HAVE YOU STUDIED FOR THE TEST TODAY?

HAVE YOU STUDIED FOR THE TEST TODAY?

(Message from Lisa Blewitt for Safer Communities Ministry)

 
This morning I asked my daughter if she had studied for her spelling test.  Then the Holy Spirit reminded me that as Christian's we all need to study for our "tests" in life.

When we read, study, meditate, pray, and apply God's word to our lives we prepare ourselves for the tests in our lives.  His Word must be hidden in our heart for when we need it.  

 

The Bible is full of testimonies from regular people like you and me who walked in faith when God called them to action.  Did they have the total picture of where they were going?  No. 

In Genesis 12:1-2, God asked Abraham to leave his country, leave his people, and leave his father's home to go to a new land where He wanted Abraham to go.  Abraham's obedience would result in him becoming the father of a great nation, and people would call him a blessing. 

Abraham could have said, "No, I want to stay where I am.   I am afraid."  But he trusted God.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we may sometimes read God's word just as words on the page.  But there is power in His words!   God's words can activate, us by the power of the Holy Spirit, to do God's will. 

God speaks to us through His Word.  When we meditate on the the words He has given us, and put on our "listening ears,"  We will pass the first "test" of hearing God's marching orders.  Then we must do like Abraham -- trust and obey. 

The Word will order your steps and the Holy Spirit will be your teacher.  Have you prepared yourself for your "test" today?

Grace and peace to you,
Lisa 

God Is Always At Work Around Us

GOD IS ALWAYS AT WORK AROUND US John 5:17, 19-20 (NKJV) – “17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working….19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 2”   God is always at work around us.  Jesus watched to see where the Father was at work and joined Him.  God has also invited many Safer Communities Ministry volunteers to become involved with Him in His work.  Amazing things are happening, as a result of willing Christ followers who have volunteered and answered His call to action!   THE AUGUST CRUSADE TO SOUTH CAROLINA PRISONS On August 23-25, over 50 SCM volunteers agreed to join God in what hat He was doing in 9 prisons in SC.  The volunteers lead worship services that included songs, personal testimonies, preaching of the Word, and prayer/altar time for South Carolina inmates.          God did it!  There were 1391 Attendees, 121 Salvations 76 Rededications, and over 60 Altar Pray-ers seeking to deepen their walk with the Lord.         After Saturday night services during the crusade, volunteers from each service told of what God had done at each facility.  It was a precious, precious time of fellowship to hear how the body of Christ was working together in one accord.         The testimonies from these dear brothers and sisters were such a fragrant offering to God!        To sum it up, one ex-offender who has been volunteering in the Union County Jail was deeply moved during his first SC crusade.  “I am amazed at how many people “from the outside” (of prison) could have so much love for people on the "inside” (of prison).        Not only were the lives of countless inmates changed forever.  Over 20 new volunteers became “activated in the Lord’s Army” that weekend.     REVIVAL IN THE UNION COUNTY JAIL - WEEKEND WORSHIP SERVICES      God has continued the momentum from the August Crusade by bringing those same new, and not so new, crusade volunteers into the Union County Jail for worship services. (Recently the Lord prompted SCM to add weekend worship services that included Saturday and Sunday services in the morning and night.)    Here is just a portion of what the Lord revealed to Al Lewis about revival in the Union County Jail. "I see a large tent covering parts of the jail, but other parts are dark and in the wilderness.  I see this core group of praying, submitted, dynamic and compassionate Christian Warriors pulling up the tent pegs and moving them into every corner of the facility, enlarging that tent for Christ.    I believe revival has started in the jail.   We are stoking the flames of an all consuming fire which is burning up all the wood, hay, and stubble Satan has strewn all over the facility.  The Holy Ghost of God is moving like a mighty wind through every steel door into every heart of every inmate volunteer and staff.  Bondages are being broken, broken-hearts are mending and captives are being set free by the power of God!   Some of these inmates (served by the ministry) will be used of God in these last days to quicken the cold hearts of people sitting in the pews.  (The pew warmers) are in prisons of their own making because of unforgiveness, resentments, bitterness, greed, and other besetting sins that keep them glued to the pews.  The time has come to share what you know.   Let God give you more to share.  His church will rise to the occasion. Revival which starts with the least of these (the inmates), will touch HIS church….Selah!

