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My Brother's Keeper

Volume 7, Number 3, July-September, 2002

 

Growing on the WORD

 

A scripture study

 

 

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 Vicki Perry, an inmate at Pruntytown Correctional Center, Grafton, WV.

 

 

 

 

What Would Jesus Do?

by Vicki Perry

 

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This spring our Catholic brethren are having a hard time concerning Priests who have been accused of molesting children.  Understandably people all over the world are horrified over what is happening.  Whatever the world’s opinions may be, justified or not, we who are Christian need to view this situation as true Christians.

One day not too long ago, some of us gathered together to make salvation bracelets for our Chaplain to take to Mexico on a mission’s trip.  The subject of the Priests came up in the conversation.  Their attitude toward the whole situation was very negative and my spirit was grieved because the Priests are our Christian brothers, de­spite their sinfulness.  As I listened to them, my heart cried out and asked these questions:  What would Jesus do and how would He view this situation?  Christian, or not, the Priests are human beings; how does our Lord look at this?

Let’s look at the Word of God and see what we as Christians are com­manded to do in times like these.  No doubt we all reap from our sins of disobedience and when we do it isn’t necessarily nice when we do.  We as inmates can relate to this, because we are reaping now from the sin we have sown.  This is a spiritual law that our Father set forth from the beginning of time for the good things and the bad.  

Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV) - Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruc­tion; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eter­nal life.

The Priests are now reaping from their sins of disobedience, if they are

guilty of this crime.  Justice will be served to these men who have vio­lated the morality of the Word of God, of the Christian world, and the social world.  With this statement understood, we Christians need to look at the spiritual view.

The Bible says we are not to judge the way the world does.

James 4:12 (NIV) - There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you -- who are you to judge your neighbor?  (Also: Matthew 7:1-2; Luke 6:3-7)

As Christians we need to see that the Lord loves them as much as He loves us.  Nothing can separate them from the love of God! 

Romans 8: 38- 39 (NIV) - For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus died for all of our sins - sexual sins included.

I John 1:7b-9 (NIV) - “...the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all un­righteousness.”

They are forgiven and cleansed from their sins, just as the rest of God’s children can, and are.  Sin is sin!  There are no “little” sins or “big” sins with God.  Nowhere in the Bible can you find where He forgives all sins except for sexual immorality.”  (See also: Romans 3:23; 6:22-23, 10:9,10,13)

We as Christians need to have com­passion, the same compassion Jesus has.  We don’t have to agree with their sin (what they have done), but we need to give the compassion and mercy of God in all instances of life.

Pedophiles and sexual offenders are the social lepers of today’s society.  They are dealt with today the same as the lepers of Jesus’ time.  Lepers were unclean, the outcasts and the untouchable of Jesus’ day.  No one would get near them much less touch them.  I believe the New Testament instances of lepers are spiritual meta­phors of those sins that are committed in today’s society that are highly un­acceptable - sexual offenses being the foremost.

The Holy Spirit led me to one in­stance in the Bible that will bring my point across more clearly about the compassion of Christ toward an un­acceptable person - a leper.

In Mark 1:40-42 we read: “A man with leprosy (spiritual/social) came to Jesus and begged Him on his knees (prayer of repentance) and asked ‘Lord, if you are willing you can make me clean.’  Filled with compas­sion Jesus reached out His hand and touched (physically/spiritually) the leprous man saying, ‘I am willing - Be clean!’  Immediately the leprosy (spiritual/social sins) left him and he was cured (made whole, cleansed, forgiven, made new).” (Emphasis and paraphrase mine)

Jesus was considered to be a Rabbi.  The Rabbi’s, or holy men, were to touch no unclean thing.  There are other instances where Jesus healed without touching anyone.  (See: Luke 17:11-19).  Yet He reached out His hand and went the extra mile and lit­erally touched the unclean and made him clean.

We as Christians can’t afford to view this situation as the world does.  We also need to realize that the Bible admonishes us to have the character and attitude of Christ Jesus.  Philippi­ans 2:5 says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”  Through His amazing grace this is possible.  Compassion is Jesus’ atti­tude as we have seen in Mark 1:40-42.  Our attitude should be that of compassion, mercy, and love con­cerning all mankind regardless of their sin or crime.

