Well, it's early on the day of court. I'm not worried or scared. Nicole is a little anxious and stressed though I think she is trying to hide it. In the words of a great friend "you've got a good one there. I think she is a keeper!" I tend to agree very strongly.
Last night I travelled back from Canberra, I've been doing some work down there with my brother. It's been interesting. I've shared the gospel with a young guy through correcting a non-Christians view on Ecclesiastes. This guy said that the central message of Ecclesiastes is God saying get drunk have fun but just make sure you clean up the mess and don't hurt anyone. 1Corinithians anyone?? Anyway, I got to evangelise to this young army guy whose nick name is PORNO (truly!) via the book of Ecclesiastes! And then used Job to back up my points of the sovereignty of God. Jump forward with a gospel message and now he's interested in what Christianity is REALLY about!!
My point is that today I face jail. SO WHAT!? God, knows it, Nicole knows it, My fanatastic church (filled with broken people just like me - thanks Rod) knows it and yes I know it. But the world, in spite of this mini world of mine collapsing, is still crying out for reconciliation with God, their creator. They don't know that through His son, they can join his family for all eternity. And I'm supposed to be worried about 12 months in jail. Really. Well, umm, I've got a handful of Christians coming along to the centre of sin -COURT today. My prayer is that they are so busy with outreach and loving the unloveable, that they will be no good to me or Nicole in support! Beyond that, those who have read all my entries will know my desire for Court Chaplaincy - well, appears today their are a few friends who don't realise they are in day 1 of training! For if it wasn't for this situation, how would they come to share in my revelation of the need for such a ministry?
The trip to and from Canberra was filled with me listening to Mark Driscoll (thanks Tony!). When you spend so much time learning about our Saviour, our God, the Holy Spirit, well, your definition of freedom changes. Galations when it speaks of the true Freedom, mentions nothing of "not being locked up!"
Oh, yes. The other thought I've been having, actually there are 2! Firstly, on top of all the fantastic references I have from people, I'm going to ask to submit a letter to the court. It will be respectfully outlining the gospel that has changed my life and the fact that it was done through faith in Jesus! Never miss an opportunity I say! When else can we have the chance to evangelise a judge?
The other thought is, the whole abandoning the cell church. I will be seeking counsel from many people much smarter than myself on this, but my basic thought is, how better to relate to someone and bring them in than if I too am obviously a sinner. No issue of holding the pastor to a more righteous standard here - he's doing weekend detention! That whole, put on your sunday best and your fake smile, cause the pastor does periodic detention. What better way to demonstrate God's ability to change lives? We'll see what "they" say. I can already guess what the position is from the denomination, but with all the respect for these Godly people, well, what denomination was the Apostle Paul or any of the early church fathers?? I probably wrong on all this, it happens every few years. But as I am learning - you never know till you ask.
On that point, I'm also just going to ask the judge to not send me to jail. What's the worse that can happen? He says NO.......
Next entry, no matter what the outcome, will be one of praise. For God is good always.
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