Is abuse an acceptable reason for divorce?

Is abuse an acceptable reason for divorce?

Proverbs 26 2.26.13

Proverbs.26.Rod.2.26.13

“SUBTLE TRAPS”

Rod shares: “I found that flattery is usually the truth with a few lies mixed in, disguised to lure me into a place or situation that I would eventually hate.”

Have you ever fallen into the trap of offering up empty flattery to someone in a situation where it was not really appropriate? (EG) in a business deal of in a family relationship?

Empty flattery is not real and can come back to hurt you when it is perceived by someone as a lie or deceit. Rod says do not go there.

On the other side of that coin have you been prideful in response to words of  praise that you should have deflected to someone else, even perhaps to the Lord?

Well whatever else you do today please make sure to:

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

INSIGHTS/THOUGHTS

Haven’t we all, at some time in our lives, felt the need to avenge a wrong that we thought was done to us.  Well, how did that work out for you?  More times than naught, it was like pulling a rifle out of the dirt and with the barrel clogged, you couldn’t wait to shoot that “dastardly cur”, so you aimed and fired only to have it blow up in your face.  Many times when we set traps for someone else to fall in, we sometimes fall into ourselves.  Lies are opposite of truth and if we perpetrate a lie to hurt someone, it can become like a boomerang and return back to the liar.  Satan is the father of all lies and has been the main perpetrator of all lies against God from Genesis to Revelation.  The book of James (4:11-12) says, “don’t say cruel things about others!  If you do , or if you condemn others, you’re condemning God’s law and if you condemn God’s law, you’re putting yourself above the law and refuse to obey either it or God who gave it.  God is our judge and He can save or destroy us.  What gives us the right to condemn others?”  Traps are set for the enemy, like in warfare.  We need to depend on God to avoid Satan’s traps.  It gives an advantage or an edge for the aggressor, if he can get away with it.  God can allow traps we set against other to be our own.  In the book of Esther, Haman set out to trap Mordecai, a Jewish man, who he hated because he refused to acknowledge him with honor publicly and had a gallows built to have that Jew hanged, until a lie was brought to the attention of the King Xerxes and ordered, instead, Haman to be hanged on his own gallows, that was meant for Mordecai.  God never allows lies or liars to prevail, they will all be brought to light, sooner or later.  God’s Word is for real!  God is the Truth!

OPENING PRAYER

I’m sorry for my lying tongue towards another.  Help me to be careful and give aide to those in need, instead of being the one who condemns.  Help me to love others as You do.

In Jesus name only do I pray.  Amen.

KEY VERSES

Proverbs 26:27-28  “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and He who rolls a stone will have it to roll back on him.  A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

APPLICATION TO MY LIFE

I found that flattery is usually the truth with a few lies mixed in, disguised to lure me into a place or situation that I would eventually hate.  It’s a trap!  Unmerited flattery always has strings attached. 

CLOSING PRAYER

Help me to brag on someone, without lying or with strings attached and keep into the context of God’s Word.  Help me to love others as you expect us to and pray for my fellowmen often and consistently.  Someone does that for me.  In Jesus name.  Amen. 

Prov 25 2.25.13

Proverbs.25.Richard.2.25.13-Deeper with God

“I want to give complete control of my spirit to the “Master Architect”…Jesus. I know that His planning, designs, and His building of those walls will protect me from the enemy.”

Richard offers good insight for us in daily walk with Jesus.

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

Opening Prayer: Father, I need Your word to help me through my life. I can’t even fathom why I haven’t read my Bible as much as I should. Lord, please put a burning, everlasting desire to know You more through Your Word. In Jesus name………Amen

Comments/Insights: Like other chapters of Proverbs, I feel that Chapter 25 is about how we should live our lives as Christians.

