Real Life Christian Church

While We Wait Prison Ministry

P.O. Box 201

Washington, MI 48094

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Mail to: Real Life Christian Church

While We Wait Prison Ministry

P.O. Box 201

Washington MI 48094

FLAWLESS I listen to stations like K Love and Smile FM much of the day because I really love Christian music. A song that really touches me is by Mercy Me. It’s called “Flawless.” The refrain goes like this, maybe you’ve heard it: “No matter the bumps No matter the bruises No matter the scars STILL - the truth is The Cross, the Cross has made you flawless” “Flawless” means - You believe that Jesus Christ is your only Hope of heaven; therefore, you have no sin; HE has all your sin. It’s 1 Corinthians 5: 21 “God made Him to be sin.” Why? “So we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Before God you’re absolutely righteous. No matter what. Think about Peter; Jesus’ disciple. He denied Jesus three times and went out and “wept bitterly.” (Luke 22: 62) Jesus Christ changed his life and gave him everything worth living for, and he (Peter) denied that he ever knew Him. That would break me apart too. Peter had some bumps, bruises, and scars. Read John 21: 15-19. Peter denied Him three times and Jesus re-instated him three times. “Feed My Lambs. Feed My sheep. Feed My lambs.” He was “flawless.” Sometimes like the prodigal son we go into our “far country.” (Luke 15: 14) And God disciplines us in love and reels us back in to the center of His Will. And it hurts. More bumps. More bruises. More scars. “STILL, the Cross, the Cross has made you flawless.” People change, but some people don’t get that. “He or she will never change.” “You’re the same old you.” You’ve heard it and still may hear it. Lots of us wear labels because some people will never realize that the Holy Spirit re-creates people with a new heart. Here’s the deal. You’ve “gotta” love those people regardless. We’re called to that. That’s part of being Christ to the world. God knows your heart.

Bumps, bruises, scars “STILL the Cross, the Cross has made you Flawless.” No matter what.

Dennis Rasper,

Pastor, Real Life Christian Church

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I WAS WRONG

"I was wrong." Those are tough words to say, but take it from me the more opportunity you get to say them the easier it gets. I recently uttered those words in reference to an area of important but non-foundational doctrine that I was sure I was 100% right on. For almost 10 years I stood solid and was able to present scripture to prove my point. And anyone who thought differently, through a different interpretation, was obviously confused and God would eventually reveal their foolishness to them. Over the last several months God has made it clear that I was wrong. I was so concerned about my new found belief that I wasn’t looking forward to sharing it with my wife. Why? Well, a couple of reasons. #1 I didn’t want to admit I had been wrong. #2 She shared the exact same view I originally did and was as steadfast in that belief as I had been. However, on a visit God presented the opportunity and I brought it up and she just looked at me, eyes wide open. I thought, "O Boy, here we go, in her mind she just lumped me in with the crazies." But, to my amazement she told me that recently God had been using different resources and scripture to reveal the exact same thing to her. Unbeknownst to each of us God had been doing the exact same work in both of us at the same time but separately. So when we came together at that moment and started to share what we'd been learning, it matched perfectly. Now you can try to convince me that that wasn't all orchestrated by God, but you will not succeed. It was one of the biggest moments of my Christian life. I know that He did it that way because we both had such a STRONG belief in the area and we were in agreement. Now I know by now your like, "What is it, what is the area?" Well, I'm not going to tell you. Why? Because that's not the purpose of this article. After all Paul didn't tell us what his thorn was and that's worked out pretty well. The purpose of this article is not to convince you of what I believe, but to encourage you not to be so blinded by what you've always been taught that you miss what God is trying to reveal to you. My wife and I now realize that the belief we previously shared was holding us back from enjoying and receiving all that God has to offer us. Be ready to say, "I was wrong" and don't get so stuck that even God can't reveal truth to you. He lives, I serve, Hunter T.

FALL 2015

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THE ABC'S OF VITAMIN A: Vitamin A ("VT-A) assists our vision, immune system, body linings, bone structure, body growth, cell development, and reproductive systems. An extended "lag" in vision recovery-time after flashed with a bright light during night, aka night blindness, can be a sign of VT-A deficiency. The clouding, thickening, and/or drying of the corneas of our eyes is another sign of VT-A deficiency. Without proper VT-A intake, our body-skin as well as our protective linings of the lungs, intestines, vagina, urinary tract, and bladder are compromised, which can lead to bodily invasion of toxic particles or bacteria and other infection causing microbial invaders. VT-A thus assists in disease prevention. VT-A assists with the remodeling process of our bones for the implementation of newer, bigger bone-structures. Of the food made available to us in the MDOC, VT-A sources include fish oil, milk and milk products (i.e., cheese), fortified cereals, butter, and fortified margarine. There is also a VT-A "precursor", called beta-carotene, a non-active VT-A found only in plants such as bright orange fruits and vegetables like carrots and cantaloupe, and dark green vegetables such a spinach and collard greens. Men, on average, require 900 micrograms ("ug") of VT-A every day, whereas women require about 700 ug. If you eat five or more servings of the above listed fruits or vegetables every day, that is sufficient. There is no need for VT-A supplements. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (maximum suggested amount) of VT-A is 3000 ug/day for adults over age 18. Too much VT-A will become toxic to the body, and you can develop symptoms of abdominal pain, hair loss, joint pain, stunted growth, bone and muscle soreness, cessation of menstruation, nausea, diarrhea, rashes, and serious liver damage. Early symptoms can include loss of appetite, blurred vision, growth failure in children, headache, fever, itching skin, and irritability. Rather, look for the following symptoms that indicate signs of VT-A deficiency: anemia, painful joints, impaired enamel formation, cracks in teeth, tendency toward tooth decay, diarrhea, changes in intestinal and other body linings, depression, frequent respiratory, digestive, bladder, vaginal, and other infections, night blindness, blindness, rashes, kidney stones, and impaired body growth. These types of symptoms should raise a red flag and prompt you to pray (Php. 4:6), and submit a health care request for diagnosis and treatment. Stay healthy, Cliff M.

