Don’t Worry by Bob Struebel

March 2023

 

There are a lot of things to worry about in this world.  The weather seems to be a preoccupation, because it is always bad somewhere.  Did you hear about the hurricane, or the earthquake or the snow storm?  The economy is another area of concern, with the rising cost of food and the risk of a recession.  Or maybe you are just trying to get through the seasonal allergies that have hit recently.

 

Some folks are exhausted after a long day of work or caring for a sick family member.  Elsewhere in the world, people struggle just to survive during times of war and famine and drought.  The apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote to the church at Philippi.

 

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.  And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7 (NCV)

 

What a breath of fresh air!  In the world we worry about everything, but in Christ, we don’t have to worry about anything!  Instead, we have the peace of the presence of God in us.  What is sometimes missed in chapter four of Philippians is the cheerful joyous celebration that is ours as children of God.  The key is to turn our heart away from the things of this world and toward the One who created the world.

Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life.  Let your joy overflow!  And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near.  Philippians 4:4-5 (TPT)

We can choose to think less about the problems of the world and more about the glorious works of God.  Today, I spent much of the afternoon praising and worshiping God.  It all started with a music video I heard last week called “Holy Forever”.   I encourage you to enter into the presence of God, praising him always!

Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind.  And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Philippians 4:8 (TPT)

 

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Making a Difference for Eternity by Bob Struebel

February 2023

Although we were all created by God, we are born into this world spiritually dead.  Apart from God, we struggle with questions like “why am I here?” and “what is my purpose in life?”  We cannot fulfill our divine purpose until we are born again through faith in Jesus Christ.  The desires of our heart begin to change as we grow in our relationship with Christ.   Although our roles in marriage, family and employment may not change, we begin to live and work in a way that honors God.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.  Ephesians 2:10

Once we are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, we may still experience great trials such a loss of employment or business, loss of spouse, separation from family, incarceration or even all of the above.  If we focus on what we don’t have, it will be difficult to experience the joy of the Lord.  In times like these, it is good to take inventory and count our blessings.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  I Timothy 6:6-8

Dr. Neil T. Anderson, in his book Victory over the Darkness, challenges us to consider the significance of the choices we make. He says “What is forgotten in time is of little significance.  What is remembered for eternity is of great significance… We are in the significant business of laying up treasures in heaven.  What we say and do for Christ in this world, no matter how insignificant it seems, will last forever.”

One way to make a difference for eternity is to invest our time, talents and resources in the lives of others.  It could be through a small group Bible study or prayer meeting.  Or through one-on-one discipleship.  Or maybe helping out with children’s church, Sunday school or Vacation Bible School.

For those who are a part of STPO, it could be Sunday morning church services at the jail or chaplain’s volunteer classes and church services in the TDCJ state prison system.

 

Whatever work you do, put yourself into it, as those who are serving not merely other people, but the Lord.  Colossians 3:23

 

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Decisions for the New Year by Bob Struebel

January 2023

On December 13th, South Texas Prison Outreach held a Christmas party for the men and women incarcerated at the Matagorda County jail.  This year, we had permission to bring in the gifts and refreshments, and to personally hand them out in the multipurpose room.  We provided shampoo, deodorant, soda and cookies for 150 inmates.  We thank Captain Carrillo and the jail staff for their help in moving sixteen separate groups of inmates through the multipurpose room.  A short Christ-centered devotional message was given to each group before they returned to their living area.  Please keep the inmates, the jail officers and their families in your prayers for continued strength and good health.

H-E-B was kind enough to donate $50 towards the cost of the deodorant and shampoo.  It is through the generosity of area churches and individuals that we are able to purchase enough gifts and refreshments for the entire jail population.  Our Daily Bread ministries also provided 150 Christmas devotional booklets for the inmates.  Special thanks to the ladies at First Baptist Church for providing the 100 dozen cookies!

By the time this newsletter reaches everyone, 2022 will be over.  Looking beyond the typical new year’s resolutions, what do we have to look forward to in 2023?  Should we put our hope in the political leaders we voted for in the recent elections, or hope for better in 2024?  What about inflation and the economy, will it improve or get worse next year?  Will America continue to be the most powerful and prosperous nation in the world?

It depends on the object of our faith.  Are we trusting in the military might of the US Armed Forces, or are we trusting in Almighty God to keep America free?  Are we trusting in our lawyers and our courts more than the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to rule in our favor?  Are we trusting in the Federal Government to protect and provide for us financially, or are we trusting our Creator who knows our every need?

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On all of our currency, both coins and paper, it says UNITED STATES OF AMERICA “IN GOD WE TRUST”.  We lift up the name of Jesus The Anointed One.   May he always be the object of our faith, and the very air we breathe!

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13
 

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Immanuel, God with Us by Bob Struebel

December 2022

The Christmas season is almost upon us.  There are many wonderful stories in the Bible related to Jesus’ birth.  Matthew quotes from the prophet Isaiah concerning the miracle of the virgin birth.  It is almost like Matthew is saying  Look! God is with us!

Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”  Matthew 1:23

The angels appeared to the shepherds, announcing the arrival of Jesus the Messiah.  The wise men followed the star, so they could worship him.  King Herod wanted to kill him.  The Jewish people hoped he would rescue and deliver them from the Roman Empire.
When Joseph and Mary took baby Jesus to Jerusalem for the purification offering, Simeon prophesied to them:

Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”  Luke 2:34-35. Joseph and Mary returned home to Nazareth in Galilee.  The child grew up healthy and strong, and God placed his special favor on him.

 

On December 13th, South Texas Prison Outreach will have a Christmas party for the men and women incarcerated at the Matagorda County jail.  This year, we have permission to bring in the gifts and refreshments, and to personally hand them out in the multipurpose room.  We are very thankful for this opportunity to minister to the men and women in Jesus’ name.

 

As Christ followers, we can rejoice that God is still with us today.  He has given us his Spirit, and appointed us as his ambassadors.

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.  2 Cor 5:20-21

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The Righteousness of God by Bob Struebel

November 2022

Perhaps you are wondering why there is so much wickedness in the world.  The sinful behavior we see around us comes from the natural man’s desire to live independently of God.  In fact, we are all born into this world spiritually dead.  The very nature of our flesh is to go our own selfish way.  When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we repent and turn away from the sinful desires of our flesh.  God puts his Spirit in us, and we become alive in Christ.

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20

The life Jesus gives us is abundant and everlasting.  We are no longer controlled by the desires of our flesh.  We have forgiveness for our sins and peace with God.  When we are tempted by our fleshly desires, we can declare:  That’s not who I am!  I have been crucified with Christ, and Christ lives in me!

Jesus tells us that our source of spiritual life comes from him, and not from our own good works.  We live each day by faith in the Son of God, who loves us and gave his life for us.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.   John 15:4-5

Once we know who we are in Christ, we can walk in our true identity.  Instead of living defeated lives, we can live victoriously.  We are members of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession.  We can approach God with freedom and confidence.

You and I can make a difference in this world.  In fact, God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  We can pray and believe that righteousness and truth will prevail in the upcoming elections.

 

South Texas Prison Outreach continues to share Christ in the jails and prisons in our area.  We welcome you to join us.

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Who are you?  by Bob Struebel

October 2022

At the Garza West state prison in Beeville, we are studying a book by Dr. Neil T. Anderson called “Victory over the Darkness”.  We are learning about our identity in Christ, as well as the freedom we have in Christ.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life  (John 3:16). God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (II Corinthians 5:21). Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.(John 7:38).

 

I believe that Jesus died for me; therefore I am the righteousness of God.  I have the life of God in me, both now and for all eternity.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (I John 3:1).  Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. (I John 3:7-8). We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. (I John 5:18).

I am a child of God, and greatly loved by my heavenly Father.  Jesus came into this world to destroy the devil’s work.  He keeps me safe and the evil one cannot harm me.

 

There are several other scriptures that clearly reveal who we are as members of the body of Christ. Perhaps you have struggled with feelings of rejection, guilt, shame or worthlessness.  Please know that this is not how God sees you.  This is who God says we are in Christ:

 

I am Accepted

I have been bought with a price.  I belong to God.  (I Corinthians 6:20)

I have been adopted as God’s child (Ephesians 1:5)

I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.  (Colossians 1:14)

 

I am Secure

I am free from condemnation.   (Romans 8:1-2)

I cannot be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39)

I have been established, anointed and sealed by God (II Corinthians 1:21-22)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)

 

I am Significant

I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15:1,5)

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

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The Rewards of Obedience by Bob Struebel

September 2022

Like most children of my generation, I grew up with a clear understanding of right versus wrong.  I learned to do what my parents required of me.  If I disobeyed, I was punished accordingly.  Once I became an adult, I had the “freedom” to go my own way in life.  One of my deepest regrets is that I did not surrender my heart and life to Christ at an early age.  Consequently, I made a lot of bad choices and reaped the consequences.  Going my own way did not bring freedom.  Instead, it brought disappointment, heartache and brokenness in every area of life.

King Saul was also a young man with a promising future.  He was head and shoulders above the other men of his time, and a valiant warrior.  He was also chosen by God as the first king of the nation of Israel.  However, he did not completely obey the commands of God in the battle of the Amalekites.  Instead of killing everyone as well as all the live stock, Saul and his men captured the king alive and kept the best of the sheep and cattle for themselves.  Even though he offered some of the livestock as sacrifices to God , Saul preferred his own thoughts and the desires of his men over the commands of God.  

 

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?  To obey is better than sacrifice…Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”.  I Samuel 15:22-23

These and other acts of disobedience ultimately led to the death of Saul, his three sons, and the defeat of his entire army in the battle at Mt. Gilboa.  Even though David had already been chosen to replace Saul as king of Israel, he had waited for God to remove Saul from his position of authority.

 

God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do”.  And it is one of King David’s descendants, Jesus, who is God’s promised Savior of Israel! Acts 13:22-23

Thankfully, we are under a new covenant thru Christ.    Once we start following him, we begin to experience the rewards of obedience.  Several years after I surrendered my heart and life to Christ, he gave me a special opportunity to honor my mother by helping her relocate to a warmer climate.   After stepping out in obedience to help my mom, God began to work supernaturally in her life and in my life.  I especially remember the day when he healed all the brokenness in my life.  And then he replaced my disappointment with his reappointment.  He restored me in my professional career, and relocated me to the area where I serve him today.  I remember him speaking into my spirit as he said “You are working for me now, and I am taking care of all the details!”

