PRAISE THE LORD
Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ:
"We must offer men something better than that which they possess, even the peace of Christ, which passeth all understanding. We must tell them of God’s holy law, the transcript of His character, and an expression of that which He wishes them to become. Show them how infinitely superior to the fleeting joys and pleasures of the world is the imperishable glory of heaven. Tell them of the freedom and rest to be found in the Saviour. "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst," He declared. Verse 14.
"Lift up Jesus, crying, "Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!" John 1:29, A.R.V. He alone can satisfy the craving of the heart and give peace to the soul.
"Of all people in the world, reformers should be the most unselfish, the most kind, the most courteous. In their lives should be seen the true goodness of unselfish deeds. The worker who manifests a lack of courtesy, who shows impatience at the ignorance on waywardness of others, who speaks hastily or acts thoughtlessly, may close the door to hearts so that he can never reach them.
"As the dew and the still showers fall upon the withering plants, so let words fall gently when seeking to win men from error. God’s plan is first to reach the heart. We are to speak the truth in love, trusting in Him to give it power for the reforming of the life. The Holy Spirit will apply to the soul the word that is spoken in love.
"Naturally we are self-centered and opinionated. But when we learn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, we become partakers of His nature; henceforth we live His life. The wonderful example of Christ, the matchless tenderness with which He entered into the feelings of others, weeping with those who wept, rejoicing with those who rejoiced, must have a deep influence upon the character of all who follow Him in sincerity. By kindly words and acts they will try to make the path easy for weary feet." {MH 157}
My dear Friend and brother in the Messiah,
I am a firm believer that there are no such things as "luck" and "coincidence". There is indeed a master plan at work by our Savior for all of us if we will just listen and obey His voice. I was raised in a "church of God" background as a child and young man. I have a grandfather, 2 cousins and 2 uncles who were/are ministers. My closest friend, since childhood is a cousin, my age, who just recently received his "minister’s license" in the "Church of God". I tell everyone I meet here that I’ve had to unlearn more than a lot of them have yet to learn. And that’s the truth. I’ve been trying to impress on my cousin and anyone else who will listen the importance of the Sabbath and the Commandments. I have been blessed with a good job at the education building/law library, that puts me in contact with a lot of men who are really trying to change their lives and character. Your book, "Change Your Life Biblically" just appeared on my desk a week ago. I love it. I oversee a "Sabbath" program every Friday afternoon at the chapel library and yesterday was my first chance to use it in "program". I am writing to you to ask you to please send me a copy that is intact. My copy is torn with many missing pages. I know that I am supposed to have this wonderful book and to use it. I assure you that it will receive lots of good use and prove to be a valuable tool in my helping a lot of men here. I thank you for taking the time to read this.
Michael, FL
JCPM,
I have been informed that one of your books, "Change Your Life Biblically" is a book that can take my faith and understanding of the Scriptures to a whole different level. I have no money or anything to offer, but I want to know if you can send me a copy of that book, please.
Anthony, CA
Dear Ronald,
I’m writing to ask for your help. I’m indigent but I would really like to be able to receive your workbook, "Change Your Life Biblically". I’ve been working hard for the last two years at changing my life through the Bible and Christ. I think your workbook will be a great blessing and help me a lot with my efforts. So I hope you can send me a workbook being I’m an indigent inmate.
Scott, TX
JCPM,
This was an extremely tough Bible study for me. I have worked on it for over a year. I had been advised by several of the jailhouse chaplains to not do it. I had made up my mind that I can not take any chances when it comes to my eternal life. Some people told me that this book is to extreme. I made the decision that I want to be "extreme" when it comes to Jesus. I have a wife and we have three children together. I have never stepped into a church in my life nor had I studied the Bible until being arrested this time. My children know nothing about Jesus and I want to be able to teach them. I didn’t know how to live out there and have just received 15 years for my second bank robbery. I have a great chance of going home on appeal but, having now chosen not to since reading this book. I would have to lie, my wife and one of my children would also have to lie. I had no problem doing that before, but feel that it would provide better for my kids to know that I found Jesus and instead of lying and them lying to get me out of trouble, I trust God and am paying for my mistakes and instead of death I can now have eternal life. Thank you. I read the book 4 times completely and still had very hard time with some of the answers. It is very loud in here and I did a lot of this in bed so please excuse my sloppiness.
