"You will know the truth‚ and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

GN 1166 GP

Introduction

Dear friend,

If you already know Me‚ Jesus, you'll understand why I'm calling you My friend. But if you don't know Me yet, I want to be your friend if you want Me in your life.

You may wonder why you should bother, or what's the point in having Me as a friend. You've probably experienced so little true friendship in your life, and may not know if you can trust Me. Others have let you down—what makes Me any different? Why should you believe Me when I tell you I want to be your friend, and that I'm never going to desert you? Or maybe you wonder why I would be interested in you—a "bad" person‚ a sinner. It's because I know what it's like to be labeled a sinner and to need a friend.

There's no way I can convince you I'm sincere unless you try Me. Take a gamble, throw caution to the wind, and give Me a chance. Let Me into your life and see what I can do to make things better‚ to make you happier.1 Yes, you can be optimistic about life, even in prison, and it all starts with having just enough faith to give Me a try.

I don't blame you for being hesitant, for wondering if I'm worth it. What you've been through has taught you to distrust everyone and everything, but I want to show you that there's still someone you can put your trust in, someone you can depend on—and that's Me. I'm not going to preach at you, but if you want what I have to offer—it's simple—just give Me a try and you'll see for yourself.

These words in this booklet‚ these letters, are from Me to you—and everything I say can be a reality. The promises I make are for you, if you decide to accept Me into your life. It's not difficult, all you have to do is say, "Jesus, I want to be Your friend and I want You to be mine. Come into my life and show me if You're real, and make my life better." I promise that if you will take advantage of this opportunity, you'll never regret it, and your life will never be the same again. I will make it better.

Your friend, Jesus

A brighter tomorrow

I know how often you wish you had another chance, a fresh beginning, the opportunity to blot out your mistakes, to change past fiascos into successes. You can't change the past, but you can still make a difference in the way your future goes. You can let go of the memories and mistakes from the past and learn to do things better today. You can learn from the past‚ gain experience and wisdom, and turn it into something worthwhile in your life by becoming a better person‚ the person I want you to be.

You can have a brand-new start. All it takes is a deep desire to try with all your heart to live a little better, to love a little more‚ to be forgiving, to cast away bitterness and hurt and the grudges that keep you chained to the past, and work on adding to the world in which you are living, beginning this very moment to contribute to a wonderful future.

There are times when it can indeed be difficult to see the positive side of life. But even if you can't see it‚ it's there. No matter how dark the night may be for you, there is always a way to move steadily and optimistically through it into the light of a brand-new day and way of living.

You can make positive progress each day, contributing to a brighter tomorrow, even when the world and your circumstances say you can't, even when situations seem to conspire against you. In fact, it is during difficult times that those who are committed to being positive, productive, and effective can have the greatest impact.

So please don't give up in despair, thinking that you're through, because there's always a chance to start anew. Even in the most trying times there is more reason for hope than there is reason for despair. Even in the midst of uncertainty, there is an abundance of positive possibilities. Even when the world is awash in troubles, it is also filled with My goodness.

No matter what situation you are in right at this very moment, ask Me to become a part of your life and work with Me to turn your life around for the better.

You can never be too bad for Me

I want to teach you a simple truth, My friend: You can never be too bad for Me. No matter what your crime, no matter how you have wronged others, no matter how wicked you feel, you are not too bad to receive My love and forgiveness, if you will just ask Me in sincerity to forgive you.

No one else is too bad to receive My love and forgiveness either. Maybe others have wronged you and you want to blame them. Maybe there has been injustice in your life and you're suffering as a result. There is a fire in your bosom as you cry out for revenge. You're determined, no matter how long you have to wait, to make those who hurt you pay for their crime, as you have done.

These feelings, thoughts, and plans come from the dark world where evil reigns and there is no peace. To continue in this way will only bring you pain. You will never find the satisfaction or feeling of closure that you seek. The desire for revenge, for payback, is a prison of the spirit, just as real as the bars that encircle you today. There's only one way to find freedom from such bondage, and that is through forgiveness.

To embrace the liberty of forgiveness in its totality, there are three steps:

1. You must forgive those who have wronged you. If you don't forgive those who have hurt you, I can't forgive you for the wrongs you have done.

2. You must ask for My forgiveness. No matter how horrible you see yourself, even if you feel you are cursed and despised by God, you must move past this and reach out as a little child for this gift of forgiveness that I want to give you. A child doesn't ask questions and examine the gift before determining if he will receive it. He simply reaches out, accepts, and feels the joy that is his as a recipient of something wonderful. That is how I wish for you to be, dear one, like a child who questions not, but who simply receives My forgiveness, given freely as you ask, believe, and receive.

3. You must forgive yourself. Carrying the burden of your guilt after you have forgiven and been forgiven is not part of your sentence. Yes, you must fulfill the law as determined by man, but in the spirit, you can find freedom through forgiveness.

Know, My friend‚ that I died for you and I love you. You can never be too bad for Me. I will never turn you away. Find the peace that forgiveness brings, and let Me lead you to a new and better day.

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet‚ they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."—Isaiah 1:18.

I'm greater than your heart

If you read about Me in the Bible‚ something that might stand out to you is how I'm drawn more to those who are sinners and to those who the world looks down on than I am to those who think they're good and doing okay. When some of the so-called righteous folks were complaining about this, I explained how I felt about things when I told them that I'd come to help those who are sick, not those who are whole. I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.1

I want to give My love and help and forgiveness to those who know they need it and really appreciate it, more than to those who don't. Wouldn't you feel the same way?

With everything I did and said during My life on Earth‚ I tried to make it clear over and over that there was no one so bad that I couldn't forgive them and love them if they would just let Me. Even when I was dying on the cross and there was nothing more that I could do, My Father allowed Me one last opportunity to prove this once and for all, for all eternity.

Next to Me there, dying on the cross‚ were two common criminals. They were being punished, put to death, for the sins that they'd committed. One guy was hard and unrepentant. But the other was obviously sorry for what he'd done and acknowledged his guilt. He asked Me to forgive him and to remember him when I arrived in My Kingdom, and I did. I forgave him right then and there, in spite of everything he'd done, and I took him with Me that day to Paradise.2

I was totally innocent of the things I'd been accused of, but I gave My life willingly—for his sins, and for yours. All you've got to do is believe Me, like that man did there on the cross.—Ask Me to forgive you‚ believe that I will, and I will. It's just that simple. Nothing you could have possibly done is so bad that it will keep Me from loving you and forgiving you‚ if you'll just take it and believe.

Those you've hurt might not be able to forgive you in this life. Even your heart and mind will struggle with the concept of My mercy and forgiveness, telling you that you're just too bad and that you don't deserve to be forgiven. But whenever your heart condemns you with those thoughts, always remember this: I'm greater than your heart.3 I died for your sins. So just let them go. Let Me wash them all away and give you a new start today. I took the condemnation for your sins years ago and nailed it to the cross. Everything I went through—the suffering, the torture, the death on the cross—was for you personally‚ to free you from the weight of your sins. You've got to believe it and accept it. I forgive you.

100% new

Once you have accepted Me as your Savior, you become a brand–new person inside, and I begin to transform you into a new creature. Do you understand the thrilling concept of becoming a new creature? That means that you will be completely changed and will become something new and different, something that you never were before. I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit within you.1 It might take some time for you to recognize how you are new, how your heart is changing, how your thinking is changing, but eventually you will begin to see the beautiful results of My Spirit in your life.

