Prison Ministry: Breathless in Colorado

MAJESTIC! I have just returned from the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, where I was attending the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference www.writehisanswer.com.

As a first time attender, I was initially intimated by the enormous task that I believe God has placed on my heart. Completion of the book (working title), "Rock'n The Rebels":  Revitalizing Church In Women's Prisons.

Throughout the four days I met with authors, agents and various publishing houses. The prestigious speakers not only encouraged and inspired me, but also challenged my call to "Write His Answer." This is a tough topic for a tough audience. A select few are called to prison ministry, but for those who are... we need to rise up and serve God with excellence!

Was I overwhelmed with this publishing beast? Embarrassingly yes. It hit me while I was walking outside from one session to the next. There I was looking down at the sidewalk becoming more deflated with each step I took. I was blinded by the light of my immure abilities against such accomplished writers. It was like comparing young David against the mammoth Goliath. Unexpectedly, I stopped mid stride, I could feel the doubt quickly suffocating my future. (Or perhaps that was the high altitude making me breathless?) I raised my eyes to see where I was going and there it was... right in front of me was this incredible masterpiece I was truly seeing for the first time...

The majesty of God's creation. Why do we miss what is so obviously right in front of us? This should be a great visual reminder for all of us as God gently comforts us; "Don't worry, surrender to this process to Me." "Allow Me, the Creator Himself, to move whatever mountains are in front of you... if it is My will, it will be done!"

May I encourage you that this is not a passive process nor an excuse to hide behind your faith. We must have faith and work together WITH Christ. Not too long ago, God impressed on my heart; "Get the book done!"




How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God Reigns!"  Isaiah 52:7

Confidently in Christ,

Shug

Stuck In A Rut? BIG God... BIG Dreams... BIG Expectations!

STUCK IN A RUT?

With prison ministry (or any other ministry) you are called and equipped by God... you are part of a hand-picked team... but now you find your team is "stuck in a rut".

(Definition of RUT: A routine or pattern of behavior that has become dull and unproductive.)

Dull, lifeless and flat-lining... I have seen time and time again, ministries that are relying on what happened in the past. The Apostle Paul was always looking for new ways to share the gospel and encourage his "team" of churches. He wrote passionately to them, he encouraged them, traveled to them, spent time with them, sent fellow disciples to train them and most importantly - he prayed for them.

God is far from boring, He is always creating something new. Shouldn't our ministries shake it up and try new things as well? By doing this, you will keep your team fresh and the church service vibrant and full of energy.

THINK BIG! You might be thinking; "Well, maybe some new worship songs would change it up?" Put on new vision glasses - perhaps God is prompting you to make it happen so that you have an entire worship band come in and lead the worship?

DREAM BIG! Ask the Spirit to help you think out of the box. What BIG vision has God put on your or your team member's heart for this ministry? Solicit ideas from your team, listen to it, don't ignore it, and (here is the key) act on it - but before you do that...

PRAY BIG! You might be frustrated with one small boom box for worship time, a small inmate attendance and an untrained team...

"You do not have, because you do not ask God." James 4:2 

ASK God to give your team His vision and wisdom for this ministry.
          ASK God for a rock'in service.
                    ASK God to expand your territory and increase your attendance.
                              ASK God to call up a team who will have a love like Christ's for the lost and unsaved.
                                         ASK God to train you or bring in excellent teachers to train your teams.
                                                   ASK God to empower you to ACT on it!

"If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR MINISTRY FRESH: 

Do you have regularly scheduled team meetings keeping everyone up to date with current training methods? 

Do you strive to keep the communications with the ministry team, church leaders and prison chaplain open and flowing? 

Are you attentive and flexible to God's leading?  

When was the last time you listened and acted on the team's suggestions? 

(Please keep in mind, not all things will work within the constraints of the prison environment, on the other hand, don't feel limited - God will amaze you if you just ASK!)

"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blow and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord..." James 1:6-7

EXPECT BIG! When we expect big things from our BIG God it pleases Him. It demonstrates we put our faith and trust in Him. Will you join me in praising God now, ahead of time, for answered prayer.

God can help you climb out of that prison ministry rut today... by thinking, dreaming and praying BIG!

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

SHUG

UNEXPECTED SURPRISE BEHIND BARS!

