Daily Bible Studywith SEEDS OF THE KINGDOM
Updated: Wednesday, 3 December 2008, 9:09 (GMT)
8 September 2008 | 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.Notes
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.
Prayer
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.Today's Writer
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Bible Study Archive
- 3 December 2008 | The God who answers prayer
- 2 December 2008 | Wonderfully made
- 1 December 2008 | More precious than gold
- 30 November 2008 | Total Security
- 29 November 2008 | Barriers to Worship
- 28 November 2008 | His Way is in the Whirlwind
- 27 November 2008 | Reality Check
- 26 November 2008 | Wife of Noble character
- 25 November 2008 | When everything goes wrong
- 24 November 2008 | Walking in the light
- 23 November 2008 | The Eternal Riddle!
- 22 November 2008 | Overcoming evil with good
- 21 November 2008 | Under His Shadow
- 20 November 2008 | A plumb line not a pendulum
- 19 November 2008 | Keys to discovering and fulfilling your purpose and destiny (3)
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