EL CAMINO A CASA Leccion 12

The Way Home, a biblical study for inmates, written by Pastor Leroy Johnson and produced by Christ for All Nations. All Rights Reserved, 2024. Let's listen to the introduction of Lesson 12, How to Obtain and Maintain Your Freedom. Welcome! Dear student, Reflecting on life sometimes seems unfair. I say this because, in most cases, we learn to live by living. We do not have the luxury of taking a class on how to live. In this study of the Scriptures, we have learned that God wanted all people to have a good beginning. But because of the sin with which we are born, we must fight the good battle of faith to reach the best of God for us, beyond how we started. We want to encourage you to plan your future and move forward in life. We believe that you will do very well because you will build it on what you have learned, persisting through prayer and striving to become everything that God has for you. You have the advantage that you are acquiring knowledge, both spiritual and natural, which are necessary to be successful. In this final lesson, we will see areas where people who leave prison have been successful and failed. We want you to learn from their situations so that you can be successful in your life. We have also highlighted important areas that require your attention as you grow as a person centered on Christ for whom you have been created. How to get and maintain your freedom Many people who leave prison return home without a plan, which can be a big problem. Having a plan helps significantly to make this transition. In fact, many more prisons are working to help their residents prepare to leave the institution. It is important that you have orientation and support. Life abroad is a adjustment. Things have changed since you were at home and will continue to change. Therefore, it is imperative to think about things like where you are going to live, where you will be able to find information about the services you will need, and if your family will be willing to offer you support. Will you have a mentor? Will you be in conditional freedom and will you have to present yourself regularly to an officer? You will also need important documents, birth certificate, social security card, state identification or driver's license. You must have a social worker assigned, so make sure to ask him these questions. Where are you going to work? Do you have a curriculum? Do you know how to create one? Do not forget that the classes you have taken and the jobs you have done while you have been in prison can be included in the curriculum.

Therefore, make sure to attend the classes offered at the institution where you are recruited. Each institution is different. Some require that you take certain classes, others do not, and perhaps others do not offer any class. Be patient. Pray. Trust in God and ask for help when necessary. It is difficult for many people to ask for help, so when they come across an obstacle, they get discouraged and give up. But not you. That will not happen to you. You will continue to advance and ask for the help you need. Once you get out of prison, there are many churches that can help you or direct you to the right agencies to receive assistance. Some agencies include the Division of Foreign Services. familiares, la liga urbana, el ejército de salvación, y la división de seguridad de empleo. En muchas ciudades, esta última agencia se conoce ahora como centro de carreras. No olvides que es posible que muchas de las agencias más grandes no estén disponibles en las comunidades rurales, así que utiliza lo que esté disponible donde quiera que te encuentres. Ahora hablemos de cómo manejar los estereotipos, esos que nos verán como ex-delincuentes. Recuerda, ya has pagado tu deuda con la sociedad. Sin embargo, a veces la sociedad no te permitirá olvidar tu pasado porque te han puesto la etiqueta de ex-delincuente, ex-convicto, o delincuente o algo similar. Los estereotipos son una realidad y todos los usamos en mayor o menor grado. Es una forma excesivamente simplificada y a menudo motivada por un prejuicio de juzgar a los demás. Ahora que eres un nuevo cristiano, la Biblia dice, Todo el que pertenece a Cristo se ha convertido en una persona nueva. La vida antigua ha pasado, una nueva vida ha comenzado. Segunda de Corintios 5, 17. Dios no miente. Eres una persona nueva, pero la sociedad aún no lo sabe. Es tu responsabilidad mostrarle al mundo a través de tu forma de vivir la persona en que te estás convirtiendo en Cristo. ¿Recuerdas el estudio sobre la renovación de la mente? Este es uno de los lugares en los que debes renovar tu mente constantemente y estar de acuerdo con Dios. ¿A cuánto de tu encarcelamiento te vas a aferrar? Has pasado tiempo dentro de una institución donde todo lo que te rodea representa cautiverio. Desde la ropa que usas hasta el lugar donde vives y la comida que comes. No se te permite