Philippians 2:1-3 (NIV) - If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

My heart’s desire is for all of us who are Christians, to reveal Jesus to all those around us.  Not only Jesus, but His love, His compassion and His mercy.  This view is not popular, but it is based upon His Word.  We don’t have to accept the crime, or sin, but we are to love them anyway.  If you simply can’t do that, ask the Lord, He will help you.  If your attitude has been ungodly, ask Him to forgive you and He will.

I John 1:9 (NIV) -  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

If you are not a Christian and you do not know this Jesus I have been talk­ing about, you can.  All the scriptures in this article reflect that Jesus loves you.  He loves you no matter what you have done.  He shed His precious blood so that you may be forgiven of all your sin, regardless of what it is.  All you have to do is pray this prayer:

“Jesus, I know I am a sinner.  I believe you died and rose up from the grave just for me to be forgiven of all my sins.  I ask you to forgive me of my sins.  Apply your precious blood to my sins so I can be clean.  Thank you for loving me - in Jesus Name, Amen!” 

My brother, or sister, go tell another Christian that you have accepted Jesus as your Savior.  Talk to your Chaplain or write to this ministry.  They will help you understand more about what has happened to you.  Praise the Lord!

 

 

Hearing The Cry

The Lord is calling in the prisons for men and women to pray for the chil­dren.  It has been said; it is the chil­dren who eventually pay the price.  How sad it is that our chil­dren end up suffering for our ac­tions.  Hear the cry of the Spirit of the Living God, calling people of every tongue, tribe, and nation to our knees.  Please dedi­cate a few minutes each day praying for our children.  Sincerely, prison inmate, Raymond Mares. 

 

 

 

Work Out

Your Own Salvation!

by Sharon K. Griffee

 

There are a number of people who believe that God exists and will even acknowledge that he cares about us.  But, when it comes to buying into the “saving work” of Jesus, making a personal commitment to follow him, many turn and walk away.

Christian writer, Roger C. Palms, shared an experience he had with a woman he had visited in the hospital.  Though she was an unbeliever she was open to his suggestion that he pray with her about her illness.  After telling her that she could talk with God too, she prayed with him.  After the woman was well, she was willing to give God the credit for her healing.  However, when Brother Palms began to talk with her about being saved and trusting Christ for eternal life, her reply shook him.  “No”, she said with an emphatic shake of her head.  “I don’t want to be a follower of Jesus.  I just wanted God to heal me, and he did.” 

Throughout time there have been people who think they want God, but only if they can have him on their own terms.  When Jesus ministered to the people of his day, they also appreciated his miracles.  Some responded positively and went on to follow him, accepting Jesus as their personal Savior.  Others simply walked away.  Even many of his disciples turned away.

John 6:66-69 (KJV) - From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Simon Peter spoke with boldness for the whole group, “We believe and are sure...!” Yet, Jesus knew the truth.  He knew what was in their heart.

John 6:70-71 - (KJV) - Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

Jesus looks at each individual’s heart.  There will always be those who betray Jesus and there will always be those who stand up for him!  I want to be among those who stand up for Jesus.  The only way this can be accomplished in my life and yours, is if we each do our part in working out our own salvation with God.  What does this require of me and of you?

 It helps to understand that salvation is a joint effort.  It is cooperation between God and man.  Salvation is not something that God does to us, but through us.  Salvation is offered by God.  Without the offer, there can be no such thing as the salvation of man.  By the same token, no one can receive salvation, unless they answer God’s appeal.  God offers salvation by grace, and man receives it through faith. 

Ephesians 2:8-9  (NIV) - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast.

Salvation is a gift from God, but it must be received through faith in the “saving work” that Jesus already accomplished on the cross.  There is nothing we can do, by way of our own works to earn salvation. 

This statement is absolutely true.  Unfortunately we hear this expression “not by works” used out of context so often, that we tend to develop the wrong mindset.  We think we are supposed to avoid “works” altogether, out of fear of appearing boastful.  After all, no one wants to look like they are blowing their own horn, trying to upstage Jesus.   Someone might get the wrong impression and say about us, “Who do they think they are, anyway - God?” 

