Keep Looking Up!: Gleanings from Thirty-Plus Years of Prison Ministry

By Leland Maples

When I walked into the Big Spring Federal Prison Camp over thirty years ago, I had no idea that God was going to change everything about my life. I had no burden for inmates. I was only going to teach a Bible class in prison because I could not get out of it. For six years, I drove 120 miles round-trip every Friday night for that class. The last two years of the six, we drove back over on Saturday afternoon after visitation to work with the families. It was during this time that the prison system began to expand at a rapid pace. When we started into the prison in Big Spring, it was the only prison west of Fort Worth in the entire state (now we have about forty). Men with vision like Don Gibson and Emmett Solomon were busy putting people and programs in place to meet the spiritual need of the largest prison system in the free world. Linda and I were the greenest of all the volunteers. Thank God the good ones took us under their wings and taught us.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504921633

Leland Maples

Leland and Linda Maples live in Odessa, Texas, and have for many years. Leland is a graduate of Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. Leland is the Executive Director of LOOPS (Loved Ones of Prisoners.) Beginning in 1985, Leland, and his wife Linda, have conducted faith based programs in most West Texas prisons and some as far away as McNeil Island, Washington. He has received Outstanding Service Awards from the Chaplaincy Department of the Odessa Police and the Texas Department of Parole. Leland received the President’s Award from the Odessa Chamber of Commerce while serving as their sports committee chairman. LOOPS has been honored by the Texas Corrections Association for their “Day With Dad” program for prison inmates and their elementary school age children; by the Texas Baptists for their Good Samaritan Award and the Governor’s Award for Family Programs. Leland conducts weekly “spirituality programs” at Turning Point, Men’s Clover House on Jackson Street, Ladies Clover House on Dixie and the Clover House relapse facility on Idlewood. He also teaches a weekly class at the parole office and serves as a chaplain at the Ector County Jail in addition to teaching a Sunday School class at his church. LOOPS began and conducts the REC-Room (Re-Entry Chapel) each Thursday night. Linda Maples works in the LOOPS office assisting with the publication of the monthly LOOPS newsletter, Reflections. She also helps organize the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas program for local children whose parent(s) are incarcerated.

Book preview

© 2015 Leland Maples. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   11/04/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-2034-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-2163-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015910765

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

All scripture references are from The Holy Bible, King James Version.

CONTENTS

A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART

A MOUTHFUL OF GRAVEL

A TIME TO GROW

ALL BECAUSE OF HIM

ALL OR NOTHING

ALL SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS

AMAZING GRACE

AMBASSADORS IN BONDS

AN AMAZING TIME

AN AMBASSADOR

ANGEL TREE PROGRAM

ANOTHER WARRIOR GRADUATED

ANY OLD JESUS WON’T DO!

ARE YOU BEING SIFTED?

ARE YOU WALKING THE WALK?

ASLEEP IN THE PULPIT

AT THE RIGHT TIME – AT THE RIGHT PLACE

BEING POPULAR

BEWARE…

BEWARE OF SHEEP

BIBLE PRAISE AND WORSHIP

BRINGING BACK THE KING

BY EVERY WORD…

CALL IT WHAT IT IS

CALLING EVIL GOOD

CHANGING THE WORLD

CHRIST IS ALL

CHRISTIANS AND CARNIES

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS 2014

CHRIST’S PRESENCE AND ABSENCE

CHURCHES…THEY ARE A’ CHANGING

COME OUT

COMPROMISE

CONTEMPORARY SERVICES

CON-VENTION

DAVID’S NEW CART

DEFINE THE TERMS

DO I HAVE BIBLE FAITH?

DO WE NEED CHANGE OR CHRIST?

DO YOU KNOW JESUS? DOES JESUS KNOW YOU?

DO YOU WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

DON’T RE-INVENT THE WHEEL!

DUMBING DOWN OF OUR KIDS

EASTER

ELIJAH’S WINS

ETERNAL SECURITY

EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

EVOLUTION

FACING DEATH

FAMINE

FEEDING THE WRONG MAN

FILTHINESS OF THE FLESH AND SPIRIT

FINGER-BOWL CHRISTIANITY

FIRST THINGS FIRST

FOOLS

FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER

FRET NOT THYSELF

GAY PRIDE

GET RID OF JESUS

GETTING INTO THE HABIT

GIVE THANKS

GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD

GIVING THANKS

GOD IS NOT SLACK

GOD’S GIFT

GOD’S LOVE

GOD’S WORD OR NOT

GOD’S WORD… STILL TRUE!

GOD’S ZERO TOLERANCE

HAVE YOU OFFERED THANKS?

HE DID IT ALL!

HE HAD IT ALL…

HE LEADS US THROUGH (NOT INTO)

HE NEVER STOPS

HE SATISFIES ALL

HEALING

HE’S COMING!

HOW APOSTASY STARTS

HOW MUCH DO WE CARE?

IF THE TRUTH HURTS

I’M NOT WHAT I USED TO BE

INVENTIONS

IS HE GOD OR NOT?

IS IT HARD TO UNDERSTAND OR JUST HARD TO OBEY?

IS IT THE TALK OR THE WALK?

IS JESUS CHRIST THE SAVIOUR?

IS MAN BASICALLY GOOD?

IT IS NOT THE MONEY

IT IS SO SIMPLE

IT MIGHT BE WORTH A TRY

IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK

IT’S IN THE BOOK

IT’S YOUR CHOICE

JAIL HOUSE CONVERSIONS

JESUS STILL SAVES

JOY UNSPEAKABLE

JUST ONE WORD

KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE

KEEP LOOKING UP!

