I am not sure where this writing will take me along? But like a brightly colored sail flapping in the wind-I won’t steer the vessel, I’ll let the Holy Ghost be at the helm this afternoon. I can’t seem to shake this visual picture-this thought. During this past weekend, my husband, son and stepdaughter covered a lot of territory and some surprising routes, yet wonderful moments were birthed in our quest to reach our particular destinations-home to family for the Thanksgiving Holiday. In route to Columbus Georgia, first stop Charlotte, North Carolina we traveled through small towns and hamlets and yes a good stretch of highway, red dirt, wild flowers and even noticed several curious doe/deer. As a passenger I could snooze and then awake to more two lane bumpy through fares, 6 lane highways, rolling hills, sunsets with streaks of magenta and coral majesty, and daybreak-lets not omit bumper to bumper traffic. I believe we saw it all. Ok, if not all of it, there were memorable mental vistas. Finally our destinations were worth the journey. After the wonderful meal, yummy desserts and lots of laughter and conversation the next day, my husband and I had a mini date-a getaway. As Ricky and I snuck away to the movies during one rainy afternoon, driving not far from my brother’s home my husband said,
“Did you see that?”
“What?”
“The young man standing at the lone bus stop with new white sneakers? That’s generally all that you leave prison with you know?”
“I wonder where he’ll go?”Wow, I missed all of that! It was a blur seeing this young man.
I was too focused on the razor wire, empty basketball courts, and the modern jail- it was non menacing appearing structure. I do recall the words: Transition which was etched on one of the brick building. Friends, It was all very surprising for me to see this landscape juxtaposed to the cozy homes. (Just possibly that’s one our societies issues- is that the jails have become the focal point, not the detainees/the individuals?)
This was the day after Thanksgiving and I realize that often if we are not associated with those that have been incarcerated, addicted, seeking rehab services and/or being placed in that system, we sincerely don’t have a clue of all of the dynamics that leads to a person newly released, standing outside a facility in the pouring rain with themselves and all that they belong on their backs.
It was evident that this young man was headed somewhere, but I am not certain where? I saw no greeting committee. The probability was real, that there was no one in route to secure his safe arrival to his destination. Than I wondered about the shape his psyche and his soul were in.
I wondered if the young man felt perplexed. Was he relieved to be on the other side of the razor wired fence or frightened about an unpredictable tomorrow? I wondered if the rain that fell on his head with no bus insight; did it cause him to just want to celebrate freedom or cry? Had he made amends for the lives ruined? Or would he return to the life that led him behind the close bars? I just wondered if he felt renewed, refreshed and assured that what led him there would never, ever have that stranglehold on his life again? But, more importantly I began to wonder-what of his soul salvation?
Today, Joel Osteen’s really hit home for me with his e-inspiration message entitled: Work Out Your Salvation. After reading the devotional below I was encouraged to reference Philippians 2 (new living translation) which reads:
Philippians 2
Have the Attitude of Christ
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?
2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God, [a]he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b]; he took the humble position of a slave[c] and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,[d] 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Shine Brightly for Christ
12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202;&version=51;
BibleGateway.com
Work Out Your Salvation
Today's Scripture
“…work out your own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12, NKJ).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, some things will change in you immediately and other things will be worked out over time. You may have addictions or sickness that you are instantly freed from, but yet, you may have wrong attitudes or other areas that are still in the process of changing. That’s because God is doing both a work in you and a work with you. He reveals His power to us and then gives us the opportunity to work with Him in the process of restoring and renewing our lives.You work out your salvation by obeying His Word and surrendering every area of your life to Him. You are working out your salvation when you choose to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. You are working out your salvation when you stand strong and resist temptation. Remember, God is the one at work in you to give you the power to work out your salvation. He’s empowered you to overcome every obstacle! As you cultivate what He’s deposited within you, you’ll experience more of His power so you can live the life of victory He has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for the work You are doing in my life. I choose to work with You so that I can live the life of victory You have prepared. Help me to be an example of Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Reference: Joel Osteen Ministries [info@joelosteen.com]
Today’s Word with Joel & Victoria 12/02/08
I pray that the young man will learn of ministries like Back to Basics which help men and women turn their loves around and actively demonstrate the love of Jesus. I pray that the young man has a mentor which will mean him good and not further contaminate his soul, his being. I pray that this young man’s destination will bring him to the arms of God if he’s not yet there. I pray that the rain falling on his head is cathartic, refreshing and renewing and Thanksgiving will be birthed within him! I pray that he’ll spiritually prosper, see himself in a new light and be motivated to acommplish and achieve great things.
Lord I think it's clear, the journey to Steve's, the young man at the bus stop, Joel Osteen's devotional, he powerful lyrics Yolanda Adams rendered, and the encouraging holy scripture-You await us-we must work our our soul's salvation.
Yolanda Adams singing
Be Blessed
Joyfully submitted by:Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
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