Unexpected surprises are not always good when they happen in jail! But this case was different. I was invited to preach two consecutive Sunday services in a large Florida county jail, but I didn't expect the outcome that I received...

The jail service was filled with anticipation as the women filed in cuffed and counted. The majority of inmates were downcast and tired as they entered the service. Regardless of what I saw on their faces, during the talk you could feel the Holy Spirit's momentum building. By God's grace alone, these incarcerated women were uplifted and energized by the end of our time together. I wish you could have heard the sound... the sound of a room filled with inmates asking Jesus into their hearts and lives. These lovely women shared their excitement - along with the challenge to bring cellmates and friends to next week's service.

But it was what happened AFTER the last inmate left the room that threw me for a loop. Never in my prison and jail ministry has this happened...

A rush of excitement came over one of the officers that had been on guard during the service. He bounded forward saying; "I feel so inspired!" I have never heard a service in here that has moved me so much!" "I cannot wait to come back next week." Then in sudden disappointment he said; "Oh, that's right, I don't work next Sunday..." (I could not help but chuckle under my breath.) His excitement was contagious as he continued to share how the message had moved him to speak up.

Don't be fooled my friend and don't get discouraged in your ministry. For God is working overtime in the prisons and jails across this country! You never know who is listening and is transformed by the power of the gospel!

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Expect the unexpected from our great God!

Shug

NEW FUTURE: "Living in Faith and Victory!"

GOD IS IN THE HOUSE!

We have an exciting service planned for this Saturday in the prison. The final message in the series: "God's Glorious Makeover for 2012". 

This last message will be rock'in with hope for a "NEW FUTURE: Living in Faith and Victory!" (Are you Wishing To Be Something You're Not?)

Please pray: (Pray this for yourself as well.)

• Each person will experience a "make-over" in Christ, living victoriously through their faith.
• All will surrender over their past, letting go of the mistakes and shame that bring defeat.
• Everyone, (including all of us) will take intentional steps, through Bible study and prayer, to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ. 
• God will stretch our faith in such a way, that we all will be a VICTORIOUS testimony of our Lord's mighty power.

"Please Lord, bring in the lost, the lonely, the angry and the hardest of criminals.Only you can soften their hearts and transform their lives.Come Lord Jesus, and do an awesome work this Saturday night in the prison."

Join me in giving thanks to God ahead of time, because we believe in the power of the cross... 

FOR MANY INMATES TO EXPERIENCE A NEW FUTURE, 

LIVING IN FAITH AND VICTORY!

"God WILL be rock'in the house!"

-Shug

Prison Makeover Series: "NEW LIFE!" Out With The Old... See The NEW!

BEFORE AND AFTER...  

Have you seen them? The before and after pictures are amazing! To see snapshots of people who have been transformed through a "makeover".  These snapshots enable us to see people who are born with deformities and then witness their restoration through reconstruction.

Are you ready? Restoration is a process and takes some initiation on our part. The first step to any authentic "makeover" is to make an appointment for a one-on-one consultation with the professional.

That is exactly what we did, we opened Isaiah 43:18-19 and listened to God's prescribed advice for us...

"Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past."

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Did you hear the strong voice of confidence that God resounds in these verses? "See, I am doing a new thing!"


Boy, is He ever! Our whole team witnessed the transformation. The women walked in looking downcast, tense and depressed... and what sprung up? A NEW woman in Christ!


Through God's own Words -  He transformed, uplifted and filled everyone with hope for a NEW life in 2012.


Awesome!




Love,
Shug

GOD'S GLORIOUS "MAKEOVER" PLAN FOR 2 0 1 2

Please join me in praying for the new prison series:

"A VICTORIOUS NEW YOU!" 

NEW LIFE (January 14, 2012)
•               Out With the Old, See the New! 

NEW LOVE (January 28, 2012)
•               Who Do You See When You Look At Me? 

NEW FUTURE (February 25, 2012)
•               Faith and Victory: Are You Wishing To Be Something You're Not?

Aim: For each person to set-aside time in 2012 to meet with Christ for a one-on-one consultation, allowing Him to "reconstruct" and "restore" them so they can begin to live a victorious life.

I'll keep you posted... This is going to be fun!

All For Christ 's Glory!

