Larry Lilly's Journal Oct. 2015
Larry & Joyce 50th Anniversary
Jesus Asked: Why Do You Doubt? Larry Lilly D.D.
Mt 14:31, “And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Thomas Carlisle wrote, “The first duty of man is to conquer fear; he must get rid of it, he cannot act until then.” Joshua, at 80 years of age was called to replace Moses and lead God’s children into the battle of Canaan, God gave affirmation to him that lasted throughout his life: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Josh 1:9.
Joshua had to let his light shine in the shadow of one of the greatest men who ever lived. He had to do this while facing enormous enemies and a logistic nightmare on the home front. Yet God encouraged him to lead with a strong aura, a demonstration of courage. He further was instructed to refuse to let fear grow into the kind that paralyzes progress and victory. The word dismay literally means to paralyze via fear, a fear that generates a plan to get along at any cost, even liberty itself.
The rule of first mention in the history of fear brings out a seldom mentioned trait of fear, that being the fear of being discovered false and the consequences thereof. Note Genesis 3:10, “So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Adam and Eve had actually walked with God in the garden, conversed with God, and listened as God personally instructed them on the duties of being stewards of the Creation. They knew the joy the song In the Garden refers too. After the conversation with Lucifer, dressed in the disguise of a serpent, The Federal Head, Adam fell and brought the entire race with him, and marred Creation in its entirety. Now when he heard the calming voice of his Maker, fear gripped his now darkened soul. He was naked, stripped of the Creator’s glory and he knew it. Adam did not have find out he was a sinner, he instinctively knew it. The knowledge of personal sin, brought the strange awareness of inner separation, of emptiness where the fullness of God had been.
Adam, as do all who are aware of a betrayal of God’s trust, attempted to hide, even deny his nakedness, yet knowing this was impossible, fear gripped his heart. If ever the old line, “You can run, but you can’t hide” was true this first mention confirms that the truth of it has always been so.
A betrayal of God, self, or others, leads to fear. Jacob is a case study of fear induced by cheating his brother Esau. His mother approved, aided and abetted the fraud, but no matter who approves sin, God does not and He will deal with it.
The line of thought, energized by Satan is interesting in that the principle is at the root of most social dissatisfaction and turmoil. Satan via Eve convinced the Proto-Couple that God was not treating them fair, by withholding the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil from them. Satan painted the image of God as that of a tyrant who wanted to get even, to brutalize the creation of His own mind, hands and Spirit. Thus Adam attempted to hide from the coming wrath. He supposed His needs were greater than God’s grace and mercy. Many still make this serious mistake either disbelieving or casting aside God’s own myriad of statements to the contrary, statements such as, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Please believe God and grasp the truth that your needs, no matter how great, are not greater than God’s supply in Jesus Christ!
Paul deals the kind of fear that paralyzes in Romans 8:15, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father.” The phrase “to fear is from Phobos implying God did save and adopt us in order to “terrorize” us, but to set us free to live life, enjoy our relationship with Him and when called upon, to stand and do battle against the enemy in the name Jesus Christ. Paul deals with fear in a grand way in 2Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” In modern times as well as Apostolic, the demonic spirit passivity has conned Christian’s into accepting, even developing the attitude of timidity, the fear of risk, even of liberty, or of challenge, the fear of new, different etc. This is expressed in the attitude of one my coaches attempting to help us overcome fear of failure, “Boys, you can’t get to second base if you want to keep your foot on first.” This truth is right up there with Aristotle! Paul encourages the stripping off of fear, and putting on the mind of God’s power in us, balanced with a sincere love for God and people, people of all sorts (Christ died for sinners) and the wisdom of Holy Spirit common sense.
In dealing with fear, it dawned on me that Jesus Christ asked, “Why did you Doubt?” This intriguing question is designed to force us to think along biblical lines. The context is Matthew 14:22-31. You recall this is the dramatic account of the disciples obeying Him and crossing the sea, and in the midst of their obedience, a terrific storm arises. The men are “afeared” and when Jesus comes to the boat, walking on the water, they think they are seeing a ghost! Christ identified Himself and Peter doubted Him and stated, “If you are really Christ, bid me to walk on the water to you.” Jesus simply said, “Come.” Peter stepped out and started walking toward Jesus. Then he became aware of the ferocity of the storm and started sinking. Praise the Lord, Jesus saved him upon his call for help! More there than space permits.