I’ll tell you, brothers and sisters, we are not put here on earth to go off and do our “own works”.  Our own works would fail miserably.  Without God we would be the most miserable creatures.  The good news of the gospel, however, is that we are not without God.  J  God is ready and willing to work in us and through us to accomplish his purposes here on earth.  When we boldly do the works of Jesus, both by word and action, what the world may mistake as boasting, is really our faith speaking!  Through faith in God, we are capable of doing what we were created to do. 

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God prepared in advance the work he wants us to do.  We don’t need to know all the details, if we are walking by faith - with the one who does know!  J  This eliminates the headaches and worry on our part.  All we need to do is to believe in Jesus, because of the work’s sake.

John 14:12 (KJV) - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

In no way did Jesus have an image of some weaklings carrying out these greater works after he left. Jesus planned all along to give us what we need to become strong, so that we might accomplish his work here on the earth.

John 14:26 (NIV) - But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of every­thing I have said to you.

The Holy Spirit is available to all who will accept Jesus Christ, repent­ing of their sins, having the sincere desire to become [to grow or come to be] what he showed them they had the potential to become. The only way we can hope to pattern our lives after Jesus is through our willingness to accept this beautiful gift of the Holy Spirit. What the Holy Spirit gives us is the comfort, knowledge, insight and power to follow Christ.

In dealing with the salvation of man, this is what Jesus is up against; what should be a mutual, straightforward agreement [covenant] between God and man, often turns out to be a gi­gantic tug of war on man’s part. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit as he promised, to lead us, guide us, and to cleanse us from all sins, so that we might be­come the children of God. But with that promise also comes the condi­tion. God also tells us not to be stub­born [bullheaded].

Psalm 32:8-9 (NIV) - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

Unless we are willing to yield to the correction of the Holy Spirit, we will never grow spiritually. The harder we fight against the correction the Holy Spirit brings, the greater will be our separation from God. In fact, if we put off the Holy Spirit long enough, he will eventually leave; for the Holy Spirit will not live where he is not welcome.

Genesis 6:3a - (NIV) - “Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend [strive] with man forever, for he [man] is mortal...”

We can’t just accept Jesus as our Savior, thinking that our salvation is secured, while going off and doing our own thing. As long as we are still on the throne, Jesus is not truly Lord of our life. To ensure that the Holy Spirit remains with us as our constant companion, leading and guiding us, we need to practice the presence of Christ daily. We must make certain we have removed ourselves from the throne and given Jesus Christ his rightful place as Lord of our lives.

Jeff, a prison inmate I have been sharing with recently, said:

“I was saved at the age of seven, but later in life found myself following the ways of the world more and more, drifting away from Jesus being the Lord of my life. I think I succeeded in “con­ning” myself into thinking that Jesus was my Savior, but that I didn’t need to surrender to Him as Lord of my life. After years of stumbling and self-brought misery, I want to fully give my life to Jesus Christ as my Lord.”

As Jeff has discovered, without Jesus we cannot effectively face life. This certainty is what drives us to seek God. This causes us to approach God with fear and trembling, because we know we can’t make it without him. As Paul counseled the Philippians, our salvation involves whole-heart­edly letting God do his work in us.

Philippians 2:12-13 (KJV) - Where­fore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. [emphasis mine]

The type of fear and trembling Paul is talking about, is not the ‘shaking in your boots’ type fear, that would cause us to be afraid of what God might do to us. Rather, it is a rever­ential fear and awe of being in the Lord’s presence. As Christians we should have a healthy fear of dis­obeying God, because of our love and respect for his divine authority. And really this is what our salvation boils down to. A child of God’s greatest fear is of crucifying Christ Jesus all over again.

Hebrews 2:1, 3a - (NIV) - We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?

 

 

 

 

Called to The Lord

“In Memory of Brian”

by David Todeschini

 

 

Revelation 2:10 (KJV) -  Fear none of those things, which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Perhaps little in this life is more trying, than to be afflicted with a life-threatening disease, and be in prison, away from your family and friends.  Isaiah described it thus:

Isaiah 42:22 (NIV) - “... this is a people plundered and looted, all of them trapped in pits or hidden away in prisons. They have become plunder, with no one to rescue them; they have been made loot, with no one to say, "Send them back.”

I write this in memory of my Christian Brother Brian Gray, who was scheduled to be released in June 2002, but who was called home to the Lord, the evening of May 15th.