Shug

The Best Christmas Gift You Can Give Your... ? Is To Walk With The Lord!

What gift do you give your precious babies, your children and family when you are locked up in prison? 
Inmates only make a few cents a day while working in prison, that is if you are lucky enough to even have a job. Other inmates feel grave disappointment, depression and tendencies for suicide more than ever this time of year. Prison is not where any of them wanted to spend Christmas...

Christmas gifts are on the minds of incarcerated mothers, sister's, daughters and friends.  These women want to give something to those they love... but what?

I shared some "school-of-hard-knocks" wisdom with the women; that your family may never remember what you did on Christmas and what gifts you gave them...  but what will be forever ingrained in their memory is what your "attitude" was on Christmas.  What effects our attitude? Our faith walk with Jesus directly affects our attitude.

The best gift you can give your children, your family, yourself and your Savior... is to walk with the Lord.

Why? Because when you "verbally ask" Jesus into your life, wholeheartedly surrender (Romans 10:9) ... you become a new creation. The old has passed away; the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Who wouldn't want that? A fresh start, a new beginning... out with the old, in with the new!

Ask yourself, what is your attitude this Christmas? Are you praising God? Are you trusting in Him through all circumstances? Would others say you are a contagious Christian trusting God this Christmas? 

The challenge! I encouraged the women to begin by surrendering to Christ this Christmas. Surrendering their lives asking for forgiveness, seeking Christ for their hope and their salvation. If they seek the kingdom of God FIRST all these other things; their sentence, their appeal, their families, their worries... will fall into God's merciful hands. When you are walking with God, you become a blessing to others... You are blessed to be a blessing.

Let's start wrapping this gift! How do I begin? I handed out a list of the top ten ways they can begin to walk with the Lord, today, right now in prison.  Friends, I could feel the presence of the Spirit and their excitement as they left the service.

My hope is that their children and family will walk away from visitation... or peacefully fold up a hand-written letter and say:  

"Wow, even while in the middle of the chaos of prison, my Mom is praising God this Christmas!" I promise you, they will never forget the best Christmas gift ever... watching you walk with the Lord. 

My Christmas prayer for all who are inside and outside the walls:

Lord, 

 You have given us the greatest gift of all, our salvation. Where moths and rust cannot destroy this gift.

Where in the trenches of chaos, confusion and negativity - you can be found.  Your forgiveness, your peace, your mercy and your hope. There is no pit too deep, where you cannot be found. You are always with us, in us and living through us. You are a gentleman, patiently waiting to be invited into our lives.

May this treasured gift you've given us through Jesus Christ - pass on through us, to our children, our family and our friends, as well as to those we first thought were our enemies and many future generations.
Help us to act justly towards each other, to love mercy, and please show us how to walk humbly with you Lord.

In the precious name of Jesus...  God with us.

Merry Christmas!
Much love - Shug

"Are You One Of The 10% ?"

"What would make you shout for joy at the top of your lungs?"

Without hesitation the inmate's response was immediate: "I would be overwhelmed if my sentence was overturned!" "I would shout at the top of my lungs to be free from prison!" "I would shout for joy if my children were saved!" "I would cry with happiness to be free from my addictions!"

This Thanksgiving we shared with the women from Luke 17:11-19. Jesus heals the ten leper's... but only one came back to give praise to the Lord. Was Jesus hurt that only one returned? Wasn't His generous love was the same for all?

Each of us suffer from the leprosy of sin; it's deformity consumes us, we are helpless to heal ourselves and it makes us an outcast from God's presence. Only Jesus alone is able to heal us of this deadly disease in our lives... 

"Jesus, Master, have pity on us."

"When Jesus saw them, he said, Go..." 

As they went they were cleansed. 

All ten were healed, but only one came back to give thanks.

 "Are you one of the 10% who will turn back to Jesus to give thanks for your healing?"

Friends, it's not too late to begin right now... 

My prayer for you... is that you will rejoice and praise at the beautiful feet of Jesus!  I can hear the Spirit of Jesus lovingly say to each one of us...

"Rise up and go; your faith has made you well!" Luke 17:19

- Shug

Return and Be Restored With Dignity!

"Failure and disappointment plague us all... it is how we deal with it that sets us apart."

