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My Brother's Keeper

Volume 10, Number 3, July-September, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growing on the WORD

 

A scripture study

 

 

The Word of God is the source of light, truth, and power, for those who seek it’s 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 is from Sharon K. Griffee, Co-founder and Director of Spiritual Growth Ministries for Christian Ambassadors, Inc.

 

Greatness in

God’s Kingdom

by

Sharon K. Griffee

 

 

Matthew 5:19 (NIV) -Any­one who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the king­dom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [emphasis mine]

In this scripture from Matthew, Jesus lets us know that there are principles that must be adhered to if one is to live in His Kingdom. He uses the words “least” and “great” to help us gauge our behavior. The purpose of this Word Study is to help us identify the differences between “greatness in God’s Kingdom” and “greatness in the kingdoms of the world”. It is vital to our spiritual growth to know the differences.

As a child with fond memories of visiting my aunt and uncle’s farm, I slowly began to learn about the pecking order. [The social hier­archy in a flock of domestic fowl in which each bird pecks subordi­nate birds and submits to being pecked by dominant birds. - The American Heritage Dictionary]

Anyone who has visited a farm or had an opportunity to observe chickens knows that there is no peace in the chicken coop until it is clear who is the greatest and who is the least. Dust clouds, noise, and tattered feathers pro­vide visible evidence. But that is the nature of chickens! People aren’t like that, or - are they?

Over time, similar observations can also be made about people. Anytime groups of people come together, it isn’t long before the pecking order is established. You can be sure; someone will try to dominate others. New inmates landing in the prison system find this out all too soon. This can be a very intimidating experience. For an outsider, it would be too easy to think - well that is just the na­ture of inmates! Most people aren’t like that, or - are they?

It is no secret that the pecking order became a recurring matter among Jesus’ disciples. Even at the time of the Last Supper, they were arguing among themselves as to who was the greatest. One of those accounts is recorded in the Book of Luke.

Luke 9:46 (NIV) - An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.

“An argument started”! It seems incredible to us that those who had been hand selected by Jesus, those who walked closest to Him, would be hungering for personal recog­nition, especially on the eve of our Lord’s death. (See: Luke 22:24)

As incredible as it is to learn in the scriptures about their flaws, even among those considered to be the most righteous; that in essence is the beauty of studying the scrip­tures! The scriptures are com­pletely honest. The scriptures portray human nature as it really is. No phoniness here. Nothing is painted over. The Bible tells it like it is. As we study the scrip­tures, we can’t help but meet both sin­ners and saints, and everything in between.

We also meet Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and we learn that lives can be changed for good as they permit God’s lifting power to transform them. If this transfor­mation is to take place in our lives, however, we must get over a sig­nificant hurdle. We must get be­yond the chicken coop mentality; our insistence on being boss. As long as we are trying to prove how great we are, it is inevitable - feathers are going to be ruffled and dirt is going to fly.

If transformation is ever to take place in our personal lives, we need some sound means of meas­urement between the standards of the world, and the standards of God’s Kingdom. The scriptures keep reminding us that God, not man, is the standard we are to follow. With the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can learn to see the true value of Kingdom principles. Only then will argu­ments about who is the greatest in God’s Kingdom cease.

Contrasting the Kingdoms: There is quite a difference between the kingdoms of the world and God’s Kingdom. In the kingdoms of the world greatness is exalted. People are considered great if they are successful, famous, or have great wealth or power. Their strong desire to achieve some­thing, such as fame or power, drives them to think of personal reward and personal distinction. Worldly people constantly crave human applause, the need to know that others appreciate their efforts.

While the kingdoms of the world prize rank and position, Jesus came to the earth to reveal that God the Father has different pri­orities entirely. Greatness, ac­cording to the standards of God’s Kingdom, lies not in dominance, but in service. Jesus said,

Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV) - “...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Greatness in God’s Kingdom is measured by obedience, obedience to God’s will. Those who may be considered the least by the world’s standards are actually considered greatest in the Kingdom of God. Jesus seized every opportunity to teach the disciples about the true meaning of greatness.

Matthew 18:1-4 (NIV) - At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. There­fore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus’ answer was very revealing. Jesus said to the disciples, “Unless you change”. This was a clear warning to them. They were heading in the wrong direction! They had gotten the standards of the Kingdom of God, mixed up with the standards of the world. Their question revealed personal ambition. It revealed they were going away from the Kingdom of God - not towards it! Jesus warned that unless they humbled themselves as a little child (putting their trust in Him), they would not enter into the Kingdom of God.