This could be your article you’re reading right now. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!! Your articles, poems, and testimonies are needed to print in our quarterly newsletter. We will also place certain selections on our Facebook page for public viewing. (Articles--Max. 1500 characters. Testimonies— Max. 5000 characters. All entries become the property of WWWPM. WWWPM reserves the right to edit all submissions for space and good taste.) We look forward to hearing from you. Exercise your gift!!!!!!!!

Engulfed in darkness, a slow candle's burn... as the clock breaks the silence, as the gears inside turn...

nothing is more powerful, as one who treads through the night... whereby they walk by their FAITH, and not by their SIGHT.

Fearing the unseen, yet forging ahead with hope...

stepping unto the water, faster that Peter left the boat... the storms are raging, no land can be seen...

but your inner LIGHT is glowing, providing a peace serene.

Midnight is a condition, that makes life seem scary... and without God in your life, burdens you do carry...

but with HIS arms around you, you're always at home... and the baggage you shoulder, you never do so alone.

So embrace the twilight, it's a mere time within time...

that shows up everday, leaving daylight behind... but if it creeps into your spiritual life, be somewhat concerned...

because the devil is crafty, and not easily discerned.

So forever be guarded, at all times of day... stay girded in your armor, have it polished and on display... and when those demons invade, destruction their plight...

remember that you serve a GOD, who can shine LIGHT in the light

Written by : Charles J.

Temptation It is important that we are aware of the schemes of the enemy and the ways in which he operates. These are the 3 areas that he uses to entice us to sin against our Heavenly Father: 1) Lust of the flesh - The devil will use this area of temptation to cause us to do exactly what Eve did. He will tempt you to fulfill your evil sensual desires. Read and study 2 Tim. 2:22 2) Lust of the eyes - The eyes are the gates to our soul. What we see can influence our choices through covetousness just as Adam and Eve chose to do. We must avoid this as it will carry us away from the peace of God and His presence. We should choose the plan of God that is stated in Col. 3:1-10. These verses properly applied will produce godly results when applied in faith. 3) The Pride of Life - The desire to be known and to have a position of power can become the most important thing in our life. Humble servants of Christ should seek contentment and peace in their lives. Read and study Phil. 4:11-13 and 1 Tim. 6:6-8 for a better understanding. Remember these are the same temptations that the devil used in the Garden of Eden on Adam and Eve, and on Jesus in the wilderness. He still operates in the same way and will challenge us daily in these areas. Be prepared just as Jesus was by knowing scripture and behaving scripturally. May God Bless You, Lonnnie J.

Alpha House p.o. box 9216 Grand Rapids, MI 49544 (Transitional Housing upon release for CSC and Non-CSC offenders) Forgotten Man Ministries 3940 Fruit Ridge N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49544 (free postage-paid bible studies) North Ridge Church Prison Ministry 49555 N. Territorial Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 (pen-pal program)

God Saved Me

I am a 35 year old father of two awesome sons. They are the reason I wake up every morning. I grew up in a dysfunctional family, physical, verbal, mental and drug abuse were normal in our home. By the age of 15 I was already completely out of control and then I began to use drugs myself. They quickly became my greater power for relief and comfort away from the world and who I was. My sons were born and I even abandoned them to live my lifestyle of drug abuse. Their first five years on earth were daddy-less. I soon found myself addicted to several types of drugs and I started selling crack-cocaine to fund my heroin habit. Eventually my addiction became so bad that it was hard to even get high off the heroin anymore unless I did a lot. Just before my 33rd birthday I planned to shoot so much heroin on that day that I would definitely feel it. However, God's will was in effect and before I could do that and possible die, I got arrested on September 14th 2013, just 13 days before my 33 birthday. I know now that God truly saved my life that day. On September 17th 2013 I truly surrendered my life to Jesus Christ and I have been living for Him ever since. This is the most clean time I have had since I can remember. God has now restored my relationship with my sons, set me free from my addictions, and transformed me into this lover of people that I am today. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for who He is and for all He has done in my life. In Christ Jesus Name, Derrick F.

