"Why do you come here?" That was one of the first questions of the night on last night's addictions class at the jail. The inmate was in the class for the first time and would be released from the jail the next morning. The question seemed sincere. Although my response to his inquiry was a little lengthy one of the main answers to his question was, "because you guys may listen."
There is a hunger in the jail that is very unusual in other places in our society. In jail people to begin to ponder things they would never otherwise think about. They consider that their lives are not perfect and they may possibly need to learn some things. They seem to have ears to hear when others outside of the jail, who are stuffed with the little pleasures of this world, simply have not the time nor the desire for anything greater. While the rest of the world seems to be feasting on the junk food of life, those in the jails seem to be given opportunity to hunger for something different. It is possible that this hunger resonates in this environment because access to the junk food of life (less satisfying pleasures) is significantly limited. During this forced fast from such things the divinely placed hunger (which resides in all of us) to be ultimately satisfied is allowed to ring more clearly.
One of the other inmates who has gotten out of the jail, and has been meeting in a small men's group at the church for a month now, was quick to be able to point out this situation as well. After he spent a few months in the jail he agrees there is a unique hunger for God that is experienced by many in the jail.
Go to those who will come. That seems to be the point of the below passage in Luke. This passage appears to demonstrate a divine and intense intolerance for those who are so satiated with the simple things in life that they no longer hunger for the greatest thing in life.
Luke 14:16-24
14:16 But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 14:17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' 14:18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' 14:19 And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.' 14:20 And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' 14:21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' 14:22 And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' 14:23 And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 14:24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'"
Many places and resources in our society can quickly diagnose problem behaviors such as trouble with drugs, alcohol, greed, gambling, and sex issues. These issues are not remotely difficult to point out as bad. These dangers are well marked and those who encounter them generally have a fair idea as to what they're getting themselves into. There are however more subtle dangers that are not nearly as well marked. These are the "little" dangers such as being so satisfied with your health, home, money, family, and hobbies that your heart is no longer hungry for the greatest good.
While society is somewhat guarded against those big dangers (as we should be) we all too often are left susceptible to the flank attack. Jesus wasn't messing around when he said, (Mark 10:25) "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."
That is a statement that should give us cause for concern. The average citizen in America is richer than the overwhelming majority of the rest of the world. Thank goodness Jesus also said, (Mark 10:27) "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."
(Originally posted in May of 2008)
Showing posts with label Jail Ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jail Ministry. Show all posts
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Meditations upon God: Medicine for Hearts Sickened by Poisonous Pleasures
A good friend joined me last Friday in the jail ministry. It is helpful to have a fresh set of eyes and another heart sensitive to the Lord's leading in this endeavor.
For those few of you who may not be familiar with the jail ministry / addictions class which I was referring to, the theme of this class is that God is more satisfying than anything else which our hearts desire. The problem of addictions as Ed Welch has put it is "a worship disorder." The answer therefore to the poisonous pleasures of this life is the ultimate and most satisfying pleasure, namely God Himself.
One of the things we have been discussing about adding / increasing teaching on is this question:
"How is it that God is more desirable than the other things which we often desire?"
The addictions class has previously been only four weeks in length and we will likely change it to five weeks. I think week five will focus on answering this question in as many God glorifying ways as possible. In an effort to provide opportunity for those in the class to "taste and see that the Lord is good" we hope to delve into the character of God and some of his very many attributes.
Here are just a few (10) examples:
(We may or may not use some of these listed below - but this is the type of thing we are considering)
God has never had a beginning - HE IS
God will never have an end
God is Holy, Pure, Righteous
God is Sovereign - He never makes mistakes, and He even arranges to fix our mistakes and make them ultimately work for our good and His glory (Rom. 8:28),
God is Just - He is the most Just being in existence. All injustices on earth will ultimately find justice before His Judgment seat.
God is Merciful - His mercies are new every morning
God is Loving - This very God who spoke the universe into being, loves so much that He became flesh and died to bear our deserved punishment
God is Kind - He cares enough to cloth the flowers of the field and feed the birds of the air... How much more will He kindly care for you who were made in His image.