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”  Exodus 20:12

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Adopted into God’s Family by Bob Struebel

August 2022

The first human beings, Adam and Eve, lived with God in paradise.  They had direct access to their Creator.  He walked with them in the garden and blessed them in every way.  Satan, the deceiver, also had access to paradise.  Because Adam and Eve chose to follow Satan and not God, they were forced to leave paradise under a curse.  Adam and Eve passed their sinful human nature on to subsequent generations, including us today

But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law, so that He might redeem and liberate those who were under the Law, that we [who believe] might be adopted as sons [as God’s children with all rights as fully grown members of a family].  Galatians 4:4-5 (AMP)

Because Jesus was born of Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit, he really was the Son of God, born of a woman.  He was obedient unto death, so that we might be redeemed from the curse of the law.  When we accept what Jesus has done for us, and surrender our hearts and lives to him, we are no longer under the curse.  Instead, we are adopted into God’s family!

Because children who are adopted have the same legal rights as natural born children, we once again have access to God through Christ.   In fact we carry his presence with us, in our hearts, though the Holy Spirit.  This is why we begin longing for and crying out to him.

And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave (bond-servant), but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through [the gracious act of] God [through Christ]. Galatians 4:6-7 (AMP)

In the story of the prodigal son, the younger son only cared about his inheritance.  He did not value his ongoing relationship with his father.  As a result, he left home with the inheritance money and wasted it all.  Abandoned by his friends, he ended up feeding pigs just to survive.  In the same way, many of those who are incarcerated have run from God, and likewise feel abandoned in a far away place.  The father’s heart is that we repent and turn back to him, as the prodigal son did.

God has given to us, through STPO, this ministry of reconciliation.   While a glorious inheritance awaits us in heaven, the father’s heart is that we draw near to him and feast at his table today!

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NKJV)

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Winning the War by Bob Struebel 

July 2022

One of the greatest deceptions of our generation is that we can rage against authority without consequences.  Do we not fear God?  Our true enemy, the devil, is a deceiver and the father of all lies.  He comes only to steal, kill and destroy. The devil uses rage as a tool to propagate his evil schemes.

“Why do the nations assemble with commotion [uproar and confusion of voices], and why do the people imagine (meditate upon and devise) an empty scheme?  The kings of the earth take their places; the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ).  They say, ‘Let us break Their bands [of restraint] asunder and cast Their cords [of control] from us.’  He Who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision [and in supreme contempt He mocks them].”
Psalm 2:1-4 (AMPC)

The good news is the war has already been won.  Death has been defeated and Jesus Christ is Lord!  This is the message we take into the jails and prisons of South Texas.  Church services at the Matagorda County Jail began on Sunday June 5th.  The Sunday services will be held at the dates and times shown on the back page of this newsletter.

 
Our annual election of board officers was held last month.  We now have two new board members:  We welcome Thomas Swist as our new Chaplain and Joyce Swist as our new Secretary.  We do have an opening for Treasurer.  If you are interested in becoming more involved with STPO, please join us at our next meeting.   Because of the July 4th holiday, our next monthly meeting will be on July 11th.

“Now therefore, O you kings, act wisely; be instructed and warned, O you rulers of the earth.  Serve the Lord with reverent awe and worshipful fear; rejoice and be in high spirits with trembling [lest you displease Him].  Kiss the Son [pay homage to Him in purity], lest He be angry and you perish in the way, for soon shall His wrath be kindled. O blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are all those who seek refuge and put their trust in Him!”
Psalm 2:10-12 (AMPC)

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Matagorda County Jail to Reopen for Sunday Services by Bob Struebel

June 2022 

 

Today, I met with Captain Carrillo and Lt. Perez to  discuss when we can resume Sunday morning church services at the Matagorda County Jail.   Please keep us lifted up in your prayers, because we are scheduled to start on Sunday June 5th.  I will be in contact with those who signed up at our last meeting.  The Sunday morning church services will be held at the dates and times shown on the back page of this newsletter.  The men will have church from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.  The ladies will have church from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  No more than four volunteers are allowed.  Please be there 15 minutes early, and bring in your Texas driver’s license as proof of ID.

 

We have missed many of you during these last couple of years; and look forward to your participation in the months to come.  The jail has a ministry privileges list that was updated today by STPO.  It includes all the men and women who were on the list as of end of 2019.  Those who are no longer eligible (by death or moved out of the area) have been removed.  Only those volunteers who are on this list will be allowed to go in for the church service.

Our annual election of board officers will be during the June 6th monthly meeting.  We have received nominations for all board officer positions, except the office of STPO Secretary.  All STPO members who have paid their dues will be eligible to vote.  This newsletter is the best way I know to get the word out that there is an urgent need for a new STPO secretary.  We especially need someone who can take minutes at our monthly meetings.  Basic computer skills are always helpful, such as preparing the agenda, or helping with the monthly newsletter.If you can help in this area, please come to our meeting on June 6th.  See the back side of this newsletter for meeting time and place.  If you are interested in any of the other board positions, now is the time to get involved.  We can accept additional nominations for all eight STPO Board Officer positions prior to our vote on Monday June 6th.

After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
Luke 10:1-2

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The Next Two Months- We Need You!  by Bob Struebel

May 2022

 

Later this month, two of our STPO Board Officers will meet with the Jail Captain to  discuss when and how we can resume ministry within the Matagorda County Jail.   Please keep us lifted up in your prayers to our God, that we would be able to serve our local community to our very best ability.  As your Chairman, I believe the next two months are very important for the future and direction of STPO.  We have missed many of you during these last couple of years; and look forward to your participation in the months to come.

 

For the last year, the TDCJ prisons have been open for visitation.  Ron Fields and I have been ministering at Garza West in Beeville on Thursday mornings and Saturday afternoons.  Once the Matagorda County jail reopens for church services and Bible studies, there will be more opportunities for STPO members to participate here in Matagorda County

 

Our annual election of board officers will be during the June 6th monthly meeting.  We will be receiving nominations for all eight board officer positions at our meeting this Monday May 2nd.  All STPO members who have paid their dues will be eligible to vote.
Since January of 2020, I have also been serving as STPO Secretary.   This temporary arrangement was extended only because our primary ministry here at the county jail has been suspended since March of 2020.

 

This newsletter is the best way I know to get the word out that there is an urgent need for a new STPO secretary.   We especially need someone who can take minutes at our monthly meetings.  Basic computer skills are always helpful, such as preparing the agenda, or helping with the monthly newsletter.

 

If you can help in this area, please come to our meeting on May 2nd.  If you are not able to attend, please call me, or drop us an email.  If you are interested in any of the other board positions, now is the time to get involved.

 

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

Mark 16:19-20 

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Victory on the Battlefield by Bob Struebel

April 2022

At the Garza West unit in Beeville, during our study of “Battlefield of the Mind”, we learned how passivity  keeps us from having victory in our lives.  This lesson helped me tremendously, so I will share it with you.  The author describes passivity as a lack of feeling, a lack of desire, general apathy, lukewarmness and laziness.  This is more than just occasional complacency or procrastination.   Passivity keeps us on the sidelines, instead of in the game.  This can be very damaging in relationships, because we are not doing the right things.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6

We cannot be led by our emotions (or lack thereof).  Otherwise, our lack of desire can lead to complacency, which ultimately leads to passivity.  Once we become passive, we are no longer actively pressing forward in those areas of our lives.  Through non-activity, we have given our will over to the enemy.  Passivity is a problem in the workplace, at school, in our marriage, and in our family.  God’s desire is to advance his kingdom into every area of our life, and into the world around us.

Study of God’s Word and prayer are two areas where we can exercise our will, resist the enemy and choose to be active. Ultimately, we can only have victory as we are transformed us by renewing our minds.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God…” Romans 12:2

For me, overcoming passivity required some personal discipline.  Instead of staying up late at night, I began to get up early everyday.  This allowed time for physical exercise and for a quiet time with God.  I also stopped working past a certain time each evening.  This allowed more quiet time with God, before I go to sleep.

If you then be risen with Christ, seek this things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.   Colossians 3:1-3

After several weeks of this disciplined routine, the desires of my heart have changed.  I treasure those quiet times alone with God each day.  I also appreciate the workouts at the gym, and the opportunity for a good night’s sleep. By choosing to actively resist the devil, we become stronger in spirit, soul and body.  This is how we have victory on the battlefield!
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How to Lose a War  by Bob Struebel

March 2022

Perhaps you are aware of the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.  Some fear it is the beginning of a much greater conflict, or even a regional war.  In today’s society, the cancel culture is evident on both sides of this crisis.  Independent media sources are almost all shutdown within Russia.  Anything outside of the state controlled media is considered fake news.

The countries allied with NATO are using social, political and economic sanctions.  It is amazing how quickly a country can be delisted from the world stock exchanges and shut off from the world banking system.  If we focus all our attention on Eastern Europe we are in danger of winning the battle while losing the war.  By putting our faith in a political party, an economic consortium or a military alliance we have already lost the war.

Our true enemy has been waging battle against us since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden.  Perhaps the recent pandemic was just a diversion tactic of the enemy to keep us from addressing the quiet killing of millions of unborn children.

 

"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)".   John 10:10 (AMPC)

What if our news media reported the true casualties from the real battlefield?  The Spanish Flu of 1918 killed over 50 million people.  There were more than 60 million casualties resulting in death during WW2.  While abortion, pandemics and world wars have killed tens of millions, the greatest number of casualties are those men, women and children who are dying every day without giving their hearts and lives to Christ!

There is no middle ground on the battlefield between the kingdom of our God and the forces of darkness.  Jesus makes it clear:

“This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you’re not on my side, you’re the enemy; if you’re not helping, you’re making things worse." Matthew 12:30 (The Message)

Here at South Texas Prison Outreach, we continue to take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the jails and prisons.  After a six week lockdown, the Garza West unit has opened back up for the class on Thursday morning and church services on Saturday afternoon.
Please join us in prayer that we will be able to share Christ again soon with those inside the Matagorda County Jail.

"I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me". Matthew 25:36 (HCSB)
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Waiting on God  by Bob Struebel

February 2022

The people of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) lived in Egypt for 430 years.  To put that in perspective, let’s look at what happened here in North America 430 years ago, in the year 1592.  England and Spain were competing for territory in the New World.  Early attempts were made by the English (Sir Walter Raleigh) to establish a permanent settlement on Roanoke Island (between 1584 and 1590), but each time the settlement was found empty and abandoned.

