County Jail Communicator
We all have friends and we know how important they are to us. However, are you a friend of God? Do you know that friends are important to God and they were important to Jesus, too?
The world's first Jew was Abraham, James 2:23 says that Abraham was called the friend of God. Was Abraham perfect or did he always do what God wanted him to? Far from it! Abraham was human just like you and me are. He had hopes, dreams, and fears. But God called Abraham His friend because Abraham walked by faith and not by sight. God told Abraham to leave his home and his father's house and to travel to a land that God would show him. God didn't ever tell Abraham where he was going before he started! But because God promised Abraham that he would bless Abraham makes his name great and bless all the families of the earth that came from Abraham, we find that Abraham trusted God's word and carried out what God told him to do. You can read about this in Genesis 12:1-9.
Today we see the Jews and the Arabs blesses - all because of one mans obedience to God.
Jesus also had true friends. Jesus gave a definition of a real friend in John 15:9-17. As He spoke to His disciples, Jesus pointed out that a friend is someone who always wants what's best for you. A friend will even lay down his life for you. Jesus told His disciples that "You are my friends if you do whatever I command you".
Would you like to be called a friend by Jesus? Then obey His two greatest commandments found in Mark 28-31.
1. "Hear O Israel the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength". This is the first commandment.
2. "You shall love your neighbor as yourself".
God will adopt you as the seed of Abraham, as the children of promise, if you do these things. Galatians 3:26-29 and 4:1-7 explain that we can all be adopted as sons and daughters of God through faith in Jesus Christ. If we believe upon Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become heirs of the promises that God made to Abraham, His friend.
Become a friend of God and Jesus this new year. You'll be glad you did! Then you can also say "A man who has friends must himself be friendly and a friend that sticks closer than a brother".- Proverbs 18:24
The greatest "Friend of all is the Lord Jesus Christ. He will never leave you nor forsake you". - Hebrews 13:5
Gene
I Am The New Year
I am the New Year! I am an empty page in the book of your life. What is written on that page will be determined by how you live this year.
I am the New Year! I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the past twelve months.
I am the New Year! I am ten thousand and eighty hours. What you do with these hours will determine, to a large extent, how productive and meaningful your life becomes.
I am the New Year! Last year’s mistakes were excruciatingly painful. But they are behind you. Receive God’s forgiveness and move on. You don’t need to make the same mistakes again.
I am the New Year! All that you dreamed last year, but didn’t dare to do; all that you hoped for, but didn’t work for; all the faith that you claimed but did not possess --- these slumber lightly in your heart and mind, waiting to be awakened by the touch of commitment and strong purpose.
I am the New Year! Last year’s victories were exciting. But that was last year. For this new year God has new victories! And they will be bigger victories than you’ve ever experienced before.
I am the New Year! I am your opportunity to love your spouse like Jesus wants you to love. Now is a good time to evaluate and strengthen the quality of your relationship.
I am the New Year! Why not commit at least 365 hours in the next twelve months to spiritual growth. As you read and study the Bible, God’s Word will light your path to keep you from stumbling.
I am the New Year! Set goals that will stretch you and make plans that will challenge you. That’s how you grow.
I am the New Year! This is the perfect time to renew your commitment to the Jesus Christ who specializes in “fresh starts” and “new beginnings.”?
I am the New Year! This may very well be a year of change and transition for you. But do not fear the unknown, for the unchanging Christ will lead you safely through the channels of change.
I am the New Year! And with the new year comes new grace!
Did Jesus take your pain & shame for you to continue to live the way that you are? Doesn’t his death mean spiritual freedom? Please let this soak into your soul. What does his death mean to you?
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matt. 6:33)
This New Year will bring surprises. No matter how well you may plan tomorrow, next week, or next month. It may be a puzzle to you but not to God. We can be secure because God is in full control of what the year brings forth. Our confidence is not in our abilities, but in His omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence. Nothing catches Him by surprise. You may find yourself in hard times. Your fears and anxieties can be dispelled as you rest in His providential direction and provision.
Do not worry about tomorrow. God is already there. He will guide you through the fog, lift you above the pain and clarify your uncertainty. Be confident in Him and only in Him. Trust in God and God alone. He is your heavenly Father and has your best interest in mind at all times. Everyday is a new day in Him.
His return is sooner than you think. Are you ready?
Agape Love
Most of us are familiar with John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life”. For God so loved.....we could stop there and say, oh, what love. In the Greek, the word Agape’ is used to describe God’s love for mankind as it means....No Conditions...Just Love....... “UNCONDITIONAL”.
Most of us Americans, have heard the story of Jesus, coming to Earth, being born in a manger, and even know the name of his virgin mother, Mary.
The very birth of Christ, is the reason why we celebrate Christmas.
As we start the new year, remember that our Savior laid down his life, to provide a way of Salvation. Which leads me to what I really want to share with you today.
I would like to ask this question of everyone, who reads this ..........