In summary: Greatness in God’s Kingdom is about servanthood. The humble are exalted by God, receiving the highest rank, the privilege of being a servant of God. Those who seek to exalt themselves - trying to impress oth­ers with what a “big deal” they are, are the ones who lose rank with God, becoming the least in the Kingdom of God.

Luke 14:11 (Amplified Bible) - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled (ranked below others who are honored or re­warded), and he who humbles himself (keeps a modest opinion of himself and behaves accord­ingly) will be exalted (elevated in rank).

 

 

 

 

 

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: Douglas D. Turner,

John B. Connally Unit,

Kennedy, Texas

Dear Sharon K. Griffee, I was very happy to receive your letter and really enjoyed what you wrote. As I was reading your letter it was just like Christ Himself talking to me and I had tears coming from my eyes, be­cause it was telling the truth of your words that hit me right in my heart.

I was a backslider and your letter helped me through, for Jesus said He would not leave us nor forsake us. Do you know that Jesus uses the words of other people to reach those who are backsliders and to those who are lost in this world?

Once again, Mrs. Griffee, your words are the words straight from God, and He used you to touch me, cause I was heading the wrong way in life and I thank you very much. Now I know that God has plans for me.

Well I must close my sister, but I wish on the Lord to open up Heaven and pour down on you all of His Blessings from Heaven. God Bless you! And God bless all of you at Christian Ambassadors and families. Your Brother in Christ Jesus, Douglas.

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From: Miguel Zamora,

Arkansas Valley Correctional,

Crowley, Colorado

Dear Sharon, I received your won­derful letter to all the Brothers and Sisters, and I was sure glad to get it. It made me feel so good. When I get your letters, there is no more dark­ness of prison life, because I know that God loves me and won’t let me down, thanks to you and Mr. Griffee.

“As For You, Follow Me” [Spiritual Growth Lesson]...yes, emotions get the best of me and I feel I can’t do another day in prison, then I get a wonderful letter from you. And be­hold, I’m up and running again and all is not lost. My life isn’t over just because I am in prison. I know that Jesus loves me!

You and Mr. Griffee will always be close to my heart. May the Lord Bless you and keep you safe. With much respect and love, Miguel.

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From:Timothy Jones,

J.B. Gates Correctional

Niantic, Connecticut

Dear Alan and Sharon, I praise and thank the Lord for using you two, and the rest of the Christian Ambassadors to spread the gospel. The newsletters you send are so inspiring and uplift­ing. Also you were the first paper to print my letters. I showed it to every­body in my block and then sent the newsletter to my family. But, I had fallen in love with your literature be­fore my letters were even printed. Not only because of the knowledge it contains about the Word, but because I can also relate to what alot of the other inmates write.

So, let us keep praising Him and giv­ing Him the honor and glory, that He’s so worthy of! God bless you all, and the body of Christ will forever be in my prayers. Your Christain Brother, Timothy.

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From: Shawn Winkler,

Limon Correctional,

Limon, Colorado

 

Dear Sharon and Alan, I am so thankful for your heart toward all of us and the Father. Hearing Sister Vicki Perry gets to take her faith for­ward was the first good news in my new home [here in Limon]. I hope she will remember that those of us who stay behind will keep her in our prayers. All those new things she’ll have to readjust to, can better be met with the knowledge she walks under the cover of prayer.

It is imperative that because many of us will have a period of parole, and even those who don’t, understand all those hopes, dreams, and desires we have imagined for ourselves are not going to be instantly realized. This clashes with a world of instant gratification.

According to the world, success is viewed as the person who has the ability to get what they want right now. As children of the Creator, one of our foundation stones needs to be the realization God never planned for that concept for the faithful.

Noah faithfully worked for years, even though there was no visible rea­son. The rain finally came. Moses kept believing and repeatedly went to Pharaoh until the power of God could not be denied. Abraham was given the promise. Joshua and the children of Israel participated in fulfilling that promise over 430 years later.

Not only do we need to be still and know that He is, we need above all else to be patient. As a good friend used to say: ‘If I don’t see you down the road, I’ll see you in greener pas­tures.’ All you my brothers and sis­ters, I look forward to that day. Shalom, Shawn.

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From: Louis McCray,
Woodbourne Correctional,
Woodbourne, New York

Peace and blessing to all that make up the laboring body of Christian Ambassadors. The scripture verse you use from sec­ond Corinthians is an awesome and inspiring message.

