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Inmate Only “Appeals” for Mentor
I can't express my gratitude enough for having an opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful work of our Lord. Thank you. Please find my application and Resident Agreement to Alpha Prison Ministries. I'd like to give you a brief history of how I got here.
I was sentenced to Life in Prison after being convicted of 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and Kidnaping in January of 2006. After calling out to God and being convinced that I had to live whole heartedly under the principles of God's kingdom, I was granted grace by the Lord after having fallen on my face and admitted that I'd violated God's purpose for my life.
I retracted all of my appeals and asked God to show me what to do and he did. I've been guided by God every step of the way and am in the final steps of completing an application for Commutation of Sentence to the Governor. This did not happen on a whim of my own efforts—God intervened. I was sent an application by the parole board themselves without me ever asking. Only God could have moved such a mountain.
I did not understand what was happening so I went to my counselor. I was informed that this was indeed rare and that I had a very good chance of receiving mercy—praise God for such grace.
Every step that I've taken with regard to what I should do has been directed by God. This includes contacting your ministry. I have a sister in Grand Rapids but God told me that my home is with my brothers who would support me and be supported by me. I love the Lord. I've given my life to Jesus Christ and despite my shortcomings, he has blessed me beyond measure. I noticed in your letter you called your place of residence, an “environment.” I believe in God's environment, it's the only way of success.
I attend church weekly and Bible study on Tuesday evenings. I also attend Celebrate Recovery and would love to be paired with a mentor from Alpha Ministries if at all possible.
I know I don't have a parole date as of yet but rest assured, God is working that out even as I write this letter. Please accept my application and connect me with someone from your ministry to mentor me while I prepare to reenter society.
Sincerely appreciative,
Brother Johnny
Taken from the Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2015
32 Years of Prison Ministry This Month
Bob Whitehead began Alpha Prison Ministries in November 1983 with only 3 volunteers and a vision to provide Bible studies and one-on-one mentoring of prison inmates. Thirty-two years later, the ministry certainly has grown but the purpose of APM remains the same.
Taken from the Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2015
Alpha House Resident Review of Ministry
Upon “graduating” from Alpha House, every resident is asked to fill out a review summarizing their experience. It's been a long time since we published any of these so on the month of our 32nd Anniversary, here are a couple recent examples: one from Charles and one from Tim.
Alpha House has helped me spiritually since my release from prison in the following ways:
Charles: For me, APM has become the fulfillment of several promises as well as all believers; Jesus himself instructs us to no longer be concerned about what we will wear, eat, or live. Also, since my arrival at Alpha House, I have continually witnessed the power of God's grace and protection to keep me and the other residents safe. Therefore, it has taught me how to make stronger use of the measure of faith that God has given me, allowing me to stand firm upon his promises in all areas of my life regardless of the circumstances. As a result, I have experienced a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father and better prayer life, while encouraging me to study and meditate on his Holy Word.
Tim: One on one Bible study with Leon. Making sure I found a home church to attend.
Alpha has helped me socially in the following ways:
Charles: Being the Christian ministry that Alpha is. Being placed in an environment with other believers has shown me true Christian fellowship that most places are in dire need of these days. Also, the testimonies of current and past residents have helped me to be more effective in sharing mine, and has given me a stronger desire to be a witness to the ones still living in darkness.
Tim: Set me up with a mentor—JR—to connect with. Has like minded believers stay at Alpha House.
Alpha has helped me financially in the following ways:
Charles: First off, upon arrival at Alpha House, not being required to pay while unemployed helped me a great deal by preventing me from incurring more financial debt. Second, being able to study and apply the principles from God's Word regarding finances has helped me to continue to reduce past debts and slowly develop a budget. Though this may be my weakest area in my life, APM has encouraged me to remain in prayer and seek God's wisdom to help me be more financially responsible.
Tim: Low monthly ministry fees. Requires a minimum of $50 a week into savings (VERY IMPORTANT).
Additional Comments:
Charles: I would just like to express my thanks and gratitude to APM, Leon, JR, and all the other volunteers and contributors to the ministry, for without APM, I believe a transition back into society would not have been possible.
