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The Word of God, is the source of
light, truth, and power, for those who seek its meaning and apply
it to their life. Jesus Christ is the word made flesh, and we
seek to follow him.
John 8:12 (NIV) -
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never
walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Each issue of "My Brother's Keeper" features a WORD
study. This issue's Word Study was written by Alan Griffee, co-founder
of Christian Ambassadors, Inc.
I Peter 1:3-5
(KJV) -
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which
according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a
lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth
not away, reserved in heaven for you.
John 14:2 (KJV) -
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were
not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 3:5 (KJV) -
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man
be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God.
Luke 23:43 (KJV) -
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou
be with me in paradise.
1 Corinthians 15:40-42
(KJV) -
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the
glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the
terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun,
and another glory of the moon, and another glory of
the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
So also is the resurrection of the dead.
In today's word study, I want to consider a topic that is often
misunderstood. As a child, I was told stories of heaven being
a place where streets are paved with gold, where we spend our
days sitting on clouds and playing harps. That is a very simple
image of heaven, but unreal. What do you think heaven is like?
Are there only two places; heaven and hell? The scriptures quoted
above speak of: heaven, paradise, the Kingdom of God, my Father's
House, many mansions, and different glories. Do we know what God's
Kingdom is really like? Do we know how we will be judged and what
the rewards will be? Perhaps we don't want to know because we
want to believe that no matter what we do in life, we will all
receive the same rewards in heaven.
Revelation 20:12-13 (KJV) -
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the
books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book
of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave
up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up
the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according
to their works.
1 Peter 4:5-6 (NIV) -
But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge
the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was
preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be
judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according
to God in regard to the spirit.
What heaven and hell are like have puzzled scholars for centuries.
I am not going to answer that puzzle in a few short paragraphs.
But one thing is certain, when we die, we will not all be sitting
on clouds playing harps. The kingdom of God is far more varied
and complex than that. And, it may not be as rewarding for some
as it is for others.
My objective in this word study is to have each of us open
our eyes and minds to the fact that God's kingdom is more than
we may have thought. If we think everyone will be in the same
place, enjoying the same rewards, then we can do anything we want
in life, as long as we are saved by grace through faith. But,
if we realize that God's kingdom has many mansions, and the rewards
are different, then we need to begin thinking about the life we
lead and the choices we make.
The judgment of God involves not only the rewards available to
those who are saved, but also the separation of the saved and
the unsaved. Hell, the Lake of Fire, the prison, and purgatory
are the other side of that separation. Suffice it to say that
no one in their right mind would want to be part of that side
of judgment.
Jesus says that in his Father's house there are many mansions,
and in
1 Corinthians 15:40-42 we read that in the resurrection there
are different glories (likened to the brightness of the sun, the
moon, and the stars). Think about it for a minute. God's kingdom
is diverse in glory. Compare what we know about the earth and
think about how it might relate to God's kingdom. In a single
city, there are thousands of homes, ranging in size and grandeur
from the smallest cottage to the most luxurious mansion. In a
single country, there are thousands of towns and cities, ranging
in size and affluence from the smallest farming villages to the
metropolitan capitols of commerce. If the kingdom of God has many
mansions or glories and they differ in brightness from one to
another, then obviously some would be nicer places to live than
others. I suspect that even the smallest, backwoods abode in the
kingdom would probably be better than anything we know here on
earth. But, given a choice, would you prefer living in a mansion
in the city of God, or living in a small village on the out-skirts
of the kingdom.
I want to encourage you, as you read and study the scriptures,
to expand your vision of God's kingdom beyond the puffy cloud
image and consider the many different mansions and glories that
may exist. Look at the words and their use. Remember that the
scriptures don't contradict themselves. It is our misunderstanding
of a passage that creates contradictions.
As you study, consider the statement Jesus spoke to the thief
on the cross, saying, "... this day you will be with me in
paradise." Is paradise the same as, "my Father's House?"
For most of us, there will be a period of time between our death
and the final judgment. I believe paradise is the place where
righteous spirits reside between the time of death and the final
judgment. It is a place of learning, a place where we have opportunity
to see clearly the mysteries of the kingdom. Likewise, I believe
that hell (the prison) is the place where unrighteous spirits
reside and are taught between the time of death and the final
judgment (implying that there is an initial judgment at the time
of death which sends us either to paradise or hell). At the time
of final judgment, hell and the unrepentant unrighteous souls
it contains will be cast into the lake of fire. And, at the time
of final judg ment, the repentant souls from hell and the souls
from paradise will be judged according to their works and given
rewards in the many mansions of heaven.
