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Gifts from God by Gary Dolan

 

God has given us gifts to use and enjoy. Some of those gifts are our children, our parents, our girlfriends or wife, if we have one. If not God will bless us in His timing. We need to stop and thank God for all the gifts He has given us. The greatest gift He gave us was the birth of Christ., Who has given us so much hope to live for God. Gad gave us fee will, His agape love, salvation, grace, and a way to come out of the depth of the fiery hell along with death so we can be alive and have the lives God wants us to have. All we have to do is turn from our worldly ways, and live for God. Other gifts God gives us are in the bible (James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

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LIFE: ANOTHER FOUR-LETTER WORD

THE STORY OF BRYON SULLIVENT

DEDICATION

Every once in a while, you will meet someone who will change the way you see the world. For me, that person is Phil. So, for that reason, I am dedicating this story to him. Thanks, Phil!

INTRODUCTION

The story you are about to read is true. Before you get into it, I feel you should know that there was much more to my life than what is shared here. Not every moment of my life was horrible, nor was I able to share all the horrible things about my life. What I did share were the larger, more powerful events that were pivotal turning points. I also didn’t go into each chapter with a desire to draw needless graphic images with my words.

It is not my intention to glorify any of the illegal things that I speak of in the story. I also do not speak of anyone mentioned here in a slanderous way. Everyone mentioned was a person that I encountered as I made my way through this journey called life. What I am sharing is meant to be about me. The people, places, and things that I encountered and how they affected my life.

As you read, I want to remind you that no matter how bad you may think that my life has been, there are so many people out there who have had it much, much worse. So, if you believe that God answers prayers, I ask you to pray for them.

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The True Christmas Story by inmate Gary Dolan

What does Christmas mean to you? It means to me the birth of Christ. Jesus is God in the flesh and His Father is God.
John 10: 30 I and My Father are one.”
John 10:38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe[a] that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”
Jesus healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, raised the dead, and He laid down His life to save us all who will accept Him, He laid down his life to save us all who will accept Him, He intercedes on our behalf to God. He took all our sins upon His shoulders so we can be clean of sin to go to heaven. My Lord and Savior who laid down His life for me and you. Christ not only come down from heaven to save the world, but He came to wear our coats.
(Revelation 7:14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know. “So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.)
We are all dressed in white, even the twenty-four elders.
Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones, I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.
Jesus is dressed in a robe dipped in blood. Why is Christ’s robe not white? Why is His clock not spotless? Why is His garment dipped blood? (Galations 3:13 Paul says Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.”)

Simply He changed places with us. He wore our coat of sin to the cross. Christ’s Blood spattered garments symbolize the great battles He has already fought against sin. Satan, and death and has been stained with the blood of His enemies. God has made us worthy by providing the way to heaven through Jesus Christ. Revelation 19:13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
Who else would give up his life for us, other than the one who loves us, Jesus Christ. If you are unsure about being saved ask yourself if you are keeping secrets and talk with your Heavenly Father who is always ready to listen. Read for yourself the true Christmas story:
Luke 2: 10 – 52
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”[a]
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[b] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Circumcision of Jesus
21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child,[c] His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Jesus Presented in the Temple

22 Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”),[d] 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”[e]

Simeon Sees God’s Salvation

25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29
“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 And Joseph and His mother[f] marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer

36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years,[g] who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord,[h] and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

The Family Returns to Nazareth

39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,[i] filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

The Boy Jesus Amazes the Scholars

41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother[j] did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Jesus Advances in Wisdom and Favor

51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Better Father

New Sight by Richard Zornes

Faith comes by hearing & hearing by the word of God

You know it’s him because of when and how he calls

As you respond…you realize He’s the answer to the hearts deepest cries Like Paul, the scales fall from before your very eyes

All you have ever known to be true in life. .were lies

New sight for future years

The new creation is awakened here is this sphere

I know because of this new sight, which is now so clear it’s almost like seeing someone you like

Suddenly you seek after them in hope of a companion for life

Sought like treasure but, more precious than gold

In the pages of His book is the greatest love story ever told

When you are seeking Him…He is pursuing you

And what He seeks is the best & all of you Ali around us is a glimpse of His glory

The beautiful thing is, that’s not the end of this story

Purchased by His blood was our price for eternity

The only thing he asks is…”Will you live for me?”

He even did it for people you consider enemies

Words spoken so sweetly, it’s hard to believe

That as He is, so we are in this world

Wise as a serpent & harmless as a dove

Should be-our aim in this new-life to reflect-His great love

To acquire this new found wisdom, some do not find

They think it’s a joke and will know when they get left behind

He’s true to his word and He’s completely unchanging

Rejoicing in the Lord always is a Christians charging station

Until then, you must spend time with Him daily studying His word

in its pages are the answers to your prayer supplications

To give you celebrations & comfort in life’s frustrations

So what are you seeing with this new sight?

Better Father

Divinely Filled by Richard Zornes

Holding onto Jesus, like a pillar of stone

Life’s challenges become easier when you realize you are not alone Oh comforting is His gentle & mighty hand

He will help you continue…and if need be, carry you through the sand

The one that will endure, will stand on faiths confession in Jesus Christ

It will only be believable to others, in how you live your life

Implementing evil schemes will not fulfill a need

Planting seeds of life & watering others is how we are meant to lead Do this out of love through use of His word to yield the peaceable fruit

It becomes easier when you are trained in it through the reason of use

For we are all walking pages and are read more than a book

For the Holy Spirit, even the evil one has a certain Fook

A container is only as good as what’s in it, I have heard someone say

For in filling yourself with Gods word will preserve the righteous on judgement day

Getting people to ask you why you have hope is not an easy part For it starts in knowing in whom is the holder of your heart Working for love…is no love at all

For a gift given is only as precious as the manner of Spirit in which it was given Since God is Love…that is what we got HIM!

