In Galatians 6:9-10 we are told, “ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 'As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Some time ago I received a letter from a close friend, one who had been in my prison group for 3 years while I was going for group meetings inside the Walls Unit of the Texas Department of Corrections at Huntsville. I think his letter speaks for itself in the values we have seen in prison ministry. I thank God for this man. I know that you will join me in prayer for a truly devoted man of God.
“Dear Bro. Alloway, I got out last Thursday and got my first job on Friday. I'll be working tonight on a ship. As you know, it will be the first time in an engine room for over three and a half years. I know that the Lord will be with me. The day that I got out, the Bible reading for that day in the “Upper Room” was the 121 Psalm.
One of the best ways for me to get started again is tithe. It's like planting a seed. My wages at the walls were not much, $200.00 for 3½ years work. I know that you giving your time and gas going up there cost money. Will you please accept a check and put it with funds that pays the gas bill.
My union agent here in Galveston to my surprise is a member of the Gideons. So I have one right close that I can turn to when things start to get rough.
This is just a short note, but I'll keep in touch. Keep praying for me the same as I am for you. Love, Your friend in Christ.”
To see a man like this, sending a tithe to a church that supports a ministry to the prison is indeed gratifying. This man will go on serving the Lord. I thank God for the privilege I had of sharing a common faith with him.
I also had the privilege of visiting this week with another man, who is in jail. He is not proud of those events that lead to his arrest, but he is grateful that in the process he has come to know Christ in a very meaningful way.
For us to have had the joy of knowing former prisoners in our church has enabled all of us to witness the transforming power of Jesus Christ. In prison, out of prison, minister, layman, child, adult, whoever --- the command is to all of us. “ Be not weary in well doing, for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not. There is a ministry for each child of God. Your life can count, and it will count, if you but yield your life to what God wants.
In an editorial in the Conroe Courier, a tremendous statement of faith was made. There is no 'doubt but what many lives were and will be touched by this editorial by Mr. Floyd Garrett:
HAVING GOALS WITH GOD
“Every man understands what is meant by setting goals and objectives. It has been said that a “man without a goal, is drifting.”
A man without a goal, is like taking target practice and not using a target. One just takes his bow and arrow or gun and shoots aimlessly into the open air, aiming at nothing.
My personal and business life has been one filled with goals.
During this time, I have found the answer to many of these goals in Biblical Scripture.
I found that God writes with a pen that never blots and speaks with a tongue that never slips and acts with a hand that never fails.
Also, I have found that there are three things that God cannot do: 1. He cannot tell a lie, 2. He cannot deny himself and 3. He cannot see our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ.
I found also that it is most helpful if one actually writes down the goals he is seeking. Write them down in the order you wish to see them fulfilled. Refer to them often. Think of these goals. Take out your goal list and read it over and over again. Endeavor to set yourself a plan to reach these goals, in the best manner you know how.
As you complete these goals, write down the date you have reached them, then pursue the next goal on your list.
Doubt talk whips us every time.
If we cancel doubt from our vocabulary, we can then rely upon the salvation that Christ has given us and realize that this salvation makes us a part of the body of Jesus Christ … then the faith, we can practice through Him, allows miracles in Jesus' name ... then the Holy Spirit empowers us for service and we can see the fruits of the Spirit and Gifts of the Spirit work in our own lives aiding us in reaching the goals in our lives.
We need to “press toward the perfection in fullness of Christ.”
Remember this: God said it! I believe it! That settles it!
Do not rely upon human understanding and human words. Count on what God says in His Word. It is a fact because God said it!
Act on it ... act like it!
Mark 11:23 says, “Whosoever shall believe those things which he saith shall come to pass.” Just believe and see! We need to learn to live by faith … “not” by sight!
Faith is a result of knowledge of God's Word and God's facts.
Faith … expects! Faith sees the goals “happening.”
We need to learn to act like the Word of God is “so.”
We need to remember that God means what He says. He is not like most of us. We need to remember to “confess” what we desire … confession precedes possession ... never talk defeat!
Mark 11:24 reminds us to “get ready to succeed” ... not fail!
What you are today is a result of what you said yesterday.
You can have what you say! What goals in life do you really want?
Count on Him and be a better person for it.”
Your life can count on whatever street you live, in whatever business you work, in whatever way you choose to give it. God bless you.