KNOWING THE TRUTH

KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH

LABORERS IN HIS HARVEST

LET’S CHANGE IT

LET’S SHIRK WORK

LOOK UP

LOOPS SERVICES

LOSING THE CHURCHES

LOT’S TESTIMONY

MAKING PLANS FOR ETERNITY

MEMORIES AND THE WORD

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MESSIANIC JEWS

MINISTRY IS EXCITING!

MISPLACEMENT OF LOVE

MONEY MAKERS

MORE THAN A CONVENTION…

MORE THOUGHTS ON SUFFERING

MOTIVE- REAL OR FAKE

MUCH MORE

NAME CHANGING CHURCHES

NAME DROPPING

NEW BIRTH

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

NO END

NO LOOKING BACK

NON-CHANGING GOD

NOTHING NEW

ON TOP OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES

ONE DAY CLOSER

ONE DAY WE’LL UNDERSTAND

OUR CON-VENTION

PAUL AND BARNABAS SPLIT

PAUL VS. MODERN CHURCH

PEOPLE BUSINESS

PHILIPPIAN JAILER

PRIDE GOETH BEFORE DESTRUCTION

PRISON MISSION FIELD

PRODIGAL SON

PUTTING CHRIST FIRST

REINVENTING THE WHEEL

RELIGIOUS SURVEY

REMIND ME OF FORGIVENESS AGAIN

REVERSING COMMANDMENTS

SALVATION IS SENT TO THE GENTILES

SAUL AND DAVID

SAVIOUR WITH AN I O U

SELF-CONFINDENCE OR SAVIOUR CONFIDENCE?

SERVANT OR NOT?

SERVANTS OR SLAVES?

SIMPLICITY IN CHRIST

SIN KEEPS RAGING

SIN REMAINS SIN

SOUL WINNING

SOWING IN GOOD GROUND

STARTING OVER

STAYING FOCUSED

STRONG DELUSION

SUFFERING

SUICIDE

TEENAGE TERROR OR TORNADOES

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS!

THANKSGIVING

THANKSGIVING 2013

THE ANGEL TREE PARTY

THE CHURCH IN DISGUISE

THE DOOR IS OPEN- COME IN

THE FIVE FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH

THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL

THE GOSPEL AND RESURRECTION

THE GOSPEL AT CHRISTMAS

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD

THE LOVE OF MONEY

THE MAKING OF LOOPS

THE MYSTERY

THE NEED FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF SIN

THE ONLY THING NEW

THE REASON FOR LOOKING UP!

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

THE SAME MESSAGE

THE STING OF DEATH

THE WAR ON DRUGS

THERE AIN’T NO EASY RUN!

THINGS GET WORSE

THIS THING CALLED LOVE

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

TOTAL DEPRAVITY

TRIBUTE TO JOE BELL

TRYING TO REINVENT THE WHEEL

TWICE LOST

TWIN TOWERS

TWO SPOTS THAT GET DIRTY

WE KNOW IT’S COMING

WE LOST A FRIEND

WE MIGHT NEED TO RE-FOCUS

WE STILL CALL HIM COACH

WELCOME BACK

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT?

WHAT FRIENDS I’VE HAD!

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVE?

WHAT LOVE IS THIS?

WHAT MAN NEEDS

WHAT THE LAW COULD NOT DO

WHAT THINK YE OF CHRIST?

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO___________?

WHEN GOD WAITED

WHERE TO?

WHO DID THE WORK?

WHO DO MEN SAY THAT I AM?

WHY CHRISTIANS FAIL

WINDING DOWN

YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN

YEAR-END CLOSING

YOUTH MOVEMENT

ENDORSEMENTS

As I go back almost 30 odd years, I recall what Keep Looking Up! has meant to not only me but our entire family. Leland Maples has been not only my mentor but was sent to minister to me in my and my family’s most burdensome times. The Lord put him in our lives and we are forever grateful. I pray these writings are a blessing to all who read them as they have been to me. Our family cannot express the love we have for Leland, Linda and LOOPS, as it put us on a path that we continue to serve others today by their example.

C. E. Vaughan

President

Equify Auctions, LLC

Wills Point, TX 75169

This old sinful world is a better place because Leland Maples has finally taken time and trouble to round up some of his most memorable sermons, and to offer them in a premier book. Leland always handles God’s Word with great reverence and humble dignity, as he encourages the reader to discern right and wrong in making every-day decisions. The great preacher of yesteryear in London, England is rightfully referred to as The Prince of Preachers. If that be true, then Leland Maples should rank, at least, as a Duke, among other contemporary men of the cloth. Both men preach with conviction, directness and love for others, while calling sin what it really is and taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will receive it. Leland’s years of service with prisoners and their families gives the reader a unique perspective into the lives of that expanding sector of American society. Get a copy of Keep Looking Up! Read it and share its encouraging message with others.

Vernon Gilbert

Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus

Aprotex Corporation

Co-Founder and Chairman

Gilbertex Foundation, Inc.

I love fresh watermelons and garden grown tomatoes. I also love Leland and Linda Maples. I know him to be a man of God. If the Apostle Paul were alive today, he would look a lot like Leland Maples. He would teach like Leland and write with the same passion. In a time when mega churches have turned into entertainment centers, Leland has remained true to God’s Word. His Keep Looking Up! series is a mini-treasure that is filled with the blessings of the Holy Spirit.

