Larry Lilly's Journal Prayer May Change Everything! Vol 18 Issue 4 2016
Larry Lilly in Alaska
1Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing,”
Paul’s statement carries the idea of being aware of whom we serve and thus prayer becomes a habitual response to the roller coaster ride we call life. Often our first response to trouble, change or tragedy is fear, a desire to run away from trouble or prevent the change that is coming upon us. When these fears etc. attack us, note what Tennyson said about the power of prayer:
“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of; therefore, let thy voice rise lie fountain for day and night.”
Jesus said, “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” Luke 18:1.
The problem of “losing heart” is a major one among otherwise God fearing people. How many time have I heard, or even said, “What’s the use?” That statement is a sign of losing heart, of resignation to the evil that abounds all around. When you feel like, “What’s the use,” that is the time to pray even harder, trusting the Lord Jesus to restore your heart/fervency, concern.
Notice a few verses that are encouragements to seriously pray:
James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.
James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
3John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Over the 54 years I have walked with Jesus, at times following behind for sure, but even when a season of suffering came, I ran to the place of prayer in my heart and while suffering may linger for a spell, on occasion a very long spell, sensing the reality of the nearness of Jesus to me, gave a strength to endure with an attitude of faith that can only come through the avenue of prayer. John noted this as he suffered on the Isle of Patmos. There is something to John’s prayer for the people to whom he wrote the epistle that trickles down to us, namely, that health and true prosperity are connected to “soul prosperity.” When the inner man is enabled by the Spirit of God, he can sing A tent or a cottage why should I care? They’re building a mansion for me over there!
Hindrances to Prayer.
Wrong Attitude: James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”
Not knowing The Word. You have to grasp God’s word to know God’s will.
Lack of Persistence: Daniel 10:1-13 Daniel prayed for 21 days and the prayer was hindered by the Prince of Persia (Iran). Daniel is assured that heaven heard his prayer the first day, but implementation was hindered by evil for three weeks. One reason why Jesus said we must, must pray without losing heart! Parable of unjust Judge Luke 18:1-8.
Improper Relationships May Hinder Prayers. This includes fantasy ideas, emotional ties that clearly are not in line with God’s word. Keep in mind the old saying from Jonathan Edwards, “The ideas and images in men’s minds are the invisible forces that control them.” Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
Bad Blood Within the Family of God. 1John 4:20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Bad Blood Between Husband and Wife. 1Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
Unforgiving Spirit: Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
Much comment can be made on each of the above verses, but the face value of each should drive us to our knees to pray for the times we now are living in. The rampant trouble in most families is serious enough to cause angels to weep. The inner turmoil in many young people is driving them to total distraction. I hear many complaints about our society at large, but very little non-judgmental prayer.
E.M. Bounds wrote: “There is not the least doubt that much of our praying fails for lack of persistency. It is without the fire and strength of perseverance. Persistence is of the essence of true praying. It may not be always called into excise, but it must be there as a reserve force. Jesus taught that perseverance is the essential element of prayer. Men must be in earnest when they kneel at the footstool of God.
Too often we get faint hearted and quit praying at the point we ought to begin. We let go at the very point where we should hold on strongest. Our prayers are weak because they are not impassioned by an unfailing and resistless will.”
I am coming the realization that my life would be vastly more fruitful had I spent as much time praying as I have in complaining. My statement, but surely it will find a suitable fit in most of us. The “not lose heart” phrase by Jesus applies so appropriately to we modern Christians. I/we must come to the place where we spend so much at the throne of Grace, to which we are invited, that we are at home in the powerhouse room of the entire creation.
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
A lady once asked G. Campbell Morgan, “Do you think we ought to pray about even the little things in life?” Dr. Morgan, in his typical British manner, replied, “Madam, can you think of anything in your life that is big to God? LML
***
There is a place where thou canst touch the eyes
Of blinded men to instant, perfect sight;
There is a place where thou canst say, "Arise"
To dying captives, bound in chains of night;
There is a place where thou canst reach the store
Of hoarded gold and free it for the Lord;
There is a place — upon some distant shore --
Where thou canst send the worker and the Word.
Where is that secret place--dost thou ask, "Where?"
O soul, it is the secret place of prayer!
