And this is the condemnation, that light is come
into the world, and men loved darkness rather
than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:19
It is hard for me to believe that I have now been in prison for almost thirty-six years...
into the world, and men loved darkness rather
than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:19
It is hard for me to believe that I have now been in prison for almost thirty-six years...
I also turned 60 years old earlier this month. Where did the time go to?
I know, too, that my criminal past is forever being flaunted before the public while my story of redemption through faith in Christ is, for the most part, downplayed by both the media and the entertainment industry. I'm not surprised by this, however. Because the Bible emphatically declares that men love the darkness rather than the light. And what was written in the scriptures some two thousand years ago is just as true today.
Generally, it is not in keeping with protocol to say nice things about someone who's in prison, especially if they're doing time for crimes of violence. And in my case, it could be that many feel intimidated by my story of forgiveness because they think their sins and misdeeds are not as bad when compared to mine. While they may also view themselves as inherently good persons who've no need to ask God's forgiveness. Yet at the same time their consciences tell them otherwise, while the deepest premonitions of their hearts remind them that ultimately, no sin will go unpunished forever.
And in a similar vein, they may find it hard to believe that Christ could change and transform someone like me. As with the accounts of the demon possessed man that are found in the gospels of Mark and Luke, it was easier for the towns-people to run the now formerly possessed man from their coasts than to venture into the unfamiliar territory of embracing and welcoming one who, only hours earlier, was a raving madman.
Even though they saw this once deranged man now fully clothed and calm and otherwise completely sane, it seemed safer for them, the residents of the region of the Gadarenes, to plead with him to leave their neighborhood as opposed to opening a door of welcome to this unfortunate soul. The man had been living in a state of mental and physical torment and misery, which was not his fault. He'd been the victim of a legion of demons who enslaved him.
Frankly, my situation may not be all that different. Because I too had been demonized and was once under heavy occultic control. Yet, the day came when I too was delivered, and my life was never the same. And folks want to expel me too, or at least keep me locked up. But I'm okay with it. I understand.
D.B.
Note: This amazing story of a once demon possessed man who had been the terror of his community can be found in Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39.
I know, too, that my criminal past is forever being flaunted before the public while my story of redemption through faith in Christ is, for the most part, downplayed by both the media and the entertainment industry. I'm not surprised by this, however. Because the Bible emphatically declares that men love the darkness rather than the light. And what was written in the scriptures some two thousand years ago is just as true today.
Generally, it is not in keeping with protocol to say nice things about someone who's in prison, especially if they're doing time for crimes of violence. And in my case, it could be that many feel intimidated by my story of forgiveness because they think their sins and misdeeds are not as bad when compared to mine. While they may also view themselves as inherently good persons who've no need to ask God's forgiveness. Yet at the same time their consciences tell them otherwise, while the deepest premonitions of their hearts remind them that ultimately, no sin will go unpunished forever.
And in a similar vein, they may find it hard to believe that Christ could change and transform someone like me. As with the accounts of the demon possessed man that are found in the gospels of Mark and Luke, it was easier for the towns-people to run the now formerly possessed man from their coasts than to venture into the unfamiliar territory of embracing and welcoming one who, only hours earlier, was a raving madman.
Even though they saw this once deranged man now fully clothed and calm and otherwise completely sane, it seemed safer for them, the residents of the region of the Gadarenes, to plead with him to leave their neighborhood as opposed to opening a door of welcome to this unfortunate soul. The man had been living in a state of mental and physical torment and misery, which was not his fault. He'd been the victim of a legion of demons who enslaved him.
Frankly, my situation may not be all that different. Because I too had been demonized and was once under heavy occultic control. Yet, the day came when I too was delivered, and my life was never the same. And folks want to expel me too, or at least keep me locked up. But I'm okay with it. I understand.
D.B.
Note: This amazing story of a once demon possessed man who had been the terror of his community can be found in Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39.
