Personal Time

I have a friend and mentor who is currently spending his time in a Texas State prison. The main reason he has been there for 9 years is that he continues to maintain his innocence. And, for what it is worth I both believe him and admire his willingness to hold onto his character. Beyond that he truly believes he is called to be in such a place at such a time and that God's deliverance is only a matter of time. Nine years... only a matter of time. I think everyone needs a mentor in prison. When I get letters from him I really feel like I am a little closer to what the first-century church must have felt like when they got letters from Paul. I know my friend is not writing new parts of the Bible, but I treasure the wisdom, passion, and faith that comes from those pages.

I have been in jury duty this week, and my personal experience definitely has shaped my perspective on our legal process. I am much more likely to actually believe "innocent until proven guilty" now then I was 10 years ago. But, the fact is sometimes the evidence just leads to a conviction. I am fairly sure I met one such man Monday of this week. The evidence staked against him just seemed to lead to a "guilty"... and I found myself praying for this guilty man. I did not pray for his freedom; I believe he should pay for his crime. I prayed for his soul and for strength to endure these coming years. He needs God as much (or more) now than ever. And, God loves him now as much as ever.

I am glad of that, because God came to me in my guilt as well. He did not offer me salvation just in case I might need it, but because I was guilty and the punishment for my crime was more than I could pay. When he paid the price for my sin and offered me a way out it totally changed not just my life but my eternity. I don't understand how anyone could see that gift and refuse it... but people do.

More on that tomorrow. For today, make sure you take time to thank the one who saw you in your guilty state and took the punishment in your place!