 

The history of Israel (the Jewish people) could easily have ended during the seven year famine of Jacob and Joseph’s time.  The small family could have been wiped out, like the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island that disappeared with out a trace.  Instead, we see God miraculously bringing these 70 direct descendants to live in the very best land of Egypt for 430 years.  At some point, the Israelites were enslaved and treated very harshly.  The new Pharaoh was completely unaware of who Joseph was and how he was used by God to help the nation of Egypt to survive the terrible famine.

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had not forgotten his promise to them.  He appeared to Moses in a burning bush and told him:

 

“Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” Exodus 3: 9-10

There is more at stake here than God’s fulfillment of his promise to Abraham.  Through a series of ten miraculous plagues, God rolls out a much broader and far reaching plan.  Before each plague is unleashed, Moses brings the same basic request before  Pharoah.  ’The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you, “Let my people go, so they can worship me in the wilderness.”  It is clear that God desires to raise up a nation who honors and worships him.

Before the plague of hail, God reveals more of his plan to Pharoah:

 

“…I will send more plagues on you and your officials and your people. Then you will know that there is no one like me in all the earth. By now I could have lifted my hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the face of the earth. But I have spared you for a purpose—to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth.”Exodus 9: 14-16

Finally, the Lord killed all the firstborn sons and the first born livestock of the Egyptians.  Pharoah released the Israelites, only to pursue them as they crossed the Red Sea.  His entire army was destroyed.

When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses.  Exodus 14:31

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Opportunities for the New Year  by Bob Struebel

January, 2022

As chairman of South Texas Prison Outreach, I would like to thank each of you for your continued support of our outreach to the men and women in the Matagorda County Jail.  Although we have not yet resumed the Sunday services and Tuesday Bible studies, we have found other ways to effectively share Christ during the pandemic.

Through donations from area churches and individuals, STPO has been able to drop off many boxes of paperback books and Bibles to support the inmate book table.

On December 14th, South Texas Prison Outreach had the opportunity to deliver Christmas gifts to the men and women incarcerated in the Matagorda County Jail.  We dropped off enough shampoo, deodorant, soda and cookies for 150 inmates.  Special thanks to the ladies at First Baptist Church for providing the 100 dozen cookies!

H-E-B was kind enough to donate $50 towards the cost of the deodorant and shampoo.  It is through the generosity of area churches and individuals that we are able to purchase enough gifts and refreshments for the entire jail population.  Our Daily Bread ministries also provided 150 Christmas devotional booklets for the inmates.

 
We thank Captain Carrillo and the jail staff for their willingness to distribute the books, Bibles and Christmas gifts to the inmates.  Please keep them and their families in your prayers for continued strength and good health.

Some of our STPO members have also served as chaplain’s volunteers in the TDCJ state prison system.  Last year we were able to preach the gospel at several church services on Saturday afternoons at  Garza West in Beeville.  We are also teaching a class at the faith based men’s dormitory at the Garza West Unit in Beeville.  The class is based on a book by Joyce Meyer called “Battlefield of the Mind”.  This is a tremendous opportunity to help the men in the faith based dorm to develop the skills they need to defeat the enemy and to be overcomers.

Perhaps you are interested in helping out in one or more of these areas.  The class at Garza West is held on Thursday mornings at 0900, while the church services are on Saturday afternoons at 1230.  Please contact me by phone or through STPO’s email if you would like more information.

One of the best ways to find out more about STPO is to attend our monthly meetings.  We meet on the first Monday of the month, at 7pm.  See the back side of this newsletter for more details.

“… for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God…”
I John 5:4-5

 

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Making Room for Jesus by Bob Struebel

December 2021 

The six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is a busy time of the year.  Many of us take vacation and set aside time for family and friends.  We have opportunities to attend special events at our church or within our community.  It is even easier to share our faith in Christ, as we look forward to celebrating his birth.

Returning to our hometown is not always easy.  Those we grew up with may not accept our testimony for Christ.  Jesus experienced this same rejection during his ministry.

 

He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?”  Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph,Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
Matthew 13:54-57 NLT

The people of Nazareth were not willing to make room in their hearts for Jesus, so he and his disciples moved on from there.
The Christmas story tells of another time when there was no room for Jesus.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:4-7 NKJV

Although Bethlehem was full of people, only a few recognized and welcomed Jesus as the Messiah.  Angels appeared to the shepherds nearby, and they were among the first to see the baby Jesus.

 

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. Luke 2:15-17 NLT

Let’s make room in our busy lives for the Savior of the world.  Just as the wise men travelled from the East to worship him, let our hearts be full of praise as we worship and adore him.

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.  And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.  
Matthew 2:9-11 NKJV

 

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Ambassadors for Christ by Bob Struebel

November 2021

For the last six months, Ron Fields and I have been working as Chaplain’s volunteers at Garza West in Beeville.  We are teaching a class every Thursday morning as well as speaking in church services one or two  Saturdays each month.

In addition to the other chaplain’s volunteers, there are three field ministers who transferred in from the Darrington unit.  We consider it a great privilege to represent Christ as volunteers in the TDCJ system.

We are ambassadors of the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips. So we tenderly plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Turn back to God and be reconciled to him.”
2 Corinthians 5:20 TPT

A couple of weeks ago, our Thursday morning class was about the normal state of mind for Christ followers.  When our minds are busy with the cares and concerns of this world, we sometimes miss out on God’s guidance and direction for our lives.  When our minds are quiet, calm and at rest we can more easily hear the still small voice of God.  Elijah the prophet experienced this as he stood before the Lord on Mt Horeb.

Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
I Kings 19:11-12 NKJV

The bad weather I had driven thru that morning arrived at Garza West during our class.  After class was over, I was completely drenched during the long walk back from the faith based dorm, thru the main gate and into the parking lot.  Several inches of water covered the sidewalks and the parking lot as the downpour continued.

Despite the bad driving conditions and the flash flood alert, I was able to get some fast food in Refugio before heading home. My mind was completely calm as I trusted God for safe travels home.  I was rejoicing with the Lord for the favor we had that day in the class.

After driving thru a flooded portion of I-77, we finally made it to higher ground.  I had the car heater and the seat heater on high for a long time.  I was rejoicing in the Spirit for the privilege of serving him, with very little concern for the bad weather or my own personal comfort.

The bad weather subsided for a few minutes as we continued driving north.  Then I heard a whisper like the sound of the breeze blowing thru the leaves of the trees.  I had to listen very closely, as I heard the same still small voice again in my spirit.  The Lord spoke these words to me:

“Now, I see your heart”

 

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 What are You Thinking About? by Bob Struebel

October 2021

As we go about our daily lives, what we think about will have a major impact on the overall direction and outcome of our lives.
We all know that “bad company corrupts good character” (I Cor. 15:33).  However, the following scripture shows that we are more than just the company that we keep.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.  That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3

 

When we delight in and meditate on the law of the Lord we habitually ponder and study his precepts, instructions and teachings.  This can be accomplished by reading or listening to the Bible.  We also have Christian TV and radio programs, as well as  24 hour online access to sermons, testimonies, Bible commentaries and other in depth material.  All this is in addition to what we learn at church and in our home groups.

Unfortunately, the snares of bad company are many.  We may use our smart phones to check the weather and end up reading a news article about some atrocious crime. Or we might check social media to keep up with friends and family, and end up reading harsh and inflammatory comments that tear down instead of building up.

Before we know it, we have spent a lot of time in bad company, thinking bad thoughts that corrupt good character.  We are at risk of becoming complacent, instead of taking a stand against the evil of this world.

“…we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature, obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings]. We were then by nature children of God’s wrath and heirs of His indignation, like the rest of mankind."
Ephesians 2:3

Instead, we must be in the world, but not of the world.  It takes discipline (spiritual exercise) to remain strong in the Lord.  Thankfully, as Christ followers, we have the Holy Spirit in us.  This does not mean our life will be easy, but it does mean that God is with us.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

 

In the end, as we meditate on the Word of God, our thoughts will line up with his thoughts, our lives will be changed, and we will become as strong as a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.

 

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How Big is Your Mountain? by Bob Struebel

September 2021

Recently, I had a discussion with some friends about the help that God gives us as we go about our daily lives.  Since God actually lives in us (through the Holy Spirit), he is available for any need we may have.

Often, we ask for more love, more joy or more peace.  Perhaps the need is to be a better spouse, parent or employee.  Or maybe we need help with some big project or test.  We are asking for his help in our everyday lives.

And then there are needs that require a miracle of God.  One of the definitions for "miracle" is "An event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God”   As Christ followers who carry God’s presence with us everywhere we go, we can expect to see his divine intervention in the world around us.  When Jesus cursed the fig tree, it withered and died.  He used this to illustrate the power we have available to us.

 

 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Mark 11:22-24

In this example the mountain could be any major obstacle in our path. When we have regular conversation with God, our desires begin to line up with His desires.  Maybe the question is not so much how big is our mountain, but how desperate is our faith.
There are times when we must depend on God to do the impossible.  Perhaps we have never had to trust him for anything this big before.

The story of Jesus healing the demon possessed boy illustrates God’s compassion for us, even when we are not sure he can help us. Here Jesus is asking about the harm the demon was causing to this man’s son:

So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”  And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:21-24

 

Perhaps your needs are not as dramatic as moving mountains or casting out demons, but think of those around us who need a miracle from God.  We can pray and believe on their behalf, demonstrating the love of God to the world around us.

 

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A Vital Necessity by Bob Struebel

August 2021

On July 1st, we began teaching a class at the faith based men’s dormitory at the Garza West Unit in Beeville.  The class is based on a book by Joyce Meyer called “Battlefield of the Mind”.  The author makes the point that wrong thinking is often the result of strongholds the devil has in our minds.  A brief personal story will illustrate my point.

After living life my way for 43 years, I was miserable and without hope.  One day I cried out to God and said “I would rather die than keep living like this!”  He heard my cry and began working in his own mysterious way.  Shortly thereafter, I developed a tremendous hunger to read the Bible.  I began reading the Book of Matthew, and continued reading at least eight hours a day, every day.  After two weeks of immersion in the truth of the Word of God, I took inventory of my life.  There were six major decisions I had made, and I had several Bible verses that specifically addressed each of those six decisions.  Unfortunately, all six decisions were wrong, and I learned that if I were to die that night, I would definitely spend eternity in hell.  However, I also understood that I could surrender control of my heart and life to Christ, and that he would save me and set me free so that I could serve him.  Of course, I gave my heart and life to Christ that night, which changed my eternal destiny.

Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new person. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new.
II Corinthians 5:17

My life prior to that night was in chaos because of years of wrong thinking.  I had believed the devil’s lies, and he had several strongholds in my life.  In order for me to become an entirely new person (enfolded into Christ). It was a vital necessity that I get my thinking straightened out!

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
II Corinthians 10:3-5

Our weapons to demolish the devil’s strongholds are the Word of God, praise (worship) of God, and prayer (conversation) with God.
As I was discipled by other believers, I began to speak the truth of the Word of God thru prayer and thru praise.  Wrong thinking (the devil’s lies) was replaced with right thinking (what Jesus says). One stronghold after the next came tumbling down!
Today, I am an entirely new person in Christ.  All that is related to the old order has vanished!

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God’s Love (from JJF’s “My View”) by Bob Struebel

July 2021

 

John J Franciskovich (JJ) stepped into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Father’s Day (6/20/2021).  He is finally free from the bondage of ALS.  There will be a CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE on July 10th at Ignite Church in Bay City at 10:00 am.
Many of you knew John as past Chairman of South Texas Prison Outreach.  John was also a great friend and mentor as we ministered together in the county jail and the state prison.  In his honor, I have included one of the last STPO newsletter articles he wrote for July of 2017.

 

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Most of us know JOHN 3:16 by heart and can quote it word for word, but have we really taken the time to think of what it saying. We can get a fresh perspective of JOHN 3:16 by looking at 1 JOHN 4:8-11

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8. He who does not love does not know God.  
9. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
10. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 JOHN 4:8-11

As we can see in VERSE 9, “the love of God was manifested toward us.” This makes it more personal; that God loved me so much He sent His Son to take my place to pay the debt I owed. That is a lot of love!

Why am I so important to deserve this love? It is because we are to take His love to our family, church, community, and to those in the jail and prisons. VERSE 11, Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

We have to know in our heart, and understand God’s love in order to love others in the way God instructs us. When we go to the world around us people will want this love also.

When I go to the prisons, I am asked why do I care, and my answer is because God loves you so much that He sent us to share with you God’s love. He loves you so much that He wants to help you to change your life. At times after hearing this they will open up and say they never experienced this kind of love.

As we look at our county and the division between people, it’s because they have lost God’s kind of love. They are so focused
on what divides us. As we quote JOHN 3:16 AND  1 JOHN 4:8- 11, and show the love of God by demonstrating that we can love each other despite our differences, only because God loved us first, then their hearts can be softened toward God.

On behalf of S.T.P.O. members we want to wish each and everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July. Remember to take God’s love everywhere you go.

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How God Lives and Works in Us by Bob Struebel

June 2021

I have heard some believers talk about themselves as “Christians under construction”.  My question is:  “At what point does the owner of the house actually move in and take up residence?”  This is an interesting question, because the Old Testament model clearly shows that the Temple construction must be complete.  Then the furnishings are consecrated, the priest are consecrated and numerous blood sacrifices are made before the Presence of God begins to fill the Most Holy Place.

However, the New Testament model is very different.  When we invite Jesus to be Savior and Lord of our lives, he immediately begins working in us.  In fact, he is eager to begin relationship with us thru the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.  He views  relationship with us as more important than the physical condition of his new dwelling place.  In fact it is the blood of Jesus that makes us acceptable before God.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
1 Peter 1:18-19

Furthermore, he desires that we join together with other like-minded believers, who are also Christians under construction!

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2: 4-5

This is why STPO has held Bible studies and church services in the Matagorda County Jail, so the people incarcerated there might come to know Christ personally, and be built up into the body of Christ inside the jail.  We also have another opportunity to hold a church service this Saturday (June 5th) at Garza West in Beeville.  This is a tremendous opportunity, and we thank everyone for your continued prayers!

Our annual election of officers will take place this Monday (June 7th) at 7pm at Ignite Church in Bay City.  There are eight members of the board, and all eight positions are open for election each year.  The board positions and the current slate of officers are shown on the back side of this newsletter.  We accepted nominations for officers at our last meeting on May 3rd and will vote on these nominations this coming Monday evening.  All members who have paid their dues are eligible to vote.
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Living in a Construction Zone by Bob Struebel

May 2021

 

There is a difference between working in a construction zone and living in a construction zone.  At the end of a work day, we can clean up, go home and enjoy some family time.  However, if the demolition and construction activities are at your main residence, it can be dirty, noisy and inconvenient.

 

Perhaps you are living in a house with a lot of sweat equity.  There is always some project, either in progress or on the horizon ahead.  The same is true for our spiritual lives.  The difference is God is the master builder, and we are his temple.

 

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
I Cor 6:19-20

The ability to honor the God who lives in us is possible only as we develop our relationship with him.  Each of us have a body, a soul and a spirit.  Our relationship with God is strengthened when Holy Spirit interacts directly with our spirit.  It is this relationship with Holy Spirit that gives us the guidance, strength and power to honor God in every area of our lives.

As members of South Texas Prison Outreach, we seek to honor God by sharing Christ with the men and women in the Matagorda County Jail.  While the jail is open for visitation on the weekends, we have not yet resumed the Sunday morning church services and Tuesday evening Bible studies.  We appreciate your prayers, as we are ready when needed.

Some of our STPO members have also served as chaplain’s volunteers in the TDCJ state prison system.  We have an opportunity to hold a church  service this Saturday (May 2nd) at Garza West in Beeville.  This is a tremendous opportunity, and we thank everyone for your continued prayers!

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
Matthew 25: 35-36

Another item of business for STPO is the nomination of board officers for the upcoming elections.  There are eight members of the board, and all eight positions are open for nominations.   We will accept nominations for officers at our regularly scheduled meeting on this Monday, May 3rd.  Annual elections of officers will take place on Monday, June 7th.  Both of these meetings will be at 7pm at Ignite Church in Bay City.

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Texas State Prison and County Jail Visitation Resumes  by Bob Struebel

April 2021

The good news for Texas is that we are now fully open after a year of restrictions due to COVID 19.  The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has resumed face to face in-person (no contact) visitation at all units statewide as of Monday, March 15th. Visits are by appointment only, and restrictions apply.  Please check online at tdcj.texas.gov for more details.

For many years, on the first Sunday of the month, STPO volunteers held Sunday church services (morning and evening) at the Garza East unit in Beeville.  The Garza East Unit was closed permanently in July of 2020.  We are hoping to establish contact and begin serving as chaplain’s volunteers at one of the other TDCJ units in that area.

The Matagorda County Jail has also resumed visitation on the weekends only, using the phones in the visitation room.  STPO will continue dialog with the Jail Captain to  explore the possibility of Sunday morning church or Tuesday evening Bible study.

Lately we have had significant donations of paperback books for the men and women at the county jail.  These donations include Bibles, devotional and Bible study books, as well as books and novels on a broad range of topics.  Considering that there are about 150 inmates at the jail, they very much appreciate having a good selection of reading materials.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones this past year.  It has been a tough year for many of us.  One of the blessings that has come from all of this is that there are several more babies on the way!  I have two nieces and two nephews who are each expecting a baby.  One has already arrived and three more will follow over the next few weeks.  One of our STPO members had four new grand babies born about 10 minutes apart.  A family of five has now become a family of nine!

This Friday we remember the death and burial of Jesus the  Messiah.  The little baby who was born in Bethlehem eventually became a man of sorrow and suffering.  He was even betrayed by one of his own disciples.   When he was finally arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, all of his followers fled for their lives.  The prophet Isaiah spoke these words many years before Jesus was even born:

 

"But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief.  Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants.  He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.  When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied.  And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.
Isaiah 53:10-11

 

We can be thankful that Jesus did not remain in the grave.  By the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit of the Living God, he arose from the grave and is now seated at the right hand of the Father!
 

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Preparing for the Future  by Bob Struebel

March 2021

Last week, many families in South Texas lost their electricity as below freezing weather left the ERCOT power grid unable to meet the demand.  While there is plenty of blame to go around, some families were able to keep the water running and the heat on.

 

Forced air furnaces (gas, oil and propane fuel) only work if you have a backup generator and the proper electrical wiring to keep the blower running.  Some folks have a permanently installed emergency generator driven by an alternate fuel source.  Others have portable generators which require at least two or three days worth of propane, gasoline or diesel fuel.  Keeping the water pipes from freezing is another matter.  Electrical freeze protection systems for exposed outdoor water lines also require a backup source of power.  If there is no heat in the building, or if there is no water pressure to keep flow in the lines, the inside water pipes can sometimes freeze and break.

Most of us were not prepared for this freezing weather, and only got through by the mercy and grace of God.  We are thankful for the generosity of family, friends and local communities who provided food and shelter for those in need.  Severe weather events often dominate the news, especially when there is loss of life.  Interestingly, the focus is mostly on how the survivors can be better prepared for the next weather emergency.  Little thought is given to whether or not these same survivors are prepared for death and what lies beyond the grave.

 

How then do we prepare for the end of our lives?  Having a will, a life insurance policy and a nest egg are all matters that benefit our survivors.  The more important matter is the eternal destiny of our own soul.  Jesus addressed the issue of eternal life with the Jewish people.  After healing a paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, he said:

 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.  Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.  John 5:24-25

 

Regarding the second resurrection and judgement beyond the grave, he said:
“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.  John 5:28-29

 

Please keep John and Linda Franciskovich in your prayers.  John was our STPO Chairman for many years, and Linda was our Secretary.  John is homebound, after recent hospitalization for pneumonia.

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What if Your Cake is a Flop?  by Bob Struebel

February 2021

While preparing to write this article I decided to bake a layer cake.  I had reasonable success last year using Baker’s Joy to prepare the 9” layer pans.  This year, I decided to just grease the pans with Crisco.  Maybe this would work if I let the layers cool completely before removing from the pan.  However, being in a hurry, I tried to get the layers out after only 20 minutes of cooling.  I was only 50% successful. The bottom layer looked like it came out of a volcano, so I hid it under the top layer and did my best to cover up my mistakes with  frosting.

 

I had forgotten that Mom always greased the pans and dusted them with flour.  I had taken two shortcuts and failed miserably!  Rarely do we fail by adding extra steps to the instructions.  Instead, we fail by taking shortcuts, and skipping over things that are not convenient.

