Friday, April 20, 2012

New Beginning for the Innocent Man

In the Scriptures,
8
is the number of new beginnings.


Eight people entered into the ark by faith.
I Peter 3:20
"while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is,
eight souls, were saved through water."


The firstborn was to be given to God on the 8th day (Exodus 22:29-30).


 In Genesis 17:12 instructions were given to circumcise on the 8th day.
Circumcision of the flesh foreshadowed the circumcision of the heart
through faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:11-13)

We have a new beginning in our lives, as well.

The Honorable Judge M. gave an 18 year sentence,
8 incarcerated,
10 on strict probation.

It is a harsh sentence,
especially for an Innocent Man.
Although the judge spent 45 minutes talking about the Innocent Man's
good character, based on his  his lack of ANY police record,
no drug or alcohol abuse, many letters written to the judge in his favor,
he had to stand on the jury's guilty verdict and give the time demanded the crime.

The Innocent Man called tonight.
He had some tears,
but mostly resolve to stand firm in the Lord.
He is determined to be a good testimony,
to continue to be faithful in prayer
for those he loves dearly outside the prison walls,
and not waste his
8 years.
He misses his loved ones so much and we know
how much his family will have changed in those years.
He will miss Graduations and weddings and babies.
He will miss picnics and vacations and family squabbles.


Eight years is a long, long, long time.

It's a very long time.

But it is the time the Lord chose;
the number
8
is the number of new beginnings.

We will continue to walk by faith,
trusting in the plan the Lord reveals little by little.

We choose to believe
 God is sovereign.

We choose to walk the next
8 long years
by faith.











9 comments:

  1. I know you must all be heartbroken. May God answer your many prayers and this man use this time for His glory like his admirable predecessor, Joseph.

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  2. Mindy... I don't really know what to say, I'm praying and thinking of you all. I watched yesterday for news to post and have been thinking about it all this morning, wondering. Now I read the news and my stomach is revolting. I have a lump in my throat and I wish I could give you all a hug to let you know how much I care. I will pray especially for the Innocent Man and that he is able to stay strong in the Lord as he has said he wants to be a good ministry.
    LOVE YOU!! ~Tandis

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  3. Mindy -
    When I read this post on FB a song immediately sang into my mind. It was so strong, I know it must be for you and yours. Please share it with the Innocent Man.

    <3
    Suzy

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Byp7aK2DA

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  4. Well, it didn't fully post the first time...
    here is the song....

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Byp7aK2DA

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  5. Thank you for the talk last night. My heart is still with you this morning. I love your choosing....because when we can't see we have to choose to take one step at a time by faith. Love you, sister.

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  6. I hope a "new normal" comes quickly for you, Mindy.
    Hugs & prayers.

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  7. I will pray for the Innocent Man, you and your family. Though I only know the few details you've shared in the blog, I know that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26). God knows the details and can be an ever present help in time of need. May God be your peace.

    I have been going through an especially tough time lately as well, and have been strengthened and encouraged by Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place. There is some really good godly wisdom in that book. If you can get a copy for yourself and the Innocent Man it might be a comfort to you.

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  8. Mindy, I don't have words to express my sorrow for you. I am praying for you and for the Innocent Man - especially for protection and strength for him.

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  9. Such a hard sentence, so many things we don't understand for his family and for his friends.

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