A man that acknowledges his need for salvation can never again be the same person that he once was. You have cast yourself upon Me‚ and I am taking you and turning you into something that you weren't before. Where before there was greed, anger, hate, malice, and violence in you, I will turn you into a new person—a person filled with the aspects of My nature: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

Doesn't that make you glad? Doesn't it feel good to not have to be the person that you were before? It's a wonderful gift. But wait, there's more to My promise about being a new creature. Not only are you completely new, but also all the old things have passed away. That means that whatever you were before is gone. I have taken away the old you and I have given you a new heart. I'm in your heart now, and I threw out whatever was old, dirty, and darkened with sin.

Rejoice in your new man, your new life, and forget about what is in the past. It's gone, dead and buried. I buried your sins and your old life. Now, if you stick with Me and you learn of Me‚ and learn how to live a new and better life, your old sins no longer have any meaning to you. I have forgiven and I have delivered. Whoever I make free shall be free indeed.2

The positive force of praise

Are you feeling downcast about life? Do you feel like there's not much hope for you? Discouraged? Depressed? Despairing? I see the hopelessness in your heart each morning when you wake up and you realize that you're confined to a life—or at least a part of it—behind bars. You're sometimes set free in your dreams to travel, to explore, to do what you want—to live life to the full. You have no restrictions, no barriers, no boundaries that keep you walking the line with hundreds of others.

But do you know what? Dreams and imagination aren't the only release. There is another way out of the pit of despair that you often find yourself in. There is a force that can propel you up and above the troubles, evil, and hatred that is all around. That force is praise.

"Praise?!" you question.

"Yes, praise."

"What the...?!"

Let Me explain. Praise is a secret weapon that can loose and free a soul. You can set your own soul free through praise. All you have to do is praise Me and love Me‚ and this will begin the healing process in your heart and life that will lift you above the monotony and pain of your daily life. Praise gives you the wings to soar above it all. Praise lifts your heart and cheers your spirit. Praise gives you a smile on your face. It lightens your burdens. It helps you to bear all things.

I know it sounds impossible. How can praise help? Well, it will help you, if you'll just try it.1 Praising Me focuses your energy on My greatness and goodness. It reminds you that there is still something wonderful to be happy about, and that is My love and care for you. Even if you've had a real rough go of life, I'm still here and I can turn your life around. That prospect alone should provide you with something to praise Me for.

There are innumerable things to praise Me for. It might take a little while to get started or to think of things that you're thankful for, especially if you feel wretched and are bemoaning your lot in life, but try it! It works, and it will pull you out of the pit and give you wings to freedom in the spirit!2 Praise Me!

I understand and care

I am always there with you. In the times when you feel so alone, with no one to talk to, no one who understands, no one who cares—I am there. You can talk to Me, and I understand and care.

At night when you're trying to sleep‚ or when you wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep, I'm there. I know the pain you feel, the heartbreak, and the loneliness. I sympathize with your worries and your cares, your burdens and your fears. I can help bear these things and ease your mind if you'll come to Me.

I'm always available. You can talk to Me whenever you want to. You can pour out your heart to Me. I always hear you and I treasure your heart, your thoughts‚ your feelings, your life, because you are Mine. You are My brother, and I am with you every moment of the day and night. They cannot lock you away from Me.

I was once a prisoner like you. I was betrayed by one of My friends, hauled away in the middle of the night, locked up unjustly, mocked and beaten by My accusers, spurned by the crowds of people who had called Me a hero just days before‚ and condemned to a painful death by the authorities.1

I know what it's like to be in the depths of despair in a prison cell, surrounded by pain, humiliation, and evil men, with hardly a ray of light in life‚ and I tell you that I can be your light, your life, your hope, your comfort‚ your strength.

Come to Me. Speak to Me. I love you and I want to help you through this! I am a very present help in the midst of trouble.2 I am a friend who sticks closer than a brother.3 I will never leave you, and you can never leave Me, because once you have accepted Me into your life you are Mine forever.4

I share your agony of heart‚ mind, and body, and I can give you help and strength and peace of mind, if you'll bring all these things to Me in prayer. I can give you a peace that passes all understanding, a hope that no man can take from you, words that can change your life‚ and visions of Heaven to come that can keep you through anything!

So look up to Me. The walls around you may seem dark and cold and gloomy, and the outlook may be grim, but the uplook is always bright. My sun is always shining above the clouds and storms of this life, and My love will shine on you forever, when you are Mine.5

You can count on Me

When the whole world forsakes you, I am still there for you. When it seems like no one cares, I still love and I still care. My love for you is eternal. It never ends, it never dies, and it never lessens. I am a solid rock. I cannot move. I will not move. You can count on Me and depend on Me no matter what else happens.

I know it can seem like there's nothing left when those you love walk out on you. I understand the pain you feel inside, and I feel it with you. But I want you to know that no matter what happens, you're never alone. You'll always have Me and My love, and that will never leave you. I gave My promises to you in the Bible. I said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you‚" and "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world."1 Those were My promises to you. They are sure things that you can hold on to no matter how bleak things look.

I know what it feels like to have the world forsake you, to have those that you love pretend that they never knew you. During My last hours on Earth‚ My twelve disciples, who were My closest friends, ran away when I needed them the most. The one who didn't run away followed from far off, and totally denied that he ever knew Me when asked.2 I tell you, that broke My heart. After all I had taught them and done for them, to have them turn their backs on Me and pretend I didn't exist hurt almost worse than the physical pain I had to endure.

Then when I was dying on the cross, enduring the worst agony a human can go through, My Father had to temporarily turn His back on Me.3 But that was something I had to go through so that I could fully understand what it truly meant to be alone, so that I could feel what so many feel. So believe Me when I say that I understand. I don't just sympathize, I also relate and I know how painful it can be.

That's why I want to give you these Words, to let you know that I am with you and that you will never be truly alone. I never want you to feel as alone as I felt. That's why I give you My Word and My promise to be right by your side. Even when you don't see Me or feel Me, just close your eyes and picture Me. I'll be sitting right beside you with My arm around you, holding you and supporting you.

A new lease on life

Look behind you‚ down the road that you've come. It's dark and hazy. There are some patches where you can see nothing at all. Not much seems to make sense. You feel that you were wronged and mistreated, and perhaps even betrayed. Then there are places and times you don't want to remember, things you'd much rather forget.

I can understand how you feel. I can understand the torment that goes on in your mind. It's very real and you feel you have nowhere to go. It's almost as if the same events keep happening over and over again. You want it to stop. You'd do anything to have it stop. "Is there a way out of this mental torment?" you ask.

Yes‚ I'm here to bring you peace of mind. I want to soothe your aching mind and heart. Turn to Me and I can lift these weights off your shoulders. They're too heavy for you. You're collapsing under the burden of remorse, of anguish over the past. You wish you could change it.

I can make you new inside. I can remove these memories and their pain. Try Me. You've tried everything else. See if I won't do the trick and give you what you've always desired: a new lease on life. Your future doesn't have to be like your past. Those terrible things can eventually fade into oblivion, if you let Me begin to make something new of your life.1 How? I'll do it for you. Just come to Me and give Me yourself. It's that simple. I'll do it because I love you.

A free gift

My love is not for sale. My love cannot be bought or earned. There is only one way to possess My love, and that is to accept it as a gift. Nobody is good enough to deserve My forgiveness and be worthy of My love‚ but that is the beauty of this gift.1 The most wonderful thing about My love is that it is unconditional.

I don't look at your past and judge you as man does. Instead, I look inside you, through you, and I see your deepest wishes and darkest fears. I see your sadness and I long to comfort you. I feel your loneliness and I long for you to turn to Me. I'm sitting beside you in the darkness and the emotional solitude and I want you to call Me your friend.

