Reflections on hearing from God by Amy Moore

To start this one off, I am using this as a tool to understand things for myself. This is only an opinion venting lesson, even if only to me. I started this blog not to express to everyone how great I am or "look at me". If anything, it is really hard to put myself out here like this. Insecurity is whispering in my ear, "My, don't you think a lot of yourself, writing about your life. Like it is something special. And , "No one cares." Also, the voice says, "Everyone will know you do not know what your talking about. You will look like a fool. You ll get bible names and references mixed up. Fraud.Your just self centered."
Yep, I hear all these lies. But I pushed through and did it anyway, closed my eyes and hit "post". Just because I am scared does not mean I wont obey. This blog is a good tool for me. And in this journey of mine, if others are encouraged, or have a moment of connection they can relate too, and in any way they grow closer to the Lord...then yippee! I can sacrifice my pride for that.
So....I want to talk this night about my reflections on hearing from God. I have had a family member and one blogger question my belief that God does talk to me. Well, God talks to everyone...but does everybody hear? That is the key point. God has never audibly talked to me...but I have felt him talk to me in my spirit. Now...I could be wrong...but even if I am, he uses everything for the good anyway. This is what my faith believes. I say, "I feel he spoke to me". My concerned friend and family member thinks I use this to justify bad choices. I disagree. I still take responsibility for my choices. Just because I think I heard from God, I still chose, just like some people choose to ignore the voice. My pastor said tonight..." I felt God spoke to me to....". Prophet after prophet heard from God, Adam talked with God, Abraham. Pastors are "called". When Christians make any major decision, they go to pray about it first. Well, if they didn't believe God would answer, why go pray about it at all? Nobody will convince me I haven't heard God talk to me. He has also confirmed things in my life too. Things I can not explain away.
I am proud and excited to serve my God. I cant wait to spend eternity with Him. I want my life to glorify him. I give it all to Him. We sang a song in church tonight...and the words were perfect.
Take my life and let it be...all for you and for Your glory
Take my life and let it be Yours

These are not pretty words for me. I mean them. When I focus on God and what His will is, there is nothing I do not want to do for Him. When I think about the world and what I have or do not have anymore, I start to sink in the mother of all pity parties. This is a no brainer...I'm keeping these eyeballs focused on God.
I am Amy Moore . I am a sinner saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. I will continue to sin in my humanity and be forgiven by the Blood of the Lamb, but I will strive every day to be all my Lord calls me to be. He calls me to love and worship Him. This, I can do. I will fail sometimes. I will say things that are wrong, I will blunder, I will let people down, I will disappoint many. But if he uses me to reach even one lost lamb, I will count all my tears worth it.
God bless everyone. Finding Freedom in Christ, Amy

Coming Together by Israel Moore post #5

John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise Him up at the last day. (NKJ)

