Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear Readers,
I currently have nothing when it comes to the material world. In the free world, I had too much at times, though none of it ever seemed like it was enough. I still felt empty. I did not stop and realize that even 1% of what I had was more than the majority of the people in the third world have. By their standards, I was very wealthy. You see, I was spiritually empty; which means I never felt fulfilled. Presently, I am in solitary confinement – physically. I sleep on a thin mat placed atop a concrete slab; locked in a dull, cold and drab cage. I have no physical possessions. Not even the pen I am writing with is my own. My physical movement is so restricted that anytime I leave my cage, I am in chains on my hands and feet. I am chained even to use the phone or shower. Thus, not even the movements I make are my own. My physical life is dictated by my captors. Yet, I am more free and more wealthy than I have ever been. I have everything I need; For I have Jesus with me. My captors cannot dictate my relationship with Christ. They cannot chain or arrest it. I own my relationship with my LORD. It belongs to Jesus and I. We are partners. We are going to get through this together. You see, they think that they have me in solitary confinement, but the joke is on them. Yes sir, it is… because there is nothing solitary about my confinement. There is nothing solitary about my life. Do you know why? Because JESUS is with me every step of the way. Hallelujah! Praise His Name! When you have a relationship with Christ, no one can take it away. No one can change it. I still have joy in my heart.
It does not matter that I have been handed an unjust life sentence by a corrupt, racist, political puppet. For though he and his tyrannical cohorts can pretend to judge me on earth, they cannot touch my immortal soul. They have no power in heaven. Their power is fleeting; for it is earthly power. When you have Jesus with you, nothing can touch you. There is so much joy in Christ that even in the worst situations, you can feel bliss.
When I was being sentenced, I listened to the victims families speak. It was heartbreaking to hear. Yet, I was able to look each one of them in the eye. I gave them the respect and dignity that they deserve. In contrast, my co-defendant would not look at them. I spoke and I eulogized the two victims that I knew. And, I paid my respects to all three and their families; though I could not apologize for their deaths – because I did not cause them. I offered my deepest and sincerest sympathy and condolences. Most importantly, I incorporated a prayer into my speech. I prayed that they would find peace and healing in Christ Jesus. My co-defendant said nothing. He did not apologize, nor did he even acknowledge the pain and loss that he has caused. I wanted to scream at him and make him at least look at them. But, I quickly realized that he does not know Christ and my anger turned to compassion. I feel sad for him because he does not know real Love. He does not have Christ in his heart. It has made me realize how truly blessed I am to have a relationship with Christ. My knowledge and faith in Christ has sustained me. It has made me a much better man. It has prevented me from being bitter. My co-defendant’s heart is hard and stone cold; where as mine is warm, soft and open to all. That is the difference between a person who is in Christ and one who is not. There is a picture in the Bangor Daily News of my co-defendant and I during sentencing. A picture speaks a thousand words. The picture was taken while one of the victim’s family members was speaking. You can truly see the contrast in that picture.
I am so grateful for having Jesus in my heart. My brothers and sisters, I am living proof of what JESUS can do for you. I am proof that though you have nothing physically, you can be abundantly wealthy spiritually. My life is proof that ALL you need is JESUS! Amen!
I Peter 5:10-11 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
May God bless and keep you! May your life be fulfilled! May you realize that all you need is JESUS!
Love in Christ,
Randall
(A man who only needs JESUS!)