Larry Lilly's Journal Time to Renew Loyalty Vol 18, Issue 10 Oct 2016
Larry & Joyce
Hebrews 13:12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
13 Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.
A monument to great ones of the Revolutionary War in Saratoga, New York pays honor to four heroes of the battle at Saratoga. A large monument, with a high steeple has four sides and in a niche is placed a bronze statue of heroes. General Gates, General Schuyler and General Morgan.
The fourth niche remains solemnly empty. The niche has all the trimmings of the other three. Yet it is empty and hopefully will remain so for all time. The man whose bronze replica was to reside in the niche was the infamous Benedict Arnold. A gifted, but self-centered man who betrayed the American cause.
After his defection to England, Talleyrand asked him for letters of recommendation and here’s his reply:
I was born in America, and have lived there; and I am the only man in the world who can raise his hand to heaven and say; ‘I have not one friend in America; no, not one! My name is Benedict Arnold!’”
The underlying principle of the verses for this article is in one word, Loyalty! That simple loyalty is a missing element in many aspects of American and Christian life is glaring and you have to be blind, deaf and have an IQ of less than 51 to fail to note the abandonment of loyalty and thus clearly see the serious flaw in the character of our current society at large. There is little loyalty to tried and true principles of daily living, the constant moving from biblical truths to frills, and the lack of party loyalty in the political realm is appalling! (I must move on from this else I end up
on a rant).
The problem is summed up in one simple verse by Jesus Christ:
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24
Whether we like it or not a loyalty test will involve the strength of our commitment to our understanding of truth, and truth has its roots in the realm of the spiritual, thus money or the things of money will somehow be woven into the temptation to abandon the truth. The term money can honestly be used to include prestige, power over others, including but not limited to elected office of any kind.
The need for wisdom from the Lord in our day concerning our own loyalty and that of our associates is great as it was in the days of Amaziah, a 25-year-old King of Judah mentioned in 2Chronicles 25:2 “And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a loyal heart.” True hearted whole hearted is always the marching song of true saints of the Lord. He began with a flash, but soon became an idolater. (25:14-14). James sums it this way, “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8.
A thought has tumbled around the empty part of my brain for years, essentially asking a question, “How can it be that so many wear a cross, even carry a Bible, attend a building with a steeple and yet make the mistake of being ashamed more or less, of Jesus? Glance again at the text verses at the beginning of this sermon and take what is said to heart, and the take measure of your loyalty to Christ.
Christ took the reproach of the religious crowd, the spit of the mob, the ridicule of Rome, the beating of the soldiers, the forsaking by his followers, the denial of Peter, to say nothing of the indescribable darkness while on Calvary. Some say the darkness represents the turning of the Father from the Son as Jesus became sin for us.
He did that in order to save all who will and set them apart for His own special use in the world. After this verse 12 comes the exhortation for those who have experienced the miraculous new birth, to join Him outside the gate, the place of public rejection, of ridicule and often a place of bloody suffering such as that being endured by our Christian Brothers and Sisters around the world and like to become part of our walk here in what used to be called Christendom. We, under all circumstances, are to join with Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
Too much of what’s called Christian has retreated from outside the gate and become comfortable and influential while basking in the acceptance of those who would crucify Him again. Vance Havner often complained of gaining influence while losing power. He knew the difference.
We are able to endure the “fringe” as we keep our eye on the city of our true citizenship, note Hebrews13:14, “For here we have no continuing city, but seek the one to come.”
In times like these where the concept of loyalty is foreign to the world view of many, we must as loyal children of the Lord, take a few simple actions to heart as indicators of the intensity of our loyalty.
We must be loyal to the precious blood He shed on Calvary as it alone cleanses from sin.
We must go with Him, outside the camp, no matter what name the “camp” goes by.
We must keep our eye, heart and loyalty projected toward the City of our Citizenship.
Paul touched on this with these words of challenge and courage: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Back to Benedict Arnold and the monument at Saratoga: “When the roll is called in the Celestial City, will your niche be filled?”
You alone know the answer and you alone can make your calling and election sure. You alone may trust in Jesus alone for your niche and once that is done once for all, loyalty to Christ becomes, not second nature, but really new nature.
