Legacy of Love: Memories of Dr. Lloyd-Jones

Devotional

Day 1: Legacy of Love and Wisdom

In the life of Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, we see a profound legacy that extends beyond his public ministry into the intimate sphere of family life. His influence was not confined to the pulpit but was deeply felt in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Through cherished family moments, he imparted values of love, wisdom, and intellectual curiosity. This legacy serves as a reminder of the lasting impact we can have on our families through our actions and values. By nurturing relationships and instilling virtues, we create a foundation that can influence generations to come. [00:36]

"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children." (Deuteronomy 4:9, ESV)

Reflection: What values and lessons are you intentionally passing down to your family or those you mentor? How can you ensure these are remembered and cherished by future generations?

Day 2: Harmonizing Public and Private Life

Dr. Lloyd-Jones exemplified the art of balancing a demanding public ministry with a devoted family life. Despite his public persona, he prioritized his loved ones, demonstrating that fulfilling professional and spiritual callings need not come at the expense of family. This balance is a model for us, encouraging us to find harmony between our responsibilities and our relationships. It challenges us to be present and engaged with our families, even amidst the demands of our careers and ministries. [01:37]

"Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind." (Ecclesiastes 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you create more balance between your work and family life? What practical steps can you take this week to be more present with your loved ones?

Day 3: Cultivating a Love for Learning

Dr. Lloyd-Jones' encouragement of reading and intellectual growth was a testament to his belief in the importance of lifelong learning. By taking an interest in his grandchildren's literary pursuits, he fostered a love for knowledge and curiosity. This emphasis on education and personal development is a reminder of the value of nurturing our minds and encouraging others to do the same. It challenges us to be lifelong learners and to inspire those around us to pursue knowledge and growth. [03:11]

"Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge." (Proverbs 23:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one new area of knowledge or skill you would like to explore? How can you take a step towards learning more about it this week?

Day 4: The Beauty of Enduring Love

The love story of Dr. Lloyd-Jones and his wife, Beth Ann, is a testament to the power of love and patience. Their courtship, marked by persistence and eventual acceptance, illustrates the beauty of enduring love and the importance of waiting for the right moment. This story encourages us to appreciate the depth and strength of love that withstands time and challenges. It reminds us that true love is patient and kind, and it grows stronger through perseverance and faithfulness. [04:42]

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a relationship in your life that requires patience and perseverance. How can you demonstrate love and kindness in this relationship today?

Day 5: Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures

Dr. Lloyd-Jones found joy in simple activities like mini-golf and croquet, teaching us to appreciate the small pleasures in life. These moments of joy and laughter with family highlight the importance of finding happiness in everyday experiences. This perspective encourages us to slow down and savor the simple joys that life offers, reminding us that true contentment often lies in the ordinary moments shared with loved ones. [05:45]

"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 8:15, ESV)

Reflection: What simple activity or moment can you enjoy with your loved ones this week? How can you intentionally create space for joy and laughter in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

In this heartfelt reflection, I share cherished memories of my grandfather, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, a revered preacher whose influence extended beyond the pulpit into the warmth of family life. Through a series of home movies from the late 1950s to the late 1960s, we glimpse the gentle and loving side of a man known for his powerful sermons. These films capture family gatherings, outings, and everyday moments, revealing a grandfather who was always impeccably dressed, even in casual settings, and who cherished time with his grandchildren.

Dr. Lloyd-Jones, affectionately known as "Grandpa," was a man of deep intellect and warmth. He encouraged us to read, taking an interest in our literary pursuits, no matter how trivial they seemed. His love for books was a testament to his lifelong commitment to learning and growth, a value he instilled in us. My grandmother, Beth Ann Lloyd-Jones, was equally remarkable, a pioneering medical doctor in the 1920s who had a significant influence on our family. Her strength and determination were evident in her life choices, including her eventual marriage to my grandfather after many proposals.

These home movies also highlight the playful side of Dr. Lloyd-Jones, as he engaged in sports like mini-golf and croquet with us. His competitive spirit and love for games brought joy and laughter to our family gatherings. Through these memories, we see a man who balanced his public ministry with a private life filled with love, laughter, and learning.