Tim: Leon is always willing to council with me, even now that I'm not staying at Alpha House.
Taken from the Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2015
Speaking of “Graduating”
For those of you who were at the APM banquet in September, Leon announced the graduation of Kevin Lounsbury. Kevin just received an AA in Electrical Engineering from ITT Technical Institute.
There's more to point out about Kevin's accomplishment. Leon has been Executive Director at Alpha House for 15 years. Many past residents have started school during that time but Kevin is one of only two to receive a degree. Way to go Kevin!!
By the way, Kevin “graduated” from Alpha House too—even purchased a home using funds he saved during his residency for a down payment.
Taken from the Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2015
Collaboration Turned Banquet Guests
One of our deep desires as a ministry is to collaborate with other ministries when our purposes are cross compatible. We wish we could tell you that offers of collaboration are always well received because Christian organizations are immune to the spirit of competition but that's simply not true.
The real point here is not to lament the situations where the cooperation we seek is not being given, but to celebrate the many times where it is. About a year ago, APM gained collaboration with Wayburn and Janae Dean who had just gone full time with prison ministry. They also attended our 2014 banquet.
Their organization, Inside Prison Ministries, performs concerts for inmates and uses the power of inspired music to introduce the Bible and Jesus Christ in a way that just words cannot do. With the international recognition that Wayburn has, he could and has had lucrative opportunities. Prison ministry is anything but lucrative, but that's where the Dean's hearts are.
APM is privileged to have Wayburn and Janae Dean as both guest speakers and special music at our annual banquet on September 21. You'll not just be hearing songs performed by a Grammy and Dove Award nominated artist and written by someone with Top 5 hits to her credit, you'll be sensing their passion for prison ministry, evidenced by their giving up what the world would consider better opportunities so they can fulfill God's calling.
When Justin, an inmate at Carson City Correctional Facility found out we have the Dean's featured at our banquet, he wrote the following in an August letter to us:
That is great about the banquet in September. I wish I was there. Wayburn Dean came to play his music for all of us. It was powerful. God is really doing many great things here.
We hope to have you join us for the experience. Even better, use the back of this newsletter as a poster to help promote the event. Plug us on social media and tell others face to face. And for sure, pray; it's simple and very powerful.
Taken from the Fall Newsletter, September 2015
In Memoriam
Bill Dewey (1939-2015) passed away July 18, 2015 at Muskegon Correctional Facility. He was a “key man” for the Alpha Bible studies at Boyer Road (Carson City) from the early to mid 2000's. God bless you, Bill! You are missed!
Taken from the Fall Newsletter, September 2015
Meet Wayburn and Janae Dean at the APM Banquet
Billboard Top 5 artist and song writer • husband and wife ministry team • guest speakers and music
Wayburn and Janae Dean each have Billboard Top 5 songs to their credit, Wayburn as a solo recording artist including two #1 songs, and Janae as a prolific song writer. Wayburn is an internationally recognized Christian recording artist and the former lead singer for the contemporary Christian group Acappella; he traveled the globe extensively with the group for 6½ years before going solo in 2000.
Both Wayburn and Janae share a deep desire to serve God fully and draw as many people to him as possible, particularly through music. Together they developed a passion for prison ministry, so much so that in June of 2014 they decided to engage in prison ministry full time. This year, Wayburn and Janae will be both our guest speakers and special music at the Alpha Prison Ministries annual banquet.
When Where and Why
September 21, 2015 at 6 pm • The Ground Floor at Resurrection Life Church
Society, even some Christians, view prisoners as getting what they deserve. Sometimes that's true. But God doesn't dispose of them. He changes them, sets them free, and yes, uses them. It's not glamorous work ministering to prisoners, but it is exciting. This annual banquet is your opportunity to find out why people in their right mind get hooked on seeing God transform broken lives.
Taken from the Fall Newsletter, September 2015
They Just Want to Study the Bible
In our May newsletter, we highlighted the importance of the Alpha House transitional housing as a key aspect of this ministry's success in helping parolees successfully reintegrate into society and beat the 2 to 1 odds against them that put most men back in prison after parole.
