Larry Lilly's Journal Kelly Gissendaner: Modern Death Row Witness For Christ! 11/1/15
Larry & Joyce
Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
One of the first people on my prison mailing list back in 1999 was Kelly Gissendaner. She was on death row in Georgia. She had encouraged the murder of her husband. The man who actually killed her husband received a life sentence. Kelly received the death penalty.
I am not writing about all the aspects of her case. I want to let you know about a woman upon whom I had a little impact for Jesus Christ. The point being that through Jesus Christ redemption is possible and He will enable effectiveness as a witness to His power wherever you may be. In Kelly’s life after conversion to Jesus she shined where she was, on Death Row, and kept shinning to the last conscience moment of her life. Please keep in mind that in harmony with the laws of today Paul would be considered guilty of murder. Jesus Christ makes the difference!
In my limited correspondence with Kelly I noted the difference when she told me of trusting Christ. The change was instant and dramatic. In our church we have what we call testimony time. It is often punctuated with a dramatic testimony of God’s grace. And Kelly would have fit right in. We often think, if I were there, or someplace else, I could shine for Jesus. The truth be known, the only place we can shine is where we are!
When Kelly trusted Christ she wrote to those who wrote to her and told of her trust in Jesus. I received one of the letters. Here are a few testimonies from some who knew and worked with Kelly:
I watched [Kelly] reach out to scared, terrified young women and assure them that they could survive and could use their time in prison to become better human beings and to find peace. The other inmates really listen to Kelly when they will not listen to anyone else. She has talked sense into many of them when they are acting foolish or crazy. . . . —Officer Faye Roberts of Lee Arrendale State Prison
I watched Kelly Gissendaner for more than ten years and she was always a security risk because of her death row status, however, the person, Kelly Gissendaner, was not a security problem. Sometimes she had a bad day and would mouth off to one of the officers and sometimes my officers would have a bad day and mouth off to her. She was always willing to apologize when she was wrong. She was never violent or assaultive during my shifts nor did I even hear of any of this type of behavior. —Lt. Marian Williams, overseer of Gissendaner’s range at Metro State Prison
When I wanted to give up, she wouldn’t let me, she treated me just like I was her own child. So I started calling her Mama Kelly, I would come up and see her we would talk about my goals and how to . . . get over the hard obstacles in my life. When I would see my Mama Kelly, she always made me smile. And I know God put her in my life for a reason. —inmate Keisha Rhodes
"While incarcerated, she has been a pastoral presence to many, teaching, preaching and living a life of purpose. Kelly is a living testament to the possibility of change and the power of hope. She is an extraordinary example of the rehabilitation that the corrections system aims to produce." Copied from Commutation Petition.
It is an observable fact that in industrial work, sales work, prison etc. people are searching for the genuine, the real deal, and when this is discovered people come to the light. Kelly was that light in the Georgia Prison. When officers testify to Christian reality, I assure you God is doing a work that has true power into eternity.
Again, the purpose of this little sermon is to encourage you to get real and shine where you are with whatever tools available. It’s very easy to “shine in church” but we are to shine even to the end of the earth. In a figurative way Death Row is somewhere near the end of the earth.
Kelly had completed a college program on theology during her time in prison. She used this effectively and helped many of the other prisoners. When you are serving a Death Sentence, the other prisoners figure out quickly rather you are real or a fake. Those who want to be filled with the Spirit as Jesus taught, learn the value of increasing their knowledge of the Lord. A phrase from an old country song comes to my mind. You may find it the fourth verse: “It will do when I am dying and it’s good enough for me. Tis the old time religion and it’s good enough for me.” Note this: As Gissendaner was being executed, the Gwinnet Daily Post reported, she sang Amazing Grace.
The culture around Christians is attempting to force us to “Keep your religion to yourself, within the walls of your building or home.” The trouble with compliance is that this wish of the culture flies in the face of the command of Jesus that we are witnesses to the ends, the uttermost part of the earth. We who know Jesus are confronted with the challenge, “Am I to obey God or Man?” Peter and the early church answered the same challenge with this: Acts 5:29, But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.”
For the most part Kelly Gissendaner’s witness was confined within the wall of Georgia’s Death Row. Now, in her death Kelly’s witness to the power of Jesus Christ is reaching the far flung boundaries of the globe. Note the clarity and sincerity of her simple testimony:
“I have learned first-hand that no one, not even me, is beyond redemption through God’s grace and mercy. I have learned to place my hope in the God I now know, the God whose plans and promises are made known to me in the whole story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.”
