April 2025
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."
"The verses you mentioned are great. I've been reading them daily, sometimes more than once. I walk a lot and think and pray. It's peaceful for me, and being outside in nature. Seeing God's beautiful creation brings me a sense of calm, peace and happiness, and it makes me feel closer to Him.
" Thank you for your advice. It made me try harder to see the positive, even in 'bad' spots, and also the good in the world, which definitely outweighs the bad. I'm also more comfortable talking to God about things, and now when I do, I feel that He hears me, plus I feel His love around me. It helps me stay focused on the good things and to work for the good yet to come.
"I have listened to a couple of your podcasts, and I'm enjoying them too. Your story is incredible, and also adds to my happiness. I can't express just how much you taking the time to help me with my struggles and new beginning means to me. I am very grateful to you for your help and friendship. I think it's awesome that you help so many people, which shows me your good and kind heart. God's Word has helped you do great things for people like me who didn't know where to start. That makes my 'troubles' seem so insignificant compared to the men you meet where you are. But that makes me more grateful that you've helped me begin this new chapter of my life. Your friend, Amy, NY."
[See "What People Say" on the site for more praise reports from around the world].
Isn't God So Good?
As you can see, Amy's heart is now focused on the goodness of God, resulting in a change of direction in her life. The apostle Paul wrote: "Don't you see how wonderful, kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness [God's goodness] is intended to turn you from your sins" (Romans 2:4, NLT)?
If you have regressed to the point of not glorifying God and being unthankful, with useless thoughts and a foolish-darkened heart, it's time for a change of mind and will, by turning from sin to God for healing. Listen, ". . . if you confess [say] with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness [right standing with God], and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.' For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved'" (Romans 10-9-13, NKJV). For example, Deon [a renowned '60s musician confessed Christ], who has a new book on Amazon called "The Rock and Roll Philosopher" by Deon DiMucci.
For me, I was led to the prison chapel in early 1975, while hooked on Rock and Roll music. Though I was raised going to church and singing all the old hymns, this time it was different. I was hearing and understanding the message about forgiveness and the resurrected life, but not confessing Christ yet. Regardless, I was proving that ". . . faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ [the Anointed One]" (Romans 10:17, NLT). It took awhile for the seeds planted in my heart to take root and bring forth life, but the harvest was on the way as I humbled myself to God [read, James 4:7-10).
What Do You Say?
Often, I hear folks say they need to give up all their vices before receiving Christ. According to God's Word, salvation is a gift through faith in God's amazing grace [Ephesians 2:8-9]. Grace is simply God's unmerited favor and ability working in us to do what we can not do in our flesh. The prophet Isaiah said to the children of Israel, ". . . it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden [foreign oppressors] shall be taken away from off they shoulders, and his yoke from off they neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing" (10:27, KJV). The apostle Paul confirmed: "It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes -- the Jew first and also the Gentile" (Romans 1:16b, also read vs. 17-32, NLT).
It was the anointing of the Holy Spirit touching my life in early 1975, drawing me to God. Jesus said: "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:44, NKJV). He was softening my hardened heart and opening my eyes to the love of Jesus. John 3:16 came alive, which I had memorized from a child. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The Good News was at work every time I heard the Word of God. It was nearly-too-good-to-be-true news, which I couldn't resist much longer. The voice of God was calling me to Jesus, Who ". . . was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8, NKJV). All I needed to do was confess Jesus as Lord and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead to be saved. Jesus ". . . gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil age" (Galatians 1:4, NKJV).
Is this your day of salvation as it was mine? "As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness [His goodness] and then ignore it. For God says, 'At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation. I helped you.' Indeed, the 'right time' is now. Today is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:1-2, NLT). All you have to do is turn to God, confess Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. I did that almost fifty (50) years ago and now it's your time. May the Lord open your heart, lift you up and set you free. SAY: "I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead for my salvation and righteousness. Thank you Holy Spirit for raising me up, living in me and setting me free. Amen!" Now ask a friend to confess that Jesus has risen as well. He has risen indeed!
Why Witness To The Lost?
The goal of this Abounding Love podcast episode #202 is to give a burden for witnessing to the lost, which all of us were at one time. It seeks to inform with examples how any believer can be a witness. In John 3:36, Jesus stated that we need to witness because the world is perishing without a personal relationship with Him. As believers, we share God's Word with the lost to build a relationship based on faith. This relationship with Jesus saves and brings eternal life, unlike Buddha, Muhammed, Krishna, Joseph Smith, etc. Ephesians 2:12 confirms that without Christ; we're without life and hope. Luke, chapter 16 tells the story of Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man ends up in Hell (v. 23). Hell is a real place, and it's a place of torment [eternal pain]. Anyone without life in Christ is going to end up in Hell without appeal. This is why Jesus gave us the "Great Commission," because everyone needs Christ. There is no hope without Him. Join me as I share these truths. Selah! [Click here for the Abounding Love podcast episode #202 "Why Witness To The Lost," 3/26/'25).
A Prayer For You . . .
"I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called -- his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else -- not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.
"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" (Ephesians 1:16-22; 2:6-7, NLT).