Was I disappointed that the women's prison shut-down the teaching topic "Does God Care About My Intimate Relationships - Within My Sex Life?" Absolutely!
I wasn't expecting to have the whole Relationship series cancelled, nor did I see it coming. All I know is that women today struggle daily with these issues. God's idea of love, sex, marriage, identity and relationships are completely screwed up in today's world. The church has not done a good job of reaching out with Christ's love to those who are incarcerated and struggling with these issues. These wounds go deep and need to be healed by God's grace. No matter how deep your pit of failure - Jesus' love goes deeper still.

The Godly counsel of others is imperative during times such as these. Prayers, scripture verses and encouragement was my comfort. I kept reminding myself as well as coaching our team, not to miss a moment to grow in faith and character during this trial. I had a close friend ask me; "Shug, don't you feel defeated?" "Actually I never felt defeated - just blindsided. God has a divine purpose for this trial and I don't want to miss it."

Was I about to have a firing range pointing at me from either side? 
On one side - were the prison officers looking for one wrong comment or move with the possibility of permanently canceling our church ministry? From the other - would the inmates be upset that the "Sex, Homosexuality and Marriage" talks that they personally requested were not going to be addressed? As a Christian, I desired to submit to God's authority and keep the peace at all costs.

"Our greatest glory consists of not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall." (O. Goldsmith)

We have an army of prison prayer warriors that were praying specifically for us and this ministry issue. Having faith in God's promises carries us through these tough times. Through prayers and God's leading a newly created topic was created: "RISE-UP and Be Restored With Dignity!" (Of course, God spoke deeply to me while preparing this message.)


I was restored and ready in Christ and as soon as I entered the prison things seemed to be different. Had I entered the right prison? This did not seem like the same prison where the officers abruptly cancelled our sex talk mid-stream (and proceeded to write up seven offenses  for our ministry). There was not one officer, not one objection and not one disruption. The dark veil of oppression was gone. I could not believe the calm and peace that permeated the room. 

Had the pressure lifted because Satan left the prison in temporary victory  OR  had our Savior gone before us to calm the turbulent waters? I rest in this promise...

"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed... the Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.  To Him be glory forever and ever!   2 Timothy 4:17

Shug

How To Return and Be Restored After Disappointment?

Friends, are we surprised Satan has asked permission to sift us like wheat? God wants to strengthen us and deepen our faith. Don't drown in disappointment and miss the opportunity for God to deepen your faith and build your character. God uses persecution to promote the church.

• In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for Himself for God's will to be done. I believe most likely, Jesus also prayed for Peter's upcoming failures. (Matthew 26)
• Jesus then restored Peter to Himself and His ministry. (John 21:15-25)
• Peter went on to become the "Rock" on which Christ built the Church. (Matthew 16:18)

"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." (Romans 8:33-34) 

So, what are you waiting for? Will you allow Jesus to restore you to Himself and His ministry?

Immediately, carve out time to be alone with God, bow on your knees and get busy.

Just like He did with Peter, Jesus will restore you to Himself and build up your prison ministry.

No matter what the disappointment or failure... return and be restored my friend, for you are on the edge of something great for God!

Restored and Ready In Christ,

Shug

Will I Be "Fluid" In Failure and Disappointments?

Fluid! That's what I need to be when serving in prison ministry.
Flexibility is too rigid!


Am I prepared to be fluid when... 


... I never know how many inmates will attend? 
... someone blurts out an unrelated question in the middle an important point? 
... abruptly, church stops for a recount in the prison. 
... unexpectedly, the message causes a prison disturbance and gets shut down? 



To be fluid... means being bathed in prayer, trusting in the Holy Spirit's leading and learning from the ups and downs of serving on the front lines. Please don't be permanently discouraged when things seem like a failure. The root of the problem could be from a variety of things:

1. The enemies persecution 
2. Prison protocol (I'm learning to trust it.) or...
3. It could be YOU!

If it is the latter, don't flee, turn away from God and become discouraged... pick yourself back up by returning to Christ in repentance and restoration. Repentance is a privilege and always draws us in close intimacy with God.

In my case, the Intimate Relationship Series has been suspended and the upcoming Homosexuality message is discontinued because of inmate disruption and safety. It's a challenge to be "fluid"... in disappointment and feelings of failure. This is a portion of the prayer I prayed this week:

"Father, soften my heart to be moldable in your hands as I learn to be fluid in disappointments. 
Have mercy on me.