I know of your secret desire to change and to be a better person, and I long to help you fulfill that wish, to give you the key to transformation. I look at your remorse for your sins of the past, and I long to set you free from condemnation so that you can begin to live again. I look at your spirit and I see not the bad that you've done, but the good that you are capable of doing.

When you cannot find true friendship‚ acceptance and love around you, look to Me. You will find My arms open to you, offering forgiveness and unwavering love. All you need to do is reach out and accept it.

Untarnished love

I know you've heard that My love is from everlasting to everlasting—it never runs out, it's eternal, forever, and it's unconditional.1 But still I see you at times wondering if this can really mean what it seems to be saying: that I love you no matter what.

You look around you, and what you do or don't do always has some form of repercussion. In this world you receive what you "deserve." The ways of the world dictate that you have to perform, you have to produce, you have to behave, you have to "be this way or that way," you have to "do this or do that" in order to earn love‚ approval, respect and appreciation.

That's why it's so hard for people to understand My love, because it goes so much deeper and bypasses any worldly requirements for receiving love and approval. In a world which is oriented to success, accomplishments, and achievements, it's a natural part of man's nature to feel that he has to even earn My love, that somehow there must be something you have to do in order to deserve My love. And then when you fall, make mistakes or fail, you're devastated, because you feel there's no possible way I could still love you, because you've tarnished that love through your failures and sins.

I know that My love and comprehending its depth, width, and measure is something that is beyond your own understanding or reasoning. That's because My love is unlike any other love you've ever experienced before. You cannot measure it by earthly love or any worldly standards or values, because it is not of this world. You will never be good enough to "deserve" it. You can never "earn" it, because man cannot earn My love. It's a free gift. It's supernatural, miraculous, deeper and more marvelous than your human perception and mind can comprehend.

And most importantly, My love is unconditional. That means there really are no conditions attached to My love for you. That means that you can't look at your own human limitations, failures‚ and even your highs or successes, and think that the depth of My love for you will somehow be altered, heightened, or lessened accordingly.

I love you because you are you. You're Mine, My creation, My child‚ My love. I bought and paid for you through the sacrifice I made for you long ago on the cross. I see through all the outer layers of outward appearance, personality, and even the things you hate about yourself. I see through to the real you deep down inside. I see your soul, your spirit, which is the most precious thing on Earth to Me. This is why I came to Earth‚ that I might redeem your soul, set your spirit free and transform it, that you might know true freedom—the freedom of spirit—which no walls or bars can contain.2

The great jail-buster

As long as there's hope, there's life. I am hope. There's nothing too dark, too bleak, or too hopeless for Me.

Sometimes life is like a long, dark tunnel with no light in sight. Sometimes life itself can seem like a prison—the big prison, the real prison—all walled in‚ small, locked in, no way out, no future, no help, no friends. And it's true; life can be a prison that can choke out your very life. That's why you have to escape the narrow confines of this life—bust out, crash the gates. And you can do that, but it won't be in the physical. It will happen in the spirit.

As long as you're on Earth and in this body, you'll have to deal with the physical, but I can make a way of escape through the spirit where there are no walls‚ no limits, no restraints, no chains, no locked doors, no guards. The spirit is a whole other world.

Maybe you've seen sci-fi movies like "Superman" where people had supernatural powers. Though they lived in the physical world‚ they had powers that enabled them to escape the trap and death. That's how it is in the spirit. My Spirit in you gives you power to break out of the despair and problems of life by bringing you happiness, hope, courage, and a power inside you that brings you new strength, that isn't able to be squelched or put out or discouraged or condemned.

Call on Me! I'm a radical and a fugitive and I will help you to escape from this present world into a brand-new world of the spirit that has no limits, no locks, no darkness. Break out of the confines of your mind now! Call on Me, the great spiritual jail–buster.

All wrongs made right

Do you feel you've been mistreated? Do you feel justice passed you by, and that you were a victim of injustice? Whether or not you feel this way, and whether the injustices done to you were big or small, if you learn to trust in My love, you will find that I will give you peace to overcome, to forgive‚ and to put such experiences into My hands.

I am a just God‚ and I will make things right. You may not see it now, but believe Me when I say that I will right the wrongs. You don't need to take things into your own hands. If you do this, you are committing a wrong yourself, and two wrongs never make a right.

Even though people may fail‚ and are driven by ulterior motives of greed, and hate, and the love of power—I am just. I am the Creator of all that is good. I am the Creator of right and justice. I am not partial. Yet I do know each person's heart. I can see the motives. I can see why things were done. All of this is weighed in and taken into account on the judgment day.1 And while all wrongs may not be made right in this life, they will be in the life to come.

Trust in My love, trust in My power, and trust in My justice. I am the Creator of all that is fair and right. By trusting in My love and having faith in Me, you will also come to see My hand in your life and understand the way I work. Even injustices and wrongs done to you can work together for good. If you don't let hate and bitterness overcome you, you can become a better person through the difficulties and pain you may experience. Wings are often born out of weights.

Let go

Don't hurt yourself by holding that grudge. I know that what the other person did was wrong. But by holding a grudge it's like you're punching, hitting, and maiming yourself. By resenting and refusing to forgive, you are hindering yourself. Your life won't be happy as long as you do this.

That's why I said long ago to forgive those who wronged you. Yes, they may have done something wrong and bad, or at least it may seem that way to you, and forgiving may seem impossible. But it's for your sake that I said this. When you hold a grudge or remain bitter about a circumstance, it's not possible for you to be happy.1

Imagine that you're a cross-country runner. You're running with a whole lot of people all together, trying to reach the same goal. People bump into you. Sometimes they cause you to trip and fall. It may be on purpose. But what do you do when it happens? You get up and continue on.

Now imagine this: Every time someone bumps or hits you during this race, you pick up a handful of rocks, sticks and stones to get that person back with. You carry these with you, and each time you're wronged you pick up more rocks. Pretty soon you're totally weighed down under this enormous load. You can't figure out why you seem so tired. You can barely run. In holding those grudges you're holding yourself back and will collapse one day under the strain. When you drop those rocks and empty your pack of the sticks and stones you had planned for others, you feel light. You can almost fly along in the race.

True happiness can only come when you let go of these things that hold you back. Yes, it's difficult to forgive. It seems impossible at times. But I can help you. Come to Me and ask Me to help you forgive, and I will. It's My promise.

Just and fair

Revenge is a continuance of the cycle that got you where you are. Those that seek Me‚ that desire a new life, must leave their old life behind and go on a new road and path in life. Revenge is merely the next phase of the cycle that got you into that situation. If you truly wish to break out and be free from all of that, you must forsake and let go of all those feelings. Those feelings will only trap you and keep you from the new life that I have for you.

Revenge is the Devil's justice. It's payback and rightfully warranted in many cases. But none are wise enough or righteous enough to mete it out properly. Vengeance is Mine. I will repay (Romans 12:19). I will give as it is needed, when it is needed, in the measure that it is needed. I will also have mercy in many cases where others would have harsh vengeance.

Go, and sin no more (John 8:11). Start a new life, in a new way. Don't give in to the desire to even things out. There is no "evening things out." One payback creates another in return‚ and the cycle goes on. If you can believe, then believe that God is just and fair and that all things will happen as they should. All will receive according to their works, whether they are good or bad.

Trust in Me. Let Me have My way. My way is to have you free of these sins and weights that tie you down, that drown you in unfruitful endeavors. You will reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7). Those who sow to the spirit will reap life everlasting (Galatians 6:8b).

As you pray and ask Me for release from this prison of wanting revenge, I will open the door and free you. As you look to Me, I will give you grace and I will fill your life with the newness of My Spirit so that you will be happy to leave all of the old mindsets behind. Don't be caught in the snares of revenge.