 

Our relationships with others are particularly vulnerable if we take shortcuts.  The damage may not show up right away, but eventually we will realize that something is wrong.  Is it possible we are using COVID-19 as an excuse to neglect our family and loved ones?  Social distancing may be necessary in some situations, but it can be carried to an extreme.  There are creative ways to maintain family connections by sending letters, cards, flowers and gifts.  Many parents and grandparents would love if their children would just call them on the telephone. My mom never really learned to send or receive text messages on her flip phone.  She never even set up her voice mailbox.  However, it really brightened her day to get a letter with pictures of her great grandchildren!

 

And what about our relationship with God?  Is it really that important to meet together at church, or can we just watch the worship services online?  Certainly those who are high risk, or quarantined because of illness should stay home, but what about the rest of us?

 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can’t be hidden. Also, people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand. Then it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

 

Think about those who are incarcerated.  With all visitation suspended, they have very little communication with families and friends.
Some of our STPO board members met with the jail captain recently to discuss possible ways we can reach out to those inside the Matagorda County jail.  Please keep us in your prayers that we might be able to resume Sunday morning church services and Tuesday evening Bible studies.  

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Wisdom Takes the High Road  by Bob Struebel

January 2021

As we approach the end of this year, our nation is at a crossroads.  How do we navigate the uncertainties ahead?  Will we limit ourselves to a couple of personal New Year’s resolutions, or will we seek for a greater impact in the kingdom of God?  It is interesting to note that God raises up all kinds of people to accomplish his purposes.  In Exodus 31, we see the importance of the tabernacle.  As the dwelling place of God, the Lord himself chooses the head craftsman.

 

The Lord said to Moses,“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.
Exodus 31:1-5

It is evident that being “full of the Spirit of God, with wisdom, and with understanding” is not just for leaders like Moses and Solomon.  In old testament times, only a few people had a measure of the Spirit of God within them.  One of the great advances of the new testament  kingdom of God comes when we yield our hearts and lives to Christ, and the Spirit of God comes to dwell within us.  It is not enough to have knowledge and great skill for the task.  Everyday we see tremendously talented people    at work all around us.  However, only a few are full of the Spirit of God.  How do we know the difference?

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
Matthew 7:15-17

 

The context here is that we are like sheep following the Good Shepherd.  Wolves may try to infiltrate the flock, but soon they are in the attack mode, as predators are prone to be!  To avoid being led astray or devoured by false prophets, we need to put greater value on being “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom and with understanding” Galatians 5 sets the record straight.

 

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Galatians 5:13-15

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-25

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The Secret to Living is Giving  by Bob Struebel

December 2020

It was Christmas Eve, and I was working in a private care facility for troubled teenagers.  We had two huge heavy bags full of wrapped Christmas gifts that had been donated to the children’s home thru CPS.  As the senior child care worker, it was my job to sneak these gifts from the admin building into the locked down children’s dormitory.

 

At 02:30, I began dragging the first bag of gifts very slowly from admin, thru the boy’s living area, and into the staff area.  Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.  Each trip from admin to the staff area took about 25 minutes.  By 03:30 the huge bags were secured in the staff area ready to hand out after breakfast.  I had never seen so many children opening gifts on Christmas morning.  Every child got at least two gifts.  By 09:30, everyone was well fed and very happy.

Looking back on that experience, I was not the provider of the Christmas gifts, nor was I the one who handed out the gifts.  I was merely the messenger; the delivery man.  South Texas Prison Outreach has the opportunity to deliver Christmas gifts to the men and women incarcerated in the Matagorda County Jail.  On December 8th, we will drop off enough shampoo, deodorant, soda and cookies for 150 inmates.  H-E-B was kind enough to donate $50 towards the cost of the deodorant and shampoo.

 

It is through the generosity of area churches and individuals that we are able to purchase enough gifts and refreshments for the entire jail population.  Because the jail is closed to visitors, we are unable to personally hand out the gifts and refreshments this year.  Nor are we able to share the Christmas story personally with each group of inmates.

 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”  Luke 2:13-14

 

Despite the restrictions, STPO has permission to drop off gifts, refreshments and Christmas devotional booklets.  The jail staff are the ones who will bring the gifts and refreshments to each living area.  STPO has also dropped off many boxes of paperback books and Bibles to support the inmate book table.  Because of your generosity, the inmates in the county jail know they are not forgotten!

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Giving Thanks in Tough Times  by Bob Struebel

November 2020

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, you may be wondering “how can we give thanks during a pandemic?”  The gospel of Mark, chapter 6 gives us great insight into how Jesus and his followers responded during times of adversity.  In the beginning of the chapter (v. 1-6), Jesus and the disciples return to his hometown of Nazareth.  The people there saw him only as the carpenter’s son, and could not accept him as a prophet and teacher.  However, not to be discouraged, Jesus then sent the disciples out two by two to cast out devils and to heal the sick.  He warned them that some towns may not accept their witness, and they just needed to shake off the dust and move on to the next town (v. 7-13).

Perhaps the worst part of this story is how King Herod was persuaded to cut off the head of John the Baptist (v. 14-29). Remember that John the Baptist was related to Jesus thru Mary’s sister Elizabeth.  Perhaps John and Jesus even played together as children. At this point Jesus meets with his disciples:

 

So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.  Mark 6:32-34

Here we see that Jesus had compassion on the people.  As tired and hungry as he and the disciples were, their hearts were full of love for the people who followed them.  Thus we see these men were not deterred by their adverse circumstances, nor by the death of John the Baptist.  Instead, they were looking for opportunities to serve God.  They were about to see one of the greatest miracles in the Bible that came from simply giving thanks to God!

 

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. Mark 6:41-44

 

Jesus shows us how we can thank God for even the smallest blessing (five loaves and a couple fish), trusting Him to provide the increase.  When we focus on the needs of others, we can be sure our heavenly Father will take care of our needs as well.  This is especially true today during the coronavirus outbreak here in America.

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My Journey to see Daddy  by Bob Struebel

October 2020

Last year, I had the chance to join my brother for a trip to Israel.  We flew 7,800 miles from Phoenix thru Newark to Tel Aviv.  The theme of our trip was “Israel-God’s Story”.  There were many highlights of the tour as we traveled by bus and on foot.  From the Sea of Galilee in the north to the Dead Sea in the south.  It was wonderful to walk where Jesus walked and to experience Israel as it is today.  However, I was hungry to experience the presence of God.  Perhaps you are wondering what that means.  Could there be more to relationship with God than reading the Bible and going to church?  I was about to find out.

 

On Wednesday evening we arrived at the Jerusalem Grand Court Hotel.  I was amazed to find out we were staying three nights in room 777.  It was like walking thru a door into another world.  When I speak about God the Father to my closest friends, I call him Papa.  However, when I speak directly to Papa, I often call him Daddy.  I knew that I was about to encounter Him there in the Holy City.  The following afternoon we took a couple hours to visit the Jerusalem Prayer Tower.  The entire top floor of this fourteen story building is dedicated to prayer and intercession for the people of Israel and especially for Jerusalem.

 

There were people playing musical instruments, singing, praying and even dancing.  There were some words in English, but mostly in Hebrew.  I was reminded of the story where King David brings the Ark of the Covenant back up into the City of David in 2 Samuel 6:13-15. "Those carrying the ark of the Lord took six steps forward. Then David sacrificed a bull and a fat calf. David was wearing a sacred linen apron. He danced in front of the Lord with all his might. He did it while he was bringing up the ark of the Lord. The whole community of Israel helped him bring it up. They shouted. They blew trumpets."  King David was so excited to have the presence of God back in Jerusalem.  His celebration gave the entire Hebrew nation great cause to rejoice.

 

As I began worshipping and praying in the Spirit that afternoon, I had an open vision where everything else faded away.  There was a father playing with his little boy.  The boy was so happy as he ran into his father’s arms.  As children often do, he kept running and leaping and dancing right back into his father’s arms.  The vision was repeated several times in the last 45 minutes of our time at the prayer tower.  I understood that I was the little boy and Daddy was the father.  I experienced great inner healing of my heart in those few minutes.

 

A couple days later, we were able to pray at the Western Wall, where the Jews believe the Divine Presence rests.  It was so worth it to travel thousands of miles just to see Daddy at the top of the Jerusalem Prayer Tower!

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My Refuge and My Strength  by Bob Struebel

September 2020

As I write this article, Hurricane Laura is about to make landfall near the Texas-Louisiana state line.  Unsurvivable storm surges of up to 20 feet are predicted in surrounding areas.  What does this mean?  There will be search and rescue missions.  Stories of people whose lives are miraculously spared.  Ordinary people will become heroes as they risk their lives to save others from drowning.  Despite the warnings by state and local officials, some people will be unable or unwilling to leave the coastal areas.  Those who are handicapped, lacking transportation, or unaware of the impending disaster are especially at risk.

 

How can we help?  As intercessors, we can lift up our prayers to Almighty God on behalf of those in harm’s way.  Psalm 46 tells us to place our confidence in God our refuge, especially when the earth gives way and the waters roar and foam.  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”  Psalm 46:1-3

 

When we give praise and glory to God, we acknowledge his desire to help us in our time of trouble.  This is one of the best ways to overcome the enemy in our times of adversity.  Psalm 95 tells us that both the sea and the land belong to him.  “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.  Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.  For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.  In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.  The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:1-5

We have the authority to rebuke the wind and the waves just like Jesus did on the Sea of Galilee.  “A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”  He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.  Mark 4:37-39

 

Even in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic and a very active hurricane season, we cannot fear and we must not lose hope.  We appreciate your continued prayers for those who are incarcerated.  The Matagorda County Jail is still under quarantine.  Let us pray this pandemic would end, so that we can resume Sunday morning services and Tuesday evening Bible studies.

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Under the shadow of the Almighty  by Bob Struebel

August 2020

According to Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”  Imagine how much different our lives would be if we were literally overshadowed by the presence of Almighty God.  For the enemies of God, this is the last place they want to be.  Others like Abraham, Moses and David, spent so much time in the presence of God they were known as the friend of God, able to see him face to face, and a man after God’s own heart.

 

Reading a bit further in Psalm 91, we find “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday”. Could the truths of Psalm 91 help us cope with a global pandemic that currently has our nation and much of the world under siege?  Let’s read further:  “A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.” Psalm 91:7

 

When we are overshadowed by the manifest presence of Almighty God, we have nothing to fear!  He is the one who breathed life into Adam.  “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”  Genesis 2:7. It is through the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit thatHe raised Jesus Christ from death back to life.

