More Like Me

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." - Romans 5:3-5

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." - John 14:15-17

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

Dear God,

I can have joy with my troubles because I know that these troubles produce patience which produces character which produces hope. Your way is different from the world's way which says that I cannot be joyful in times of trouble. Your ways take time. God, please make sure to continue Your ways with Your promises for the least of these with regard to healthcare.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Choose Joy Instead

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." - Philippians 4:4-6

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8

"Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord." - Psalm 107:43

Dear God,

Choose joy over complaining. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. God, grant me more patience when I encounter the evil and the hate in this world. Give me more gentleness and kindness. Help me kill it with kindness. Help me show more love. But also grant me more wisdom to know when I should just shut up and find an exit. Help me to never be afraid to correct someone that is being ignorant and spreading hate for others. But help me to always do so in love. Grant me the capacity to forgive and love like You forgive and love. Thank You for that which You have provided and will continue to provide even though I am unsure of how You will do so right now.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen

God Speaks From the Innermost Depths

Romans 8:1-2 - There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

I Corinthians 6:19-21 - Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Colossians 1:27 - To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Dear God, help me to always glorify You in my body, whether it be in the things I do, the words I say or write, or the thoughts I think. Help me to decipher Your words from those of others and the devil. The devil is trying to condemn me and to belittle me and make me feel inadequate. You are speaking words of love, patience, care, peace, joy, affirmation. I have been set free through the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Waiting to Help

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Psalm 52:8 - But I am like a green olive tree int he house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.

Ephesians 4:30 - And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

Ephesians 4:30 (CEV) - Don't make God's Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins.

Dear God, I want, no, I need Your help. Help as I find the words I need to write so I can finally mail the letter. Help being patient enough to give him appropriate time to respond. Help so that when he does respond (if he respects personhood and humanity enough) I will be able to also see his perspective. It is never easy having to write to someone who was caught in a web of lies like he was. It is never easy for them to respond appropriately either because in order for them to do so, they have to untangle their web. And that is where I will need the greatest help. Help me not forget You are there and to always see the blessings around me. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, Amen!