January 2022

mwtb godlovesyouHappy New Year! May your faith increase in God’s grace as you visit and share this site with others. Through faith, our heavenly Father is drawing you closer to Himself. Jesus said,

“For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up.” 1

A Praise Report…

Jonathan from Michigan wrote, “I’ve always known your name and about your involvement in the whole Manson boondoggle,

“But I didn’t know ‘the rest of the story’ about you until articles began popping up after the recent hearing where you were denied parole once again.

“I am thrilled how you have become an example and trophy of God’s grace! Your story now is so very encouraging… so inspiring to me. I read that you’ve written some books and articles about your whole redemption experience, and I plan on getting and reading them as soon as I can. I want to know the God you know!

“Anyway, I just wanted to write a note of appreciation. I really don’t know what I can do for a person in prison. You’re probably bombarded with mail. Am I correct? If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I will say a prayer for you whenever you come to mind. I hope the holiday season is happy and meaningful for you. Yours truly, Jonathan, MI.”

Thanksgiving & Prayer…

I’m actually writing this view during Thanksgiving, looking forward to a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year in prison. I do receive over a hundred letters a month, such as Jonathan’s note, that make my day. I enjoyed his word boondoggle [useless or wasteful project or activity], knowing he was encouraged and inspired by my story, his desire to do something as a result, and his willingness to pray for me as the Spirit leads. I also pray for you all, “…that you will be strengthened with all his [God’s] glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.” 2

Let’s continue to pray, “For he [our heavenly Father] has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom with his blood and forgave our sins.” 3 That’s what Jesus did for us 2000 years ago, and for all those who will believe and receive the finished works of Jesus Christ!

Believe & Receive…

You’ll notice that I share a whole lot of God’s Word to build your faith. The “boondoggle” is part of my story, but the story of Jesus tells how He overcame the darkness, transferred us into the Kingdom of light, purchased our freedom, and forgave our sins. Unlike sites that share only the darkness, aboundinglove.org takes the high road, ministering regeneration, redemption, reconciliation, restoration and forgiveness for all who will receive the one whom God sent to heal us. That is, “…all who believed him [Jesus] and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” 4 Will you believe in Jesus and accept Him today?

Jonathan wrote, “I want to know the God you know!” Jesus told Nicodemus in John chapter 3, “…unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nic said, “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water [physical birth] and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’” 5

Sinners & Saints…

As humas, we are born sinners, eternally separated from God, because of the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. 6 Today, God’s loving arms are wide open to rescue sinners, having sent His own Son, Jesus, to pay for our sins. “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” 7 True faith says, “I’m a sinner, unable to save myself. I trust Your forgiveness, freely given to me!” “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” 8

Jonathan didn’t know what he could do for someone like me in prison, but he can help share this site with those who need to be born again. “He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” 9 By sharing this site, you help me share Jesus with others, because that’s what aboundinglove.org is all about – sharing the love of Jesus! Won’t you receive Jesus today, and share this Good News with your family and friends?

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” 10

Father, thank You for forgiving my sins and saving me from eternal separation from You. By faith in Jesus, I accept His finished work and death on the cross as sufficient payment for my sins. I rejoice that His resurrection from the dead shows His complete victory over sin, death, the grave and the devil – making me holy and acceptable in Your sight. Thank You for providing the way for me to have a relationship with You and for eternal life. Thank You for hearing my prayer and for sending the Holy Spirit to regenerate my dead spirit, thereby making me a new creation – the righteousness of God in Christ. Thank You for the strength and wisdom to walk in the center of Your will now and forevermore. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen!

Share this view with someone you love!

Scripture References (NLT):

1) John 6:44
2) Col. 1:11,12
3) Col. 1:13,14
4) John 1:12,13
5) John 3:3-7
6) Gen. ch 3, Rom. 5:12
7) Tit. 3:3-5
8) John 3:16
9) Tit. 3:6-7
10) Eph. 2:10, NKJV