It starts with you

Has someone wronged you? Has someone taken from you even the little that you have? Have you been cursed, abused, or taken advantage of? Have you been betrayed? If so, then it's easy for your first reaction to be that of rage, and to immediately begin plotting the cruelest form of retribution.

Revenge and aggression may be a way of life where you are, and may even be a way to help you release the frustration that is growing within you. But hateful actions will only take a horrible situation and worsen it exponentially. Vengeful actions solve nothing, but only serve as fuel for the raging fire of violence, which is bound to come back around again and burn you.

The only way to avoid this horrible blaze of violence is to start putting it out right now. It can stop with you right now, this second. How? Believe it or not‚ you can find it within your heart to forgive, because I can help you. When you are so overcome with rage, it can seem impossible to forgive, even if you want to, but I specialize in impossibilities, and I am more than able to turn even the most horrible of situations into something good. No matter how much rage you may feel, and no matter how much you desire to cause hurt to someone, all you need is a little bit of faith, just an infinitesimal desire to stop the cycle of violence‚ and it can be done.

It must start with you. You must realize that there is simply no such thing as "beating sense into someone." By hurting another human being, either physically or psychologically, you are only building up their hate for you. Even if they fear you, they will still be looking for a way to hurt you. However, love and forgiveness do incredible things—they can magically transform you and others, and give you the peace of mind and heart you so desperately desire.

Start forgiving right now—not after you exact revenge one more time, but this very instant. I can and will provide you with the strength you need for this seemingly impossible task. Remember, I specialize in impossible situations. I am the Prince of Peace. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you (John 14:27).

Grasp love and find peace

Anger is a very dangerous thing. It's dangerous to others and yourself—both physically and spiritually. I know that sometimes you're so filled with anger‚ and all you feel like doing is getting revenge on someone, or even just taking it out on someone else, but that will only get you into more trouble and cause your anger and pain to grow.

Life is not always easy, and very often it doesn't seem fair. Some people will do things that will hurt you, and all you will want to do is something that will affect their life the way they affected yours. But that won't help; it won't make the pain go away. I know that sometimes all that is on your mind is getting back at someone, and it's hard to show them love instead of hate and help instead of harm. But it is possible!

I am always here for you, and I love you. Nothing that you could ever do would make Me let go of you and leave you alone. I can help you to overcome the anger that is in your heart. If you call out to Me‚ I will fill your heart with love instead of hate.

I know that you may not even want to forget the anger and the hatred in order to forgive. But you will find that until you do, until you call out to Me and let Me help you forget it and leave it all in the past, the anger will just grow, and so will the pain and the misery. But if you call out to Me, and together we leave the past behind and start anew, then you will see the changes in your life. You will see that the pain and hurt will begin to heal, and you will have fulfillment and love in your life.

I love you more than anyone else ever could, because I am your Maker. I designed you just as you are. Even though you've made mistakes‚ I still love you just as much as I did before.

I cry when I see you hurt, and I feel the pain that you feel. I also know how it feels to be angry and want to take revenge. When I was on Earth, I felt and experienced every human joy and pain‚ every battle and victory. I know that you can have the victory. You can find love, and you can love. I know that your life doesn't have to be filled with hatred and anger; instead it can be filled with love.

So please reach out and grab ahold of My hand, and together we will walk on and leave the past behind. We will conquer all odds, and in the end you will look back at the rough and rugged road that you passed, and you will be glad it all happened‚ and especially glad that you walked with Me—that you forgot the anger, forgave those who wronged you‚ and instead grasped love and found peace.

Let forgiveness set you free

In this world, it's easy to love your friends; it's your obligation to watch out for your family; it's your honor to protect your home and those who are loyal to you.

You feel it's honorable to hate your enemies and get them before they get you. Nothing is free, and poverty and want is all that awaits those who don't watch their back.

But, I tell you to love your enemies. Be kind to those who have mistreated you. Pray for those who have framed you and set you up (Matthew 5:44). For hate is a vengeful master, and the power and determination it gives will also consume you in the end.

This is what I ask—forgiveness—that which is almost impossible in this world filled with hate. To forgive is My way. I am not of this world and My ways are not of this world.1

You turn to Me with scorn in your eyes‚ hatred in your heart, and words of contempt on your lips for those who have wronged you. You want the power and strength that revenge gives, and forgiveness just does not make any sense to you.

Oh‚ how can I make you see that the road you have chosen will destroy you in the end? For it is given to the hateful to be hated, to the vengeful to reap vengeance—and those who do not find it in their hearts to forgive will be faced with the weight and depletion that bitterness brings.

So choose My way and give up the grudges and hatred. Forgive those who have wronged you and commit to Me the injustices that have been committed against you. For I am able to exchange your hatred for peace‚ and give you the relief from pain that you have searched for.

In forgiveness I am able to make you complete. I am able to lift from you the burden of hateful revenge. For though I am a God of mercy, I don't let the wicked go unpunished.

It is My job to level out all things in this life and in the next life. So don't you worry that I can't pay My dues. But most of all I want you to be at peace and have the fullness of spirit that only I can give, if you will forgive.

Once you're right with Me, you'll find it within you to make things right with those you once wanted to get even with. For I will give you the opportunity to lend a hand, to cover for them. I will bring an opportunity to make them indebted to you. This will complete the circle of forgiveness, for chances are the ones you hate also hate you.

So let the circle of forgiveness work its way around. Just as the circle of hatred enchained you, so let the circle of forgiveness set you free.

Don't let it crush your heart

I know that you feel that life has wronged you, or that others have wronged you in some way. Even if you know that it was your own wrong choices that got you to the place you are now, you may feel that others had a part in it too—those around you whose lack of love and care broke your heart, the System that crushed your spirit, the world that destroyed your life, and maybe God for allowing it to happen or maybe even causing it.

It's easy to feel that He had some part in it too. After all, if He's all–powerful, couldn't He have stopped bad things from happening? Yes, if God wanted to, He could stop all the evil in the world and make it a perfect place—and one day He will. But He has purposely tied His hands in order to allow each man or woman to make their own choices. If God stepped in every time someone made a wrong choice‚ you'd be a robot. But My Heavenly Father wanted to give you the freedom to be able to choose good of your own will.

As a result‚ there's a lot of good in the world, but there's also a lot of pain and sorrow‚ because of the wrong choices that some people make which affect others. You've made wrong choices that have led to the sadness you now feel. Others may have also made wrong choices that contributed to your condition and the actions that brought you to where you are now. The System around you certainly made a lot of wrong choices to create the environment that drives people to despair and even hatred. I know how you feel about that.

But to blame everyone and everything around you doesn't help to heal your heart and to give you the new start that you need, to help you find the happiness and peace that you long for. Even blaming yourself won't help you find peace. And certainly blaming God won't help, because if there's one person who didn't make any wrong choices, it's Him.

I'm not minimizing the pain you feel and the hard times you've been through. They're real. People have hurt you‚ and you've hurt others too. Some of that can't be undone in this life. But there is still hope for your future. Your life is not over. Whatever condition you're in, whatever situation you're in‚ you can still find inner joy, and you can communicate that joy with others.

But the only way to do that is to fight against the bitterness that seeks to choke your happiness, to sap your strength of mind and heart. Bitterness is like a weed, wrapping itself around your heart and squeezing it until it stops. I know you feel justified in being bitter and resentful against others or the world around you, because you feel they did you wrong. And you're right, some folks did do you wrong. But continuing to blame them and hold bitterness against them is reopening a wound instead of letting it close up and heal.

