September Newsletter 2012

Teaching from Pastor Larry: We praise God for you FriendsWe are living in the most exciting times in history. As Christ followers, we have the wonderful privilege of seeing the things great men have discussed and contemplated over the centuries, the words of the prophets and the promises of our Lord Jesus being fulfilled in front of our eyes. I pray, as the scripture says, that we have the eyes to see and ears to hear. We should stay in continual awe of God’s majesty and faithfulness.Even though we are experiencing an increase in knowledge, scientific discoveries and inventions, the condition of the world is not good – people live in worry, fear and depression. The same issues plague the church – we are seeing cultish pagan worship on the rise, while church attendance is declining.Sometimes in our confusion and striving to find answers to life, we overlook the simplicity of the Word of God, or we are unwilling to face its simple truths. 1 Peter 3:8-12 - Finally, all of you, be like- minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Notice verse 12, God’s eyes are on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayers. There is nothing we should want or desire more than to have God see us and hear our prayers. Who is God watching over and listening to? The righteous. We are made righteous through the blood of Jesus. 1John 3:7 - Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righ-teous. Jesus made us righteous so we could do what is right in His site.Our prayers are not heard when our heart is not in the right place. We cannot live anyway we want and think God should bless us because we went to church Sunday and gave some money in the offering bucket as it went by. No wonder the church is in trouble. What kind of example of Christ and his righteousness do people see in us? Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.The blessings of God are upon the righteous. If we would seek his kingdom and ways to do what is right as hard as we seek material things, we would be blessed above what we are able to imagine. The world is watching us, God is looking at our hearts and actions, what do they see? Let’s choose to take a deeper look and reevaluate our lives. Ask ourselves the questions: What am I looking at? What words do I use? What am I thinking about? How do I act and react? God’s standards are high. The world’s are not. Be determined to live with God’s blessing and know your prayers are heard.

September 2012 Harris County Jail – 12 services Federal Jail – 8 services Sally’s House – 4 services Colorado County Jail – 4 services Eastham Prison – 1 service Services scheduled – 29October 2012 Harris County Jail – 14 services Federal Jail – 10 services Sally’s House – 5 services Colorado County Jail – 5 services Holliday State Prison – 1 service Services scheduled – 35

November 2012 Harris County Jail – 12 services Federal Jail – 8 Services Sally’s House – 4 services Colorado County Jail – 4 services Polunski Prison – 1 service Star of Hope – 1 service Services scheduled - 30

Calendar for In the Word Ministries

Psalms 116:5 – The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

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In the Word Ministries www.itwministries.comP.O. Box 1463 • Montgomery, TX 77356 Cell Phone: (979) 732-0820 • Offi ce Phone: (936) 582-4368

Ministry News: Future 2013As we look forward to 2013, our vision is large. We would love to double our services and the number of devotionals we send out. We currently hold approximately 400 services each year and distribute 6,000 devotionals.

There are challenges to accomplishing this increase. We are praying God will send us those who will come alongside us with a passion to win souls and the fi nances needed to accomplish what he has called us to do.

We never ask for money, but we do feel led to let you know the needs and what your gifts accomplish through this ministry: In 15 different venues this year over 1,000 men and women have come to the altar for salvation or rededication of their lives to Christ, hundreds of families have been reconnected to their loved ones. Many men have called to let us know they are out of prison, working, and going to church and doing well. We have also had many reports of how the Word for Today Devotional has spoken exactly what someone needed to hear as they were going through a tough situation and they received the encouragement they needed as they read. What is a soul worth?

We are thankful for your prayerful and fi nancial partnership. We pray God’s blessing over your life May you know him deeper and better with each day.

In His Service,

Larry Cooke

Pastor Cooke,Peace be with you! It’s about time I get to writing you. I was recently at Harris County Jail. As you know when people get moved to TDC they cannot take anything but a bible, so I am writing to let you know that I got moved to the Holiday Unit. I am asking if you can send me a daily devotional and keep me in your prayers, I would be very grateful. My faith and spirit is still up, thanks to the faithfulness of our good Lord and Savior. I want to take this time to thank you for your prayers and your wonderful preaching I would hear in the Harris County jail. I hear that you also come to the Holiday Unit. I am looking forward to seeing you here. Don’t forget to look me up. You, your family and your ministry are still in my prayers. Keep doing what you do. You are reaching a lot of people and leading them into the Kingdom of God. A friend and brother in Christ,EddieDear Pastor Cooke,Allow me to start this letter by saying a big thank you for all you have done for me personally. In the short time that I have been coming to hear your sermons here at Harris County Jail, I have learned much from you. I was really infl uenced by the time you spent with us and I truly hope that I can continue on to gain the wondrous life you showed me was possible with God in my life. I have been here going on 3 years paying for my sins. I do feel that God will allow me to get out of here and back to my family soon and when he does, I truly pray I can live my life the RIGHT way to better myself, my family and glorify God.Your brother in ChristRichard

Ministry in ActionLetters from Inmates

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In the Word Ministries is a 501(C)3 nonprofi t organization.

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