Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
What motivates us? What is it inside of us that moves us to take action, and determines what that action looks like?
There are many worldly motivations out there – greed, lust, power, pleasure, worldly wisdom, wealth – and the wisest man who ever lived had a similar question. King Solomon had the power and wealth to pursue every motivation we can think of, and do you know what he found out? It all leads to nothing!
The book of Ecclesiastes is all about how he pursued each secular motivation to its logical end, and determined one after another that they were all worthless. The whole book can be summed up in the first 2 verses, and the last 2 verses.
These are the words of the Teacher, King David’s son, who ruled in Jerusalem. “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2)
That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
So the wisest man who ever lived summed it all up – the right motivation in life is to fear God and obey his commands. We need only look further into God’s Word to understand what that means.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matthew 22:36-40)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
My best understanding is God wants our primary motivation in life to be what His motivation has been all along – Love. That’s why he created us and the world we live in. That’s why He sent Jesus. And that’s why Jesus died for our sins. It was all for love. And since we are created in His image, we can find our best selves if we are motivated by love.
I truly believe that’s what motivates our wonderful chaplains in Chester County Prison to do what they do each day. I’m thankful for knowing them and witnessing their example. I’m also thankful for each one of you who support this ministry week after week, year after year. I have to believe the reason you do it is because of love – and how God wants us to love one another. Thank you for following His command – may you have a blessed week.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda
Prayer requests for the week:
K.J. – very sweet and sincere young woman, wanting to turn her life around and desiring to get to know God while she was here; recently left, please pray for her.
C.P. – Sentenced to rehab: “which is ok. God places me where He wants me when He wants me there! I’ve learned that recently. The literature you gave me was amazing! God getting my attention really hit home. He has let me know I need a church home to fellowship!”
E.M. – Sent a desperate note: “Not sure when I’m leaving for rehab but I know I can’t see my boys or hear them cause of no more money on the phone. Boys need me so I pray this (rehab) works. I don’t want to hurt my boys. They need me and I need them. I miss my husband.”
C.C. – “I would like to speak with you please. I need lots of guidance immediately, and prayers and a Bible.”
S.B. – “Hello, may I have a journal to keep myself writing my thoughts. It helps with my anxiety.”
Prayers from Onesimus Ministries
Grace and Mercy for Chaplain Heinrich and wife Susan as they travel throughout South Africa. May they accomplish all they set out to do, and bless them to be a blessing to others.
Blessings of extra strength and endurance for Chaplain Rhonda as she covers all chaplain duties as Heinrich is travelling.
Lord, please inspire and motivate the right people in leadership to move forward with opening the prison to religious volunteers, and we ask you to thwart any resistance put in place by the enemy.
Please protect the hearts, minds, and bodies of all the inmates and staff at the prison.
May your peace be felt throughout the prison population.
Blessings upon the fellowships and Bible studies happening among the inmates – may you reveal yourself to them in a real way.
For each and every ministry across Chester County that cares for men and women released from prison. May you bless each of these ministries with the volunteers and resources they need to effectively disciple ex-inmates and help them grow into men and women of faith that inspire others.
If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.
These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/
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