Prison - Day Two

The final day of my prison weekend was awesome! I got to visit the so-called "God Pod". The jail is divided into pods, or dorms. The pod has about 25 bunk beds around the outside of the room and there are school-style cafeteria tables bolted to the floor in the center of the room. Along one wall are 6 toilets and 1 shower. There is a small bathroom divider between the toilets and the room, but not between the toliets themselves. A guard sits in between a couple of different pods in a little room keeping watch at all times and electronically opening the door when we need in or out. The lights are always on, even at night. There are no windows. This particular jail has no yard, so these girls never see the light of day, unless they get to work on the bottom floor in the garage area.

The God Pod is one of three faith-based pods on the 10th floor, where I was assigned. Many of the inmates in there are working on their GED. The girls have their own government, including a governor, a mayor, a principal, tutors, and devotional leaders. They follow their own schedule including tutoring and three Bible studies daily. They are following the Hope Literacy program (http://hopelit.com/) and it is working!! This was an incredible thing to see in prison! One of our teammates who visited with them on Friday told me that she got to be there for their daily devotion which ended in an incredible time of worship. She said she is going back to her church and writing "Ichabod" across it because they are dead compared to these ladies who worshiped the One True God like they meant it!! She said we aren't even worthy to touch the hem of their garments! I sure was curious to see what that was all about.

I spent the first part of my morning encouraging some ladies and reminding them that they can continue what we started, sharing the gospel with others. They told their stories and what they are learning, including how they are thankful to God for putting them there and rescuing them from themselves! They told me they are using the time to study the Bible, memorize His Word, and learn to rely on God as their Father, provider, teacher.

Then, I asked them what questions they have right now. What is God teaching them that they have questions about? They all said 'generational sin.' They have been studying that with their pastor and one girl said she doesn't know if she believes it or not. Once again, I was able to refer to the 10 commandments. The second command is about idols and how God punishes the children for the sin of the fathers... that is generational sin. It is very common for children to fall into the same sin that their parents did... generational sin. I got to tell them many personal stories of things I have dealt with, including having a short temper with my girls. They were very interested in hearing how I am just as much of a sinner as they are, and how I have dealt with it using God's Word as my guide. One example of this is how God has reminded me on many occasions that my anger does not bring about the righteous life that He desires (James 1:20). Another is when I am wanting repentance from my children, He shows me that I won't get it with my anger, but with my kindness (Romans 2:4).

I never really know what I am going to talk about when I give my time to a mission trip, or to mentoring, or to a prison weekend. I am constantly in prayer while I am sitting there listening to them. "God, what do you want me to say?" Sometimes, He reminds me of specific Bible verses that I've memorized. Sometimes, He reminds me of my successes. Many times, He wants me to tell of my failures. Although this is not my favorite thing to talk about, it is usually the thing that seems to have the best impact. I think they see me as just another sinner - instead of just another 'do-gooder' who has it all together and looks down on them.

You'd think that talking about my failures might make me feel down, but actually, the opposite is true. I walked out of that prison on the greatest high, singing His praises with incredible joy!! It is an indescribable feeling to know that you have obeyed God and been used by Him as His mouthpiece. I will GLADLY be a fool for Him - even if it means exposing my weaknesses to show His power and love to rescue the perishing.

I hope you will join me sometime so you can experience it too!

Prison - Day One

Weekend of Champion Friends
What an incredible day! First, I got to reunite with an old 'WOC friend'. Donna was on her fifth weekend when I was on my first one to Austin in January 2005. She and I were instant friends - actually, we were more like instant sisters. During our long van rides to the prison, she listened and then counseled me about a very deep wound. We continued our friendship over the next year through email and three more prison weekends. Unfortunately, I haven't been on a prison weekend since December 2005, and so I have missed seeing Donna and other friends. Today, I was able to tell Donna face to face what her friendship has meant to me ever since our first meeting and how that deep wound has now healed so beautifully in a way only God could work.

