Monthly Archive: December 2015

Sharing Is Caring

Author: December 25, 2015

https://www.pexels.com/photo/christmas-xmas-snowman-snowglobe-21265/Acts 20:35  “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Seasons Greetings, my beautiful brothers and sisters.  May the grace of God be upon you.  Amen.  I pray that all of you are well during this joyous time of year. This is the time of year when some Christians celebrate the birth of Christ our Lord.  Of course, it is unknown when Jesus was born.  Some speculate that it was in October.  Jesus never commanded us to celebrate His birth, only His death and resurrection.  Christmas trees, Santa Claus and mistletoe are all pagan traditions which were left over from the Roman empire.  I find it trivial to debate such things.  To me, Christmas should be celebrated every day, to some degree or another.  Most definitely, we should praise Jesus for His sacrifice infinitely.  His birth, life and death forever changed all of creation.  Where we once had nothing, we now have hope.  Thank you, Jesus!   (more…)

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Surviving By Faith

Author: December 18, 2015

http://gratisography.com/pictures/236_1.jpgRomans 4:20-21  “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”

Dear Readers,
Greetings, blessings, peace, love, joy and grace unto you, my beautiful brothers and sisters.  I want to send my love and prayers to my brothers and sisters in America and in Paris, France.  My condolences to all of you who have been victims of terror attacks.  In times like these, we must be strong in our faith; for it is through our faith that our minds are strengthened.  Evil is at an all time high right now.  I believe that things are going to get much worse before they ever get better.  This is a time for us to be united under Christ.  Only the Lord can lead us through this.  It is in Him that we must trust.  It is through faith that we shall overcome.  This is a time for prayer and meditation.  1st Peter 1:13 tells us: “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ”.  Hope and faith, brethren, that is the key to survival.  Do not just think that the Lord is real and keeps His promises; know it with all your heart and soul.  That knowledge is the path to true salvation.  With it, we can defeat anything that this world throws at us. (more…)

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The Power Of Joy And Laughter

Author: December 11, 2015

https://unsplash.com/photos/yvx7LSZSzeoJames 1:2-3  “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

Dear Readers,  When I think of the passage above, I see an even deeper meaning, especially due to my current circumstances.  Now James is telling us that when we suffer for Christ, we should take pleasure in it.  He is explaining that it is wonderful and honorable to suffer on earth for the Lord.  But, I believe there is more to it.

I am now in my fifth month of solitary confinement.  The S.M.U. [Supermax Unit] is divided into sections.  I am housed on what is known as the programs corridor.  There are 14 men altogether on this corridor.  Seven on one side and seven on the other.  Our cells face each other, so we can yell through the cracks of our cell doors and conversate.  Every day, I find a way to make these men laugh. (more…)

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The Discipline Of Fasting For The Lord

Author: December 3, 2015

https://www.pexels.com/photo/bread-breakfast-baguette-sliced-3564/Matthew 4:4  “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Dear Readers,
Hello, my brothers and sisters.  May the Spirit of the Lord fill you and make you complete.  Amen!  Today is the day after Thanksgiving and it is as good a day as any to fast.  I have not eaten any food since consuming the Thanksgiving meal provided by the prison, which by the way, is a very good meal as far as prison food goes.  The kitchen workers did an excellent job!  It was the best meal I have had in my three-plus years of incarceration.

Fasting is the act of denying oneself that which is either necessary or desirable to you.  When you go without, in the name of the Lord, it strengthens the bond between you and God.  It also gives you great discipline and strengthens your ability to resist temptation.  We should not fast and brag about it to others.  Fasting is between you and God.  I have fasted many times, but this is the first time I have shared the experience with all of you. Matthew 6:16 tells us “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”  I am not writing this to boast.  Rather, I am using this experience to share the importance and the benefits of fasting. (more…)

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