Did Jesus die....the painful, shameful, death on the cross, for YOU to go on living the way you are?
Please don’t accept the way of life that you are living. He died that we might live. Jesus said that we could not only have life, but have life more abundantly. (Joy unspeakable and full of glory.)
Did Jesus take your pain & shame for you to continue to live the way that you are? Doesn’t his death mean spiritual freedom? Please let this soak into your soul.What does his
Do you have spiritual freedom or are you still living in some kind of bondage? He paid our debt on the cross. PAID in FULL. Yet, we choose NOT to have the VICTORY in our lives as we should.** Ask yourself this question everyday that you live. “Did Jesus die, the way that he did, for me to go on living, the way that I am?”
Behind The Walls
This column is both written by and dedicated to inmates around the world. If you have a Praise report, poems, or something that you would like to share with others, please write us. Please make time to encourage others.
Marion, Ohio her, "you didn’t read my word
or you would understand,
that works don’t gain you eternal life
only by grace can you enter My land".
She pled her case to Jesus
But He said, "I never knew you.
I offered to you the gift of life
and you were told just what to do.
Through my beloved apostle Paul,
My words were given to you.
You could only be saved by grace through faith and it was a gift from Me to you.
Good works alone will not save you.
You cannot earn your place, you see.
You did do many good things on earth
but in your heart, you didn’t have Me.
Yes, you were a member of the church,
and heaven you wanted to see.
But You didn’t accept My redeeming blood
which I had shed to set you free".
He turned her away and called to me.
I was the next in line, you see.
He said, "your name is written here.
Enter my gates to dwell with Me.
Heavenly treasures you shall embrace,
for you to enjoy throughout eternity.
For by accepting My free gift of grace,
you have shown your true love for Me."
To walk with God and angels you need not take a step
Nor feel worthy, nor harbor deep regret
To walk with God and angels you need not be pure of heart
With each day there's a new beginning, there's your start.
Michigan - R.S.C.
“Christ, Our Burden --- Bearer”
Sometimes our lives are turned upside down; By problems, pressure and such, That we’??re tempted to think that all is lost, And we really can’t do much.
It seems that every time we try, To get a grip on everything, That our problems elude our grasp and get much worse, As more heartache they do bring. Yet, it’s in those times when we can’t go on, And are beginning to feel so down. That we should recall God’s Good News .... About the best Friend that’s ever been found. His name is Jesus --- yes, He’s the One who knows our every care; Yes, He’s the one who knows so well The burdens that we bear.
His heart is grieved when He sees our pain, And the tears that fill our eyes; That’??s why He says to give Him our cares, Since He’s our friend that’s nearby.
“Cast all your cares upon me”, He says so lovingly, I’ll carry your load and calm your soul, If you’ll simply turn them over to me.
No longer do you have to bear your grief, Or be weighted down by all your sorrow, Feeling like your hopes are all gone, And you try to face another tomorrow. I’ll walk with you every step of the way, And will never leave or forsake you; Together we’ll face what the future holds, And together we’ll see it through. ---
Rebecca
Nevada - N.N.C.C.
So you have Enemies?
A knight returned to his castle at twilight. He was a mess. His armor was dented his helmet askew, his face was bloody, his horse was limping and he listed to one side in the saddle. His lord met him at the gate, asking. “What has befallen you, Sir Knights?”
Straightening himself up as best he could, he replied, “Oh Sire. I have been laboring in your service, robbing and burning and pillaging your enemies to the west.” “You have been what?” cried the startled nobleman. “But I have not any enemies to the west.”?? “Oh!”, said the knight. And then, after a pause, “Well, I think you do now.”??
What about you? Enemies to the west? Or to the north, or the south, or the east? None of us will calmly sail through our lives in perfect harmony with everyone we meet. And though most conflict can be resolved along the way, and most of our bruised relationships can eventually be healed, some passionate issues may threaten to drive a permanent wedge between people. Heartfelt moral and political stances, especially, can polarize folks who just passionately hold differing positions.
Former U.S. Ambassador Claire Booth Luce once observed: I do not have a warm personal enemy left. They have all died off. I miss them terribly because they helped define me.”
So-called “enemies” can serve a valuable purpose. If we let them, they can teach us about ourselves. By holding a mirror before us, they can help us see what we may have missed. By disagreeing with our heartfelt convictions, they can sharpen our points of view. And , if we allow it, they can unwillingly help us practice strengthen and compassion in the face of criticism.
If enemies can not become friends, they can become teachers. If we listen they will teach us what our friends cannot.
Author unknown
I just want to say thanks to everyone at Agape Outreach for reaching-out to me. I have found my way back to the Lord and your newsletters and your study guides have stirred my spirit and has helped me to release my faith in the Lord. The Holy Spirit has been dealing with me day after day. I know that it’s a daily walk, like you say, it’s all about a personal relationship with Jesus. Thanks.