Brian was on Dialysis three times a week; the traumatic effects of treatment visible as large hematomas (blood seeping out of the veins and collecting under the skin from repeated needle punctures) on his left arm.  Brian was a born-again Christian, recently saved in our midst, and a “baby in Christ”, whose newfound love of the Lord was evident in his “walk”; an inspiration to even us “seasoned” Christians.

My Christian brother greeted all of us with “Praise the Lord”, and a genuine hug of brotherly affection.  That is how he greeted me in the mess hall Wednesday afternoon, parting with “see you at Bible study” (Thursday evening).

Well, Thursday evening came, and I thought it unusual for Brian not to be there.  In the opening prayers, I learned that he had passed away the previous night.  I cried and mourn his loss; he appeared to be doing well just hours ago.  The tears come, because in our flesh we say to ourselves, “I will never see my Brother again.”  But, this is a half-truth of the devil, that lying wonder and the father of lies, who plays upon the weakness in our faith to cause us grief.  We say “good-bye”, but it is not forever.  Perhaps we should say “farewell”, for by faith we know that our brothers and sisters in Christ who are called to the Lord, will fare well in the Lord’s loving embrace. 

Matthew 10:39 (KJV) - He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

My brother had the love of Christ in his heart, and he had truly found his life in heaven.  Brian may not have had much on this earth to call “treasure”; his reward is in heaven:

Luke 12:20 (KJV) - But God said unto him [a rich man], Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

James 4:14 (KJV) - Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Yes, our brother Brian was called suddenly and without warning - to us, anyway.  Perhaps Brian knew, and perhaps he did not know.  Regardless, no doubt he is with the Lord of his love now, and we are left rejoicing through bittersweet tears of sorrow and joy.  We miss you, but we know where you are.  We say, ‘fare well’, knowing you’re safe with the Lord, and that we will see you again. 

 

 

 

Sharing the Good News

 “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: Joshua Osinachi Udobia, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Dear Brother Onokala, CA Nigeria, The year 1995 is the year that I for­sake the works of Satan.  I stopped taking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, stealing, etc.  But, unfortunately, I got into this prison by surprise.  And I’m asking God to forgive me and set me free from this problem that I’m in.

After reading the article, “Surrender Your Life to Jesus” by Shawn Winkler, I Joshua Odobia, surrender by life to Jesus by [the] grace of God.  But now I have to encourage myself that I will not lay up any of my treas­ures on earth, but in heaven where thieves do not break in nor steal. 

I thank God, even in the prison yard, I am Christ’s ambassador, by preach­ing to prison inmates, telling them that Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. 

I want you [all] to help me pray for my freedom and others as well:  “We know that we have come short of your glory, Lord.  Oh Lord, have mercy upon us, oh Lord of heaven.  Thanks be to God who brings us this message that my life and the lives of other brethren will be changed.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

 

From: David Ikwueche,
Federal Prison, Abia State, Nigeria

Dear Brother Onokala, CA Nigeria, May all praises be unto the holy name of Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last.  I am now a born again child of God, a be­liever (John 1:12).

John 1:12 - “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Still, I will not deny [my] sins.  You know, knowing Jesus step by step, Jesus Christ is a brother. We claim Him, one by one.  After believing in our Lord Jesus Christ, we start deal­ing with our character.

Remember when our Lord Jesus told Peter of his denial, Peter thought it is by our might or power, saying he will not deny the master.  But, if Peter had known, he would have said by the will of God or by the grace of God he will not deny the master Jesus Christ, our hope of glory.  I am now saying by the will of him who called me to serve him, Jesus Christ, God himself.  I, David Ikwueche will not deny Jesus, in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen. 

I have benefited from the newsletter, “My Brother’s Keeper” and the “Spiritual Growth Letter/ Lessons; it is God’s inspired Word through our brothers [sisters] over there [in the USA].  Thank you.  For you people, be blessed.  Brother David.

 

From: Troy B. Clerk, Wende
Cor­rectional, Alden, New York

Dear Sister Griffee, May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to be magnified in your ministry, glorified in you, and made known and read by a lost and dying world.  Again I am writing to thank you for writing me back and for remaining faithful to Hebrews 13:3 - “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you your­selves were suffering.”