2 Corinthians 5:20 - 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.

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors - As Christ did for us, we are now called to do for others (feed, help, heal, be a friend in need, loving, caring, etc.) as we are called.

As though God were making his appeal through us - God has al­ways spoken to us through others and in our heart, we know what God is say­ing, “repent, clean yourself up and be holy, because I’m a Holy God and all my chil­dren must be clean like me.”

We are to light the world with his love, no matter how hard the task or how high the wall is, knowing that his mercy and grace is for all those who accept and believe in him. His love is not just for a spe­cial few or for those whom we would like to see get saved. Amen.

We implore you on Christ’s behalf - All of us who labor in the Lord Jesus Christ ask that you listen with your heart and accept God’s Word, your Christ, Creator of all things to be your guiding force through this jour­ney of life. When you are feeling mis­erable, unloved, unhappy, and just simply down about your existence; God’s words, teachings, and exam­ples in the Bible can restore the joy and build a softer heart of love. Then you can see the beautiful things in the world that our Creator has made just for us.

The messages are many, and the tes­timonies of changed lives are many, but the message is the same: God wants “you”! This is the petition of those who love the Lord.

Be reconciled to God - The black­ness and sickness in the heart of man

is not normal, and it isn’t God’s design for anyone to suffer illness or great pain. He is love and the joy He gives. So open your hearts and let Him in. Two Corinthians 5:20 says this and so much more. God’s true under­standing can’t fit in a box or in an unrepentant soul. “We are our brother’s keeper!” I love that message.

Thank God for Christian Ambassadors, for your letters and insights. God has truly blessed you with a loving and caring heart. Louis

 

 

 

Road

By Louis McCray

 

I walk along the road,

one which I know not,

where it must go or end.

I walk along the road,

regardless of the trials

and tribulations I must face.

The road I walk, I must!

It is my life’s highway,

leading me in the direction, I know not.

As I walk along this road,

from time to time, kindness reaches out its hand,

and helps me back on the path.

However, meanness comes along and knocks me off,

but again, kindness finds me,

and helps me up again.

I walk along the road, I must go alone,

but I’m not really alone, on this road,

kindness helps me again and again.

On This Road!!!

 

 

 

 

CA Prison Ministries

By Alan W. Griffee and

Okechukwu O. Onokala

 

 

On April 25, 2005, representatives of Christian Ambassadors USA and Christian Ambassadors Nigeria met in Missouri to fellow­ship and share together about each other’s prison ministries. It was with joy in our hearts and hope for the future as Sharon and Alan Griffee met with Okechukwu Onokala, Prince Akumaobi and Hensley Mbanaso.

The two ministries are independ­ent, sister organizations, each with their own incorporation, governing boards, and methodology. How­ever, we share a common bond in our desire to bring the hope of the gospel to our brothers and sisters in prison. In CA USA, the method of bringing minis­try is through the mail. In CA Nigeria, the method of bringing ministry is by go­ing into the prisons. In both countries, My Brother’s Keeper newsletters and Sharon’s Spiritual Growth Letters and Lessons are the common thread that unites us.

Some of our discussion that day spoke of the differences and simi­lari­ties in culture and conditions be­tween our two countries. We con­cluded that our readers in both coun­tries could benefit from some of those thoughts, par­ticularly as they apply to prison conditions.

Nigerian Prisons

According to the second epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy (2:20), “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honour, and some to dishonour.” The negative attributes of this scrip­ture de­scribes the houses of correction in Nigeria.

Congestion, poor medical care, poor facilities, poor sanitation, skin dis­eases, malaria, atrocious food, very poor bedding, drinking water you must buy, rent collection, pov­erty, social vices, dehumanization, torture and death have over the years been the culture and condi­tions of Nigerian prisons. Prison conditions in Nigeria are such that one would not be able to say or write it all with­out missing some­thing very impor­tant. Consider­ing poor conditions in Nigerian pris­ons, it makes one won­der if pris­ons are really houses of correction as they are supposed to be, or if they are houses of torture and dehumanization.

However, let me make some notes on some of these things mentioned above. Congestion - as someone who visits prisons, I [Okechukwu] have ob­served that congestion is one of the major problems facing the in­mates and that needs to be properly solved by the prison au­thorities, con­cerned organizations or the govern­ment of Nigeria. Imagine a situation where over one hundred inmates could be staying in a normal size room for sev­eral years. Imagine the heat and the disease in that tight, stuffy room.

