May 2019

Happy Mother’s Day! It’s amazing how thousands of people come and go from the site surprised at how God could save and forgive such a one as I in Christ, even though His Word clearly states:

“God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise… As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God… Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.” 1

Dealing with Regrets…

Here are a few of the wonderful praise reports received recently:

“Your website is very encouraging and powerful to me. I grew up going to a Baptist church my whole life, and I got saved at 16. I have backslid since then, almost like being in a rut, choosing to run wild with may regrets. I think it’s wonderful how you’re reaching out to so many people that think their life is hopeless, giving them hope and showing how God will forgive anyone for anything if they sincerely ask. We may walk away from God, but He never leaves us. Yours truly, Laura, AL.”

“I was a baby when your crime happened in the 60s. I love knowing that God’s forgiveness extends regardless of the sins. I visited your site and am impressed with how you’ve turned your life around. Would you be willing to chare with me how God got your attention? Your brother in Christ, Bob, NJ.”

“It’s been 42 years since I’ve seen you. You baptized me at California Men’s Colony in ’78. We were good friends back then. I was the guy who wrote the article to a Christian newspaper about forgiving you, 2 Cor. 5:17. Also, I spoke to you about preaching the Word together with you out here. I have been married for 27 years to a wonderful woman who loves Jesus. Love in Christ, Johnny, CO.”

We’re Loved by God…

Johnny is a fine example of an inmate coming to Christ, being released and succeeding on parole, even in marriage and ministry. It’s always a joy hearing from someone in the past who appreciates what the Lord has done. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” 2

One thing these praise reports share in common is that they flow from the hearts of those who know God’s love and forgiveness. “For love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God… We love him, because he first loved us.” 3

In other words, our hearts overflow with love and forgiveness when we know God’s love, and his forgiveness for our past, present and future sins. This overflow causes us to be “…tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven [us].” 4

We’re Empowered by God…

It was May 23, 1975, when I turned from sin to God and received Christ, by acknowledging that He “…loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” 5 I had created many regrets by my sinful choices like Laura, who chose “…to run wild with many regrets.”

Finally, my eyes were opened to the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. The more I meditated scripture concerning His blood, the greater my faith grew in God’s love and grace. As His Word freed me to overcome my regrets, the Holy Spirit empowered me to share my new-found faith with others. So don’t let regret come over you, let faith arise.

“For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time.” 6

I’m humbled by those like Bob, who “…love knowing that God’s forgiveness extends regardless of the sins.” He is one of many who appreciate God’s love and forgiveness, while desiring to know more. We must be willing to give God time to speak to us through His Word, even time on this site.

It’s humbling to know that God could take what seems foolish to the world and use it to bring glory to Himself. This is exactly what God did with Christ Jesus, Who “…is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.” 7

A Prayer for You…

Lord Jesus, I don’t want to live this way any longer. Today, I release all my failings, sins and mistakes into Your loving hands, and I receive your forgiveness right now into my heart. Thank You for Your precious blood that washes me whiter than the snow. Right now, I stand in Your righteousness, favor, joy and peace because of Your resurrection power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Scripture References (KJV):

1) 1 Cor. 1:27a,29,30b, NLT
2) Eph. 2:10, NKJV
3) 1 Jn. 4:7b,19
4) Eph. 4:32
5) Rev. 1:5
6) Rom. 3:25-26a, NLT
7) 1 Cor. 1:24b-25, NLT