Larry Lilly's Journal The Importance of Thankfulness Vol 20 Issue 11
The Importance of Thankfulness
The Apostle Paul enlightens his first-century readers and now the readers in the 21st century with information on how things and people will be during the last days of the era of Christendom. Here’s his take on our times:
2Timothy 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (NKJV).
In his epistle to the Romans Paul enlarges the description of the depravity of the race in the last times, by painting a dire picture of the depraved inhabitants of the planet during the closing days of Noah:
Romans 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (NKJV)
When a little thought is given to this or any time, it’s not strange that a lack of thankfulness is listed as one of the plagues associated with the decline of civilization in all times called perilous.
According to Luke 21:25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
26 "men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.
27 "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (NKJV)
The perilous times of Paul and Luke are typed as “times of stress” and ones who will not forgive as “Irreconcilable.” This aside helps us to grasp the enormity of what the world is facing dangerous times which is most of the time.
You do agree we live in a period of “Stress.” The 1st passage listed above 1-7 lists the character maladies that mark our everyday life in the United States and for the world at large. Paul called them “Men of corrupt minds.”
If you want a good understanding of the times, take several hours with a good concordance and study the Greek words for the English listed in the passages printed in this sermon. Who can argue against the statement we are living in a time when, for many people, life is all about “me, myself and I!” The majority of people in any civilization have been and are “Lovers of money, self, braggarts, lacking self-control, hating those who are good, brutal, unthankful and unholy.”
A recent TV News clip featured a young woman gripped by hysteria shouting to the audience, “We must save the earth; there are too many of us, so must begin harvesting our babies for food.” You cannot make this stuff up, even in your darkest nightmares.
I suppose the young woman figures, “Hey if we’re going to kill them while they’re still in the womb, we may as well eat them?” Shades of Pharaoh and Herod?
The above are the realities of people that Timothy was facing as he pastored the church at Ephesus in the First Century. According to the news media, progressive and conservative, we who will live for the glory of Jesus Christ are facing the same.
Timothy dealt with not only the above but that malaise that we in Christ’s church are facing, the waning of zeal for the things and principle of God within the professing body of Christ. Note:
“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Form such people turn away.” Vs. 5.
Paul gives Timothy and us moderns instruction on how to deal with the above reality. Note the following guidance:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)
It seems hard to keep focused on the fact that “thankful” is nested with such words as lust, money-grubbers, adulterers, brutality, treason, slanderers, being unthankful for the way God made you. It will be suitable for your spiritual life if you take inventory concerning whether or not you are a thankful person. Being grateful is part of the condition of growing in faith and distancing yourself from a selfish world. Here’s help from Paul:
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. LML
The Apostle Paul enlightens his first-century readers and now the readers in the 21st century with information on how things and people will be during the last days of the era of Christendom. Here’s his take on our times:
2Timothy 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (NKJV).
In his epistle to the Romans Paul enlarges the description of the depravity of the race in the last times, by painting a dire picture of the depraved inhabitants of the planet during the closing days of Noah:
Romans 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (NKJV)
When a little thought is given to this or any time, it’s not strange that a lack of thankfulness is listed as one of the plagues associated with the decline of civilization in all times called perilous.
According to Luke 21:25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
26 "men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.
27 "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (NKJV)
The perilous times of Paul and Luke are typed as “times of stress” and ones who will not forgive as “Irreconcilable.” This aside helps us to grasp the enormity of what the world is facing dangerous times which is most of the time.
You do agree we live in a period of “Stress.” The 1st passage listed above 1-7 lists the character maladies that mark our everyday life in the United States and for the world at large. Paul called them “Men of corrupt minds.”
If you want a good understanding of the times, take several hours with a good concordance and study the Greek words for the English listed in the passages printed in this sermon. Who can argue against the statement we are living in a time when, for many people, life is all about “me, myself and I!” The majority of people in any civilization have been and are “Lovers of money, self, braggarts, lacking self-control, hating those who are good, brutal, unthankful and unholy.”
