He Sustains

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Circumstances, Grace, Mercy, Restoration, Thankfulness

I have several friends facing health issues right now, ranging from serious to life threatening.  As I was praying this morning, the word “sustain” came to mind.  I decided to go do a word search on that word to see what I would find in God’s Word.

What I found was a tremendous blessing to me, and I pray it will be for my friends (and others) who are all facing difficult circumstances right now.

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.  Psalm 55:22  

An Overlooked Miracle

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Animals, Jesus Christ, Sovereignty

The account of the Triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem just days before His crucifixion appears in all four gospels.  However there is a very significant miracle that occurred on that day that is all too often overlooked.

Zechariah made the prophecy of the chosen mode of transportation for Jesus to make His entrance into Jerusalem:  “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.”  Zechariah 9:9

We Are Sheep… That’s NOT A Compliment!

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Jesus Christ, Sheep, Shepherd

I just finished putting together a study for jail that includes John 10:1-21, where Jesus gives an illustration using sheep and shepherds.   God’s intent was for the shepherds (religious leaders) to feed the people with the truth of God’s Word, provide spiritual nourishment, care for them, help them when they are sick or injured, and warn and safeguard them from danger.  The word pastor is related to the word pasture (pastoral), and means “to feed and care for”.  Pastors are to shepherd the people.  God’s design is that the religious leaders are to be like good shepherds, who care for the sheep, love the sheep, and put the best interests of the sheep above their own needs.

God Doesn’t Like Boxes

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Chains Or Christ Retreat, Jesus Christ, Prayer

I have written before that “I have a box, and I like my box”.  But God is not a God of boxes.  He seems quite persistent about dragging us outside of our boxes on a regular basis!

A few months ago I was asked by a dear friend to teach at a small women’s retreat.  She insisted that this was God’s idea, and not hers.  And I do believe her, and I do sense God’s calling to do this, and I do want to be obedient… but this is seriously outside my box!  I have never even BEEN to a women’s retreat.  I have never taught Bible study outside jail.  And this is going to be a 4 day retreat – eight Bible study sessions.  Goodbye box!

The Honored Woman At The Well

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Grace, Jail Ministry Musings, Jesus Christ, Mercy, Salvation

My partner Terry and I are teaching through the Gospel of John for our studies in jail.  We are doing 2-3 chapters at a time, and showing the corresponding sections of the movie “The Gospel Of John“.  The women seem to really be enjoying it.

I taught on John 4 a couple weeks ago, and as I prepared the lesson it really struck me that the FIRST person Jesus chose to reveal Himself to as Messiah was the woman at the well.

“Jailhouse Jesus”

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Christmas, False gods, Gospel, Jesus Christ

Who Do YOU Say Jesus Is?

That really is THE most important question.  How we answer that question will determine everything about our life.

Thankfulness In Dark Places

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Gratitude, Jail Ministry Musings, Jesus Christ, Prayer, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving

I didn’t expect jail to be a place where thankfulness was commonplace.  You wouldn’t think women in that difficult environment, facing difficult circumstances, working through the guilt, shame and regret from bad decisions would have hearts that overflow with gratitude and thankfulness… but many of them do.  I have learned so much from them, and I am grateful for how they minister to my heart.

When A Bud Opens

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Jail Ministry Musings, Salvation

When you look at the bud of a flower, it is just a tight little green wad.  It isn’t particularly pretty, but it has the potential to be extraordinarily beautiful.

While the bud is closed, you have no idea what that flower is going to look like.  Will it be fairly plain, or will it be impossibly intricate?  Will it have lots of small petals, or a few big ones?  What color will it be?  No two are alike, but all are beautiful because all are God’s handiwork.

I FAILed to learn… UNTIL

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Audrey W., Gospel, Jesus Christ, Poetry, Spiritual growth

A poem from my dear friend Audrey.

I FAILed to learn… UNTIL

I FAILed at talking
Until I learned to talk
I FAILed at walking
Until I learned to walk