Poverty - a situation in which the in­mates could stay without good food, detergents, toiletries, medical care, clothing, money, etc. Their condition becomes so rustic, mis­erable, and hopeless that these conditions cause their deaths in great numbers.

Torture and dehumanization - in Ni­geria prisons, the inmates some­times do maltreatment of others, especially those who were newly imprisoned. And sometimes too, the warders [guards] say that the inmates are criminals, and they deserve whatever treatment meted to them by the bru­tal, sadistic warders. However, the truth is that about 60% of the inmates are not convicted criminals; they are sim­ply alleged criminals awaiting trial. Often they are found not guilty, after they have waited for years to be tried.

Poor sanitation – if someone makes a visit to any prison facility in Nigeria and you are allowed to look at their toilets, etc., you will find a health hazard; I mean very filthy and could force one to be­come sick.

Food - very atrocious. The inmates who eat such food, eat at their own risk, and have no choice since they are hungry. No good water to drink, if any they have to pay for it. In Nige­rian prisons, you see inmates paying certain amount of money to the ward­ers for whatever reason.

In addition, when a minister of the gospel comes around to share the Word of God with the inmates of Nigerian prisons, the inmates find it hard to pay attention simply because of their physical weak­ness. And, for them to be spiritu­ally sound, their physical weakness should be consid­ered and balanced with their spiritual alertness.

USA Prisons

Paul's second epistle to Timothy (2:20) could equally apply to prisons in the USA. However, we have a dif­ferent mix of positive and negative conditions. Be­cause of USA laws governing the health, safety, and civil liberties of prison inmates, many of the physical conditions found in Nigeria do not exist in the USA. Be­cause USA inmates do not have to worry as much about their most basic physical needs, other issues have a tendency to rise to the surface.

Gangs - One of the most serious problems in USA prisons is gang ac­tivity. While Okechukwu mentioned the problem of intimidation facing newly imprisoned inmates, he indi­cated that gang activity was not a problem in Nigeria. Racial and ethnic gang related threats and violence are all too prevalent in USA prisons.

Drugs - Another serious problem in USA prisons is drugs. The importa­tion and sale (or barter) of drugs in our prisons is at epidemic propor­tions. Many in­mates in our prisons are there for drug related crimes. Ways are found by many inmates to continue using and dealing in illegal drugs, and the consequences are de­pendence on the drugs and those who provide them.

ASD/ASPD - A third problem, de­fined by some psychologists as "Anti-Social Disor­der" or "Anti-So­cial Personality Dis­order", is essen­tially an attitude of rebellion against all forms of author­ity. It may not be a clinical disease, but it is an attitude that threatens the peace (law and or­der) of any form of organized soci­ety. The attitude is particularly prevalent among prison inmates be­cause, by definition, con­tinued vio­lation of the rules of society will of­ten result in criminal convic­tion. The prevalent anti-social attitude in prison makes it particularly diffi­cult for an inmate, who wants to turn their life around to do so.

Conclusions

Life in prison is tough, whether you are an inmate in Nigeria or an inmate in the USA. Much can and should be done to alleviate the conditions, both physical and psychological, that make life behind bars dehumanizing. It is the responsibility of all people (in and out of prison, in and out of govern­ment, in and out of religious organi­zations) to recognize the in­justices around them and to take ac­tion wher­ever and whenever possible to correct those injustices. Each per­son is unique and the ways you can help a particular situation are differ­ent, but if you see a problem and there is a way for you to do some­thing about it, then as a civilized hu­man being, you should do what you can to solve it.

Inmates around the world are in the most important position to help alle­viate the suffering endured by in­mates in their own facility. It is es­sential however, that you do so in a right­eous, Christian manner. It is a major mistake to think an unrighte­ous act or condition can be fixed by another un­righteous act. Seek insight through discussion of concerns with other Christian inmates. Take those con­cerns and possible solutions to the Lord in prayer. Listen patiently and humbly for the Lord's answer. Act in an honest and responsible manner, demonstrating true Christian righteousness.

The members of CA Nigeria see the problems facing inmates in Nigeria and are working diligently to allevi­ate the physical and spiritual suffer­ing of the inmates there. It is a diffi­cult, formidable task and the funds are limited, but they do what they can and our hearts go out to them for the ef­fort. Information about CA Nigeria can be obtained from our web site at:

http://www.christian-ambassadors.org/nigeria.html

CA USA is using the funds available to it to reach out to as many inmates as possible across the USA with the hope and promises of the gospel. Available funds are provided to CA Nigeria to assist in their outreach and additional copies of the newsletters and spiritual growth lessons are pro­vided for their use in ministry to the inmates.