Your unrepentant heart creates a chasm between you and God. Repent quickly and be reconciled to your Savior without delay.
Israel Moore
I have been so encouraged by what God is doing at “The Table”. God is so amazing. Over the last couple of days we have seen such growth. Let me start at the beginning.
I arrived at Kitsap County Jail on Dec 19, 2009. After one day they put me in the “D” pod (general population). I met up with some brothers in Christ , they were reading the word two days a week. After a few days in my room, I felt God tell me to go down to one of the tables. After having done this in Shelby County Jail in Alabama before extradition here, I was a little more responsive this time. I sat down at the table for about two weeks and a couple of guys joined me. After about two weeks, God had filled the table.As we have gained brothers, we have lost them to release, prison, etc.
I have been at “The Table” for about six weeks now. I spend a minimum of 9 hours a day there , reading the bible and sharing the word with a full table of men. Amen.
Just in the last week we started reading out of the Daily Bread. We decided as a group we would rotate days and talk on the topic for that day. So far, it has been very successful. Just over this past week alone The Table has grown from 6 men to 12, and tomorrow we are expecting more. How exciting for those of us who have been diligently praying for God to move on these men. We now have to take up two tables…yippee. Another inmate that does not come to our table, came down this morning grumbling to the speaker that he was too loud. He called us the 700 club. I thought that was so cool. If he could hear us then everyone that was still in bed could hear us. Not to mention the 700club guy got to hear the word preached. God is doing some amazing things. At night we gather a prayer list, we constantly have 20-22 guys sign up. Tonight we had 29 guys seeking something from the Lord. Each night The Table prays over the list and names each person by name and their request. We divide up the list between those that want to pray. Tonight, we had 12 guys surrounding our table with their heads bowed , and some were on their knees. I feel truly blessed to be here and to be apart of what God is doing.
I am blessed to say, as you will see, most of these men are not asking to get out or for shorter time. They are lifting up their families, their wives, their kids. They are asking to get closer to Jesus. They are asking to be free from the bondage of addictions. They are asking for renewed lives. Is that not what we are all asking to be, renewed? To be free from bondage? To find a direction from God? Some of the guy’s refer to this place as The Hotel, I refer to it as The Lord’s Hotel. A place where He can set men and women down (if they are willing) and pour the love of Jesus into their hearts. They refer to institutions such as this a a correction’s facility. Correcting behavior is not what they are there for anymore. There are too many people coming to jail and not enough money . Jails and facilities are a storage facility. But God uses it for His “Correctional Facility”. He takes lost souls and troubled hearts and brings peace. He brings the light of salvation into s dark place. On the “outs” ( prison talk for being in society) He uses other things to get his children’s attention. For some of us, he uses jail.
Over the last few days I have been talking about repenting immediately, not waiting. Getting rid of your pride and doing it quickly. 2Samuel 12:13 David repented to God for his lies and deception concerning Bathsheba and Uriah. Nathan came to him and told him the parable about the rich and the poor guy, and the one lamb verses the many for the rich guy’s out of town guest. (vs 1-4) David got indignant about what had happened to the poor guy’s lamb. I don’t know if David understood Nathan when he spoke the parable. Judging by his former conduct, I am inclined to believe he did know what Nathan was talking about. We do that, don’t we,try to play things right up until the last minute. Then when we know we are caught, if we have a conscience, we finally admit we are wrong. Our pride separates us from God. Our shame keeps us there too. God hates pride. (Proverbs 8:13).
If you are saved, there was a time you lowered your pride, admitted your guilt and wrongs and repented. You turned from your sins and started a new direction with Jesus. Now that we are saved and have that personal relationship with Jesus, we need to always be ready to humble ourselves before Him and immediately repent.
One last thing before I sign off. Psalms 103:8-12 tells us God is compassionate, full of love and mercy. He is slow to anger and He does not give us as our sins deserve (paraphrased). I thank God He is so merciful and gracious. When you stumble into sin, fix it right away with Dad, and don’t delay. You are only drifting away further from his loving arms.
A prisoner in Christ,
Israel Moore

Protect and Serve by Corbin Royce, Wa

Psalm 91:4: He shall cover you with His feathers , and under His wings you shall take refuge . His truth shall be your shield and buckle.

AS foot soldiers in Christ, we have to prepare for everything. One of our mission objectives is to spread the Word of Jesus Christ to as many people as we can before "The final day". Our biggest obligation as Christians is to plant a seed to grow a tree that is consisted of God's love, peace, compassion, hope humbleness and faith. As foot soldiers, we are going to run into people that are going to be bad hearted and stubborn. And some that are going to be open minded and willing to learn. Reguardless of the person/people we run into we need absolute faith in Him that nothing will go wrong.The verse listed at top, Psalm 91:4 , gives us that drive and will to trust our Lord and Savior. With that, our faith has to trust that with God on our side we are always in good hands and protected. Like it says, "His truth shall be our sheild and buckle". The most important lesson and key is not to get discouraged about people who criricize, ridducule and make fun of the Christian way. Just brush it off and let God take care of them on judgement day.
Corbin C. Royce
He wrote a note to me, Amy, as well. It made me cry. I have never met this man. But I want to share with you what God has going on in this walk we are walking. I want to share this with you as well.
2/6/2010
Dear Amy, Israel is such a blessing to me. What you two are doing is Amazing. Your husband has been an inspiration in my life. He taught me a lot about the word. I got out of prison today, and my sponsor picked me up. It is 7:15 in Washington . I am volunteering at a homeless shelter in Port Townsend. I met this young adult , named Aaron, and planted a seed of Christ. I ask that we pray for him and that God does the rest. Or that someone else plants another seed that broadens his horizons in Christs' love. At THE TABLE in Kitsap County Jail, You and your family has been in my prayers and will continue to be in my prayers. Thankyou for working on this website. When it gets up and running, please send it to me so I can share it with my family and others who need encouragement. I want to know about all the miracles God is doing in people's lives. I truly appreciate the work you and Israel are doing . Thank you, and God Bless. Sincerely, Your family in Christ, Corbin C. Royce

