Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I find it very interesting when you see several things come together, almost like God is trying to teach us something 😉 For example, this morning’s devotion by Rick Warren was centered on the first verse I ever memorized, in Philippians 2…
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.(Philippians 2:3-4)
Being in close quarters with my kids again (they are both grown and live on their own now) gives me ample opportunity to practice the words I’ve memorized. And it’s like God gave me a nudge and said “you know that life verse you hold dear? Let’s put it into practice this week, shall we?”
Like many parents, I don’t feel like I did the best job raising my kids. I was often distracted with my job, friends, my own interests, or even ministry when I should have been fully invested in their young lives. Thank God my wife is such a great mom and consistently modeled selflessness so they could see how God wants us to interact, especially with those closest to us.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
“I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.,” (Isaiah 43:25)
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)
We’re thankful for our front-line workers in the prison, Rhonda and Heinrich, and the many opportunities they have each week to provide consistent messages of love, forgiveness, and second chances to the inmates and staff at Chester County Prison. And we’re thankful for all of you who stand with us to support them through prayer and other means, that God’s word would continue to go forth and change lives behind bars. God bless your week, and surprise someone in your life with a totally selfless act this week. See the difference it makes.
Grace and peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda
Here are the requests for this week:
C.J. – wrote “Can you come visit me please. I need to talk to God and need to know how 2 get closer to Him.”B. P. – desperate young woman, “indigent inmate in dier need”, seeking a Bible and other material; without family or any resources.T. H. – questioning God’s plans for her life as she faces losing her children while incarcerated; needing encouragement.A.S. – asking for prayer and a Bible; please pray that she has a rich encounter with the Lord as she reads.T. A. – a sweet young woman, seeking a spiritual path for her life; very open to hearing about the Lord.Also, please continue to pray for the prison leadership and staff as the discussions of opening the chapel continue.
Prayers from Onesimus Ministries
Continued prayers of strength, endurance, and wisdom for both Heinrich and Rhonda as they minister to everyone (inmate., staff, family members) connected with Chester County Prison.Pray that volunteers would soon be allowed back into the prison to minister in person to inmatesFor the prison population to be blessed with good health, physical and mental well-being, and peace.Pray for protection of inmates from illness, and quick recovery from recent covid cases at the prison.Prayers for all the men and women who devote their time and effort in support of the faith life of recently released inmates. May all the aftercare ministries flourish with adequate resources and volunteers, and may all clients get a very real sense of the Lord’s presence in their lives.
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 – onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/
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