God will never leave us nor forsake us? What else in your life can truly say that? Not your wealth, health, spouse, child, family, friends, retirement plan, nothing...
God is good - (Romans 8:32) If He did not spare His own Son... How or why would He keep any good thing from us? He gave us His very best in order that we could know Him and enjoy Him for eternity.
If you can think of any characteristics or attributes of God that might be particularly helpful in ministering to inmates at the jail, feel free to highlight them in a comment on this blog post. Your sharing your view of God's character and attributes may be implemented in this ministry endeavor. Thanks for your help!
For those few of you who may not be familiar with the jail ministry / addictions class which I was referring to, the theme of this class is that God is more satisfying than anything else which our hearts desire. The problem of addictions as Ed Welch has put it is "a worship disorder." The answer therefore to the poisonous pleasures of this life is the ultimate and most satisfying pleasure, namely God Himself.
One of the things we have been discussing about adding / increasing teaching on is this question:
"How is it that God is more desirable than the other things which we often desire?"
The addictions class has previously been only four weeks in length and we will likely change it to five weeks. I think week five will focus on answering this question in as many God glorifying ways as possible. In an effort to provide opportunity for those in the class to "taste and see that the Lord is good" we hope to delve into the character of God and some of his very many attributes.
Here are just a few (10) examples:
(We may or may not use some of these listed below - but this is the type of thing we are considering)
God has never had a beginning - HE IS
God will never have an end
God is Holy, Pure, Righteous
God is Sovereign - He never makes mistakes, and He even arranges to fix our mistakes and make them ultimately work for our good and His glory (Rom. 8:28),
God is Just - He is the most Just being in existence. All injustices on earth will ultimately find justice before His Judgment seat.
God is Merciful - His mercies are new every morning
God is Loving - This very God who spoke the universe into being, loves so much that He became flesh and died to bear our deserved punishment
God is Kind - He cares enough to cloth the flowers of the field and feed the birds of the air... How much more will He kindly care for you who were made in His image.
God will never leave us nor forsake us? What else in your life can truly say that? Not your wealth, health, spouse, child, family, friends, retirement plan, nothing...
God is good - (Romans 8:32) If He did not spare His own Son... How or why would He keep any good thing from us? He gave us His very best in order that we could know Him and enjoy Him for eternity.
If you can think of any characteristics or attributes of God that might be particularly helpful in ministering to inmates at the jail, feel free to highlight them in a comment on this blog post. Your sharing your view of God's character and attributes may be implemented in this ministry endeavor. Thanks for your help!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Originality Unnecessary
There's nothing new under the sun. I think Ecclesiastes says that a time or two. As I was pinch hitting for a friend last night at the jail I found myself speaking to a crowd of about a dozen or so of the guys I've previously spoken to during the addictions class.
Not having any say in who my audience would be I knew not who I was going to be speaking to. I had not a tremendous amount of time to prepare and eventually I found myself in front of this group, most of whom I've already spoken to multiple times. My material was a conglomeration of notes from the previous jail addictions class and scriptures used therein as well.
I had a few minutes to consider flinging together an alternate message. It finally seemed unnecessary. In spite of the fact that the majority of the group had heard this material covered (although there were a couple new faces) the Gospel seemed to me entirely sufficient. Again I was conscious of the Scriptural truth that God's Word never goes forth void.
It was humbling to admit before that group that I had not known I would be speaking to them and I had not much time to prepare. Again I was made aware that God alone is the one Who changes people and His Word is incredibly powerful.
So I found myself without original material. I was reminded of somebody (I think it was Tozer, but I could be wrong) who said, "If anything in Christianity is new, it is by the same token false." It is not necessary for something to be new in order for it to be effective.
Thousands of years old. Hundreds of books have been written about it. Unknown multitudes have spent their entire lives learning about it and teaching it. Completely unoriginal but always radically powerful... That's precisely what the Gospel is.
