Be Present: In the Slammer by Robert Dickerson

Encounter the Word:

I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I'm in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they've learned all about him. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah. –Philippians 1:12-14 [Message]

Regardless of your situation, there's opportunity for growth and spreading the message of Christ. Circumstances change all the time around us:  You get a new job and you're introduced to many people; You get married and your family grows; You move to a new neighborhood and get to discover and build the community around you.

Life is always full of events that present opportunities to reach new people and to share GOD’s love. We try and envision down the road living in wonderful neighborhoods without crime, being married with a big family, being involved in church and sharing your gifts. We think, maybe then I'll be able to contribute to GOD’s Kingdom. The truth, though, is that right now you've got the same opportunities, chances to touch the life of someone around you and share the joy or praising GOD.

When in jail, Paul didn't go off to sit in the corner and say, well it's been a good run. Paul took the situation he was presented with and turned it around, preaching the Message to his fellow inmates and the guards that were holding him. Many of them became curious about Paul's teachings and discovered who GOD was. Some outside of jail were trying to take advantage of his absence by trying to grab the spotlight of teaching GOD’s Word, but the truth was, Paul didn't care because as they spoke, people were hearing the Truth and still accepting GOD into their lives. Even though they didn't have the best intentions, they were still getting positive results for GOD.

So regardless of your current situation, you have the choice to stand strong for GOD, to show that no matter how great or awful things may get, GOD is still first and present in your life. He hasn't left you or let you down, but is working on something greater in your life and in the life of someone else you'll cross paths with. So stay focused on Christ, here and now. Accept His Spirit in your life at this moment and be amazed at what GOD can accomplish through you, regardless of your status in this world.

Encounter Prayer:

So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God. Amen. –Philippians 1:9-11 [Message]

Encounter:

• Where are you in your life today that seems like a peculiar place to share your faith?
• What unique relationships has GOD fostered for you? What's keeping you from sharing Christ?
• How might you become more keenly aware of circumstances GOD's crafted for you to share Good News?

Devotional by Robert Dickerson.  Posted by A. Allan Martin by permission.