tomar ninguna decisión. Todas las decisiones ya están tomadas. Algo de todo esto pasa a formar parte de tu vida, por lo que necesitas realizar un esfuerzo constante para resistir los aspectos negativos. Pero no es fácil. La derrota, el desánimo y el miedo al fracaso están en tus pensamientos. Reflexionar sobre estas cosas negativas puede reducir tu autoestima, así como tu resistencia a los impulsos negativos. Cuidado. Dejar atrás el pasado. Es cierto que cometiste un error, o tal vez no. De cualquier manera, estás pagando por ello. Algunas cosas son autoinflingidas. Otras surgen como resultado de lo que hizo otra persona. Para tener éxito en la vida, debemos aprender a dejar de lado los pensamientos malos y negativos y abrazar lo nuevo. Eres una nueva criatura en Jesucristo. Le has pedido a Dios su perdón, y la Biblia dice que Él perdona, alejando nuestros pecados tan lejos como el oriente está del occidente. Aquí te invito a leer el Salmo 103, verso 12. Por lo tanto, a los ojos de Dios, tu pecado ha desaparecido por completo. Ahora depende de ti dejar atrás tu pasado y perdonarte a ti mismo. Persevera, porque tienes un buen futuro por delante. Es hora de que recuperes tu vida. Con la ayuda de Dios, puedes hacer que valga la pena para algo verdaderamente bueno. Ahora bien, ¿por qué fracasan los ex-delincuentes? Los mayores obstáculos para los ex-delincuentes son la obtención de empleo y de vivienda. Otras áreas difíciles incluyen el miedo al fracaso, el no creer en sí mismos, la falta de confianza en sus capacidades, la baja autoestima y la falta de perseverancia. Cuando te pregunten, no mientas sobre tu encarcelamiento, pero no tienes por qué revelarlo voluntariamente si no te lo preguntan. Una forma excelente de hablar con posibles empleadores es diciendo que has estado ocupado. been taking classes. If they know about your imprisonment, make sure to inform them about the WOTC tax credit that the government offers and that is available for employers who hire ex-criminals. If things get difficult, don't fall into the trap of trying to make quick money selling drugs, betting, stealing, selling your body, etc. In the long run, that will never work. Jails are full of people who have tried it. It is better to have two jobs with a minimum salary than to be a victim of easy money. Will you suffer discrimination? Probably. It is a reality, so accept it. Some employers will review your request and throw it away, and that is discouraging. But don't let them stop you. There is a job for you. What you need is for the Holy Spirit to guide you to Him, and He will do it if you ask Him. So ask God for His favor and ask the Holy Spirit

to help you. We talk to hundreds of men and women inside and outside of prisons. It is true that many do not survive after imprisonment and soon find themselves inside again. What we have consistently seen in the lives of those who are successful is that they are generally Christians. These are the people who sincerely want to change their lives and do what is necessary for them to do well. It is difficult for them, but most of the time they get it and they are still free. They learn to handle pressure, anger and rejection. They know how to move forward in the face of growing opposition. They ask a lot of questions and never accept a no as the final answer. They always find a way out and the answers they need. Some of these people have had to cut ties with old friends and even with family members, because they know that to be successful, this step is necessary. A life, your life, can make a difference. You can overcome your past. If you open your Bible, now you will see that Rahab did it. In Joshua chapters 2 to 6 you can read his story. What does it mean to be a good person? The first step to being a good person is to live according to the principles described in the Bible. It is to treat others as you want them to treat you. It is to refuse to cut ties to win over others. It is to be honest, to be a person of the word. It is to live with dignity, integrity and respect. It is to have good character and to be reliable. What does it mean to be a good spouse? Ama a tu cónyuge. No lo des por sentado. Edifícale y ayúdale. Ponle en primer lugar y no seas egoísta. Esposo, mantén a tu esposa. Esposa, no regañes a tu marido. Nuestra felicidad depende mucho del éxito que tengamos en nuestra relación matrimonial. Nuestras oraciones pueden verse obstaculizadas por la forma en que tratamos a nuestro cónyuge. Para más puedes ver Primera de Pedro capítulo 3 versículo 7. Pídele perdón a tu cónyuge por no haber estado presente siempre, especialmente durante tu encarcelamiento. Crezcan juntos en la palabra de Dios y oren juntos. Si no tienes cónyuge pero deseas sinceramente casarte, pídele a Dios la pareja perfecta. Recuerda que el matrimonio es idea de Dios. Asimismo, ¿qué significa ser un buen padre? Los buenos padres aman a sus hijos y satisfacen sus necesidades espirituales, físicas y emocionales.

