Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday October 5, 2006

For most of my adult life I have been motivated by what I call 'zingers' meaning a short phrase or quote that sets the mind, heart or both on fire with related thoughts. Most of my writing is based on this response to the way a truth is phrased. I have heard preachers talk about this phenomenon as 'the verse just leaped off the page.' It makes the days study seem to go a little faster and a lot more refreshing.

I came across one today (Wednesday) from a retired college professor identified as CBSVan. This is all I know of Van. He sends informative articles each day, and I am included on the list. Mr. Van did not credit the phrase, so I have no idea who said it. Perhaps Mr. Van originated the phrase and if so, I congratulate him.

"God is more interested in tomorrow than yesterday."

One of my complaints about religious 'journalism' is the constant emphasis on yesterday. I don't know much but I do know that yesterday cannot be undone it can only be forgiven and learned from. Years ago I heard an old farmer remark: "Ya cain't do a thing about yesterday, ye'd better be about using today to make tomorra better." He reminded me of Walter Brennen. I am having trouble with Brennen as I heard the Great Blonde remark to Dawn that, 'Dad, is starting to remind me of Walter Brennen.' This is from the girl who once said to her mother; 'Larry reminds me a lot of Elvis Presley.' Life is tough.

Through biblical practices of confession and forsaking of actions, thoughts that are against the plan of Christ for our life we can start each today as a brand new page, clean and unblemished, a gift right from God's hand to us, to be used for His glory which will involve the betterment of those around us and sometimes afar off. As we grow in the grace, peace and knowledge of Christ we are better prepared to use today to increase our ability to be more used tomorrow.

Another country wise man used to say, "Don't pet the dog yesterday." He meant that we must learn to leave yesterday where it belongs, a day that is gone, and some things in most yesterdays are best put under the blood of Jesus. And left there!

In 1950 Ira Stanphill wrote, "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" and many hearts have been encouraged by the lyrics. There are of course many things God leaves unknown to us about tomorrow, but we do have the absolute assurance that we will not be alone when tomorrow dawns as Jesus will be with us each nanosecond of it. When Noah and his family were in the Ark, the storm raged without, with a fury the world had never seen before or will see again. Yet God knew about the coming rainbow!!

As you go through the storms of life, many of which are brought on by some of yesterdays decisions you must accept the plate of consequences and ride out the storm with courage knowing that God is with you in the storm and will present you on the other side of it. And He has the rainbow in the sky for you.

That 'trouble' belongs to yesterday and yesterdays gone.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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