May 5th, 2021
WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
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First name: Scott
How long incarcerated: 11 years on & off Prayer Requests:
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First name: Michael
How long incarcerated: 13.5 years Prayer Requests:
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Jesus, wake me up to the new day that has come in You.
Open my eyes to choose goodness, righteousness, and beauty.
Open my eyes to choose goodness, righteousness, and beauty.
April 21st, 2021
Psalms 69:30 "Then I will praise God's name with singing,
and I will honor him with thanksgiving."
and I will honor him with thanksgiving."
The importance of giving thanks!
I was talking with one of the guys today. He was talking about the polygraph he is scheduled to take in a couple days. (This is a lie detector test that many of the men must take as often as every 3 months.) The anxiety for most men is extremely high as they think about the consequences of failing a poly. It could mean a trip back inside the walls.
We get asked to pray with the men on many occasions. (Prayer for a poly is high on the request list.) Today was no different. This man's anxiety was starting to build, and it was time again to remind him that if he told the truth, he didn’t have to worry. We prayed and asked Jesus to calm his fears. After we prayed, he started to talk about how he felt calm and how thankful he was.
At this point he remembered what his mother would tell him when he was a kid. “When you start to worry, pray and count your blessings. Start a list of things to be thankful for and worry will fade.” She compared the sun (which is large) to our blessings. But, if you place a quarter (a coin, small and representing worry) close to your eye, it will block out the sun (blessings). A little worry will stop us from seeing all the blessings we encounter each day.
As a parent it is great to hear words of appreciation and gratitude from our children. Let us not forget that we are God’s children. And as our Father, he longs to hear us give Him credit for all that He does for us minute by minute. When we concentrate on how He takes care of us and how he is in control, worry seems to loosen its grip.
To God be the Glory,
Jeff
We get asked to pray with the men on many occasions. (Prayer for a poly is high on the request list.) Today was no different. This man's anxiety was starting to build, and it was time again to remind him that if he told the truth, he didn’t have to worry. We prayed and asked Jesus to calm his fears. After we prayed, he started to talk about how he felt calm and how thankful he was.
At this point he remembered what his mother would tell him when he was a kid. “When you start to worry, pray and count your blessings. Start a list of things to be thankful for and worry will fade.” She compared the sun (which is large) to our blessings. But, if you place a quarter (a coin, small and representing worry) close to your eye, it will block out the sun (blessings). A little worry will stop us from seeing all the blessings we encounter each day.
As a parent it is great to hear words of appreciation and gratitude from our children. Let us not forget that we are God’s children. And as our Father, he longs to hear us give Him credit for all that He does for us minute by minute. When we concentrate on how He takes care of us and how he is in control, worry seems to loosen its grip.
To God be the Glory,
Jeff
April 7th, 2021
New residents at KBPA
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First name: Blair
How long incarcerated: 6 years Prayer Requests:
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Father, help me to see You more clearly than any force that opposes me
and run to You for true safety and security.
and run to You for true safety and security.
March 24th, 2021
THEREFORE IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE: OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW. —2 COR. 5:17
One of the greatest challenges for men and women returning to society after incarceration, is putting their faith into practice. For many, the “new creature” seems to be an illusive animal to get a hold of. Although the truth is that old things have truly passed away, the process of that being evident in their lives can be a difficult task.
For many of our residents here at Kingdom Boundaries, living a “new creation life” in today’s culture can be daunting. Temptations of all kinds appealing to their old habits are everywhere—sometimes just literally across the street. The need for a safe place that evangelizes and disciples according to biblical principles, is a powerful tool that God uses to finish the work that He has started (Phil. 1:6).
There is a spiritual battle that goes on around us 24/7. Please continue to pray for the men here at KB to keep their focus on Jesus and their faithfulness to His Word. Also, please keep our vision of expanding this ministry in your prayers. This would include more rooms for men and the beginning of serving women in this ministry as well.
Again, many thoughts of gratitude concerning those who partner in this ministry and for others being led to do the same.
May God continue to bless and keep you,
Tim
KBPA Discipleship Chaplain
For many of our residents here at Kingdom Boundaries, living a “new creation life” in today’s culture can be daunting. Temptations of all kinds appealing to their old habits are everywhere—sometimes just literally across the street. The need for a safe place that evangelizes and disciples according to biblical principles, is a powerful tool that God uses to finish the work that He has started (Phil. 1:6).
There is a spiritual battle that goes on around us 24/7. Please continue to pray for the men here at KB to keep their focus on Jesus and their faithfulness to His Word. Also, please keep our vision of expanding this ministry in your prayers. This would include more rooms for men and the beginning of serving women in this ministry as well.
Again, many thoughts of gratitude concerning those who partner in this ministry and for others being led to do the same.
May God continue to bless and keep you,
Tim
KBPA Discipleship Chaplain
Dear God, thank You for including me in Your plan to tell everyone about Your love.
Help me to represent You well with my words and actions.
Help me to represent You well with my words and actions.
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.
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.
making me a new creation! Make me ever more like You.