Jack White

Official Texas State Artist

My longtime friend and a partner in Restorative Justice Ministry has inspired many by his monthly columns of Keep Looking Up! Keep Looking Up! gives you a solid Biblical perspective of why we Keep Looking Up! It encourages and motivates us to stay focused on what God’s Word says.

Leland and Linda Maples in their ministry have helped hundreds of ex-offenders and their families stay in the Bible study, stay disciplined and kept looking up.

One day they will stand before our Lord and King Jesus Christ and be rewarded. Jesus could say, Well done, Leland and Linda. You kept people looking up." Amen!

Don Gibson

Executive Director

Texas Baptist Men

I am pleased to offer this reference for Leland Maples, my friend and teammate from our college days at Howard Payne University.

Maples is a special person. He could have chosen many other professions to pursue…and been successful in any choice he made. But his choice was to bring God’s words to prisoners. To that end he has dedicated his whole being to those souls and their families in our prisons… a prison ministry administered through the LOOPS program.

In summary, Maples has always been a winner playing on a winning team…and he still is!

Jack Cromartie

Former President

Community Foundation of Greater Greenville, South Carolina

Leland Maples is a gifted thinker and writer. With laser-like precision, he approaches key issues within the Christian community, then with a physician’s skill, he dissects those issues and challenges every reader to choose between basic biblical principles or the modern day philosophy of man. I urgently encourage you to read the thoughtfully presented articles found in this book. They are life changing.

Derek McCammon

McCammon and Associcates, Oklahoma City, OK

President, LOOPS, Inc.

Keep Looking Up! is a wonderful, befitting recognition of Leland Maples’ writings. God has given him such a talent to read His Word, then interpret and relate it in life in an applicable way. Leland’s legacy will not be established through any book, but by the hundreds of lives that he has touched in a powerful, spiritual and positive way. I have been blessed to witness Leland’s transformation into this effective and affective righteous man whom I consider a great friend.

Vearl McDaniel, Ph.D.

McDaniel Oil Company

My association with Leland Maples began in the 1970s when we shared the same teaching mentor, Dr. C. E. McLain. As a founding member of LOOPS I have worked regularly with Leland since 1989. Faithful and steadfast are the best words to describe Leland’s dedication to Christ Jesus and the Word of God.

Leland possesses the God given ability to present scripture in a practical and life changing manner. The Word truly comes alive with his everyday practical applications which can touch every heart. I have read many good newsletters on a regular basis over the years, but I truly look forward with anticipation to receiving the Keep Looking Up! column in the LOOPS monthly newsletter. A compilation of Keep Looking Up! messages will be a treasure for any sincere believer.

Clark Curry

President, Curry Insurance

Edmond, Oklahoma

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The greatest asset in my life has been people, good friends. There are so many ex-inmates, prison chaplains, Christian volunteers, board members and pastors (4) who have aided us, encouraged us and supported us.

Clark Curry and Joe Russell (deceased) did the paperwork and paid for incorporating LOOPS as a 501c3 non-profit corporation. Clark served as our president for many years and is still active on our board. Jerry Scott, counselor at the Big Spring Federal Prison Camp who got us involved in the ministry. Those inmates that were a part of the Bible class in Big Spring. I am forever indebted to them. I was supposed to be their teacher, but they taught me. They debated, they challenged, and they made me study just to keep up. I made friends with some of the best Christians I ever knew. I met them at their lowest time, yet they encouraged me. I could write a book on the unforgettable men I met there.

Don Gibson, Texas Baptist Men, who gave us tremendous opportunities for ministry. The volunteers who traveled all over West Texas, from Dalhart to below Houston, at their own expense, to minister to prison inmates. The volunteers who worked hard every Christmas for Angel Tree. The pastors in Odessa and Midland who helped provide a great Christmas for children of prison inmates. Last, but not least, is the multitude of contributors who have given, some sacrificially, to help underwrite the cost of this ministry.

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to my wife, Linda. None of this could be done without her. When she started going into prison with me is when our ministry really began. She hugged the guys from the moment she walked in. She never had fear. They trusted her and asked her to talk with their wives or mothers. We made another trip back to Big Spring on Saturday after visitation so she could do just that. She is responsible for our name; LOOPS (Loved Ones Of PrisonerS.)

She spent birthdays and anniversaries in prisons. I ran her all over West Texas when she didn’t feel like traveling (she has had seven back surgeries.) I would schedule seminars when we didn’t have the funds. I don’t have a minister’s heart or mouth, so she often had the job of smoothing out some rough edges I left. She has loved me through it all. Outside of Jesus Christ, she is next best thing to happen to me.

INTRODUCTION

When I walked into the Big Spring Federal Prison Camp over 30 years ago, I had no idea that God was going to change everything about my life. I had no burden for inmates…I was only going to teach a Bible class in prison because I could not get out of it. For six years I drove 120 miles round trip every Friday night for that class. The last two years of the six we drove back over on Saturday afternoon after visitation to work with the families. It was during this time that the prison system began to expand at a rapid pace. When we started into the prison in Big Spring, it was the only prison west of Fort Worth in the entire state (now we have about 40.) Men with vision like Don Gibson and Emmett Solomon were busy putting people and programs in place to meet the spiritual need of the largest prison system in the free world. Linda and I were the greenest of all the volunteers. Thank God the good ones took us under their wings and taught us.