Following these instructions, direct your children on the right path, and when they are older, they will not forsake it. Proverbs 22, verse 6. Ask your children to forgive you for being far from them. Listen to them. Speak with them. Tell them frequently that you love them. Take them to the church, teach them the Bible, and pray with and for them. Live a pious life, and give them good examples. Keep them safe. Be their protector and in whom they can rely. Also, be a good student. Perhaps you want and must return to school to obtain a GED, equivalent to high school, a university degree, or learn a trade. We congratulate you on your decision and encourage you in your efforts. At this point, you should already have some idea of God's plan for your life. But if you are not sure yet, there are tests that can guide you. A good counselor can help you discover your gifts, talents, and skills. Be as clear as you can with the direction you are taking. Propose clear goals, both long and short-term, and write them down in a visible place. This way you can consult them frequently. Remember to reward yourself for the small achievements. Make sure to maintain a positive attitude and practice good behavior and good study habits. When problems arise, and they will arise, do not give up or give up, but pray. Talk to your mentor, a friend, or your pastor. Or go for a walk and get a new perspective of what is happening and how you can change it. And what does it mean to be a good citizen? It means understanding that our government has granted us certain rights and privileges. Good citizens know that they have a responsibility to their community, the environment, and the law. As a Christian, being a good citizen also means representing Jesus Christ in all your actions. You cannot live in any way doing sinful things that shame God. Pray for your country, respect its laws, and treat people according to biblical principles. Always do the right thing, even when no one looks at you or when it seems difficult to you.

And if you can exercise the right to vote, don't stop doing it. On the other hand, what does it mean to be a good neighbor? Love your neighbor. Treat him with respect, be courteous and kind, and help others as much as possible. If you have a problem with your neighbors, treat them in the right channels to obtain a positive solution. For example, if you live in an apartment complex and a problem arises, go to your landlord. If there is no solution, seek help from local authorities. And finally, what does it mean to be a good employee? Even after having been in jail, it is possible to be a good employee and enjoy job security. As in the previous examples, seek God and his wisdom to guide your steps. Pray for your workplace and strive to do the best job possible. Some of the key elements for your success are 1. Dress appropriately for work. 2. Always arrive on time. 3. Follow the company's rules and policies. 4. Also assume responsibility for mistakes. 5. Be reliable. 6. Be considerate of others. 7. Learn to speak and listen. 8. Take the additional training courses offered at work. 9. Work well with co-workers. 10. Cooperate with the supervisor. 11. Always give your best. Aprovechar al máximo el tiempo en el trabajo. Además, cumplir con el trabajo encargado. Trabajar bien sin supervisión. Y por último, nunca descuidar las responsabilidades. Ser un buen empleado es un arte que se aprende. Un buen empleado es el corazón y el alma de toda empresa, por lo que el empleador inteligente buscará al mejor candidato.

