Braveheart
Add text
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Berean Baptist Church of Terre Haute
  • Journal December 2019
  • Journal November 2019
  • Journal October 2019
  • Journal September 2019
  • Journal August 2019
  • Journal July 2019
  • Journal May 2019
  • Journal April 2019
  • Journal February 2019
  • Journal January 2019
  • Journal December 2018
  • Journal October 2018
  • Journal September 2018
  • Journal August 2018
  • Journal June 2018
  • Journal April 2018
  • Journal March 2018
  • Journal February 2018
  • Journal December 2017
  • Journal November 2017
  • Journal October 2017
  • Journal September 2017
  • Journal August 2017
  • Journal July 2017
  • Journal June 2017
  • Journal May 2017
  • Journal April 2017
  • Journal March 2017
  • Journal February 2017
  • Journal January 2017
  • Journal December 2016
  • Journal October 2016
  • Journal Sept 2016
  • Journal August 2016
  • Journal July 2016
  • Journal June 2016
  • Journal May 2016
  • Journal April 2016
  • Journal March 2016
  • Journal February 2016
  • Journal November 2015
  • Journal October 2015
  • Journal September 2015
  • Journal August 2015
  • Journal July 2015
  • Journal June 2015
  • Journal May 2015
  • Journal April 2015
  • Journal March 2015
  • Journal February 2015
  • Journal January 2015
  • Outrageous Forgiveness
  • Making it Thru The Holidays
  • About Walls, Pope & Trump
  • Sunday at Berean 2/19/2017
  • Prison Ministry Update
  • Journal November 2018
    • Amazing Grace Booklet
  • Untitled
  • Blog
  • Blog
  • Blog
  • Blog

Larry Lilly's Journal            The Cherub Faced  Tyrant   Vol 17 Issue 3    March 2015  

PictureManessah in Chains
2 Chronicles 33:2 But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

The text picks up on verse one, the 12 year old king, Manasseh led Israel down the path to captivity and utter ruin. His leadership in every imaginable sin is listed in our chapter and also 2 Kings 21.

Perhaps Manasseh had too much too soon, which is common. Yet the extremes of actions seem beyond anything in our history, though our country has suffered much from childish preachers and politicians. Childish behavior has probably cost every one of us, some dire consequences along our life path. It will help if you invest the time to take your Bible and turn to 2 Chronicles 33 to read the scriptures as I only have room for comment.

Here’s the mind boggling partial list of transgressions Manasseh practiced and led his charges to follow. He emulated the abominations of the heathen. He worshiped Baal (Sun God) along with all the host of heaven, perhaps astrology and Astarte an Idol of sexual prowess. He further desecrated the temple in Jerusalem. He caused his son to pass through the fire to Molech, you may have seen this portrayed in The Ten Commandments. Manasseh used charms, familiar spirits and wizards, meaning he used witchcraft in the palace. This would be like someone hosting séances in our White House. Most of the worship enumerated here involved attempts to control God through perverted practice.

The Lord called Manasseh’s hand as seen here, 2 Chronicles 33:10 “And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.”

God gave warning via His word. In most cases of people willfully spitting in the Lord’s face, a warning, an opportunity for correction is given. The stubborn refusal to listen, to act, to in the modern vernacular, REPENT, results in God ramping up the heat. The writer says in

2 Chronicles 33:11 “Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.”

Manasseh, the boy king is now in chains and carried away to Babylon. (In Babylonian records Manasseh is listed as a vassal to Esar-haddon). The lesson to be learned is spoken eloquently to the point for us, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.” True beyond question. Many upon receiving some rebuke from Jesus concerning activities refuse and think they can continue on, but addiction, bondage and plates full of consequences are just around the bend. But, wait, hope is also just around the tree!

It’s well worth noting this: 2 Chronicles 33:12 “And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,13 And prayed unto him: and he (God) was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.”

In the two verses above Manasseh did what anyone can and should do. When he really felt the heat, he as do many, saw the light. For simplicity here is the process.

· He sought the Lord
· Humbled himself
· Prayed

This is what God wants us to do. The Lord gets no pleasure in chastising His beloved children, but in His perfect love, He does whatever it takes to get our attention. Seeking God’s face is not some mysterious activity, for He is near, waiting for your request. Notice that Manasseh humbled himself. As with Adam, God does not accept placing the blame, as the mountain folk often say, “Every tub must sit on its own bottom!” You will never have peace with God as long as you attempt to win at the blame game. Repentance means a becoming aware of the enormity of actions, changing directions understanding the “heat” was the result of your own willful choices. And thankfully, Manasseh prayed. Most of this is accomplished in one fluid action. It is hard to imagine a spoiled brat totalitarian king, humbling himself. But the king and beggar stand side by side and each must come to grips with his faults (sin), accept the blame, and cry out to God for mercy.