You've been stabbed, and each time you give in to the bitterness, it's like opening up the wound again and making it bleed. If you keep it up, the wound will never heal, and eventually you'll bleed to death. You've got to let it close up and heal. And if you really let it go in your heart, I can supernaturally remove the scar so that even the memories of hurt are gone. Yes, I can heal your wounds, because I love you. But you have to give Me a chance. I'm trying to dress the wound and bandage it and soothe it so it will heal, but you keep pushing My hands aside and wanting to look at it, touch it, and open it up again so you can relive the pain. This is hurting and destroying you, and I don't want you to be in pain like that.

Let My tender hands heal your wounds and close them up. Let Me erase the past and fill your heart with peace for the future. Yes, you've been wronged. Yes, you've wronged others. But if you forgive those who have wronged you, and ask for forgiveness from those who you have wronged—which is just as important—then the wounds can heal and the hurt will be gone, with peace in its place.

"But they're not even sorry for what they've done to me. They don't deserve forgiveness," you say. Maybe you're right. Maybe they don't deserve forgiveness. But that's not your problem. Your part is to forgive, regardless of whether they deserve it or not. They can only accept the forgiveness if they're sorry, but if they're not, at least you've done your part and I can let the wounds heal. Asking for forgiveness from those who you have hurt is just as important. Even if you aren't in a position to do so directly, you can ask for forgiveness in your heart, and I will count that for good.

So‚ My friend, look beyond the hurts and the pain; push it into the past. Forgive and let go of the bitterness. Don't let it crush your heart. There's more joy to be had in life, and I can give it to you if you take this first step.

I'll fix things for you

I'm your Heavenly Father, and I promise that no matter what has happened to you, or what kind of trouble you've gotten yourself into, I'm there for you. If you'll just ask Me, and let Me, and trust Me, I'll fix things for you.

No, it's not like I'm going to undo the damage and turn things back to the way they were before. It's not that way. What's done is done. That'll never change, so don't even go there. Let it go. It's over.

But if you give yourself to Me totally, I'll take the past—the mistakes, the screw-ups, everything that you've ever done and everything others have done to you—and I'll make something good come out of it in the end. I'll use it for good—not only for you, but for everyone else involved, if they'll just let Me.

I'm God. Even the biggest mess that you could possibly get yourself into isn't bigger or greater than My love for you and My power to work on your behalf and to help you. Even if the only good thing that comes out of it is that it's bringing you to this point of desperation in your life and driving you to Me, that's something you can be thankful for, because I promise that by just asking and believing, you'll find My love and forgiveness.

Sometimes it takes a real mess to get you down on your knees to ask for help. But when you do, when you finally give up and just let go and turn things over to Me, you'll find out that I was really there all the time‚ just waiting to take over and to help things start going My way.

That's what I'm waiting for right now—for you to give it all to Me. If you do, I'll help you to see the light through all the black and dark that surrounds you, and I'll bring along something good out of all the bad that's happened to you‚ because I love you.

Mercy, not justice

Forgiveness. Is that one word painful for you to hear and so difficult to imagine? I understand.

I was beaten, tortured, ridiculed, stripped and nailed to a cross to suffer agony and humiliation in death. I understand that you have no desire to give someone the gift of your forgiveness, when they are so undeserving, or when you have been denied that gift yourself.

Forgiveness is mercy, not justice. Forgiveness is never deserved, but when you give it to another, even when everything inside of you is screaming that you shouldn't, only then can I forgive you.1 Forgiveness is choosing to leave things in My hands, to trust that I will bring justice‚ and to accept that all people do wrong.

What good does forgiving do you? When you forgive someone‚ it is no longer about the other person; something happens between you and Me, your Creator. I replace the feelings of anger and resentment that eat away at your heart with feelings of forgiveness. When you make amends with someone, your heart opens and I can cleanse you and give you peace.

Forgiveness is a chance to do the right thing, regardless of what has been done to you. A forgiving heart lights and warms you, even in the darkest and coldest of places.

Angels of happiness and contentment

I know, My dear one, that it seems that life and even the whole world is against you. You look around you—the walls, the bars, the confinement—and all you see is hopelessness staring you back in the face. I know the pain you feel. I feel what you feel. I both see and feel your anguish of heart and spirit, the constant, daily, never-ending battle it is to fight off total despair and loss of any and all hope.

I know the temptation it is to just give up, to just resign yourself to living a life without hope, every day wearing the same garments and spirit of defeat and silent resignation to a pitiful existence.

But, My dear one, even though the natural circumstances around you shout at you to continue with despair as your companion, My perfect plan for you is something much different and much greater. I can‚ if you will let Me, give you a measure of happiness and contentment, even within these prison walls. But the very real enemies to what I can and want to give you are self-pity and despair.

Self-pity shouts "Poor me!" and seeks to keep you wallowing in the mud of her self-indulgence. Despair seeks likewise to let your eyes only see darkness and gloom. He seeks to cloud your eyes from seeing any light, any glimmer of hope or positiveness in your existence. These two enemies work hand in hand in keeping you on the lower plane of life; they try to keep you from making the choice to reach out and hold onto hope, to take steps toward finding light rather than dwelling in darkness.

To choose to keep company with these two enemies is choosing to stand still‚ to stagnate, to merely live out your existence in misery. But instead, My dear one, I would have you choose—as My child of light—to grab onto hope, faith, and positiveness in the midst of adversity. These are the angels of happiness and contentment I send you to put to flight these dark demons who seek to keep you trapped within the bondage of their self-sympathy. To be trapped within their grasp is a true prison, for theirs is a prison without walls, without boundaries, a prison so large that there is no chance of freedom.

So‚ My friend‚ lift your heart‚ spirit, and hands toward these angels I send you, these angels of light and positiveness that can again give your life meaning and purpose, and who can truly lift your spirit out of the darkness of your physical surroundings and circumstances.

Refuse to keep company with these enemies of your happiness. Instead look unto Me‚ the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2), Who has the very hairs of your head numbered (Matthew 10:30), Who is aware of every minute detail of your life and circumstances‚ Who cares for you immeasurably, and Who loves you with a love everlasting.

A ray of hope

Here it comes—the black cloud. Sometimes it's triggered by an unpleasant event; sometimes it descends when the drudgery of life seems unbearable; sometimes it looms suddenly for no apparent reason. Despair. Hopelessness. Depression. It rolls in and out like a fog, sometimes lifting, sometimes settling; sometimes misty, foggy, and gray; other times dense, dark, and black. Sometimes it churns and swirls and you feel you're being sucked under into a deep, dark well, and may never be able to come up for air.

When you feel overwhelmed, defeated, and like there's no point in even hoping or trying; when it seems that no amount of faith or prayer or positiveness is going to do you any good, think of the sun setting for the night behind the clouds. Though you can't see the sun, and will not see it for some time, it's still there. It still warms the earth. It still gives life. It will rise again. Hope is similar. There is always hope. At times it is hidden behind the clouds of despair, but it need never be lost.

Faith in Me is the only substantial source of hope, which is the secret of the human spirit's ability to find happiness. There is no space too small for the soul to grow, nor any cell too dark for the spirit to flourish. For you, My child, there is always a ray of light, a ray of love, a ray of hope‚ reaching out, shining down upon you. Sometimes you can't see it because you're looking down. Other times you can't see it because the dark, black clouds are descending and hiding it from you. But it is always there. You can always rest assured you will see it again.