Chaplains taught us, other ministries taught us, families with needs taught us. We traveled the from Dalhart to below Houston. We met some of the greatest people in the world. We still communicate with guys who were in our first Bible classes in Big Spring in 1985-1991. We stay in touch with the counselor who opened the door for prison ministry, then pushed us through it, in 1985. We have become close friends with many of the families and watched them grow in the Lord. Others have gone back to the world, repeat the same mistakes and suffer the same heartaches. We have met some great chaplains, men who obviously were called by God to do what they were doing, men who sacrificed this world’s goods to minister unto the off scouring of the world.

We found some helpful ministries that were willing to share what they had learned. They were not afraid we would rob them of their donors or of their material. They were not jealous or selfish. They taught us that you could not give enough. They taught us to depend upon God, not a mailing list of donors or money raising letters. 24 years ago I quit my secular job and God has supplied our needs without fund-raisers, pleas for money or merchandising the gospel.

We do not apologize for being Bible based. If anything, we may need to apologize for not being more Bible based. We want to never compromise the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our bottom line has not been the amount of money we were receiving or how well we were received by inmates and prison officials. Our litmus test was (and is) Are people being saved?

Over the years our ministry slowly changed from in prison seminars to aftercare. The term aftercare is not really good, but we start at the jail doing chaplaincy work. We do weekly classes in drug and alcohol treatment centers. We do weekly classes for those coming out of SAFP (Substance Abuse Felony Punishment) and IPTC (In Prison Therapeutic Community.) We have weekly classes at the parole office. Every week we sponsor what we call the REC-Room (Re-Entry Chapel.) It is a meeting that emphasizes the spiritual, and also practical side of being on parole or probation. We attempt to help with job searches, additional vocational training, eye sight and dental problems and a bicycle program for those who are not allowed to drive or cannot afford a car. We have a REC Room Assistance Fund to help people. We do not pass a plate, but we have a box for anyone who wants to give. None of the money is used for refreshments; it is used to help people. We offer good gospel music, refreshments and a Bible message. We have had to move twice into bigger buildings. God has blessed us with good crowds. We are seeing ex-inmates and their families getting into local churches and becoming successful citizens.

We want to see these men and women grow as Jesus grew:

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52

What we have learned over the years is that sobriety without salvation is worthless. Success in society without salvation is useless. Anything we can do to help the criminal justice situation in our city, county, state and nation, will have no lasting effect unless accompanied by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are confronted by all the do-gooders on both sides of the criminal justice issue. There are those who swear that more treatment will improve the crime rate. I am sure it won’t hurt it, but having dealt with individuals who have been in SAFP twice, IPTC once and are sitting in a relapse facility today, I am not seeing more improvement. You can change the laws and get the same results. Today, amounts of a controlled substance that used to bring a long prison sentence are now a misdemeanor and cannot bring a prison sentence at all. Did any of these things improve the individual? As everyone knows, the boom in prison population in America is commensurate with illegal drug traffic. Harsher and longer sentences were going to solve this, but they didn’t. Our drug and alcohol laws are totally inequitable. They are much stricter for the person who takes drugs than one who drinks, yet the deaths involving drinking far exceed those caused by drug users. I am not advocating one or the other, but I am advocating some equality. We hear the cries of those who say You cannot legalize morals, yet no one has opted to do away with penalties for thefts, murder, child abuse, etc.

When we speak of crime rates going down, are we saying that less crime is being committed or the laws have changed so that some things are not a crime anymore?

As someone once said, Figures don’t lie, but all liars figure!

We are back to the salvation question:

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36

If I help a person stay out of prison, get a great job, drive the best automobile, marry the finest lady in town and elevate himself back into society, yet do not tell him the story of Jesus and His love, I am that person’s worst enemy!

A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART

David has always been one of my favorite characters in the Bible. David was, at times, a hero and at other times a bum! He could be so spiritual and yet so carnal. He sings God’s praises and makes threats that we won’t read from the pulpit! Sometimes he is such a fighter and sometimes he is such a coward. His life before His Lord was really one of contradictions. Maybe David’s greatest attribute was his honesty before God.

I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice out of His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears. 2 Samuel 22:4-7

This is part of David’s song that he penned the day God delivered him from Saul and his enemies. David put the praise upon God, not himself. Let us look at these few verses and itemize some things that David considered on his day of victory:

1. David realizes that his deliverance is due to God’s grace and not his military ability or his spiritual dedication.

2. David knew that he had enemies, therefore he could not let up.

3. David recognized how close he had been to death. Death was real to David, ever present; therefore he knew to be more dependent upon God’s mercy.

4. David knew about living in fear. He was smart enough to be afraid. His enemies were those who embraced ungodliness. Today we too often try to embrace the ungodly as if they are our friends.

5. David accepted the fact of hell. He knew it was a place of sorrow, and the fact of it affected his everyday life.

6. David didn’t wait until everything was alright before he called upon God. He could have cared less if someone accused him of using God or religion as a crutch! He knew when he was in trouble and he wanted God’s help, regardless of his friends or enemies opinion about it.

7. David also believed that God would hear him and help him. One reason David believed that God would hear and help was because God said He would, And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Another reason David believed God was because of his long relationship with Him. David had been in many battles and conflicts. David had been wrong and he had been right, and in both cases, God had always been there. David knew God loved him and that God would do what was right. David had learned to accept God’s judgments and directions because they had always proven to be what was best for David, even his chastisements and heartaches. Therefore, David could honestly say:

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalms 37:25

It sure is good for me to review these things that David talked about. I am prone to forget them. I pray this has been good for you because it has been for me.

Keep Looking Up!

