This is another book loaned to me from our chapel here. Its library has a large selection of religious and self-help readings. This one was recommended by Jim, a guy I met here in the chapel on my second day in prison.
So far, his recommendations have been fantastic and appreciated. I remember my other watching Dr. Jeremiah on TV many years ago and she said he was a “teaching preacher.” It seemed odd, as he was sitting in a chair as he gave the sermon. However, he had presence and attracted quite an audience, and has authored over 40 books in his time.
This book focuses on defining what it means to be an overcomer in 8 steps, ultimately demonstrating the most popular “overcomer” in history. Jesus died and was resurrected after three days, overcoming this world, and demonstrating love and forgiveness for all of us.
8 Ways to Live a Life of Unstoppable Strength, Unmovable Faith, and Unbelievable Power
-Weakness with Strength: If your bible is falling apart, that usually means you aren’t
-Falsehood with Truth: We overcome falsehood by living the truth. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32
-Evil with Good: Romans 12:17-21 is the perfect summation of this:
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
-Anxiety with Peace: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
-Fear with Faith: Learn to pray! ACTS
Adoration- worship Him
Confession- tell Him your sins
Thanksgiving- express your gratitude
Supplication- ask Him for what you need with humility
-Confusion with Wisdom: Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge
-Temptation with Scripture: Jesus overcame the temptation of the three- The Lust of the Flesh (Matthew 4:1-4), The Lust of the Eyes (Matthew 4:5-6), and The Pride of Life (Matthew 4:8-11)
-Everything with Prayer: Pray on everything, daily. God wants to hear from us- ask! James 5:16
-Death with Life: The death of Jesus gave us life. The ultimate overcomer.
“It’s hard out there. Sometimes it feels like the world is ripping apart at the seams. Sometimes it feels like your heart can’t take any more hurt. But no matter what the world throws at you- anxiety, fear, confusion, temptation- you have a choice on how to respond.” This is profound to me given my current environment.
A few weeks back, an inmate who gives a sermon in the pastor’s absence spoke deeply and passionately about all of us here being Overcomers as it pertains to us serving our time appropriately and then being released. Released as overcomers and set free. This excellent expression of moving forward and moving on really hit home for me. Some in this world will always look at us as criminals, but God will not. When we leave here, it will have been Overcome. I think the lessons in this book came at the perfect time in my life.
I’ve overcome many adversities in my life, some created by me and others by chance. Either way, each one is meant to shape and grow us for the better. Noted.
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