Not having any say in who my audience would be I knew not who I was going to be speaking to. I had not a tremendous amount of time to prepare and eventually I found myself in front of this group, most of whom I've already spoken to multiple times. My material was a conglomeration of notes from the previous jail addictions class and scriptures used therein as well.
I had a few minutes to consider flinging together an alternate message. It finally seemed unnecessary. In spite of the fact that the majority of the group had heard this material covered (although there were a couple new faces) the Gospel seemed to me entirely sufficient. Again I was conscious of the Scriptural truth that God's Word never goes forth void.
It was humbling to admit before that group that I had not known I would be speaking to them and I had not much time to prepare. Again I was made aware that God alone is the one Who changes people and His Word is incredibly powerful.
So I found myself without original material. I was reminded of somebody (I think it was Tozer, but I could be wrong) who said, "If anything in Christianity is new, it is by the same token false." It is not necessary for something to be new in order for it to be effective.
Thousands of years old. Hundreds of books have been written about it. Unknown multitudes have spent their entire lives learning about it and teaching it. Completely unoriginal but always radically powerful... That's precisely what the Gospel is.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
It's kind of a 1 step program...
Friday evening was the 4th class, and final in the addictions series at the jail. I'm anticipating restarting the class next Friday from square one again and hopefully repeating a 4 week series on combating addictions.
Several of the deputies at the jail have referred to the class as a 12 step class. I understand an automatic reference to "12 step" when describing an addictions class. "12 step" seems to so widely known that it appears, at least to me, to be one of the only main options available to those who are seeking help with addictions.
I was soliciting some feedback at the end of the class and one of the inmates said, "It's kind of like a 1 step program." Having pretty much had this opinion myself all along, I quickly agreed. It is exactly a "1 step" program.
The "1 step" is to pursue a relationship with God, who alone can ultimately satisfy the human heart, that your heart would be so satisfied in Him that you would be put out of taste for the broken cisterns of this world (Jer. 2:11-13).
I initially planned on the class being about 6 weeks in length. In attempting to cover the "1 step" as thoroughly as possible. Considering the fairly high rate of turnover for the inmates, 4 weeks seemed to be the most appropriate and provided adequate time to cover the theme well.
I experienced the truth of that great verse 2 Cor 12:9
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Taking heed to some important advice, the Gospel message was a theme running through each class while covering different aspects of addictions issues. Ed Welch, author of "Addictions a banquet in the grave" accurately referred to addictions as worship disorders. This was helpful in grounding the issue of addictions as an issue of misguided affections.
Many Scriptures were tremendously helpful in relaying powerful points about God, worship, ultimate satisfaction, and idolatry. A few key quotes (listed below) came in very helpful in illustrating important truths.
"All men seek happiness, this is without exception. This is the motive of every action of every man." - Pascal
"... the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord." - George Mueller
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot
The chief end of man is to glorify God and (by) enjoy(ing) Him forever.
- Westminster Catechism
I am very mindful of the body of Christ being of great usefulness in this ministry. The fact of the matter is that I was able to share very little if any original material. The overwhelming majority, if not the entirety of the material shared with them was that which came from the body of Christ, through several different people and means.
John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
It is clear to me that a great part of "abiding" in Him is being a part of His body, and gaining nourishment, insight, and wisdom from His body (His people). I've benefited from His people tremendously, many of whom I've never even met.
I am overwhelmed with His exceeding faithfulness. I am also very thankful for those unseen ones who were supporting this ministry with much prayer.
Several of the deputies at the jail have referred to the class as a 12 step class. I understand an automatic reference to "12 step" when describing an addictions class. "12 step" seems to so widely known that it appears, at least to me, to be one of the only main options available to those who are seeking help with addictions.
I was soliciting some feedback at the end of the class and one of the inmates said, "It's kind of like a 1 step program." Having pretty much had this opinion myself all along, I quickly agreed. It is exactly a "1 step" program.
The "1 step" is to pursue a relationship with God, who alone can ultimately satisfy the human heart, that your heart would be so satisfied in Him that you would be put out of taste for the broken cisterns of this world (Jer. 2:11-13).
