I've Got That Jail House Religion (Originally posted 2/15/2020)

When I first got locked up, I heard people talking about “jailhouse religion”. For those who don’t know, it’s where a person suddenly “finds God” while in jail. They appear to be a different/better person. Usually it’s done to try and lessen a sentence or get a victim to feel sorry for them. I’ve seen it myself while in county jail. While waiting to go to court numerous people were talking about how they can’t wait to get out there to get high. They’re going to party for days. Then I’d see the same people speaking to the judge about how sorry they were and how God has helped them. This judge fell for their lies and slapped them on the wrist. Then when it was my turn for sentencing, I tried telling the truth about a specific incident, and the fact that it was a lie. Needless to say, she didn’t believe it! That’s alright though. For me this ain’t some jail house religion! This is real life. Eternal consequences, walking daily side by side with Jesus. I played around most of my life with Jesus. Now I see the cost of life eternally separated from God the Father. I see how hard it is to live a life without Christ and I will never go back to who I was! Like Joyce Meyer says, “I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be!”

Are you an ex inmate that claimed Jesus while locked up, but when you left the joint, you left Jesus at the gate? I’ll bet life sucks right now don’t it? You hanging with the same crowd that you hung with before you got caught? The Bible says iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens anther. Proverbs 27:17 (NASB) If you really want to change your life, I’ve got the answer! Give your life to Jesus Christ! Does this mean that suddenly life is all bunnies and rainbows? Well, no. However, this Bible verse, I can assure you by my own personal experience and many other men in here with me, that it is accurate and a promise from God! The (AMP) version stated in Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known to God. (7) And God’s peace Shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of it’s salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Folks, this was my verse that I stood on through my sentencing, and I still do!

Some people may say “Nick, you’re a liar! You’ve got that jail house religion!” Ill tell you what! If in fact I did have this jail house Jesus, then do you really think I’d be taking the time to write theses messages to tell ya’ll about my Lord and Savior the King of Kings, The Lion of Judah, Jesus the Messiah?! Glory to God! No I sure wouldn’t. I’d be sitting back on my rack watching T.V. and playing my guitar just passing time in the “old mans” dorm. Instead, I stepped out of my comfort zone by asking to go to this prison instead of where I was supposed to be sent to in order to be in the interfaith dorm. Then I went through an interview with 4 inmates plus the unit staff. Once approved, you sign a form stating you have to do certain activities in order to stay in the dorm. At least 3 faith-based program per week. Team cleaning ( we have 8-10 men on a team) they are our family. I’m now a coach or team leader. I’m also a member of the Praise and Worship team of the dorm. No more being a lukewarm Christian for me! Read Revelations 3:15-16 Verse 20 (NIV). Jesus says “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me,” Will you answer that knocking on your hearts door? Jesus is waiting, cn you hear him? He is calling out to you! Jesus wants to dine with you to have a relationship with you! Let him in!!