Shawn, FL
Dear Ronald John,
One of my brothers here at the jail recommended me to write and request for this spiritual life changing book.
Jesse, CA
Dear Ronald John,
Well, I’m in state prison now. I took the chance of bringing my workbook and God took care of the rest. I was blessed and I was able to keep it. PRAISE GOD! I’ve been reading it out loud to my celly. He is learning how to read by reading his Bible. He said he’s happy to have me as a celly because he really needed a spiritual uplifting. That made me feel good and of course I give all the glory to God. He put me here. Things have been pretty good which kind of worries me because I know the devil has some kind of tribulations to throw my way. I try to put on the whole armor of God every morning, but temptation in this place is everywhere. But He who is in me is mightier than he who is in this world. I know I’ll be fine. I’ve been doing my best to walk righteously even keeping the Sabbath. Even though I have to follow little rules here to keep from getting into trouble. But I study daily.
Jerry, CA (Jerry wrote and sent me the following poem)
My Guardian Angel
Today I woke up feeling guilt and shame.
Knowing there’s nobody else I can blame.
Leaving behind my kids and my wife
Choosing this path of destruction, my life.
Then I went to my mirror and guess what I seen?
An angelic reflection that made me wonder where I had been.
I couldn’t believe it, but it was true.
It was an angel looking back through.
But this angel was cut: wings broken and bruised.
When I asked why that was, he said, "I’ve taken care of you".
"I’m your guardian angel. This is what you’ve done."
"I’ve protected you from fast women, the drugs and the guns".
"I’ve taken the hits when you should of been dead."
"Now I’m here to ask you to please let it end".
"I’m here to protect you from evil and death".
"But I must say, that I’m running out of breath".
"I remember how happy you were making your wife and your kids."
"I was proud of the things that you did".
"But then it all changed. The attack came again."
"And I’m only gonna say, it’s almost the end".
At that moment my angel started to fade,
And I started to see my very own face.
I started to cry, then I heard a small voice:
"Every morning remember - it’s your choice."
Dearest Ronald John,
I’m having Jerry write this letter for me because I have dyslexia and illiteracy. He’s been sharing his book, "Change Your Life Biblically" with me. It’s opening my eyes and it’s a great way to continue my learning how to read. Jerry says that if he left his book in county you would have replaced it here. But since he made it through with his, he wouldn’t mind if you sent it to me instead. You have no idea how much I would appreciate this. He might be moved to another building then I would be left without a guide. I can read the Bible but the workbook makes it much easier to understand. I thank you.
Tony, CA
Dear Brother John,
I hope I’m not bugging you. I hope this time I will get blessed with the "Change Your Life Biblically" workbook. The second time I wrote I did let you know that I was indigent, but I did not give you my out-date. Just to let you know, I will be here. I am doing an eight month violation. So I will be here eagerly waiting for my copy. This is my third time trying. Hopefully this is the charmer as they say. I’m sending this letter out with brother James. Please find it in your heart to send me one. Thank you very much.
Rolando, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
I want to thank you for the newsletter you sent me. It was very inspiring.
James, CA
Brother Ron,
Thanks you for setting me straight. I feel a bit foolish. Now that I’ve taken the time to look back at my life I see that it has always been the minutest details that I got hung up on. The times in the past that I read the Bible I noted the "contradictions" or "discrepancies" I saw. Now I read the Bible to learn. I thought that’s what I was trying to do before. My problem has always been the "why" of it. I have know the basics of your book my whole life. Some parts I knew well. Others not so much. I have ad a strong belief in the teachings of your book for just as long. Putting it into practice was my downfall. I have since changed that and would like to thank God for putting the workbook in my life. As well as a new friend. You said in your letter, "When we give our lives to Jesus, we have nothing to worry about." I know this and believe it. I have no doubt in the Lord’s power to protect me regardless of where I am. That’s part of my prayers. My life is His. I will work where He needs me. I should finish the book tonight and will start over.