It cost money to make this ministry happen. We are an

ALL volunteer ministry. Every single penny we receive

goes directly to the cost of the newsletters and birthday

cards.

Finding financial support is the hardest thing a Prison

Ministry has to do:

Your gift of any amount MUST be made payable to:

REAL LIFE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

P.O. BOX 201

WASHINGTON MI, 48094

www.rlcc.us

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Real Life Christian Church While We Wait Prison Ministry

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I have pretty much always been a Spiritual person, I have always known in some way that

God existed. But, I was never consistent with being obedient to my faith. I was introduced to the

street life at a very early age and to be honest, it is hard work to make good choices, especially

after living one way for so long. It has taken years and years of incarceration and back to back

losses of my Dad and Brother before I truly surrendered to God. As soon as my dad died and

brother was killed something changed. I could not explain it at the time but it naturally took over

my broken heart and soul. I know now that "something" was really a someone, My Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ. I have never been sharper, more focused, or spiritually healthy in my life. It's all

because of Him being there for me, to comfort me, at the hardest time of my life.

God Bless,

Ken M.

SAINTS BEHIND BARS

There are many of us who accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior yet did not do what he told us to do. In Luke 14:27-30 Jesus admonishes us to consider the cost of the life we choose before embarking upon that journey. I, as many in this world, failed in the life I choose to live before becoming a Christian. I can sit and give a litany of excuses as to why this occurred but the truth of the matter is that regardless of what lead me down this path I did not consider the price I would have to pay. Thankfully my God is a forgiving, merciful, and gracious God who sent His Son Jesus Christ to die in my place so that I may have a new life. A prison is not just cells and bars, bricks and steel. Most of us live our lives in a prison birthed from being a descendant of Adam, the first man created, but we can be reborn into a the family of God through Jesus Christ (1st Cor. 15:45). The perfect law of liberty is the freedom I and all believers possess and that is by being justified. We are made right with God by Him making that possible. He and only He alone says who is in right standing with Him. God's plan from the beginning was to bring man back into right relationship with Him. Just as Adam and Eve did not consider the cost of their actions when they delved into the knowledge of good and evil, I did not consider the consequences of my actions as I delved into my sinful lifestyle. But God, does consider the cost and He paid the price for those of us who willingly and truly accept His free gift in Jesus Christ! The life I now live is no longer destructive to those around me nor to myself. The Son has set me free and when the Son sets you free, you are free indeed (John 8:36). Living for God will seem to cost a lot but in reality, He paid the price. So our cost is to simply believe and that truth has set me free to become obedient unto death. Yes, that hurts my flesh but as Jesus Himself said, "The flesh is weak but the spirit it willing." On October 4th of 1991 my physical freedom was lost. The justice system relieved me of it because the life of crime I was leading had finally reached the nostrils of God and the pendulum swung my way to correct the wrongs I had done. I cried that night like never before. Although I had attempted to kill a man, I was so selfish, I could only think of myself and all the hard times I had endured. I found myself charged with two counts of assault with the attempt to murder. Thank God I missed the man I targeted or I would have been facing a first degree murder charge. For sixteen years I was the most violent, deplorable person you could imagine. I had no life, no love and definitely no freedom. I was trapped in a mindset that would propel me into redundant behavior that my flesh loved but my spirit detested. Then in 2007 after finally becoming exhausted, I was done. I was quite simply tired of being me. I tried to take my life, but I even failed at that. Even though I lost a lot of blood and should have died, God held my heart in his hands. Six months later instead of being in a cold grave, I was in God's radiant light. I am now truly free, and trust me this from a man who spent his life in a bondage that was set in motion by his own foolish desires. God made me righteous through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In prison or out God gives me and every believer the right to serve Him!

In His Gracious Love, Dennis M.

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#10 – Drops In The Ocean – Hawk Nelson #9 – First –

Lauren Daigle #8 – Even So Come – Passion Featuring Kristian Stanfill #7 – Something In The Water – Carrie Underwood #6 – Soul On Fire – Third Day

#5 – Flawless – MercyMe #4 – Touch The Sky – Hillsong United #3 – Holy Spirit – Francesca Battistelli #2 – Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) –

Hillsong United #1 – Brother – Need To Breathe

Information from Billboard Hot Christian Songs, week of August 15, 2015

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"Cries from the Heart, Stories of Struggle and

Hope"

by Johann C. Arnold (Plough Publishing House, 1999)

Mr. Arnold comes from a long line of deeply devout

men of God. He uses their teachings as well as a life-

time of experience serving God to explore a deeper,

spiritual understanding of what it means to love and

trust our Creator. Through intimate first had

accounts of the deeply personal suffering, loss,

grief and despair of men and women he has

ministered too, Mr. Arnold crystalizes into truth

what it means to have faith in an always good God, no

matter what the circumstances.

Honest and earnest, this book will ride with me

where ever I go.

Love and Humility,

Jason H.

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