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Friday, August 20, 2010
BURIED OR PLANTED?
Beautiful day of rest Sunday. This is one thing it seems the Department of Corrections modeled after the first days of creation, because on Sundays in prison, there is not much movement and it truly is a day of rest.
Church tonight was amazing and the Bishop brought the Word. He said, "You need to get into the Word, so the Word can get into you." Here is what I learned in my words:
What "they" say I did, I did;
but who "they" say I still am, I'm not.
I'm a different man these days and I can wholeheartedly say that because of God, His grace and His mercy, I am a new creation. I act differently and I talk differently, but none of these things are because of me or my doing. God has made me new in Christ and has given me reconciliation: "A change of relation from enmity to peace." The world may find this hard to believe and even those who know me may doubt, and I'm fine with that because society wants to evaluate others based on the values of the world. Many have already counted me out and many will continue to doubt my transformation. I'm not mad at that either because they only know what I did, and that's my fault. I got into a hole myself and the haters threw the dirt on me and buried me. All of this time, I believed the haters were wrong, but I understood everyone is entitled to their opinion and the reality is--- an innocent life was taken. I embrace being buried, because though they looked at it as burying me, the Lord meant it to plant me. And what is planted must sprout up and bear fruit. I did what they say I did; but I'm not who they still say I am .
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river. And will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought. Nor will cease from yielding fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8
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EVERYONE is buried in sin, not just people that commit what the world thinks are the BIG sins. I love Matt's word picture of turning that into an opportunity of transformation instead of a curse. If we respond by taking in the water (good discipleship) and the sun (or Son) provided, we can all grow into beautiful creations of God. Matt, you seem to becoming more and more beautiful in God's eyes (and mine).
ReplyDeleteMelissa: I am so humbled by your beautiful words of encouragement. I love how you added to this analogy with what a plant requires: water and sun. It is so true. It is not only how you view your purpose but also how you are practically nurtured through Christ. Love it!
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