Another WOC friend is Lori. Lori's first weekend was also my first. We were freshman together. Like most freshman, we were both scared. I was afraid of entering a prison as a first -timer, but she was afraid of entering it as an ex-con. I got the joy of hearing her story - how drugs caused her to risk not only her life, but the life of her young son. And how her mother never stopped praying for her - even praying her into the prison which saved her life. She had so much to overcome, but through Christ, all things are not only possible, but are VISIBLE in the life of my friend, Lori. Tonight, I got to see Lori and her mom again!

Awards
Tonight, Mark and I, along with many others, got special awards at the banquet! After five weekends, Bill Glass presents you with a cross made from real prison bars. The inscription on it reads, "I was in prison and you visited me." After ten weekends, you get a 10 pin. What an honor to be thanked for obeying God. Other awards given were for 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 weekends!! Wow!


Why I Will Keep Going to Prison!!!
I got to talk to several ladies at the Dawson State Jail today. They were extremely interested in what we had to say, and so as soon as my group of five teammates entered the pod, we split up and several inmates came to talk to us. One really cool part of my day was when a young lady came to ask me a question about the Sabbath. My family just happens to be memorizing the 10 Commandments right now, so I was already prepared by my Heavenly Father to answer her. I showed her where the commandments are located (Exodus 20) and zipped through the first three to get to the fourth, which is about the Sabbath. After that, she asked me to please read the rest! Then, she asked me if it was easy for me to become a Christian. I said, "Actually, for me it really was, and I will show you why! That is here in commandment number two, about idolatry." I proceeded to read to her: 'You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.'

She was crying when I looked up at her. I explained that it was easy for me to become a Christian, because my family has been blessed for a thousand generations because I have a heritage of loving God and keeping His commandments. I told her that as we were memorizing this, my girls said, "Mommy, it is not fair that God is punishing the children for the father's sin. They are innocent."

By now, tears were streaming down her face. I told her it isn't fair that her children are being punished for her sin. They are innocent too. She agreed. I told her that is just how sin is. It's terrible. BUT... the good news is right there!! It can stop with her generation! Her children can be blessed by God starting with her right now!!! And not just her children, but her children's children, and their children, and theirs for a thousand generations!!!!!!!!

This is why I must keep going to prison. Not for an award and not to see old friends, but because there are hurting people out there who need the truth. And they not only need it, they are ASKING for it. Jesus said it Himself in Luke 10:2-3, 'He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves."'

II Timothy 1:7 was prayed over me this morning, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." Not only did God give me the words to say today, He also took away that spirit of timidity that I was feeling last night! I guess I was a lamb among the wolves - but I was never in fear, because I was always in the hands of the Lamb who is worthy to receive honor and glory and power.

Prison Weekend

So, I am going to prison again... tomorrow morning. This will be my fifth time to go on a Bill Glass Weekend of Champions (WOC) with the prison ministry. You would think that after four times, I would be at ease. Yeah, I thought that too. I was wrong. My mind is racing tonight and my stomach is practicing for the somersault championship! Once again, I am telling them both that I have no reason to be afraid. I always have a great time and it is such an incredible experience, not to mention the new friends I make. They are not listening.

So, it all started four years ago. Mark went on a WOC and came back telling me how great it was and saying I should go. "That is fine for you, but it is not for me. Trust me, God is not calling me to do that!"

Five months later, he went again, coming home with the same awesome stories. This time, he got down on one knee and asked if I would do something for him.

Oh, he is so sweet!!! "Anything for you, Baby," I replied.

"Go with me on the next Weekend of Champions!" he pleaded.

"SHUT UP! And don't ever ask me that again!" Where that anger came from, I didn't know, but I made it clear to him that I was not interested.

After his third time three months later, I instructed him NOT to ask me to go and he obliged. He only told me all the great stories, like how he got to lead several people to a faith in Jesus Christ, how it was so easy, how the platform speakers had such incredible testimonies that prepared the inmates' hearts and how all he had to do was to read the tract to them.

By now, God was snickering at me. He loves to see me squirm!! "Mark, I am going to tell you something, and I don't want you to say a word. I think that maybe, possibly, God might be telling me to go sometime."