Lima- O.C.F
1. The Bible is without error and is our only trustworthy guide for faith on life.
2. The Bible is its own interpreter.
3. The entire Bible is centered around Jesus Christ.
4. The message of the Bible is redemptive.
5. The message of the Bible is progressive.
6. The message of the Bible is historical.
7. The message of the Bible is understandable.
8. Some Biblical truths are beyond our understanding.
9. The message of the Bible is life changing.
10. The message of the Bible is personal.
These ten basic principles or truths will help you interpret the Bible properly. If you remember each of these as you study, you will make a good understanding in what the Bible teaches.
As our spiritual understanding grows, we can see new truth. Also, as we live through experiences or sickness, sin, trial, and tragedy, we come to comprehend teachings we could never fathom before. As we read, we should listen for the Holy Spirit to help us understand eternal truths. In addition, we should watch for unexpected insights that are personal, designed and pointed to us as individuals.
We must realize that God’s ways will always be higher the ours and His thoughts will always be higher then ours. Because of this, God wants us to diligently always search for His messages within His Words. Reading (and understanding) His Word should be a never-ending search for His truths!!!!!
Bob
We need to encourage one another in the Lord. If you have some words of encouragement, poems, or a short story you would like to share, please mail it to us, or email it to us. When you send your letter please print so we can read it. It's good to encourage one another. We all need it. I would like to thank everyone who has mailed articles in over the years. May the Lord bless you as you reach out to encourage
God has wagered He can make something great of you; the devil has gambled that you will fail. Your actions will prove one of them right.When the enemy reminds you of your past ......... Remind him of his future!
There are ten principles for Bible Study. They are:
Take A LOOK
Take a look inside yourself, And tell me what you see. Is your heart bound by Satan, Or has Jesus set you free. Take a look at your life, Is there something that makes you proud? Are you living with the Holy Spirit or are you running with the wrong crowd
Take a look inside your mind, Is it filled with joy and hope, Are you among all of God’s chosen or are you dangling from Satan’s rope.
Carl
O.R.W.
Essence
There is a hush about this hour, Which words cannot convey, A wholeness that settled upon the close of the day.
And all my busy doings, Just evaporated like air, As I move into the stillness, That unfolds me everywhere.
Oh Spirit of my spirit, You are my very essence, Let all my labor settle, As I rest within thy presence.
- Edna
"Now to Him who,
by the power that is at work within us, is able to do super-abundantly,
far over and above all that we dare ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams)...
To Him be glory in the church
and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it)." (Ephesians 3:20-23 The Amplified Bible)
Rejoice In The Day
The storm clouds have passed
The sky is blue,
Earth is refreshed
And there’s a rainbows hue.
Arched across the heavens
In splendid array
Giving the promise
Of another glorious day.
Another day to laugh,
Another day to live,
To sing Gods praises
For the blessings He gives.
Another day He has made
To rejoice in His love.
Another day closer
To our home above.
So rejoice in the day
Whether gray skies or blue,
Rejoice in the love
That God has for you.
Grace, Not Works
She attended church every Sunday.
She sat on the very front row.
Whenever the church doors opened,
She always wanted to go.
She visited people who were sick.
She gave food to those who had none.
She was always the first to volunteer
for things needing to be done.
She freely gave her money
to missions to spread the gospel.
She was loving and kind to others.
To her nothing seemed impossible.
She considered herself a Christian,
as did all her other friends.
She knew when she got to heaven,
God would lovingly welcome her in.
On that final Judgment Day,
she was standing in front of me.
She was smiling and so excited
for in heaven, she knew she would be.
But when the Book of Life was opened,
and her name wasn’t written down.
The smile which had once been on her face, now instead turned into a frown.
She said, "My Lord, I don’t understand
why my name You cannot find,
for I have done all a Christian should do
I worked for You all this time".
He told
To Walk With God and Angels
To walk with God and angels love your fellow man
Always have a kind word and lend a helping hand
Be not spiteful nor kin to a pharisee
Share your Love with others, be the best that you can be,
To walk with God and angels you need not be a saint
Nor wear a robe, or a collar too tight that you might faint
To walk with God and angels you only need invest
A smile, a kind word, and be loving, to pass the test.
Behind The Walls
death mean to you? Think about the way Jesus lived, so simple and free. He reached out to those who were in need. He wasn’t running for a popularity contest. The very King of glory, was teaching us how to be humble and to serve others. Yet, this Lord of Lords and soon and coming King died a horrible death on the cross. Think about the stripes that he took, and for what? The Bible tells me that by His stripes I am healed. His ministry and His death has so much more meaning when you look at it this way........ are you standing on His promises?
I AM The New Year
County Jail Communicator
A = Acknowledge Self as a Sinner Romans 3:23; 3:10-12, Isaiah 53:6; James 2:10; John 3:3; Acts 4:12
B = Believe in Christ Acts 16:31; Luke 5:32; Luke 13:3; Romans 2:4; John 3:16-17; John 20:31; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17; Acts 10:43
