Devotionals

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday September 14, 2005

About 40 years ago I heard a missionary who had labored for years in what was then called the Belgian Congo. He had lived in grass huts and lived and worked among the jungle people with great fruit. In one of his speeches he shared the following story:

"A wealthy group of Americans were in the area on Safari and as was the custom they hired some of the local men to carry their baggage. The first day they hurried the carriers and near the end of the day the men dropped their heavy loads and sat under a tree. The travelers had a fit and accused the Africans of being lazy. One of the older men spoke up said, "Sir, we are not lazy, we are just letting our souls catch up with us."

I liked the story way back then and I love it now that I am in what many call my dotage. I have run to much with far too few times to rest and let 'my soul catch up.'

In our Western world we put a premium on fast, busy, lets go, and go run to and fro right now. We will be dead a long time and other such statements designed to get us to go 'hurrier' An old Dutch saying states it thusly:

"The hurrier I go the behinder I get."

More than one doctor has said that 80 to 90 % of our health problems could be cured by learning to live a balanced life. I am certain that these doctors are on target and I hope to get time to put their advice into practice sometime.

Daniel the grand prophet of end time things wrote concerning the coming world ruler: Daniel 7:25, "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time"

The scripture portrays Satan as 'running to and fro' in the earth. I call that phrase the 'chicken with its head off' formula.

God uses the images of peace and tranquility such as the still waters of Psalm 23, Jesus and disciples talking and enjoying each other and the work of The Father. Be still and Know that I am God is still a good prescription for curing anxiety. Fear not, is uttered in a commanding tone and addresses our fear of the unknown, of worrying about new experiences. We do not have to fear, for Christ is with us as He promised. Learning to trust and rejoice in God's promises is one of the essential keys to inner peace. The other day a friend called and said he was sending a nice piece of money for a family now living in our city, recently displaced by Katrina. He also noted that he was sending a gift for yours truly. I had been praying most of the night as my offerings are down. He had no earthly way of knowing my need, yet he responded. I was elated at the promise of my friend. The next morning in a prayer meeting I asked my men, "Why am I overjoyed at the promise of a good man, and am hardly moved by a black and white promise of God?" I need adjustment!

Busy? Try this: Being Under Satan's Yoke.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2005 Use with credit

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