Our church is marching on...
Several days ago, all of us here in the body of Christ at Sullivan Correctional Facility were very heartbroken over the loss of one of our dearest brothers who went on a transfer. He was our main Chaplain's Clerk (See Journal for June 11th).
But after coming together in prayer and seeking God's guidance, we now have another man to take the position. We prayed for him, and he was anointed with oil by the elders. We believe that he is Christ's choice. I am pleased, too, that there were virtually no interruptions with this transition process. Our "upheaval" was brief.
A few of the brothers were asking me to come back and work in the chapel. I thanked them for the offer but explained that I believe the Lord wants me right where I am, caring for a handicapped inmate and having more time to spend in prayer and Bible study, and in writing.
Several years ago, I was so "busy" that I probably could not keep up with this journal. I first began trying to write this spiritual journal back around 1998. But with my schedule the way it was, working in the chapel and being "on the go" from virtually morning till night, I just could not focus on this task. Just keeping up with the mail correspondence was enough in itself, plus all the hours of paperwork I had to do as the Chaplain's Clerk.
However, beginning in the year 2000 the Lord was leading me to slowdown. He was opening up new doors for me to do other programs and spend more time in a classroom setting. This lasted for most of 2000. Now in 2001 everything seems to be in place where I can "shut in" and write more. I'm very satisfied and thankful.
But for the time being, and probably for the next few weeks, I will be spending extra time in the chapel aside from the usual services and Bible studies. This is because I have to help train the new clerk. It is a blessing to serve the Lord and to help my brothers in any capacity the Lord wants me to. And I know that God will give me the strength because many times, in my "flesh" (I'm being open here), I don't feel like doing all these tasks.
During the past few days, I had been reading from the book of Titus in the New Testament (Titus 1:4-9). The apostle Paul told Titus, who like Timothy was something of a spiritual son to him, to stay on the Island of Crete and "set in order" all that was necessary so that the church could be established in that very lawless and inhospitable territory.
Back then, Crete was a hideout for pirates and criminals on the run. Because of all the sailors and merchants who passed through the island, it was filled with prostitution and all kinds of vice. But the Lord was moving among the people, and many were repenting from their sins and were placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
In this environment, Titus had to encourage the saints to continue to turn away from sinful lifestyles and to instead live godly and honorable lives. He had to provide guidance for the church and appoint elders to govern the church and be leaders by example.
It is no different here in this prison. And even in our chapel, things get a little off course and then need to be set back in order. This is all part of a Christian's learning process.
D.B.
But after coming together in prayer and seeking God's guidance, we now have another man to take the position. We prayed for him, and he was anointed with oil by the elders. We believe that he is Christ's choice. I am pleased, too, that there were virtually no interruptions with this transition process. Our "upheaval" was brief.
A few of the brothers were asking me to come back and work in the chapel. I thanked them for the offer but explained that I believe the Lord wants me right where I am, caring for a handicapped inmate and having more time to spend in prayer and Bible study, and in writing.
Several years ago, I was so "busy" that I probably could not keep up with this journal. I first began trying to write this spiritual journal back around 1998. But with my schedule the way it was, working in the chapel and being "on the go" from virtually morning till night, I just could not focus on this task. Just keeping up with the mail correspondence was enough in itself, plus all the hours of paperwork I had to do as the Chaplain's Clerk.
However, beginning in the year 2000 the Lord was leading me to slowdown. He was opening up new doors for me to do other programs and spend more time in a classroom setting. This lasted for most of 2000. Now in 2001 everything seems to be in place where I can "shut in" and write more. I'm very satisfied and thankful.
But for the time being, and probably for the next few weeks, I will be spending extra time in the chapel aside from the usual services and Bible studies. This is because I have to help train the new clerk. It is a blessing to serve the Lord and to help my brothers in any capacity the Lord wants me to. And I know that God will give me the strength because many times, in my "flesh" (I'm being open here), I don't feel like doing all these tasks.
During the past few days, I had been reading from the book of Titus in the New Testament (Titus 1:4-9). The apostle Paul told Titus, who like Timothy was something of a spiritual son to him, to stay on the Island of Crete and "set in order" all that was necessary so that the church could be established in that very lawless and inhospitable territory.
Back then, Crete was a hideout for pirates and criminals on the run. Because of all the sailors and merchants who passed through the island, it was filled with prostitution and all kinds of vice. But the Lord was moving among the people, and many were repenting from their sins and were placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
In this environment, Titus had to encourage the saints to continue to turn away from sinful lifestyles and to instead live godly and honorable lives. He had to provide guidance for the church and appoint elders to govern the church and be leaders by example.
It is no different here in this prison. And even in our chapel, things get a little off course and then need to be set back in order. This is all part of a Christian's learning process.
D.B.