Yesterday I went with a friend to Raiford prison and spoke to some inmates. I enjoy speaking to large crowds, but when we got there I was disappointed to see that only a small group of men had gathered in the chapel. According to some of the inmates the posters announcing that I would be speaking that day were ordered to be removed a couple of weeks beforehand, and those few men in attendance surmised that only a few people remembered that I’d be speaking that day.
I’d also hoped that while I was at Raiford we’d get an opportunity to go to death row and visit with those guys too, but was told that wasn’t going to happen either.
Bummer!
I was kind of discouraged about driving all of the way down there for such a small crowd, and likewise being denied a chance to witness to those on death row, but decided to just take it in stride and thank God for whatever great opportunities He might provide that day. In fact I said as much to Him as I intensely prayed just prior to taking to the stage and speaking at the service.
As I rose to go to the podium I was determined to do my best. Just then, the inmate who’d placed the microphone on me pointed to some television cameras in the balcony and whispered that my testimony was going to be broadcast to every inmate on death row, (over 300 men), via closed circuit television. Then the prison chaplain told me that in fact it was being broadcast all over the general prison too.
Many men would be watching from all over the prison.
Hmmm…Thank you Jesus. God took care of my little bummed out mood as quickly as it had formed thank you very much!
We had a good service and afterwards were afforded an opportunity to meet one on one for an hour and a half in a little room with a couple of guys who’d allegedly been involved with organized crime and had been convicted of multiple murders. It was fascinating to hear the stories of their former lives and then how they’d come to know Jesus and the radical change for the better that took place in them after they did.
Good stuff!
While I was driving home a man called and asked me to serve as the keynote speaker at the state capitol prayer breakfast in April. It turned out that he is the chaplain for the state legislative body. He told me the Governor will likely attend, along with several of his cabinet members, and of course state senators and legislators from around the state.
The irony of the two speaking engagements that God lined up for me is interesting. From death row to the state capitol…
Yep, interesting…
Hmmm… So what should I change in my message?
My message will be the same.
We cannot find hope apart from Jesus Christ. We cannot find peace apart from Jesus Christ. We cannot find joy apart from Jesus Christ. I am convinced beyond the tiniest shadow of reasonable doubt that we cannot solve our problems apart from Jesus Christ.
I don’t care if someone is pacing a concrete floor in a 6X9 foot cell on the “row” awaiting judgment day, or walking on sparkling marble floors in the rotunda of the state capitol awaiting judgment day, we all need to walk with Jesus Christ. We cannot be forgiven of our sins apart from Jesus Christ. We cannot find salvation apart from Jesus Christ.
Today, as you muddle your way through the myriad of problems and frustrations that might pop up and you search for those oftentimes elusive bright moments and smiles, walk with Jesus Christ. He’s the source of smiles that replace tears.
If Jesus is shining brightly in your life today, share Him with others. Your testimony belongs to God and you should use it for His glory today.
If you are bummed out and not shining so brightly today, then read this verse Phil. 4:8 – And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
This verse describes Jesus perfectly.
Okay, all set to think about Him?
Remember: Focus on Him and not on you for a few minutes.
Feel better?
Try again…
Feel better?
Try again…
Feel better?
Romans 14:18
If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God…