As you continue your study, consider also that just because the
same word or phrase appears in different places in the scriptures
that it may not always mean the same thing. Take for example the
phrase, "the Kingdom of God." Does that phrase always
mean the same thing? I believe the phrase may in reality be speaking
of at least four different concepts. The Kingdom of God is: 1)
the whole universe that He created, 2) heaven, or the realm in
which the many mansions exist, 3) the highest glory (God's mansion),
and 4) the spiritual state within our heart that exists today
when we truly repent and seek to respond to God's will.
Is my understanding of the kingdom correct, or complete? I doubt
I will fully understand the nature of God's kingdom until I have
the opportunity to see clearly, face to face.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV) -
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:
now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Is my understanding of the kingdom better than I had before? I
believe it helps me to live a better life. It helps me to get
past my childhood vision of heaven, and to grow in my understanding
of God's will for me (to not only believe in Christ, but to live
a Christ-like life). God wants us each to respond out of love
for Jesus Christ, and not simply for the reward we might receive
for doing good works. But, I think it helps to keep me on the
narrow path if I know that I will be judged and there will be
different re wards based on my actions in this life. What path
do you want to be on?
I Peter 3:13,14 (KJV) - "...And
who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which
is good? But if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye:
and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled..."
Isaiah 54:14 (KJV) -
In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far
from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for
it shall not come near thee.
If there can be any consolation after the terrorist attacks of
9/11/01, and the following anthrax attacks, is the Biblical promise
that the evil will eventually be vanquished. In every adversity,
there lie the seeds of an equal or better benefit. While there
is no joy or happiness for the family and friends of the victims,
there is consolation in the Word of God that there will be justice
in the end.
James 4:14b (KJV) -
"...For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth
for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
Yes, that is most certainly true, as the sudden taking of 3,000
innocent lives on September 11th attest. However, those of us
who live in the Lord Jesus Christ, although we may weep for the
loss of our loved ones and share in the inconsolable grief of
the families affected by this atrocity, we are secure in the knowledge
that the end of this life does not extinguish our exis tence.
We know that we are much more than flesh and blood like the animals.
We see through the lies of the Darwinists and secular humanists
who tell us that we evolved from apes; and the universe is the
result of some inexplicable "cosmic accident".
We know that our Lord Jesus Christ is with us:
Isaiah 54:7,8 (KJV) - For a small moment have I forsaken thee;
but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I
hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness
will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.
Those who know the Lord are confident that our soul, our spirit,
that which is the essence of our being, whatever one wishes to
call it; that part of us lives on; even though our mortal bodies
perish, and even indeed, when our mortal destruction is utterly
complete, as what happened at the World Trade Center.
Our faith is not, as some atheists say "an opiate of the
masses," or colorful folklore with a moral lesson. God is
real; scripture notwithstanding, the existence of a creator is
a forensically verifiable fact, and if God is real,
His Word is true, and His promises will be kept as they always
have been. One can only know in his/her heart what is not manifestly
evident in our daily perceptions:
I Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) -
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit
of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know
them, because they are spiritually discerned.
There is comfort in knowing that our faith is totally justified.
Those who love the Lord have no doubt, the devil may try
to break our faith by inspiring tragedies as those of September
11th, but as we've seen, Satan's efforts are back-firing; Our
na tional faith is stronger than ever.
For the price that was paid at the cost of so many innocent lives,
and the natural fear the evil of September 11th evoked, we have
witnessed a nation re-united, and a resurgence of faith; and in
that, renewed hope.
Psalm 118:5,6 (KJV) -
I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and
set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear:
what can man do unto me?
The fear is that of uncertainty; that in the next instant our
loved ones might be taken from us. In reality, however, our soul;
our spirit (the part of us that is really "us") is immortal.
The only thing "man can do unto me", is to kill my body,
which is "a vapor". The most evil of men can only accomplish
that end.
It is not only important that we have faith in times such as these,
but to maintain that faith in the midst of peace and prosperity.
All throughout recorded history, men have been fickle in their
relationship with God. We call upon Him in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (KJV) -
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in [times
of] trouble."
However, our faith vacillates from hot to cold depending upon
the "fortunes" of the moment. This can be dangerous:
Revelation 3:15,16 (KJV) -
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I
would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm,
and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
Those are pretty powerful words! We can't go on using God only
when we're in trouble; He is not our friend of last resort,
someone to call on when all else fails, someone to call on when
we are desperate and have nowhere else to turn. God is there for
us always. He wants us to look to Him as the loving Father He
is. God has feelings, too. He can be offended and hurt just as
we can. What Father would not comfort his hurt and crying
child? He wants to share our good times, too. All too often, when
things are going our way, we forget about God. Like rebellious
teenagers, we come to think we can get along without Him. We are
distracted by the material things of the world:
Luke 12:15b (KJV) -
Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth
not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
And only in the face of great adversity such as the disaster of
9/11/01, do we realize, as Solomon did in Ecclesiastes, that all
of our worldly treasures and labors are "vanity and vexation
of Spirit".