Elizabeth Pate wrote the following:
“I’ll be true, precious Jesus, I’ll be true.
I’ll be true, precious Jesus, I’ll be true;
There’s a race to be run, There’s a victory to be won
Every hour, by Thy power, I’ll be true.”
For these stormy times, expect Jesus to stand by you, above all else learn the joy of standing with and for Him. LML.
Note From Noah Webster:
When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good, so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizens will be violated or discarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.
History of the United States 1832 pge 336-337.
“Republican” is NOT referring to a party, but the US Form of government.
13 Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.
A monument to great ones of the Revolutionary War in Saratoga, New York pays honor to four heroes of the battle at Saratoga. A large monument, with a high steeple has four sides and in a niche is placed a bronze statue of heroes. General Gates, General Schuyler and General Morgan.
The fourth niche remains solemnly empty. The niche has all the trimmings of the other three. Yet it is empty and hopefully will remain so for all time. The man whose bronze replica was to reside in the niche was the infamous Benedict Arnold. A gifted, but self-centered man who betrayed the American cause.
After his defection to England, Talleyrand asked him for letters of recommendation and here’s his reply:
I was born in America, and have lived there; and I am the only man in the world who can raise his hand to heaven and say; ‘I have not one friend in America; no, not one! My name is Benedict Arnold!’”
The underlying principle of the verses for this article is in one word, Loyalty! That simple loyalty is a missing element in many aspects of American and Christian life is glaring and you have to be blind, deaf and have an IQ of less than 51 to fail to note the abandonment of loyalty and thus clearly see the serious flaw in the character of our current society at large. There is little loyalty to tried and true principles of daily living, the constant moving from biblical truths to frills, and the lack of party loyalty in the political realm is appalling! (I must move on from this else I end up
on a rant).
The problem is summed up in one simple verse by Jesus Christ:
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24
Whether we like it or not a loyalty test will involve the strength of our commitment to our understanding of truth, and truth has its roots in the realm of the spiritual, thus money or the things of money will somehow be woven into the temptation to abandon the truth. The term money can honestly be used to include prestige, power over others, including but not limited to elected office of any kind.
The need for wisdom from the Lord in our day concerning our own loyalty and that of our associates is great as it was in the days of Amaziah, a 25-year-old King of Judah mentioned in 2Chronicles 25:2 “And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a loyal heart.” True hearted whole hearted is always the marching song of true saints of the Lord. He began with a flash, but soon became an idolater. (25:14-14). James sums it this way, “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8.
A thought has tumbled around the empty part of my brain for years, essentially asking a question, “How can it be that so many wear a cross, even carry a Bible, attend a building with a steeple and yet make the mistake of being ashamed more or less, of Jesus? Glance again at the text verses at the beginning of this sermon and take what is said to heart, and the take measure of your loyalty to Christ.
Christ took the reproach of the religious crowd, the spit of the mob, the ridicule of Rome, the beating of the soldiers, the forsaking by his followers, the denial of Peter, to say nothing of the indescribable darkness while on Calvary. Some say the darkness represents the turning of the Father from the Son as Jesus became sin for us.
He did that in order to save all who will and set them apart for His own special use in the world. After this verse 12 comes the exhortation for those who have experienced the miraculous new birth, to join Him outside the gate, the place of public rejection, of ridicule and often a place of bloody suffering such as that being endured by our Christian Brothers and Sisters around the world and like to become part of our walk here in what used to be called Christendom. We, under all circumstances, are to join with Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
Too much of what’s called Christian has retreated from outside the gate and become comfortable and influential while basking in the acceptance of those who would crucify Him again. Vance Havner often complained of gaining influence while losing power. He knew the difference.
We are able to endure the “fringe” as we keep our eye on the city of our true citizenship, note Hebrews13:14, “For here we have no continuing city, but seek the one to come.”
In times like these where the concept of loyalty is foreign to the world view of many, we must as loyal children of the Lord, take a few simple actions to heart as indicators of the intensity of our loyalty.
We must be loyal to the precious blood He shed on Calvary as it alone cleanses from sin.
We must go with Him, outside the camp, no matter what name the “camp” goes by.
We must keep our eye, heart and loyalty projected toward the City of our Citizenship.
