Tag Archive: Matthew

Murdered By Hate

Author: September 5, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAoqhV48AvgEcclesiastes 6:1  “There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men”

Dearly beloved:
My GOD! MY GOD! MY GOD!  Please, Father, bring comfort to the family and friends of Heather Heyer.  Oh LORD, let her death not be in vain.  LORD, let the hate mongers fail and fall!  AMEN AND AMEN!!!

I send my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the LOVED ones of Heather Heyer and all those who have suffered loss due to the wickedness of hate.  My beloved, I am angry, hurt and outraged over what is happening in the streets of America.  A brave and beautiful person named Heather Heyer was murdered by a confused, racist coward in Charlottesville, Virgina.  I am proud of Heather for standing up to racism.  I am proud that she was white and yet she stood up for people of color like me.  I am proud of her courage and patriotism.

As I sit here watching events unfold, I am struck by the fact that people are actually fighting to keep statues of American traitors and tyrants.  Why not put up a statue of Tim McVeigh?  He was a white supremacist terrorist traitor who attacked his own country just like the confederates.  It would be equal to the statues of confederates.  This is America and we ought not celebrate tyrants who seek to destroy what we stand for as a nation.  They should not be exalted. (more…)

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A Letter To The President

Author: July 11, 2017

https://pixabay.com/en/envelope-letters-leave-shiny-post-392960/Dear Mr. Trump a.k.a. “The Donald”:
May God’s mercy, peace, truth and strength be ingrained on every fiber of your being.  May you seek and find His forgiveness and learn to follow His commandments.  Mr. Trump, I do not hate you nor mean you harm, sir.  I am neither your judge nor your jury.  From the beginning of your presidency, I have prayed for you and gave you the benefit of doubt because you are my president.  I have hoped that you would be a man of integrity and that you would bring justice, strength and prosperity to our great nation and the world.  In the beginning, during your candidacy, I took a hard stance against you.  I thought you to be a hate monger and a liar.  Though you claimed to be my brother in CHRIST, I was hesitant to accept your claim for it appeared to me that you are not in line with Christian values nor our founding principles given and commanded by the LORD our GOD.
Matthew 22:37-40  Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’   On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
But, I could not judge you for the LORD reminded me of John 8:7 – “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
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England: We Love You

Author: June 3, 2017

Dearly Beloved: May God’s peace, prosperity, joy and love be ever upon you. We would like to send our deepest and sincerest condolences to the people of England and all those who are suffering world wide, especially all the young children who were hurt in Manchester. May God bless you all. How does one make sense of such senseless acts of violence? How do we forgive those who employ such savagery on the innocent? We are tempted to feel hopelessness and fear. Despair and sorrow seem so deep within us that we are like shipwrecked sailors floating in a vast ocean with no land in sight. It is during these times that we must seek God.

I would like to share with you some heartfelt words from Dr. Martin Luther King:
“Having to live under the threat of death every day, sometimes I feel discouraged. Having to take so much abuse and criticism, sometimes from my own people, sometimes I feel discouraged. Having to go to bed so often frustrated with the chilly winds of adversity about to stagger me, sometimes I feel discouraged and feel my work’s in vain.  But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.”  [click to read source]   (more…)

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The Urgent Call

Author: October 19, 2016

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-s-hand-in-shallow-focus-and-grayscale-photography-167964/Dearly Beloved:  May God’s grace, power, love, peace and joy be ever present in your life.  That is my great hope for all of you.  You will notice a pattern in my recent posts.  I have been more evangelical as of late.  God has inspired me to plead with both the unsaved and His lost, wayward sheep.  I have been praying: “Lord, help me to reach them; give me the words, Father.”  My heart is burdened for you all.  This election has brought out the worst in many of my American countrymen and women.  I am seeing a great split and division in the church.  It is true that a lot of what we are seeing is nothing new, but never has it been so out in the open.  As I searched for answers, I went to the only place where they can truly be found, The Bible.  I read the sermon on the mount – Matthew chapters 5 thru 7.  I was drawn to it like a moth to flame.  It is there where the true fundamentals, essentials and principles of Christianity can be found.  It is there where no Christian, neither conservative nor liberal, can deny the Lord’s message to us all.  It is there that we can all agree despite our differing doctrines and denominational lines.  For it is there where our core values intertwine…or at least, they should!  It is in those verses of scripture that I believe we can be united and find common ground. (more…)

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We All Have Ups And Downs

Author: April 7, 2016

https://www.pexels.com/photo/roller-coaster-ride-66143/Dear beloved brothers and sisters,  May God’s peace, mercy, blessings, glory and love be ever upon you.  Have you ever heard the saying “What goes up, must come down”?  For every high there is a low and vice-versa.  Nowhere in the Bible does it promise us heaven on earth.
Read Luke 3:16 – John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
We all, as Christians, must be baptized with fire.  The lows we face are like that fire.  It is only our faith which prevents us from being consumed by the flames.  True faith can stand up to anything this world throws at us.  Just look at our brothers and sisters in France and Belgium who continue to remain steadfast in their faith in spite of the evil carnage inflicted upon them by ignorant and savage minions of the devil.  The terrorists who seek to inflict fear only strengthen true believers.  May we all learn from those who endure such, for it is proof of God’s everlasting glory.