Now, Jesus wanted Peter and us, to evaluate: Why did you start and then cave into fear? We doubt because of ideas stated above, but also because we doubt due to circumstances that we falsely perceived as “too big for God to handle.” Peter briefly obeyed, and then looked around at the fierceness of the storm, the raging waves and heard the howling wind. Today too many of the Lord’s people, including clergy, are looking at the waves of hate and persecution. The attacks of Sodomite Pride are scaring the wee bit of courage out of supposedly stalwart people of faith. The fear of loss is driving many to reevaluate their faith. God’s word has not changed and neither should we.
A trusted servant of Christ lived a life of fear. When called on the carpet by the Lord for this he said, “I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what was yours.” God did not give gifts of the Spirit to keep to ourselves, hidden under a basket, due to fear. We overcome fear by truly trusting Jesus and His word and launching out into whatever deep He assigns as our work.
Jack Canfield made a statement that will help all us to be overcomers instead of fearful thumb suckers, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
Keep in mind what my friend Mel Branham said concerning the Lord’s challenge to us as we live the life victorious: “Just because the world hates us is no reason to keep a low profile and hide our lamps under a bushel.”
Are you facing something or someone that is “terrifying?” Keep in mind God’s encouragement to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. LML.
***
“True nobility is exempt from fear.”
Marcus Cicero
Mt 14:31, “And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Thomas Carlisle wrote, “The first duty of man is to conquer fear; he must get rid of it, he cannot act until then.” Joshua, at 80 years of age was called to replace Moses and lead God’s children into the battle of Canaan, God gave affirmation to him that lasted throughout his life: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Josh 1:9.
Joshua had to let his light shine in the shadow of one of the greatest men who ever lived. He had to do this while facing enormous enemies and a logistic nightmare on the home front. Yet God encouraged him to lead with a strong aura, a demonstration of courage. He further was instructed to refuse to let fear grow into the kind that paralyzes progress and victory. The word dismay literally means to paralyze via fear, a fear that generates a plan to get along at any cost, even liberty itself.
The rule of first mention in the history of fear brings out a seldom mentioned trait of fear, that being the fear of being discovered false and the consequences thereof. Note Genesis 3:10, “So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Adam and Eve had actually walked with God in the garden, conversed with God, and listened as God personally instructed them on the duties of being stewards of the Creation. They knew the joy the song In the Garden refers too. After the conversation with Lucifer, dressed in the disguise of a serpent, The Federal Head, Adam fell and brought the entire race with him, and marred Creation in its entirety. Now when he heard the calming voice of his Maker, fear gripped his now darkened soul. He was naked, stripped of the Creator’s glory and he knew it. Adam did not have find out he was a sinner, he instinctively knew it. The knowledge of personal sin, brought the strange awareness of inner separation, of emptiness where the fullness of God had been.
Adam, as do all who are aware of a betrayal of God’s trust, attempted to hide, even deny his nakedness, yet knowing this was impossible, fear gripped his heart. If ever the old line, “You can run, but you can’t hide” was true this first mention confirms that the truth of it has always been so.
A betrayal of God, self, or others, leads to fear. Jacob is a case study of fear induced by cheating his brother Esau. His mother approved, aided and abetted the fraud, but no matter who approves sin, God does not and He will deal with it.
The line of thought, energized by Satan is interesting in that the principle is at the root of most social dissatisfaction and turmoil. Satan via Eve convinced the Proto-Couple that God was not treating them fair, by withholding the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil from them. Satan painted the image of God as that of a tyrant who wanted to get even, to brutalize the creation of His own mind, hands and Spirit. Thus Adam attempted to hide from the coming wrath. He supposed His needs were greater than God’s grace and mercy. Many still make this serious mistake either disbelieving or casting aside God’s own myriad of statements to the contrary, statements such as, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Please believe God and grasp the truth that your needs, no matter how great, are not greater than God’s supply in Jesus Christ!