Here is the beauty, God was moved (entreated), heard the confession of Manasseh, and restored him, not only as king, but to Jerusalem, the place where God was said to dwell in the Old Testament. Do you see that “There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God, A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.” Our redeemer loves to buy us back from the bondage of sin, of addiction.

A verse that was often used in byegone days and now is pooh poohed by many is the formula used by Manasseh  though the statement had flowed from the heart of God back in chapter 7 of this book. You will see each step and just how God honors the king, or preacher, or ordinary person, even a father or mother or prodigal son or daughter is a balm for our sin sick souls.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Our nation, our churches, our leaders are a mess beyond historical comparison, yet this story of God’s forgiveness to Manasseh causes any thinking person to say, “If God can forgive Manasseh, there is hope for me.” You’re right. One leader got right and revival, renewal brought forth the miracle of complete restoration. I am not on the modern bandwagon popular in some circles of partial restoration. God does a wonderful thing, He does a complete thing.

So, what about you? Got any rivers to cross? Must you fiddle around until you wake up in “Babylonian Chains?” You can turn things around at this very minute. The how is above. Follow the example of one of the most wicked Kings in the Bible and find forgiveness and true peace and usefulness in Jesus Christ. You may do it now. LML
++++
The Clock of Life
The clock of life is wound but once,
And no one has the power

To tell just when the hands will stop

To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed
To lose one’s health is more;
To lose one’s soul is such a loss
As no man can restore.


The present only is our own;
Live, love toil with a will-
Place no faith in the future-for
The clock may then be still. 

               George H. Candler

Letters & Comments

Picture
Pastor Lilly,
You probably have no clue who I am. But, my name is J.M. I was incarcerated for five years a while ago and I used to receive your journal. It was amazing and it helped me more than you will ever know. I have been out over 5 years now and I have a beautiful wife and 3 children along with an amazing job. Your journal inspired me to be a better man and I will never forget that. I have much love for what you do and I thank you every day. J.M.

Editor’s Note: Letters such as J’s make all the effort worthwhile. J is being blessed of the Lord with a good job involving a position of trust and his love and thankfulness for his family shines through the letter. Pray for him as he serves Jesus with gusto! LML

Editors Praise Note From Six Women Prisoners:

#1 Mr. Lilly, Thank you writing the best book on forgiveness I’ve ever read. Perhaps because you, yourself have been where we are, you better understand how forgiveness plays such an essential part of my life. Obviously there was a crime that I would like forgiveness for. Certainly there are persons in my life I need to give forgiveness to. Maybe most importantly I have to accept it. You asked the question, “with which part of Christ’s sacrifice was I not satisfied? That is the core of it. The answer has to be Christ paid it all and when I fully fill myself with Him, forgiveness will be so much simpler. As He hung on the cross, Jesus asked for forgiveness for those who were torturing & killing Him. Perspective is a wonderful things through the eyes of our Lord. Thank you, P.T.

#2 Mr. Lilly, What a book I tell you! Thank you seems so insignificant. Thanks=:) I read your book in a few hours, wrote several notes & will use it as a tool for some things that I’m going through currently. In Christ, J.E.

#3 Mr. Lilly, God bless you! Your book is a huge inspiration to me. The Love and hope, the forgiveness, the conviction. I thank you for reminding me of the Love. The Love like Jesus loves. Thank you so much. N.H.

#4 Mr. Lilly, Thank you again for your book. I so want to share it with so many. I pray that God will afford me lots of opportunities to do so. I’ve been so blessed by your book. H.S.

#5 Mr. Lilly, I want to thank you very much for the book you sent to us. I really enjoy it so much. God bless, T.R.

#6 Mr. Lilly, Thank you for your book. I am sharing it with my friends. God bless. S.

My Notes: My friend Dan Zike, pastor of Old Paths Bible Church in Oregon has a prison ministry and ministers to the jail in which the ladies are/were incarcerated. We partnered and he passed out copies of my book, Outrageous Forgiveness in 30 Days to specific prisoners. He is a good pastor and man who serves Jesus with fervency. I wept when I opened the mail with these letters, all in the same envelope. Folks, God is working in wondrous ways in our time. Please pray for these women and for Dan and Old Paths. LML
PS. You may buy copies of Outrageous Forgiveness in 30 Day at Amazon etc!
***
Pastor Lilly,

There’s something that just happened, that’s really hard to believe. The DOC made a change that actually benefits us. They just dropped the telephone rates. I have friends and family that live in Philly, Virginia, Georgia and California. It used to cost a fortune to call for fifteen minutes. Now these calls cost .90. I am really thankful for this blessing! C.W. Note:  See, in prison you can be thankful for little matters! LML!

The Book Worm's Corner          Comments From Helpful Books

PictureJoyce (The Great Blonde) Lilly
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the White House. Charles Osgood. Hyperion 2008 15 Chp, 239 pgs.

