January 2007

The purpose of the monthly view is to share things that will interest You. For instance, things that go unanswered in the many letters that come my way. My hope is that you will keep coming back to visit us and reply when you have time. Though the monthly hits are several hundred thousand, we don't know the results unless you respond.

Viewing 2007

I realize there are many situations worse than mine. Whatever yours may be, I pray that you will rise up out of it by faith in Christ to realize an abundant life. 1 As the old hymn goes "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”

For me, I'm singing the chorus “ It gets sweeter and sweeter as the days go by, oh what a love between the Lord and I. T keep falling in love with Him, over and over and over and over again.” There is another I like, “Turn you eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things on earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.”

The way we view our life ofter depends on how things are going around us, but It is 

better to depend on God daily, with a song always in our heart. This reminds me of the heart being in the shape of a harp, which is to be tuned to the harps of heaven. The Apostle John saw in his vision the harpist playing as the redeemed on the earth. 2 Let us rejoice evermore. 3

Experiencing God's Love

I'm often asked what is the answer to prison reform. It was a privilege to write a chapter for Larry King's new book Beyond a Reasonable Doubt where I shared my beliefs concerning prison reform . This book can be purchased from Phoenix Book in it's entirety, but my chapter can be read on this site. Click Here.

My teaching began this year with a class on Experiencing God's Love, which I believe is the key to reforming the hearts of prisoners. I experience His love daily and find it to be the sole solution for healing an angry heart. As a result of this experience, we are able to overcome our fears causing the anger. A heart that is healed makes it possible for us to express love for God and for others. Simply put, experience God's love, then express it.

It is my belief that missing the love of a father can destroy not only a marriage, but the children. This can make it impossible for us to understand the love of our Heavenly Father, until we are born again. When asked about His miracles, Jesus told Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot understand the kingdom of God.” 4 This new spiritual birth initiates our understanding and experience of God's love.

The DaVinvci Code

The book The DaVinci Code has caused much controversy, and the video just arrived in prison. We don't have cable television, but a video department that broadcasts channels from the air and plays a couple of videos each week. Most of us have a television that we purchased with our own funds.

The movie has received a variety of responses. I was surprised when it was announced from the pulpit that the Christian brothers should not watch it because it can cause a person to question their faith. If this is the case, that person would have weak faith. It could cause him to seek out a strong brother to answer his questions. Many believers felt it ridiculous that one would question their faith, so they were unwilling to discuss it, since it was so silly.

I found it an open door of opportunity for witness and to encourage people's faith with the truth. I put up fliers called "Fact or Fiction”, concerning the movie using material from the May 20, 2006 issue of Newsweek magazine. Personally, I was able to view the movie as pure fiction and actually found it entertaining.

Mending The Body

Mending the Body of Christ Behind Prison Walls is an outreach where Christian brother come together in their prison housing units to reach other for Christ. We encourage this outreach to be established in all prisons from our example on this website.

The outreach in the housing unit where I live was very successful during the New Year's weekend. A hundred and thirty men were reached with song, testimony and served burritos, chips and punch prepared by the brothers. Most important, several men received Christ into their life.

The affect of the outreach is evident to most everyone. The unity of the Christian brothers, the favor from security and the response from unbelievers is evident by the peace that can be felt in the housing unit. We are praying now for the next major outreach during Easter. This is our life, and we need your prayers for a successful harvest.

Jesus Prayed for you

I am praying not only for my disciples, but also for all who will ever believe in me. Father, I pray that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us. Then the world will believe and know that you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me. I have revealed you to them and will keep on revealing you. I will do this so that your love for me may be in them and I in them.” Amen. 5

Scripture References:

1. John 10:10b
2. Rev. 14:2,3
3. 1 Thess. 5:16
4. John 3:3
5. John 17:20-26