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Larry Lilly's Journal    Power of a Forgiven Mother    May 2015 Vol 17 Issue 5

PictureLarry & Joyce
1 Kings 1:11 “Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?”

You will notice I have bolded the phrase, “Bathsheba the mother of Solomon.” This is done to draw attention to the part of the verse that is apropos for the purpose of this brief on the importance of a mother’s walk with the Lord.

The back story contains a number of life enhancing principles that we will do well to receive and use. The prophet Nathan, the one who had pointed a bony finger at King David and his new wife, Bathsheba long years before over their less than savory relationship, now in later years, David and Bathsheba widely known son is going along ruling the Kingdom of Israel without a care in the world. Nathan, now old with really bony fingers, needs the Kings attention about impending danger.

Nathan understood the deep mother to son love of Solomon and Bathsheba (Proverbs 31), and thus enlists the aid of the mother beloved to get the word to Solomon. Solomon responds in the most positive manner possible and much blood shed is avoided as Adonijah came to Bathsheba asking for her intervention. No wonder Solomon wrote such praise as is found in Proverbs 31.

Bathsheba demonstrates that a godly mother can have influence far removed from kitchen and nursery walls. A mother’s continued efforts to maintain a good love flow from her to the children is really a life-long work of faith. One of the most tragic things I watch as a pastor is the broken bonds between parents and children.

The context of this episode confirms that Solomon reciprocated his mother’s love and respect and he paid particular attention to her input. Can you imagine the wisest man who ever lived paying attention to his mother’s advice?

A biblically wise mother must grasp the enormous power of her bond with her children and know that she must never violate the trust that such love produces. Love, without trust, will over time lead to serious internal conflict concerning the relationship.

The amazing inner power held by Bathsheba is mind boggling especially when certain things about her past is factored into the conversation. I merely mention this without going into detail to point out that which so many of my Bible thumping brethren forget, is that when God forgives He does it well and does not let yesterday negate His plans for Bathsheba’s future, nor yours.

50 + years ago when Christ saved me in what was then a little country church, I was encouraged by a stream of newly saved people coming to give testimony in our church. Many of these men and women had been saved from lives of terrible bondage. As they told their story, everyone rejoiced that God was able to save people from such degradation. They were not proud of what they had done, but they and the congregations rejoiced in what Christ had made and was making of them! It was like watching the panorama of Amazing Grace.

I recall a traveling Evangelist who preached to our little group telling how he was laying drunk and passed out on the floor of a pool room in Knoxville, TN when the Lord answered the prayers of loved ones and woke him up and saved him. He preached the gospel for many years afterward. He played the role of the bootlegger in the Christian film, Sheffy. He’s gone now, but I will always remember the impact his story had on me. I wasn’t into drinking all that much, but at that time I would rather fight than eat when I was hungry. His testimony encouraged me, that, yes, God could use me, just hang in there.

I’m sure that Bathsheba was what we would call “notorious” till the day she died, but the change God wrought in her life was so dramatic, that people for the most part, rejoiced in what God was doing in her life at the present rather than the mess she had been part of back then.

In my life I am thankful for the faithfulness of Jesus Christ toward me. I freely admit, with no hint of bragging that if He ever let go of me, my goose would be cooked. When people, as did Israel, come to grips with their own condition without Jesus, they tend to have a heart for people who are being dug out of the muck and mire that life can often become.

The Lord led Bathsheba through her share of sorrow and tears, of victory and defeat, of shame and glory, but when the chips were really down she was the “go to” girl for God’s purposes.

Early in my ministry I was well on the road to being titled, “Pharisee of the Year.” The Lord permitted me to knock myself for a doozy of a loop. Then he used a few friends to help me up and He put a concern in my heart to help men and women, beaten down men and women, to accept the extended hand of Jesus and get up and get going for Christ. I have no regrets about this part of my ministry efforts.

I know of one man, a pastor, who made some horrible choices. He is gone now, after having got up a time or two. His son now pastor’s a church, is founder and president of flourishing college. He’s a little out of my circle, but it could be that his daddy looks over the balcony of glory and has shouting fits.

Joyce and I have had a part in helping several now outstanding Christian women accept a new start from Jesus, and they like Bathsheba are shining for Jesus.

All of this is being written as a reminder that not all women/mothers have the ideal resume, but any woman or man can have their resume marked in Christ’s forgiving blood and starting from where they are, finish strong for Jesus. Bathsheba did and so can you.