If ever a laugh on/at politics was needed we certainly live in such a time. Osgood, takes on 15 elections and shares the humor starting with Truman and Dewey. Get ready for a laugh a minute and expect to be enlightened with the fact that reality is about the same. Larry nearly rolled on the floor when I read this one to him concerning the 1948 Election of LBJ to the Senate by a slim 84 votes which is how LBJ became known as Landslide Johnson!

“A man comes up to a child named Pepe in a Texas/ Mexico border town and says, “What are you crying about, Pepe?’

‘My father came to town yesterday, but didn’t come to see me.’

But Pepe, you know your father had been dead for years.’

‘Yes, but my father came to town to vote for Lyndon Johnson, so why didn’t he come to see me?’”

You get the idea. In many ways A Funny Thing is history made palatable with a smile. To say this book is a page turner is no hype in any way. I laughed or at least chuckled as I read every page.

At a 1987 black tie dinner costing $500 a plate Senator Jay Rockefeller remarked to the audience, “Some of you might feel cheated, paying five hundred bucks for a lousy chicken dinner, but just think about me. I spent ten million dollars to get here.”

Laughing in these times is healthy. 

Buy the book. JDL TgB


For His Name's Sake  A Special Look at Psalm 23:3        Dale Byers

In searching through my limited source of commentaries and books I find that very little is mentioned about this phrase “for His Name sake.”   Why is the wayward sheep that departed from the path of righteousness not lost?  He somehow allowed something to draw him away from the voice of the gentle Shepherd.  That rebellious sheep may deserve to be left in the briars and the brambles; that would serve him right!  Why doesn’t the Shepherd just leave him there to get what he deserves? It is because of the “name sake of the Shepherd.”  
 
ISBE encyclopedia explains: “A ‘name’ is that by which a person, place or thing is marked and known.  In Scripture, names were generally 
descriptive of the person, of his position, of some circumstance affecting him or hope entertained concerning him, etc., so that the name often came to stand for the person.”
 
This phrase “for His name sake” must be more than just an insignificant additive to the 23rd Psalm. I think it may be the kingpin upon which this Psalm revolves. Why is God so forgiving and gracious to sheep who deliberately leave the path of righteousness?  The wanderer does not deserve the least of his master’s attention or affection.  In spite of the wanderer being rejected, he is welcomed and received back into the fold because of the very nature and character of the Shepherd. 
 
Consider these two illustrations:
(1) at the end of the tribulation, God’s promise to bring Israel back into the promised land, to forgive their sins and regenerate them isn’t based on Israel’s worthiness “but for My holy name’s sake” according to Ezekiel 36:22-28, and (2) in 1 John 2:12 we are told,  “your sins are forgiven for His name’s sake.” To summarize: God’s promises are unconditional because He has staked His reputation on them!
 
Isaiah 9:6 presents us with a prophecy of Christ that was written approximately 600 years before His birth.  In that prophecy we find these words: “and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
These are more than just titles listed to Him. They are glorious attributes of His divine nature. 
 
The Twenty-third Psalm should not be read as unconnected parts of a story. They all work together and they are connected by this common bond…. “The name of the Shepherd.”  All of our securities, comforts, blessings, prospects, and the sufficient supply for our needs are all our possessions because of “His Name Sake.”
 
*  Blogsite for past articles: 
http://dalebyers.wordpress.com/ <http://dalebyers.wordpress.com/>

Editor’s Note: I am deeply grateful for the privilege of printing Dale’s fine article in this issue. Dale Byers stands tall as a man of God who has suffered and kept on trucking for Jesus. Unlike many, Dale has refused any bitterness over very painful things happening along the way, but rather has chosen to abide faithful while maintaining a Christ-like attitude and praising the Lord. Pray for this dear brother.LL

Pastor Lilly's Closing Note

    As I write this issue of Larry Lilly’s Journal, it seems the world is on fire. Scandal in the political arena, apostasy in the religious, to say nothing of the abandonment of the nuclear family. One of the athletic heroes of yesterday is now in such a fog that we don’t know whether to pray for him or her, perhaps “it” will suffice.
    My commentary on the passing scene offers no new and wonderful solutions, but I do, hopefully with grace and power, suggest the “new” ways are not working, and haven’t been for quite some time. So, isn’t it about time do as the man in this issue’s sermon and seriously turn back to God’s ways? It sure appears as our only hope.
   As I stand and proclaim the truth of the gospel, many drop me as I simply cannot accept their changes. Please prayerfully consider helping me with costs. Now as never before is the time for all good saints to come to the aid of Christ's Cause. LML

*****

To help me as I stand in the gap, please make your check or money order to
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 48705
larrylilly@larrylilly.net


Thank you and be sure of my fervent prayers for God to place His hand on you in special favor!
Larry
Proudly powered by Weebly