Basic Scripture Truth: The last verse (verse 28) stuck out to me about how if we have no control over our spirit. It is like a city with no walls. (Paraphrasing)

Application: Our soul is like a city. The question that remains is: Who is the “architect” of the walls around the city? Is it Jesus or is it Satan? After I started working for the church as an Intern, I knew Satan was going to be unrelenting in his attacks on me. I asked the Lord to build up walls around me. I imagined myself being encased by concrete blocks filled with the Holy Spirit. He is my architect and I want it to remain that way. I still need those walls around me. I want to give complete control of my spirit to the “Master Architect”…Jesus. I know that His planning, designs, and His building of those walls will protect me from the enemy.

Closing Prayer: Father, please continue to build Your walls around me. Take full control of me, Holy Spirit. Protect my “city.” Protect me with Your mercy and grace. Thank You for this time to study with You. I ask all these things in Jesus Name, Amen.

Proverbs 21. A1.2.21.13

                                                  Proverbs.21.Al.2.21.13

 

Well it's Thursday and I am memorizing I Corin. 15: verses 3 & 4 simply by carrying a little card around in my pocket and reading it all week long. I read it when I first get up, when I start my car (every time all day), when I come home and at bed-time.

I also find time to read ahead of and verses after the one which I am committing to memory. Thy word have I hid in my __________.......that I may not ________ against thee. I view scripture memory as fire insurance. If His word is churning in my mind it affects my spirit and my heart will respond to His quiet voice and I seem to hear Him speaking more clearly. And I can testify I really seem to sin less. At the very least I can testify that His peace comes and my day goes better.

Try it you may like it.

When was the last time you meditated and memorized a short passage in the word?

Was it really that long ago?

Opening Prayer ….

After I read my scripture memory verse for the week, I prayed for 1 minute and I asked God to have His way with me today. I committed my day to Him and asked Him to reveal His nature to me and through me in my contact with people. I asked Him to speak to me as I opened His Word to Proverbs 21.

It only took me 6 minutes to read Proverbs chapter 21.

I noticed a thread in verses 1, 11, &31. See if you notice it.

Basic Scripture Truth ….

My heart as every leaders’s heart is in the hands of God. When I am submitted to Him, He turns my pliable heart toward His concerns for today. When I receive reproof I receive knowledge. I can make my preparations based on His perceived knowledge received from His loving reproofs and insightful instructions. However as I begin my day my safety and my peace will come from trusting in him, not in my preparations.

Application to my Life ….

God help me to trust in you and not in my talents and gifts. Turn my heart the way you want me to go. Make my plans your plans. Mark my steps. I love you Lord.

That took 4 minutes. That makes 11 total.

Closing Prayer ….

1 more minute and I prayed ........I praise and worship you my Heavenly Father. My trust is in Your son Jesus and I come to You in His name. PaPa God help me to discern Your thoughts today. My desire is to accomplish Your tasks today. Help me be free to set aside my priorities and make sure my plans are what You want me to be doing. I am desperate for You...............Father.............I am so glad I took 12 minutes to be with YOU to start my day.  In Jesus Holy name..........................Amen.................

Speak to me Lord Jesus and by Your Spirit quicken my spirit to do my Father's will today. Your servant listens Lord. Use me Lord Jesus in Your Kingdom work................Your bond servant............al

How is your heart today?

What is your peace level?

Let me hear from you after you spend 12 minutes with the Lord……….Have a good and Godly day……..In Christ……………al

Proverbs.13.Bill.2.13.13

Bill asks: Is it “well with your soul”?

Facing something right now that is troubling to your soul?

 How is your peace?

You can always go to the cross in humility and then rise up and take your peace. That is my prayer for you to accomplish today. And please above all else you must:

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

Opening Prayer: Most Gracious Father, this morning as I lift my voice to you I ask for wisdom, strength and guidance as I go through my day. Lead me as I should follow.
Comments/Insights: When it is 28 degrees outside, you are in a warm bed, and you wake up with a thought (from God) how do you react? This morning at 4:38 the single word “obedience” came to me, also the hymn “It is well”. So since obedience was now my word of the day, I got up!
The first verse of this great old hymn goes;

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

when sorrows like sea billows roll;

whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Do our reactions to the circumstances that we face reflect our faith in God? Do we face issues with fear or worry or do we put our trust in Him? Are we only obedient to His call “when peace, like a river, attendeth my way…”or also “when sorrows like sea billows roll;”? In this verse the words “thou hast taught me to say, it is well…”. To me that means that at ALL TIMES we should humble ourselves before our God Almighty and say “It is well, it is well with my soul”.
Verse 4 goes;

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

even so, it is well with my soul.