In the months and years ahead, there is no doubt in my mind that
the threat of terrorism will be dealt with - the evil will eventually
be vanquished. However, America will never be the same again.
Hopefully, our spiritual renaissance will continue to grow, and
we can become "one nation under God" once again; And,
the over 6,000 people who died that day, will not, as so
many others in our history, have died in vain. The memories of
the victims and heroes of that day, should keep the words "Abba,
Father" on our lips, and the love of God forever in our hearts.
You cannot appreciate lightness better,
until you have been in the darkest corner for awhile. A prison
cell is, indeed, a place of sorrow and in fact is death itself.
Imagine yourself being confined in a Lion's Den where you cannot
see your father, mother, friends and relatives. Life becomes so
helpless, as fear, grief, and pain overwhelms you.
As a mortal being, in such a situation, you could say that "death"
is the best solution, instead of being roasted or devoured alive.
Light is life itself; truth, love, hope, and freedom. Light drives
all the works of darkness away. With light you can walk through
the shadows of death without being harmed. And also when you are
confined, when you are sick, and when you are waiting for your
execution; you need this light.
And how does this light come for your freedom? It can only come
when you recognize the "power of prayer" upon your life
no matter how grave your condition or situation may be.
Prayer is an expression of one's feelings to God. In other words,
a communication with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Individually,
we can prove the power of prayer only if we can understand that
prayer is the key through which we can see the light over our
problems. Let me refer you to a scripture in the Bible, where
you can see what a prayer meeting could do to somebody who was
imprisoned. The scripture is "Acts 12:1-25". If you
study this scripture properly you could see there was an earnest
prayer going up to God from the church for Peter's safety all
the time he was in prison.
There are things an earnest prayer can do in your life, too, no
matter if you are free or imprisoned; and one major thing prayer
can do - it can attract a light upon your life and upon your problems.
Just as in the case of Peter, the prayer the church made on his
behalf attracted a light in the prison cell while he was waiting
for his execution the following day. That prayer the church made
opened the gate of the prison cell and Peter regained his freedom.
I want to tell you that, the sudden light in the prison cell where
Peter was staying was Jesus Christ. So, today if you are physically
or spiritually imprisoned, with your earnest prayer made by yourself,
or made on your behalf; Jesus Christ would shine His light upon
your problem, no matter where or what condition you found yourself.
But the question is, have you made Jesus Christ your friend? Do
you realize that the sudden light which opened the prison gate
for Peter is Jesus Christ? I urge you, prison inmates, to recognize
the power of an earnest prayer upon your lives. Rec ognize the
power of the light of Christ. Repent of your sins and accept Jesus
Christ as your Lord and Savior.
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors,
as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you
on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had
no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness
of God.." II Corinthians 5:20-21
==================
From: David Obodo,
A.T.M., Nigerian Prison, Umuahia.
Dear Christian Ambassadors Ministry, I thank my God making mention
of you always in my prayers. Thanks again for the many blessings
your ministry has blessed me and the other Christian brothers
here in Umuahia Prison. I'm deeply blessed with the testimonies
of other prisoners.
I want to thank you for "My Brothers Keeper", the Spiritual
Growth Lessons, and the letters you send for us to read. While
going through the last [October-December, 2001] newsletter, and
sharing with other Christians, I find that what the Bible says
in John 10:10 to be a reality (physically and spiritually). Some
Christians here in the prison don't even believe that Satan is
a de structive spirit operational here on earth.
When I read about the sudden attack on the Americans, on the September
11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, I shared tears,
because the Americans are highly powerful and secured, because
of their security networks. But, the attackers still launched
a swoop that claimed thousands of lives. That attack taught a
lot of people all over the world a lesson, because the "accuser
of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10) is always at work. That
is to say we Christians, are supposed to humble ourselves before
the Lord at every time and minute, without allowing or giving
Satan a chance.
After going through this [last] issue of "My Brother's Keeper",
I learned that purity measures no margin of error. If I say I'm
a Christian, not just for a lip service, I will be putting it
into practice and putting my faith into practice to yield good
works and results.
