February 25th, 2021
Trust in Him
Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
Well, this is sometimes much easier said than done. But nonetheless, God has instructed us to not be anxious about the things of this world. To help us turn to God for help in this matter, consider the following quote that a pastor used this last Sunday in a sermon:
“Whenever a man allows himself to have anxieties, fears, or complaints, he must consider his behavior as either a denial of the wisdom of God or as a confession that he is out of his will” (William Law 1686-1761).
We must always remember that God has the last word in any situation (Ps. 2). In addition, He has promised that He will make all things good for His called and those that love Him (Rom. 8:28). We are told that those who trust in the Lord will be blessed! Trust in Him!
Tim Wendt
Discipleship Chaplain
Tim Wendt
Discipleship Chaplain
Father, I long to be more like Your Son but so often fall short in word, thought, or deed. Forgive me, and help me to yield to the work of Your Spirit so that Jesus might be formed in me.
February 11th, 2021
Counting the Cost
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Luke 14:28 (ESV)
In this verse Jesus is relaying to the crowd that was following Him the cost of being His disciples. Many that followed Jesus at this time were looking for something: a healing perhaps, a miracle that would turn a small portion into a meal for thousands, a word of blessing, or maybe a leader that would drive out the Romans.
But Jesus knew their hearts and communicated to the crowd that following Him would come at a cost. He said in Luke 12:53 "The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother-in-law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother-in-law". Following Jesus requires Christians to take a stand.
At KBPA, as a board and as staff, we too are starting to count the cost on a different but somewhat similar way. We are starting to explore the idea of purchasing land and building a new facility. The building would expand our current capacity from 22 to approximately 60 individuals, which would include housing and services for women.
This expansion would also require an increase in staff, more offices, etc. The ideal facility would also incorporate a worship center that could also be used for meetings and other activities. We are required to count more than just the financial cost. Do we seek federal and state grants at the cost of losing the ability to require residents to attend bible studies and church services? We discussed this in 2013 when KBPA was just getting started. We said that we did not want to get in a situation where we had to rely on grants like this.
So, we are counting the costs and counting on the support of the community. There are also questions to be answered. Do our communities see the value in walking alongside the men and women who are seeking a new and different life as they re-enter society? What would be the cost if these men and women do not get the help that they need? Would it be just more of the same brokenness that led many of them to a life of addiction and incarceration. The cost to build will be high, but the cost to these men and women could be even greater if we do not.
Please pray for the board and staff as we count the cost.
Thank you
Jeff
In this verse Jesus is relaying to the crowd that was following Him the cost of being His disciples. Many that followed Jesus at this time were looking for something: a healing perhaps, a miracle that would turn a small portion into a meal for thousands, a word of blessing, or maybe a leader that would drive out the Romans.
But Jesus knew their hearts and communicated to the crowd that following Him would come at a cost. He said in Luke 12:53 "The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother-in-law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother-in-law". Following Jesus requires Christians to take a stand.
At KBPA, as a board and as staff, we too are starting to count the cost on a different but somewhat similar way. We are starting to explore the idea of purchasing land and building a new facility. The building would expand our current capacity from 22 to approximately 60 individuals, which would include housing and services for women.
This expansion would also require an increase in staff, more offices, etc. The ideal facility would also incorporate a worship center that could also be used for meetings and other activities. We are required to count more than just the financial cost. Do we seek federal and state grants at the cost of losing the ability to require residents to attend bible studies and church services? We discussed this in 2013 when KBPA was just getting started. We said that we did not want to get in a situation where we had to rely on grants like this.
So, we are counting the costs and counting on the support of the community. There are also questions to be answered. Do our communities see the value in walking alongside the men and women who are seeking a new and different life as they re-enter society? What would be the cost if these men and women do not get the help that they need? Would it be just more of the same brokenness that led many of them to a life of addiction and incarceration. The cost to build will be high, but the cost to these men and women could be even greater if we do not.
Please pray for the board and staff as we count the cost.
Thank you
Jeff
Jesus, I will wait for You. Through pain, tears, and uncertainly, help me to not become weary but to rest in Your provision.