Ryan, TN
Hi Brother Ron,
It’s me, Danny. Timmy, Ray and I were on page 88, "Brotherly Kindness". I have learned a lot of information. I never knew one was to keep the Sabbath holy and we were still to live by the Ten Commandments. I truly thought Jesus did away with the Ten Commandments and God’s grace saved us. Timmy, Ray and I study this way cool CYLB book every day. Timmy explains everything. I understand him so much. He is very smart and I want to change. I want to put my faith into action. I want to be the man of God and live the Ten Commandments and keep Sabbath holy. Thank you very much brother Ron.
Danny, CA
To Whom It May Concern,
I just recently dedicated my life to Jesus Christ. One of my fellow brothers in Christ told me about a wonderful book called, "Change Your Life Biblically". He said I can obtain this book through your ministry. If so, can you please send me a copy.
Matthew, CA
Dear John,
I would like to have a copy of the book, "Change Your Life Biblically". If you could please send me the book, I would greatly appreciate it.
Leland, CA
Ronald John,
I’ve been moved again so I was just writing to let you know where I was at. I’ll probably be here for a bit. I don’t know exactly. Reception is a big guessing game to me. But I have peace that only comes from Jesus Christ. Today was the Sabbath. I honestly tried my hardest to keep it. I had a few slip ups. I did study. I have to say that your book is really opening my eyes. I’m reading it once over before I start answering the questions in the back. I give God all the glory for everything that is happening in my life and for strength He is giving me to want to make Him happy. God bless,
Jerry, CA
Dear Ronald,
I really am interested in what you have to offer. I’ve never in my life have done any kind of course or study about the Bible at all. I’ve been in and out of prison for years and have never committed my life or self to God and I’m really wanting to maybe give it a try. But the thing is Ronald, I have no money or stamps. I am totally indigent. I’m doing this time all alone. I have nobody on the outs looking out for me any more. If you could help me, it would be a blessing.
Armando, CA
Dear Brother Ronald John,
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my request. I truly appreciate it. I really appreciate all you offer. I’m really not to familiar with religion. I mean, I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and rose on the 3rd day. I would like to truly learn and understand about the Bible and any other information that can help change my life. So brother Ronald, I pray I will get the opportunity to check out your workbook. I’m tired of living in misery and I’m ready to change my life. Please help brother.
Johnny, CA
Greetings,
I’m writing to ask you to please send me your writings and newsletters. I’d love to get them.
Theodore, NC
Brother Ronald,
Thank you for writing brother. I welcome and appreciate your letters. I hope you and your loved ones are well. I’m sorry it took me so long to write back but I had to make sure I had enough money to send you. Sorry it’s not much but I’ll never write empty handed. Hey bro. When I was reading your letter it seems like if you didn’t have correspondence with us prisoners your life wouldn’t have much joy. Surely it can’t be that bad out there. I am glad the letters from us bring some satisfaction to you. Perhaps the reason our letters have such an effect on you is because people in here put a lot of time and thought in the letters that they write. And we appreciate things a lot more than regular folks. And to be blunt, people spill their guts in those letters that they write you. Please don’t give up on those out there. I’m sure there are those who’ll listen. Your a gifted teacher who knows how to express himself and always tells it the way it is. Don’t worry about me, I’ll continue writing you. I’ve never written so many letters in my life. I’m a pretty loyal guy and you can depend on me. Here is a few dollars. May our God bless and protect you.
Joe, CA
Dear JCPM,
I was told about your ministry and I would like to receive all information and try to change myself from what I am. I hear that people are becoming totally different people and actually finding peace in their life. I have to admit, I have not found peace in these 28 years I have been here on God’s earth. Please help me find peace. I have no money and no one to help me pay for materials. Please, I do need peace in my life.