A recent TV News clip featured a young woman gripped by hysteria shouting to the audience, “We must save the earth; there are too many of us, so must begin harvesting our babies for food.” You cannot make this stuff up, even in your darkest nightmares.
I suppose the young woman figures, “Hey if we’re going to kill them while they’re still in the womb, we may as well eat them?” Shades of Pharaoh and Herod?
The above are the realities of people that Timothy was facing as he pastored the church at Ephesus in the First Century. According to the news media, progressive and conservative, we who will live for the glory of Jesus Christ are facing the same.
Timothy dealt with not only the above but that malaise that we in Christ’s church are facing, the waning of zeal for the things and principle of God within the professing body of Christ. Note:
“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Form such people turn away.” Vs. 5.
Paul gives Timothy and us moderns instruction on how to deal with the above reality. Note the following guidance:
- Develop a history of faithfulness, sound doctrine, lifestyle, a sense of purpose, patience, love (agape) and stick/to/it/ness!
- Continue in the truthful things such as:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)
It seems hard to keep focused on the fact that “thankful” is nested with such words as lust, money-grubbers, adulterers, brutality, treason, slanderers, being unthankful for the way God made you. It will be suitable for your spiritual life if you take inventory concerning whether or not you are a thankful person. Being grateful is part of the condition of growing in faith and distancing yourself from a selfish world. Here’s help from Paul:
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. LML
Book Worm's Corner Comments on Books Etc. Joyce Lilly
Shattered Souls Made Whole Healing Heartache from Separation & Divorce
Valerie J. Sullivan, 279 pgs 7 Chapters. $16.99 most vendors
Valerie has been the featured speaker to the congregation and women’s group at Berean, and she shared her heart of courage with us. I bought her book, reviewed it in our newsletter, and I recommend it without reservation.
Larry and I have prayed for and with Valerie as she went through what would have been life-shattering for many. Her faith in Jesus Christ was fascinating to me as she dared to trust Jesus through the many dark days and nights of one painful heartache after another.
Valerie captures the essence of victory in Jesus on every page of Shattered Souls Made Whole.
I have several copies of Shattered Souls Made Whole, and as the supply runs low, I will buy more copies to help many of the women I counsel who are experiencing some of what Valerie endure with such Christ-honoring Grace. Joyce D. Lilly
Valerie J. Sullivan, 279 pgs 7 Chapters. $16.99 most vendors
Valerie has been the featured speaker to the congregation and women’s group at Berean, and she shared her heart of courage with us. I bought her book, reviewed it in our newsletter, and I recommend it without reservation.
Larry and I have prayed for and with Valerie as she went through what would have been life-shattering for many. Her faith in Jesus Christ was fascinating to me as she dared to trust Jesus through the many dark days and nights of one painful heartache after another.
Valerie captures the essence of victory in Jesus on every page of Shattered Souls Made Whole.
I have several copies of Shattered Souls Made Whole, and as the supply runs low, I will buy more copies to help many of the women I counsel who are experiencing some of what Valerie endure with such Christ-honoring Grace. Joyce D. Lilly
Letters & Comments
KEEP GOING FOR THE LORD Dale Byers
Brother Dale, that little phrase of yours "Keep going for the Lord!" is in a true sense, a challenge, a warning, and an encouragement and a battle cry all rolled into one!
1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same affections (testings, trials, hardships, heartaches, etc.) are accomplished ( already suffered or are being endured ) by your brethren that are in the world ( the world system absolutely opposed to Christ). Eph. 6:10-11 "Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. v.11 Put on the WHOLE ARMOUR of GOD, that ye maybe able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
If we do not, as Christians, apply and take heed to the instruction and warnings and challenges to be armed and ready for battle, we could also very easily become a dead soldier, a sunken ship, or a downed aircraft. We must be diligent in this matter of "Keep going for the Lord!"