 

“But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
Romans 8: 10-11

 

The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit is the very breath of God in us!  “Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling” Psalm 91:10

 

The COVID 19 disease is nothing more than an attempt of the enemy to take the very breath from our lungs.  When we make the Most High God our dwelling place, no plague will even come near our house.  We have the very breath of God in us!

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The King who Trusted in God  by Bob Struebel

July 2020

There was a King in the land of Judah named Hezekiah.  Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.  When the Assyrian king invaded Judah and threatened to destroy Jerusalem, Hezekiah went to the temple and fell on his face before God.  That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. The Assyrian king immediately withdrew and returned home, where he was assassinated.

Hezekiah later became sick and was told by the prophet Isaiah to get ready to die.  Instead of getting his affairs in order, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And he wept bitterly.  Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria.  
II Kings 20:4-6

 

So how can we overcome a global pandemic that currently has our nation and much of the world under siege?  Should we give in to the doubt, fear and unbelief of the world?  We can certainly spend less time watching the news and more time on our faces before God.
The same God who gave Hezekiah fifteen more years to live sent Jesus Christ to be our Saviour and Lord!  The blood of Jesus covers us as a robe of righteousness.  We have nothing to fear!  The effectual and fervent prayers of righteous men and women can truly change the course of a nation.  We may not be able to go into the jails and prisons due to the quarantine, but we can ask the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to send his angels in before us, preparing the way.

We are also dropping off Bibles and paperback books, as well as “Our Daily Bread” Devotionals.  With visitation and church services suspended, it is important that the men and women in the jail can have access to the truth of the Word of God.  One very important item   of business for our July 6th meeting is our annual election of officers.  All those who have paid their dues are eligible to vote.  We look forward to seeing you at the July 6th meeting!

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We Remember our Loved Ones  by Bob Struebel

June 2020

 

Today is Memorial Day, May 25, 2020.  We remember and give thanks for those brave American men and women who died while in military service.  This applies to wars and military operations here in North America as well as all other parts of the world.  One example is the First World War, also known as the Great War.  There were millions of lives lost in battle, with millions more wounded or taken as prisoners of war.  At the end, the German, Austria-Hungarian, Ottoman and Russian empires all collapsed.  Towards the end of the Great War, there was also the 1918 flu pandemic.  About one third of the world’s population was infected.  It is estimated between 17 to 50 million lives were lost.  My grandfather’s mother died from this flu in 1918, when he was only six years old.  Many members of the armed forces also died from this flu.

 

While there are still wars raging in other parts of the world, the concern many of us have today is the ongoing COVID-19 flu pandemic.  Perhaps some of you have family, friends or coworkers who have been affected by this disease.  Many of our loved ones are serving on the front lines in hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities.  We remember them daily in our prayers.

 

Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy.  The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.  The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.  Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Psalm 28:6-9

Here in Matagorda County, we are still concerned about those who work at and are incarcerated in the county jail.  Sunday morning church services and Tuesday evening Bible studies are still suspended as the jail remains under quarantine.  STPO has been able to collect and drop off paperback books for the men and women at the jail.  We have also included some Bibles with each donation.  Ignite Church has given approval for STPO to resume our monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month.  Hopefully, you will all receive this newsletter before then.

 

One very important item of business for our June 1st meeting is our annual election of officers.  Due to the cancelation of April and May meetings, we have not been able to discuss nominations for the eight board positions.  We especially need nominations for the open positions of Secretary and Treasurer.  For this reason, nominations will be discussed on June 1st and the elections will be postponed until our July 6th monthly meeting.  I look forward to seeing each of you at our next meeting.  Your support is greatly appreciated as we continue to reach the prisoners of South Texas with the good news that Jesus died so that we might live!

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How to Cope in these Uncertain Times (Part 2) by Bob Struebel

May 2020

Today is Arbor Day, April 24, 2020. The COVID-19 virus has spread throughout our country.  Schools and churches remain closed, although some states are beginning to reopen a few businesses and construction activities.  Visitation at the Matagorda County Jail remains suspended until further notice.  Those who signed up for Tuesday night Bible studies in May will need to confirm if the suspension is still in place at that time.  Our STPO monthly meeting (normally on Monday May 4th) is also canceled.

 

As followers of Jesus Christ, we can pray together for God to give our national, state and local leaders wisdom, direction, strength and courage.  There are now over 26 million people signed up for unemployment.  Many small businesses are closed.  Schools have gone to computer based training over the internet.   For the state of Texas, the energy business has been hit especially hard.  Earlier this week, crude oil futures contracts traded well below zero dollars per barrel.  Commodity traders holding contracts for crude oil delivery in May were actually paying others to take physical delivery for the crude oil they had already purchased!  This is an example of the kind of uncertainty that all of us are facing.

Some of us are tired of being cooped up at home, away from our families and friends.  Many are anxious to get back to work.  In these uncertain times, we are blessed just to have a roof over our heads and food on the table.  For most people in the world, the concerns of life are much more basic.  Some are fighting for their next breath after being infected by this new coronavirus.  Others are living on the streets and wondering where their next meal will come from.  Even though the kingdoms of this world are shaken, the kingdom of our God will never be shaken.  Perhaps you are wondering what Jesus would do in a time like this.  How could God the Father let these things happen?  It is precisely for these reasons that the Father sent his one and only Son into the world! One passage of the Bible sets all these things into perspective.

 

Quoting from the gospel according to St. John, chapter 10 in the New Living Translation:
“Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
John 10: 6-10

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How to Cope in these Uncertain Times  by Bob Struebel

April 2020

I am writing this article on Sunday March 15, 2020.  At the present time, we know  there is an outbreak of a virus known as COVID-19.  Our country is now under a state of emergency and many schools and churches are closed.  Some employers have asked their people to work from home.  Most of us want to know what lies ahead.

 

At present the TDCJ state prison at Garza East in Beeville is under quarantine until further notice.  The Garza East unit will close permanently in August 2020.  Visitation at the Matagorda County Jail has been suspended until further notice.  Those who signed up for Tuesday night bible studies in April will need to confirm if the suspension is still in place at that time.  Ignite Church has been hosting our STPO monthly meetings for the last five years.  Since their Sunday services are canceled, our monthly meeting (normally on Monday April 6th) is also canceled.

 

As followers of Jesus Christ, how should we respond in times like these?  The leaders of our cities, our states and our nation need our prayers and our support.  We can agree to set our political differences aside and pray together for God to give our leaders wisdom, direction, strength and courage.  We can watch out for our neighbors and our communities.  Are we kind and courteous at the grocery store?  Are we checking on our neighbors to be sure they are OK?  Are we willing to share with those who may not have enough?  We can control our own actions much better than we can predict the direction of the stock market or the future of the oil business.

 

Even though the kingdoms of this world are shaken, the kingdom of our God will never be shaken.  I am reminded of Jesus and his twelve disciples in the upper room at the last supper.  This was the last meal that Jesus shared with these men.  Later that evening, he was betrayed in the garden of Gethsemane.  While eleven of them fled for their lives, Judas went out and hung himself.  As the eleven scattered in fear that night, they had yet to learn how to persevere in times of trial.  Jesus left them these two verses to ponder:

 

“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:32-33

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New Opportunities for a New Year  by Bob Struebel

March 2020

 

It is always interesting to hear the stories of the men and women who volunteer here at the South Texas Prison Outreach (STPO).  I have had the opportunity to meet and work with several of you over the years.  Perhaps you have a testimony to share and are not aware of the opportunities that currently exist here in Matagorda County.  The best place to start is by attending our meetings at Ignite Church on the first Monday of each month.

We cooperate with area churches to provide Sunday morning services to the inmates here at the Matagorda County jail.  We are also involved in Bible Studies at the jail every other Tuesday night.  There are separate services for the men and women inmates.
Our Christmas Party at the jail was a great success last year, and we were able to share the love of Jesus with well over 100 men and women.  Each one received cookies, soda, and gifts (shampoo, deodorant and a devotional book).  We are  very thankful for the tremendous support of the jail officers for this special event.  Special thanks to the ladies at First Baptist Church for providing 100 dozen cookies!

STPO continues to provide Bibles for the men and women at the Matagorda County Jail.  These Bibles are a special prison edition that is geared towards the needs of the inmates.  Spanish bibles are also available on request.  For those of you who are already members of STPO, we need your support.  Three of our long time board members have stepped down over the last 18 months.  This leaves two current vacancies on our board of officers, one for Secretary and one for Treasurer.  All eight board positions will be open for nominations in May, with final nominations and elections in June.

We thank God for the continued opportunities to share the good news in the jail and prisons.  We were able to minister at Garza East in Beeville in January, and would ask your prayers for continued favor.  There have been several months where services at Beeville were canceled.  There have not been enough corrections officers to provide security for the services.  Please remember STPO as we pray for God to raise up more laborers for the harvest.

 

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:14-15

 

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Whose report shall we believe? by Bob Struebel

February 2020

 

The nation of Israel experienced a great deliverance when God brought them out of slavery in Egypt.  The Lord killed the firstborn son of every family in Egypt that did not have the blood of the passover lamb applied to the doorframe of their homes.  The Egyptians urged the Israelites to hurry and leave the country that same night.  “For otherwise” they said , “we will all die!”  Now this is what is known as the fear of the Lord.  There was loud wailing in every single Egyptian household, but among the Israelites, not even a dog barked.  The Israelites obeyed God and he brought them out of captivity.  He led them out in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.  When Pharaoh’s army pursued them, the Israelites  were terrified and cried out to the Lord.

 

Exodus 14:13-14 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
13 Moses answered the people. He said, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm. You will see how the Lord will save you today. Do you see those Egyptians? You will never see them again. 14 The Lord will fight for you. Just be still.”
Indeed, the Lord parted the Red Sea and Israel crossed over on dry ground.  When Pharaoh’s army pursued, they were completely destroyed.  The words of Moses ring true today for all of us:  “Don’t be afraid.  Stand firm.  You will see how the Lord will save you today… The Lord will fight for you.  Just be still”.