January 26th, 2021
sacrifice
"the act of giving up something that you want to keep"
As Christians, we all sacrifice to follow Christ. The extent of our sacrifice is determined by the strength of our faith and our personal willingness to carry the burden of Christ (Of course, this burden is actually light just as he has promised.). As Americans, we may never be given the opportunity for the ultimate sacrifice of life, but we can live a life full of service and giving.
The following prayer is one that is humbling as sometimes the burden seems too much. Wrong! I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
The following prayer is one that is humbling as sometimes the burden seems too much. Wrong! I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
Written by a young African pastor. It was found among his papers in Zimbabwe
after he was martyred for his Christian faith.
after he was martyred for his Christian faith.
"I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I'm done and finished with low-living, sight-walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.
My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.
I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!"
Author's name unknown
My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I'm done and finished with low-living, sight-walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.
My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.
I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!"
Author's name unknown
Jesus, help me to surrender [sacrifice] my all for You today
as I serve You and those around me for Your honor.
as I serve You and those around me for Your honor.
January 13th, 2021
DISTRACTIONS
Well, it is a new year and already full of potentially distracting events. Indeed, distractions of this world are a very real threat to the residents of Kingdom Boundaries. Of course, that is true for all of us, but especially for those just out of prison. Not only do they have current events to worry about, but also the resurfacing of old habits and friends.
This of course makes it even more difficult in making the next right choice. It is clear in the Scriptures that we are not to allow distractions and worries to interfere with our walks, but of course, it is certainly easier said than done.
The spiritual warfare that goes on against men and women who were once under the influence and bidding of Satan, can be quite intense. We see that on a regular basis here at KB. The devil and his demons do whatever they can to distract us from who we are: a new creation in Christ!
Those still dealing with guilt and shame are an easy mark for the enemy. Understanding that we have been forgiven and have been given the ability to forgive others, is an especially important weapon in our arsenal. Sorting through all these forgiveness issues is indeed a process and for many it can go on for some time. This is where Kingdom Boundaries has been and continues to be a place of hope for new beginnings -- a sure hope based upon the Word of God.
My goal while serving in this ministry is as follows:
Point to the One who can redeem the soul [mind, will, and emotions], and then give a life joyful peace and purpose (1 Kings 1:29; Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:7; Ephesians 2:10).
(Please pray specifically for God's enabling grace in this daily endeavor.)
We are excited in the recent steps taken by the Board to enable KB to serve more men and start serving women. Please keep any financial support for this building project in prayerful consideration.
As a dear brother in Christ and longtime mentor often closes his messages to me: "Keep your eyes on Jesus". He is indeed the Author and Finisher of our faith, so always look to Him!
His many blessing to you,
Tim Wendt
KBPA Discipleship Chaplain
This of course makes it even more difficult in making the next right choice. It is clear in the Scriptures that we are not to allow distractions and worries to interfere with our walks, but of course, it is certainly easier said than done.
The spiritual warfare that goes on against men and women who were once under the influence and bidding of Satan, can be quite intense. We see that on a regular basis here at KB. The devil and his demons do whatever they can to distract us from who we are: a new creation in Christ!
Those still dealing with guilt and shame are an easy mark for the enemy. Understanding that we have been forgiven and have been given the ability to forgive others, is an especially important weapon in our arsenal. Sorting through all these forgiveness issues is indeed a process and for many it can go on for some time. This is where Kingdom Boundaries has been and continues to be a place of hope for new beginnings -- a sure hope based upon the Word of God.
My goal while serving in this ministry is as follows:
Point to the One who can redeem the soul [mind, will, and emotions], and then give a life joyful peace and purpose (1 Kings 1:29; Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:7; Ephesians 2:10).
(Please pray specifically for God's enabling grace in this daily endeavor.)
We are excited in the recent steps taken by the Board to enable KB to serve more men and start serving women. Please keep any financial support for this building project in prayerful consideration.
As a dear brother in Christ and longtime mentor often closes his messages to me: "Keep your eyes on Jesus". He is indeed the Author and Finisher of our faith, so always look to Him!
His many blessing to you,
Tim Wendt
KBPA Discipleship Chaplain
Dear God, thank you for interrupting the downward trajectory of my life and making me a new creation! Make me ever more like You.