Consider with me These responsibilities:
A challenge: Whosever will
A warning: He that taketh not his cross
An encouragement: Great is your reward in Heaven
A battle Cry:
(The above was written by Rev. Jim Ankney; a military veteran; a missionary; a proclaimer of the Gospel, and a dear friend to many of us. Thank you Jim)
* Blogsite for past articles: http://daleabyers.wordpress.com/
Dear Brother Larry,
Greetings in Jesus Name! I hope you are well Larry. Hope and faith are strong for me. Still growing and see Chaplain Case every Wed. I’m so blessed. I saw your newsletter and I am requesting; “The Book of Revelation for the Third Millennium.” By Dr. William Grant Nelson.
I enjoy reading your newsletter, Larry Lilly’s Journal every month. Will keep in touch.
God bless and all the best. J.W.
Brother Dale, that little phrase of yours "Keep going for the Lord!" is in a true sense, a challenge, a warning, and an encouragement and a battle cry all rolled into one!
1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same affections (testings, trials, hardships, heartaches, etc.) are accomplished ( already suffered or are being endured ) by your brethren that are in the world ( the world system absolutely opposed to Christ). Eph. 6:10-11 "Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. v.11 Put on the WHOLE ARMOUR of GOD, that ye maybe able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
If we do not, as Christians, apply and take heed to the instruction and warnings and challenges to be armed and ready for battle, we could also very easily become a dead soldier, a sunken ship, or a downed aircraft. We must be diligent in this matter of "Keep going for the Lord!"
Consider with me These responsibilities:
A challenge: Whosever will
A warning: He that taketh not his cross
An encouragement: Great is your reward in Heaven
A battle Cry:
(The above was written by Rev. Jim Ankney; a military veteran; a missionary; a proclaimer of the Gospel, and a dear friend to many of us. Thank you Jim)
* Blogsite for past articles: http://daleabyers.wordpress.com/
Dear Brother Larry,
Greetings in Jesus Name! I hope you are well Larry. Hope and faith are strong for me. Still growing and see Chaplain Case every Wed. I’m so blessed. I saw your newsletter and I am requesting; “The Book of Revelation for the Third Millennium.” By Dr. William Grant Nelson.
I enjoy reading your newsletter, Larry Lilly’s Journal every month. Will keep in touch.
God bless and all the best. J.W.
Page 4 Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Quotes by Famous Personality Types:
George Washington: in his first Presidential Proclamation ,"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor."
Samuel Adams: father of the American Revolution ,"It is therefore recommended ... to set apart Thursday the eighteenth day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor.
Abraham Lincoln: during the Civil War: "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown.”
Albert Schweitzer: "To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude."
Theodore Roosevelt: "Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."
John Fitzgerald Kennedy: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
Ayn Rand: Thanksgiving is a typically American holiday.
Erma Bombeck: commenting on the time honored Thanksgiving dinner of turkey ,stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, butternut squash , pumpkin pie, and the like . “Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.”
George Washington: in his first Presidential Proclamation ,"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor."
Samuel Adams: father of the American Revolution ,"It is therefore recommended ... to set apart Thursday the eighteenth day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor.
Abraham Lincoln: during the Civil War: "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown.”
Albert Schweitzer: "To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude."
Theodore Roosevelt: "Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."
John Fitzgerald Kennedy: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
Ayn Rand: Thanksgiving is a typically American holiday.
Erma Bombeck: commenting on the time honored Thanksgiving dinner of turkey ,stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, butternut squash , pumpkin pie, and the like . “Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.”
Friendly Reminder:
If the articles etc. in the Journal are a blessing in some way to you, will you consider helping with the cost of preparing, mailing Email or Snail to many people around the United States and around the world. The email and snail mail enters homes, business establiments and prison cells. It also impacts many Assistant Living facilities.
Your prayers make a difference. Any financial help will also make a difference in someone's walk or conversion to Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your prayers and consideration.
God bless,
Larry
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
If the articles etc. in the Journal are a blessing in some way to you, will you consider helping with the cost of preparing, mailing Email or Snail to many people around the United States and around the world. The email and snail mail enters homes, business establiments and prison cells. It also impacts many Assistant Living facilities.
Your prayers make a difference. Any financial help will also make a difference in someone's walk or conversion to Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your prayers and consideration.
God bless,
Larry
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
larrylilly@larrylilly.net