Paul deals the kind of fear that paralyzes in Romans 8:15, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father.” The phrase “to fear is from Phobos implying God did save and adopt us in order to “terrorize” us, but to set us free to live life, enjoy our relationship with Him and when called upon, to stand and do battle against the enemy in the name Jesus Christ. Paul deals with fear in a grand way in 2Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” In modern times as well as Apostolic, the demonic spirit passivity has conned Christian’s into accepting, even developing the attitude of timidity, the fear of risk, even of liberty, or of challenge, the fear of new, different etc. This is expressed in the attitude of one my coaches attempting to help us overcome fear of failure, “Boys, you can’t get to second base if you want to keep your foot on first.” This truth is right up there with Aristotle! Paul encourages the stripping off of fear, and putting on the mind of God’s power in us, balanced with a sincere love for God and people, people of all sorts (Christ died for sinners) and the wisdom of Holy Spirit common sense.
In dealing with fear, it dawned on me that Jesus Christ asked, “Why did you Doubt?” This intriguing question is designed to force us to think along biblical lines. The context is Matthew 14:22-31. You recall this is the dramatic account of the disciples obeying Him and crossing the sea, and in the midst of their obedience, a terrific storm arises. The men are “afeared” and when Jesus comes to the boat, walking on the water, they think they are seeing a ghost! Christ identified Himself and Peter doubted Him and stated, “If you are really Christ, bid me to walk on the water to you.” Jesus simply said, “Come.” Peter stepped out and started walking toward Jesus. Then he became aware of the ferocity of the storm and started sinking. Praise the Lord, Jesus saved him upon his call for help! More there than space permits.
Now, Jesus wanted Peter and us, to evaluate: Why did you start and then cave into fear? We doubt because of ideas stated above, but also because we doubt due to circumstances that we falsely perceived as “too big for God to handle.” Peter briefly obeyed, and then looked around at the fierceness of the storm, the raging waves and heard the howling wind. Today too many of the Lord’s people, including clergy, are looking at the waves of hate and persecution. The attacks of Sodomite Pride are scaring the wee bit of courage out of supposedly stalwart people of faith. The fear of loss is driving many to reevaluate their faith. God’s word has not changed and neither should we.
A trusted servant of Christ lived a life of fear. When called on the carpet by the Lord for this he said, “I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what was yours.” God did not give gifts of the Spirit to keep to ourselves, hidden under a basket, due to fear. We overcome fear by truly trusting Jesus and His word and launching out into whatever deep He assigns as our work.
Jack Canfield made a statement that will help all us to be overcomers instead of fearful thumb suckers, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
Keep in mind what my friend Mel Branham said concerning the Lord’s challenge to us as we live the life victorious: “Just because the world hates us is no reason to keep a low profile and hide our lamps under a bushel.”
Are you facing something or someone that is “terrifying?” Keep in mind God’s encouragement to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. LML.
***
“True nobility is exempt from fear.”
Marcus Cicero
Letters & Comments From Prison and the Real World
Pastor Lilly,
As always I was blessed by the newsletter. “Discerning The Times” is really a very timely article. We are really living in very challenging times. Mrs. Lilly’s book reviews always make me want to run out and buy the book. (Of course running out of there and buying a book would carry serious consequences)! LML.
We continue to be blessed with gifted brothers who love the Lord to be a part of the choir. I lose one very good singer and God sends me three more! It seems to add a spark to the congregation. And to top it off, we should be getting in some new musical equipment next week. New keyboard, drum set, and congas. We’re very blessed to have men who are not doing it for show, but truly have a heart for worship. God continues to bless us in ways seen and unseen.
Well, saint of the Most High, continue to hold up the blood stained banner of our Lord. Time is truly winding up and it’s praying time. It’s time for Christians to know their faith, grow their faith and show their faith! C.A.W.
Editor’s Note: C.W. is a faithful reader and Prayer Warrior over many years. Do pray for him as he serves under the term, prisoner. He realizes that though he is a prisoner, he is also free in Jesus and thus serves Christ with great joy as did the Apostle Paul. Keep up your prayers. LML
Larry,
Just want to send you a “check of encouragement.” I still do correspondence and send ministry material in every letter. May God continue to open doors for you.
In Christ, N. F.
Editor’s Note: N.F. is a born again woman who loves Jesus and His people wherever they are found. She and her husband have helped Larry Lilly’s Journal faithfully since near the beginning. Her note was small, but the “Check of Encouragement large” large! I can live with that! Her correspondence is primarily with women on Death Row. Christ’s love reached through woven web of steel to touch many women whom society and often family have written off. LML
Larry,
Stand firm brother, you can always tell when you are doing the right thing, because it is always the hardest thing to do and the least thing you want to do. Terry.