Otra clave para el éxito en el lugar de trabajo es desarrollar tus habilidades sociales, o sea, aquellas con las que te relacionas con los demás, y que determinan tus fortalezas como persona. ¿Eres una persona agradable? ¿Tienes una actitud positiva? ¿Trabajas bien en equipo? ¿Eres confiable? ¿Te comunicas efectivamente? ¿Resuelves problemas de manera eficiente? Los empleadores valoran estas habilidades sociales porque son un excelente indicador del desempeño laboral, y en algunos casos las consideran tan valiosas como las calificaciones laborales tradicionales. Es que, si tienes buenas habilidades interpersonales o cosas que no se pueden enseñar, ellos siempre podrán enseñarte cómo realizar el trabajo. A continuación, hay algunos ejemplos de habilidades interpersonales en las que deberías trabajar e incluir en tu currículum. Cuanto mejor seas en esto, mejor trabajo adquirirás y conservarás. Aquí va nuestra lista. Si puedes, toma nota. Saber comunicar tanto verbal como corporalmente. También, trabajo en equipo. Poder trabajar cooperativamente con otras personas. Resolución de conflictos. Poder implementar estrategias para lidiar con personas y situaciones difíciles. Además, habilidades interpersonales. Saber cómo trabajar bien con otras personas. Planificación y organización. Esto es, exhibir capacidad para planificar y organizar.

Habilidades de liderazgo y motivación. Demostrar cualidades de liderazgo y ser capaz de motivarse a sí mismo y a los demás. Preguntas para aplicar lo aprendido. Tu tarea en esta lección es hacer lo siguiente. Primero, escribir un breve resumen de lo que has aprendido en esta lección y cómo aplicarás los principios en tu vida. Segundo, escribir un plan de vida para ti que incluya detalles de vivienda, trabajo, iglesia, escuela, etc. Y de acceso a los recursos y apoyo que necesitas para tener éxito. Tres, establecer metas para tu futuro a uno, tres y cinco años. Cuatro, escribir las habilidades interpersonales dadas en la lección y enumerar las que necesitas desarrollar o mejorar. Y por último, número cinco, diseñar un currículum que incluya tus habilidades interpersonales, las clases que has tomado y tu experiencia laboral en la cárcel. Dijimos anteriormente que hemos tenido la suerte de ver a muchos hombres y mujeres salir de prisión y llevar vidas felices, productivas y exitosas. Tenemos la esperanza y oramos para que tomes la decisión que te llevará a tener éxito en la vida. Las personas cuyos testimonios aparecen a continuación y muchas otras como ellas están teniendo éxito. Te cuento el testimonio de Marty Bross. Marty tiene 47 años y ama a Jesús. Llegó a la fe... Faith in Jesus Christ in prison, when he was 24 years old. He says that now he knows who he is in Christ. Marty tells us, God has a plan for my life that is developing continuously.

God blessed me with a pious wife, two younger daughters and two adult daughters. I live in a beautiful house. I attend a wonderful church where my pastor has helped me most of my Christian life since 1984. I am planted there and serve as a volunteer in the missionary program of my church in the area of ​​help in cases of disaster. I own my own business in heating and air conditioning. I have a license in the metropolitan area of ​​San Luis, but I do not advertise. The success of my business is attributed to Jesus. All my clients come through references. My most gratifying experience now is that my clients say, I trust you. I own a Harley Davidson motorcycle that I use in the ministry for the Lord. In it I travel to share my testimony and my faith with other people. I am a member of the Christian Crusaders group. I am preparing to obtain my license to be an ordained minister. Men called to reach a specific culture. The last Vikings, the last men of the border, the last men of the mountains, the last pirates and the last foreigners of the Far West today. They are known as motorcyclists. He also tells us, God has also put in my heart to arrive with the gospel to the marginalized in prison. With them I share my faith. I am in my twentieth year. In reality, it is not about me or my achievements, but what God will do through your obedience and fidelity to him. I have learned over the years to bury my past. I led a destructive lifestyle of alcohol, drugs and wild parties. I was a convicted criminal twice for stealing. I had no better idea than to steal a church. At that time, I used my motorcycle to transport drugs and alcohol. I even carried a 45-caliber Colt automatic gun.