:Obedience" From Israel post #4

Note from Amy: We are ourselves being ministered to through these blogs, and through others who share their lives with us. A friend told me, "How can we minister to others in the middle of a crisis?" I am not sure. Maybe she is right? But somehow it feels like we are being ministered to as we walk this thing out. Israel and I do not know all or understand all...we are just living this thing out one day at a time. We thought blogging it would help us testify how good God is to us, and let others have an outlet to do the same. We do not mean to come across preachy. We are talking to ourselves as well as others. Glean from it what you will. May God use this as a tool to show his abundant mercy and love on His children. All glory to Him who reins forever and ever, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Son of God.

"Obedience"
Someone once told me half obedience is full disobedience. How many times have we followed through with only part of what we promised God or what we believe God has called us to do?
1Samuel 15:1-24 Saul is king, and Samuel has given Saul clear directions on how to handle the Amalek's. Saul is told to attack them and wipe everything out. Cattle, sheep, women, children, and all living things in that city. Saul, knowing all this, allows his people to take back the best of the animals along with the King, King Agag. Saul allowed his pride to come between him and God's commandment. When it came right down to it, he did what he wanted to do instead of what God wanted him to do.
When Saul was questioned by Samuel about his disobedience, Saul, much like what we do, played the blame game and made excuses. As a result, God took his kingdom from him as a consequence for disobedience.
What has God called or asked you to do that you may have started and quit, or may have never started? I have a list myself. It is time to move out of disobedience and into full obedience. I believe every Christian has a desire to be in right standing (righteous) with God. It is so hard at times, I know. If things are not going as you hoped or if your life seems a little chaotic, maybe it is time to sit down with God and sort a few things out.
My first instinct as a man is to hide my feelings and thoughts. That's what pride tells me to do. At the risk of sounding wimpish, I am going to open up my life to you...an introduction into my head. Today (Jan 15, 2010 ) the guards woke us up at 5:30 for breakfast. After a long restless night, the last thing I want to do is get up so early. We are locked back down until 7:30, when, if you have a sign in your door, they give us razors. At 8:00 we are turned loose from a small room to a bigger room. Other than the bible study that goes on at "The Table", there isn't much happening except TV and some card games. Lately I have been depressed and less inspired to share the Word. How do you have a dessert inside a dessert experience. I have asked God to inspire me to write. I felt immediate confirmation in my spirit when Amy first proposed the idea of a blog. After I got off the phone, I was so excited to go write. Not being much of a writer, but determined anyway, I set out to put ink to paper. After three days I still had nothing. I felt despair and frustration. I filled 6 priceless sheets of paper front and back and it amounted to nothing. On a side note, Amy made sure to tell me not to preach at anyone, and , well, that just blew all my writings out of the water. So with that said...I hope I don't come off preachy. I learn from my own writings as well. I would be lying if I said I was great. The truth is I am struggling. I am struggling with being here in this place. I am struggling with a decision I felt forced to make, and I am struggling not to be with my wife.
I have spent many hours on my knees crying before my Dad and asking to be rescued. But , as my wife's grandmother pointed out to us, He never said He would rescue us...only that He would be there with us through it.
That is what God has done. He has been seeing both Amy and I through this. I give Him thanks for this. If it wasn't for my Dad, I would hide in my room and never, ever come out. Instead, I have an overwhelming desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ every day. It is not often we know the direction of our lives. In fact, one of the biggest questions I hear myself and others ask is, "What does he want from my life?" Well, Amy and I are starting to understand this in our own life. And what the true meaning of "His will, not our will". And how to walk this out in obedience day by day.
WE PRAISE GOD FOR HIS MERCY AND GRACE!
Thank you for praying and supporting us through this season of our life. May God bless you and Keep you.

