October 2008
I pray this Month’s View finds you
prospering in all things and in good health,
just as your soul prospers. 1
I find my soul prospers as I think on things
that are true, honest and right, and things
that are pure, lovely, and of good report.
2 If you find your
thoughts wavering, you may find these charts
helpful:
Things New On Site
NOT A RELIGION
A recent poll found that
a large percentage of Christians believe
that they can get to heaven by their good
works. It is common for people to believe
that Christianity is no different than any
other religion that offers a path to God.
Jesus did not agree with the “many
paths to God” theory. He said, “I
am the way, the truth, and the life. No
one can come to the Father [God] except
through me.” 3
True Christianity is not
a religion. I am not a religious person
trying to get to God through my good works.
Men tried to build a tower to God at Babel.
Others beat themselves, starved or sacrificed
their bodies to religious ideas, never to
experience the love of God.
“For God so loved
the world that He gave His only Son, so
that Everyone who believes in Him will
not perish but have eternal life.”
4
I experienced God’s
love when I received His Son Jesus Christ
in 1975. For the first time in my life,
I tasted true love, peace, and joy in my
soul. I believed simply that Jesus died
for my sin to free me from the penalty of
sin, which is death. He freely took my place
on the cross, bled and died, and rose from
the dead to give me eternal life.
“For all have sinned;
all fall short of God’s glorious
standard. Yet now God in His gracious
kindness declares us not guilty. He has
done this through Christ Jesus, who has
freed us by Taking away our sins. 5
How About You?
Are you a prisoner of your
past, bound with guilt and pain? I know
how the fear of failure presses in upon
the mind from all sides. I medicated my
pain with alcohol and drugs trying to escape
the turmoil of my choices. I understand!
I found that religious
works only frustrated me, doing nothing
to relieve my pain. I needed the power of
God to do an internal work through the Holy
Spirit. The Word of God says, “For
whoever calls upon the name of the Lord
shall be saved [liberated].”6
Jesus took our guilt and pain upon Himself
at the cross, He cleansed us from all
unrighteousness with His blood, and He sent
the power of the Holy Spirit to comfort
us.
Today can be your appointed
time to receive freedom from guilt and pain.
“For the Lord says, ‘In an acceptable
time, I have heard you. And in the day of
salvation, I have helped you.’ Behold,
now is the acceptable time. Behold, now
is the day of salvation.” 7
It is very important for
you to understand your decision to receive
Christ. For this reason, a full explanation
is given of The Gospel. This is the most
important decision you will ever make. I
share the Apostle Paul’s sentiments,
who wrote: “I feel as if I am going
through labor pains for you again, and they
will continue until Christ is fully developed
in your lives.” 8
My Best Friend
I would like to introduce
to you my best friend, Norman
Ezell. You may have read his testimony
or listened to his music offered on my home
page. I crossed paths in Dallas with Norman
in the 60s when he played with the Five
Americans, a rock ‘n roll band.
He wrote their number one hit “Western
Union.”
After both of us received
Christ in the ‘70s, Norman showed
up in prison with a Teen Challenge ministry.
I reminded him of our times in Texas, and
we hit it off as brothers in Christ. I asked
him to be my best man at my wedding in 1979,
and he still visits me today.
I rocked out to Norman’s
music in the 60s, but today, his music ministers
to my heart. His latest ministry efforts
can be seen on You-Tube.
I can’t see it myself, but hopefully,
you’ll view it and let us know if
God touches your heart.
How Are My Days?
My days are wonderful even
though I’m in prison. I learned long
ago to not let my circumstances control
my thoughts, emotions, and attitudes. As
a result, the Lord uses my Christian brothers
and me to be examples to those around us,
which helps to bring peace and calmness
to our environment.
I wake up every day realizing
that I am reaping what I have sown. For
many years now, I have sown good seeds.
I’m told to not “…get
tired of doing what is good. Don’t
get discouraged and give up, for we will
reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate
time.” 9
I get up early to spend
time with God. I have breakfast, do my prison
job, walk and exercise, and do my college
studies, while always finding time to be
there for those in need around me. I find
that ‘…the joy of the Lord is
my strength.” 10
And, “…in God’s presence
is fullness of joy, and at His right hand
there are pleasures forever more.”
11 These promises
are the same for Christians in and out of
prison.
A Prayer For You ...
Our Father, we need to
know You and Your love. You have redeemed
us through Your Son, Jesus. You have freed
us and placed us in a high place. We are
not of this world, but are Your children.
Please build our faith, so we may do Your
will and share the Good News of the freedom
You give in Jesus. We pray this in His Name:
our Redeemer, our Savior and our Friend.
Amen!
Scripture References:
1 3 John 2
2 Phil. 4:8
3 John 14:6
4 Eph. 2:8,9
5 Rom. 3:23,24
6 Rom. 10:13
7 2 Cor. 6:2
8 Gal. 4:19
9 Gal. 6:9
10 Neh. 8:10
11 Psa. 16:11
Acknowledgement: A special thanks
to Sherry for transcribing this months view!
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