Tag: ex-offender

AN OPEN CONFESSION

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AN OPEN CONFESSION

By Rick Mathes

Permit us both to look into a mirror and see ourselves as we really are.

I truly do know my most secret sins and confess I just get into a blind denial and when the sin surfaces I have no strong defense. I willfully offend my Lord and I know what I am doing when I commit the grievous sin.

I have repeatedly offended Jesus without a true effort of repentance. Confessing just means I got caught. I never really hate the sin for what it did to Jesus, never to do again. I leave the option to sin open.

I have made my best friends those that permit my favorite sins to thrive. Birds of a feather truly flock together. It seems there is less conviction of wrong doing when the sin is committed by the greater numbers.

I am absolutely in the opponent’s corner glaring at my Lord every time I stifle the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Truth is, it is easier not to sin rather than sin but I am obstinate to the bone. Don’t ell me what to do!

I really am prepared to meet the devil and fight it out with him. I have done more good than bad and I know my good will conquer his bad. How much worse can it get? I’m already living in hell! What’s new?

I can’t escape the evil that consumes me. I am wretched, lost and without hope. The truth is, nobody cares. Life is just a façade, a tragic comedy of naked apes pretending they are civilized. Satan is king and I know what side I’m on and I don’t have a clue on how to be set free.

I am a traitor to God. His Son became man, died in my place and I went through the motions of being born again to please those bleeding heart do gooders who kept dragging me off to church. What fools!

I am a slave to sin and evil and there’s nothing I even now want to do about it. I consigned my fate and really the flames will be a relief from the horrors that are exploding inside me now.

I cannot endure the wrath to come!

Dear Jesus, I confess my sin, fall on your mercy and beg you to save this poor excuse of humanity. I accept your grace as unworthy as I am and step into your glory, justified and sanctified in your sacrifice of blood and I will forever praise your Holy Name! I’ve been redeemed…..

ALLAH OR JESUS

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ALLAH OR JESUS

By Rick Mathes

 I attended my annual training session that’s required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers who represented the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths who explained their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say.

The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam complete with a video. After the presentations time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn I directed my question to the Imam and asked: “Please, correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand that all of the Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that’s the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?

There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he replied, “Non-believers!”

I responded, “So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to heaven. Is that correct?”

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, “Yes.”

I then said, “Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Pat Robertson or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to heaven.”

The Imam was speechless.

I continued, “I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question…would you rather have your Allah who tell you to kill me in order to go to heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and wants you to be with me?”

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.

Chuck Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years of prison ministry. He said to me, “Rick, remember that the truth will prevail.”

And it will!

http://www.RickMathes.org