"Lord, remember me when you
come into your kingdom."
Luke 23:42
These were the words of one of the two thieves who had been sentenced to death alongside Jesus…
come into your kingdom."
Luke 23:42
These were the words of one of the two thieves who had been sentenced to death alongside Jesus…
In his final hours of life, this man cried out to the Lord with a heart of genuine repentance, and he was instantly forgiven for all his sins. Christ told him, "Today you shall be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).
This story tells me that whatever circumstances one may find himself in, there's always hope. For the dying thief, forgiveness came just in time. And it is no different today. Christ offers mercy to repentant criminals, and he is willing to welcome them into heaven as well.
In my two previous journal entries, I wrote about prison being a House of Pain, and it is. But it can also be a place for miracles.
In prison there's the notorious "pecking order" where men will dominate one another based on social status. Then there's the loss of personal freedoms, and the humiliation of having to be known by a number instead of a name. The loss of contact with family is yet another punishment, to name a few.
But in spite of all the negativity and oppression that comes with incarceration, there is Jesus. According to the Scriptures, Jesus is the Light of the World. He is also the "Prince of Peace" who does some of his most marvelous works of mercy in jails and correctional facilities. Jesus is a defender of outcasts, and a refuge for the destitute.
In my many years of imprisonment, I have known men who have committed suicide, or attempted it. I've seen stabbings and slashings, and numerous fights. But not all that happens behind the walls is evil. I have met countless prisoners who are truly remorseful for the crimes they committed, and for the people they hurt. They're aware of having brought harm to themselves, too, by breaking the law. We were our own worst enemies.
I have known men who came to prison without an education, leave with one. I have done time with guys who were once self-proclaimed atheists, but at some point, during their time of incarceration, were touched by God. They ended up becoming ministers and pastors of churches.
While still others discovered they had talents they were not aware of previously. They learned hobby crafts, became accomplished artists and painters, or successful writers of poetry or short stories, and some have even published books.
As for myself, in the midst of my depression and soul-destroying guilt, and living without any sense of purpose, Christ touched me. After receiving Jesus as my Savior, my life changed radically. And by the grace of God, I have continued on this path for several decades now.
Prison is a bad place. It's not where someone would want to come. Yet even in such an environment, the light of Christ will shine. Not everyone will come to the Light, of course. They will choose not to. That's their choice.
But for those who do come, as I and many others already have, hope will arrive as well. Even in what most would consider to be a dark and miserable place, God is at work. Lives are being transformed, and broken hearts are getting healed. Prison is indeed a place where miracles can happen.
D.B.
This story tells me that whatever circumstances one may find himself in, there's always hope. For the dying thief, forgiveness came just in time. And it is no different today. Christ offers mercy to repentant criminals, and he is willing to welcome them into heaven as well.
In my two previous journal entries, I wrote about prison being a House of Pain, and it is. But it can also be a place for miracles.
In prison there's the notorious "pecking order" where men will dominate one another based on social status. Then there's the loss of personal freedoms, and the humiliation of having to be known by a number instead of a name. The loss of contact with family is yet another punishment, to name a few.
But in spite of all the negativity and oppression that comes with incarceration, there is Jesus. According to the Scriptures, Jesus is the Light of the World. He is also the "Prince of Peace" who does some of his most marvelous works of mercy in jails and correctional facilities. Jesus is a defender of outcasts, and a refuge for the destitute.
In my many years of imprisonment, I have known men who have committed suicide, or attempted it. I've seen stabbings and slashings, and numerous fights. But not all that happens behind the walls is evil. I have met countless prisoners who are truly remorseful for the crimes they committed, and for the people they hurt. They're aware of having brought harm to themselves, too, by breaking the law. We were our own worst enemies.
I have known men who came to prison without an education, leave with one. I have done time with guys who were once self-proclaimed atheists, but at some point, during their time of incarceration, were touched by God. They ended up becoming ministers and pastors of churches.
While still others discovered they had talents they were not aware of previously. They learned hobby crafts, became accomplished artists and painters, or successful writers of poetry or short stories, and some have even published books.
As for myself, in the midst of my depression and soul-destroying guilt, and living without any sense of purpose, Christ touched me. After receiving Jesus as my Savior, my life changed radically. And by the grace of God, I have continued on this path for several decades now.
Prison is a bad place. It's not where someone would want to come. Yet even in such an environment, the light of Christ will shine. Not everyone will come to the Light, of course. They will choose not to. That's their choice.
But for those who do come, as I and many others already have, hope will arrive as well. Even in what most would consider to be a dark and miserable place, God is at work. Lives are being transformed, and broken hearts are getting healed. Prison is indeed a place where miracles can happen.
D.B.