Paul touched on this with these words of challenge and courage: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Back to Benedict Arnold and the monument at Saratoga: “When the roll is called in the Celestial City, will your niche be filled?”
You alone know the answer and you alone can make your calling and election sure. You alone may trust in Jesus alone for your niche and once that is done once for all, loyalty to Christ becomes, not second nature, but really new nature.
Elizabeth Pate wrote the following:
“I’ll be true, precious Jesus, I’ll be true.
I’ll be true, precious Jesus, I’ll be true;
There’s a race to be run, There’s a victory to be won
Every hour, by Thy power, I’ll be true.”
For these stormy times, expect Jesus to stand by you, above all else learn the joy of standing with and for Him. LML.
Note From Noah Webster:
When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good, so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizens will be violated or discarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.
History of the United States 1832 pge 336-337.
“Republican” is NOT referring to a party, but the US Form of government.
Letters & Comments
Dear Brother Larry,
I continue to be blessed by the great work that you do for the Lord. I that there are many behind the scenes obstacles that you have to endure, that no one knows but you. However, you know that the enemy is not pleased with what you’re doing for the Lord. He will try to hinder, hamper, get in the way and chance he gets. But, I’ve read the last chapter and in the end, you win.
They’re getting very close to implementing the dog training program. It’s supposed to happen sometime in September. I thought about signing up for that program because I do like dogs. However, I didn’t want to give up my luxury condo for duplex. (Smile). I don’t know how it’s going to work, but it has worked very well at other institutions of higher learning. (Smile).
There are times when the staff here go above and beyond the call of duty. There was this man who was very sick in the infirmary. They knew that his death was imminent. So they tried to get in touch with his family. However, the emergency contact numbers we no longer in service. So there was correctional staff, hospital staff, and the man’s counselor, all trying to make contact with someone in his family. So what that finally had to do was look at his phone log of people that he had called in the past. That’s how his loved ones were finally notified about his death. So, it was nice for them to through all of this.
Dad and Mom had been married for 62 years!
Yours in Christ, C.A.W.
Editor’s Note: C.W. sent a copy of his dad’s obit and the eulogy C.W. wrote to be read at the service. I would love to share it with you, but I will get his permission first as this brother has been imprisoned for over a quarter of a century with much more to go. He comes from a stellar family. His father was a man of great achievement and well respected by thousands. The old Devil will attempt to defeat anyone. C.W. has walked with Christ inside the walls for many years now and touches lives as he serves Jesus Christ in the belly of the beast. Please keep him in your prayers. LML.
Note from a prisoner:
The night I was arrested I was a practicing Wiccan. I sat in the County Lockup as many thoughts raced through my mind. Attempting to calm my mind down, I asked the jailor for a book to read. Any book would have been fine. In a little while he brought a book titled Left Behind. I read the book and believed in Jesus Christ. W.
Editor’s Note: This man is now serving his sentence in a secure prison and is an outstanding witness for Christ. He is a gifted and knowledgeable speaker and has the heart of a pastor. In many unofficial ways he is “pastor” to other prisoners. His humble attitude is refreshing and his persona is absent any attitude of condescension. Over time I feel certain many lives will be impacted for Jesus Christ by this man. Pray for him as he serves Jesus simply because Christ loves him and he loves Jesus enough to shine as a bright light in a very spiritually dark place. LML.
**
“My wife and I visited a recent graduate from college. She candidly shared her thoughts about salvation. She had a varied background even including Buddhism. She as a sharp thinker. Each group she had delved into taught salvation by works, each disagreeing with the other about what works save you. She asked me point blank if I knew what specific works would take her to heaven. She was shocked when I gave her a one word answer: NONE! Her response was, “You mean you don’t know?
It took several weeks for the simple truth of salvation broke through to her. The message is always the same: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? “ The answer is crystal clear, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31. Dr. Phil Stringer.
This excerpt from the new book, Evangelism Made Simple, Jim Scudder and Phil Stringer. Joyce will review this great book for November. LML. You may be assured it is a very helpful book. Get it for $20 a copy at
Dr. Phil Stringer philstringer@att.net
I continue to be blessed by the great work that you do for the Lord. I that there are many behind the scenes obstacles that you have to endure, that no one knows but you. However, you know that the enemy is not pleased with what you’re doing for the Lord. He will try to hinder, hamper, get in the way and chance he gets. But, I’ve read the last chapter and in the end, you win.
