Another precious memory from my years doing jail ministry:
Jose was a prisoner with diabetes I visited nearly every week. He was housed in the medical section of county jail and came to Christ at the age of 20. I remember praying with him that day and afterward telling him to remember the date.
I said, “This is the most important day of your life—for all eternity. Someday, if God were to ask you, ‘Why should I let you into my heaven?’ You could say, ‘I don’t deserve heaven, but way back on December 23, 20__ I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. He purchased my salvation on the cross and forgave all my sins.'”
Jose became a model prisoner and an incredible student of the Bible. He diligently completed the weekly Bible study provided by the chaplain’s office. In addition, he began outlining the Bible and would write a summary of every chapter he read. He was faithful to his journaling and weekly would share with me what he’d learned.
One evening I arrived for our weekly Bible study and he announced, “Today is my birthday!”
I said, “What? I thought you turned 21 last month!”
He said, “Last year, two days before Christmas, you prayed with me when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. It was the most important day of my life— for all eternity. Today I’m one-year-old in the Lord.”
- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
- SONG: DEAR LORD OF LORDS – Words & Music by Kathleen
[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
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Congratulations on your “Blog of Excellence” award!
You honor the Lord, and that is commendable!
Thank you! God is good.
Thank God for the new life we have in Christ. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things have become new!
Praise God, Frank, that we have that new life in Christ! Indeed, the old things are passed away.