October 2023

Harvest time! For two millenniums, workers in the Church have planted and watered Gospel seeds, while God has given the increase. Hence, the Holy Spirit revealed through those workers our need for God’s grace and truth. Today, I pray you will ask yourself what part you are playing in the planting harvest.

“The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.” 1

A Personal Touch…

While technology is wonderful for sharing the testimony of Jesus, the personal touch must not be left out of our witness.

Recently, the Lord provided me a new ministry card to share with you, which is a combination of technology and a personal touch. Also, I have a blurb for posting on your social media or website for easy access to this ministry. These are ways you can help:

Ministry cards: This is a beautiful card in color, with the ministry logo, QR code and how to contact me. The back of the card encourages folks to check out the podcast and to share the ministry with others. I send these out in my letters, plus you can ask for a few to give out to your family, friends and others.

Ministry blurb and link: Maybe you have a social media account or website to help spread the word by giving direct access to this website and podcast? Even some who don’t profess Christ are posting it because they want to help those who need recovery. Jesus said, “So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.” 2 If you desire to plant seeds by posting it, e-mail Access Prison Ministries, rick@access-ministries.org.

Jesus said, “You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.” 3

Planting and Watering Seeds…

I have been sowing seeds since Jesus was planted in my heart 48+ years ago. The website and podcast testify of the work of Christ to be true and steadfast in my heart for all these years. But, I have nothing to boast about, “…neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” 4 We are only servants through whom God works, providing we allow Him to use our lives for His glory.

Kayla from Florida wrote: “Your last letter came at the perfect time. I heeded to hear the encouraging words. I often read the messages on the Abounding Love website. I really loved the message you shared this month. ‘So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!’ 5 That is such a beautiful and true message. I hope you are doing wonderful. Warm regards.”

What People Say…

This is only one example of a letter from someone who has written to me. You will find new ones posted periodically under What People Say from all around the world. Again, this is not to boast, but only, “That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.” 6 The Lord desires that he give Him glory for everything He does through out lives, so that He might be magnified in the hearts of His children.

It is important that you tell someone your testimony, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be on paper. Most of the time, it is better to shar it with someone in person, so a seed can be planted in their heart. I never tire of someone sharing with me how the Lord delivered them, whether hearing of it in person or in a letter. And 99% of the time, you will get a response from me. I really enjoy hearing from people and being able to respond with encouragement. The Lord has gifted me with the desire to be a blessing to everyone who writes. “Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.” 7

Someone Cares for You…

Most folks just want to know that someone cares when God seems so distant. As a Christian, we are that someone who cares when others are troubled. The Lord has given us the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, so we can be a comfort to others. God is the source of all comfort. “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can confront others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer with Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.” 8

For all these years, I have experienced God’s comfort. I am not suffering for Christ, but for my own crimes, the consequences of a dead man. ”But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.” 9

A Prayer for You…

Jesus, I give You my life wholeheartedly. If You worked in Charles’ life, You can work in mine too! I believe You died and rose from the dead to free me from the bondage of sin. I receive Your righteousness and eternal life through the finished work of the cross. I thank You for opening my eyes to the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ that now shines from my heart by the power of the Holy Spirit. I commit my all to living Your plan and purpose for my life, which is to serve You in all that I do. In your Name, Amen!

Scripture References (NLT):

1) 1 Cor. 3:8,9
2) Luke 14:23, NKJV
3) John 4:35
4) 1 Cor. 3:7, NKJV
5) 2 Cor. 5:16,17
6) Psa. 26:7, NKJV
7) Phil. 4:20
8) 2 Cor. 1:4,5
9) Eph. 2:4-7