They’re getting very close to implementing the dog training program. It’s supposed to happen sometime in September. I thought about signing up for that program because I do like dogs. However, I didn’t want to give up my luxury condo for duplex. (Smile). I don’t know how it’s going to work, but it has worked very well at other institutions of higher learning. (Smile).
There are times when the staff here go above and beyond the call of duty. There was this man who was very sick in the infirmary. They knew that his death was imminent. So they tried to get in touch with his family. However, the emergency contact numbers we no longer in service. So there was correctional staff, hospital staff, and the man’s counselor, all trying to make contact with someone in his family. So what that finally had to do was look at his phone log of people that he had called in the past. That’s how his loved ones were finally notified about his death. So, it was nice for them to through all of this.
Dad and Mom had been married for 62 years!
Yours in Christ, C.A.W.
Editor’s Note: C.W. sent a copy of his dad’s obit and the eulogy C.W. wrote to be read at the service. I would love to share it with you, but I will get his permission first as this brother has been imprisoned for over a quarter of a century with much more to go. He comes from a stellar family. His father was a man of great achievement and well respected by thousands. The old Devil will attempt to defeat anyone. C.W. has walked with Christ inside the walls for many years now and touches lives as he serves Jesus Christ in the belly of the beast. Please keep him in your prayers. LML.
Note from a prisoner:
The night I was arrested I was a practicing Wiccan. I sat in the County Lockup as many thoughts raced through my mind. Attempting to calm my mind down, I asked the jailor for a book to read. Any book would have been fine. In a little while he brought a book titled Left Behind. I read the book and believed in Jesus Christ. W.
Editor’s Note: This man is now serving his sentence in a secure prison and is an outstanding witness for Christ. He is a gifted and knowledgeable speaker and has the heart of a pastor. In many unofficial ways he is “pastor” to other prisoners. His humble attitude is refreshing and his persona is absent any attitude of condescension. Over time I feel certain many lives will be impacted for Jesus Christ by this man. Pray for him as he serves Jesus simply because Christ loves him and he loves Jesus enough to shine as a bright light in a very spiritually dark place. LML.
**
“My wife and I visited a recent graduate from college. She candidly shared her thoughts about salvation. She had a varied background even including Buddhism. She as a sharp thinker. Each group she had delved into taught salvation by works, each disagreeing with the other about what works save you. She asked me point blank if I knew what specific works would take her to heaven. She was shocked when I gave her a one word answer: NONE! Her response was, “You mean you don’t know?
It took several weeks for the simple truth of salvation broke through to her. The message is always the same: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? “ The answer is crystal clear, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31. Dr. Phil Stringer.
This excerpt from the new book, Evangelism Made Simple, Jim Scudder and Phil Stringer. Joyce will review this great book for November. LML. You may be assured it is a very helpful book. Get it for $20 a copy at
Dr. Phil Stringer philstringer@att.net
The Book Worm's Corner Comments From Helpful Books
Hands of the Father. Darrell Case, Leaning Tree Christian Publishers. 37chp 222 pgs. $12.95 Amazon, etc.
This book is so dark I had serious trouble just reviewing it. The opening chapter has a child, ten years old in the kitchen of the tumbledown shack where he lives. He is going on about life, when the author reveals his abducted “mother” is chained by the ankle and cannot get away. The is one of the more uplifting scenes in the dark novel. A dark novel to be sure, but one with the light of the world triumphing over the dark mess Globe has come to call, normal.
Darrell tells us on the back cover:
“Globe is ten years old, his mother is dead: his father is a serial killer. Globe is an unwilling accomplice to murder.
Taylor Jackson is a moonshiner, a father and a serial killer. In a jealous rage, he murders his abducted woman in front of his eight-year-old son, Globe. He then replaces her with another and then another. None of them meet his standards. To Globe they are only temporary “mothers.” He can visit their graves in the pasture, but he dares not love them. His father kills everything Globe loves. Taylor is arrested and escapes. He vows he will kill the only witness to his crimes, his son! Globe realizes the only way to stop his father is to kill him. Taylor lures his son into a trap. It appears that Globe will be the next victim or will he put an end to his father’s murderous spree?”
