Acts 23:12-22
Intro Questions
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
These are some of the frivolous lawsuits filed by convicted prisoners across the United States (which are subsidized by taxpayers).
~ A death-row inmate sues corrections officials for taking away his Gameboy electronic game. (Donald Edward Beaty v. Bury)
~ 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 games" between Miami and San Diego, San Diego and Pittsburgh, and Dallas and San Francisco. (Arkansas)
~ Inmate complains because his meal allegedly was in poor condition. He claims his sandwich was soggy and his cookie was broken. (Brittaker v. Rowland)
~ 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)
~ Inmate sues to be served fruit juice at meals and three pancakes instead of two. (Spradley v. Rathman)
~ Inmate sues to be given Reeboks, Adidas, Pony, or Avia hightops rather than the inferior brand sneakers issued by the prison. (Brown v. Singletary)
~ 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)
~ Inmate claims discrimination because he was not given a Department of Corrections raincoat like other inmates. (Walker v. DOC)
~ Inmate sues to be served fresh rather than reconstituted milk. (Gerteisen v. Bowers)
~ Inmate sues for right to conduct martial arts sparring and full-contact fighting as part of his religion. (Gibson v. Miller)
~ Inmate sues because he was required to eat off of a paper plate. (Procup v. Strickland, et al)
~ 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!
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee 37188
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