To everything there is a season, and a
time to every purpose under the heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
I always pay careful attention to the changing of the seasons...
time to every purpose under the heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
I always pay careful attention to the changing of the seasons...
...and I try to observe everything I can about nature. Now, as my summer nears its end, several more trees have begun to make their transition from verdant summer greens to the brilliant brown and bronze colors of Autumn.
I have also been seeing more flocks of geese in the sky. They've been crisscrossing over the prison in route to the many lakes which dot the country. I think they may be trying to get their bearings down pat before they get ready to make their long journey down south.
In addition, an ever-increasing number of ordinary sparrows now seem to be using the 30-foot triangular courtyard outside my window as a meeting place. Beginning early in the mornings, they gather in the concrete yard or on the rooftops of the buildings to start their music. I could spend hours watching them as they bounce back and forth on their little feet, then suddenly fly away as if being chased by a predator.
However, as August comes to a close, I could thank the Lord not only for the lovely displays of His creation that I could see from my window or from the prison's recreation yards, but also for every spiritually prosperous and productive month.
For God has afforded me many opportunities to help the men and to share my testimony. But mostly I have been able to pray for them, as well as give each man a word of encouragement from the Scriptures, in the same way the Lord is always encouraging and strengthening me.
Nevertheless, I don't know how much longer I will be on this earth. The Lord's coming for His children could be soon. Or perhaps this won't happen for many more years? But I want to be ready should the “midnight cry" come today (for more information, see: What is the Meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13, and Ready or Not).
Yet while I am still on this earth, I must give my heart to Christ each day because I know I fall short in many ways. I'm still working on mortifying this lazy flesh that's so prone to sin. And while my carnal desires will never be completely eradicated in this lifetime, through the Holy Spirit's help and His indwelling presence, I can live victoriously and not allow sin to rule in my body.
God is merciful. The Messiah's plea is for people to repent. To turn from their sins and turn to Him for forgiveness and salvation.
May I never cease from proclaiming the gospel.
D.B.
I have also been seeing more flocks of geese in the sky. They've been crisscrossing over the prison in route to the many lakes which dot the country. I think they may be trying to get their bearings down pat before they get ready to make their long journey down south.
In addition, an ever-increasing number of ordinary sparrows now seem to be using the 30-foot triangular courtyard outside my window as a meeting place. Beginning early in the mornings, they gather in the concrete yard or on the rooftops of the buildings to start their music. I could spend hours watching them as they bounce back and forth on their little feet, then suddenly fly away as if being chased by a predator.
However, as August comes to a close, I could thank the Lord not only for the lovely displays of His creation that I could see from my window or from the prison's recreation yards, but also for every spiritually prosperous and productive month.
For God has afforded me many opportunities to help the men and to share my testimony. But mostly I have been able to pray for them, as well as give each man a word of encouragement from the Scriptures, in the same way the Lord is always encouraging and strengthening me.
Nevertheless, I don't know how much longer I will be on this earth. The Lord's coming for His children could be soon. Or perhaps this won't happen for many more years? But I want to be ready should the “midnight cry" come today (for more information, see: What is the Meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13, and Ready or Not).
Yet while I am still on this earth, I must give my heart to Christ each day because I know I fall short in many ways. I'm still working on mortifying this lazy flesh that's so prone to sin. And while my carnal desires will never be completely eradicated in this lifetime, through the Holy Spirit's help and His indwelling presence, I can live victoriously and not allow sin to rule in my body.
God is merciful. The Messiah's plea is for people to repent. To turn from their sins and turn to Him for forgiveness and salvation.
May I never cease from proclaiming the gospel.
D.B.