It really blesses me to behold faithful and sincere saints that are determined and wholly given to fulfilling the will of God above all else.  The gospel preached is great, the gospel taught even better, but the gospel lived is glorious!  Although I am absent in body, I am present in spirit, bearing witness to the great things the Lord is doing with, and has in store for your ministry.  The Word teaches us to know those that labor amongst us in the Lord, and to esteem them highly for their works.  This sister Griffee is what I’m doing.  I’m just confirming what you already know...the hand of God is upon your ministry.  Praise God!

Know that we, the church here at Wende, are praying for complete suf­ficiency in your life and ministry.  May the Lord of glory, who hath raised up our Lord and Christ and sat him at his right hand continue to per­fect, establish, strengthen, and settle you, now forever and always.  His bondservant, Troy B. Clerk.

From: Michale Johnson,
Gowanda Correctional,
Gowanda, New York

Dear Christian Ambassadors, I am writing from a Correctional Facility in upstate, New York.  I am a born again brother in the faith.  I have been saved since 1989.  I have been incar­cerated for 13 years.

After reading your letter to Mr. Wilcox, I found it to be a blessing and yes, it was an encouragement and awakening to me; to not just talk scripture, but to live the life of Christ.  I would love to hear from your min­istry, hoping to be encouraged by you; and reading the Lord’s Word and applying His words in my heart as the Spirit teaches me to learn, to grow and to please my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

I ask for you and the brethren to stay strong in the faith.  I pray I will hear from your ministry shortly.  God Bless you, Michale.

From:  Eddy Kovacevich,
Trinidad Correctional Facility,
Trinidad, Colorado

Dear Sister Sharon, You are truly ap­preciated and loved here.  I always get that Mary Elizabeth kick when I receive your letters.  You are truly a mighty woman of God.  And know this for a truth; I look forward to the day that I will join you and Alan in the front lines out there.  I know the battle is hard and I know the devil will be waiting for me at the fence, but I’m fully equipped for every good work.

I lay the bricks you give me in the wall of defense around my heart.  And when I get out I will stand boldly, fully adorned in the full armor with sword in one hand, shield in the other.  We have Michael and the myriad of heavenly host in front of us.  And Christ and His army on white horses, taking up the flank, and God almighty sitting on his glorious throne commanding the forces.  Amen.  May God bless you and keep you.  Yours in Christ, Eddy.

From: Timothy McCorkle,
Arkansas Valley Correctional, Ordway, Colorado

Dear Alan and Sharon, I felt privi­leged to receive from one of my Christian brothers, your Christian newsletter, accompanied with your Spiritual Growth Lesson #18 [“Counting the Cost Part -II”].  I was hungry and your lesson was [spiri­tual] food to me, because it confirmed to me that someone recognized that some of us prisoners were in a “glut­ton” mode for the sake of time.

I now must admit, after reading your lesson, that even I [at one time] felt as if I were an Octopus.  I could not get enough Bible studies, and later found myself on the wrong track.  I was doing what I said that I would never do.  I have all of the goodies from a Dake Annotated King James, to a Chambers Journal, to even a Matthew Henry’s Commentary.  I have enough to keep me busy for the remainder of my time. 

I am disciplining myself now to put balance into my life and seeking  the face of our Lord.  I have found liberty and that keeps me at peace with all of my Christian Brothers and Sisters.  I am with Christ’s love, Timothy.

From: Isai Olivas, Federal
Correc­tional Institution,
Three Rivers, Texas

Dear Alan and Sharon, One of the stories I really liked in the April-June issue of “My Brother’s Keeper” was Vicki Perry’s article entitled “Set Apart Christ as Lord”. I thought her testimony was so cool!  J  I also liked Shawn Winkler’s story.  I, too, was one of the many inmates who was taken up to Appleton, Minnesota to serve part of my sentence. 

Thank you so much for printing the testimonies of all my brothers and sisters of Christian Ambassadors.  I know there are a lot of brothers and sisters that face the same and even harder situations then I do, in differ­ent prisons or institutions all over, and my heart goes out to them.  Please let all my brothers and sisters know that I pray for them daily, be­cause I know of the constant struggles they go through and face daily in prison.  We must be strong and not give up; because if it is hard in here, when we get out we’re going to be facing some of the biggest challenges in our lives.  I am happy and thankful and know that God will guide us.  May the love of Christ and His blessings be upon you [us] always.  Your Brother in Christ, Isai.