We need to continue our obedience to God in all and through all that we do. Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready? Is it “well with your soul”? If not, “there is room at the Cross for (even) you!”

Basic Scripture Truth: Several verses stood out to me in reading Proverbs 13, but the one that ties into the teaching at the ARM ministry is verse 14.

V 14 (NIV) – “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.”

We cannot gain knowledge through osmosis, but by actually participating in the gathering of it. With knowledge comes wisdom and wisdom through the word of God.

Application to my Life: I need to be in the Bible on a daily basis. Not just reading it but also through studying it. I need to pray to God for wisdom and I need to surround myself with godly people. Not only do I have to ask questions, but receive them answered.

Closing Prayer: Dear God, as I go through the day, let me surround myself with those that have godly wisdom and allow me to learn. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Proverbs.12.Bill.2.12.13

Bill shares some good advice today:

Take the time today to smile at someone. Be a beacon of His light!

And of course you must also:

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, I come before you today in humbleness and humility. Take me today and guide me in Your paths.
Comments/Insights: “Today is the day that the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it!” Take today to start facing your fears. Take today to start facing your uncertainties. Take today to start reflecting on His goodness. Take today to start praising God for all that He has done for you.

Basic Scripture Truth: In my reading today, the verse that spoke to me is verse 25.

Verse 25 (NIV) – “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.”

Anxious according to Webster’s means: “uneasy in mind, WORRIED.” Worry will weigh down a person. It eats at your well-being and can put a person into despair. Take the time today to smile at someone. Be a beacon of His light!

Application to my Life:  I need to take the time to smile; it may be all that someone needs to brighten their day.

Closing Prayer: Lord, help me to put aside anything that may be bothering me and put people in my path that needs a smile.

Something to ponder this week-end.....

I am posting a devotion John sent me recently which spoke to me and my gifting. We are all in the Body of Christ and part of His church. We are all called to establish the Kingdom of God in the hearts of men so I thought this would be something good for you to ponder over the week

Let me know what you think.....Did this bless you????....

Today's Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven, I sing praise to you this morning. You have carried me through another year. You have blessed me and taken care of me. You have comforted me and guided me. You are my ever-present help. I praise you, God, from whom all blessings flow. I praise you above all heavenly hosts. I praise you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are the greatest. You are magnificent. You are worthy. I love you. In the name of Jesus I offer this praise, amen.

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Understanding Your GiftTGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
02-05-2012

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. - 1 Corinthians 12:1

In First Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, the apostle Paul is teaching us about the role of spiritual gifts in the Church. He correlates these gifts to a human body, telling us that each person's gift helps the whole Body of the Church. This is such an important principle for us to learn. I must say I learned this principle regarding my own spiritual gift the hard way.

"God will never speak as strongly to you as to someone else," said my mentor to me one day. The statement shocked me. "What in the world do you mean by that?" I argued with him.

"Your spiritual gift of administration/leading is one of the most dangerous gifts in the whole Body of Christ. The reason is that you can see the big picture better than anyone else, and you're so task-oriented that you will run people into the ground getting your project completed because you think you see it so clearly. That is why the best friend you could ever have is someone with a prophetic gift to discern whether the big picture you see is actually the picture God is directing. It is the one gift that can almost stand alone better than any other - at least that is the opinion of the one with that gift."

Oh, how I have learned this lesson the hard way! He was so right. There have been many a church staff destroyed by a person with the gift of administration. During my years as an ad agency owner, I saw how I stressed out my staff because of the tremendous load I put on them with multiple projects. It was so easy for me because the more balls I had juggling, the better I felt. I was oblivious to how my multi-task personality impacted those around me.

Today, I have some special relationships with intercessors and prophetic people whom I depend on for confirmation of direction. I have learned their spiritual gifts of discernment are of great value in determining strategic direction. I have learned that God has placed within each person a spiritual gift that is designed to make the Body of Christ function better for His purposes. When we discover the spiritual gifts God has placed in those around us, we are better able to see the Body function as a real body-totally dependent on one another. Some of us are more sensitive to God's voice because God has gifted us in that way. Others of us are less sensitive because God wants us to depend on others in the Body for their gifts. Find out whom God has placed around you today and discover a new dimension of spiritual productivity. 