Editor’s Note: This note from a friend I met under very confining circumstances is doing well in spite of efforts to eliminate him from life. He walked a dangerous path and paid a heavy price, now endures hardship with joy in his heart as he walks hand in hand with Jesus. LML
Dear Brother Larry,
After a long (4 pages) letter my long time friend, R.T. who lives on Death Row in the Deep South included this from The Rainbow.
“Lord, help us to see the Rainbow, beyond the blackened skies, Lord help us through the storms of life, to laugh when we would cry. For even when the storm clouds keep the sun from view, we still can see some beauty, and give our praise to you, Lord. We know that in your own time, you will drive those clouds away. We know the sun will shine again, there will be a brighter day. Even when our life on earth, is good or full of pain. One day we will see the Rainbow, and happy onces again for your loving.”
****
Years ago a small town in Texas voted to open a nightclub/casino over the objections of the local churches. The churches called a unified prayer meeting for God to burn down the building. While they were praying lightning struck the new casino and burned it to the ground. The casino sued the churches. The churches denied all responsibility. After hearing the case the Judge said: “Wherever guilt may lie, the night club owner believes in prayer but the church, obviously does not!” Sent in by C.A.W.
“Everything your want is on the other side of fear.” Jake Canfield.
As always I was blessed by the newsletter. “Discerning The Times” is really a very timely article. We are really living in very challenging times. Mrs. Lilly’s book reviews always make me want to run out and buy the book. (Of course running out of there and buying a book would carry serious consequences)! LML.
We continue to be blessed with gifted brothers who love the Lord to be a part of the choir. I lose one very good singer and God sends me three more! It seems to add a spark to the congregation. And to top it off, we should be getting in some new musical equipment next week. New keyboard, drum set, and congas. We’re very blessed to have men who are not doing it for show, but truly have a heart for worship. God continues to bless us in ways seen and unseen.
Well, saint of the Most High, continue to hold up the blood stained banner of our Lord. Time is truly winding up and it’s praying time. It’s time for Christians to know their faith, grow their faith and show their faith! C.A.W.
Editor’s Note: C.W. is a faithful reader and Prayer Warrior over many years. Do pray for him as he serves under the term, prisoner. He realizes that though he is a prisoner, he is also free in Jesus and thus serves Christ with great joy as did the Apostle Paul. Keep up your prayers. LML
Larry,
Just want to send you a “check of encouragement.” I still do correspondence and send ministry material in every letter. May God continue to open doors for you.
In Christ, N. F.
Editor’s Note: N.F. is a born again woman who loves Jesus and His people wherever they are found. She and her husband have helped Larry Lilly’s Journal faithfully since near the beginning. Her note was small, but the “Check of Encouragement large” large! I can live with that! Her correspondence is primarily with women on Death Row. Christ’s love reached through woven web of steel to touch many women whom society and often family have written off. LML
Larry,
Stand firm brother, you can always tell when you are doing the right thing, because it is always the hardest thing to do and the least thing you want to do. Terry.
Editor’s Note: This note from a friend I met under very confining circumstances is doing well in spite of efforts to eliminate him from life. He walked a dangerous path and paid a heavy price, now endures hardship with joy in his heart as he walks hand in hand with Jesus. LML
Dear Brother Larry,
After a long (4 pages) letter my long time friend, R.T. who lives on Death Row in the Deep South included this from The Rainbow.
“Lord, help us to see the Rainbow, beyond the blackened skies, Lord help us through the storms of life, to laugh when we would cry. For even when the storm clouds keep the sun from view, we still can see some beauty, and give our praise to you, Lord. We know that in your own time, you will drive those clouds away. We know the sun will shine again, there will be a brighter day. Even when our life on earth, is good or full of pain. One day we will see the Rainbow, and happy onces again for your loving.”
****
Years ago a small town in Texas voted to open a nightclub/casino over the objections of the local churches. The churches called a unified prayer meeting for God to burn down the building. While they were praying lightning struck the new casino and burned it to the ground. The casino sued the churches. The churches denied all responsibility. After hearing the case the Judge said: “Wherever guilt may lie, the night club owner believes in prayer but the church, obviously does not!” Sent in by C.A.W.
“Everything your want is on the other side of fear.” Jake Canfield.