 

 

 

Error in Judgment

 © Merissa Lee Kelley, June 30, 2001

Inspired by an enlightening conversation

 

Have you ever walked a difficult road and felt so all alone

And yet when viewing other people, climbed on your judgment throne

We look with eyes that do not see beyond the outward choice

Passing judgment on their actions, in an unforgiving voice

 

Hard and critical, with very few facts, we can be so quick to speak

Passing sentence on a person who already is quite weak

Perhaps if they were thinking straight, they'd choose another road

But behind the scenes, who really knows their devastating load?

 

God can see the hidden motives that are buried deep within

He can dearly love the person, but not condone their sin

We so often, combine the two, and turn and walk away

Instead of taking vital time to hit our knees and pray

 

It's not our place to sit in judgment, when we do, we cross the line

For none of us have walked on water or turned it into wine

The Bible says the way we judge will return to us the same

Who are we to point our finger and decide who gets the blame?

 

We don't know what drives a person to do the things they do

We can't feel their desperation unless we wear their shoes

God will never "wink at sin", but He'll never throw away

The person who is doing wrong and has clearly gone astray

 

Don't be like the Pharisees, with their whitewashed outward beauty

Who felt like throwing stones at folk, was their God-given pious duty

Before you throw the stone you're holding, stop and really think

There could be a boulder headed your way, before a chance to blink

 

God doesn't need our help at all, He works quite well alone

He's in control and knows the truth and He will make it known

There is a throne with a seat for one, and that is God, our Judge

But yet we try to scoot Him over and then refuse to budge

 

So when you start to climb up high to make that judgment call

Remember when you act self-righteous, you're destined for a fall

I'll confess, I've thrown some stones and didn't lighten someone's load

And found myself right in their shoes and walking the same road

 

When will we learn that the well-worn phrase, "What would Jesus do?"

Is more than just a catchy key-chain, it's message is so true

We're not the potter, we're the clay, let God control the wheel

He will do the work that's needed and will be the one to heal

 

 

 

 

 
My Brother’s Keeper

by Onokala O. Okechukwu

C.A. Nigeria

 

 

Through the years that I have been in contact with these remarkable people of God, Alan and Sharon Griffee, and their ministry of reconciliation, I have wondered and thought over and over again, about the knowledge behind the newsletter titled “My Brother’s Keeper”.  On that process, several questions have come up in my mind such as; what is “My Brother’s Keeper”?  And, how can I be “My Brother’s Keeper”?  

I think the best thing to do in response to these questions is to share my experience about an incident that just happened on a lonely road that leads to the local congregation of my church in Nigeria.  Being the pastor of that congregation, I saw it as my responsibility, because I wanted to live the gospel I preach.  Well, it is all about a pregnant lady, who, with her mother, was struggling to go to a distant maternity facility for child delivery.  Perhaps it was because of the bad road, but this lady was in a serious fix (travail) with no vehicle or any means of movement available to rush her to the maternity.

Suddenly, I met these people in a very helpless situation.  Having quickly understood their predicament, I asked myself what could be done to save such an ugly situation.  Well, the cause of my journey was changed, for a more pressing need.  So, I started looking for any means of movement to transport the pregnant lady and the mother to the maternity.

In fact, to shorten this testimony, this lady safely delivered a bouncing baby boy.  And, it was a thing of great joy to behold, by the time the storms of life were over.  Indeed, this testimony gives a vivid picture of the core message or meaning of the newsletter “My Brother’s Keeper”.  Furthermore, this reminds me of a scripture in the Bible:

Matthew 25:34-47 (NIV) - "Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ "Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ "The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ "They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ "He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me’ "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

This scripture is revealing unto us the mysteries of God’s Judgment.  And what should be our responsibility as Christians or people of God?  I could now see why Alan and Sharon have chosen this wonderful ministry of reconciliation.  “I was in prison, and ye came unto me”.  This line of scripture is the central focus of CA’s ministry and the righteous would now answer, “when saw you in prison and came unto you?”

“And the king shall say, verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto these inmates around you, you have done it unto me”.  God has really called us as Christians whether bonded or free to be our Brother’s Keeper.  That brother or sister in the cell could be God waiting for your visitation.  If we love Jesus, would we not go to him? Therefore, we all need to join our hands to help reconcile the incarcerated and everyone to God for spiritual life.

 

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