God rewove it together for good.”
God, is the Master Weaver. He stretches the yarn and intertwines the colors, the ragged twine with the velvet strings, the pains with the pleasures. Nothing escapes His reach. Every king, despot, weather pattern, and molecule are at His command. He passes the shuttle back and forth across the generations, and as He does, a design emerges. Satan weaves; God reweaves.”
You see this principle working all through the Bible, and if you are observant, you have been through it! Perhaps you are experiencing it in your life now.
When we studiously avoid vengeance against those who do us wrong, we set the hand of the Divine Reweaver free to work his wonder in our life and often the experience of many others.
Larry Lilly Share with friends. For Twitter use http://www.larrylilly.net/blog
IT work by Oral Deckard
If this ministry has blessed you, consider supporting our work online and in prisons. Thank you for your prayers and gifts! Together, we can make a major difference in the lives of our readers!
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Your prayers and financial help are essential to the successful reaching and growing people for Jesus Christ. You are important to Jesus Christ!
Here's the snail mail address:
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
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