May 2006
The Monthly View is always
a joy as it allows me to share from my
heart. Whatever is in your heart determines
what you say. A good person produces good
words from a good heart, and an evil person
produces evil words from an evil heart.
And Jesus said, that you must give account
on judgment day of every idle word you
speak. 1
National Day of Prayer
 One
way to alleviate speaking idle words is
to pray and meditate God's Word. The National
Day of Prayer, on Thursday, May 4th, can
be a catalyst to launch you to a whole
new lifestyle of worship. Most of us have
a need for constant prayer so that we
never give up. 2
The Apostle Paul said to always be joyful.
Keep on praying. No matter what happens,
always be thankful, for this is God's
will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
If you do not
belong to Christ, what are you waiting
for? The counsel of the Holy Spirit from
God's Word is far better than any Psychiatrist,
plus it's free. His counsel can always
be trusted to be right. The Proverb says
that the way of a fool is right in his
own eyes, but he that listens to God's
counsel is wise. 3
As God's partners, we
beg you to not reject this marvelous message
of God's great kindness. For God says,
"At just the right time, I heard
you. On the day of salvation, I helped
you." Indeed, God is ready to
help you right now. Today is the day of
salvation. 4 Maybe
you don't understand the simplicity of
The
Gospel
message? We have provided this easy link,
so you don't miss out on the best gift
in the world.
It's Mother's Day
On May 14th, we celebrate
another Mother's Day. The subject of last
year's May view was my Reflections
on Mom, in case you missed it. My
mom has passed away to be with the Lord,
but she is often in my thoughts, especially
when I see her gifts working in my life.
While organizing an Easter function last
month, I saw characteristics working in
me that brought my mother to mind. That
was a pleasant thought.
My heart goes out to
those children whose relationships are
broken with their mothers. Many of these
children are now middle age, who have
been affected by holding unforgiveness
in their hearts for years. It is time
to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger,
harsh words and slander, as well as all
types of malicious behavior. Instead,
be kind to each other, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, just as God through
Christ has forgiven you. 5
It is hurting you, more than anyone else.
Here is a word from the
Lord for you: Follow God's example in
everything you do, because you are His
dear children. Live a life filled with
love for others, following the example
of Christ, who loved you and gave Himself
as a sacrifice to take away your sins.
And God was pleased, because that sacrifice
was like sweet perfume to Him. 6 I pray
this Mother's Day will be filled with
sweet smelling memories of your best times
with mom. Have a wonderful Mother's Day!
The Mail Box
We get hundreds of e-mails
from those who are delighted that God
has changed my
life. Many friends and families of prisoner
write, who are looking for Family
& Prisoner Resources. This page
has resource links for those in prison
or on parole. You are encouraged to print
out and mail these resources to prisoners.
Make sure to spend sufficient time browsing
the site before you e-mail us, so that
your question isn't about information
already posted on the site. Lastly, when
you e-mail us, it helps when the subject
field is specified.
I appreciate all the
letters I receive in prison, but it's
impossible to answer them all. As a results,
a host of subjects are covered on the
site. For instance, Manson's
Right-Hand Man Speaks Out! was initiated
to help students with their class projects,
instead of answering individual questionnaires.
You will find both my old man with Manson,
and my new man with Christ discussed as
you search the contents of this site.
What's My Day Like?
This is one of the frequently
asked questions. I've answered it on the
F.A.Q. page,
and little has changed since that offering.
Life in prison is routine just like on
the streets. The days, weeks and months
all blend together until one day you look
up and life has almost passed you by.
Our relationship with God and with those
who are saved are the only things that
lasts into eternity.
My days are spent being
friendly to everyone. My desire is to
share God's love with everyone, Love
Is All You Need. You would be surprised
how many people know John 3:16, but don't
realize they are forgiven of all their
sins. God has purchased our freedom with
His blood and has forgiven all our sins.
7 Many still struggle
with needless guilt and shame, because
they have not received the sacrifice of
Christ. He declared us not guilty because
of His great kindness. Now we know that
we will inherit eternal life. 8
John 3:16 says: God so
loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in
Him shall not perish, but have everlasting
life. Jesus paid for the sins of the whole
world 2000 years ago, so that we would
not have to perish. But we are required
to believe that God loved us and desired
to spend eternity with us. For the grace
of God has been revealed, bringing salvation
to all people. 9
He died for sinners that he might bring
us safely home to God. 10
Loving One Another
Dear friends, let us
continue to love one another, for love
comes from God. Anyone who loves is born
of God and knows God. But anyone who does
not love does not know God -- for God
is love. He showed how much He loved us
by sending His only Son into the world
so that we might have eternal life through
Him. This is real love. It is not that
we loved God, but that He loved us and
sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away
our sins. 11
Since God loved us that
much, we surely ought to love each other.
No one has ever seen God. But if we love
each other, God lives in us, and His love
has been brought to full expression through
us. And God has given us His Spirit as
proof that we live in Him and He in us.
Furthermore, we have seen with our own
eyes and now testify that the Father sent
His Son to be the Savior of the world.
All who proclaim that Jesus is the Son
of God have God living in them, and they
live in God. We know how much God loves
us, and we have put our trust in Him.
12
God is love, and all
who live in love live in God, and God
lives in them. And as we love in God,
our love grows more perfect. So we will
not be afraid on the day of judgment,
but we can face Him with confidence because
we are like Christ here in this world.
Such love has no fear because perfect
love expels all fear. If we are afraid,
it is for fear of judgment, and this shows
that His love has not been perfected in
us. We love each other as a result of
His loving us first. 13
A Prayer for You
I pray you live in such
a way that God's love can bless you as
you wait for the eternal life that our
Lord Jesus in His mercy is going to give
you. That you show mercy to those whose
faith is wavering, but that you not be
contaminated by their sins. All glory
to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling,
and who will bring you into His glorious
presence innocent of sin and with great
joy. All glory to Him, who alone is God
our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yes, glory, majesty, power and authority
belong to Him, in the beginning, now and
forevermore. Amen. 14
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