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Paul’s statement carries the idea of being aware of whom we serve and thus prayer becomes a habitual response to the roller coaster ride we call life. Often our first response to trouble, change or tragedy is fear, a desire to run away from trouble or prevent the change that is coming upon us. When these fears etc. attack us, note what Tennyson said about the power of prayer:
“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of; therefore, let thy voice rise lie fountain for day and night.”
Jesus said, “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” Luke 18:1.
The problem of “losing heart” is a major one among otherwise God fearing people. How many time have I heard, or even said, “What’s the use?” That statement is a sign of losing heart, of resignation to the evil that abounds all around. When you feel like, “What’s the use,” that is the time to pray even harder, trusting the Lord Jesus to restore your heart/fervency, concern.
Notice a few verses that are encouragements to seriously pray:
James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.
James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
3John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Over the 54 years I have walked with Jesus, at times following behind for sure, but even when a season of suffering came, I ran to the place of prayer in my heart and while suffering may linger for a spell, on occasion a very long spell, sensing the reality of the nearness of Jesus to me, gave a strength to endure with an attitude of faith that can only come through the avenue of prayer. John noted this as he suffered on the Isle of Patmos. There is something to John’s prayer for the people to whom he wrote the epistle that trickles down to us, namely, that health and true prosperity are connected to “soul prosperity.” When the inner man is enabled by the Spirit of God, he can sing A tent or a cottage why should I care? They’re building a mansion for me over there!
Hindrances to Prayer.
Wrong Attitude: James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”
Not knowing The Word. You have to grasp God’s word to know God’s will.
Lack of Persistence: Daniel 10:1-13 Daniel prayed for 21 days and the prayer was hindered by the Prince of Persia (Iran). Daniel is assured that heaven heard his prayer the first day, but implementation was hindered by evil for three weeks. One reason why Jesus said we must, must pray without losing heart! Parable of unjust Judge Luke 18:1-8.
Improper Relationships May Hinder Prayers. This includes fantasy ideas, emotional ties that clearly are not in line with God’s word. Keep in mind the old saying from Jonathan Edwards, “The ideas and images in men’s minds are the invisible forces that control them.” Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
Bad Blood Within the Family of God. 1John 4:20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Bad Blood Between Husband and Wife. 1Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
Unforgiving Spirit: Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
Much comment can be made on each of the above verses, but the face value of each should drive us to our knees to pray for the times we now are living in. The rampant trouble in most families is serious enough to cause angels to weep. The inner turmoil in many young people is driving them to total distraction. I hear many complaints about our society at large, but very little non-judgmental prayer.
E.M. Bounds wrote: “There is not the least doubt that much of our praying fails for lack of persistency. It is without the fire and strength of perseverance. Persistence is of the essence of true praying. It may not be always called into excise, but it must be there as a reserve force. Jesus taught that perseverance is the essential element of prayer. Men must be in earnest when they kneel at the footstool of God.
Too often we get faint hearted and quit praying at the point we ought to begin. We let go at the very point where we should hold on strongest. Our prayers are weak because they are not impassioned by an unfailing and resistless will.”
I am coming the realization that my life would be vastly more fruitful had I spent as much time praying as I have in complaining. My statement, but surely it will find a suitable fit in most of us. The “not lose heart” phrase by Jesus applies so appropriately to we modern Christians. I/we must come to the place where we spend so much at the throne of Grace, to which we are invited, that we are at home in the powerhouse room of the entire creation.
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
A lady once asked G. Campbell Morgan, “Do you think we ought to pray about even the little things in life?” Dr. Morgan, in his typical British manner, replied, “Madam, can you think of anything in your life that is big to God? LML
***
There is a place where thou canst touch the eyes
Of blinded men to instant, perfect sight;
There is a place where thou canst say, "Arise"
To dying captives, bound in chains of night;
There is a place where thou canst reach the store
Of hoarded gold and free it for the Lord;
There is a place — upon some distant shore --
Where thou canst send the worker and the Word.
Where is that secret place--dost thou ask, "Where?"
O soul, it is the secret place of prayer!
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Letters and Comments From Here and There!
Dr. Tom Wallace
“Years ago I heard about a young boy knocking on doors giving out tracts. With one tract left, he rang a doorbell several times, then knocked a couple more times. Starting to leave he felt impressed to try again.
He rang the bell and the door slowly opened. Standing in the doorway was a very sad looking elderly lady. She softly asked, “What can I do for you, son?”