Nowhere in the Bible does it say that it is easy to be a Christian.  In fact, it tells us repeatedly that ours is a narrow path teaming with persecution, strife and pain.  I dare any of you to show me where it says that life on earth will be easy for a Christian.  I promise you that it never does.  Read it for yourselves.  Jesus said that we must forsake all and follow Him. (more…)

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Take Jesus With You Everywhere You Go

Author: March 14, 2016

etsy_hand-lettered-vintage-globe-matthewMatthew 28:19-20  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Dear Friends,  May God’s peace, love and joy be ever upon you.  I have been moved to Massachusetts.  I already miss my brothers and sisters in Christ from Maine.  My work for the Lord in Maine is done for now.  The Lord achieved victory there and now I must move on to do His work wherever He calls me.  It is very strange to be in new surroundings.  After 3+ years in Maine, it is a bit of a culture shock.  I am finally out of segregation.  Though solitary confinement wore on me some, it also gave me a chance to draw nearer to the Lord.  I learned to trust in Him with all of my heart and soul.  It was Jesus who sustained me through it all.  He strengthened me and taught me never to give up.  He gave me peace and prepared me to face the upcoming battles ahead.  Right now, I am in a classification prison, but I will soon be sent to a prison which is three times the size of Maine State Prison.  After seven and a half months of solitary, it is very strange to be out of my cell and around so many people.  The cell block I am in houses 50 men.  It is not easy to adjust.  In many ways, I am still in solitude as I have found it more comforting to be alone presently.  There is a church service tonight and I am looking forward to communing with other Christians.  Unlike the persecution I faced at M.S.P., here in Massachusetts, church is a sacred institution and is a mandatory part of all prisons.  They would never have banned my pastor from seeing me, nor would they have punished me for writing about Jesus on this site.  I am sure, though, that I will surely face other forms of persecution.  I fear not – for the Lord is with me.  He has plans for me that no one can stop – for who can defeat the Lord?  When I entered the transport van that brought me here, the radio was on and as we exited through the gates of Maine State Prison, the song “We Are The Champions” was playing.  I could not help but smile.  It was so fitting.  I pointed my shackled hands toward the sky and said, “Yes, we are the champions, Lord, by your grace alone Father, by your grace alone.”  Jesus once again reminded me that He is with me and that I am doing His will. (more…)

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Victory In The Name Of Jesus

Author: March 4, 2016

SONY DSCMatthew 10:24-34  “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.  “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”

Dear Friends,
Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!  Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!  In the name of the Almighty God, the King of kings and the Lord of lords; In the name of His Majesty, His Excellency, the undisputed heavy weight champion of not only the world, but the entirety of all creation; In the name of the undefeated, most holy, most high, most exalted, the purest and truest Light that ever has or ever will exist – JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD – I claim victory.  Hallelujah!  Praise His Name!  Amen!  By the power of Christ the King, we have defeated the M.D.O.C., the crooked A.G.’s office, all the haters out there and, most importantly, satan.  Hallelujah!  GLORY TO GOD!

My dearest and beloved brothers and sisters, it is truly my honor to report to you, that due to the power of Jesus Christ and the strength that He gave us to endure and persevere, the crooked A.G.’s office of the State of Maine and equally crooked M.D.O.C. accepted defeat and changed their unjust, unholy and unconstitutional rules which banned prisoners from posting online, publishing under a byline or acting as a reporter.  I promised you back in June that no matter what they did to me, I would defend Christ and continue writing.  It has been such a long battle.  I have now spent over seven months in solitary confinement.   (more…)

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Got Flavor?