 

Exodus 14:30-31 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
30 That day the Lord saved Israel from the power of Egypt. The Israelites saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. 31 The Israelites saw the amazing power the Lord showed against the Egyptians. So the Israelites had great respect for the Lord and put their trust in him. They also put their trust in his servant Moses.
Just like the Israelites in Moses’ day, we live on a battlefield.  However, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities and rulers and forces of wickedness in high places.  Now some people talk a lot about the devil and what he is doing.  I suppose they have not read about Jesus and how he came to destroy the work of the devil.  
John 10:10 Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

 

If you are one to follow the news, you will see a lot of death and destruction.  These are bad reports.  Or perhaps you have loved ones who are battling sickness or disease.  These are also bad reports.  If we spend our time worrying and complaining about these things, we are in danger of sliding into doubt, fear and unbelief.  Jesus himself said he came that we may live and not die, and that we may have abundant life (full to overflowing)

 

For now, let’s focus on fear.  Here is what God’s word says about his great love for us:
1 John 4:18 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Love never brings fear, for fear is always related to punishment. But love’s perfection drives the fear of punishment far from our hearts. Whoever walks constantly afraid of punishment has not reached love’s perfection.

 

Concerning new year’s resolutions, let us determine to believe the report of the Lord rather than the report of man.  When we put our faith and trust in Jesus, his forgiveness and his unconditional love set both the sin and the punishment aside!
1 John 1:9 King James Version (KJV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Let’s determine to speak the words of God over our life situations.  The truth is we are loved by Him and no longer under guilt shame and condemnation.  Jesus warns that we will still face times of adversity  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
 

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How to Survive in 2020 by Bob Struebel

January 2020

Most people look forward to January 2020 because it gives us a fresh start and a chance at a better life.  Some folks even make new year’s resolutions in areas like:  diet, exercise, health and employment.  Or perhaps your desires involve relationships like:  family and friends, church and community, or even supervisors and coworkers.
The good news is all things are possible when we put our faith and trust in God.  Jesus clarifies the stakes for the battle at hand between good and evil, light and darkness, and heaven and earth:

 

John 10:7-10 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

 

Here we have a choice between a rich and satisfying life (following the Good Shepherd) versus a difficult existence where the best of life escapes us (not following the Good Shepherd).  It is bad enough when the enemy steals from us.  If we are not following the Good Shepherd (ignoring His still small voice), we leave ourselves open to even greater losses.
Let me share a personal experience of how difficult and dangerous life can be.  One Sunday morning, I chose to go for a walk in the park instead of going to church.  I chose to ignore the still small voice of the Holy Spirit that day.  We all know that the devil comes like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  What you may not know is there are real honest to goodness mountain lions here in South Texas.  They can weigh as much as 150 pounds, so one had best be prepared to put up a good fight.  As I was walking along the edge of the park I just happened to look up and saw a very large mountain lion with a very long tail.  He was high up on the embankment near the highway bridge.  I believe there was another lion or perhaps some cubs nearby, because he was up on all four paws ready to pounce on anything that crossed his path.  I thought about taking his picture (big, huge mistake) but instead I backtracked and went a different way (escaping by the grace of God!).  The following verses now have a special meaning for me:

 

1 Peter 5:7-9 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

 

I have since learned there are certain things never to do when confronted by a mountain lion.  They apply as well to our confrontations with the enemy (satan the devil). He gains the upper hand when we persist in doubt, fear and unbelief.
Don’t play dead and hope he doesn’t see you.  Trust me if you can see the lion, he can see you.Don’t give in to fear and start running away.  Lions are much faster than sheep.Don’t approach the lion unless you have a deadly weapon and are prepared to use it.Don’t call your friends or try to take a picture of you and the lion. You may not live to regret it.
We will talk more next month about the new year’s resolutions and how to live victoriously on the battlefield.  For now, we must stay alert (verse 8), stand firm against the enemy, and be strong in our faith (verse 9).  Oh, one more thing, walk close to the Good Shepherd and He will guide and protect you!

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Taking Time to Worship by Bob Struebel

December 2019

I recently returned from a tour of Israel where we experienced not only the history, but also the story of what God is doing in Israel today.  Contrary to what is in the world news,  the Hebrew and Arabic peoples live and work peacefully throughout most of the land.  There are also groups of Messianic Jews who are Hebrew by birth, but have chosen to follow Yeshua as their Messiah.  We were able to worship God with Messianic Jewish congregations on two separate occasions.    One was on the Sabbath (Saturday), while the other was during the week on a Thursday afternoon.  The week day service was at the Jerusalem Prayer Tower, where praise, worship and intercession occur from about 8 AM to 6 PM Sunday thru Thursday.  We attended the session from noon until 2PM with a focus on intercession for Israel.  Most of us have prayed for the Jewish people and for the nation of Israel at some time or other, but what was different at the Jerusalem Prayer Tower was the people were playing their instruments, singing and dancing before the Lord almost the entire time.

 

2 Samuel 6:12-15 New Living Translation (NLT)
12 Then King David was told, “The Lord has blessed Obed-edom’s household and everything he has because of the Ark of God.” So David went there and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with a great celebration. 13 After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. 15 So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.
As we approach the Christmas season, perhaps you are seeking to know God in a more personal way.  We can learn from King David that honoring God by praising and worshiping him is a great way to enter into his presence.  The same Jesus who was born in a stable in Bethlehem lives and reigns today at the right hand of the Father.  The news of his arrival into this world is a cause for great celebration!

 

Luke 2:8-14 New Living Translation (NLT)
The Shepherds and Angels
8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

 

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How to Work with God by Bob Struebel

November 2019

 

Have you ever wondered what Jesus really talked to the Father about? We only know a little about his life before he was baptized by John. He lived quietly with Mary and Joseph. More specifically we know that he learned the carpenter’s trade from Mary’s husband Joseph. Even though Joseph was not his real father, he took that role of teaching his son to be a skilled carpenter.
Growing up, I did not have that opportunity to learn a trade from my Dad. I was able to work with him one summer as a pipe fitter’s helper. I was 17 years old and did not really even know for sure which way to turn a valve on or off. If you are able to tell your left hand from your right, the mime is “lefty loosey and righty tighty”. This past week I got to refresh my pipe fitter’s skills building a compressed air manifold from 3/8” NPT brass pipe. My greatest challenge was which way to wrap the teflon tape so it won’t come off while the fittings are tightened together. After dozens of attempts (only 50% successful), I finally cried to God and said “Papa, how would you do this?”

One thing for sure is when we cry out to God, he hears us. When we ask him as father to come along side us and show us how to live life, we are inviting him to bring his world (heaven) into our world. When heaven invades earth, we see Papa working supernaturally on our behalf to bring his kingdom into our world. When it comes to pipefitting, long forgotten skills are relearned and excelled. After a wonderful day together, I had to leave for an evening appointment. As usual, I went to turn off the local Christian radio station. Each time I reached out to turn off the radio, I had a strong check in my spirit not to do so. After three attempts to turn off the praise and worship music, I gave up and left the radio on until I returned home. This morning, as Papa was telling me what to write in this article, he explained that he asked me to leave the radio on because he was really enjoying the music and was not ready to stop listening! How many times have we enjoyed the presence of God, without ever interacting with him? Do we shut the praise and worship music off after two or three songs, or do we let him speak into our spirit for an extended time of worship? Are we afraid to ask for his help for fear that he might be too busy for us?

Most men know that if they want to make new friends, it is a matter of either breaking bread together (where are we going for breakfast?), or working together on some kind of a project (preferably outside in the cool weather). Why would we think our relationship with Papa is any different? He desires more from us than thanks for our food. He enjoys being a part of whatever area of our life that we are willing to share with him.

 

In the Bible verses below, Jesus is praying to the Father just before he was arrested and imprisoned in Jerusalem. His heart’s desire is for us to have that same closeness with the Father that he has. For some of us, it means Papa comes alongside us during everyday life to show us the love of the Father. After all, he is the best carpenter in the business!

 

John 17:20-23 New International Version (NIV).

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

 

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October 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 2019 

I spent time visiting family recently, and we watched a movie called "The Shack" along with another movie called "I Can Only Imagine".  Each of the main characters in these films had been through abuse and neglect from an early age.  As adult men, they carried brokenness in their hearts.

 

When we minister in the jails and prisons, we are sharing God's love with men and women who, like us, often cannot see beyond their own pain.  Bitterness and unforgiveness, when held onto, actually sabotages our relationships and makes it difficult to give or receive love.

 

Now suppose you are very sick in your body.  Perhaps you only go to a doctor if absolutely necessary.  Sometimes, as adults, we wait until we are almost dead before we seek medical attention.  If we treat our physical body this way, how do we treat our heart (our mind, will, and emotions).  Do we wait until we have a nervous breakdown before we seek help?  Now what about our spirit, that part of us that lives beyond the grave?  

 

The power of the gospel message is that healing of spirit, soul, and body comes thru intimate personal relationship with God.  Can you imagine how excited he is each time one of us surrenders our heart and life to him?  He picks us up and carries us to safety.  He binds up our brokenness and brings healing and restoration into our lives.

 

Luke 4:18 New Century Version (NCV)  “The Lord has put his Spirit in me because he appointed me to tell the Good News to the poor.  He has sent me to tell the captives they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again.  God sent me to free those who have been treated unfairly.

One of the best ways we can express our love for God is thru worship.  Depending on the level of intimacy, we may refer to him as father God, Father, Papa, or even Daddy.  When his presence is especially strong, I sometimes feel like a little child simply calling out "You're here!" 

 

Remember the story in Luke 15 about the prodigal son, the young man who wasted his inheritance chasing after wine, women, and song?  When he finally made his way back home, his father ran to meet him.  Similarly, when we cry out to our Heavenly Father, he scoops us up into his arms and loves on us just like we do when one of our grand babies cries out for us.  Imagine that!

 

Luke 15:20-24  New Living Translation (NLT)  “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.  His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. [a]  “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet.  And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’

 

So the party began.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus forgave the adulterous woman and told her to  “go, and sin no
more.”  John 8:11 

 

Our volunteers teach inmates not to stay in the same mind frame that brought them to jail, but to see themselves and God sees them and to learn to be the person God has called them to be.  Members of STPO teach inmates the word of God, and pray for and with them, and help them to understand that God has a purpose for their lives regardless of where they are at the present.

STPO volunteers encourage inmates to use the talents and strengths they have naturally to serve God and encourage each other. Some inmates are natural leaders and can lead bible studies and prayer groups in their cells.  Some inmates are able to read and understand the word of God and can share their new knowledge with each other.  Some inmates have beautiful singing voices and lead others in songs that praise and worship God.  

 

Jesus has not forgotten or stopped loving the incarcerated, neither has STPO volunteers.  Please keep STPO in your prayers as we continue to take God’s word to the incarcerated.  Thank you and may God bless you.
 

by Bob Struebel

June 2019

 

As we approach our annual elections at the June monthly meeting, all eight STPO board positions are open.  Nominations were held at our May 6th meeting, but we are certainly open to additional nominations on June 3rd.  The list of the eight current STPO
Officers is on the back page of the newsletter.  We need as many members as possible to turn out for the June 2019 elections.