I initially planned on the class being about 6 weeks in length. In attempting to cover the "1 step" as thoroughly as possible. Considering the fairly high rate of turnover for the inmates, 4 weeks seemed to be the most appropriate and provided adequate time to cover the theme well.
I experienced the truth of that great verse 2 Cor 12:9
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Taking heed to some important advice, the Gospel message was a theme running through each class while covering different aspects of addictions issues. Ed Welch, author of "Addictions a banquet in the grave" accurately referred to addictions as worship disorders. This was helpful in grounding the issue of addictions as an issue of misguided affections.
Many Scriptures were tremendously helpful in relaying powerful points about God, worship, ultimate satisfaction, and idolatry. A few key quotes (listed below) came in very helpful in illustrating important truths.
"All men seek happiness, this is without exception. This is the motive of every action of every man." - Pascal
"... the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord." - George Mueller
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot
The chief end of man is to glorify God and (by) enjoy(ing) Him forever.
- Westminster Catechism
I am very mindful of the body of Christ being of great usefulness in this ministry. The fact of the matter is that I was able to share very little if any original material. The overwhelming majority, if not the entirety of the material shared with them was that which came from the body of Christ, through several different people and means.
John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
It is clear to me that a great part of "abiding" in Him is being a part of His body, and gaining nourishment, insight, and wisdom from His body (His people). I've benefited from His people tremendously, many of whom I've never even met.
I am overwhelmed with His exceeding faithfulness. I am also very thankful for those unseen ones who were supporting this ministry with much prayer.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Jail Ministry
Last night marked the beginning of an addictions class at the jail. This has been in the process of prayer and planning for quite some time. The class on addictions will hopefully be 6 weeks long and meets on Friday evenings at 6pm for about an hour. The inmates appeared to be very receptive and interested.
I sensed the Lord’s favor in several ways. One of which was the Sheriff meeting me after the class. He shook my hand several times and said what these people need is Jesus. He thanked me and advised me that I am welcome to do this as often as I would like.
I know that many people were praying for the inmates and for me, and I am very grateful. Prayer is an essential link to abiding in Him. I am reminded of something I heard long ago: much prayer much power, little prayer little power. I know this ministry is being bathed in prayer by many.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Pascal’s quote was lightly edited as it remained on the chalk board, “All men seek happiness. This is the motive of every action of every man.” This quote was the opening theme and we discussed the reason why we pursue our addictions is because we are pursuing happiness. The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ was shared with them. (I anticipate taking heed to advice given to me recently regarding this, make the gospel message a focal point of each class.) Jeremiah 2:11-13 was shared with them and we discussed the fact that God is infinitely valuable and more desirable and more satisfying than all of the other broken cisterns which we pursue our happiness in.
I am extremely grateful for a humble man, named Bill, who volunteered to come with me as I started the class. Bill is a man who struggles physically. He walks with a large limp and a brace upon his leg. His left arm hangs unusable at his side. When he shakes the hands of the inmates, he tucks his Bible under his chin and holds it there so his hand will be free. Bill has been a volunteer at the jail for about 6 years. He was very helpful to me. He sat through the class and afterwards humbly offered some helpful insights about jail ministry which I shall endeavor to put into practice.
God is faithful.
I sensed the Lord’s favor in several ways. One of which was the Sheriff meeting me after the class. He shook my hand several times and said what these people need is Jesus. He thanked me and advised me that I am welcome to do this as often as I would like.
I know that many people were praying for the inmates and for me, and I am very grateful. Prayer is an essential link to abiding in Him. I am reminded of something I heard long ago: much prayer much power, little prayer little power. I know this ministry is being bathed in prayer by many.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Pascal’s quote was lightly edited as it remained on the chalk board, “All men seek happiness. This is the motive of every action of every man.” This quote was the opening theme and we discussed the reason why we pursue our addictions is because we are pursuing happiness. The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ was shared with them. (I anticipate taking heed to advice given to me recently regarding this, make the gospel message a focal point of each class.) Jeremiah 2:11-13 was shared with them and we discussed the fact that God is infinitely valuable and more desirable and more satisfying than all of the other broken cisterns which we pursue our happiness in.