Even when I read about Daniel, I understand that God always hears
his people, no matter the condition they are into or they find
themselves. Personally, I have observed that the worst debasement
and injustice to befall a man, is for a man to be detained unjustly
for offenses he did not commit.
After reading this [last] issue of "My Brother's Keeper",
under divine and spiritual direction, I understand that for a
man to die without Jesus, whether somebody is being walled up
under intimidation or not, that we inmates should give our whole
lives to Christ, whether good or bad; because the mayhem that
claimed thousands of lives in America, took them unawares and
beat all their security.
In conclusion, what I understand is that God brought a lot of
us to prison to protect, guide, and to transform us, so we will
be useful in the future, and also that we might gain eternal life.
In addition we in the prison need alot of oral exhortation, and
more Christian literature for our spiritual uplift. As people
in the dungeon we are forever grateful for the gift of the Holy
Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth. May God Bless you,
in Jesus name, Amen.
===================
From: John Eziefuna,
Federal Prisons Umuahia, Nigeria
Dear Brother Onokala, CA Nigeria, I am writing to share a testimony
with you on how I have benefited from your ministry. One of the
tracts you gave me in 1999 ("This new Life" by Billy
Joe Daugherty) plus the sense you talked into me, helped me to
real ize the need to repent fully and to give my life to Jesus
without delay, not minding the situation I am involved here at
A.T.M. for almost 3 years now.
On the 1st of February 2000, I completely surrendered to the Lordship
of Jesus Christ as my Savior. Since then, God has been so gracious,
loving and caring to His child. I glorify Almighty God and Jesus
Christ who counted me worthy to receive pardon and forgiveness
of my sins. I am convinced that God allowed my detention here
in A.T.M. to draw me to Himself, because I wonder whether I could
have repented from my sins outside this circumstance. So, I am
grateful to Almighty God for allowing me to pass through this
experience, though painful. God in His infinite mercy has always
succored me in my trials and temptations as a child of God here
(Hebrews 2:18).
Recently I was passing through a serious temptation, which I believe
is the second highest temptation I have received since I accepted
Jesus last year in February. You see it all started after my fasting
for my court case, which was due to take place a few days after
my two weeks spiritual exercise requesting God to grant me favor
by allowing that the court should hold on the appointed date.
But the date failed due to circumstances narrated by the judge
as we went that day. But, instantly I felt offended as Satan entered
immediately driving my mind from being a believer, to somebody
with hatred for worship or prayer or other things which a child
of God should do in mediating in the Word of God. My mind started
imagining, if God at all does answer prayers, that all good things
which have been happening to me was just by chance. In fact, I
was at the peak of collapse (not minding that I am the pastor
of our cell), until God sent in His words of comfort to me. Just
then your pastor was sent in to me with one of the spiritual growth
letters/lessons from Sharon K. Griffee dated May 27, 2001, alongside
other books from you.
I realized my sins and acts of rebellion against God almighty
which made me to be ashamed of myself, understanding the extent
I had drifted away from the precepts of God. I became sorry for
all I had done and acted immediately in obedience to God by repenting
and asking for God's mercy with a broken and contrite heart, believing
that the merciful God had pardoned me in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen. Please receive my profound gratitude in bringing these helps
to me in particular and for every body here in general.
I thank God for the vision of Christian Ambassadors in bringing
the life of Jesus' ministry of love and hope to those behind prison
walls and beyond. I thank you for all the work you are doing.
Extend my greetings to your family and our Christian friends overseas,
Yours in Christ, John.
=================
From: Craig Ray Montgomery,
Delta Correctional, CO
Dear Sister Sharon, Greetings to you in the awesome name of Jesus
Christ. How wonderful it is to write you a few words of encouragement.
Whatever you do, or plan for the future "keep printing".
You have a powerful ministry, and you're a divine tool used by
God to help fix broken lives and hearts. I want to thank you for
keeping me in your prayers and on your mailing list. I love you
all in the name of Jesus .
Being in prison or bondage is the reality for so many people,
but having Jesus Christ makes all the difference in regards to
being totally reformed, or set free. So keep spreading the good
news, and may the richness of the Lord Jesus Christ continue to
en hance your very existence of life. Hebrews 10:35-39 (NIV) -
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly
rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the
will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just
a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will
not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he
shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." But we are
not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who
believe and are saved."
===================
From: David Todeschini,
Auburn Correctional, NY
Dear Alan and Sharon, As always, the October-December Edition
of "My Brother's Keeper" is an excellent piece of inspired
work. I receive a number of different Christian Newsletters, but
your newsletters stands apart from all of them, and I'm not just
saying that to make an impression.