A Prisoner in Christ,
Israel Moore

recitatation...why does this occur? by Amy Moore

Rectitation. I can not tell you how many people I have seen talk about criminals and recititation in a smirking cynical tone. As if they are any better? It is so frustrating. So I thought I would yammer on about my personal belief in why people fall back again and again into sin.
I love craw fish. I could eat pound after pound of them.I eat so many that my tummy hurts. I eat so many that I am downright sick in a few hours , swearing to God Ill never overeat again. I'm crying to Him, promising I understand why gluttony is bad. I understand why its bad to overindulge and not eat in moderation. I cant burp, or move for that matter. And I beg to let the bloating ease. And yet, for some weird reason I find myself right back in front of a huge tin plate of fresh crawfish with shiny eyes and smackin lips. And I gorge myself again.
I know this is a goofy explanation....but its a small glimpse into the lies Satan tells us.
In my opinion, and this does not fit every scenario, just some, people fall back into sin because they do not put changes in their life with accountability. When some guys get out of jail, they are psyched about their new life. Their intentions are to do it right this time. I am going to live a great life, cross all my T's, dot all my i's, and get a great job. Get in church. But what happens is, they are hit with fines and bills, they have to all of a sudden be working, find a place to live and eat. Unless they are blessed with a family that supports them...this is a hard place to be. People slowly revert back to old friends, and old haunts, and old lifestyles. The pressures and temptations come on strong, and before they know it, Satan is whispering lies in their ears about a place to escape for awhile. Nobody will know. Next thing you know, your where you were and shocked how fast you got there. How? What? When? Why?
And Satan smirks from the sideline.
What can change this?
My description is about prison, but could be about anyone.
They need a true heart change and a plan of action for release.
In my opinion, I think before being released from jail a person needs to go through the 40 life lessons at the round table. This takes 40 weeks, but can be done a little quicker. Also, they need to be trained in a skill, taught to read if they can not do so, and a job lined up before release. Once out, the inmate should go through halfway houses, earning a measure of freedom every week, but their money kept by the halfway house as a trust. During this time, the candidate should go through classes of money management, how to budget, balance a checkbook, plan ahead. They should continue the round table, with two veterans and two newbies they can mentor and be mentored to. Accountability by a mentor is a must, through the word and life. Make new friends, say no to the old. Do not associate even if it hurts. Old influencers are poison. Unless they arrive in the halfway house with you and have undergone life change as well. When all fines are paid to the courts and the candidate has a certain amount saved in trust, the halfway house will help find the candidate a place to live independently. They will pay three months rent and utilities out of the candidates trust and put the rest in the candidates bank account and turn over the account the candidate. Set up for success...not failure. That would be a real chance at success.
Now, there will still be guys who fall...but I think the success stories would blow your mind.
Note...For every week a candidate does not smoke...the halfway house will add 20$ to candidates account. For every week candidate smokes, he owes the house 20$
These are just my thoughts.
I think my solution is a takeout box of crawfish. Then I am unable to gorge on more. I set up myself for success, and not tempt myself into failure.
Finding Freedom in Christ
Amy Moore