Bobby, CA
Dear Ron,
Thank you for the letter and your encouragement. I will set out in this letter what I learned in your great book. Before I do, I want to tell you how much has changed in my life since I have read this book. I am always talking to people about what I have learned. I encourage them to understand you can’t keep disobeying God thinking Grace gives them the license. I have tried and succeeded in changing the way I talk and live in here. I continue to worship on the correct Sabbath by studying, resting and discussing God’s Word. I love the way the book further elaborated on the Pope’s changing of God’s Word and actually showed historical evidence. Thanks for explaining the trumpets and the seals. I never really understood those things and was actually discouraged from reading Revelations by the church, "Set Free". Now I am reading and studying it. Thank you. I also learned about the reformation with Luther, Huss, Wycliffe and all the people who refused to keep God’s word locked up from the people and tried to teach them about true worship. I am shocked to learn about these plagues of the earth and natural disasters that line up with Scripture and the time line as it was described and taught in your book (relating to Daniel and Revelations). I know the worldly secular system we live in doesn’t want people to know about it so that they don’t turn to the true worship of God and the correct reading and understanding of His Word. Thank you Jesus for your book. I am never going back. Truly God’s judgement is on this world and I can’t believe how deceived so many of the churches are out there who profess to serve Jesus. I love how you continued to drill in the Catholic conspiracy to keep people under their yoke by having people worship on Sundays. This pagan religion really started during Constantine’s rule in Rome that plays as real Christianity is horrible. I mean so many people on the way to an everlasting death. The lie and teach us about everlasting flames and red devils with pitchforks poking people around forever. Which of course a loving God would never permit: even for His enemies. Then I believe now that Jesus is the same today, yesterday and forever more. His 10 Commandments are to be followed without all the excuses "Christians" try to make up. After all, God does instruct us to be perfect even as He is perfect. The gall of some man to change God’s law. He takes out the law that instructs about not forming images and anyone who knows anything knows how full of images Catholic worship is. But worse than that even, what now serves as Protestantism has images all over the place. Then the day God has set aside clearly, the Seventh, which reminds us of God’s authority over all creation is put on the back burner for the first day. Wow! The audacity. What this teaches me is that I must study God’s Word and listen to Him and not those who tell me that the Old Testament is out and just read the New Testament and we don’t live under law we live under Grace. No way. God didn’t change His mind. I have to turn away from that old life where I was stealing and coveting and putting all kinds of gods before the true God. Then coming 1 day a week, which turns out to not even be the day He wants me to set aside for Him, and pretend like I can break His laws all week but grace makes it OK. I can’t use God’s grace as an excuse to do that. I love your book so much. I love history. I never knew Napoleon captured a pope. I didn’t know of the statements made by the Catholic Officials that Protestants who worship on Sunday acknowledge the Popes and the Catholic church’s Authority. But you are right. Information won’t get me into heaven, it is demonstrating what I have now learned. I feel like such a broken man. I am so grateful to you for what your book and encouraging letters have taught me.
Martin, CA
Hi JCPM,
I got 30 stamps and there are 4 of us that are willing to do your workbook. That’s all the stamps I can come up with. We are all going to do it in a Bible study group. It will be a blessing if we can get all 4 workbooks.
Thomas, CA
Dear Mr. Ronald,
I’m sending ten first class stamps to receive my workbook dealing with changing your life biblically. I’m very interested in doing the great work your ministry have for inmates in prison. I definitely appreciate God for blessing you with ability and knowledge to help others in the time of need. Thank you for your concern and hope to receive my workbook soon.
Zarricon, CA
Brother Ron,
I am very glad to be in the Spirit today. I hope that you and your "family" are doing well also. I am just now starting volume III in "Change Your Life Biblically". I must say that volume I and volume II really opened my eyes. I never knew all of the things that the Roman Catholic Church stood for. I am very glad that I don’t go to church on a Sunday any longer. That is how I was raised through: you work for six days of the week and then you take a day off. I was always told that Sunday is the day that everyone should take off. Now I understand that people should take off Saturday and have a Sabbath, not Sunday. Why would you want to go against the Lord and worship the "sun"? (A.K.A. Sun-day!) That is what I used to do. I am so glad that I do not do that anymore. I never realized how important God was until I got "Change Your Life Biblically" into my life. I am so glad Preston gave me an envelope to send to you. If he had not, I would still be lost and headed to "hell". I feel sorry for the people that end up going there. I am doing everything I can to get people to "see the Light". Some people are just in a dark, forboding cavernous pit and don’t want to see "it". I was "saved" in prison myself and I thought that I was one of the best guys in the world. I cam to realize that I was far from the best. There is only one Person who is the Best and I know I will see Him one day in the future.