You can also learn to discern the coming of the dark clouds, and you can learn through My Spirit and power to hold them back. They will always pass over you, casting their shadow, but they need not engulf and encircle you. I can keep them at bay for you. If you cry out to Me for help—for comfort‚ for hope, for faith—then you can drive away the black clouds of depression and despair.1 Hold on to Me. Hold on to faith. Hold on to hope. Don't let go, or you will be overwhelmed by the darkness. Yet even when you are, remember that the sun rises again every morning and hope will always return to the heart that seeks it.2

Never "off duty"

My precious one, I will keep you in perfect peace if your mind is stayed on Me (Isaiah 26:3). I will not only keep you in peace, but I will protect you, and hallow you about with My angels. I am watching over you. Although evil is rampant and the dread and fear can be unbearable at times, by trusting in Me you can have peace of mind and heart, and freedom from fear.

I'm not just a figment of your imagination. I am real, and My protective power is unsurpassed by anything you can imagine on this Earth. You are My child and I'm watching over you. I will let nothing happen to you that is not a part of My will and My plan. I can and will protect and keep you. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you (Psalm 91:7).

I am with you even in prison. I am with you in the day, and I am watching you at night. I never sleep‚ and I am never "off duty." My angels are watching, guarding‚ and protecting. It's the best security you could ever ask for!1

Trade in your worries

The very hairs of your head are numbered. That's how much I love you and care for you, how concerned I am about you.

Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without Me knowing about it. If I care that much for the birds of the air, don't you think I know you and love you and care for you much more? I do, because you've given Me your heart, and I keep it close to Mine at all times (Matthew 10:29-31).

I know your worries about your situation, your loved ones‚ your finances, and your fate. I know these are constant concerns for you, and they gnaw at your mind and eat at your spirit. Sometimes it seems like they'll almost consume your body, because they're so strong and powerful.

But what you must know is that I am in control. I rule the world, the universe, and everything in it, and nothing is too hard for Me to handle and take care of. So bring all your worries, all your cares, all your fears and concerns to Me and commit them to Me, your faithful Friend Who loves you and wants the best for you.

Give Me all these worries. Lay them before Me and leave them there; don't pick them up again and walk off with them. If you give them to Me, I can give you peace of mind, hope‚ strength and health in return. As you trade in your worries, you will receive wonderful things in return, more than you ever imagined or bargained for!

When you're tempted to worry about your situation, pray. When you're worried about your family, pray. When you're worried about your trial or your parole or your release, or your health, or your safety, or your very life, pray. I hear your prayers and I answer them. You can trust in Me and have faith in Me because I love you, and I will never stop loving you.1

So let not your heart be troubled or afraid (John 14:1). Bring these things to Me in prayer. Ask Me to take care of them and to change the situation, and then have faith and patience. Read My Word. Call on Me. Claim My promises, and trust Me for the answers. Have peace.

I am your Defense Attorney, your Parole Board, your Protector and Keeper, your Forever Friend, the One Who can supply for your family. I will not forsake you, so come to Me with all your burdens and find relief and release, even in the midst of prison.

I love those you love

My dearest friend, I love you and I will care for you. Not only will I care for you‚ but I will also care for your loved ones. I know it's difficult to not be in a position where you can care for them. You feel helpless and ashamed that you're not able to give your loved ones the kind of support and love that you know they need and deserve‚ and that you so desperately want to give them.

I understand. It may be hard for you to believe this, but I want you to try. I know it's hard for you to trust Me, because you've experienced so little trust and love in your life. Even those that you thought you trusted ended up deserting you. Even some of your closest friends have forsaken you. But I beg you to trust Me. I beg you to try to believe in My love—not just My love for you, but also My deepest love for your loved ones on the "outside."

In the Bible I said, "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:6-7). I'm very concerned about every detail, and when it comes to the care of your loved ones, I am intimately concerned and moved to care for them.

"Look at the birds of the air‚ for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26). If I and My Father know of and care for every sparrow, doesn't it stand to reason that I would be concerned and care for you and those that you love? A sparrow is a tiny bird, and your loved ones are worth more to Me than all of the sparrows in the world.

If you will pray for your loved ones, asking Me specifically for their needs, I will answer you. If you pray and ask for My angels to protect them, I will send them help in the spirit. If you pray and ask for My angels of comfort, I will send what you have asked of Me. I am their Caretaker and their Provider. I am their Father and their Friend. I am their Comforter and their Protector.1

So you want to know how you can care for your loved ones even though you can't be with them in the physical? You can care for them through prayer—through asking Me to do what you wish you could do yourself. Prayer is not the least you can do, but the most. I won't fail you, My dearest friend. I will answer your prayers.

Love immeasurable

Did you know that you mean so much to Me? It doesn't matter what happens to you, what you've done‚ how bad you feel, how ugly you might feel, how mistreated, abused, beaten, or low you feel right now. To Me, you're a beautiful creation, one that I look upon with love, joy, and pride.

The fact that you're sitting here reading My Words to you makes Me love you even more. You don't have to be perfect‚ and your surroundings don't have to be perfect either. It doesn't matter to Me what state you're in‚ because I love you and will always love you just the same.

It's so hard for the human mind to comprehend the amount of love that I, your Lord and Savior, can have for you—just you—but the best thing to do is to not try to understand My love. It's too vast, too wide, too immeasurable to even begin to understand it! Just know that I love you.1 Just trust that I love you and that everything is going to be okay. That's all you need to know.

You can make a difference

Do you find yourself with a lot of time on your hands, with not much to do? If so, have you ever thought about using that extra time you have, and giving it to others? I know you feel that you don't have much to give, but don't underestimate yourself.

You have two hands and two feet, don't you? Well‚ why not find someone who is less fortunate than you and help them with a task that they're not able to do themselves? You have a mouth to speak with, right? Why not use it to teach someone something that you know, a skill or a craft? Are volunteers for certain tasks or duties being asked for? Why not consider being a volunteer and help make a difference in your part of the prison?

What about reaching out to that new person who's just arrived, who is scared or terrified of their surroundings and doesn't know the ropes yet? Why not make an effort to befriend them, to teach them what you know, the things you've learned about how to cope, how to get used to your new surroundings, and any tips and advice they may benefit from? Put yourself in their place and remember what it was like for you when you first arrived. Think about how grateful you would have been if someone had taken you under their wing and helped you in those difficult weeks of transition.

No matter what you think, or what others say about you, you are a person of worth and you can make a difference where you are. You don't have to have a lot of skills and talents. Anyone can be helpful, considerate‚ kind, thoughtful, and looking for a way they can be a help and blessing to others. And do you know what? Before you know it, you will find yourself feeling happier, more fulfilled, and able to cope with life in prison, because you will be reaping the spiritual rewards of giving of yourself, which are peace, happiness, joy‚ contentment and fulfillment.1

I know that sounds impossible, considering where you are at present, but if you haven't tried it yet, why not give it a try and see what a difference it will make in your overall outlook on life and your own personal happiness. I promise that as you give‚ it will be given unto you, and you will receive much, much more than you could ever imagine in the way of happiness and joy, knowing that you are being a help and a blessing to others.

Enlarge the boundary of these walls

You feel lonely and you wonder at times if the rest of the world has abandoned you. For some of you, it will be months or years before you can leave these walls and the solitude of your cell. But you don't have to wait that long. It is possible to enlarge the boundary of these walls—not physically, but in your heart, in reaching out to others‚ in extending your hands to another lonely soul. Very soon this chain of friendship will melt away the close seclusion of your cell.

I understand that it's not easy, and many will probably reject your offer‚ but keep trying. Keep reaching out. Sometimes the smallest effort will produce great results in the lives of those around you. You may not notice or see the results of your efforts right away, but remember, love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8a). Like a drop of water on a dry land, it will bring life and hope where only darkness and death were before.