...restore unto me the joy of your salvation and uphold me in your free Spirit
I love you Lord.. may your will be done not mine.

In the powerful name of Jesus I pray."
Amen

"Does God Care About My Intimate Relationships: Within My Sex Life?"

Prison inmates filled the room! "Is the church really going to talk about this?" 
We need to because sex is... powerful, wonderful, natural, dangerous, fun, healthy, steamy, stressful, risky, confusing and abused.


Does God care about my Sex life? God cares 100% about your sex life.
In fact... God created it, God encourages it, God writes about it, God knows it, God respects it, God can redeem it, God can restore it... 



God is relational - look at the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. - uniquely individual yet "one". How creative of God to put a deep longing and desire in us to seek Him in a relationship. God then mirrors that "oneness" in sex within the protection of the covenant of marriage; husband, wife and Holy Spirit - uniquely individual - yet "one"... The power of one flesh!

On one hand it is mind-bloggling, on the other, "How awesome God!"
Should we be surprised that Satan uses the God-given beauty of sex to distort and pervert what mirrors the Trinity of God?

"For it says; The two will become one flesh. But anyone joined to the Lord is one with Spirit with Him." 
1 Corinthians 6:16-17

"What happened in the prison service?"

The "Sex" talk was full of laughter for the inmates and revelation of God's "oneness". It was filled with all female inmates (and more officers than usual) anticipating this hot topic. 

We were shut down! The service was going great - scripture was shared (Genesis 1-2 and 1 Corinthians 6), balanced with God's truth and tons of laughter... when all of a sudden... we were cut short 3/4 of the way through by the prison officers. They stopped the service and told the inmates to line up and leave with no explanation. Later, we asked why we were shut down. The officers told us that they suspected women passing (possible contraband) items in the back row. 

I wish you could have seen it... in the cold dark parking lot our team was not defeated, but instead persevered in lifting up worship and praise for an awesome evening!  


No doubt, God is transforming hearts with His truth and Satan is trying to stop it. 

I am confident that the officers were doing what was necessary and right. Prison is a culture of it's own and we need to respect that. 

The next talk on Saturday, November 12 is on Homosexuality. I handed out index cards for the women to write down their questions regarding this topic. This is is their church and it enables me to add Biblical answers to their questions during the service. 

There is a lot of judgement and rejection amongst the inmates and the church regarding homosexuality. I feel the church has not done a good job of showing the love of Christ to incarcerated women struggling with same sex attraction. Let's keep the communication open, reaching out to everyone right where they are. As a church we urgently need to teach truth with loving kindness. I encouraged the inmates to invite friends and attend November 12th with an open mind and heart. 

Will you please pray for our team and the November 12th topic on Homosexuality? 


Isn't it exciting to be on the front lines for Christ!


Shug

Does God Care About My Intimate Relationships: With My Rebellious Children?

Hardwired! Prison inmates are not the only people "hardwired by God" to connect with others. God created all of us to be relational, first in a loving relationship with Him and then in loving relationships with others.

I asked the inmates a simple question and I was surprised at the response: "Have you ever rebelled against your parents or God? Surprisingly, maybe 60% raised their hand...where are the other 40%? I had to look around the room and remind myself I was speaking in prison!

Have I turned a blind eye to my own rebellion?

What a different world this would be if we all were to survey ourselves against what is right in God's eyes. I encouraged the majority of mothers (including myself) to actively demonstrate a teachable heart to their own children.

"Jesus, please show me where I am rebelling against your lavish love?"  

Christian author Josh McDowell struggled years with this and then the light bulb went off... Here is his reasoning:

The rebellious behavior you see is the tip of the iceberg. There is a whole lot more going on beneath the surface. Think about it... our relationships lead to beliefs, our beliefs form our values and our values drive our behavior (rebellion). We only see the behavior. However, what is below the surface originates with our relationships. 

Psalm 26:3 
For I am constantly aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. Build your relationships in God's truth.

"How do I build a relationship with my children from prison?"

