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8 September 2008
Word on the Web
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they may see the good things you do and will praise your Father in Heaven.
22 years ago I gave my life to the Lord while serving a prison sentence. Up until that time I was a very violent person. One day I was having a difficult time with another prisoner; he had attacked me, I was very angry with him and really wanted to attack him. Instead I went to my cell. In my frustration I punched the mirror and it broke. The sun was steaming in the cell window and as I picked up a shard of the glass it created a reflection on my pin board on the wall. It reflected on one of those book marks with scripture on. The verse was Matthew 5 verse 16.
Living life to the full sometimes means dragging ourselves in the opposite direction from where our human nature is trying to take us. Had I given in and attacked my fellow prisoner, I would have undone the work God was doing within me to remould my life towards good, rather than bad.
I thought I was going to be ridiculed by my fellow inmates, and called a coward and such things. Instead it was the opposite. Those who witnessed the altercation knew that I was highly capable of decisively dealing with the situation in a violent manner. Yet the discussions I had focussed upon how I managed to restrain myself. Of course it was through seeking to be led by the Spirit rather than myself that the ability to restrain was achieved. During those years in prison I saw many young men turn their lives to Christ, because they saw Christ at work in me. Where is Christ being seen in your life?
Another important point is to find release from anger, we all do this in different ways, but nonetheless it is important to release anger and frustration in an appropriate way. I would have to say that punching a mirror is not the most appropriate way, as it hurts! What I have learnt over the years is to take to heart Genesis 4:7, it teaches me that if I do what is right I will be accepted, but it also teaches me to be aware that 'Sin crouches at my door'. I humbly try to live a realistic life that in some small way can reflect the Glory of the Lord.
Lord, help me to continue to live my life to the full, by being aware of my limitations. And through that awareness I can overcome those things which challenge me, by seeking the help and guidance of your Holy Spirit. Help me to be such a witness that others come to know you as their Saviour. Amen.
Written by Paul Fitzpatrick
Paul is Head of Fundraising for Church Army and is leading the latest campaign Life to Full.
Word on the Web is provided free of charge as part of the ministry of Church Army.
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9 September 2008
Word on the Web
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults and for teaching how to live right. Using the scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work.
In the early 1990's I was working in an Anglican Parish in Northamptonshire. One evening there was a knock on the door, a young man, named Tom was standing there, he was troubled and the Vicar sent him round to see me.
He was a delivery driver and was on his way back from Wales earlier in the day. He pulled into a lay-by to rest and whilst there, Tom spotted a marigold growing on the verge. He started to think about whom or what created the marigold. In his search for the answer he came to the church. As we sat and talked it became clear that he had many troubles in his life, troubles that left him feeling unsettled and in need of answers. Together we talked and turned to the scriptures for possible answers.
Over the coming weeks Tom came to realise his need for Christ as his saviour. What was lovely was that as we explored the scriptures together, he then went home and shared those things he learnt with his wife and children. They all started to attend church regularly; it was not long before his enthusiasm was shared with his parents and siblings. Within 6 months his whole family came to know the Lord as their Saviour.
When we use the scriptures as a tool to encourage others to take on Christ we are being part of fulfilling Gods plan for Salvation. 2 Peter 1:20-21 "Most of all, you must understand this: no prophecy in the scriptures ever comes from the prophet's own interpretation. No prophecy comes from what a person wanted to say, but people led by the Holy Spirit spoke words from God."
To experience the fullness of life that the Lord offers us we are compelled by the experience of that life to share it with others, so they too may know Christ and make him known. When we speak the truth to people and they listen, that truth has the power to set them free. The church calls this evangelism, it really is that simple!
Heavenly Father, equip me to have the strength to share the Good News you have given to me, with those whom I know. Through my words and actions bear witness to the power of your Holy Spirit to change a life forever. Help me to see the opportunities when they arise. Amen.
Written by Paul Fitzpatrick
Paul is Head of Fundraising for Church Army and is leading the latest campaign Life to Full.
Word on the Web is provided free of charge as part of the ministry of Church Army.
