October 14, 2005

Dear Mark ,

Just yesterday I managed to finally get a copy of a “pocket sized” Bible. It has the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. I’ve already started in on marking and highlighting some of the Scriptures that I like. Actually, I try to search for the Scriptures that I need to fill my heart and my soul with the Word(s) that will help me to overcome the sin that is all around me.

When I started on this journey I thought that it was going to be easy. That is confess my sins, ask for God’s forgiveness, be saved and live happily ever after.

This is not so, as I am constantly learning by example that I have to surrender my old life in exchange for leading a life in accordance to God’s Word, and our Lord’s teachings. The result is that it changes nearly everything that I thought and believed in about life, and about living. On a more personal note, it has changed much of what I had thought and believed in about myself. The more I grow and lean in Christ, the more I realize how far I have to go in growing, learning and living life in the Lord. The road truly is very narrow, and not the simple or easy path that thought it would be. I have become more aware of my sin now so that I am constantly praying and asking God to help me with my thoughts and feeling or my temptations. There is a battle that seems to rage on endlessly. And now, knowing what I have learned in Christ, I have no alternative but to continue the fight, “The good fight” in my quest towards Christ and eternal salvation. Sometimes I get to the point that I am crying to the Lord to help me. In the name of Jesus I command Satan to leave me alone. James 4:7-10. When I do this I am instantly free of whatever thought or temptation that Satan has put upon me.

I have been most moved by many of the characters depicted in the books that you sent to me. The motivation, for me, has been that the stories and characters grip so firmly upon my heart and soul that there is a tangible and emotional investment made almost at once. The inspiration that these books have had on me is profound in that by the examples set forth by the characters have greatly impacted my own relationship and life in Christ.

My sincere Thoughts and Prayers Always,

J S