The Book Worm's Corner Joyce Lilly TgB
Waiting on God Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow.Charles Stanley, Howard Books 7 chps 210 pgs. $24.99.
I bought this book at the book store at First Baptist after hearing Dr. Stanley preach, an item at the #1 spot on my bucket list long before there was a movie by that name. WOW. That’s Larry’s word for the service.
Waiting on God is what so many of us need to read and ingest into our spirit as God’s plan for us often involves the lessons learned while waiting. If you are in a hurry, do not buy this book. It is near impossible to put it down once you start reading. I wanted to shout as I began reading the first page of the first chapter! Larry and I have been on a long road, a road that’s stretched along for the length of now 26 years! Half of our marriage! We know God is working, we know we have learned much during this wait.
Dr. Stanley tells the story of a preacher with no formal education, no money or particular talent who knew God called him to preach. The churches did not open their pulpits to him, so he worked several years “hacking ties,” meaning he cut down trees and hand shaped them into railroad ties for which he was paid twenty cents per eight foot tie. One night after a few years of this he was walking along a dirt road and felt a strong urge to pray. He knelt along the road and poured out his heart to God for the $300 needed for a tent. When he finished praying he noticed a light in the window of a mountain cabin. He again obeyed the “urge,” knocked on the door and introduced himself. The woman said, “Why, I’ve been wanting to talk to you.” She invited him and excused herself, went into another room. She came back with a paper bag and said, “God told me to give you this.” He thanked her, said a few words and left. When he opened the bag, he counted 300 one dollar bills! The exact amount he needed.
The man was George Washington Stanley, Dr. Stanley’s mountain preacher grandfather in Danville, VA.
You’ll need a hanky as you read page after page after page that will help you while you wait. JDL
I bought this book at the book store at First Baptist after hearing Dr. Stanley preach, an item at the #1 spot on my bucket list long before there was a movie by that name. WOW. That’s Larry’s word for the service.
Waiting on God is what so many of us need to read and ingest into our spirit as God’s plan for us often involves the lessons learned while waiting. If you are in a hurry, do not buy this book. It is near impossible to put it down once you start reading. I wanted to shout as I began reading the first page of the first chapter! Larry and I have been on a long road, a road that’s stretched along for the length of now 26 years! Half of our marriage! We know God is working, we know we have learned much during this wait.
Dr. Stanley tells the story of a preacher with no formal education, no money or particular talent who knew God called him to preach. The churches did not open their pulpits to him, so he worked several years “hacking ties,” meaning he cut down trees and hand shaped them into railroad ties for which he was paid twenty cents per eight foot tie. One night after a few years of this he was walking along a dirt road and felt a strong urge to pray. He knelt along the road and poured out his heart to God for the $300 needed for a tent. When he finished praying he noticed a light in the window of a mountain cabin. He again obeyed the “urge,” knocked on the door and introduced himself. The woman said, “Why, I’ve been wanting to talk to you.” She invited him and excused herself, went into another room. She came back with a paper bag and said, “God told me to give you this.” He thanked her, said a few words and left. When he opened the bag, he counted 300 one dollar bills! The exact amount he needed.
The man was George Washington Stanley, Dr. Stanley’s mountain preacher grandfather in Danville, VA.
You’ll need a hanky as you read page after page after page that will help you while you wait. JDL
Life Enhancing Thought From Dale Byers
Dale Byers
Psalm 23:5 Pt A. Dr. Dale Byers
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
One writer identifies “goodness and mercy” as chaperones. We think of a chaperon as someone who accompanies a young person to an event that might impose some danger. Fathers and mothers choose a chaperone for young ladies for that first date. Parents may also select an older responsible person to serve as a chaperone for a boy to an event to make certain of a safe return. A chaperone assures the parents that no matter where the event may lead their child will be guaranteed a safe arrival home.
The 23rd Psalm pictures us as sheep on a wilderness journey. The shepherd is aware of the various dangers and needs that will certainly fall across the path. Therefore He has carefully selected two special chaperones. He promises that, “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Like chaperones, God’s goodness and mercy assure us that God’s sovereign paths will deliver us safely home and accomplish His eternal purposes in our lives.
