UMMA-Life Behind Bars: Taking the Church outside the 4 walls as we travel a Million Miles for Christ

Reflecting on Philippians 3:12-21 As I struggle in my faith with who I am and the things I have done that I regret, I take comfort in reading about Paul. Paul tells us not to dwell on who we were or what we have done, but to  strive to be who God calls us to be. We can’t improve on yesterday. We shouldn’t live in the past. We can seek to do our best today and tomorrow until God calls us home.   As a believer in Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I know that I am called to be a witness for  Christ in part by setting a good example for those I am in contact with each and every day. I spent most of my young adult life wishing I had more, made more and could buy more. Envy  was rampant in my thinking. I always wanted more. When I asked God back into my life, all  those things were no longer important. When I realized that the God in whom I believed prom ised to provide me with all my needs, my life took a dramatic change for the better. God asks us to...

Reflecting on Hebrews 12:1-14 We all know that physical exercise is good for our bodies. It doesn’t matter weather you’re run- ning, walking, cycling, or lifting weights, challenging our bodies physical limits produces growth and strength. The thing is, it’s not always fun. I know for me, finding the motivation to exercise is difficult. I understand, on an intellectual level, that it is good for my health and that I should do it, but I also know that the process is often painful. That thought will leave me sitting on the couch and eating chips instead of going out for a run. Any athlete will tell you that there’s a big difference between exercising and training . If we’re just out there exercising, we might be working hard, but there isn’t an end in site. What are we striving for? We need a goal. We need a finish line. When we know what we’re working toward, then we can begin to train! In Hebrews 12 our personal race as disciples of Christ is clearly defined. We are rem...

Old Biker Goes to Church One Sunday morning an old biker entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt, leather vest with a chain, and boots that were very worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn out old bandana that he wore on his head, and an equally worn out bible. The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old biker had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and accessories. As the biker took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were all appalled at his appearance and did not attempt to hide it. The preacher gave a long sermon about Hellfire and brimstone and a stern lecture on how much money the church needed to do God's work. As the old biker was leaving the church, the preacher approached...