Shortly before Kelly’s execution Mark Galli, editor of Christianity Today wrote: “By God’s grace, Kelly Gissendaner’s life has been “corrected,” as much as one can do that in this life. By his further grace, may someone, somewhere, find a way for her to live and to continue her extraordinary work in prison.”
In God’s often strange to us way, Mark’s prayer is being answered. Kelly’s extraordinary work will continue for years as we share her courageous faith to witness so powerfully in an extraordinarily tough setting.
So, what do you have to say about Jesus that is backed by a daily walk with Him? LML.
***
Please keep in mind this brief sermon is designed to encourage the people of Christ, in the world at large or behind bars, to ramp up the fervency of our witness.
It’s past time that talking about Jesus is left to the clergy. All Christians according to Revelation 1:5 are priests, therefore we have the responsibility to talk to God about people and to people about God. Now is the time!! The two featured people in this issue are proof positive the Christ still receives sinners and eats with them. Full fellowship to the max! Melvin Branham.
One of the first people on my prison mailing list back in 1999 was Kelly Gissendaner. She was on death row in Georgia. She had encouraged the murder of her husband. The man who actually killed her husband received a life sentence. Kelly received the death penalty.
I am not writing about all the aspects of her case. I want to let you know about a woman upon whom I had a little impact for Jesus Christ. The point being that through Jesus Christ redemption is possible and He will enable effectiveness as a witness to His power wherever you may be. In Kelly’s life after conversion to Jesus she shined where she was, on Death Row, and kept shinning to the last conscience moment of her life. Please keep in mind that in harmony with the laws of today Paul would be considered guilty of murder. Jesus Christ makes the difference!
In my limited correspondence with Kelly I noted the difference when she told me of trusting Christ. The change was instant and dramatic. In our church we have what we call testimony time. It is often punctuated with a dramatic testimony of God’s grace. And Kelly would have fit right in. We often think, if I were there, or someplace else, I could shine for Jesus. The truth be known, the only place we can shine is where we are!
When Kelly trusted Christ she wrote to those who wrote to her and told of her trust in Jesus. I received one of the letters. Here are a few testimonies from some who knew and worked with Kelly:
I watched [Kelly] reach out to scared, terrified young women and assure them that they could survive and could use their time in prison to become better human beings and to find peace. The other inmates really listen to Kelly when they will not listen to anyone else. She has talked sense into many of them when they are acting foolish or crazy. . . . —Officer Faye Roberts of Lee Arrendale State Prison
I watched Kelly Gissendaner for more than ten years and she was always a security risk because of her death row status, however, the person, Kelly Gissendaner, was not a security problem. Sometimes she had a bad day and would mouth off to one of the officers and sometimes my officers would have a bad day and mouth off to her. She was always willing to apologize when she was wrong. She was never violent or assaultive during my shifts nor did I even hear of any of this type of behavior. —Lt. Marian Williams, overseer of Gissendaner’s range at Metro State Prison
When I wanted to give up, she wouldn’t let me, she treated me just like I was her own child. So I started calling her Mama Kelly, I would come up and see her we would talk about my goals and how to . . . get over the hard obstacles in my life. When I would see my Mama Kelly, she always made me smile. And I know God put her in my life for a reason. —inmate Keisha Rhodes
"While incarcerated, she has been a pastoral presence to many, teaching, preaching and living a life of purpose. Kelly is a living testament to the possibility of change and the power of hope. She is an extraordinary example of the rehabilitation that the corrections system aims to produce." Copied from Commutation Petition.
It is an observable fact that in industrial work, sales work, prison etc. people are searching for the genuine, the real deal, and when this is discovered people come to the light. Kelly was that light in the Georgia Prison. When officers testify to Christian reality, I assure you God is doing a work that has true power into eternity.
Again, the purpose of this little sermon is to encourage you to get real and shine where you are with whatever tools available. It’s very easy to “shine in church” but we are to shine even to the end of the earth. In a figurative way Death Row is somewhere near the end of the earth.
Kelly had completed a college program on theology during her time in prison. She used this effectively and helped many of the other prisoners. When you are serving a Death Sentence, the other prisoners figure out quickly rather you are real or a fake. Those who want to be filled with the Spirit as Jesus taught, learn the value of increasing their knowledge of the Lord. A phrase from an old country song comes to my mind. You may find it the fourth verse: “It will do when I am dying and it’s good enough for me. Tis the old time religion and it’s good enough for me.” Note this: As Gissendaner was being executed, the Gwinnet Daily Post reported, she sang Amazing Grace.