Reviewers say, “Awesome,” “Wonderful,” “riveting,” etc. All statements about Hands of the Father are really understated!
Each page of Hands delves deeper into the depravity of the fallen human heart; of the devastating impact such a heart has on a child. Revulsion is an inadequate word to describe my feelings toward the villain, Taylor Jackson. Yet, God has His ways. I was amazed at how deftly Darrell Case brought Christ into the sordid setting in this best book yet by this prison worker of many years.
Get this book. Joyce Lilly TgB.
This book is so dark I had serious trouble just reviewing it. The opening chapter has a child, ten years old in the kitchen of the tumbledown shack where he lives. He is going on about life, when the author reveals his abducted “mother” is chained by the ankle and cannot get away. The is one of the more uplifting scenes in the dark novel. A dark novel to be sure, but one with the light of the world triumphing over the dark mess Globe has come to call, normal.
Darrell tells us on the back cover:
“Globe is ten years old, his mother is dead: his father is a serial killer. Globe is an unwilling accomplice to murder.
Taylor Jackson is a moonshiner, a father and a serial killer. In a jealous rage, he murders his abducted woman in front of his eight-year-old son, Globe. He then replaces her with another and then another. None of them meet his standards. To Globe they are only temporary “mothers.” He can visit their graves in the pasture, but he dares not love them. His father kills everything Globe loves. Taylor is arrested and escapes. He vows he will kill the only witness to his crimes, his son! Globe realizes the only way to stop his father is to kill him. Taylor lures his son into a trap. It appears that Globe will be the next victim or will he put an end to his father’s murderous spree?”
Reviewers say, “Awesome,” “Wonderful,” “riveting,” etc. All statements about Hands of the Father are really understated!
Each page of Hands delves deeper into the depravity of the fallen human heart; of the devastating impact such a heart has on a child. Revulsion is an inadequate word to describe my feelings toward the villain, Taylor Jackson. Yet, God has His ways. I was amazed at how deftly Darrell Case brought Christ into the sordid setting in this best book yet by this prison worker of many years.
Get this book. Joyce Lilly TgB.
Powerful Helpful Truths as you study!
Dale Byers
Peter Was A Special Ordinary Man Dale Byers
I Peter 1:1 Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ
We do not know much about Peter except that his original name was Simon or Cephas (Jn. 1:36-42). His early home was at Bethsaida, and later at Capernaum. His occupation was a fisherman and he was married (Matt. 8:14). He was a normal individual whose temperament was impulsive and devoted. He was one of Christ’s first four disciples. Peter was a normal individual, the same as you and me, but Christ predicted a spiritual change by changing his name to Peter which means “rock” (Mark 1:16-18).
It is interesting how Peter is always first.
In listing the Twelve Apostles, his name is always listed first (Luke 6:13-16). He was the first of the Apostles to confess that Jesus was The Christ, the Messiah (Matt. 16:16). He was also the first to deny his Savior (Matt. 26:69-75). After Christ’s crucifixion he was among the first to return to the tomb (John 20:1-6). Jesus sent a special message to him, and specially appeared to him (Mark 16:7; Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5). After Christ’s ascension Peter took the lead of the Apostles and disciples during the ten days before Pentecost (Acts 1:13-26). (Adapted from Graham Scroggie).
Peter was God’s chosen instr2ument for a special ministry. God has a special purpose for each of our lives. If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, God has designed you, equipped you and called you for a special purpose. You are a unique individual. We differ in gifts, abilities and positions of service, but, each of our lives are, in many ways, like Peter’s life. We will one day stand before our Savior and He will open the books and examine how we have served and lived for Him. The records will reveal times of weakness, failures and disappointments, (just like Peter), but there will also be those rewards for victories and battles we have won. We must live each day with the prospect of that day. Make certain of your relationship with Christ. Then develop your life to serve and please Christ. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
1. Knowing The Lord Jesus Christ as Savior does not exempt any of us from the normal processes of spiritual growth. Peter failed the Lord and we may also stumble, fail and sometimes demonstrate the qualities of our old nature. When we fail, we must seek forgiveness and keep growing in our Christian walk. Consider:
2Peter 1:13.