Our cover story commemorated Donna, an in-prison Bible study volunteer who spent the last 17+ years of her life ministering to inmates before making her journey to heaven earlier this year. We need to emphasize the importance of what Donna did for this ministry for two primary reasons:
- Donna and others have completed their work here on earth to receive their reward in heaven. Others have stepped down or scaled back for various reasons. The need for more volunteers never seems to subside.
- One on one Bible study with inmates is just as crucial to the purpose of APM as the Alpha House we highlighted in May. Our mission is: “To evangelize and disciple men who happen to be prisoners and former inmates.” Studying the Bible with them is central to accomplishing this purpose.
When we get men into the Bible, the Bible gets into them. We don't need to preach to them, we don't need other books even though there are great books out there, we just need the simplicity of studying God's word.
These inmates in turn will study the Bible with other inmates both in and out of our formal in-prison Bible studies. They become Bible study leaders and mentors themselves. In fact, our in-prison one on one Bible studies have both APM volunteers and trusted inmates for leaders.
This keeps things simple for our volunteers. You don't have to be a gifted speaker. Short messages and group sharing are fine as long as the primary purpose of Bible study isn't lost, but we're not looking for volunteers to do “church services” in prison. The inmates don't want that either, they just want to study the Bible.
We have far more opportunities for in-prison Bible studies than we have volunteers to help lead them. Maybe leading sounds scary but if you can join us, leading is just you helping one other person study the Bible. That is addicting much more than scary. It's only scary when you haven't experienced it yet.
Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2015
Editor's Notes
When Alpha volunteers study the Bible with inmates, the result is that it ignites hope, it reveals God and the fact that they have purpose. We hear it again and again. We also see it in letters like these that we're excerpting below for you to see. Words like purpose, vision, and dream have been so integrated into recent inmate letters you would think they were all writing from the same cell, but it's just a result of your support and volunteering.
Two Inmates With a Shared Dream
Well, I said that I would be sending you a couple more letters to explain the dream and goal that Kurt and I have been given from our Lord and Savior Jesus. Our dream or vision is a simple one. We don't want to forget where we came from and want to help out the next believer in Christ coming out of prison with the “sign on his back,” Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC).
Originally I had put together a 26 page proposal for a hotel that I wanted to purchase in Detroit and wanted to call it the “Village.” This was to expand in 3 years to another hotel in Flint, then again in 3 years time to Florida.
No, I am not a millionaire. I have a plan to write many grant proposals for funding, along with charging the residents weekly/monthly rent.
Soon after this idea came to me and I was putting this massive proposal together, I was sharing it with Kurt after our morning Bible study, about my ideas, and that was when he hit me with this whole dream/vision that God had given him about starting a place in Grand Rapids. That was when I told him about you and Alpha House and he told me that he was already on the list to go there.
I would like to finish this letter with a testimony from Kurt:
I would like to thank you for all your support during this time at my incarceration, and also for providing and preparing a place for me to come to upon my release. I am writing this letter for two reasons. The first one is to inform you that I have received my parole, and my release date is October 27, 2015. PRAISE GOD!!
The second reason is to share with you a vision that the Lord has shown me in a dream a little while back This dream was shown to me after I had spent 40 days on a program called A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, with about 20 of us guys looking at what our purpose and work for the Lord would be upon our release.
Well after this time I had spent learning, I asked God in my prayers before I went to sleep to show me what He wanted me to do for Him, and that night He did. I would just like to share this dream with you because it does revolve around the ministry that He has set before you that you have been very faithful serving for many years.
THE DREAM
The Lord showed me a place (motel) south of Grand Rapids. I know this place because I stayed there for a short time before my incarceration. The Lord revealed to me that this would be another transition place for ex-felons, mainly CSC cases.
This place has a main house with an office and little cabins which are all one bedroom. Adjacent to this property is a church that is no longer being used as one. This could be our place of worship and also a place for a lot of programs, not only for helping ex-felons but also the community.
The Lord then later showed me that there is a small trailer park that could be joined into the program once the men involved become stable, and would be able to live there if they choose to. I realize that this is a very big step and could be very costly, but I also know that our Lord has very deep pockets and He will see that this will happen if we are willing to take that step out into the deep waters.