The culture around Christians is attempting to force us to “Keep your religion to yourself, within the walls of your building or home.” The trouble with compliance is that this wish of the culture flies in the face of the command of Jesus that we are witnesses to the ends, the uttermost part of the earth. We who know Jesus are confronted with the challenge, “Am I to obey God or Man?” Peter and the early church answered the same challenge with this: Acts 5:29, But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.”
For the most part Kelly Gissendaner’s witness was confined within the wall of Georgia’s Death Row. Now, in her death Kelly’s witness to the power of Jesus Christ is reaching the far flung boundaries of the globe. Note the clarity and sincerity of her simple testimony:
“I have learned first-hand that no one, not even me, is beyond redemption through God’s grace and mercy. I have learned to place my hope in the God I now know, the God whose plans and promises are made known to me in the whole story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.”
Shortly before Kelly’s execution Mark Galli, editor of Christianity Today wrote: “By God’s grace, Kelly Gissendaner’s life has been “corrected,” as much as one can do that in this life. By his further grace, may someone, somewhere, find a way for her to live and to continue her extraordinary work in prison.”
In God’s often strange to us way, Mark’s prayer is being answered. Kelly’s extraordinary work will continue for years as we share her courageous faith to witness so powerfully in an extraordinarily tough setting.
So, what do you have to say about Jesus that is backed by a daily walk with Him? LML.
***
Please keep in mind this brief sermon is designed to encourage the people of Christ, in the world at large or behind bars, to ramp up the fervency of our witness.
It’s past time that talking about Jesus is left to the clergy. All Christians according to Revelation 1:5 are priests, therefore we have the responsibility to talk to God about people and to people about God. Now is the time!! The two featured people in this issue are proof positive the Christ still receives sinners and eats with them. Full fellowship to the max! Melvin Branham.
Interview From Answers in Genesis: Rosaria Butterfield, former Lesbian!
Dr. Rosaria Butterfield
A Friend of Sinners
Dr. Rosaria Butterfield was a tenured professor of English at Syracuse University, New York, where she was an outspoken lesbian activist until she received Christ. She is now a full-time mother and pastor’s wife, and author of Openness Unhindered and Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert.
You describe your conversion as a “train wreck.” Give us a brief testimony.
In my late twenties, I met my first lesbian partner. By the time that I started to read the Bible, I was 36 and a professor of feminist theory and nineteenth-century British literature. About that time, I met a pastor named Ken Smith who became my friend. He shared the gospel with me over and over again. I realized I had been persecuting Jesus. So I committed my life to Christ, and then things got really hard.
What about the charge that Christians are unloving toward those involved in homosexuality?
Ken never sat me down and said, “You are a terrible sinner because you are a lesbian.” But I had been reading the Bible and had been spending time with his family, and there was a witness against sin. And at the same time there was also a welcoming friend who really loved me and met me right where I was. We need a strong biblical witness, and we need real friends.
You’ve read and analyzed many books. How did that impact your reading of the Bible?
I read whole books at a time, and I studied the Bible’s authority. Every book you’ll ever read has an internal purpose. Even unbelievers know that the Bible’s a dangerous text because its internal purpose is to redeem—to change the very nature of humanity. That’s a scary prospect.
Does Genesis and creation matter when I am speaking to my homosexual neighbor?
Creation is important to every orthodox Christian. If you want to understand the holiness of God, you’ve got to go back to Genesis. I’m asked to explain to my friends who might not understand why Christians are taking this stand. You can’t defend what you can’t define, and you can’t define marriage unless you read Genesis.
Some Christians call themselves “gay Christians.” What’s the problem with this kind of terminology?
What you see in this new idea of “gay Christianity” is the idea that the Bible is mostly true, except for those parts that take my life captive. We were all born broken. We were all born to desire things that we ought not. But as soon as we make an identity out of that, we get into trouble. We need to mortify indwelling sin, not make peace with it.
What can Christians do in a culture where sin is celebrated?
Spending an hour a day in the Word is not just for privileged sixteenth-century German monks. We are in a serious battle for the gospel. We need to be on our knees. We need to have our Bibles open, and we should be reading them deeply and crying over them.****
Interview by Georgia Purdom
The above article is in the OCT-DEC issue of Answers magazine. Read more about Answers at
https://answersingenesis.org/answers/magazine/v10-n4/
Larry’s Note: Answers has been a grand magazine since its inception, but in recent years has moved to the leading edge with helpful articles dealing with the needs of the current culture and offering clear cut biblical solutions. A reasonable priced subscription is available. We use both the online version and the paper issue to share with others. LML.
1Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
Dr. Rosaria Butterfield was a tenured professor of English at Syracuse University, New York, where she was an outspoken lesbian activist until she received Christ. She is now a full-time mother and pastor’s wife, and author of Openness Unhindered and Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert.
You describe your conversion as a “train wreck.” Give us a brief testimony.
In my late twenties, I met my first lesbian partner. By the time that I started to read the Bible, I was 36 and a professor of feminist theory and nineteenth-century British literature. About that time, I met a pastor named Ken Smith who became my friend. He shared the gospel with me over and over again. I realized I had been persecuting Jesus. So I committed my life to Christ, and then things got really hard.
What about the charge that Christians are unloving toward those involved in homosexuality?
Ken never sat me down and said, “You are a terrible sinner because you are a lesbian.” But I had been reading the Bible and had been spending time with his family, and there was a witness against sin. And at the same time there was also a welcoming friend who really loved me and met me right where I was. We need a strong biblical witness, and we need real friends.
You’ve read and analyzed many books. How did that impact your reading of the Bible?
I read whole books at a time, and I studied the Bible’s authority. Every book you’ll ever read has an internal purpose. Even unbelievers know that the Bible’s a dangerous text because its internal purpose is to redeem—to change the very nature of humanity. That’s a scary prospect.
Does Genesis and creation matter when I am speaking to my homosexual neighbor?
Creation is important to every orthodox Christian. If you want to understand the holiness of God, you’ve got to go back to Genesis. I’m asked to explain to my friends who might not understand why Christians are taking this stand. You can’t defend what you can’t define, and you can’t define marriage unless you read Genesis.
Some Christians call themselves “gay Christians.” What’s the problem with this kind of terminology?
What you see in this new idea of “gay Christianity” is the idea that the Bible is mostly true, except for those parts that take my life captive. We were all born broken. We were all born to desire things that we ought not. But as soon as we make an identity out of that, we get into trouble. We need to mortify indwelling sin, not make peace with it.
What can Christians do in a culture where sin is celebrated?
Spending an hour a day in the Word is not just for privileged sixteenth-century German monks. We are in a serious battle for the gospel. We need to be on our knees. We need to have our Bibles open, and we should be reading them deeply and crying over them.****
Interview by Georgia Purdom
The above article is in the OCT-DEC issue of Answers magazine. Read more about Answers at
https://answersingenesis.org/answers/magazine/v10-n4/
Larry’s Note: Answers has been a grand magazine since its inception, but in recent years has moved to the leading edge with helpful articles dealing with the needs of the current culture and offering clear cut biblical solutions. A reasonable priced subscription is available. We use both the online version and the paper issue to share with others. LML.
1Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
The Book Worm's Corner Comments from Helpful Books Joyce Lilly TgB
Joyce Lilly TgB
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor's Journey into Christian Faith. Rosaria Butterfield Former gay tenured Prof at Syracuse comes to Jesus.
Note Rosaria's Comments:
“God saves you, your alarm rings, you swing your feet out of bed, and you face—square on—the details of the sin that led you to the Cross and the redeeming blood of Christ that covers those sins. But, there you stand. You have to do something. The latter chapters of the book tell you what I had to do, what I felt called to do, how God led me in one direction and then another.
The worldview conflict was this: I went from being someone who felt that I was responsible and entitled to interrogate the Bible to someone who believed that the Bible had authority over my life and therefore had the responsibility and entitlement to interrogate me. That truth—that the Bible interrogates me—does not stop with conversion. Therefore, the post-conversion issues raised in Secret Thoughts are in some ways proof of the fruit of Christian living, insofar as they reveal a heart searching to have the Bible interrogate it. Indeed, if Christians do not demonstrate to a watching world our willing submission to the Lord, and our understanding that we do not have it all together, but rather, require daily washing in the word and daily repentance, why should anyone take our testimony seriously?
Homeschooling, and foster- and adoptive-parenting are not Gospel-imperatives. They are for me ways that the Lord has put His fingerprint on me. They have transformed my world, enlarged my heart and prayer life, and put matters of public sin and grace in heart-breaking perspective. Psalm singing is Gospel dynamite and I am glad for the chance to share it with my readers.
The bottom line: I don’t write with an eye to fashion or popularity. I write from the best that my mind and my heart can give. I don’t presume that we will all agree.”