2. The maturing process of the Christian’s life is a continual work of God.
We will not be perfected until we are with our Lord Jesus in glory. Peter exhorts:
· Add to your faith (2 Peter 1:2-10)
· Grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18)
http://dalebyers.wordpress.com/
****
10 Ways to Love. Author unknown to me. LML
· Listen without Interrupting. Proverbs 18
· Speak without accusing. James 1:19
· Give without sparing. Proverbs 21:26
· Pray without Ceasing. Colossians 1:9
· Answer without Arguing. Proverbs 17:1
· Share without pretending. Ephesians 4:15
· Enjoy without Complaint. Philippians 2:14
· Trust without wavering. 1Corinthians 13:7
· Forgive without punishing. Colossians 3:13
· Promise without forgetting. Proverbs 13:12
***
Friendly Reminder!
September 7th I was ministering in the Advanced Pastoring class at Wabash Valley. I was deeply moved by the passion these men have for Christ in such a place. A statement by Martha Washington came to mind: “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” Christ creates a powerful ‘disposition!’
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.
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
Looking to receive a note from you!
God bless,
Larry
I Peter 1:1 Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ
We do not know much about Peter except that his original name was Simon or Cephas (Jn. 1:36-42). His early home was at Bethsaida, and later at Capernaum. His occupation was a fisherman and he was married (Matt. 8:14). He was a normal individual whose temperament was impulsive and devoted. He was one of Christ’s first four disciples. Peter was a normal individual, the same as you and me, but Christ predicted a spiritual change by changing his name to Peter which means “rock” (Mark 1:16-18).
It is interesting how Peter is always first.
In listing the Twelve Apostles, his name is always listed first (Luke 6:13-16). He was the first of the Apostles to confess that Jesus was The Christ, the Messiah (Matt. 16:16). He was also the first to deny his Savior (Matt. 26:69-75). After Christ’s crucifixion he was among the first to return to the tomb (John 20:1-6). Jesus sent a special message to him, and specially appeared to him (Mark 16:7; Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5). After Christ’s ascension Peter took the lead of the Apostles and disciples during the ten days before Pentecost (Acts 1:13-26). (Adapted from Graham Scroggie).
Peter was God’s chosen instr2ument for a special ministry. God has a special purpose for each of our lives. If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, God has designed you, equipped you and called you for a special purpose. You are a unique individual. We differ in gifts, abilities and positions of service, but, each of our lives are, in many ways, like Peter’s life. We will one day stand before our Savior and He will open the books and examine how we have served and lived for Him. The records will reveal times of weakness, failures and disappointments, (just like Peter), but there will also be those rewards for victories and battles we have won. We must live each day with the prospect of that day. Make certain of your relationship with Christ. Then develop your life to serve and please Christ. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
1. Knowing The Lord Jesus Christ as Savior does not exempt any of us from the normal processes of spiritual growth. Peter failed the Lord and we may also stumble, fail and sometimes demonstrate the qualities of our old nature. When we fail, we must seek forgiveness and keep growing in our Christian walk. Consider:
2Peter 1:13.
2. The maturing process of the Christian’s life is a continual work of God.
We will not be perfected until we are with our Lord Jesus in glory. Peter exhorts:
· Add to your faith (2 Peter 1:2-10)
· Grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18)
http://dalebyers.wordpress.com/
****
10 Ways to Love. Author unknown to me. LML
· Listen without Interrupting. Proverbs 18
· Speak without accusing. James 1:19
· Give without sparing. Proverbs 21:26
· Pray without Ceasing. Colossians 1:9
· Answer without Arguing. Proverbs 17:1
· Share without pretending. Ephesians 4:15
· Enjoy without Complaint. Philippians 2:14
· Trust without wavering. 1Corinthians 13:7
· Forgive without punishing. Colossians 3:13
· Promise without forgetting. Proverbs 13:12
***
Friendly Reminder!
September 7th I was ministering in the Advanced Pastoring class at Wabash Valley. I was deeply moved by the passion these men have for Christ in such a place. A statement by Martha Washington came to mind: “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” Christ creates a powerful ‘disposition!’
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.
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
Looking to receive a note from you!
God bless,
Larry