The word “surely” is a word of affirmation. Thus we know that it will absolutely happen. The word can sometimes be translated as “nevertheless.” Trails assuage us, enemies oppose us, disappointments appear and reappear. The way sometimes seems impossible but those chaperons of goodness and mercy bring encouragement and keep us going. The chaperone of “goodness” fills us with hope and we see beyond the rocky path. The chaperone of “mercy” picks us up when we have fallen or failed. Mercy redirects our view, not upon the path behind us but at the road ahead that leads to a loving, forgiving Father. We are all familiar with those definitions that: “grace is God giving us what we do not deserve and mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve.” The Psalmist assures us that goodness and mercy, like chaperones, will follow us through all our earthly journey.
God’s goodness!
Ps. 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Ps. 31:19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
Psalm 69:16 Hear me, O LORD; for thy loving kindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. (see also 87:P17; 109:21; 116:12; 142:7; 145:7)
God’s mercy!
Ps. 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Ps. 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Psalm 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
5 times in Psalm 86 we find David using this word mercy. Can you find in Psalm 86 the three decisions David made because of God’s mercy?
Psalm 136: How many times do we find the word mercy in Psalm 136?
What a wonderful assurance that God has appointed goodness and mercy to follow our lives:
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”
Dale Byers 3089-4E Crystal Waters Drive Holland, MI 49424-8096 Drop a note to Dale!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
One writer identifies “goodness and mercy” as chaperones. We think of a chaperon as someone who accompanies a young person to an event that might impose some danger. Fathers and mothers choose a chaperone for young ladies for that first date. Parents may also select an older responsible person to serve as a chaperone for a boy to an event to make certain of a safe return. A chaperone assures the parents that no matter where the event may lead their child will be guaranteed a safe arrival home.
The 23rd Psalm pictures us as sheep on a wilderness journey. The shepherd is aware of the various dangers and needs that will certainly fall across the path. Therefore He has carefully selected two special chaperones. He promises that, “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Like chaperones, God’s goodness and mercy assure us that God’s sovereign paths will deliver us safely home and accomplish His eternal purposes in our lives.
The word “surely” is a word of affirmation. Thus we know that it will absolutely happen. The word can sometimes be translated as “nevertheless.” Trails assuage us, enemies oppose us, disappointments appear and reappear. The way sometimes seems impossible but those chaperons of goodness and mercy bring encouragement and keep us going. The chaperone of “goodness” fills us with hope and we see beyond the rocky path. The chaperone of “mercy” picks us up when we have fallen or failed. Mercy redirects our view, not upon the path behind us but at the road ahead that leads to a loving, forgiving Father. We are all familiar with those definitions that: “grace is God giving us what we do not deserve and mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve.” The Psalmist assures us that goodness and mercy, like chaperones, will follow us through all our earthly journey.
God’s goodness!
Ps. 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Ps. 31:19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
Psalm 69:16 Hear me, O LORD; for thy loving kindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. (see also 87:P17; 109:21; 116:12; 142:7; 145:7)
God’s mercy!
Ps. 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Ps. 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Psalm 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
5 times in Psalm 86 we find David using this word mercy. Can you find in Psalm 86 the three decisions David made because of God’s mercy?
Psalm 136: How many times do we find the word mercy in Psalm 136?
What a wonderful assurance that God has appointed goodness and mercy to follow our lives:
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”
Dale Byers 3089-4E Crystal Waters Drive Holland, MI 49424-8096 Drop a note to Dale!
Larry's Insert
“It never ceases to amaze me when God wants to take someone to the next level in their life and they let fear of the unknown rob them of tremendous blessings. I think there are two common problems with Christians- They are scared to death of being truly free and of God's overwhelming love.”
R. Alan Woods, The Journey Is the Destination: A Book of Quotes With Commentaries
***
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.
Note: The November issue will feature a gripping article on Kelly Gissendaner who was put to sleep in Georgia September 29th. You will be amazed at the scope of her ministry to women and even Corrections Officers while living on Death Row. Our ministry, yours and mine played a part. Until next month I assure you of my prayers and earnestly seek yours.
In the love of Jesus Christ,
Larry
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
R. Alan Woods, The Journey Is the Destination: A Book of Quotes With Commentaries
***
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.
Note: The November issue will feature a gripping article on Kelly Gissendaner who was put to sleep in Georgia September 29th. You will be amazed at the scope of her ministry to women and even Corrections Officers while living on Death Row. Our ministry, yours and mine played a part. Until next month I assure you of my prayers and earnestly seek yours.
In the love of Jesus Christ,
Larry
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805