It takes a fine dedication to do what you're doing, and in this
world, I'm afraid that not enough edification is given to those
who seek to help and uplift others. Not that anyone should boast
about what can be done with the Word of God; the fruit of your
pas sionate labors to spread the Good News is "the unseen
good" that's overlooked and taken for granted...However,
God sees, and He is keeping track.
If the love of the Lord is manifested in the good works that love
of God inspires, I would say that the fruit of your labor shows
a very strong faith and unfailing love. Anyone can cut and paste
related Bible passages and add a bit of commentary, but "My
Brother's Keeper" puts it into the context of our everyday
lives - we can identify - we "feel" what you do; and
I would venture to say that many more than I, have that opinion,
but for some reason, you'll not hear from the majority of those
who are touched by your ministry, but they are, and you should
know it. I'm sure that a few others have taken the time to convey
this to you, well multiply what you see by 100 and that would
be a more realistic perspective of the effect your ministry has.
Thank you! Yours in Christ, David.
=====================
From: George Wright,
Idaho Correctional, Boise, ID
Dear Shawn Winkler ("Wink"), Please continue to send
Sharon and Alan your Word Studies, Stories, etc. You were one
of my favorite teachers. I always felt awful when I couldn't comprehend
your teaching fast enough for you. Your brilliance, in so many
areas, was/is most commendable. Thank you, Brother George "Clerk-Bro".
=====================
From: Brother Onokala,
CA Nigeria
Dearly Beloved, Indeed the newsletters are really appreciated
and worthy for spiritual growth ministries. Additional copies
of the October-December 2001, issue were made. I was excited because
of the willingness of the inmates to receive the gospel, irrespective
of the miserable and depressed conditions they are in. As I was
sharing "My Brother's Keeper" the inmates were scrambling
for it, an indication of their taste for the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, thank you for your concern, love and assistance to
CA Nigeria prison ministry. We really appreciate your efforts
and support. And hopefully the year 2002 will bring more of God's
Blessings to CA Nigeria, and to the inmates who re ceive CA Ministries.
God Bless you and extend my hearty greetings to all.
====================
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Your letters of inquiry about our ministry
are welcome and appreciated. If you or a loved one is incarcerated
in a jail or prison facility, anywhere in the US or abroad, please
write for more information:
Christian Ambassadors, Inc.
PO Box 260812
Littleton, CO 80163-0812 USA
Your family and friends may also check our website at: www.christian-ambassadors.org
James 1:20 (KJV)
- For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness
of God.
Everyone, even the most righteous, encounter the emotion of anger.
Anger is experienced through frustrations, disappointments, blocked
plans, or personal put-downs. It starts out as a feeling, and
then shows up in our words and actions. It is not a sin to simply
feel the emotion of anger. It only becomes a sin if we allow our
anger to cause us to say or do something unrighteous.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV) -
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down
while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
The devil takes pleasure in playing off the anger we feel. And,
of course, he never plays fair. He likes to blow everything out
of proportion; making a mountain out of a mole hill. His plan
is to taunt us, hoping we will lose control and react in an ungodly
manner to sin!
If we resolve our feelings of anger each and every day, before
the sun goes down, then we can sleep in peace. If we don't resolve
our feelings of anger, before we go to bed, we will have a restless
night and the anger will continue to build up all through the
next day. Because of the environment prison inmates find themselves
in, it is essential to their spiritual well being to resolve anger
on an hourly basis, way before the sun goes down.
As John Eziefuna, an inmate from Abia State, Nigeria said in a
recent letter, "It is not always easy being in a prison
environment, but it is easier with Jesus' help. In prison you
meet people whose conscience and life are centered on criminal
acts (whom the devil continues to devise more criminal thoughts)
which they hatch to undertake, once they are outside this environment.
Their discussion and way of life always provokes or torments my
soul daily by seeing and hearing them."
Christian inmates who are around unrighteous behavior, day in
and day out, can defuse their own anger by relying on the example
set by Jesus in his earthly ministry.
In Mark 3:1-6, Jesus went into the synagogue on
the Sabbath day, and saw a man there who had a withered hand.
The Pharisees stood ready to accuse Jesus if he decided to heal
the man on the Sabbath. Jesus was angry at the Pharisees, because
of the hard ness of their hearts. Their unrighteousness made him
angry! It grieved him!
Look how Jesus handled His anger. He did not let his anger at
their unrighteous behavior, keep him from pursuing the call of
God on His life. Jesus responded to His anger in a righteous manner.
He said to the man, "stretch out your hand" and it was
completely restored.
When anger rises up in you, make a righteous response. Do the
works of God, right there in prison.