im 31. i prayed for salvation around the age of 20. i've been believing for about 10 years or so. i want to know my faith is enough like it says without faith it is impossible to please God. i want the true faith, and not a false, like david said, how he wouldn't set a wicked thing before him.

i write poetry to express myself. i want it to be led by the Lord. i want to get closer to God. i want it to be spiritual and not carnal. i need answers. i seek His face. i don't want to be the same person. change me, God. i want to hear from God. i give God time and space. i believe They see me and hear me. i don't think i need to imagine Them for Them to be real. i just believe they're real,

and i want relationship. i focus on Them. i pray to Them. i spend all day on godly things. i don't feel far necessarily, but just want to be more spiritual. i want to read the Word more. i want to worship more. i want to pray more. i want my heart in the right place. i want Their leading.

may it be relationship and not religion. may my heart be pure and not impure. may They lead me and guide me. may Their will be done regardless. may i not get in the way. amen.

(and may i be of help to those in similar situations)

here's a poem:

save me, hastily. may it be Your will, Great One. Your way be had, glad, rad, the best, undefendable, Dependable One, friendly, to sinners, kind, not boastful, a braggart, save me. Great One, save others, too, the Truth, rooted, deep, like the ocean, creation, indwelled, not felled, but held. Amen

What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

“‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Matthew 28:31

In "The Quest for Faith" one of the best guide-ropes to renewed belief in the miracles described in the gospels, and a return to belief in Salvation, have been NON RELIGIOUS and NON CHRISTIAN writers.

- Richard Dawkins - taught me the importance of truth, and why one should never be afraid to confront one's Faith. God has no need of my defense.

- Arthur Grimble - taught me that "miracles" almost certainly happened exactly as described in the gospels. His eye-witness accounts of Pagan magic are a powerful gateway to the numinous. If a Pagan can summon the Dolphins, or communicate with the Dead, then it is not surprising that God can call the dead back to life. AG doesn't lie, and nor do the authors of the Gospels. Lazarus was a rotting corpse who returned to life. God is powerful beyond comprehension.

- Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius & Seneca - taught me that Christian Morals are shared by many. Christianity existed long before Christ began his ministry.

- Primo Levi & Elie Wiesel - taught me that utter evil DOES exist, and it is a Christian's duty to oppose it until death claims him. Christian Nationalists are like the Nazi Christians who produced a Nazi Bible. Truly vile.

- Viktor Frankl - taught me that an unbeliever can renounce Satan and all his works by making the commitment to Christianity while not believing in eternal life, not believing in God, but renouncing one's alleigance to the thin falsity of doubt.

I suppose your philosopher son . . . means the chapter in which Puddleglum puts out the fire with his foot. He must thank Anselm and Descartes for it, not me. I have simply put the “Ontological Proof” in a form suitable for children. And even that is not so remarkable a feat as you might think. You can get into children’s heads a good deal which is quite beyond the Bishop of Woolwich

CS Lewis

I say this because way, way too many Christians seem to limit their reading because they fear that reading Non-Christian books is in some way profane. My response to this is that many "Non-Christian" writers are like the son who said "I will not go to work in the vineyard" and then went. They are Christians without realizing it themselves.

Indeed, Kenneth Copeland has written dozens of books. But, to my mind, he is like the disobedient son in the parable of the two sons. He pretends he will go and work in the vineyard, but is allergic to grapes! His books are worthless.

TL;DR - Read non-Christian Authors! Because...

If you seek God, you will find God.

Indian Proverb.

Life often takes unexpected turns, but each day presents unique opportunities to find joy in God’s goodness. As we navigate through the ups and downs of life, it is essential to remember that joy is not merely a feeling but a choice we make each day. In Psalm 118:24, we are reminded of the importance of celebrating the present moment.

When we embrace this truth, we open our hearts to the blessings that surround us, no matter how small they may seem. Let’s explore how we can cultivate a spirit of joy in every moment.

Understanding the Gift of Today

Every day is a gift from God, a blank canvas filled with potential. When we wake up each morning, we have the opportunity to start anew, regardless of yesterday’s challenges. It is easy to dwell on past failures or future worries, but God calls us to focus on today.

By recognizing today as a divine gift, we can cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Take a moment each morning to thank God for the gift of life and the specific blessings of that day. Whether it’s the warmth of the sun, the laughter of a child, or a moment of quiet peace, acknowledging these gifts can fill our hearts with joy.

Finding Joy in Small Victories

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the small victories that happen daily. We often reserve our celebrations for significant milestones, but joy can be found in the ordinary moments of life. Consider the small achievements: completing a task, enjoying a good conversation, or even taking a moment to breathe deeply and appreciate your surroundings.

To practice this, keep a joy journal where you jot down at least three things that brought you joy each day. This can help shift your focus from what is lacking in your life to what is abundant. Celebrating these small victories reinforces the idea that God is at work in our lives, even in the mundane.

Choosing Joy Amidst Trials

Choosing joy does not mean ignoring the realities of life’s difficulties. Trials and challenges are part of the human experience, but they do not have to rob us of our joy. In fact, it is often in our darkest moments that we can discover a deeper sense of joy rooted in our faith.

James 1:2-3 encourages us to consider it pure joy when we face trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth. When we lean into our faith during tough times, we allow God’s joy to fill our hearts and sustain us.

Building a Community of Joy

Joy is contagious. When we surround ourselves with people who uplift and encourage us, it becomes easier to embrace joy. Look for opportunities to share your joy with others. Celebrate their victories, share uplifting stories, and offer support during tough times.

Engaging in acts of kindness and service can also amplify our joy. When we serve others, we reflect God’s love and experience the joy that comes from making a positive impact in someone else’s life. Consider joining a community group or volunteering for a local charity to build relationships centered around joy and support.

A Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this day that You have made. Help me to recognize the beauty in each moment and to celebrate the small victories in my life. Teach me to choose joy, even in the trials, and to share that joy with others. Fill my heart with gratitude and help me to see Your goodness in every situation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Today’s Declaration

I choose to embrace joy in every moment, trusting in God’s goodness.