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

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Proverbs.8.Rod.2.8.13

Proverbs.8.Rod.2.8.13

WISDOM OR CHAOS

Rod shares: “Wisdom has a firm foundation and will withstand the most catastrophic conditions.”

No matter what you are going through today or what decisions need to be made you can trust God will provide His wisdom. We forget to ask before we need it sometimes don’t we? Why do we wait until we have tried all we know first and then call on God for WISDOM?

Whatever you do today with or without His wisdom please makes sure you at least:

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

INSIGHTS/THOUGHTS
Wisdom has always been before the beginning of the earth. God created man and along came “chaos.” Four people on earth, Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel, and then came chaos. God used His eternal wisdom in creation (John 1: 1-3 & 1 Cor. 1: 29). It will never ceased until the end of the millennium at the great white throne judgment. We’re faced daily with chaos from Satan. Chaos never appears without some sort of allurement, perpetrated by the Devil himself. Usually the old saying, “if it seems to good to be true, it usually isn’t,” leads to a chaotic situation. Wisdom has a firm foundation and will withstand the most catastrophic conditions. Look what Jesus went through to prove it, ridiculed, persecuted, tortured, beaten, nailed to a cross and died. Of course, He did overcome death and Hell, and came back as a risen savior. What’s the wisdom in this? He knew what was necessary to prove Himself perfect, because perfect is what God the Father insisted on, and a perfect sacrifice is what we needed to be saved from our sins. Any other is false hopes and chaos. Hell couldn’t hold Him, being that He is perfect , and neither can it hold us, through our faith in Him, because of His blood covering us sinners.

OPENING PRAYER
Prayer to our God opens the door to wisdom and closes the door to confusion and chaos. There’s always plenty of room in God’s house of wisdom and I want to stay there, as in my church. Where chaos is never welcome. Pray to Jesus for He is wisdom. Amen.

KEY VERSES
Proverbs 8: 22-23 “The Lord possessed me (wisdom) at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I (wisdom) have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth.”

APPLICATIONS IN MY LIFE
I learned wisdom, right from wrong, from my Godly mother. Now. the Lord allows me to apply my knowledge to my children, my grandchildren and others. Also, I learned from mentors that God put in my path. I had to learn not to be so stubborn.

CLOSING PRAYER
Thank You for those “wisdom-seed-planters” in my life. Help me to do likewise to others that come into my path. Help me to avail myself for that purpose, but You get all the glory. That would be pleasing and I’ll be thankful for that privilege. God is good and in Jesus name do I pray. Amen.

ANNUAL SAFER COMMUNITIES MINISTRY BANQUET CELEBRATING TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS OF MINISTRY MAY 4, 2013 ***PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS***   First Baptist Church Indian Trail - Family Life Center Key Note Speaker:  Dr. Jeff LaBorg Please join us for special music, testimonies about transformed lives, and an anointed message!     (More details soon!) Safer Communities Ministry 704-283-2573

SCM January News Letter

                                   “I WASN’T ARRESTED…

                                                      I WAS RESCUED…”

                                      Proverbs.24.Nan.1.24.13

Nan reminds us that there is spiritual war-fare in our lives as she shares: Help us to stand up and be Soldiers of Love! Help us to battle our flesh and the world and love as You love.

Wow. Soldiers of LOVE. What a challenge. As you ponder that challenge today you must also be sure and:

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

Comments/Insights: In vs. 29 the Lord tells us not to repay in kind….an eye for an eye.

Opening Prayer …. Dear Holy Spirit, open our ears and hearts to your Word. Help us to battle our flesh, our own desires. Help us to be the men and women You have called us to be.

Basic Scripture Truth: Verse 29: “Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
    I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

In Matthew 5, right after the Beatitudes, verses 37-48 Jesus tells us not to repay an eye for an eye…. But to love our neighbor as ourselves…to repay evil with good. To Pray for our enemies.

