Happy Harvest Time! It's a joy to hear that folks are growing spiritually, who contacted me with little or no faith in Jesus. Some only wanted to hear about my past, but ended up receiving Christ. Then, there are those living in defeat, finding the Answer in God's love and grace. Others are walking victoriously by faith, praising God for my salvation. All of us have one thing in common -- our faith.

". . . without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV).

Faith Pleases God . . .

Our goal is to please God through faith, not to establish our identity from the approval of other people. 

Happy Labor & Patriot Day! I've labored in prison for almost fifty-six (56) years, having been spared the death penalty in 1972. But spiritually, I owed a debt that only the blood of Jesus could pay. He paid the price for my sin to satisfy a just God by taking my punishment on the cross. Though the law brought condemnation and death, God's mercy and grace provided forgiveness, righteousness and eternal life. The apostle Paul wrote:

". . . by the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace toward me was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Corinthians 15:10,NKJV).

All Have Sinned . . .

I'm not the only one who needs God's amazing love and grace for salvation. You do too! 

Happy Summer Time! After creating such bad news in August 1969, my purpose has been simply to share the Good News of Jesus Christ for the past half a century. This Good News builds your faith in God, your Heavenly Father; in Christ, your Righteousness, Savior and Lord; and in the Holy Spirit, your Comforter, Teacher and Guide -- the Word of Truth. So dear ones:

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV).

What Is Our Purpose?

Are you connected only to this present world, not realizing the importance of God's plan and purpose for your life? 

Let Freedom Ring! This was a cry from Martin Luther King's heart, concerning the oppression he and his people felt in the '60s. His namesake, Martin Luther, centuries earlier cried out from religious bondage, "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17). He had found in God's Word the secret to living in freedom -- faith in the finished works of Christ. Have you found that freedom? Jesus said:

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31b-32, NKJV).

"Freedom, Freedom, Freedom, Freedom"

These are the lyrics of the late Richie Havens, a well-known songwriter in the '60s. His lyrics continue: 

Happy Father's Day! I encourage you to reach out to your dad this Father's Day. Remember the good times, and if there are none, forgive and make new memories before he's gone. If he isn't available, enjoy your Heavenly Father, Who is always present with His love and acceptance for meaning and purpose in life. In the prodigal son parable, Jesus said:

"So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long ways off, his father saw him coming, filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20, NLT).

The Prodigal Story . . .

Jesus told this story to reveal how much your Heavenly Father loves you. 

Happy Mother's Day! When my mom heard that I had received Christ fifty (50) years ago on May 23, 1975, she rejoiced along with the angels. According to her, I was the black sheep of the family; the prodigal son turning from his sins and returning home to the blessings of his Heavenly Father. Jesus said:

". . . there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away" (Luke 15:7, NLT).

A Mother's Answered Prayers . . .

I had to concede that I needed the mercy and grace of God to change the course of my life. 

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY! Though not in a physical prison this Easter, you may be able to identify with how God dealt with the void in my heart before I received Christ in May 1975. It was a time of repentance [a change of mind], primarily due to guilt and shame, even torment from past sins. I was like so many other prisoners under conviction.

". . . they are without excuse, because, although they knew God [through creation, nature and the universe], they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:20d-21, NKJV).

What People Say . . .

Amy from New York wrote: "It's hard to explain how your letter is helping me." 

Happy Springtime! My prayer is for people to realize God's plan and purpose for Israel. He blessed the children of Israel, promised them the land and provided righteousness through faith in His blood covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob [Genesis, chapters 12, 15 and 17; renamed "Israel," meaning "he will rule as God," 32:28]. The covenant was fulfilled by their Seed, Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, chapter 49:8-12; Matthew 1:1-17. The apostle Paul writes:

"Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, 'And to seeds,' as of many, but as of one. 'And to your Seed,' who is Christ" (Galatians 3:16, NKJV).

God Loves Israel . . .

The Lord brought the children of Israel out of bondage from Egypt [the flesh] through faith in the blood of the lamb [Exodus, chapter 12].

Happy Valentine's & President's Day! With all the sweeping changes being made by our new U.S.A. President, I'd like to suggest he change St. Valentine's Day of erotic love to St. John's Day of divine love. I know it wouldn't be politically popular, but it's a nice thought since knowing God's love empowers us to be loved and to love. The apostle John wrote:

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1 John 4:7-8, NKJV).

That Loving Feeling . . .

Like The Righteous Brothers were singing in the '60s, I had "lost that loving feeling." 

Happy New Year! The key to a happy year is simply living in the light of God's love, forgiveness and grace from the core of your being -- spirit, soul and body. Throughout the past 50 years, the Holy Spirit has empowered me to live a wholesome life in Christ. He can do the same for you.

"Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful" (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, NLT).

A New Lifestyle . . .

Your new life can start now, no matter what; through faith in Christ, all things become new.