With radiant eyes and a smile, the little boy said, “Ma-am, I’m sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU” and I came to give you my very last gospel tract. It will tell you all about Jesus and his great love.”
Sunday morning in church the Pastor asked, “Does anyone want to say anything?” An elderly lady stood.
“No one here knows me. Before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on, leaving me all alone. Last Sunday I came to where I no longer wanted to live. I took a rope and went into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair I heard my doorbell ring. I thought, ‘I’ll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away.’ The ringing continued so I loosened the rope and went to answer the door. There on my front porch was the most radiant little boy. He smiled and said, “Ma’am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU.” Then he gave me this gospel tract. I read it and I have received Christ. My soul has been saved as well as my life.”
From Morning Devotions 366 Biblical Truths for your daily walk. Dr. Tom Wallace (See Joyce’s Rv.)
***
Pastor Lilly,
I hope that this letter finds you and loved ones being blessed exceeding abundantly, above all that you could ask or think. As this letter leaves me, I continue to be blessed in a mighty, mighty way.
I continue to be blessed by our paper fellowship Always blessed by all the spiritual gems that you enclose in each and every issue of your journal. Continue being a beacon of hope for so many who are lost in this cold and evil world.
We had another baptismal service. Five brothers took the plunge. I have to admit that this was one of the funniest baptisms that we ever had. We filled the tub on Friday, normally we do this on Saturday, but because of a very special service we were having on Saturday, we had to move it to a day earlier. Of course you know that the enemy is very busy. The plan was to keep the heat on overnight so that the water could be room temperature. The heat was turned off, and window by the tub was left wide open. The water was freezing. That’s where the funny part comes in. Seeing each one of these brother’s deal with the freezing water was very comical. Of course it was a very cold day that Sunday. But all and all it went really well. (I wonder if they were trying to freeze the sin out)?
This Resurrection Sunday, take some time to truly reflect on what this day commemorates. Don’t get caught up in ceremony and ritual. Give thanks and praise for what Jesus did for you on the cross. God’s pardon is both full and free, obtained by Christ on Calvary. He grants it to the sinful soul who calls on God to be made whole. Maranatha! C.A.W.
Editor’s Note: Carroll has been in prison for years, but each day he serves Jesus where he is planted with a joyful zeal that we on the outside would do well to emulate. LML.
**
Brother Larry,
God bless you all. You are in my daily prayers. I will be 86 on my birthday and my health is good! I praise the Lord for every day that He gives to me. Keep me in your prayers. R.C.
Editor’s Note: This dear lady serves as a volunteer to prisons in one of our northern states. Keep her in your prayers and heart. She is a real gem. LML.
He rang the bell and the door slowly opened. Standing in the doorway was a very sad looking elderly lady. She softly asked, “What can I do for you, son?”
With radiant eyes and a smile, the little boy said, “Ma-am, I’m sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU” and I came to give you my very last gospel tract. It will tell you all about Jesus and his great love.”
Sunday morning in church the Pastor asked, “Does anyone want to say anything?” An elderly lady stood.
“No one here knows me. Before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on, leaving me all alone. Last Sunday I came to where I no longer wanted to live. I took a rope and went into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair I heard my doorbell ring. I thought, ‘I’ll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away.’ The ringing continued so I loosened the rope and went to answer the door. There on my front porch was the most radiant little boy. He smiled and said, “Ma’am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU.” Then he gave me this gospel tract. I read it and I have received Christ. My soul has been saved as well as my life.”
From Morning Devotions 366 Biblical Truths for your daily walk. Dr. Tom Wallace (See Joyce’s Rv.)
***
Pastor Lilly,
I hope that this letter finds you and loved ones being blessed exceeding abundantly, above all that you could ask or think. As this letter leaves me, I continue to be blessed in a mighty, mighty way.
I continue to be blessed by our paper fellowship Always blessed by all the spiritual gems that you enclose in each and every issue of your journal. Continue being a beacon of hope for so many who are lost in this cold and evil world.
