Why I Serve Those In Jail and Prison
I want to instill in you the confidence that our Father gives you all you need, especially after you are released. Your confidence will be reinforced through your consistent discipleship after reentry (Lk 17:6).
- Jesus repeats the word “all” 4x in the following command. I want to emphasize this totality to you. God loves you already, and your trust in God grows as the Holy Spirit sheds His love in us (Rom 5:5). Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit all love you (Jude :21; 2Thes 3:5; Zeph 3:17; Ps 116:7; 131:2; 143:8; 1Jn 4:10; Eph 4:2).
“And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mk 12:30)
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…” (1Jn 4:18)
- God declared Himself as the Great I AM. God’s names convey His character. He has many names, which reinforce God’s commitment to you. I desire to teach theology with a warmth and practicality. (Phil 3:10; Matt 11:28-30)
- When seek God first, your needs will be met. Matt 6:33 is simple, but life can be distracting. Jesus cautions us not to worry 4x (Matt 6:25,28,31,34).
Jesus questioned the disciples’ faith and fear – you of little faith (Matt 6:30;8:26-27;14:31;16:8;Mk 4:40;6:50;Lk 5:8;8:25;12:28;Jn 6:20)
Jesus was gentle in His discipleship. You and I are no different – we need gentle encouragement. I want to be involved with you either through prayer or direct discipleship before and after reentry.
- The prayer acronym. ACTS, MD is helpful to keep you focused on your need for God — Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication, Meditation (let God love you) and Direction (follow Jesus with purpose). Personal prayer leads to intimacy with God and reveals God’s direction for you.
- I want to emphasize to you that God will answer your prayer. Three times on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus promised answered prayer. You can have this same confidence now and after you reenter. (Jn 14:13; 15:7; 16:24)
- I want to encourage you to worship the LORD – until you are released, you can worship Jesus where you are. When you are released, you will have more opportunities to worship the Lord and to walk worthy of Him.
“when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (Jn 4:23)
I hope this helps you to believe that God is for you. We all need God’s power, protection, encouragement, support, and comfort. But my heart is especially concerned for you when you reenter the community. You may lack human protection, encouragement, support, and comfort. But you need to know that Your Father is with you and will provide for you. Mulberry Tree Ministries and the local churches can help.