In the long years since Nathan the prophet had pointed his bony finger at David and uttered his soul shattering words to the king, “Thou art the man,” leaving David stunned and evidently the pointed finger shook his stolen wife, Bathsheba to the core of her being. The beautiful mother of Solomon, walked with the Lord, grew in grace and knowledge and became a super wise woman, as I said, “God’s go to girl.”

No matter how you may have failed, not matter how far down you may be, no matter what the wagging tongues broadcast, God can, wants to, lift you up and use you as a blessing to His people. Actually, He gets no greater joy as expressed in 3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” LML

“Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face.”
George Eliot


The Watcher

Picture
by Margaret Widdemer (1884-1978)

She always leaned to watch for us,
Anxious if we were late,
In winter by the window,
In summer by the gate.


And though we mocked her tenderly,
Who had such foolish care,
The long way home would seem more safe
Because she waited there.


                                           Her thoughts were all so full of us,
                                           She never could forget!
                                           And so I think that where she is
                                           She must be watching yet.


                                           Waiting till we come home to her,
                                           Anxious if we are late,
                                           Watching from Heaven’s window,
                                           Leaning on Heaven’s gate.



                        Happy Mother's Day!

Letters & Comments    From Around The World

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Hi Larry,
Praise the Lord! Just got the Journal and letter to your prayer team. Yes, you and others are prayed for daily. And as long as you are obedient to the call which He gave you no one or anything will stop you from your calling.

However if you deter from it to do what Larry feels is needed, then He will allow you to fail. I know (frown) from experience so keep your focus on HIM and the call He placed on your heart.

Now, about volunteers. Yes more are needed, but they have to have HIS calling on them. Without His call they cannot be taught. The problem here is that pastors don’t feel HIS calling to reach out to those in prison. The GCBA have sixty plus churches in it and every one got a letter asking if there are involved. Guess how many responded? Not even the Association Director or the Director of Missions. So what do I do? Wait until HE tells me to write another letter. Smile.

For He is the only one that opens their hearts. They want to save those who can come to church and be counted on the roll. Keep your focus on your Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit and be obedient to HIS call. In HIS love and service, J.A. R.

Editors Note: John is a faithful servant of many years volunteering in prisons and regularly writes to me. I am deeply indebted for his friendship and prayers. I hope you will pray for John as He serves Jesus. LML.

Here’s few lines from a long term friend with a long term:

Dear Brother Lilly,

I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. And to let you know what a blessing that you continue to be to me. Continue to hold up the blood stained banner of our Lord, and as always thank you for keeping me in your prayers.

Still waiting for the change in housing unit. I was informed that I meet all the criteria, so it should happen very soon, if I’m chosen. I think the major reason is that I didn’t pray about it before I committed. I don’t normally make decisions like this without asking for guidance, but I do think it will turn out to be a great blessing.

I read that in 57 nations around the world it is illegal to share the gospel. In spite of this more Muslims have come to Jesus in the last 11 years than in the precious 1,400! PTL for the last 11 years. The Islamic community in here is going through major changes. Their new chaplain is from a different sect than they’re used to, so most of the prisoners are not seeing eye to eye. He’s fired most on the prisoner workers. One good thing is they moved their service out of the chapel on Fridays. C.A.W.

Editor’s Note: C.A. further rejoices that this turmoil presents great opportunities to present Christ! LML

Brother Lilly,

You are so right about that spirit of laziness, I think I told you before that I wear a little boot charm around my neck to remind myself to give myself the “boot” when needed and do what I need to do to please my Lord. We are so blessed in S.C. to be able to to hold Good News Clubs in the public schools. The majority of the children are godless homes. Please be assured I do pray for you each day; that you will be found faithful, and have the guidance, the funds and the help you need.  Sincerely, B.M

Editor’s Note: Barb is a long time prayer warrior and friend of this work.  This modern saint is always looking for the Blessed Hope, the coming of Jesus. I know of no one who has borne such crosses yet remains full of joy in walking with Jesus. She was commenting on my  rant about laziness abounding in the ranks of the saints.

I trust you will pray for her as stays on the firing line for Jesus. LML 


The Book Worm's Corner.   Comments From Helpful Books Joyce Lilly

PictureJoyce Lilly (The greatest blonde)!
The Story of Glory The Poetic Bible John Zoller and Dr. Tom Wallace. Tate Publishing 339 pgs $24.99 Regular outlets.