As you reach out to others in sincere love and desire to help, My hand will reach out to them and will change the hearts of stone.

Don't let the walls around you stop you from reaching out to others because of shyness, timidity, fear or pride. You will see a glorious light that will change your life and the lives of others forever.

Time: Your resource

You may feel you've lost everything. You say, "What do I have now? I have nothing and am nothing. There's not a single resource I have left, and because of this I have no value."

But wait. Before you resign yourself to absolute boredom, think again. The very thing you hate is also your last resource: Time. Yes‚ time. The very same time that is driving you insane with its abundance and length is your greatest resource.

You may not have money anymore. You may not have any friends who can help you. Your own intelligence might be limited. You might feel you have few or no skills. You say you're all out of physical means. But don't overlook the value of time. Time, put to good use, can change the fact that you're out of money or skills or physical freedom.

If you invest wisely in the time you have, you can increase your intelligence and master the skills that can set you free again.—Maybe not physically free, but intellectually, spiritually, and mentally free. So don't begrudge this storehouse of potential supply. Use it to your advantage.

To the person who is resourceful and enterprising enough to harness the full potential of this last resource called time‚ I promise that your best efforts and diligence will be rewarded with the results that you seek. For I have said in My Word: "Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men" (Proverbs 22:29).

Treasures of darkness

There is a power to lift you up, to encourage you‚ to give you a brighter outlook on life that is stronger than all of the powers that try to pull you down.

Despair is a deep, dark pit that threatens to swallow up your joy of life. Negativity is like a magnet that pulls you into that pit. But I am stronger than any power of man, of the mind, of the heart‚ or of your surroundings. I am joy when all is sadness. I am light when all is darkness. I am hope when all is despair. I am peace when there is fear all around.

Always think on the positive. If you find yourself thinking a negative thought, try and turn it into something positive. It won't be easy at first, because when negativity surrounds you, it's difficult to find anything good in life, in your situation, or even in your future. But think of yourself as living in a deep, dark mine. Life seems hopeless, it seems that there are no perks, but deep in the walls of this cavern are jewels of great price. There are diamonds and opals and gems of inestimable value.

When you're overwhelmed with the dark dankness of your situation, think of yourself as a miner. Dig deep into the rocky walls and find that sparkling treasure—the positive. In the Bible I talked about the treasures of darkness: "I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, am the God of Israel" (Isaiah 45:3).

You will find that your determination to discover joy in sorrow, happiness in pain‚ and your will to turn negative thoughts into positive thoughts, will be the keys to your sanity. Positive thoughts are your "treasures of darkness" and your "hidden riches in secret places."

It's easy enough to be happy and cheery when everything is going well. When you're healthy, have your loved ones beside you‚ and are in a good situation, it's not a triumph to keep your chin up and stay positive. But when you can look on the bright side of things when everything around you seems dark and gloomy, when you can find those diamonds and jewels in the dark rocks of your "mine," that shows great strength of character.

You are the victor when you learn to turn bad into good, sorrow into joy, despair into hope, through the power of positive thoughts. And you won't have to do it alone, because I will help you.1

A daily vacation from hell

They hook you up to it every day, don't they? The routine you have to follow‚ the rhythm you have to dance to, the tune you have to sing. It's all dictated by others now. It's like being hooked up to a great big collective, and often that collective is marching to a tune that saps your spirit and drains your soul. In this collective it's like there's no future, and the only past you're reminded of is the part that stalks you as though you were prey.

But here's news—you can hook up to something different. Think of it as a daily vacation from hell. In your prison cell, you can point your spiritual eyes upward. By drinking in My life-giving Words to you, your spirit can soar far above the cage you're in. My Word helps you remember that the Earth itself is a cage of sorts.1 You don't have to be in prison to be locked into a nightmare, because the only way to freedom is to be spiritually minded, to walk with Me through a universe of light.

Let My Spirit run through your veins, rather than the spirits of hatred, of monotony, and of endless darkness. You can hook up to Me by reading My Words, and I will then send My life–giving elixir through your entire system, to wash you clean of the darkness that suffocates your spirit and makes you feel like dirt.

The darkness is everywhere around you, ready to latch on to your being and pull you under until you feel like you're drowning. It takes reading My Word every single day to remove the darkness from your soul, so that you can once again tour the city of My light.2

Standing out in a crowd

This is a dirty and an ugly place. This is a tough place. This is an angry place, and a place where many people get even uglier and dirtier and meaner and more hateful than they were before they came. But you don't need to be like that. Let this time that you're behind bars be a time when you don't become one with your surroundings.

You are unique‚ you are different, you are special, because you are My child. And because you are, I can keep you even in the darkest, most desolate place, and protect you from the meanest and most vengeful people. I can give you help and strength and wisdom. I can show you how to relate to your cellmates, those on your block—your guards, the prison officers‚ everyone around you. I can give you love that transcends all the difficulties you face. I am there for you.

The situation couldn't look more hopeless sometimes, but I am the Author of hope, and I always have a way. I can make a way when there is no way.1 I can do miracles.

So don't look at your surroundings or the people around you when you wonder what to do with your life. Look to Me. Let Me direct you. Let Me be your Confidant‚ your best Friend, your Advisor. I have great plans for you, and I can keep you through everything so that you can fulfill those plans. Just let Me tell you what they are, and then tell you how to bring them to pass. I love you.

Buck the tide

Your way looks difficult. You feel your back is up against a wall, and a dagger is held to your throat, unless you give in and let those perpetrators of fear have their way. It seems they usually get their way no matter what you do or say. Seems like bad is much stronger than good most of the time, and you wonder why things go on this way.

Once you are My child, there is a weapon much stronger that you can use to counter any and all evil that attempts to knock you down and swallow you in its dark cloud. You have the weapon of calling out to Me. Prayer will do more for you than you've ever dreamed.1 You're part of My team, the team of the forces of light.

It may seem like I'm distant when you're stuck with something hard to cope with. It may seem like the only way to go is the way other people are taunting and coaxing you to go. You feel like a trapped creature, being carted off by the will of another. You feel your little voice won't be enough to unlock the chains that are binding you. Yet your heart aches, for you know there must be a better way. Your heart tells you you're not making the right choices, yet your mind screams that there is nothing you can do to buck against the raging forces, the thoughts and will of others‚ the rage and violence of people in opposition to you, and so you give in. You feel powerless.

When you are face to face with this type of situation where others are compelling you to go one way, and all other options are equally frightening—choose instead to look above. With all that is within you, with every bit of your will and forced concentration, cry out to Me, calling on Me to aid you, to free you, to show you the best way to go. Choose only to do what I show you to do, knowing that I am stronger than any man on Earth, and I will care for you.

Repeat in your mind a verse or promise of My help, something from the Scriptures‚ something I have said. Hold Me to My Word.2 Listen to My Word more than to any other voice on Earth. The power of My Words will help you to stay true to Me, to resist going the way that is not right, to keep your actions in line with what My heart desires, and will aid you on your quest through this life.

Never underestimate the power you hold through believing and staying true to My Words. They will help you through your hardest decisions.3

A direct phone line to Heaven

Would you like to get your hands on something that is real and is a tool with supernatural powers? You've known about this your whole life‚ but perhaps you've never been told the true secret of how to use it. I'm talking about prayer. "Prayer?" you may ask. Yes, prayer. Prayer is your direct phone line to Heaven, and if you believe in it, if you expect an answer, I will not disappoint you.1

Prayer is like a tool, and if you know the secrets of how to use it, you are guaranteed satisfaction, no matter what you find yourself up against. If you feel helpless, then this tool is what you need.