Robert, IN
Hello Jesus Christ Prison Ministry,
I just came across your international newsletter and on the cover I saw a picture of one of your books I used to own. I’ve been looking for this book ever since mine became missing. It’s one of the best I’ve ever had my hands on. The name of it is, "Change Your Life Biblically". The one with the cat on the cover. I was studying that book. I never came across a book that made it so easy to understand. My request is if possible can someone please donate this book. I checked with your chaplain but no luck. I do understand that your ministry takes donations of stamps. I received state envelopes. I’m not sure if I can send those. I understand if for some reason you can’t send the book, if not I would like to receive your newsletter, please.
Ray, CA
"The knowledge that man is to be a temple for God, a habitation for the revealing of His glory, should be the highest incentive to the care and development of our physical powers. Fearfully and wonderfully has the Creator wrought in the human frame, and He bids us make it our study, understand its needs, and act our part in preserving it from harm and defilement.
"In order to have good health, we must have good blood; for the blood is the current of life. It repairs waste and nourishes the body. When supplied with the proper food elements and when cleansed and vitalized by contact with pure air, it carries life and vigor to every part of the system. The more perfect the circulation, the better will this work be accomplished.
"At every pulsation of the heart the blood should make its way quickly and easily to all parts of the body. Its circulation should not be hindered by tight clothing or bands, or by insufficient clothing of the extremities. Whatever hinders the circulation forces the blood back to the vital organs, producing congestion. Headache, cough, palpitation of the heart, or indigestion is often the result.
"In order to have good blood, we must breathe well. Full, deep inspirations of pure air, which fill the lungs with oxygen, purify the blood. They impart to it a bright color and send it, a life-giving current, to every part of the body. A good respiration soothes the nerves; it stimulates the appetite and renders digestion more perfect; and it induces sound, refreshing sleep.
"The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible. Their capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they are cramped and compressed. Hence the ill effects of the practice so common, especially in sedentary pursuits, of stooping at one’s work. In this position it is impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial breathing soon becomes a habit, and the lungs lose their power to expand. A similar effect is produced by tight lacing. Sufficient room is not given to the lower part of the chest; the abdominal muscles, which were designed to aid in breathing, do not have full play, and the lungs are restricted in their action.
"Thus an insufficient supply of oxygen is received. The blood moves sluggishly. The waste, poisonous matter, which should be thrown off in the exhalations from the lungs, is retained, and the blood becomes impure. Not only the lungs, but the stomach, liver, and brain are affected. The skin becomes sallow, digestion is retarded; the heart is depressed; the brain is clouded; the thoughts are confused; gloom settles upon the spirits; the whole system becomes depressed and inactive, and peculiarly susceptible to disease.
"The lungs are constantly throwing off impurities, and they need to be constantly supplied with fresh air. Impure air does not afford the necessary supply of oxygen, and the blood passes to the brain and other organs without being vitalized. Hence the necessity of thorough ventilation. To live in close, ill-ventilated rooms, where the air is dead and vitiated, weakens the entire system. It becomes peculiarly sensitive to the influence of cold, and a slight exposure induces disease. It is close confinement indoors that makes many women pale and feeble. They breathe the same air over and over until it becomes laden with poisonous matter thrown off through the lungs and pores, and impurities are thus conveyed back to the blood." {MH 271-274}
Again, I want to thank each of you who so willingly sacrificed for God and His little ministry. We had a little storm here about the end of March with 100 mph winds. Did some light damage to the office roof. We re-roofed one side to make sure it would be ready for the next storm.
God bless each of you who are so faithful in your giving. It appears we will be tripling our books to inmates this year. We need your help. I pray for each of you every day.
Love in Christ,
Ron
The Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11