Author: February 16, 2016

https://static.pexels.com/photos/6401/food-kitchen-cooking-spices.jpgMatthew 5:13-16  “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters,  May God’s spices, herbs and seasoning be ever upon you.  Amen!  I want to talk to you about flavor.  I want to talk to you about being savory, delectable and of good taste.  Right now, I can imagine you saying, “What’s this guy saying?  Has he lost his mind?  Does he think I am a chicken dinner?”  Let me be clear, I am not calling you chicken – I assure you.  But, in a manner of speaking, all Christians are a dish meant to be served to the starving unsaved souls around them.  That means we need to be zesty and tangy, but not too tart; spicy and warm, but not too hot; inviting and friendly, but not too sweet.  We need to be flavorful, my brothers and sisters, but not overbearing.  How many of you remember the story of Goldie-Locks and the Three Bears?  We need to be like that last bit of porridge – “Just right!”  Mmmm Hmmm!  Yes, sir!  You see, salvation is free.  Thus, we must not act like salesmen.  Are you with me, folks?  How many of you like fried chicken?  I like the home cooked kind, but every now and again I used to buy K.F.C. [Kentucky Fried Chicken].  Of course, my own chicken is much better. LOL!  But, I do on occasion enjoy the flavor of the colonel’s secret blend of herbs and spices.  The Bible is God’s own blend of herbs and spices – 66 to be exact.  And, unlike the colonel’s recipe, it’s no secret at all.  God wants you to have it.  He wants you to feast on it until it is coming out of your pores.  He wants you to be bathed in it and most importantly, He wants you to feed it to others.  (more…)

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Believe In The Power Of Prayer

Author: January 13, 2016

https://www.pexels.com/photo/lights-party-dancing-music-2143/Dear Readers,
Joy, love and blessings to you, my beautiful brothers and sisters.  May the peace of Jesus Christ fill and surround you and may His grace be ever upon you.  Amen!  Let me start by giving you an update on my dearly beloved pastor, friend and brother, Tom Shuford.  As many of you know, Tom went for surgery on 12/30/15 to put a dialysis port into his abdomen.  Tom is suffering from kidney failure and a host of other ailments.  Tom has defied death [only by the grace of God, of course] for over 30 years now.  I am happy to report that once again God has stepped in and spared Tom’s life.  Hallelujah!  Praise Jesus!  The Bible says that “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” – Luke 18:27.  The Lord does not lie.  Tom is proof of that.  He is a living testament to both the power of God and the power of prayer.  Make no mistake about it folks, our prayers have helped Tom tremendously and continue to do so.  It was the faith of all of us, including Tom, that helped Tom make it through this and live to fight for the Lord another day.  Praise God!  SHOUT HALLELUJAH!  THANK YOU, JESUS!  WE BELIEVE IN YOUR POWER, ALMIGHTY GOD!  Yes, we do.  I thank all of you around the world who have kept our brother in your prayers.  GOD BLESS YOU ALL!  Tom is not totally out of the woods yet.  He faces a lengthy recovery.  So, please continue to pray for brother Tom, knowing that those prayers shall be heard. (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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The Comforter Of The Lord

Author: November 21, 2015

https://www.pexels.com/photo/light-man-hope-looking-up-6842/John 14:25-26  “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

Dear Readers,  Peace, love and joy unto you, my brothers and sisters.  I want to talk to you about a ghost.  I’m not talking about haunted houses or Poltergeist.  Nor am I referring to Casper the friendly ghost.  I am talking about the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Ghost.  It is that Spirit which leads us and guides us.  It is that Spirit that helps us unravel the meaning of the scriptures and reveals the truth to us.  That is, if we are receptive to it.  It is then and only then that the Spirit can do God’s work in and through us.  There are times when I read the scriptures and suddenly warm tingly shivers run through my body, as if an electrical current were flowing in me.  That is the Spirit.  Your conscience is a manifestation of the Spirit.  Your joy, your peace, the true love you feel are all manifestations of the Spirit.  I love the feeling of the Spirit.  It courses through my veins and electrifies my soul.  I feel so in tune with God, nature and my fellow Christians.  The sense of peace and joy I get is unexplainable. (more…)

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Wage Peace, Not War

Author: November 12, 2015

https://www.pexels.com/photo/german-love-padlock-4662/Luke 1:77-79  “To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Dear Readers, May the peace of Christ be ever upon you.  I want to tell all of you, everyone who reads my posts, that I love you in the name of Jesus.  Praise His Name!  Shout Hallelujah!  When I say, “everyone”, I mean even those who hate and despise me.  Even those who return evil for good, and especially those who mean me harm, the ones who think of me as  their enemy and wish to take down this site.  I want you to know that I love you most of all.  Even the M.D.O.C. and the prison administration, who have begun to threaten me weekly, and who only last Friday told me that I will remain in solitary confinement until I stop writing.  I love you!  That love has been hard won within my spirit.  Like any normal human being, my first thoughts upon being attacked are often those of indignation.  But, like any true Christian, the love of my Lord Jesus Christ and His Spirit which dwells within me has led me to the ways of peace and forgiveness. (more…)

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