Remembering Chuck Colson

Evangelical Christianity lost one of its most eloquent and influential voices with the death of Charles W. “Chuck” Colson. The Prison Fellowship and Colson Center for Christian Worldview founder died on Saturday, April 21, 2012, from complications resulting from a brain hemorrhage. Colson was 80.

A Watergate figure who emerged from the country’s worst political scandal, a vocal Christian leader and a champion for prison ministry, Colson spent the last years of his life in the dual role of leading Prison Fellowship, the world’s largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families, and the Colson Center, a teaching and training center focused on Christian worldview thought and application.

Revered by his friends and supporters, Colson won the respect of those who disagreed with his religious and political views thanks to his tireless work on behalf of prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families. Colson maintained that the greatest joy in life for him was to see those “living monuments” to God’s grace: Prisoners transformed by the love of Jesus Christ. And thanks to the work of Colson and Prison Fellowship volunteers across the country, there are thousands of those living monuments among us today.

Colson was speaking at a Colson Center conference when he was overcome by dizziness. Quickly surrounded by friends and staff, Colson was sent to the Fairfax Inova Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia. On March 31, he underwent two hours of surgery to remove a pool of clotted blood on the surface of his brain. At times, Chuck showed encouraging indicators of a possible recovery, but his health took a decided turn, and he went to be with the Lord. His wife, Patty, and the family were with him in the last moments before he entered eternity.

Chuck’s life is a testimony to God’s power to forgive, redeem, and transform. Well done!

Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. Matthew 25:23

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Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:3

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Luke 12:28-31

But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:18

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Heavenly Father – Strengthen me to grow in my complete trust, and faith that You are ever- present in my life, that it may not be said of me: “O you of little faith.” Let me please You in my daily walk of faith, knowing that if You have clothed the grass in the fields, that Your care for me is always there – but that I am to seek You first in all things! Let me show You my faith in my trust, and service to You, as You direct my life. Amen.

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IJM’s Global Prayer Gathering 2012 Will Take Place Friday, April 13 – Sunday April 15th

International Justice Mission (IJM) will be holding its 12th annual Global Prayer Gathering (GPG), in the Washington, D.C. area. The GPG brings together friends and IJM staff members from all over the world for prayer.

Through various reports, including firsthand accounts from their international staff, and testimonials, the gathering will address the worldwide needs of the ministry, asking God for safety and protection for IJM’s staff on the frontlines; as well as our Lord’s continued intervention to bring rescue and restoration to those who are still being oppressed. The gathering will also be a time of praise and worship, thanking God for His faithfulness throughout the past 15 years that IJM has been serving Him.

You may participate in this year’s Global Prayer Gathering online “live,” as they broadcast the plenary sessions April 13 – 15, by logging on to their Web site at ijm.org/gpg.

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An Easter Scriptural Devotional

His death was prophesied:

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5 & 6

Jesus warned His disciples ahead of time:

Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.             Matthew 20:18 & 19

 

He is crucified:

And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. John 19:17 & 18

Victory over the grave!

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. Mark 16:6

Our Commission:

 

…You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

 

 

 

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