I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Another year had come to an end. I have been in prison for more than thirty years, and by human understanding my life should be filled with despair and hopelessness...
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Another year had come to an end. I have been in prison for more than thirty years, and by human understanding my life should be filled with despair and hopelessness...
But by the grace of God this has not been the case. Today, because of Jesus Christ, I am living with joy, peace and hope. And God has allowed me to opportunity to repent of my sins and place my faith in Him. I know, as well, that He shall fulfill the plans He has for me (Psalm 138:8).
Likewise I am thankful for the church body the Lord has placed me into. It's located behind prison walls. Yet I can say that I'm proud of the way the Christians in her work with one another. We have a mix of men from different backgrounds who are learning to respect and cooperate with each other for the furtherance of the gospel, and for the strengthening of the church.
But like any fellowship, we have our problems, too. Sins such as envy, strife and jealousy do crop up. We're not perfect. Nevertheless the Word of God instructs us on how to overcome such things. Instead, we've been growing in the grace and knowledge of our Savior. And by the same token, brotherly love is prevailing. And this brings joy to the Lord. It's also a testimony to a world dominated by hate, unforgiveness and selfishness.
In addition, while I live here I am under the authority of my chaplain/pastor, who is under the authority of the Lord. I am not a so called "Lone Ranger" doing my own thing. For the church congregation I belong to is one of order where we are being trained for our respective ministries. And it is through the Holy Spirit's guidance, and by sound biblical teaching, that we're gradually becoming more skillful in the use of our individual giftings. We're also becoming more discerning when it comes to the many false gospels that have plagued other churches.
Finally, I shall never cease to pray for those whom I injured in the past. To my regret I caused many people to suffer horrific pain and loss. May God help them wherever they may be.
D.B.
Likewise I am thankful for the church body the Lord has placed me into. It's located behind prison walls. Yet I can say that I'm proud of the way the Christians in her work with one another. We have a mix of men from different backgrounds who are learning to respect and cooperate with each other for the furtherance of the gospel, and for the strengthening of the church.
But like any fellowship, we have our problems, too. Sins such as envy, strife and jealousy do crop up. We're not perfect. Nevertheless the Word of God instructs us on how to overcome such things. Instead, we've been growing in the grace and knowledge of our Savior. And by the same token, brotherly love is prevailing. And this brings joy to the Lord. It's also a testimony to a world dominated by hate, unforgiveness and selfishness.
In addition, while I live here I am under the authority of my chaplain/pastor, who is under the authority of the Lord. I am not a so called "Lone Ranger" doing my own thing. For the church congregation I belong to is one of order where we are being trained for our respective ministries. And it is through the Holy Spirit's guidance, and by sound biblical teaching, that we're gradually becoming more skillful in the use of our individual giftings. We're also becoming more discerning when it comes to the many false gospels that have plagued other churches.
Finally, I shall never cease to pray for those whom I injured in the past. To my regret I caused many people to suffer horrific pain and loss. May God help them wherever they may be.
D.B.
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