 

Our dear friends John and Linda Franciskovich have served faithfully for many years in the Matagorda County jail ministry, the TDCJ ministry at Garza East in Beeville, and the Mike Barber Ministries weekend crusades at the TDCJ units in this area.  If you have not already done so, I hope you will take the time to let them both know how much their friendship means to you.

 

There are so many memories I could share, but the ones that stand out the most are the times John and I would meet for prayer on Tuesday and Thursday nights.  Initially, our prayers were focused on access to the jail for men and women's church services during the week.  As the weeks went by, we also began to pray for the needs of our city, this region, the nation, and the world.  For over a year, we met each week for prayer.  Eventually, we were able to resume church services at the jail every other Tuesday night.

 

Have you ever noticed the caption at the top of the back page of the STPO newsletter? 

 

"Little prayer, little faith.  Great prayer, great faith".

 

Regarding the future of South Texas Prison Outreach, we need to be as bold as Elisha, who picked up the mantle of Elijah the prophet:

 

II Kings 2:13-14 (NIV) Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.  He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

 

In early 2017, some of our STPO families came under severe attack from the enemy.  We decided to have intercessory prayer at the end of the monthly meeting.  We have continued this practice ever since, with great breakthrough for many of us and our families.

 

Perhaps you are going thru a difficult season of life and are not sure how to talk to God about it.  It helps a lot to have one or two friends to pray with on a regular basis.  Be creative; consider video or conference calling if your prayer partners are far away.  Some people even use texting or email.

 

Matthew 18:20 (KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

The prayer below can be easily adapted to your situation:

 

"Lord Jesus, we believe that history belongs to the intercessors.  We are not just taking back stolen ground.  We are prepared to enter in and possess the land for the kingdom of our God! Our county Jail will become the best jail in South Texas.  People will move from other counties to work here.  Your presence among us changes everything. May your kingdom come and your sovereign will be done this day in this place, oh Lord.  It’s time..."

 

 

by Bob Struebel

May 2019

 

 

One of the greatest needs in the prison ministry is that men and women might both experience intimacy with God.  More specifically, a close personal relationship with Father thru Jesus Christ.  In reality, this means that we experience the presence of God thru Holy Spirit in every area of our lives.

 

John 17:25-26 New International Version (NIV) “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.  I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

 

One of the greatest barriers to intimacy with God, is that we tend to see him in the same way that we view our earthly fathers.  This is further complicated by the brokenness of families where parents are absent or divorced, or where orphaned or abandoned children are placed in foster homes.  I worked 14 months in a denominational children's home in another part of the country, and saw young men and women reaching out desperately to our staff because they had become wards of the state.  We even had to supervise calls between the children and their parents to be sure the parents did not cuss (using profanity) while talking with their children.

 

I also know that even when children have both parents in the home, there can still be a lack of connection with fathers, because the men are usually working, and often too tired or stressed out to give their kids the attention they so desperately need.  In the case of my own family, my father loved us as best he knew how by providing for us.  However, he was the youngest of eleven children, and mostly raised by his siblings.  His father developed emphysema later on in life, and had to have oxygen to survive.  As a small child, it scared me to see my grandfather hooked up to those green oxygen tanks.  Whenever my parents took me to see my grandparents, I would immediately run off and hide under their bed.  Both grandparents died when I was only five years old.

 

My dad and I never had the close connection that children need with their fathers.  He did not begin to follow Christ
until he was 32 years old.  Years later he reached out to me many times, but I was unable to receive his love.  I did not become a Christ follower until I was 43 years old, long after my father had died. About a year later, I experienced supernatural healing of the father wound, and was able to forgive my dad.  Since then, speaking about the love that our heavenly Father has for us has become a central theme in my personal activity in jail and prison ministry.

 

When we reach out to one another with the unconditional love of our Father, others receive healing for the brokenness they have in their hearts and lives.  This strengthens the body of Christ, and enables us to effectively share the love of God wherever we are!

 

 

I See God and I Remember. . .
by Jessie Deleza

April 2019

 

Winter, in all its dreariness, has passed and spring has arrived in all its spender! Now, freshly cut lawns, newly planted flowers, trimmed trees and hedges beautify the neighborhoods, yet when I drive to and from home, I see God and I remember. . .

I remember that I too was once in a dark dreary place in my life.  I remember needing something different, something new.  Then, someone told me about Jesus. 

 

 

 

So, I look outside and see what the new season has brought, and I see God in the beautiful creation, and I remember. . .  I remember
that God said, “Let there be light” and there was light.  I remember that God divided the land from the waters, made the grass, the trees and plants, the animals, the sun and moon, and God created me.  I see the great
outdoors and how God renews it, turns the brown to green and the dull to bright, I see God and I remember that only God can renew my heart and mind.

 

 

 

 

 

by Bob Struebel

March 2019

 

Release Your Plans into His Hands
One of the things that helped me get thru the last three months of my career was that I had plans to attend the Toby Mac concert in Houston on Friday February 1, 2019.  The concert was actually on the first day after my retirement.  Because I would be out until

after midnight, I decided not to attend the ministry team training in Houston on Saturday February 2nd.

 

Ministry team training is normally one of my favorite activities, but the Toby Mac concert tickets had been purchased well before I knew the training schedule for 2019.  The night before the concert, my friend canceled out due to a family emergency.  I could still go to the concert alone, or I could change my plans, stay home on Friday night, and then travel up to the ministry team training early Saturday morning.  As it turns out, six of us left at 6:00 AM Saturday to attend the training.  Little did I know this was the start of another very significant divine appointment.

 

My previous encounter with God during ministry team training in July 2018 was the confirmation I needed to announce my retirement plans.  That particular day was very different from start to finish.  However, this time, there was nothing out of the ordinary.  No one laid hands on me, there were no prayers, there was no open vision of heaven, nor was there even a prophetic word.  Instead, while everyone else was getting prayer, I was sitting in the middle of a row, by myself.

 

Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me from Isaiah 55:9.  Three times during the course of this encounter, he repeated:

 

"As the heavens are high above the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts"

 

At that point, I was in shock from being in the overwhelming presence of Almighty God.  There was something very specific in my life that was blocking me from hearing the voice of God.  Holy Spirit commanded me to release these matters into His hands.  This was not a suggestion or a request; rather a direct command.  Obedience was my only option... yes Sovereign Lord I release these thing into your hands.  What happened next was a direct revelation that sets the course of my life for the next 30 years.

 

Three times He told me to breathe deeply.  Then I began to see three decades into the future. Holy Spirit spoke of restoring the years that the enemy had taken from me and from my parents and my brothers.  The restoration is not just for years of life, but also for years of relationships.  There was so much the Holy Spirit spoke into my spirit that it was compressed at a rate beyond my comprehension.  After the revelation was finished, I was able to stay in that sanctuary awhile longer until I could stop weeping and think about going to lunch.

 

Looking back, am I sorry I missed the concert?    Not after what happened the next day.  Am I sorry that I had to release my plans and desires into His hands?  Absolutely not!  I will spend the rest of my life unwinding the words that He spoke to me that day.  

 

 

by Jessie Deleza

February 2019

Appearance can be so deceiving.  Outside it’s cold, wet, dreary, and dark before 7:00pm.  There is little activity going on.  Many people travel silently to and from work, and don’t even notice the leafless tress or empty playgrounds.  After work, some stop at the store to pick up a few items, maybe briefly visit with the cashier, and then they go home.  Is that all there is to life these days?  NO!

 

So, what is life all about?  Is there something more than the daily routine of getting up, going to work, come home, watch TV, and go to bed?  YES!  

 

Life is about taking care of yourself and others physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually.  Are you eating right, exercising, sleeping 8 hours a night?  Not just because it’s cold and wet do we have excuse to not do the “right thing”.  We need to keep up our health and strength so we can be a blessing to others.  It’s difficult to serve with a smile, a servant’s heart, when physically you are not at your best.
 

When we are at our best, healthy and strong, that’s when Christ can use us the most.    

 

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship.

 

It’s important to be spiritually strong, for ourselves, for those we love, and for those who need us.  We never know when we will have a hard day or when the enemy will attack.  

 

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 

If we know the enemy is out to destroy us, those we love, and everything we have, then we must be alert, and with Jesus our commander, be ready to fight.   Put on the whole armor of God.  There’s a spiritual battle for our souls going on.  Even though on the outside, it appears nothing is happening, we know that spiritually, the battle rages.  

 

So then, how do we fight this spiritually battle?  How do we win?  How do we do what God wants us to do?

 

It’s easy.  Get up every morning and give time to God- pray, thanking him for another day he has blessed you with, fast sometime during the week, and make time to read God’s word.  Be the soldier God has called you to be. Look outside of your circle of comfort and see the needs of another person.  Not everyone is blessed or as fortunate as you.    

 

Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. . .

 

If we chose to live life like Jesus, by his example and life-style, we won’t only think of our own situations, but seek to fulfill the needs of others.  Jesus came to serve, not be served.  Our job is to serve, not be served.  

 

We are more Christ like when we are doing the things that Christ did. So, in just a few words, be healthy, be strong, live for Jesus, live like Jesus.  

 

Keep S.T.P.O. volunteers in your prayers, that we will reflect the love of Jesus and say the words he would have us say.  

 

by Jessie Deleza

January 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Jessie Deleza

December 2018

So, it’s that time of year again, the shopping frenzy has begun.  Am I the only one or did you notice how many stores had fall/Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas decorations all out at the same time?  It started in September, the pumpkins and costumes were on isles 4 and 5, turkey paper products and basters on isle 6, and Christmas trees, ornaments, and candy canes on isles 7 and 8. Do we not lose some of the meaning of the holidays when everything is crammed together?  We aren’t past one holiday and the next one is already waiting to come in.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, the next time you are in the store, wondering what gift to purchase for the next recipient, remember, Jesus is the most precious gift of all.  He cannot be purchased.  He is free to anyone who will
accept and receive him.  He loves us so much, he gave his life for us, that we would not die, but have eternal life with him.  Let’s get back to the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  Let’s give thanks to God for giving us the best gift of all, and as the children open their gifts Tuesday morning, let’s remind them that it’s not the wrapped gift that is most important, it’s the baby that was born into this world to save us from our sins.