The spiritual foundation of CA's ministry is Jesus Christ. Wherever we are, in whatever physical or mental prison we may find ourselves, the message of the gospel is the same - Jesus Christ is offering us hope and reconciliation with the Father.

II Corinthians 5:20 - We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Sharon K. Griffee is the Director of Spiritual Growth Ministries and President of CA USA. She has an un-quenching thirst for spiritual truth and a willingness to spend many long hours diligently seeking the Lord's insight into the needs of inmates. The instruction the Lord provides to any of us, when we seek His will, is not always easy to accept. Occasionally, an inmate will get angry with Sharon for the truth she reveals in her letters. Never the less, the overwhelming response from in­mates has been that of gratitude for her honest, gospel centered response to their concerns.

The Lord is not calling CA (USA or Nigeria), or any of us, to take the easy path. No, the Lord is calling every one of us to see the truth (of what is happening around us, of what we have done in the past, of where we are today) and do what is right to make our situation brighter. The Lord loves us as we are, but He wants us to grow beyond where we are. We have to accept responsibility for our actions and be accountable before the Lord for how we act and how we treat those around us.

Luke 9:23 - If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

 

 

 

 

 

The Game of Life

By Eva Fry
Valley Center, CA

 

 

Real life is similar to a game. I call it, "The Game of Life." We are all born into this game of life. We could call this game, "The Game of War". Why? Because there are two sides: good and evil. The captains of our game are God and Satan.

There are rules to the game. God gives the rules. They are found in His scriptures and are His command­ments. We are all players in the game, and each of us has the right to choose which side we want to be on. Any time during our lifetime we can chose to be on either team.

To be on God's side, we must be obe­dient to the rules or the command­ments of the game. To be on Satan's side we just need to be disobedient to the rules or commandments of the game. While we are playing the game, our captains, God or Satan, (good or evil) is trying to influence us, through our thoughts, inspiration, ex­periences and through other people. Each captain is trying to get us on their side. We each have our free agency to choose which side we want to be on, we are never forced on either side.

There is a purpose to the game; to test us to see which captain we will fol­low. We are given free agency so we can choose which side we want to be on, God or Satan, (good or evil). The choice is up to us. We will either become winners or losers depending on how we play the game, how we follow the rules and whom we follow.

There are consequences to the choices we make. The final winners of the game will be the ones who are still on God's team when they die. The losers are on Satan's team when they die.

The problem with the game is that whether you know the rules to the game, or not, the outcome is the same. If you follow God's rules (command­ments) you are a winner, if you choose not to follow the rules you are a loser. In order to win the game you must know the rules and obey them.

Where do you find the rules? In God's scriptures. You must read them and know them and then follow them to know how to play the game, if you want to be a winner. Some of the other players on God's side can also help you know the rules.

God wants you to win the game so you can be happy. He not only gives you the rules (His scriptures) He also provides other players who know the rules who can help you learn them (Pastors, teachers, good families and righteous people who care about you, and others who want you to win).  Satan wants you to lose the game.
He will mix up the rules so you don't under-stand them. He has players on his side too, who will blind you with lies and influence you in bad ways, so you won't follow the commandments or believe them.

The game has two consequences. The first is whether you will enjoy the game while you are playing it, or whether you will be miserable while you are playing this game of life. The only way to be happy playing the game, is to obey the rules by being on the right side, God's side. The way to be miserable while you play the game, is to disobey the rules. Even though being on Satan's side might bring temporary pleasure, it is not lasting. Only God's happiness and joy is last­ing. It's that simple.

The second outcome is that when the game is over, which is death, all of the points will be tallied up by the two captains, God and Satan, and who­ever has the most points gets you on his team in the next life.

If you were obedient and on God's team, when you died, you will be a winner and your prize will be eternal life. You will live with God, your Heavenly Father and his Son, your Savior Jesus Christ (who atoned for the mistakes you made, while you were playing the game, on the wrong side, but eventually chose the right side). You will live forever in a state of happiness after you die.

If you were disobedient to the rules of the game and died while still on Satan's side you will lose the game. Your consequence will be that you will not be able to live with your Father in Heaven or His son Jesus Christ, and your existence will be for­ever in a state of misery with Satan. You will know you made the wrong choice and chose the wrong captain and you can't go back and change it.