Standing firm when the wind blows...Amy Moore

It is difficult sometimes to determine if your actions are right, and to stand firm, or to question your thoughts and bow down. I mean, what if in my pride I do not listen to others and I follow my beliefs only to be wrong...but on the other hand, what if I ignore the concerned voices around me and tamp down my people pleasing instincts to follow a softer voice I believe to be my God. And what if in doing so I look crazy to this world, but my obedience and perseverance pleases my Lord? So is there really any choice...because I will choose God.
In 1998, I became pregnant with my second child. A friend told me about home births, and I thought she just got off the bus from a loony farm. Why would any human being in today's society choose to have a home birth without God given beautiful drugs. Crazy! I was a relatively new Christian...still on milk really. But I heard this voice say, "I want you to have a home birth Amy...and trust in me." I didn't hear this voice out loud, I felt it really, and immediately my spirit went into rebellion mode. No way dude...God, your insane. Then I decided it wasn't God, it was Satan...but only for a sec because I knew who it was. I sighed and answered back in prayer, "You ll have to show me a sign, because in order to do something like that I'll have to go up against my entire family. It will not be pretty. They might put me in a padded room or something." I did not share this dialog with anyone.
The next morning, I got a package in the mail. It was mailed by a lady four days prior that I met briefly the week before through a neighbor. It was a book on Zion births, home births. Inside was a note that said, I don't know why, but God told me to mail this to you. I just sat down straight on the ground in shock. "Holy Crap!"
Yes, I said that. I took a deep breath and said yes to God.
That was an intense battle those nine months. I say battle because it was an all out war. My family was terrified for me, and I had to learn some scripture and grow in the Lord to support the decision I made and prove I wasn't crazy. It was a wonderful birth, and God was glorified through it. I did not have my third child at home, and when asked why, I explained God never confirmed I was supposed to. So I didn't. I had him in the hospital and it was a good thing too, their were mild complications.
I did not understand until this season of my life that God has been preparing me for over ten years for this season. I have made some decisions to live in a neighborhood that is one of the worst streets in Woodlawn...prayed about and confirmed. I married someone that as it turns out will be in prison for two years. Prayed about and confirmed. And through it all, I feel like a yo yo pulled back and forth between my families fear and concern and my own belief that I am right where I am supposed to be. Because I have been straddling the fence on trying to make everyone happy , I have been making myself tired and overworked mentally and physically. So I am pulling back. I trusted God to take care of me and my baby when I chose to follow his will ten years ago. I am going to choose now to follow His will again...and listen to His voice, not others fear. He prepared me ten years ago to be able to do this. To love my family but walk the walk I am called to. Even if it doesn't look like the walk everyone else thinks I should be walking. Even if it doesn't look like a pretty picture or a happy ending. I need to trust God, that He knows what He is doing here.
To stand against persecution is scary...unless the strength you stand with is not your own...but His.
Finding Freedom in Christ
Amy Moore

Influence...post #3 by Israel from jail

"What kind of Influencer are you?"
February 2010

Are you allowing the World and the things of this world to influence you, or are you using the Word of God to influence the world?No matter who you are or where your at, you are either influencing someone or being influenced by someone. If you are a bible believing Christian, the word says we are no longer of the world. Meaning we do not have to allow the world to influence us anymore. (2 Corinthians 10:1) Easier said than done, right?
It can be real hard when you are locked up , not to be influenced. People in here call it "Prison politics". Which simply means , don't hang out with those the majority thinks are "extra bad" people.There is actually a list of those guys. Even here there are people we are programmed to look down on, and it gives us a false belief we are still better than others.
We as people have an overwhelming desire to be accepted. We don't want to go against the grain or pattern of this world...or at least let anyone know about it.
Romans 12:2 tells us "And do not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
The renewing of our mind takes place only when God takes first place. Then and only then do we begin to think differently.
Colossians 3:3, 3:10
As Christians, Christ followers, we are called to be the salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). Salt and light to our community and work places. Salt and light to our family and friends. Our goal is to influence the World to turn from death to life. To turn from evil to God and be renewed. By God's grace I and many other brother's in Christ are standing on our faith each and every day when we meet at The Table. We make a public profession that Jesus Christ is our lord and Savior. We share with those that are dying , we share with those God has called. To put your faith to work in here is quite a task. But we are not being influenced by the world, we are influencing with the word of Christ.
How and who are you influencing? Is there someone at home, at work? Maybe even someone at church? Take a moment to examine your own life , what your doing or saying. Is Jesus in it?
Thank you for fellowshipping with me.
A Prisoner in Christ
Israel Moore

