Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Some of the best advice I have ever received came from an inmate. I don’t know about you, but I have known some people to go into prison a hell raise and come out a priest, a preacher, the Dalai Lama, monks. Although I have never spent any time behind bars, I know there have been times, and there are times where I feel like a prisoner. A prisoner of circumstance. On these occasions, I turn to the writings of my favorite inmate Paul.
He tells me stuff like;
Romans 8:31......... "If God be for us, who can be against us?
Colossians 3:2............ "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:23.......... "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,...
Romans 8:18............ "...consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:37............ "Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
Philippians 4:13................"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Ironically Paul wrote many of his letters from prison, producing the majority of the New Testament in less than ideal conditions. He allowed his ministry and his growth to prosper in spite of where he was.
Hopefully, the next time I find myself feeling imprisoned by circumstances and the things I have to do now, to pave the way for the things I want to do now, I’m going to take some cues from Paul and make sure my prison produces something that’ll prayerfully bless someone else as Paul has blessed me.
Waiting for parole,
SLC
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Well my friend, as you know, I've been behind bars. Not only a steal cage but like you said, I've been a prisoner of my mind. This post was a great message on some many levels.
ReplyDeleteI think one aspect of this post is searching for the right answers from the right sources.
If we rely on or own self absorbed egos, and personal references, I believe we will remain lost in space and time.
Good post.
Great message SLC, I think I'll follow your lead and take some cues from Paul. Hopefully what I am going through will bless someone else down the road.
ReplyDeleteall I can do is hope that one day I receive my blessing and can carry the messageto others like Paul has done.
Always good to hear from you.
I believe i take cues from Paul everyday. I was so glad to read the entire New Testament last year but it is scriptures like the ones you have listed that constantly remind me of where i am and where i can be. My mind is free. My heart is focused and i know whenever i feel in bond, i know where and whom to turn to. Great post my friend. Keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteto God Be the glory. In all things give thanks. I needed that encouragement.
ReplyDeleteIncredible Message and One that makes me think. I can't tell you how many times I've been in "The foul clutches of circumstance", a lot of it my own doing...but it was always good to know that I had a heavenly Father that not only had my back, but was walking me through it.
ReplyDelete