Word on the Web
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they may see the good things you do and will praise your Father in Heaven.
22 years ago I gave my life to the Lord while serving a prison sentence. Up until that time I was a very violent person. One day I was having a difficult time with another prisoner; he had attacked me, I was very angry with him and really wanted to attack him. Instead I went to my cell. In my frustration I punched the mirror and it broke. The sun was steaming in the cell window and as I picked up a shard of the glass it created a reflection on my pin board on the wall. It reflected on one of those book marks with scripture on. The verse was Matthew 5 verse 16.
Living life to the full sometimes means dragging ourselves in the opposite direction from where our human nature is trying to take us. Had I given in and attacked my fellow prisoner, I would have undone the work God was doing within me to remould my life towards good, rather than bad.
I thought I was going to be ridiculed by my fellow inmates, and called a coward and such things. Instead it was the opposite. Those who witnessed the altercation knew that I was highly capable of decisively dealing with the situation in a violent manner. Yet the discussions I had focussed upon how I managed to restrain myself. Of course it was through seeking to be led by the Spirit rather than myself that the ability to restrain was achieved. During those years in prison I saw many young men turn their lives to Christ, because they saw Christ at work in me. Where is Christ being seen in your life?
Another important point is to find release from anger, we all do this in different ways, but nonetheless it is important to release anger and frustration in an appropriate way. I would have to say that punching a mirror is not the most appropriate way, as it hurts! What I have learnt over the years is to take to heart Genesis 4:7, it teaches me that if I do what is right I will be accepted, but it also teaches me to be aware that 'Sin crouches at my door'. I humbly try to live a realistic life that in some small way can reflect the Glory of the Lord.
Lord, help me to continue to live my life to the full, by being aware of my limitations. And through that awareness I can overcome those things which challenge me, by seeking the help and guidance of your Holy Spirit. Help me to be such a witness that others come to know you as their Saviour. Amen.
Written by Paul Fitzpatrick
Paul is Head of Fundraising for Church Army and is leading the latest campaign Life to Full.
Word on the Web is provided free of charge as part of the ministry of Church Army.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9 September 2008
Word on the Web
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults and for teaching how to live right. Using the scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work.
In the early 1990's I was working in an Anglican Parish in Northamptonshire. One evening there was a knock on the door, a young man, named Tom was standing there, he was troubled and the Vicar sent him round to see me.
He was a delivery driver and was on his way back from Wales earlier in the day. He pulled into a lay-by to rest and whilst there, Tom spotted a marigold growing on the verge. He started to think about whom or what created the marigold. In his search for the answer he came to the church. As we sat and talked it became clear that he had many troubles in his life, troubles that left him feeling unsettled and in need of answers. Together we talked and turned to the scriptures for possible answers.
Over the coming weeks Tom came to realise his need for Christ as his saviour. What was lovely was that as we explored the scriptures together, he then went home and shared those things he learnt with his wife and children. They all started to attend church regularly; it was not long before his enthusiasm was shared with his parents and siblings. Within 6 months his whole family came to know the Lord as their Saviour.
When we use the scriptures as a tool to encourage others to take on Christ we are being part of fulfilling Gods plan for Salvation. 2 Peter 1:20-21 "Most of all, you must understand this: no prophecy in the scriptures ever comes from the prophet's own interpretation. No prophecy comes from what a person wanted to say, but people led by the Holy Spirit spoke words from God."
To experience the fullness of life that the Lord offers us we are compelled by the experience of that life to share it with others, so they too may know Christ and make him known. When we speak the truth to people and they listen, that truth has the power to set them free. The church calls this evangelism, it really is that simple!
Heavenly Father, equip me to have the strength to share the Good News you have given to me, with those whom I know. Through my words and actions bear witness to the power of your Holy Spirit to change a life forever. Help me to see the opportunities when they arise. Amen.
Written by Paul Fitzpatrick
Paul is Head of Fundraising for Church Army and is leading the latest campaign Life to Full.
Word on the Web is provided free of charge as part of the ministry of Church Army.