Within minutes, Mark was on the computer, and I was signed up to go the next month. That was January of 2005. Since then, I have experienced the awesomeness of the event for myself!

That first day, I learned the best lesson ever, which I restudy before every mission trip! I came back to the hotel room and debriefed with Mark - telling him all about Pinky, the lady I met who was the closest to me in age and color and education... but that's where our similarities ended.

I spent a long time in prayer that night. I was at my wit's end! "I have nothing in common with any of these people," I told God. "I have nothing to offer them."

"Ahhh," said God. "Now you are getting it! You are right. You have nothing to offer them. Now, I can use you. Now go there tomorrow and offer them ME! I have what they need. Not you."

SPIRITUAL CALLER ID

The phone rings and you check the Caller ID before answering. You certainly don't want to listen to any sales calls, or that person who is calling to yell at you, or whine to you, or ask you for something you don't have to give. The Bible tells us to test every thought to see if it is OK for us to think about.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says this: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

I picture myself grabbing the thought on its way into my mind, like a bouncer at a bar. Then I frisk it like a policeman might search for a gun or other weapon. I ask it if is worthy to come in. Just like Philippians 4:8 says: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things.

If the thought is not true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, then send it back to hell where it came from! DON'T ANSWER THE PHONE!

TEST IT!

So how do you know when God is talking to your heart? Do you hear an audible voice? Do you feel something strange inside? It is too important of a thing to be vague about! Here are five ways to test what you think you are hearing God say to you. Your answers may be ‘YES' or ‘NOT SURE', but if you answer ‘NO' to any of these questions, it is safe to say that it is not God's voice you are hearing!

Every time you see the word ‘it', replace it with what you think God is telling you to do.

1. Does it exalt Christ?
John 16:14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.

2. Is it Scriptural?
Proverbs 30:5-6 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

3. Do other Christians confirm it?
Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

4. Does it produce good fruit?
John 15:1-16 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

5. Does God bring it to pass?
Isaiah 55:10-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Should Christians Judge Others' Sin?

I Corinthians 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons.

Last week, my Sunday School class brought up an interesting topic. Should a church allow a new Christian to teach a 2-year-old Sunday School class while still living with her boyfriend?

I have to admit, I have argued both sides of this coin before!! Now, after many years of receiving God's grace and mercy, I, a wretched sinner, am not so quick to cast the first stone on any sinner. Although I do agree that church leaders must make judgments about who can serve in their churches.

The real question here is not about who should be allowed to teach Sunday school or work in the nursery or anything else. Our real hangup here is about sin and more specifically, what does this say about MY sin?!! And aren't we judging others by talking about their sin?

This points out two lies that the enemy is propagating - and it infuriates me that he continues to use Christians and churches of God to spread his lies!!!

Lie #1 - All sin is the same.
Truth - ALL SIN IS NOT THE SAME. We like to tell people that ANY sin earns them a ticket to hell, whether it's a small lie or a murder! While this is true (Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death..."), the Bible is still clear that all sin is NOT the same. (I Corinthians 6:18 says "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.") This verse clearly points out that sexual sin is worse than non-sexual sin. This is just one example.

Lie #2 - Christians shouldn't judge others.
Truth - CHRISTIANS SHOULD JUDGE OTHERS! We all quote the passage from Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." But do we look at it in context? What about I Corinthians 5 which clearly says we Christians ARE to judge those within the church. In fact, it says in verse 13 that we are to EXPEL the wicked man from the church!!! (go read the whole chapter!!)

Yes, we are a church full of sinners. And yes, we want other sinners to come and join us. But we need to tell them the TRUTH!! Daniel 4:27 tells us to "Renounce our sins by doing what is right." We need to teach this!! Yes, "Come just as you are...", but STOP sinning!!

Active sin is a symptom of a heart not having been changed by the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us this is how we know who the true children of God are!!! This requires judging others for ourselves!! I John 3:6-10 says "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother."

I Peter 3:15-16 says "...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." So I appreciate having to look this up for myself this week!!