"Being called to Serve" post #2 from Israel

"Being called to Serve"
February 2010

God called me to serve at a young age. I half heartedly answered that call. I have spent the last 20 years serving myself and doing a little work for God along the way.
(At a later time I will share the training God has already done to bring me to this point in my life.)
October 28, 2009 - I arrived at Shelby County Jail. Confused and discouraged, I laid on my bunk and read the word from the bible I requested the moment I walked in here. Three days had gone by, I was reading and God spoke to me. He told me He wanted me to go down to the table and read my bible. I was very reluctant and began to question God. (Isaiah 45:96 )Isaiah came to mind when he says, who are we as the creation to tell the creator . As I remembered this [passage, I was obedient.
At first I felt a little awkward and uncomfortable. I just sat there reading my bible. As I sat down, I noticed the clock said 3:30.
So, the next day I went down again at 3:30, and sat and read the word.
I did this for about a week.I did not know what God was doing. Maybe He was just seeing if I would do it. Well, after about a week, a couple of guys came over to the table. We spent some time sharing with each other. I am so thankful that God's word brings Christians together.
A few more days went by and a few more were added to our table. (Acts 2:47)
This time was a time for healing and understanding for me. I found the more God gave me His word to teach the more I learned.
When I left Shelby County Jail (December 16, 2009) there were two bible studies , one in the morning and one at our 3:30 time. God is really moving on these jails and prisons.
He is pouring His love on those who are crying out to Him.
I am glad to be here. I miss my wife and the ministry God began in Woodlawn. However, He had a slight detour for my wife and I. To prepare us for the ministry I will come home to, and to be the leader I need to be there.
In Woodlawn, He will be using my wife and I to serve those in a different prison cell from the one I am in. One without bars...and without hope except through Jesus Christ.
We are all called to serve Him in one way or another.He tells us that in Matthew 28:19. Go and make disciples of all the nations. This is the Great commission.
Your calling may not be teaching at a mega church , or a small group, or starting a non-profit ministry. It may be simply sharing the word with your co-worker, or with a stranger at the gas pump. It might be feeding a hungry person, or encouraging someone. Wherever He has called you or placed you, whatever your circumstances, He has called YOU to spread the word about His son Jesus Christ.
Some of us guys were talking about serving God and sharing about Jesus. One thing we all agreed on was that we are in the Lord's army. We either enlist or get drafted. Some like myself were drafted and some signed on.
When you enlist, you generally have some say about where you serve. When you are drafted you go where you are put. In either case I am glad to be in the service of the Lord, although I have my days I wrestle with Him about it.
Remember God uses the people you least likely expect. Some of us have a ton of baggage, but God doesn't care. He likes the challenge. He just loves to use the least of these to prove His points.
In closing, Being in the Lord's army and in His service is a great honor. It should not be burdensome or a heartache. We should rejoice that we get to be a part of reaching the lost.

A Prisoner for Christ
Israel Moore

Israel ....post #1 from prison....The Table

January 27, 2010
I pray that this blog will be received with grace and mercy. I am hoping this will be a source where people can join my wife and I as we watch the wonderful miracles of our Lord unfold among the men that are incarcerated....in and out of prison.

Welcome to "The table".
First off, I would like to humbly ask for your forgiveness for any and all deception that came as a result of all that has happened over the last few months. Although I maintain my innocence, there were things I said and did that I did not think through. Some out of fear and some out of pride. I make no excuses for my actions.
I can only hope and pray for your forgiveness and mercy. Please know God is changing me and reshaping me every day, and His work will not be complete (Philippians 1:6) until the day of Jesus Christ. Without His grace and mercy, I would surely be lost forever, but because He loves me, He endures all the dumb things I do.

I can not promise I won't let anyone down ever again, but I can tell you , I will continue to seek God and His righteousness in hopes that as He works in me and through me that work will continue. I want to thank everyone for their love and support through this trying time. My wife Amy and I have been truly blessed to have so many caring and forgiving people of God in our life.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy

The title of this blog is "The Table".
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of God.

The Table is a place to come and share from your heart, to feed your soul, and enjoy the richness of God's word through like minded brothers. Please, if you share your own testimonies, change the names of any parties involved.
I look forward to our time of fellowship.

A prisoner in Christ,
Israel Moore