(See the interview on page 2 and get this book. JDL).
Note Rosaria's Comments:
“God saves you, your alarm rings, you swing your feet out of bed, and you face—square on—the details of the sin that led you to the Cross and the redeeming blood of Christ that covers those sins. But, there you stand. You have to do something. The latter chapters of the book tell you what I had to do, what I felt called to do, how God led me in one direction and then another.
The worldview conflict was this: I went from being someone who felt that I was responsible and entitled to interrogate the Bible to someone who believed that the Bible had authority over my life and therefore had the responsibility and entitlement to interrogate me. That truth—that the Bible interrogates me—does not stop with conversion. Therefore, the post-conversion issues raised in Secret Thoughts are in some ways proof of the fruit of Christian living, insofar as they reveal a heart searching to have the Bible interrogate it. Indeed, if Christians do not demonstrate to a watching world our willing submission to the Lord, and our understanding that we do not have it all together, but rather, require daily washing in the word and daily repentance, why should anyone take our testimony seriously?
Homeschooling, and foster- and adoptive-parenting are not Gospel-imperatives. They are for me ways that the Lord has put His fingerprint on me. They have transformed my world, enlarged my heart and prayer life, and put matters of public sin and grace in heart-breaking perspective. Psalm singing is Gospel dynamite and I am glad for the chance to share it with my readers.
The bottom line: I don’t write with an eye to fashion or popularity. I write from the best that my mind and my heart can give. I don’t presume that we will all agree.”
(See the interview on page 2 and get this book. JDL).
How to Discern The Voice of God! Elaine Martins & Kathy Escobar
Call To Me
(Hearing the Voice of God)
God is eager to communicate with His Children. The Lord’s words to Jeremiah extend to us as well: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3. What we need to do is to get ready to hear Him. Hearing from God is a learning process that takes time, but it is available to everyone who desires it. We don’t have to have it all together, with all the struggles of our lives under control. He is available to us.
It’s also important that we allow ourselves the freedom to listen expectantly for Him. During Jesus’ ministry, He took time alone with His Father and told His disciples to do the same (Mark 6:31, 46). We too need a quiet place free from distraction. Once there, how do we know that what we’re hearing is truly from God?
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine if it is God speaking to you.
· Is it consistent with Scripture?
· Is it consistent with God’s Character?
· Does it lead to change or growth in your life?
· Does it lead to restoration of relationships?
· Is there a sense of healing; release from the past sin or pain?
· Is there a sense of peace, less anxiety, a contentment in place of striving?
· Does it lead to conviction instead of guilt?
There is a distinct difference between the conviction of Holy Spirit and the condemnation of the devil, because the two speak different languages. The characteristics of each should help your distinguish who is speaking. However, we sometimes mistake Satan’s voice for Gods, because Satan’s voice fits so well with our own distortions and misunderstandings about God and how we think He feels about us. But God speaks to us in a way that is completely different from the condemnation of Satan. How can you tell the difference?
Satan Communicates in the following way:
Tone: Accusing, nagging, and mocking. Generates fear and causes confusion.
Vague: generates an overall sense of guilt, as if everything is wrong. Creates feelings of hopelessness and weakness.
Discouraging: attacks your self-confidence, tells you that you are weak and worthless.
Brings up the past: replays your sin and shame, reminds you of your poor choices.
Rejecting: Produces the feeling that God has rejected you as unworthy and unholy. Portrays God as judge and you as a miserable sinner.
Isolating: gives suggestions that cause you to withdraw from others.
Negative: tells you that the horrible way you feel is the way it is.
The Conviction of Holy Spirit is the Opposite:
Tone: gentle, loving, imploring, and urges your return to Him.
Specific: tells you to take specific action in response to sin; freedom follows.
Encouraging: says you can rely on His power, not your strength.
Releases you from the past: tells you that your sins are forgiven never to be held against you.
Attracts: generates an expectation of kindness, love and a new beginning with His help.
Draws into fellowship: sends others to minister to you in love, as well as sends you to others. Speaks of His unchanging nature and steadfast love.
Truthful: states the facts about you and God.
Use the above list as a guideline so you will be able to clearly hear God’s responses as you share your heart with Him.
The Bible is clear about the fact that God actively pursues a personal relationship with His children., He delights in you and desires to bring restoration to the painful places in your life. He offers Himself as a refuge from fear and anxiety. He holds out His strength to those who are weak, and He longs to mourn with those who are broken. He is here for you, anytime you come. He is gently calling, “Come with Me.
