FROM THE KEYBOARD

It was 4 years ago today that I was released from state prison. And wow, the Lord has done exceedingly and abundantly above what I could have ever imagined. I left prison a free man, but I had already been free prior to my release date. In fact, and if I am being honest, I was freer in prison than I am today. How could I say this? Well, I am just being honest. With so many distractions and pulls in my "free" world, I am quick to recognize how such "freedoms" are actually interruptions to seeking God's kingdom. Real talk. It is very easy to get sidetracked from pursuing the heart of God so intimately and purely, simply because I am now "at liberty" to pursue the desires of my own heart. The difference? Well, in prison (aka isolation, which can be equivalent to a trying time that sets you apart), the Lord had my undivided attention. It was just Him and I...and 37 other guys! LOL. But seriously, it was a time in my life that I was able to "honeymoon" with the Son of Man. And now free, I feel like that intimacy has faded, not because of God's disinterest in me, but mainly because I am complacent and have lost the sense of urgency in seeking Him. Thankfully, I recognize this lack of devotion and I only document it to request your prayers for Sarah and I. Full time ministry isn't easy. As a matter of fact, full time ministry can be the greatest enemy--considering it is easy to justify the work I am doing FOR GOD, while completely missing the absolutely necessary soul food of doing work WITH GOD. In order to be "free at last," one must be willing to put Jesus first.

The quickest way to diminish your own sorrows is to begin focusing on and helping others. You see, when we help others carry their burdens, we find our strength renewed to continue our journey. It's the give to get effect. "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).

Being a follower of Jesus doesn't mean we are kept from tribulation, but it does mean we have access to the peace of God to get through the situation. And when His peace comes over you, then overcoming is what you do. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Miracles do not come by merit of man, but by the mercy of God. And the greatest miracle isn't the healing of the body from sickness, but rather the healing of the soul from sin. "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).

The courage of character isn't made in the arena, it is only seen there. Because the individual who spends time with Jesus in private cannot help but to stand boldly for Jesus in public. "The righteous are as bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1).

What's the perfect picture? The one that God see's when He captures His likeness in the frame of our hearts. You see, Jesus is God's "selfie" to the world. And when the "selfie" of God gets inside of you, then God stops and looks at Himself too. No matter how many pictures we take of ourselves and no matter how many times we look at ourselves to admire ourselves, God has already captured His image by creating us. "Made in His Image" (Genesis 1:27). So next time you take a picture and post it for others to see your visage, consider how God made you His "picture" and "posted" you in this world for others to see His image.