A MOUTHFUL OF GRAVEL

Would you be interested in a mouthful of gravel? The odds are that your first reaction is What a stupid question. I doubt anyone would respond by saying, "Please pass the gravel." Gravel doesn’t taste good, breaks your teeth and is not digestible. If that is true, why would anyone want a mouthful of it or ever have a mouthful of it?

The truth is that no one selects gravel from life’s menu, just as they do not select AIDS, lung cancer, hepatitis, liver failure, heart trouble, obesity, delirium tremens, bitterness, hate, divorce, prison, insanity or death. According to God’s word, gravel is the end result of one’s choices in life.

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel. Proverbs 20:17

It is the bread of deceit that becomes gravel in one’s mouth!

IF IT FEELS GOOD…

Notice that it is the bread of deceit, not the bread of ignorance, or poverty, or personality flaws, or depression, or schizophrenia, or bipolar problems, nor lack of self-esteem, nor dysfunctional homes, nor some kind of attention deficit disorder. The deceit about this bread is that we have deceived ourselves about the outcome of its sweetness, not that we didn’t know better. Paul said it this way:

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7

Moses said it another way:

…and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23

The society in which we live has lulled us into thinking that there are no real boundaries or limitations to which we must adhere. We are taught there is no right or wrong, that everything is relative, yet, deep inside, you and I both know better. We live in an era when no one is accepting blame, but everyone and everything is being blamed.

IF I JUST HAD IT TO DO OVER

How often have we said this to ourselves? How often have I heard this from someone whose life had just been ruined or changed for the worse in a few short moments? Satan’s commercials may offer no payments until next year, but there is a payment to be made. Satan has never had an easy payment plan regardless of how many times he says he does.

No drug addict ever became one by smoking one joint. No drunk ever became one when drinking his first beer. Adultery didn’t just happen accidentally, like a car wreck. Remember that the bread of deceit is sweet; it’s the gravel that gives us the problems. Our self-indulgence is self-gratifying, but it is short lived. It is very tempting to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25,) but the pay-day can be something else.

THERE IS AN ANSWER

There is only one good thing about sin; there is a solution. The solution is immediate and eternal. This solution was founded 2000 years ago on a cruel cross outside of Jerusalem. Our society scoffs at such inane suggestions, but for 2000 years no one has found the body of Jesus Christ…because He arose! Don’t think that both the Romans and the Jews didn’t search for it. They knew that if they could present the dead body of Jesus that the disciples were finished. You can bet your bottom dollar that they searched and searched, trying to find that crucified body! That’s God’s solution to my and your gravel.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:9

Thank God that because of Christ, the gravel can become the true bread from heaven. John 6:32

Keep Looking Up!

A TIME TO GROW

For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

INDICTMENT OF THE CHURCH

For years I thought this verse pertained to how well Paul focused his ministry, and how that he was determined not to get off on tangents and needless teaching. Paul surely was focused, but what he is addressing here is the limitation of the hearers, which in turn limited his teaching.

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:1)

It is useless to attempt to teach fractions to those who cannot add or subtract. Paul understood the situation at Corinth and did not attempt to feed these carnal babies solid food (1 Corinthians 3:2.)

Just a cursory reading of this first letter to the church at Corinth reveals some big-time problems among these baby Christians. They were divided in their allegiance (1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:4,) even to the extent that some excluded Christ to themselves (1 Corinthians 1:13.) In pride they felt superior (1 Corinthians 4;) in their lifestyle they chose to overlook certain gross sins (1 Corinthians 5;) in their greed they turned to lawsuits against each other (1 Corinthians 6;) and sexual desires had replaced spiritual relationships (1 Corinthians 7.) What little knowledge they acquired inflated their egos and caused problems (1 Corinthians 8-10.) Even their worship at the Lord’s table had degenerated to self-gratification (1 Corinthians 11.) The gifts of the Holy Spirit were misunderstood, misused and abused (1 Corinthians 12-14.) They were in error regarding one of the major doctrines of God’s teaching (1 Corinthians 15.)

No church in the New Testament had the errors of thinking, acting and teaching that the Corinthian church had. Corinth is not unlike the church of the 90’s.

THE CHURCH OF THE 90’S

So as to not paint with too broad a brush, let us identify the church of the 90’s as evangelical and fundamentally conservative. We will eliminate the obviously humanistic and liberal groups that call themselves a church and only address those whose foundation is Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11.)

The best thing we can say about the church of the 90’s is that most of us are anemic! We are carnal and babes (1 Corinthians 3:1,) yet we project ourselves as full, rich and kings (1 Corinthians 4:8!) We are divided on authority, on scripture and the Person of Christ. We do not have a Book, we have books, and if one church or group doesn’t say what we want, we seek another! We do not have a Lord; we have taken His place and operate as we feel we ought. We do not have a bottom line authority, we listen to our own desires, as if God has reversed Himself and decided to add more revelations through us!

We have chosen some spiritual guru to whom we have pledged our allegiance. We are seeking God’s hand instead of His face. Sure I will serve God if it is profitable to me! We treat the Christ of God as a benevolent employer trying to placate our ravenous appetites so we won’t file a harassment suit against Him! Our preaching is laced with self-love, self-esteem and self-worth instead of scripture within context.

LIMITED MESSAGE

Paul’s message was limited by the Corinthians. His message is also limited by the church of the 90’s. Paul wrote half of the New Testament, but most of today’s sermons, books and periodicals are based on Christ’s earthly ministry, which Christ Himself said was incomplete! Twice in this Corinthian letter, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul begged these babes to follow him (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1.)