 

Better Father

Fresh New Start

Until you truly give your heart to Jesus, it’s hard to convince people of new creation

All they are looking at is your rap sheet, that’s the principle of the Mosaic Law It makes you feel condemnation that make your insides crawl i know I have done things worthy of this sentence

But from now on…l want my walk be one reflecting a life of forgiveness & repentance

It’s not that I didn’t know how, only…l didn’t have the power to do it on my own

And it’s SO wonderful-that it’s Jesus who will-carry me home Purging the conscience mind of so many past sins

Is no easy task for me but…is necessary to behold the power that comes only from Him Waking up at night from evil works long gone

Is so much easier to cope with when I am leaning on the everlasting arms

Bring to my mind Father the good things you have placed within my heart And let me know that each day is a blessing & fresh new start

Having to walk a trail I have never seen, is easier to follow when I let Him take the lead

When I am competing in what’s known as life’s big race

Is easier when I am focused on Him to set the right pace

Turn not to the left nor worry what’s on the right

Is the key to success in battle knowing I possess the armor of light

Thank you Father for not giving me your love based on what I have done Instead you gave it to me in Jesus…Your only begotten Son

Better Father

Anxiety Handed Over

Lost & indecisive

Is how I feel inside

Please Lord…don’t leave me like this way & be my only guide

Hope of new beginnings, to bring glory to your name

How to perform I do not know when I am reminded of my shame

One sided conversations, greed within their heart

Puffed up with pride, they stride on by feeling bigger than they are Forgive them Lord for they know not what they do

Not everyone can wear this brand of shoe

Build me up in spirit, teach me your truth & your way

Put it in my heart, bring it to my mind so I may not be fed astray

Help me to believe the strength of your word & boldly speak it to the storm For I am no good apart from you & for your glory I was born

Thank you, Father, for taking my rags & nailing them to the cross

Since the exchange, I lift up your name & count everything else a loss

Better Father

Better Father by Richard Zornes

Free will comes not without consequence

Some choices cause pain, others…deliverance

The freedom to choose is a gift of mystery

I realized it when my children did things just like me

At the time…l was the blind leading the blind

With bad habits that consume the heart & pollute the mind

I was lost & without direction

Instead…I led them through a mine field of death & destruction

Broken hearts & broken dreams, both the results of my deception

Father show them the way to defeat the carnal man

And that it starts with knowing & being filled with the Great I AM

All I want for them is to know you & be the one in whom they love

To be wise as a serpent & yet harmless as a dove Help them one day to understand

That to be successful in life…starts with nurturing the inner man

Lead them Father in a life filled with love, growth & opportunity

A chance to be the one who will share the good news courageously

Fill them Father with wisdom & understanding

And show them in your word is where your children learn to lead – Show them that-quality-& quantity are one the same

And that anything & anyone Can be changed…in Jesus name!

Redemption

Redemption

Lesson by a Dick Conner’s’ Correctional Center who wishes to remain anonymous

Galatians 3:13  Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),
At no time in His life previous to His Crucifixion did He make expiation for sin. He bare our sins “in His body upon the tree” not “unto the tree” as some would translate it. His redeeming work began and ended on the Cross.
1 Peter 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
Christ gave Himself for us, “that He might redeem us from all iniquity,” that is, that He might set us free from the power of all that is contrary to the will of God. He who could accomplish it must be possessed of both Godhood and manhood, and in this combined nature the Lord Jesus, the Son of God paid the price and accomplished the work. The shedding of the blood, in the language of Scripture, involves the taking, or the giving, of the life.
The blood of Christ” signifies the death of Christ by His blood shedding. In His crucifixion God’s divine justice smote Him. The sword of Jehovah was awakened to smite “the Man “who was “Jehovah’s Fellow.” He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed… It pleased Jehovah to bruise Him: He hath put Him to grief. He made His soul “an offering for sin.” He who knew no sin He made to be sin on our behalf. God dealt with Him, the sinless One, as He must deal with sin. Imagine Jesus on the Cross and you are in the crowed around Him. He calls your name 3 times and you finally look up at Him. He tells you with His arms outstretched and nails in His hands that He loves you this much. Jesus wants to fellowship with you and He loves spending the time with you. Let Jesus take your burdens so you can rest with peace and love in your heart.

My Testimony by Jerry A. Scarborough

The other day while I was reading my book, the LORD put into my heart to pray for a homosexual who was going through a rough time.
Anyway, I walked up to him and told him that GOD wanted me to pray for him. When I asked him would he like to go to his house (cell) he said, “No, let’s go to yours.”
It was then I felt my flesh try to rise up and tell me not a good idea. Think about your reputation. However, the HOLY SPIRIT would allow me to hear none of it.
To make a long story short, I brought the man to my cell, and we prayed. Later on that day, I was ridiculed by the African American brothers, as well as the gang members. Since that incident, my enemies will not let me live that down. The reason why I can still hold my head up with love is because GOD has shown me that as long as I serve HIM, I will be persecuted in the Name of him JESUS. My testimony is this…
 GOD will send us to some people we may not like due to their life-styles.
 We are not the followers of CHRIST if we are still accepted by the world.
Remember my fellow brothers and sisters, we were not made in the image of Adam and Eve, but the image of GOD, JESUS CHRIST, and the in SPIRIT. May GOD bless you all. Amen!!