It is not too late! We discussed ways to parent from prison? How to teach God's truth by living it out in their own lives? How to make their child feel special? How restore and rebuild broken relationships? Humbly, we began this new journey in prayer. Asking God to "hard-wire us" in an intimate relationship with Him.

You could feel the spirit's power, as the inmates ended the service by lifting up over 90 scripture verses in prayer. These beautiful women earnestly prayed to break the strongholds of rebellion in their own lives and in the lives of their children.

Isaiah 30:21
Whether you walk to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way, walk in it."

Powerful! You could feel the Holy Spirit melting away the strongholds from praying scripture.

Shug

Does God Care About My Intimate Relationships With My Dysfunctional Family? (Abusive Parents)

Did you feel the explosion of stronghold's in prison?

As part of the "Intimate Relationship Series", the church service message at the women's prison was about Dysfunctional Families - more specifically "Abusive Parents". 

Three types of people were listening:

1.             Victims of abuse - hurting and lonely from their dysfunctional past.

2.             Abusers themselves - they verbally and/or physically abuse their children and others . (Some women are in for physical abuse/murder/offenses toward others.)

3.             Both - they have been mentally or physically abused and now they pass this on (perhaps unknowingly) to others.

God did not begin this message from the depths of darkness and despair... He did not want us to linger in the past. But we took off from the launchpad of God's healing power. 

"DYSFUNCTIONAL" PASTS CAN HAVE A "DYNAMITE" FUTURE IN CHRIST!

Are you tired of the blame game? Blaming your parents and your past for where you are today? 
What are there strongholds that are holding you back from God's best for your life?

We have two sticks of dynamite to demolish strongholds: 

GOD'S WORD AND PRAYER*

"In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry." Jonah 2:2

Could you hear the explosion of lifelong strongholds as they were being demolished through prayer? Awesome! 

Isn't it time you allow God to heal your past so he can open up dynamite future?

How do you explode into a bright future?

• Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life. (He is a gentleman and waits for you to invite him into your life.) 
• Confess your sins and receive His healing power. 
• Surrender to God's life-changing power.
• Take a moment and close your eyes... now imagine the stronghold that is a barrier between you and God... Take hold of the dynamite: grab a few bible verses and then pray them up through Christ's power. 
• Stand firm and believe that God will explode that stronghold and give you a new, fresh beginning in Jesus Christ. 

Prayerfully yours,
Shug

Please pray for our next prison "hot" topic: (See complete schedule below.)
Does God Care About My Intimate Relationships With My Dysfunctional Family: Rebellious Children?

*Praying God's Word-Beth Moore

Women's Prison Ministry: "Does God Care About My Intimate Relationships... With Him?"

If God created us for intimate relationships with others - where did we go wrong?
Have you been failing time and time again in relationships hoping next time it will work? Are you frustrated and need a new direction?

You matter to God!  

Last week we began our new prison series on "intimate relationships". We began by realigning our compasses so they all point in the right direction. All of our relationships should originate with God.

1. It's natural - God created us for intimate relationships.
2. It's simple - You matter to God.
3. It takes two - Your response to His lavish love.

How much does God love you?
"God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in Him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust Him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it." John 3:16-18 (Message)

Friends, we complicate things when it really is so simple.

You were made... by God.

For a relationship... with God.
All other relationships start from this direction.

Did the inmates get it? It was energizing! The room was packed - friends inviting friends, others were new arrivals to the prison - ready to begin this journey together. All are glued to the hot topic of intimate relationships.

Jesus can be trusted!

My friends please stay tuned... 

For the next two Saturday's our HOT topic is: "Does God Care About My Intimate Relationships... With My Dysfunctional Family?" Part 1: Abusive Parents

All For His Glory!

Shug

Women's Prison Series: Does God Care About My Intimate Relationships?

Hollywood! E news! Inquiring minds want to know? 

Fresh off the press! A newly created series on intimate relationships. This topic was requested by the inmates so I will post my thoughts and feedback regarding this HOT topic.

Relationship Series:   DOES GOD CARE ABOUT MY INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS

August 27                             ... With Him

September 10                        ... With My Dysfunctional Family - Abusive Parents

September 24                        ... With My Dysfunctional Family - Rebellious Children
October 8                                  (Guest Speaker)

REMAINDER OF SERIES - CANCELLED - 10/11 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE BY PRISON STAFF.

