My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This past weekend at my daughter’s church in State College, we heard an old testament teaching centered on how can a fallen humanity approach a Holy God? In ancient times, as God’s chosen people followed leaders like Abraham and Moses, the presence of God was experienced as fire on Mount Sinai, or the glory of God filling the temple where Moses could not even go in. God’s presence was an awesome, powerful, and fearful thing, and if not handled with due respect, you could die. Not even Moses could see God and live.
Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And The LORD said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” (Exodus 33:18-20)
I wonder if that’s how inmates feel about their day in court. How can an incarcerated sinner approach a strict Judge – someone who has the power to determine what happens next in their life? Thank God we know the rest of the story that had not yet unfolded for the ancient Jews – That forgiveness is possible through Jesus Christ and his ultimate sacrifice to pay for all of our sins! And He sits at the Father’s right hand interceding for us!
Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. (Romans 8:33-34)
While we should maintain a healthy respect and awe of God, those who trust in Christ can feel safe about “throwing ourselves on the mercy of the court” since our intercessor and our ultimate Judge love us unconditionally. Breaking man’s law will still require payment for the transgression, but praise God our future with Him is secure through Christ our savior!
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
Thanks for hanging in there with us each week in prayer as we share the requests from inmates, relayed through our wonderful Chaplains in Chester County Prison – Rhonda and Heinrich. And keep them in prayer as well. God bless your week!
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda
The requests for this week:
T. C. – in prison for a very serious offense, but seeking to turn her life around and grow in a relationship with God.
S. L. – back in Chester County Prison; dealing with mental health issues, but very sincerely seeking after God.
K. N. – a religious “none”; requested a Bible and now writes, “thanks again for the Bible. I’ve been benefiting a lot from having it.” Please pray that she will have an unquenchable desire to continue in the Word and that she will come to know the Lord.
J. K. – “Please pray for my mother’s health and to deliver her from stress.”
D. M. – desiring to grow closer to the Lord, she requested a visit, writing, “I have a lot of questions I hope you can answer for me. Please help me understand some if this.”
Prayers from Onesimus Ministries
That each and every inmate would realize that forgiveness is possible through Jesus Christ, and avail themselves of that opportunity while there’s still time.
Thank you Lord for your servants Heinrich and Rhonda who minister in your name to inmates, staff, and families connected with Chester County Prison – please continue to bless them to be a blessing to many others.
That there would be peace among the prison population, on the cell blocks, and compassion between inmates and staff (in both directions).
May God’s Word continue to be studied, discussed, and meditated upon back on the cell blocks, even in the absence of formal religious gatherings (still not allowed).
For the prison to reopen soon for volunteers to minister in-person to inmates, and may the prison chapel be filled with those eager to hear the Word of God.
May God bless and cause the various aftercare programs to flourish among churches in Chester County. May these programs continue to support the faith journey of men and women released from CCP, and help them in their efforts to re-enter society as children of the King. May those with the gift of Christian mentorship seek to use that gift within these programs to honor you, God.
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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