Everywhere we turn we see spiritual chaos in homes, churches, governments and the lives of good people. The goals of the carnal Christian differ little from the lost person.

A PRICE TO PAY

What will happen to us? The good side of this scenario is that we who are babies are still part of the family. We are in Christ Jesus (1:30.) The down side is that we will miss the joy of growing and learning. Though we may be as churchy and religious as the Corinthians, that which is not performed for Him and Him alone, will go up in flames (1 Corinthians 3:13-15.) Notice that there is a loss to "suffer," (1 Corinthians 3:15.) There will be a time of being ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15.) There will be an accounting (Colossians 3:25.) All these verses pertain to the saved and do not resemble a praise and worship service!

THERE IS HOPE!

Is all lost? Are we stuck with being carnal babes? No, the hope that resides in Christ can transform a baby into a man. We can study (2 Timothy 2:15) and receive God’s approval. We can still grow (1 Peter 2:2.) We do not have to stay in our anemic condition. Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians was:

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like MEN, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Keep Looking Up!

ALL BECAUSE OF HIM

Psalms 118, The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

The Psalmist makes two brief statements and asks one question. The writer of Hebrews alludes to this verse in Hebrews 13:6.

FIRST – "THE LORD IS ON MY SIDE"

To some it may seem pretentious for one to say the Lord was on his side. Would it not sound better, appear more humble, to say we are on the Lord’s side? It probably would, but it would also be less truthful. You and I may be on the Lord’s side at times, but as a general rule, we are terribly inconsistent and fickle. Maybe we need to stop and evaluate how we can know whether the Lord is on our side or not. Just making the statement and repeating it like a motto, does not mean the Lord is on your side. Why would He be on our side? When did He take our side?

Paul spoke about the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:14-21.) Reconciliation implies a change on the part of one party to another which results in the bringing together of both. How, when, why did such a thing happen?

For if, when we were ENEMIES we were RECONCILED to God BY THE DEATH OF HIS SON… Romans 5:10. (caps mine)

What is our background? We were enemies! When was a way provided that we could become friends (reconciled?) At the cross of Christ! Why would God go to such an extreme? He loved us (Romans 5:8!) If we have accepted that act on God’s part to reconcile us, then we can confidently say, "The Lord is on my side."

SECONDLY - I WILL NOT FEAR.

The world is becoming a more fearful place. America, the so-called land of the free and the home of the brave has more prisons, more attorneys, more debt, more wealth, more churches, more crime, etc. Individual liberty is being swallowed up by corporate lobbyists and rioting in the streets. We have camouflaged the sin problem by labeling it racism, pro-choice, civil rights, freedom of speech and other euphemisms that either excites or anesthetizes the public. The faithful Christian certainly must be concerned, yet he must not lose his focus on the One who died for him. Regardless of the circumstances, the Lord is on our side. Most of us have had to pay no price for our Christian beliefs. We may be called upon to suffer for Him, and if so, He will enable us to do so without fear.

THIRDLY - WHAT CAN MAN DO UNTO ME?

Observe that it doesn’t say that man can do nothing unto us. Man can indeed affect our lives. Yes, I am fully aware that man can do nothing unless God allows it, and I am also fully aware that God often allows it! From Genesis through Revelation, God’s people often suffered at the hand of other people, so what man does, can and often will, have a bearing on our well-being. Are there not dedicated Christians in prisons, bankruptcy courts, hospitals and skid-row missions? Mortal man often forgets that through Jesus Christ he has "immortality." (1 Timothy 6:16.) For God’s children, what occurs in this world may have no bearing on our world to come. Our circumstances are temporary. Our burdens will soon pass. Our heartaches will be healed, our failing bodies will be changed. Thank God that He reconciles us.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18.

Because of Him we can:

Keep Looking Up!

ALL OR NOTHING

James wrote in his book:

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. James 2:19

It seems the devils have a little better theology than most of the world. Our world has multiple gods. The first mention of more than one God was by Satan in his promise to Adam and Eve:

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:5

The last mention of gods is by Paul:

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. Galatians 4:8

Paul addresses the situation negatively and honestly, …which by nature are no gods. They are worthless!

Every man has his "god." Whether it is a physical idol or a mental one, all men worship something. Often it is simply themselves! Just because men believe and worship other gods does not mean they exist. Paul said there is only one God:

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:6

Men’s gods are whatever they choose. A.A.’s twelve steps speaks of God as I understand him. Actually, that is a misnomer. God is Who He is, regardless of how I understand him. I could understand Him as a cop, a judge, a doddering old man, an ethereal wisp, but that has nothing to do with Who He is.

With God, His Son and His Bible, it is either/or. Christ said:

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Matthew 12:30

Notice that there is no middle ground; one or the other.

Paul said the same thing about the gospel:

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: [7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:6-8

Note especially verse 8:

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

In this modern time we are trying to find what will placate the masses and then we give it to them. Carnal Christians even do religious demographic studies to see what lost and backslidden people want, instead of what God wants. It seems the Emerging Church group might recommend slot machines and Blackjack tables in the New Jerusalem. Bill Hybels (Willow Creek Church) spoke that one of his methods of evangelism was buying drinks for some homosexual people. He never mentioned whether they spoke of the Lord Jesus Christ or not and I don’t know if this was before or after they removed the crosses from his church. Some are trying to reach the people with diffused room lighting and atmosphere (similar to Eastern Mysticism.) Many churches are now entertainment centers, social circles and book reviewers. All are trying to improve upon God and His program. They have decided that God’s methods won’t work anymore; let me interject here that if you think they won’t work, they won’t work for you, because you are too lazy to work them. We just want so much to be contemporary. We just hate to be considered old-fashioned or an old fogey.