I am extremely grateful for a humble man, named Bill, who volunteered to come with me as I started the class. Bill is a man who struggles physically. He walks with a large limp and a brace upon his leg. His left arm hangs unusable at his side. When he shakes the hands of the inmates, he tucks his Bible under his chin and holds it there so his hand will be free. Bill has been a volunteer at the jail for about 6 years. He was very helpful to me. He sat through the class and afterwards humbly offered some helpful insights about jail ministry which I shall endeavor to put into practice.
God is faithful.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Don't Waste Your Life!
The below article is particularly pertinent to me today. I've been considering, and praying about, getting involved in jail ministry for several months now. I am ever more urgently moved to get out of the boat. People are dieing. People are lost. People are wasting time pursuing empty pleasures when the greatest Treasure in existance is completely ignored. There are times for teaching, and we will to some extent always be learning, but obedience requires action not merely learning. Obedience requires going... The call, or the push to go is almost tangible. "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel..."
The below article is from: http://www.dontwasteyourlife.com/Blog/#911
Saved Just in Time
November 13, 2007 By: Dan Brendsel
We recently received a testimony from a friend of DG who ministers to women at an Ohio county jail. She told us about her relationship with Julie.
When Julie began attending a weekly Bible study at the jail, she was a quiet, stony woman filled with anger, distrust, and doubt that the Bible study or the people ministering at it had anything to offer her. Our friend gave Julie a copy of Don't Waste Your Life and continually welcomed her to the study. Over the course of a few weeks, Julie, by God's gracious and gentle hand, began to soften. She began interacting more in the study, she encouraged her cell-mate to attend, she read Scripture and asked questions. Three weeks after their initial contact, Julie spoke in private with our friend.
"I don't know if I can get this out," tears now rolling down her face. "I walked with God 30 years ago..." Long pause. "This book was for me! You came here for me! I have lived my entire life in sin. Anger and bitterness is all that I have known. I just wanted to thank you for coming here."
Julie was released from prison two days later, saying she was going home, had surrendered her life to Jesus, and was planning with her husband to attend church. Our friend learned that ten days later Julie, at age 44, passed away unexpectedly. She died one month to the day from first receiving love from one of God's servants and hearing the call to an unwasted life. She placed her faith in Jesus, treasuring him above everything else and submitting to him as the Lord of her life, and has now entered into eternal and infinite joy in God's presence.
The below article is from: http://www.dontwasteyourlife.com/Blog/#911
Saved Just in Time
November 13, 2007 By: Dan Brendsel
We recently received a testimony from a friend of DG who ministers to women at an Ohio county jail. She told us about her relationship with Julie.
When Julie began attending a weekly Bible study at the jail, she was a quiet, stony woman filled with anger, distrust, and doubt that the Bible study or the people ministering at it had anything to offer her. Our friend gave Julie a copy of Don't Waste Your Life and continually welcomed her to the study. Over the course of a few weeks, Julie, by God's gracious and gentle hand, began to soften. She began interacting more in the study, she encouraged her cell-mate to attend, she read Scripture and asked questions. Three weeks after their initial contact, Julie spoke in private with our friend.
"I don't know if I can get this out," tears now rolling down her face. "I walked with God 30 years ago..." Long pause. "This book was for me! You came here for me! I have lived my entire life in sin. Anger and bitterness is all that I have known. I just wanted to thank you for coming here."
Julie was released from prison two days later, saying she was going home, had surrendered her life to Jesus, and was planning with her husband to attend church. Our friend learned that ten days later Julie, at age 44, passed away unexpectedly. She died one month to the day from first receiving love from one of God's servants and hearing the call to an unwasted life. She placed her faith in Jesus, treasuring him above everything else and submitting to him as the Lord of her life, and has now entered into eternal and infinite joy in God's presence.
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