The amazing thing after I had this dream was that the Lord then put into my life a partner, Eric. He also has a similar dream but it was more on the east side of the state. Eric is very zealous about this program and also has a lot of knowledge about grant writing and other means to get this off the ground.
I hope you can pray on this and see what the Lord tells you. I am looking forward to joining up with you upon my release and will continue to keep you in my prayers, and all the guys in Alpha House. See you soon.
Eric (and Kurt)
Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2015
God Has Big Plans for Me
God is Working great miracles on this compound. Knowing Christ is the best thing I have ever done in my life. He has changed my life forever. We have been blessed here with so many Christian programs/services. I really look forward to coming to them and meeting everyone.
I want to thank you for all the wonderful things you are doing for us in here. I am still attending all my Christian services and Bible studies. Coming to prison has been a very rewarding experience for me. I have met some wonderful people who love Jesus Christ.
I love helping people when they need it and to bring them to Christ. When I get out, I want to be in a program and help people in the community. God has big plans for me; I can't wait to see what he has in store for me.
God Bless You,
Justin
Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2015
Glorious for Donna, Sad for Us
APM has (had) only 3 husband and wife teams that volunteer to minister with inmates inside prison. One of those teams is Bill and Donna Spurrier who have been volunteering with Alpha since 1998. On March 26th, just six days before her 68th Birthday and 3 months before her 50th Wedding Anniversary, Donna made the journey from this life into the arms of Jesus.
What a glorious experience that must have been for her as she got to look into the same love filled eyes that in spite of his anguish as he was dying on the cross, spoke the words, “Father forgive them, for they don't realize what they are doing.” To finally see those eyes, hear that voice, and be embraced by those arms, it makes every pain we experience in this life quickly forgotten.
But on this side of the curtain, pain is what we have. Donna lived her life serving others, and you can't step off the stage of life doing that without leaving the lives you've touched both enriched and grieved, knowing that the sharing in this life together is over.
I did not know Donna personally but I knew her through her husband Bill since he joined the APM Board at the beginning of 2013. I also knew her through Leon since he works closely with volunteers and has known Bill and Donna since joining APM in 2000. Just knowing her through these men made the news of her passing wrench my heart.
Bill recently shared with us the inmate response as Donna was in her battle with cancer. The men were continually asking how she was and informing Bill they were praying for her. Her faithfulness to serve those men assured them that someone cared; and as she fought for her life, they cared for her. What a testimony to a life well invested!
My daughter once bought a t-shirt that said, “Live your life so the preacher won't have to lie at your funeral.” Donna did that! She didn't attract much attention doing it nor did she seek to, prison ministry doesn't get many cheers, but it scores huge accolades in heaven where she's now receiving them.
We will see Donna again but in the meantime she will be missed. Prayers for the family, especially Bill, will help ease the separation.
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2015
Key Factor in Achieving Nearly 90% Success
One problem with statistics is how easily they become numbers rather than the real human beings those numbers represent. In terms of numbers, for every three people getting out of prison, two will end up back in prison within a very short time. Many of our supporters are already aware of this sad but preventable reality.
Fortunately, we don't have to focus so much on the problem as much as the solution because our success rate is close to 90% instead of less than 33%.
It would be unfair to oversimplify why so many parolees return to prison but we can briefly cover the prevention by highlighting a key aspect of our ministry that helps former inmates beat the odds. That would be our transitional housing we call Alpha House.
Alpha House is not a program, it is an environment. It helps men coming out of prison to have a safe environment where they can successfully make a transition back into society. It's more than just a place to live but having a place to call home does make a significant difference to success or failure.
The most important part of this environment is that it is overtly Christian. This varies from our in prison Bible studies where all are welcome with no regard for their beliefs. As long as you want to study the Bible, Alpha Bible studies are open to everyone.
Alpha House is different. We don't care about denomination, but faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is required for residency. There are biblical rules of conduct that all applicants must sign an agreement to abide by. This provides safety for all residents who share the common goal of overcoming their past and developing Christian character to succeed in both life and society.