Could this be why new translations of the Bible keep surfacing? Wouldn’t you think that someone would finally get a correct Bible? You don’t suppose these fine people are just trying to sell Bibles for a profit, do you? Isn’t it logical that if a Bible has mistakes in it and someone corrects those mistakes, then that Bible would be mistake free? Some self-appointed genius will say that there is no translation that can be inspired. I wonder about Christ’s comments in Luke 4:21. Christ read from Isaiah (written in Hebrew) recorded by Luke who wrote in Greek. Was Luke’s account not inspired because he translated the Hebrew to Greek?

If Satan can get rid of the Bible or get people confused over it, they have no truth in which to turn. Every version and translation will contradict each other on major doctrine. Please don’t bring up the originals. They do not exist! They did not exist in Christ’s day! Every honest person knows that and when some guy tells you the original Greek or the original Hebrew says anything, he is either dumber than a rock or lying through his teeth.

Time and space do not permit me to go into detail at this time, but some other terms you will begin to see deleted from our churches is the name church. The symbol of the cross will be removed from everything. The name Christ is becoming an antagonistic word, so He must go. We will talk about God or a Supreme Being or a Spiritual Being, etc. The blood of Calvary will be shunned. It is gruesome and unappealing. This is part of the reason for the change in song services. How gross it is to sing, What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus. How awful to mention sin and blood in the same song, let alone in the same verse. Why don’t we just sing I will praise, I will praise about nineteen times and make believe we are worshipping?

One day we will face Him.

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12

I have regretted my words many times, but God being my witness, this is not one of those times.

Keep Looking Up!

ALL SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS

Sometimes we need to be reminded by God why people think like they think and do what they do. Without God’s word explaining the reasons for such actions, our world can get extremely frustrating.

It is frustrating to see educated, successful and knowledgeable people (by world standards) think and do stupid things. Most of our problems, whether deemed financial, political, scientific or social are actually spiritual ones.

Why would so-called good citizens promote murdering innocent babies (abortion) and protest the death sentence for child molesters?

Why would these same people believe that the world and mankind evolved; even teach it as fact and fight anyone who wanted to teach otherwise? Since the beginning of the world there is no record of anything evolving from anything. If I stood in a classroom or public forum claiming my shoes just happened when the leather factory exploded, these same people would ridicule me, and rightfully so; yet they accept the same principle in evolution.

Nice, sophisticated wealthy people are endorsing same sex marriages, knowing full well this is perversion. God told Adam and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth; queers can’t do that! If homosexuality is genetic it could only last one generation because they cannot reproduce.

Anyone who is intellectually honest knows these above mentioned things are wrong. The question is why do seemingly intelligent and rational people endorse such things?

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; [2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. [3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:1-4

Notice that Paul says people arrive at these conclusions through dishonesty and deceitfulness. Paul preached against sin. Paul called sin by its name. He lists ten things in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 as sins. He speaks of seventeen (17) sins in Galatians 5:19-21, then adds the words such like in order to eliminate loopholes. (Jesus named thirteen (13) sins that originate in men’s hearts in Mark 7:20-23.) Paul said that he renounced the people who were dishonest in their beliefs and tried to hide the truth. People hide the truth by calling abortion freedom of choice; evolution becomes a scientific fact instead of a theory; perversion becomes same sex marriages.

Paul’s ministry was to renounce these things. His ministry was to handle the word of God honestly, not deceitfully (one cannot handle what they don’t have, so we must still have God’s word.) He also pointed out that Satan blinds men’s minds to the truth of salvation. This is why a clear thinking, logical engineer can miss the truth of the gospel. This is the reason that an above average intelligent person can promote so much sin; they are blinded by Satan and all of these issues are spiritual issues.

Society would have us to think that these issues are political and are a conflict only between Republicans or Democrats. Society would have us think these are scientific issues between the learned (evolution) and the ignorant (creation.) Society would have us think that these are tolerance issues (homosexuality) and hate issues (anti-homosexuality.) All of these issues are spiritual. It is amazing that when a person who is an advocate for abortion, evolution or homosexuality comes to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, their minds do an about face on these things. They suddenly become anti-abortion, anti-evolution and anti-homosexuality.

Does it not make one wonder about those who claim the name Christian and take no stand against such things? Why would any church group or denomination ever have to meet and decide their position on these issues?

Paul reminded us that the real issue was the gospel of Christ. That is the solution to all of the world’s problems.

Personally, I wouldn’t spend fifteen (15) seconds picketing an abortion clinic, but I would pass out gospel tracts; telling the women that God loved them when they went in and He’ll love them when they come out (John 3:16.) I wouldn’t spend fifteen (15) seconds picketing our schools because they were teaching evolution, but I would be interested in telling them about Christ (Romans 5:8.) I would not spend fifteen (15) seconds berating a homosexual, but I love to tell them that Christ brings them victory (Romans 8:38-39.) Over the years I have seen some homosexuals saved and every one of them told me with tear-filled eyes about the misery of their perversion. No one ever claimed their homosexuality was alright after trusting Christ.

Does this mean that everyone who has had an abortion; or believes in evolution; or who practices homosexuality is lost? No, no, a thousand times no; but it does mean there will be no joy of God’s salvation until these things are confessed.

