Thought for the day
These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).
~ An inmate, calling himself a sports fanatic, complains that, as a result of cruel and unusual punishment, he was forced to miss the NFL playoffs -- especially the "classic " between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)
~ An inmate complains because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)
~ An inmate who murdered five people sues after lightning knocks out the prison's TV satellite dish and he must watch network programs, which he says contain violence, profanity, and other objectionable material. (Jackson v. Barton)
~ An inmate sues to be served fruit juice at meals and three pancakes instead of two. (Spradley v. Rathman)
~ An inmate sues to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)
~ An inmate sues for not receiving his scheduled parole hearing, though he was out on escape when the hearing was to be held. (Young v. Murphy)
~ An inmate sues to be served fresh rather than reconstituted milk. (Gerteisen v. Bowers)
~ An inmate sues for right to conduct martial arts sparring and full-contact fighting as part of his religion. (Gibson v. Miller)
~ An inmate sues because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)
~ An inmate -- who has filed more than 140 actions in state and federal court -- sues over finding gristle in his turkey leg. (Attwood v. Bowers)
We get quite a different picture of a prisoner in the New Testament by the name of Paul. While he wasn't afraid to demand his rights (Acts 22:25; 25:11), neither was Paul one to whine and complain and mope while in prison(and he hadn't even committed a crime!). Listen to this positive statement which comes from Paul's pen as he sat in chains:
"Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly..... And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice." (Philippians 1:12-14, 18b).
This passage is an encouragement to me in those times when it seems that life is treating me unfairly. If Paul could maintain such a positive spirit and joy in the midst of such difficulty, surely I can do the same.
There is much to be thankful for!
Verses
Hebrews 10:35-36
Do not then throw away your confidence, for it carries a great reward. You need endurance, if you are to do God's will and win what he has promised.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
Isaiah 40:26
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Luke 18:1
Then he gave them an illustration to show that they must always pray and never lose heart.
3 John 2
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
Prayer
Father, just as You care for the birds of the air and provide for their nourishment You also provide for our bare essentials in addition to our many wants. We pray for those in the midst of worry and fear; for those living in uncertainty regarding Your faithful provisions. May they look to You whose resources never deplete and whose love never ceases. Your care is evident in nature and especially in those created in Your image. In faith we will trust You to provide for our every need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
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