It should go without saying but we'll mention it anyway, with having Christ at the center, there is hope. That's the real secret. When these men have hope, they can succeed. Hopelessness would have to be at or near the top for why men return to prison.
Alpha House is not a free ride but it helps men with a much needed “hand up” to become stabilized as they reintegrate into society. They learn life skills most were never taught because they almost always come from broken homes. They work, go to church, study the Bible, learn to save and budget, and they are teamed with a mentor to grow spiritually.
Without Alpha House, many of these men may not succeed. I often sit with them at our banquets and they will tell you this. In July, we often have an Open House…meet them, ask them. The inmate letters published below also show how important Alpha House is in ministering to parolees.
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2015
New Alpha House Resident Due in August
God is good. I have wonderful news to report. God has blessed me with parole, praise God!!! I was worried for nothing. It just goes to show if we trust him he is faithful. My release date is 8/11/15.
I am looking forward to coming to Alpha House that day and I will be praising God all the way there. I am looking forward to the journey that lies ahead. I know there will be challenges to overcome, however, I welcome this.
While I wait for that day, I will be staying busy with my study and music. I will keep you and Alpha House in my prayers. God bless you.
In Christ,
John
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2015
I Don't Want to Go Back to Flint
I hope everyone is well. I received your letter, thank you. I recently received good news. I am in this program that will get me a parole. The facilitator told me I would be called back to receive a parole upon completion, so I will be getting out before 2016.
I don't want to go back to Flint where I'm from because I will just get back into my old habits. The half-way house in Flint does not offer what the Alpha House offers. I have no family left in Michigan, they all moved out of state.
I would be blessed if I get a parole earlier than 2016, and if I'm accepted in the Alpha House that would be even better. May God be with you all. I will pray for everyone at Alpha Prison Ministries.
God Bless You!!
Dana
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2015
I Must Say I'm Very Lonely
How are you? Fine I hope. I'm okay, I think of being at Alpha House and praying that it is God's will that things go well with the parole board. My outdate is March 3, 2016.
I hope that everything is still set for me to be a resident at Alpha House.
I must say I'm very lonely, so lonely that I'm scared—to be alone on this earth is like being dead. But thanks to you I have hope that will change.
May God bless you all!!!
Marcell
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2015
Demolishing the Enemy's Lies
As Leon mentioned in our February newsletter, APM has over 200 men actively participating in weekly Bible studies. Although not in a single location since these are in the prisons we serve and in our Alpha Houses, to the best of our knowledge, this makes us the 2nd largest mens Bible study in West Michigan. Not bad for a “small” ministry like APM!
Most of the people receiving our newsletter already realize the importance of continually being in God's word to counteract the stinkin' thinkin' perpetrated on us by the world and culture, but the letters we received published on the back just further illustrate how our minds are the real battle ground that need continuous refreshment and renewal (Rom. 12:1-2).
In the letter from Steven, he asked Leon for his thoughts. Knowing Leon, he had plenty to offer in response. I believe Steven's primary dilemma is, he no longer has the formal one on one Bible study he was able to receive before being transferred to a different prison, where APM does not currently have one.
In that situation, the enemy would not want to miss an ideal opportunity to attack his mind. What I would say to Steven if he receives this newsletter is any argument that sets itself up against the knowledge of God needs to be demolished (2 Cor. 10:4-5). The knowledge of God says that nothing can separate you from his love (Rom 8:38). The knowledge of God says how dare that liar the devil bring an accusation against those whom God has chosen (Rom. 8:33).
Ideally, APM would like to bring one on one Bible studies to more prisons. We have offers on the table to do just that. The only thing missing is volunteers. The invitation is open for you to help men like Steven use God's word to send the enemy running in stark terror when he tries to lie to them.
To our supporters, you helped Steven during his incarceration at Carson City. Your support means he can reach out to APM when the devil attacks. You also bring hope through the much needed Alpha House when he and others like him get paroled.
This newsletter also goes to many inmates. It not only gets read by recipients, it gets passed around inside the prisons. For those facilities where APM is not physically present, we're still able to have a ministry there anyway—all through our supporters.
Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2015
Inmate Letter from Steven
I was previously at Carson City when I first contacted you last year about coming to Alpha House upon my release in 2016 (I was unexpectedly transferred to a different prison). I pray and hope I am still being considered for residency as I believe the environment and focus of Alpha House is exactly what I need!
I am tentatively set for my release date in September of 2016 and wonder if you could update me regarding your consideration of my residency application. I am so looking forward to starting up a new life, based in Christ, and again, Alpha House is where I want to be!
I must be honest and also ask for your thoughts or suggestions. Over the past couple months or so, I feel sluggish and almost “depressed” over my current level of faith. I have recurring feelings and thoughts that my sins are too great to really be forgiven.
I study, I fellowship with other Christian brothers, but I still feel down. Are these feelings truly the work of Satan? I try so very hard to focus on Christ but lately, have been feeling that my efforts are not good enough. Do you have any thoughts? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Well, I wanted to update you on my new address and just touch base. I hope all is well and the men at Alpha House are doing well and staying focused. Please give my best to all!
Sincerely and In Christ,
Steven
Inmate Letter from Jeff
God is good! WOW, 2015, what a year! I hope and pray that all is well with you. I am doing very well. I am learning to enjoy life more and more with Christ. Trials and tribulations come, but I do realize it's to help me grow, so I can welcome them with joy.
I thank you for all the newsletters you have sent me. I share them with the brothers and they also thank you. This year a lot of brothers are getting their paroles right on time. Praise the Lord for opening doors. We pray that they will continue to do the Lord's will so they don't come back!
Our meetings are getting larger than before and we are seeing results! We have a few brothers interested in the Alpha House transitional housing. These are faithful men who have a heart to serve others. Hopefully, they can have an impact there.
Tony has received his residency application and wants me to speak on his behalf. I have known him for over nine years and he has grown so much in the body—a huge impact on the compound! I really believe he would be a great fit at Alpha House!
We could use more study guide books. Thank you for everything you do because your passion brings out the true love of Christ to everyone!
God Bless You Always!
Jeff
EDITOR'S NOTES
While screening recent mail provided to me for possible newsletter material, some things stood to me about these letters aside from the obvious contrast. These were both received the same day (2/18/15) and have Carson City in common since Jeff wrote from Carson City.
APM conducts weekly Bible studies at Carson City. The facility that Steven was transferred to does not have weekly APM Bible studies so he no longer receives this benefit. While Steven has other opportunities to grow in his faith, there's just something special about studying the Bible with other believers.
It's apparent to me that the Bible studies at Carson City helped Steven grow and my life experience allows me to see the devil being the devil in his situation—a predictable opportunist. The answer to his question about this being the work of Satan is a resounding YES. It's classic devil all the way!
God's word trumps emotions. Emotions say, “Can I really be forgiven of any sin?” God's word says absolutely. Satan's lies say, “You need to put in more effort.” God's word says: God himself already qualified you (Col. 1:12). “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Jesus in Matt. 11:28-30, The Message)
Your support of APM is helping men discover this freedom as Jeff's letter proclaims. It's also helping men like Steven recognize Satan's lies and live confidently under God's truth. This is accomplished through in-prison Bible studies, mentoring, and the Alpha House environment. Both letters above clearly demonstrate how important these ministries are.
Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2015
Happy New 2015 From APM
I've never been particularly fond of new years resolutions because they are so prone to fail but the beginning of a new year lends itself well to fresh new starts and setting new goals. Consequently, I don't make resolutions but that doesn't stop me from setting goals whether it is at the beginning of the year or some other time.
As I revealed in the November newsletter, I became a Christian 32 years ago that month. Through a challenge at the end of 1983 to choose a yearly Bible verse for 1984, I opted not to consider it a new years resolution but a goal to focus on that year. It ended up not being my 1984 verse but a lifetime challenge that still is just as integral going into 2015 as it was then.
That 1984 passage that became my lifetime goal is Philippians 3:12-14: “Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
I've never chosen a yearly verse since because I'm still working on that one. I've memorized several other verses and passages but none have been as challenging. I've set many other goals at different times of the year but none have been as important. Like Paul, I identify with not being perfect but I'm so grateful I don't have to be.