Key Takeaways

1. Jones left a legacy not only through his sermons but also through his family. His influence extended beyond the pulpit, shaping the lives of his children and grandchildren with love and wisdom. This reminds us of the lasting impact we can have on our families through our values and actions. [00:36]
2. Balancing Public and Private Life: Despite his public persona, Dr. Lloyd-Jones was a devoted family man. His ability to balance his ministry with family life serves as a model for us to prioritize our loved ones while fulfilling our professional and spiritual callings.

3. Encouragement in Learning: Dr. Lloyd-Jones' encouragement of reading and learning highlights the importance of intellectual growth. By taking an interest in what his grandchildren read, he fostered a love for knowledge and curiosity, teaching us to value education and personal development.

4. The Power of Love and Patience: The story of my grandparents' courtship is a testament to love and patience. My grandfather's persistence and my grandmother's eventual acceptance illustrate the beauty of enduring love and the importance of waiting for the right moment.

5. Joy in Simple Pleasures: Engaging in simple activities like mini-golf and croquet, Dr. Lloyd-Jones found joy in everyday moments. This teaches us to appreciate the small pleasures in life and to find happiness in spending time with loved ones. [00:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to the Lloyd-Jones Family
[00:23] - Family Gatherings and Memories
[00:36] - Dr. Lloyd-Jones as a Grandfather
[00:48] - A Glimpse into Family Life
[01:01] - Celebrating Milestones
[01:14] - Family Outings and Adventures
[01:37] - The Gentle Grandfather
[01:53] - Childhood Memories
[02:07] - The Joy of Reading
[02:48] - Encouragement and Interest
[03:11] - The Influence of Grandparents
[03:24] - The Role of My Grandmother
[04:29] - A Love Story
[04:42] - The Joy of Sports
[05:45] - Closing Reflections

Sermon Clips

Dr. Lloyd-Jones, affectionately known as "Grandpa," was a man of deep intellect and warmth. He encouraged us to read, taking an interest in our literary pursuits, no matter how trivial they seemed. His love for books was a testament to his lifelong commitment to learning and growth, a value he instilled in us. [00:03:11]

He was a very sweet and gentle grandfather and we were always clean off his knees as well my cousins in the early 70s that's me being annoying apparently I was ill that day and that's my excuse and my grandmother was always in the house and with my cousins as well as my brother and my sister. [00:01:53]

He was a great fan of sports and we take us out in the absolutely this game and croquet way he was easily the best in the family. [00:05:45]

My grandmother, Beth Ann Lloyd-Jones, was equally remarkable, a pioneering medical doctor in the 1920s who had a significant influence on our family. Her strength and determination were evident in her life choices, including her eventual marriage to my grandfather after many proposals. [00:04:42]

He was never without a tie and never has a hat and no matter what the weather is it's better than my mother, and here is better than sitting on my grandfather's knee. [00:01:37]

He also encouraged us to read and was interested in reading what we were reading no matter how rubbish it was he liked to know what we were doing what we were reading and to take an interest in it. [00:03:11]

My grandfather was never without a tie and never has a hat and no matter what the weather is it's better than my mother, and here is better than sitting on my grandfather's knee. [00:01:37]

He was a very sweet and gentle grandfather and we were always clean off his knees as well my cousins in the early 70s that's me being annoying apparently I was ill that day and that's my excuse and my grandmother was always in the house and with my cousins as well as my brother and my sister. [00:01:53]

He was a great fan of sports and we take us out in the absolutely this game and croquet way he was easily the best in the family. [00:05:45]

My grandmother, Beth Ann Lloyd-Jones, was equally remarkable, a pioneering medical doctor in the 1920s who had a significant influence on our family. Her strength and determination were evident in her life choices, including her eventual marriage to my grandfather after many proposals. [00:04:42]

He was never without a tie and never has a hat and no matter what the weather is it's better than my mother, and here is better than sitting on my grandfather's knee. [00:01:37]

He also encouraged us to read and was interested in reading what we were reading no matter how rubbish it was he liked to know what we were doing what we were reading and to take an interest in it. [00:03:11]

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