Dr. Wallace sent a copy of this unusual book to Larry and when I read it I was/am captivated by the idea and the book. John Zoller is new to Larry and me, but he sure has a grand style of communicating God’s truth in gripping rhythmic Poetic style. The thumbnail states it well.

“The Story of Glory is a unique and new approach to the Bible, which uses its lessons and themes to provide a simple-to-understand, entertaining, and memorable experience. Its purpose is to introduce the non-Christian to the basic story of the Bible, familiarize the new Christian to the timeless stories and basic Bible truths, and to serve as a stimulant and teaching aid for the seasoned Christian. It is distinct in its approach by using a rhyming form of poetry to assist the reader in committing the message to memory and to maintain their interest. It can be used in a classroom setting, as a personal daily devotion, and is very helpful when used by Christian parents as a teaching aid.”

Dr. Wallace demonstrates a truly poetic style of which we were totally unaware. The Poetic Bible reduces many books of the Bible to the poetic style and uses verses transformed to easily understood prose for the multitudes unfamiliar with the Bible. Here’s a verse from Romans:

“He showed them that all men had sinned
And come far short of God’s glory;
And how by faith all alike are saved
According to the gospel story.”

I’m certain The Story of Glory will do all you expect and more. Get it!! JDL.


Letter From Death Row, Kabwe-Zambia, Central Africa

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  We greet you and your family in the mighty name of God the Father of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We humble ourselves in the hope and prayer that this letter will find you in good health both physically and Spiritually. Here we are alive, just by the grace of God despite suffereings of trauma and pain of living long in prison without hope to be reunited to our family members and our health is very poor due to lack of food supplements and we are left in cold weather lacking clothes to cover our bodies nor shoe sizes 8 & 9.

We regret any inconvenience this letter may bring along to you and your family especially that you are receiving it for the first time besides your busy business schedule.

We are prisoners on Death Row, our full names are Charles Masumba and Kanjengo Masumba. We were arrested for the offense of murder and we are still struggling for case review appeals but it is difficulty because we can’t afford to engage legal representative. We are here since 2004.

Servant of God we found your address in Good News Magazine which is published in the United Kingdom where we found your article.


However bad our situation may sound, we have repented and accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour and we are very much willing to learn more about the Word of God and we are appealing to you to help us with a study Bible entitled “Chronological Life Application Study Bible.”  It will help us to understand the Bible lessons during the days when we gather for worship and praise.

We as well, wish to let you know that we struggled by washing beddings for the well to do inmates in order to buy a postage stamp so that we could write to you seeking to be adopted as prisoners in need of care but if our request is a burden to you it’s our prayer that you may present our plight in your newsletter and your website even to your church.

We would write much, but we end here, hoping to hear from you and also include us in your daily prayers and the situation that we are passing through. God bless you. Charles and Kanjengo.

Note from Larry,

Right up front I know as much as you about the history of these brothers. I am attempting to find out more. I am sending a copy of the Bible they requested. The letter was a little longer, but I am hesitant about including the rest until I know more.

My first impulse is to help as I have seen dramatic conversions to Jesus Christ in our American prisons such as the one in this letter. I am also aware of bleeding heart letters.

I am blessed by the last phrase in the letter Include us your daily prayers and situation that we are passing through.

Many men and women in our United States federal and state prisons make their way by doing chores for what Charles and Kanjengo called well to do prisoners. Nowhere else in life is the difference between the haves and the have-nots more glaring than in a prison system. In foreign prisons the most basic needs are not met and the suffering is severe. Most U.S. Prisons furnish two or three hots and a cot (meals and bed). In other countries it’s still like it was in Bible times, if a friend or family member fails to bring food to you, you are then out of luck.

The paper in study Bibles is not of the quality to use for drugs etc, so I feel safe that the Bible will be used correctly.

Be sure of my prayers for you and yours and my thanks for your help as I reach out to many sitting in darkness.

Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Jesus Christ!   LML


The letter from a Maximum Security Prison in Central Africa is one of many that come from foreign prisons. At first light I am rejoicing in the conversion of two men who committed murder and Jesus walked into Death Row and saved them.  It’s hard to believe, yet the Bible has numerous accounts of murderers receiving saving grace from the heart of God! Jesus Christ is still the same yesterday, today and forever!

I ask for your prayers as I reach the lost and encourage the saved both here and around the world. I assure you that I can use your prayer and any financial help you can prayerfully send to:



Larry Lilly
P.O Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
larrylilly@larrylilly.net

Thank you for considering this much needed ministry of Reaching Raising and Restoring. LML

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