God himself “qualifies” us (Colossians 1:12) because we're naturally inept and unable to qualify ourselves. You don't need a new years resolution to top that! We're not off the hook though, we accept his gift and expound on it, but we are free to take what he has graciously given us and live life to the fullest without any baggage from our past.
How incredibly liberating! God doesn't use our past to determine our future. We get a fresh start under any and all circumstances. The beginning of a new year is a great time to remember this, even more so if you fall into the trap of making and breaking new years resolutions.
You've already received many well wishes for this new year but we are adding another one because with God it keeps getting better.
Taken from the Winter Newsletter, January 2015
Open Floodgates Not Just Doors
The subject of tithing and giving often flares up negative reactions with many people but thankfully that would not be true for our supporters. It is also not true for APM Board members.
I'm especially grateful for this because that's exactly what we talked about during our devotional time at the December Board meeting. I prepared that devotional without having to worry about any of our Board members getting upset and we had a wonderful discussion.
As I write this, the final 2014 numbers for APM finances are not in yet, but we are looking at several thousand behind budget for the year. Although we're mentioning this fact to make you aware, that's not the purpose of this newsletter nor will we engage in arm-twisting.
In fact, the devotional included a quote from The Message Bible because I love the way it translates Paul's principle on giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7:
I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.
Giving is to be planned and well thought out. That doesn't mean we never give spontaneously but it does mean its not our normal practice.
For me, I can honestly say I delight in the giving. That's not a bragging statement except to brag on God. I never have to worry about lack because God has invited me into his inner circle. He's not stingy, his hands are wide open and since he's already given his Son, why should I worry about anything else?
Although that kind of anxiety is now far behind me, I was reminded how volatile a subject it can be in a recent conversation with Leon our Executive Director. He mentioned that several Alpha House residents have visited the church I attend and he hears all positive except for one item that often gets mentioned.
That item is money. The perception is the common myth that all the church wants is money. I responded with what I know to be true of my Pastor. He knows that when he stands before the Lord he will give an account of what he taught his flock, and that includes biblical teaching on the subject of giving.
This fact upsets a lot of people but God doesn't have all of you until he has your money. The first time you hear that it's understandable that you may not react well to it. Once you understand it though, it opens doors, more like floodgates into your life.
For many of you reading this, it serves as encouragement to keep doing what you're doing and live generously. For others, I encourage you not to get mad but get free. As a born again Christian and citizen of God's kingdom, rescued from the domain of the devil, you are entitled to a completely different attitude toward money than the world.
Human beings have an incredible bend toward the negative and religion is often guilty of exploiting that. That shouldn't be too surprising since religion is the default substitute for fallen man. Unless you know God by being restored to him through Christ, you will find some kind of religion even if you claim it's not a religion.
That negative bend also creates a distorted view toward God. It creates ideas like, “God's gonna get you if you don't tithe.” I'm sure you've heard that one before just as I have. God doesn't have to do anything if you don't obey his commands; the devil will have you for lunch because you forfeit the protection you're entitled to.
Malachi 3 does include God's declaration that “you are under a curse” by disobedience but not so he can hit us over the head with it, he's telling us explicitly how to not be under a curse so we can be blessed. He even goes so far as to tell us we can “test” him and it's the only place we're permitted to test him. The main focus is on the blessing and telling us how to get it, not the curse.
When you think about it, we are born cursed. Our default inheritance is curse. The entire Bible is about how we got in this mess and how to get out of it. The term born again is often misused but its biblical meaning is about being reborn out from under the curse, restored to God in our pre-fallen condition.
The same is true of every command in the Bible. It's the instruction manual on how to lift every curse from our lives. Your money is cursed by default. Your natural state is to love money. The amazing thing is the less of it you have, the more likely you are to love it. I know that from experience. Generosity will liberate you from the love of money and the curse that goes with it.
Taken from the Winter Newsletter, January 2015
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)
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Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture taken from The Message. (The Message)
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Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