We had another baptismal service. Five brothers took the plunge. I have to admit that this was one of the funniest baptisms that we ever had. We filled the tub on Friday, normally we do this on Saturday, but because of a very special service we were having on Saturday, we had to move it to a day earlier. Of course you know that the enemy is very busy. The plan was to keep the heat on overnight so that the water could be room temperature. The heat was turned off, and window by the tub was left wide open. The water was freezing. That’s where the funny part comes in. Seeing each one of these brother’s deal with the freezing water was very comical. Of course it was a very cold day that Sunday. But all and all it went really well. (I wonder if they were trying to freeze the sin out)?
This Resurrection Sunday, take some time to truly reflect on what this day commemorates. Don’t get caught up in ceremony and ritual. Give thanks and praise for what Jesus did for you on the cross. God’s pardon is both full and free, obtained by Christ on Calvary. He grants it to the sinful soul who calls on God to be made whole. Maranatha! C.A.W.
Editor’s Note: Carroll has been in prison for years, but each day he serves Jesus where he is planted with a joyful zeal that we on the outside would do well to emulate. LML.
**
Brother Larry,
God bless you all. You are in my daily prayers. I will be 86 on my birthday and my health is good! I praise the Lord for every day that He gives to me. Keep me in your prayers. R.C.
Editor’s Note: This dear lady serves as a volunteer to prisons in one of our northern states. Keep her in your prayers and heart. She is a real gem. LML.
The Book Worm's Corner Comments From Helpful Books
Joyce Lilly in Alaska
Morning Devotions 366 Biblical Truths for Your Daily Walk, Dr. Tom Wallace, WaldonWay Pub. 399 pgs. $14.95. Order Wallace Ministries 425 Sharondale Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
Morning Devotions is one of the best daily devotions out there. (My opinion based on reading hundreds). You seldom find a devotional that is also a page turner. I saw Larry’s copy with nearly every page corner folded. The devotions move you to a closer walk with Jesus and also enlighten your mind and spirit. Dr. Wallace’s abbreviated testimony alone will move you to a desire for deeper and more fruitful walk with Jesus. I remember some of the people he tells about on different pages. As always Dr. Tom is the quintessential story teller. At 85 he is still growing in wisdom and stature with mind as sharp as ever.
No one would ever call Dr. Wallace “dry” and he still has more than enough humor to provide a little laughter in order for you to maintain a merry heart and health. Here’s a gem from page 268, A group of scientist sent a representative to inform God that they no longer needed him. God listened until the scientist finished. He then said, “Ok, how about we have a man making contest?” The scientist said, “Great” and reached down for a handful of dirt. God immediately said, “No, no, no. You go get your own dirt!!”
Larry said, and I agree, Morning Devotions is tailor (or Wallace) made for any serious teacher, preacher, as it is overflowing with illustrations of the 6 decades of service in Christ’s name.
The brief story on page 154 will bring a tear and joy to your heart as Dr. Tom recounts the story, “The Freedom Ring.” I’m certain Larry will have the story in the July edition of his Journal. Get this book! Joyce Lilly TgB
http://www.wallaceministries.com/Books.html
Morning Devotions is one of the best daily devotions out there. (My opinion based on reading hundreds). You seldom find a devotional that is also a page turner. I saw Larry’s copy with nearly every page corner folded. The devotions move you to a closer walk with Jesus and also enlighten your mind and spirit. Dr. Wallace’s abbreviated testimony alone will move you to a desire for deeper and more fruitful walk with Jesus. I remember some of the people he tells about on different pages. As always Dr. Tom is the quintessential story teller. At 85 he is still growing in wisdom and stature with mind as sharp as ever.
No one would ever call Dr. Wallace “dry” and he still has more than enough humor to provide a little laughter in order for you to maintain a merry heart and health. Here’s a gem from page 268, A group of scientist sent a representative to inform God that they no longer needed him. God listened until the scientist finished. He then said, “Ok, how about we have a man making contest?” The scientist said, “Great” and reached down for a handful of dirt. God immediately said, “No, no, no. You go get your own dirt!!”
Larry said, and I agree, Morning Devotions is tailor (or Wallace) made for any serious teacher, preacher, as it is overflowing with illustrations of the 6 decades of service in Christ’s name.
The brief story on page 154 will bring a tear and joy to your heart as Dr. Tom recounts the story, “The Freedom Ring.” I’m certain Larry will have the story in the July edition of his Journal. Get this book! Joyce Lilly TgB
http://www.wallaceministries.com/Books.html
Best of Larry Lilly Live in March 2016
