I awoke this morning with the flu in full possession of my body...
My throat was so sore that I could barely speak or swallow. I had to push myself to get off my bunk and begin my prayers. Then I had to wash and get dressed. I knew this was going to be a long day. I would need divine assistance every step along the way.
Under other circumstances, I'd have tried to stay in bed. I was tempted to wrap myself in a blanket and go back to sleep. But today was the Christmas service (even though Christmas was yesterday) and I had to be present, especially in my chaplains' absence. It had been planned well before my chaplain took his vacation that I would be in the chapel this Sunday to lead the service and make sure that all went well.
The congregation and I were expecting our regular guests, a ministry group from Queens, New York. They never showed up, however!
Our service began at 10 a.m. I opened in prayer, and then I called upon different men to do their tasks, such as Scripture readings and announcements. Our choir then began to lead us in worship.
By 11 o'clock, I realized that no one from the outside was coming. Maybe our guests had a mechanical problem with their van? There was no way to know.
With the scheduled ministry team not coming, I began to pray earnestly and silently for help from the Lord. I was going to have to preach again. I needed a message for the flock.
When the time had come, I stepped to the podium. I began by apologizing to the men that our guest were not here. The guys always look forward to people coming from the outside. I know, too, they would rather hear our guests talk and minster than me. But I assured the sixty or so prisoners in attendance that we were going to make the best of our situation, that I would do my best to bring them a message.
Standing in the pulpit was difficult. I told the guys that I had the flu. They saw my flushed face and raspy voice. But many of the men were praying for me, and this was a big encouragement. At some point, God's strength and presence overshadowed me. I began to feel stronger, and my voice was coming back.
My text was Acts 17:22-31. My message, although I touched on many different areas, was "We are all of different colors, but one blood and one body in Christ."
I also read from John 3:16. I preached on the love of Jesus the Messiah, who willingly took His place on the cross for ALL of us.
I admonished and encouraged the men to look beyond the outward things like skin color, to see the soul of the next man. That separating from others because of skin color, nationality, or even by gang affiliations is not of God. The Lord has called us to be one body in Christ, with all the members having the same care one for another. Thankfully, everything went well, for an impromptu message. The Lord not only saved me, He saved the service from being a potential disaster. Amen!
D.B.
Under other circumstances, I'd have tried to stay in bed. I was tempted to wrap myself in a blanket and go back to sleep. But today was the Christmas service (even though Christmas was yesterday) and I had to be present, especially in my chaplains' absence. It had been planned well before my chaplain took his vacation that I would be in the chapel this Sunday to lead the service and make sure that all went well.
The congregation and I were expecting our regular guests, a ministry group from Queens, New York. They never showed up, however!
Our service began at 10 a.m. I opened in prayer, and then I called upon different men to do their tasks, such as Scripture readings and announcements. Our choir then began to lead us in worship.
By 11 o'clock, I realized that no one from the outside was coming. Maybe our guests had a mechanical problem with their van? There was no way to know.
With the scheduled ministry team not coming, I began to pray earnestly and silently for help from the Lord. I was going to have to preach again. I needed a message for the flock.
When the time had come, I stepped to the podium. I began by apologizing to the men that our guest were not here. The guys always look forward to people coming from the outside. I know, too, they would rather hear our guests talk and minster than me. But I assured the sixty or so prisoners in attendance that we were going to make the best of our situation, that I would do my best to bring them a message.
Standing in the pulpit was difficult. I told the guys that I had the flu. They saw my flushed face and raspy voice. But many of the men were praying for me, and this was a big encouragement. At some point, God's strength and presence overshadowed me. I began to feel stronger, and my voice was coming back.
My text was Acts 17:22-31. My message, although I touched on many different areas, was "We are all of different colors, but one blood and one body in Christ."
I also read from John 3:16. I preached on the love of Jesus the Messiah, who willingly took His place on the cross for ALL of us.
I admonished and encouraged the men to look beyond the outward things like skin color, to see the soul of the next man. That separating from others because of skin color, nationality, or even by gang affiliations is not of God. The Lord has called us to be one body in Christ, with all the members having the same care one for another. Thankfully, everything went well, for an impromptu message. The Lord not only saved me, He saved the service from being a potential disaster. Amen!
D.B.
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