Application to my Life: Is this hard? YES!!!! It is for me anyway. My flesh goes against everything the Lord says here. AND the world agrees with our flesh….We want to justify our retaliations… “He did it to me!” But the Lord wants us to love, forgive, be kind and pray for them…Help me Lord!!!!!

Closing Prayer …. Jesus, You told us how to live, how to love… Help us to stand up and be Soldiers of Love! Help us to battle our flesh and the world and love as You love. Amen.

Dear Faithful Friends & Supporters,

     Wow! The above statement came from the lips of a 40 year-old inmate at the Union County Jail.  “Tom’s” story is like so many others that we hear.  In his case, he first started using drugs prescribed by his doctor for pain about 10 years ago.  His pain was because of his injuries in a car accident.  At the time of his wreck, he had a wife, and kids, a nice home, and even owned his own trucking company.  In every sense of the term, Tom was living the “American dream.”

     But when Tom’s injuries were healed, and the pain was gone….the drugs would not let go.  He was addicted.  That began his horrible journey of a life of misery; for Tom, and for all of those around him.  As he sank deeper and deeper into the life of a drug addict, his life began to crumble.  His business suffered and eventually failed.  He would eventually lose his nice home too. 

     Tom’s wife fought a valiant fight to save her husband, and her marriage.  She loved him without question, but could not survive with his new “mistress.”  She even told him that if it was another woman she was up against, she could win; but, not against this.  Eventually, Tom would lose his wife and his kids.

     Tom wrote, “I will never forget my beautiful, sweet wife pleading with me, saying, ‘If you loved ME enough, you would quit.  It’s me or them.’  But, it was never a question of “love.”  I loved her with all my heart.  But, I just couldn’t let go of the drugs.  They had me in their grip and would not let go.  I tried many times, but always failed.  It broke my heart because I loved her and my kids so much, but I didn’t know what to do.  I had been through several rehabs, but always went right back to the drugs.  I was broken and ashamed.  I even cried out to God for help, but nothing ever worked.”

     Tom’s life of drugs eventually led him to a life of crime.  With no job, he turned to stealing and selling drugs to keep up his heroin habit.  He was arrested and lost his freedom several times over the years.  Then, he was arrested in Union County.  He was so strung-out on heroin, and for so long, that he could not keep any food down for nearly 12 days and spent about a week in the hospital due to his withdrawal.

     “During that time, I prayed to die, and I really meant it.  But after I got over that, my new cellmate told me about Life Skills.  I had heard some good things about it, but was not into ‘religion.’  But, my bunkmate mentioned it again, and I felt something drawing me.  I was so desperate, and hopeless; and all of a sudden I felt that I had to get into this program.”

     When “Tom” walked into E block, he looked like he had been in a gang-fight; and his gang didn’t show up.  But, within a couple of weeks, he was alert, asking questions, and even smiling at times.  Then, one day, he gave it all to the Lord.  Tom wept as he poured his heart out to God in total remorse and repentance.  I was amazed at the transformation that took place in him.

     As he left to go to DOC to serve his sentence, he left with a huge smile on his face.  His final words to me and the class were, “Chaplain Wally, you tell everyone that has anything to do with Safer Communities Ministry, that I said, “THANK YOU!  Thank you for rescuing me.  I wasn’t just arrested, I WAS RESCUED.  The drugs would have killed me, but now I feel the freest, and the best I have ever felt in my life.  Thank you.”

*********************************************************

     Dear friends, this is just one story among many of transformed lives.  Thanks to you who pray for us and help us financially, we will continue to reach out to those who have lost all hope—both inside the jail and prisons, and those who are now out.

     Would you please PRAY about supporting us financially?  We need your help to keep this ministry going for the glory of God.  No matter how small the offering, God will bless you and this ministry because of it.

     Please PRAY also about the SCM ANNUAL BANQUET on Saturday night, May 4^th!!  Our guest speaker will be Dr. Jeff LaBorg.  Please mark your calendars and make plans to attend this exciting time of praising God for what He is doing in our midst.  Your support is GREATLY appreciated!

Please PRAY for our Addiction Recovery Ministry (ARM) on  Tuesday evenings, and for our mentoring program. 

