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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