July 2018
Happy Independence Day! I pray that you are experiencing the freedom found through faith in Jesus Christ over mental, emotional and physical distress upon your life. That you are walking in righteousness, peace, joy and health, because of your daily focus on God’s love and grace. The apostle Paul wrote:
“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you.” 1
It’s amazing how those from around the world contact this ministry, such as Blagica from Macedonia, who wrote:
“I read about your Abounding Love Ministries, so I decided to write and tell you that I am very glad for the work; the way you study the Bible, and the way you love God with all your heart.
“I read about your life an everything; the crimes and years in prison. I’m feeling very sad about that, so my letter to you with God above is to bring you hope; hope that one day you will be free.
“To me, you are a preacher. I always need it. I saw your documentary, and it was great. You cleared up a lot of things about God and Jesus Christ. I hope God will gather all His bright angels to bring you hope for freedom. You have my moral support. Blagica, Bitola, Macedonia.
A Macedonian Call…
Blaglica responded to God’s love and grace because of her faith. When she heard the Good News shared on the website, she acted upon what she believed by writing me a letter. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 2
While the apostle Paul was on his second missionary journey, he had a vision in the night. “A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us!’ So we [Paul and Silas] decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.” 3
Paul saw this “man” pleading for him to come to Macedonia to help them y preaching the Good News. Apparently, word of Paul’s ministry had spread north into Macedonia. I pray that word of aboundinglove.org will spread, so others will search for us to come help them. You can help by sharing this website with your family and friends, therefore carrying out your calling to preach the Good News to your household. Jesus said:
“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” 4
Our Calling to Preach…
Paul and Silas are our examples, who heeded the call to preach in Philippi, a major city in Macedonia. Through their ministry, the Lord opened Lydia’s heart, she accepted Christ, and her entire household was baptized, plus they stayed in their home. 5
Then, Paul and Silas were severely beaten for casting out a spirit from a “slave girl” and thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. Knowing he’d be put to death if they did, he put them in the inner dungeon and clasped their feet in stocks. While they prayed and sang songs at midnight there was a massive earthquake, the door opened, and their chains fell off. The jailer would have killed himself, believing the prisoners escaped, but Paul stopped him. The jailer fell down before them, and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 6
It appears our first calling is to share the Good News with or households. Lydia and the jailer were so contagious with the Holy Spirit that their families received the Good News without it feeling pushed upon them. Paul, Silas and their excitement seemed to kindle a desire in their household to experience God’s love and grace.
A Contagious Ministry…
I’m fascinated by the “man” from Macedonia, crying out for help. His call not only helped Lydia and the jailer, but their households. Let’s not forget the “slave girl,” who had a spirit cast out of her, resulting in Paul and Silas’ imprisonment. Because of the contagious Good News shared abroad, their testimonies of Christ are still being shared this day to multitudes around the world as an example of faithful ministry.
An infectious ministry is the only hope for communicating the Good News to the lost. All else seems only like religious bondage, which is powerless to produce true freedom. “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” 7
In May 1975, I was called in a prison chapel through contagious Spirit-filled ministry of the late Reverend Divito. I owe him a debt of gratitude for heeding the call to prison ministry. I’m sure the “man” from Macedonia is still rejoicing in heaven for the ministry of Paul and Silas. It’s time to heed the call, so others will have a reason to rejoice in their new-found freedom. “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” 8
A Prayer For You…
Father, I fully yield my life to You, so I may experience a contagious ministry. Please give my family and friends a revelation of the power of the Good News today. Enable them to understand what salvation truly is and how You’ve provided for them everything they need as a free gift through Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Please enlighten them to these truths from You word. As they begin to understand Your grace, thank You for setting them free from guilt, condemnation and a performance mentality. It’s all about putting our faith in what Your Son did, and not what we do. From this day forward, may Your love and grace be the foundation of my family and friends’ daily relationship with You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Scripture References (NLT):
1) 2 Thess. 3:1
2) Rom 10:17 NKJV
3) Acts 16:9,10
4) Mark 16:15,16
5) Acts 16:11-15
6) Acts 16:16-34
7) 1 Cor. 4:20
8) Phil. 4:4