The good thing about the game of life is that at any time, up until death, you can choose to be on the winning team and follow God. The way to do this is to repent of the evil you did while you were on the wrong team and start obeying the rules, the com­mandments. God will automatically accept you on his winning team. All of the mistakes which you made while playing on the losing side, will be forgotten and forgiven, if you repent.

The problem is that you never know when your game of life will end. You never know when you will die, so al­ways choose to be on the good side, God's side and be a winner in your game of life.

Be a Winner In Life! Eva Fry

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Past...Getting Ready

 

Merissa Lee Kelley, December 31, 2002

Inspired by Rev. Larry Queen's sermon on December 29, 2002

 

  

I heard a phrase the other day, a nugget of truth and more

That your past is your future if you don't let it go...move on and close the door

You've got to leave some things behind, to go on to something new

To get beyond always "getting ready" to a "ready" point of view

 

"Getting ready" can masquerade as a reason to stay where you are

Your intentions are good...you're preparing for change...you just don't make it that far

If you only stayed "getting ready" for work, you'd lose your job in a flash

Or a bank that is "getting ready" to open...isn't "ready" to give you your cash

 

When God told Abraham to leave his home, he didn't have a map to read

He stepped out in faith and knew that Jehovah would meet his every need

Starting a "road trip" without a clear destination? Yes...when God says to go

Abraham had the blessing of God and that was all he needed to know

 

"Be strong and courageous..." God said to Joshua, in fact it was a command

Those traits had to be in Joshua's spirit, to go on and possess the land

"As I was with Moses, I will be with you too." What wonderful words to hear!

No matter where he set his foot, his Father was going to be near

 

But we get into a "comfort zone" where "change" is not a guest

Boxing God in and deciding ourselves what He does and does not bless

Adjusting our views can be a painful process, but one that will help us grow

And teach us the difference between "getting ready" and "being ready" to go

 

If the road before you is unfamiliar, just remember that God sees ahead

Trusting in Him is the only sure way to remove your fear and your dread

If you need to settle some things in the past...ask God to show you how

Then step out in faith...get past "getting ready"...to "being ready" right now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

       An Open Letter

 In memory of Frank Lacenre

 

Dear Alan and Sharon,

With love I greet you and all of my Christian Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  To say the least a lot has been happening as of late here in Bibb Correctional Facility.

On April 30th, we lost a much loved brother in Christ here in the Faith Based Honor Dorm.  Frank Lacenre, age 43, went home to be with Jesus.  He was a quiet, caring, and peaceful man and he is sorely missed by everyone in the camp who knew him, including many officers and administration personnel.  He is survived by his mother, Sandra Green and a slew of family and friends who loved him deeply.

It’s true what they say, that “every cloud has a silver lining”.  There is something to be gained from every loss - in the case of Frank Lacenre, the gain is wisdom.  You see, most of us who knew Frank, knew that he suffered several medical conditions.  He had had several heart attacks prior to his final one and suffered problems with his kidneys for almost two years that I know of.  Still, we saw Frank as almost an invincible man.

It’s easy to forget that as humans, we were born to die out of the flesh.  We get so caught up in our day to day activity, be it work or play, that we forget that the body is a temple, a dwelling place for Christ, and failure to maintain that dwelling place will inevitably lead to its demise.  Harsh sounding, but true.  What building doesn’t need periodic repair?

I am 32 years old.  What the death of my friend has taught me, is that time and body are precious and short-lived.  We can begin to fully appreciate these things, these gifts that God our Father has given us, before it’s too late or after it’s too late.

 

Frank Lacenre is in Heaven with God the Father and God the Son.  I watched him make his peace, to this there is no question.  We must “make our peace” with God every day.  Our prayers go out to Frank’s family, and may the love of Christ sustain us all. 

In Christ’s Love,

Edward Alford,

BBCF 2005.

 

 

 

 

Illustrations

 Inspired by The Spirit

Penned by Solo (Daniel Cavazos)

An inmate at TDOC, Lovelady, Texas

Illustrations, of God’s own Son,

Many more, of man gone wrong.

Throughout His Book, the Holy Bible,

From end to end, He’s our survival.

Given to us, as His great gift,

To our Father in Heaven, soon He will lift.

Through trial and error, He’s making us strong,

Like the writer of notes, perfecting His song.

Molding & shaping, to His delight,

My heart & soul, will shine with His light.

My biggest desire, in this world,

Is to feel the warmth & love, of my Father’s fold.

The Alpha & Omega, the Great I AM!

I long to walk, in His Holy Land.

Through my Lord Jesus, His Son of Old,

I’ll praise & honor, cause He saved my soul!

 

 

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