PRAY for Chaplain Sharon Carter as she ministers to the ladies each week.  And for Bob Elzey who does the jail book cart and takes care of many of the requests from inmates.

PRAY for the many volunteers who come into the jail to do weekly Bible studies at night and on the weekend.

 

Finally, please PRAY for our Columbia Crusades in March, June, August, and December!  We want you to COME GO WITH US!  (Just call the office at 704-283-3573 or email me at: wally.gilmer@gmail.com.)  God bless you!!

                                                                      Because ALL need to hear,

                                                                      Wally Gilmer

                                                                      Wally A. Gilmer,

                                                                      Executive Director 

                                      Proverbs.24.Nan.1.24.13

Nan reminds us that there is spiritual war-fare in our lives as she shares: Help us to stand up and be Soldiers of Love! Help us to battle our flesh and the world and love as You love.

Wow. Soldiers of LOVE. What a challenge. As you ponder that challenge today you must also be sure and:

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

Comments/Insights: In vs. 29 the Lord tells us not to repay in kind….an eye for an eye.

Opening Prayer …. Dear Holy Spirit, open our ears and hearts to your Word. Help us to battle our flesh, our own desires. Help us to be the men and women You have called us to be.

Basic Scripture Truth: Verse 29: “Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
    I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

In Matthew 5, right after the Beatitudes, verses 37-48 Jesus tells us not to repay an eye for an eye…. But to love our neighbor as ourselves…to repay evil with good. To Pray for our enemies.

Application to my Life: Is this hard? YES!!!! It is for me anyway. My flesh goes against everything the Lord says here. AND the world agrees with our flesh….We want to justify our retaliations… “He did it to me!” But the Lord wants us to love, forgive, be kind and pray for them…Help me Lord!!!!!

Closing Prayer …. Jesus, You told us how to live, how to love… Help us to stand up and be Soldiers of Love! Help us to battle our flesh and the world and love as You love. Amen.

Proverbs 4 with Lisa

Proverbs.4.Lisa.1.4.13

Here is a test for you in the New Year 2013. It is an open book test so you should not fail. It is a fill in the blank test and the answers are below. Good luck. You will be graded by the Holy Spirit. Here it is...

Sound learning is -_________, __________, and __________ ____________ principles to ____ ______.

Above all else you must always:

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

Opening Prayer: Lord all true wisdom comes from heaven. Father God, you are a loving Father that wants me “to get it” everyday. God you are love. You are also righteousness and justice. Like any good father, You will not tolerate foolishness. Help me not to “drop the ball” no matter what the circumstances are. There are consequences for my sins that affect me and others.

I know this request is already answered because of the shed blood of Jesus and because of your counselor, the Holy Spirit. Thank you for loving and caring so much about me and my family. I know that you only want the best for all of us. In Jesus’precious name. Amen.

Comments/Insights: In Proverbs 4 wisdom is supreme. Some words to define supreme are: the greatest, utmost, chief in importance or impact, a point of paramount significance, the highest quality, degree, character, importance, significance and the highest authority.

Seeking godly wisdom is of utmost importance, vital for our lives with God. Proverbs 4:1 says that sons should pay attention and obtain sound learning. Sound learning is hearing, receiving and applying biblical principles to our lives.

Vs. 4 says that we need to hold of Gods words with all our heart and keep his commands so that we will live. Keeping God’s ultimate command of love to Him and to others will give us an abundant, joyful, meaningful life on earth and in heaven. Seeking God’s supreme wisdom will help us deal with all of life’s challenges and concerns. It will help us impact others’ lives for Christ.

Basic Scripture Truth: God’s wisdom is supreme, higher than anything we can think or imagine.

Application to my Life: Don’t wrestle with God like Jacob. Put others that I am praying for the on the altar daily. Godly wisdom is the best way to reach others for Christ. God knows what it takes to reconcile others to Himself.

Closing Prayer: Lord, help be a more active listener to your Holy Spirit, even when I am tired or frustrated. Help me to participate in Your plan, even when it doesn’t make sense to me. Lord, help me to rest and trust You. Lord, help me to wait on You to fight evil for me. The battle is Yours and the victory is Yours to be won. I thank you in advance for all You will do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.