David’s prayer after his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband:

Restore unto me the joy of THY SALVATION; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalms 51:12 (caps mine)

May I encourage you to read vs. 1-11 in Psalms 51.

Keep Looking Up!

AMAZING GRACE

The holidays are here. For the next few weeks we will experience and/or endure Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. We will witness both glee and grief, merriment and misery, giving and gluttony. Emotions will run extremely high and low. Family get-togethers and loneliness will be amplified. Wealth and want will be spot-lighted. Graciousness and grouchiness will be witnessed. It would be easy to let these holidays be a real downer. The ministry into which God has placed us is one that openly reveals the downside of mankind. Man’s inhumanity to man is abundant in stark reality. The criminal’s inhumanity to victims, the system’s inhumanity to the convicted, society’s inhumanity to ex-prisoners and religion’s inability to deal with any of it.

Paul said we could anticipate perilous times and it seems they have arrived. I believe we could truthfully say that sin is abounding. Psychologists are turning out reams of articles on why’s and how’s, yet sin continues to abound. We have coined new names for it, we have prescribed more medication for it and created new scapegoats for it, and yet, sin keeps abounding! So we have every reason to be miserable, right? No, no, no, God has the solution!

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21

WHERE SIN ABOUNDS

The reason for law, whether Mosaic or federal, was to identify sin. Never has the law corrected sin, it can only penalize. More laws do not help. Enforcing the law issues warnings to perpetrators, but it doesn’t change them.

GRACE MUCH MORE ABOUNDS

I have often wondered why those in jails and prisons seem more receptive to God’s grace than those in the free world. Various reasons have been applied, ranging from jailhouse conversions to they have more time to study. Space will not permit a list of all the reasons, whether real or imagined, but the key is right in these verses.

Paul said "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound," not where sin lay dormant or concealed. Those in jails and prisons have had sin abound in their lives. Indictments, arrests, arraignments, incarcerations, etc., are all a matter of public record. Few of us see ourselves as filthy sinners. Even those outside the law often try to justify their actions, at least for a while. Inmates have seen sin explode in their face! It, indeed, has abounded.

GRACE REIGNS

Nothing works like the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and it grows stronger in the face of abounding sin. Murderers, child abusers, rapists, embezzlers, drug addicts…(the list goes on and on) can be redeemed ONLY by the blood of Jesus Christ!

This is what make the holidays great. A greater opportunity to tell everyone about His amazing grace. Yes, there is misery and pain. Yes, homes are fragmented and broken. Yes, families are separated and strained. Yes, SIN ABOUNDS, BUT PRAISE GOD, GRACE MUCH MORE ABOUNDS.

Keep Looking Up!

AMBASSADORS IN BONDS

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3

Often people remark how depressing our type of ministry must be…that all we see is people with heartaches living in hurting situations. I suppose that is a logical evaluation and would be true were it not for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. In these real depressing circumstances live the happiest people I know.

WHERE DOES REAL PEACE AND HAPPINESS COME FROM?

One of the most repeated statements from new volunteers that go into prison is in regard to how happy the inmates are. I have never been into a prison where I was not received with big smiles and sincere handshakes. What do these people have to be happy about? Notice how they sing God’s praises, watch their alert eyes when the word is being preached! It is obvious that their joy is not a performance for the benefit of the volunteers, but something real from the inside. Real peace and happiness comes only from the Holy Spirit working on the inside of man. All of us can learn to develop our act better, but that won’t stand the test of time. Only God’s Holy Spirit can do a work within our heart that will give us joy and peace in the midst of problems and tribulation.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

HOW DO I GO ABOUT OBTAINING THIS PEACE AND HAPPINESS?

Through life’s experiences and education we can all develop a certain amount of self-control to look like we are in control! Some of us have studied enough salesmanship and the art of getting along with others, that we can make it through most days and situations without blowing a gasket. By holding it" in, we depend on medication (some prescribed, some not,) to help us make it. We may develop high blood pressure or other maladies. We truly want to be happy. We truly want to have peace in our lives. We desire that everything would go right just once.

What we don’t want to do is yield ourselves unto God. Why can’t we handle it? What makes us so weak and inadequate? God’s program goes against the desires of our flesh. We are natural, God is spiritual. The attributes we are seeking are spiritual and cannot be developed by our flesh.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance… Galatians 5:22-23

In order for the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in us, we must yield to Him. If we want to have love, joy, peace… we must yield control of our lives to Him.

THE PARADOX OF SPIRITUALITY

In our relationship with God, the way to victory is surrender! In order to win, we must lose! This is the part wherein we balk. We want happiness and peace on our terms, but the truth is that there is no lasting happiness and peace on anyone’s terms but God’s. We, as God’s children, have a choice. We can yield to God or we can yield to sin. Our choice is not whether we will yield, but to Whom!

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God… Romans 6:13

The fruit of Spirit is always contrary to the works of the flesh, and our life is displaying one or the other. The Holy Spirit calls upon us to forgive our enemies, accept persecution without retaliation and other unnatural acts! Our flesh cannot honestly do this, we can only act like it. It is God and God alone Who can produce happiness and peace in us. God does it from the inside, therefore, outward circumstances cannot affect it.

One of our friends who has been under intense stress from many different sources was asked how she could stay so happy and cheerful in such dire situations. Her answer was a classic: Some years ago, Jesus Christ saved me and promised to take me to heaven. Anything else good is just icing on the cake!

As we were leaving prison one night one volunteer remarked: "My happiness and peace usually depends upon my accounts receivable. I have just met some really happy people who have nothing to be happy about. I have just seen what the Bible