***
Reprinted from “Our Daily Bread” Devotional Out of print book, Come With Me 2002. Elaine Martens & Kathy Escobar. Thanks to Carol Hoikkala! Producer/Editor Hope For Your Heart.
********
“If our giving does not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say it is too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot because our commitment to giving excludes them.” C.S. Lewis.
As I noted the above from the Oxford Don, I couldn’t help but think of the great privilege the People of Christ have bestowed upon me. To actually have ministered to Kelly Gissendaner is a gift that I shall always praise the Lord Jesus for!
It is through prayers and unselfish giving to the ministry that I am able to continue producing this Journal each month. Thank you very much for your kindness. LML.
Please Consider a monthly offering for this outreach.
Send offering/requests to:
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
Thank you very much for your prayerful consideration.
Reaching Raising Restoring
(Hearing the Voice of God)
God is eager to communicate with His Children. The Lord’s words to Jeremiah extend to us as well: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3. What we need to do is to get ready to hear Him. Hearing from God is a learning process that takes time, but it is available to everyone who desires it. We don’t have to have it all together, with all the struggles of our lives under control. He is available to us.
It’s also important that we allow ourselves the freedom to listen expectantly for Him. During Jesus’ ministry, He took time alone with His Father and told His disciples to do the same (Mark 6:31, 46). We too need a quiet place free from distraction. Once there, how do we know that what we’re hearing is truly from God?
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine if it is God speaking to you.
· Is it consistent with Scripture?
· Is it consistent with God’s Character?
· Does it lead to change or growth in your life?
· Does it lead to restoration of relationships?
· Is there a sense of healing; release from the past sin or pain?
· Is there a sense of peace, less anxiety, a contentment in place of striving?
· Does it lead to conviction instead of guilt?
There is a distinct difference between the conviction of Holy Spirit and the condemnation of the devil, because the two speak different languages. The characteristics of each should help your distinguish who is speaking. However, we sometimes mistake Satan’s voice for Gods, because Satan’s voice fits so well with our own distortions and misunderstandings about God and how we think He feels about us. But God speaks to us in a way that is completely different from the condemnation of Satan. How can you tell the difference?
Satan Communicates in the following way:
Tone: Accusing, nagging, and mocking. Generates fear and causes confusion.
Vague: generates an overall sense of guilt, as if everything is wrong. Creates feelings of hopelessness and weakness.
Discouraging: attacks your self-confidence, tells you that you are weak and worthless.
Brings up the past: replays your sin and shame, reminds you of your poor choices.
Rejecting: Produces the feeling that God has rejected you as unworthy and unholy. Portrays God as judge and you as a miserable sinner.
Isolating: gives suggestions that cause you to withdraw from others.
Negative: tells you that the horrible way you feel is the way it is.
The Conviction of Holy Spirit is the Opposite:
Tone: gentle, loving, imploring, and urges your return to Him.
Specific: tells you to take specific action in response to sin; freedom follows.
Encouraging: says you can rely on His power, not your strength.
Releases you from the past: tells you that your sins are forgiven never to be held against you.
Attracts: generates an expectation of kindness, love and a new beginning with His help.
Draws into fellowship: sends others to minister to you in love, as well as sends you to others. Speaks of His unchanging nature and steadfast love.
Truthful: states the facts about you and God.
Use the above list as a guideline so you will be able to clearly hear God’s responses as you share your heart with Him.
The Bible is clear about the fact that God actively pursues a personal relationship with His children., He delights in you and desires to bring restoration to the painful places in your life. He offers Himself as a refuge from fear and anxiety. He holds out His strength to those who are weak, and He longs to mourn with those who are broken. He is here for you, anytime you come. He is gently calling, “Come with Me.
***
Reprinted from “Our Daily Bread” Devotional Out of print book, Come With Me 2002. Elaine Martens & Kathy Escobar. Thanks to Carol Hoikkala! Producer/Editor Hope For Your Heart.
********
“If our giving does not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say it is too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot because our commitment to giving excludes them.” C.S. Lewis.
As I noted the above from the Oxford Don, I couldn’t help but think of the great privilege the People of Christ have bestowed upon me. To actually have ministered to Kelly Gissendaner is a gift that I shall always praise the Lord Jesus for!
It is through prayers and unselfish giving to the ministry that I am able to continue producing this Journal each month. Thank you very much for your kindness. LML.
Please Consider a monthly offering for this outreach.
Send offering/requests to:
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
Thank you very much for your prayerful consideration.
Reaching Raising Restoring