In His Hands International Bible College

This is a course for those doing time in jail or prison- whether short or lengthy sentences, life without parole, or on death row. It is for inmates, with portions written by and about inmates--people just like you, some of whom have previously been where you are, and others who are presently incarcerated as you are right now. This course does not address legal matters. It is not a secular guide for prison life that deals with prison gangs, jail-house slang, or prison survival techniques.   This course is based on God's Word, the Holy Bible.  Its purpose is to give you a new beginning and a new spiritual destiny.  If you truly want to change your life, this book- which is based on God's book--will show you how to do it.   There are many good rehabilitation programs--and you should certainly avail yourself of those offered by your institution. But the plan of God is the only one that guarantees success. When you follow the guidelines of the Holy Bible, God promises that you will be successful: This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed,  for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.   (Joshua 1:8-9, NIV) The Word of God declares that if you abide by its precepts, you will be successful. No matter what your past may be like. No matter how many times you have been in and out of prison.  No matter how often you may have tried to change and failed. True change does not result from education, legislation, or determination. True change comes from the inside and is manifested in outward, observable behavior. Only the Word of God can change you from the inside out.  God's Word was not written to entertain you, rather its purpose is to transform you. It is not just a good book with comforting verses.   It is the record of God's thoughts and words, inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).  It was written so that you could come to know God and live your life as He intended.     Actually--in a way--we are sorry that you are reading this book, for it probably means you are incarcerated and have lost your freedom.  But at the same time, we are happy that this book has come into your hands.  The reason?  Because no matter what brought you to where you are today- whether you are innocent or guilty, whether you will be incarcerated for a lengthy or short time--this book brings a message of hope that will change your life, your future, and your eternal destiny.   You are incarcerated.  That is your reality for the time, a fact that you cannot change.  But you can experience a new life with true purpose and meaning. You can't change where you are or what has happened to you, but YOU can change.  When you can't go back, you have no direction to go but forward! The good news is, you are not alone in this difficult time in your life.  God's Word says:  "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there"   (Psalm 139:7-8, NKJV). Right now, you may feel like you have made your bed in hell, but you are not alone. God has not abandoned you.   His supernatural presence is right there with you. Jesus understands your situation because He, too, was arrested and was an innocent prisoner facing execution (Matthew 27). The title of this book, "Prisoner Of The Lord", is taken from the words of the Apostle Paul in the Holy Bible.  Paul was a great man of God who was wrongfully incarcerated for his faith several times during the course of his lifetime.   Paul did not view himself as a prisoner of the government, however. Repeatedly he referred to himself as "the prisoner of Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:1); "an ambassador in chains" (Ephesians 6:20); and as "the prisoner of the Lord"   (Ephesians 4:1). He saw his incarceration as having divine purpose: Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. (Philippians 1:12-14, NIV) Paul willingly served as a prisoner of the Lord, a captive for Christ, strategically placed to advance the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.  Despite his incarceration, Paul fulfilled his divine destiny. He knew God was in control of his circumstances and he used them purposefully instead of allowing negative circumstances to control him. He learned an important lesson that you must learn: How to be content in every circumstance (Philippians 4:11). Whether you are innocent or guilty of the offense that resulted in your incarceration, you have a choice.  Do you want to be just another inmate doing time, or do you want to be a prisoner of the Lord who is experiencing supernatural change and fulfilling divine purpose in your life? Ask God to open your heart to the message of this book which is drawn from His book, the Holy Bible. This revelation will supernaturally free you from the chains of your past, change your future, and redefine your destiny.