October 22                            ... Within My Sex Life 
November 12                        ... Within Homosexuality

November 26                        ... Within My Marriage –Why Bother Getting Married? (Living Together, Abortion, Marriage, Adultery, Divorce)

                                                                                              

Please pray for boldness in truth and love. Stay tuned... May God's will be done... not mine.

Shug

Student Driver? We Cannot Be In Authority Until We Can Submit To Authority!

I love speed! Exhausted from fast-paced, week long bicycling trip, I began speeding my car home dreading the four hours of asphalt ahead of me. To pass the time, I popped in a Christian speaker on CD. She was talking about obeying God in all areas of our lives. The obvious thing to do of course, was to think about my own life.

O.K. Shug - whose authority are you under? God's, my husband's, the government's?

Glancing over to the side of the road, I noticed a speed limit sign. It's funny, how I can be saved but my right foot is slow to follow? All I had to do was to look at the speedometer - I was speeding vigorously 10+ miles over the speed limit (at least that's all I'm willing to admit) blatantly disrespecting the government God has put in place.

At that moment, God convicted my heart in a big way, to be a Christ follower He wants our wholehearted obedience. So, I immediately did the following three things:

1. Stopped: I stopped speeding and brought it down to the legal limit (not a one mile over). Then I set my cruise control for the rest of the 4 hour trip. 
2. Surrendered: I surrendered my pride. Yes, speeding is pride - pride in ignoring the law and doing my own thing. Surrendering as the other drivers stared me down, speeding around my vehicle shaking their heads.
3. Surroundings: I made a point of becoming fully aware of the authority in my daily surroundings. I then began obeying the authority God has put in my life - all to glorify Him.

WE CANNOT BE IN AUTHORITY UNTIL WE CAN SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY!

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Romans 13:1-2

To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations. Rev 2:26

Friends, may I challenge you? Are you are frustrated in your ministry leadership? Do you have the desire but you are waiting for the opportunity to use your leadership gifts? Maybe, your hope is to lead a ministry team into a Women's Prison?

• Begin by asking God a simple question. "Lord, where am I failing to obey the authority you have put in my life? Please reveal it to me so I can submit out of reverence for you."

It is in submitting to God that we become strong. And it is in following Him we learn to lead. 

At times we may feel like we have a sign on our rear end that says: "Student Driver".  For those of you who stare at me while passing by, I have learned to put a smile on my face and joyfully wave while proclaiming:

"Student Driver: I'm in training... submitting to God's authority".


Shug

Inmates Become "The Church" In Prison

It would be standing room only with a line out the door... if church were illegal or forbidden in this country. 

Recently, the inmates in Minnesota's Correctional Facilities felt this deprivation when the State Government shut down and closed all of it's religious programming. For weeks the inmates abruptly lost all contact with volunteers and outside church organizations. 

Did they feel forgotten? I often found myself thinking of them wondering how they are doing. The day finally arrived and the government was up and running. Eager to start our service, we began with praise music followed by personal testimonies from the inmates. My curiosity was killing me and I couldn't wait to hear what they were experiencing while they were in isolation.

• "You take it for granted when church is always available. Thank you so much for coming." 
• "I was so happy you were all back, no question I had to come." 
• "I never realized how much I desperately depend on and need church while I'm in prison." 

What the women discovered was... 

• "At first it was weird spending time alone without church. But then I realized it depends on me to come to Him and I grew even closer to God because of it."
• "I realized I am never alone, God is here with me all along."
• "I drew even closer to God when I realized I had to take the initiative to praise God and open the Bible myself."
• "Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him - we are so glad you're back so we can worship all together again."

You could feel the presence of God's Spirit. Many women accepted Jesus Christ for the first time as their personal Savior. Several others joined in recommitting again their lives to Him.

It is so cool when the lightbulb goes off and we discover - WE ARE THE CHURCH. 

It is NOT a program, a building or sermon.  It is NOT a bunch of rules, regulations or legalism. 

The church is a body of believers in Jesus Christ who support one another in faith. Who laugh together, cry together and love one other unconditionally - just like Christ first loved us - all because he first loved us... 

My prayer is that there is standing room only... as we line up out the door...gathering to praise Jesus Christ.

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some others are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25

All for His Glory!
Shug