My brother,
May I begin my letter to you by sharing a couple Bible readings that mean a lot to me. In chapter 7 of Romans (verse 24), Paul writes about himself— “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” Thank God. The answer is Jesus Christ. You and I will sin again and do what we don’t want to do. But Jesus never gives up on you or me. Hold onto Jesus. Jesus will always keep forgiving you and me, if we ask him.
Now, Romans, chapter 8, do read verses 15-39. These are very special words of God for you and me. May I share verses 38-39 with you. I pray you trust these words of God for you. Paul writes, “I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Nothing—not even the fears for today nor the worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Nothing can separate you from God’s love for you, if you have Jesus.
Now what about the future. This verse of the Bible you want to keep with you every day—Jeremiah 29:11—God says to you— “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a hope and a future.
MY brother in Christ, I pray that you will ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can join Jesus in his work at JCI and with your church. There is a prayer and share group you can join to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. Remember you are loved by God our Father as one of His Children. You are saved and forgiven by Jesus own hand. And remember the Holy Spirit and the Bible and prayer and other Christians will guide you in God’s Will for you every day.
My brother in Christ, I pray you have the Grace and peace of Jesus in your soul and heart.
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Ray
May we go back to God’s Words in this letter—I used these for a sermon:
Romans 7:24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who can free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death. Thank God. The answer is Jesus Christ.
Romans 8: 15-39…I am convinced
What about your future—Jeremiah 29:11
Remember1 Thessalonians 5: 15-16—Always be joyful Never stop praying Be thankful in all circumstances, for this God’s will for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
An open letter to male prisoners in the Jessup Correctional Facility-Maryland, during a weekend Kairos Prison ministry weekend and of all of us who are prisoners to sin!
Written by Pastor Ray Scheck
Monrovia, MD