But my motorcycle now has bibles. I spent some time in prison. I served a sentence in prison in Missouri. I had violations of conditional freedom. But thank God, Jesus called me to get out of my darkness. I was born again, as we read in John 3, 3 and 5. Jesus renewed my mind. He erased my sin. And best of all, he helped me to forgive myself. I am and will continue to be free. There is also the story of Pastor Kelly Rhodes. Kelly was involved in drugs, sex, alcohol and motorcycles. He always had problems with the law. He says, all my relationships were like tornadoes, destructive. No one trusted him. He says that many nights he cried until he fell asleep. He was so many times rehabilitated that he lost count. He entered and left prison over and over again. There were people who faithfully shared the love of Jesus Christ with Kelly without judging him. And God worked in him all his life, trying to include him in the plan he had for him. But drugs had such strong control over him that it was impossible for him to get rid of them by himself. Until one day, God saved him, freeing him from drugs and death. He filled him with the Holy Spirit and restored his marriage. Little by little, Kelly learned to grow in faith and trust in God. And his life changed forever. Today, Kelly loves God, faithfully attends church, and is an ordained minister of the Gospel. One more testimony. The story of Tim Kepler. He tells us, In my worst nightmare, I dreamed that one day I would share a 10x10 cell in the state prison of Folsom with a man convicted of murder.

But there I was behind bars. Surrounded by almost 4,000 inmates, some of whom had committed atrocious crimes. My story is not unique. In fact, unfortunately, it is very common in the current world. But the end is full of hope and, in reality, hope is more important than any amount of money or drugs. Tim, like so many others, was trapped in drugs. He said he was possessed and homeless. No more fast cars, fast women and life on the fast lane. I worked hard to sell everything expensive I had. For months, I wandered the streets of Riverside, California, looking for my next dose and sleeping in abandoned buildings, infested with cockroaches or in drug houses. One would think I would have come in right, but I didn't. The only thing I cared about was getting high. Tim said something else that is interesting. He said he desperately wanted to quit, but he couldn't. However, God found me where I was. From the moment the pastor prayed, Lord, deliver this brother from drugs, the desire to consume drugs disappeared completely. A miracle, without a doubt. And I was completely free of drugs for 12 years. The healing power of Jesus Christ changed my life. To be free is to work hard. I had temporary jobs, from unloading furniture to building. It was a struggle. Nothing was easy. I managed to get hired by installing pipes, where the hours were long and the work very hard. But I never had the desire to return to the easy money of the drugs of the past. In my free time, I composed, sang and played music on my wife's piano. I started singing for free and giving my testimony in churches in the area at night and on weekends.

Finally, I collected the money and bought a keyboard. I was very surprised. There was a lot of new technology. As I had never touched a computer, I started from scratch. I read the manuals and paid private lessons. At the same time, by faith, I started my own home improvement business, starting from the bottom, from changing bulbs to cleaning. I bought cassette tapes and studied for the contractor's exam. God blessed my business. My painting business grew from simply painting on graffiti to painting houses valued in millions of dollars. While I was still singing, I invested every dollar I could in a recording equipment. I was determined to have my own studio, sing and produce my own CD. Today and forever. Today, my wife and I own a new house, and we have two beautiful and intelligent children who love the Lord. God has also allowed me to do what I think He always wanted me to do, sing for His glory. I own my own record company and produce other Christian groups. I have been able to travel the United States and even abroad, ministering both in churches and in prisons. Why do I say this? Do I deserve some kind of praise? No, I say it because I was and I am completely lost without Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. He gave me life and set me free. I tell you my story because I know, without a doubt, that you can also experience the healing and cleansing of Jesus Christ. We have shared three testimonies, but we have hundreds of letters from people like the ones presented here. People who have learned to walk with Christ and live in freedom. We thank God for them and their victories.

We thank God for His unbreakable love and kindness towards us and for giving us the wonderful responsibility of sharing His gospel with men and women in prison. Matthew 25, verses 35 to 40, is a reality for us. We are walking in His plan and purpose for our lives. We are sharing His love. his gospel, the good news with others, and he is freeing the captives. This was The Way Home, a wonderful material written by Pastor Leroy Johnson and brought to you by Christ for All Nations, All Rights Reserved, 2024. El Señor estará contigo en tu camino a casa. Que Dios te bendiga. Hasta la próxima.