From JC, a servant of God, and worshiper of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the good news to the world. To my friends and family scattered across the nation and the world, hi!
I know that it’s a surprise to actually see a post on this blogger. Ever since the arrest, I have been rather quiet and for good reason! Internet access is closely monitored and it’s only been after months of good behavior that I’ve been able to get online.
I’ve been thinking a lot over the last while about what I wanted to say to those who I love and who are continuing on in the battle against evil. What can I tell you that will help you today? All I can say is that God has triumphed in my life. Let me tell you how.
I have been a Christian for the majority of my life, and through those years I’ve experienced many struggles and trials. But through it all Christ has been faithful to me. When I look back on my life, I see that the hardest times I’ve had with my walk have been when I let my flesh get in the way of my focus on God. No, I’m not just talking about the sexual lusts, though that has played a factor in my life, but I’m also talking about the part of my mind that wants its own way. A lot of people say that too much is blamed on the flesh or that too much is blamed on the devil. “The devil made me do it” is a common saying (and I might add, a common joke among my friends). Even though you can go to extremes on either side, there is truth in both.
Paul, in Romans (you’ll excuse my lack of references since they took my Bible and my memory isn’t as good as it once was), talks about “doing what he does not want to do.” I’ve read that passage over and over and what I believe what Paul is saying is that he was struggling with his flesh. Details don’t matter, but what is important is that God gave him strength. I’m not going to sugar-coat it, you’re going to be struggling with the flesh, with the human nature, for a long time. I am still struggling. Some days I look out on the prison yard and I want to rally a rebellion, kill all the guards, and escape. But God reminds me that my lot is to follow Him and be here as a witness for Him.
But back to the flesh… Human nature, born with Adam’s sin, wants to sin in a multitude of ways. Now, once we’ve been saved, and Christ has redeemed us, we have a choice to sin or to not. That choice, when presented can produce some of the most agonizing moments of your life. Believe me, I’ve dealt with that over and over again. It takes work to choose Christ though. I have lain in my bed, fighting off lustful thoughts more times than I can recall, winning some battles, and loosing others. The times when I’ve won have been the times when I’m willing to forego sleep in order to turn my eyes and my thoughts to Christ. “Taking captive every thought” and handing them over to Christ is key.
I’ve talked about the flesh and what role it plays in our struggle. Now I want you to think about the role that the enemy plays in these struggles. Jesus was tempted by the devil three times and was victorious. I’m not saying that all temptation is from the enemy, but if you let your flesh take control, the devil can lead you towards situations where temptation occurs. Jesus used scripture to thwart the enemy and we need to do the same.
I also urge you to be disciplined. Laziness causes all sorts of problems. If you don’t take the time to talk to God, how will you keep that relationship going? Be willing to work on talking to God, reading His Word, and walking the selfless walk. I heard once that there are two types of learning – experience and by watching other people. I’ve learned by experience I have learned not to miss steps on a ladder. By experience I’ve learned not to run my car over large rocks. By experience I have learned not to let my thoughts get carried away. By watching, I learned how to measure a board twice and cut once. By watching, I learned how to be a true friend and how not to treat others. I hope that you have watched me and that you have learned from my mistakes and my trials. Take what you have learned and don’t make the same mistakes I have made.
Perseverance is one of the keys to your life right now. You may be scared of what’s coming and I don’t blame you, but think about the prize, think about actually seeing Christ in person. I can’t wait until the day comes when I can run to my Savior and give him a great, big, bear hug! Be strong and courageous, my friends! The Lord will direct your steps and you will know what to do.
Lord, I lift up my friends and my family and anyone else who reads this. I pray that Your hand will be upon them and that You will be the focus of their lives. Lord, I ask that You will strengthen them in wee hours of the morning when they struggle against their flesh and against temptation. I pray that they will turn their eyes upon You and that their desire will be for You. I pray for this nation, that You will bring the believers through this hard time and will bring many more into Your flock. We love You, Lord, and we glorify You. Amen.
With that, I think I have said what I need to say. However I have a few personal notes:
To my parents – thank you for your instruction when I was young. I have learned a lot and now that I’m facing an uncertain future, I know that you started me on the right path.
To my dear friends – God has put you in my life and you have upheld me through so much. He’s doing something mighty in your lives today, don’t forsake Him.
Forever in love with Christ, I’m lifting you in my prayers daily. Your friend and fellow believer, JC.