Do you wonder how your loved ones are doing, worry about their health and if they have everything they need? Do you fear for your safety? Do you find yourself with difficult choices and unsure of what decision to make? Do you need that invisible strength that helps you keep going one more day? Do you find yourself being unjustly judged and wish they'd understand your side? These and many more things can be solved through prayer.

Prayer is very simple. It's just talking to Me. All you have to do is believe that I'm listening and trust that I will answer. Sometimes I will answer you right away with an obvious and direct response to your prayer. At other times I will listen to your prayer and wait for the right time to answer, or answer in a different way that I know is better. Make a habit of talking to Me, even if you don't know what to talk about, so that when you have a need you will be accustomed to communicating with Me if you've kept the connection alive.

What type of things can you ask Me for in prayer? You can start with small things to build your belief. Pray for your loved ones, pray for your health, pray for spiritual or emotional strength when you are plagued with memories, fears, or despair. Pray for wisdom in the choices you must make‚ in what you do or say to others you run into throughout the day. If you are faithful to use this tool and believe in its power, you will find that in time you can ask for bigger things, for hearts to be changed. You can ask for seeming impossibilities, and because you believe they will happen, they will.

Learn to use this tool well, because it is the most powerful force in the world.

If you call, I will answer

We can have a special link, just you and Me. A connection in which you will be able to hear what I have to tell you personally‚ a chance to get My answers to your questions, and most of all an opportunity to draw closer to Me. This is what so many people want and desire!—A means to get My insight about anything so that you don't have to guess as to what My mind is on things, but you can know.

Don't think that it's a gift reserved only for certain people and that somehow you don't deserve it. Don't think that you're not good enough to receive this gift. That's not the case. All of My children are unique and I love each one differently and with a special love. This is a gift that I've made available to all of My children, if they will accept it and use it—that of hearing My voice and getting My answers to solve their problems.1

The times have waxed darker, and the struggles of life have increased, and in My ultimate foresight I have granted you a key to making it through these times so that you will learn to triumph through them rather than succumbing to the difficulty. What I ask of you in return is that you lay aside your personal opinions on matters and come before Me requesting in earnest that I speak and reveal My will on things.

You must get quiet in your mind and heart; cease the rambling of your own thoughts so that you will be ready to receive My view. I answer the prayers of those who seek Me in earnest, desiring My insight above what they consider best.

It is through this gift of hearing My voice that you will find the strength to see you through your most trying times. In your hour of despair My whispers of encouragement‚ love, and promise will be there to lift you up. It will be your spirit's sustenance, for I will be lifting you up and drawing you closer to Me as you take the time to hear from Me. And I alone have all that you need to see you through the difficulties of life. So ask‚ and I will answer.

No office hours

Talk to Me and I will talk to you. It's that simple. I'm here. I'm always with you. If you want to talk to Me, I'm available anytime and anywhere. I don't have office hours or office fees. I don't even have an office. I am available for you whenever you need Me. If you will stop, acknowledge Me, speak to Me, and wait, I will answer.1 I will never leave you comfortless (John 14:8). I will never leave you without an answer. I will never walk away from you. I am here for you.

You can ask Me anything and I will give you an answer.2 In fact, if you want to make a difference in this world, ask Me everything! Ask Me about everything and you will find that it is a key to survival, a key to progress, a key to happiness, a key that will set your spirit free.

So if you want to reach a place where you can make a difference, where there will be joy in place of sorrow, sunshine instead of shadows, love that casts out fear, and beauty for ashes—then come to Me (Isaiah 61:3). I will not turn you away. I can't wait to talk to you. I love you!

Make a temple of your heart

I want to speak to you. I want to talk to you and hear what you have to say. I also want you to hear what I have to say. I know it's sometimes hard to find a quiet place, to find a little spot where you can find solitude and time away from the crowd, the masses, the throngs. Sometimes you can't find perfect peace and quiet in the physical, but if you will just shut your eyes and desire to be with Me, that's all it takes.1

You don't have to work hard to make a connection with Me. You don't have to try in your own energy or strength. Talking to Me can be done anywhere, anytime. Of course, it's nice if you do have a quiet place all to yourself that you can use to hear from Me, but I can speak anywhere, anytime. I am that still small voice that you hear in your heart.2

Hearing Me speak to you is like electricity. You don't know exactly how it works, but you know it does. All you do is push the plug into the socket and you see the effect and the power that the electricity gives. That's just the way it works when you hear from Me, talk to Me, or we have any sort of communication. Know that as you plug into My source, My socket, My power, by asking Me to speak to you, I will send the current—My answers—through to your spirit. I will not fail. It just takes faith, and then acting upon that faith.

Don't try to analyze it. Don't try to figure it out. It doesn't work that way. All you have to do is have a believing heart and a willing spirit, and I will speak to you and through you. It will make all the difference for you. It will mean the difference between having one of those really bad days or having a really good day. The results will be very evident. When you know that I love you and that I can talk to you and help you in your daily life with questions you may have or problems you need answers to, then you can have the assurance that everything is going to be okay.

I speak in many different ways. I use a variety of methods and techniques to communicate with My children. So don't be surprised if I don't speak to you in exactly the way you expected. In the past I've used numerous ways, whether through an audible voice, a silent whisper‚ a feeling in one's heart‚ a message to one's mind, or even a messenger sent directly to someone from Me. There are many methods, many techniques that I employ for this special purpose of communicating with My children. So keep your mind and heart open, and the answers will come to you in the best way possible for you and your situation.

I love you, My friend. Stop, make a temple of your heart‚ enter that temple at any time, and hear My voice come through loud and clear.

Pass the treasures on

I have given you much. I have given you My Words. I have given you the faith and the knowledge of your salvation that you can trust in and depend on‚ no matter what. I have given you confidence that grows daily as you see Me working in your life. I have given you‚ and continually give you, My love that is never-failing, that will be with you for eternity.

These treasures are yours. They are eternal. They are treasures that will never fade away; you will never lose them. Even though you may feel you fail at times to do your part—the second you turn to Me, I will be there for you. My gifts of faith, the knowledge of your salvation, confidence, and My love are always there for you, ready to fill you and overflow on you.

Now I ask that in return you will give a gift to Me. You may wonder why I am in need of a gift from you, since I am the Giver of all gifts, the Holder of all treasures. The gift I ask for is one that only you can give.

I cannot physically reach out to those around you the way you can. But you, as My dear friend whom I love, can be My hands, My eyes, My understanding to those who are in need of My love. You can pass on to those who want them My Words of faith‚ salvation, confidence in Me, and My love, that will help see them through the troublous times that they face.

I ask you now to do your best to be your brother's keeper. I will show you who wants your help and who does not.

Once upon a time you reached out and laid hold on these treasures for yourself; now you hold it within your power to pass the treasures on to others. You know how they feel. You know what they're going through. So put yourself in their shoes, and realize how much they need the treasures you have found. I have given them freely to you, so freely pass them on. "Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:8).

Old "friends"

You know that I have forgiven you for your sins, and yet it still feels at times as if they continue to haunt you. I've promised you that old things are passed away, and that all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). But sometimes you find these old things—old habits, old thoughts, old attitudes‚ even old friends—knocking at the door of your heart, asking you to let them in again.

You see, when you asked Me into your heart, all these old things had to leave through the back door. I cleared them out for you. But some of them are very insistent on returning, and they'll pester you by knocking on your door and screaming through your window, hoping you will let them in.

"Come on, it'll be like the good old times," they tell you. And in their incessant ranting and beating on your spirit and your thoughts, they make you forget the great sense of freedom you felt when I first entered your life and relieved you of these troublesome burdens.

Once you forget the way these spirits of the past oppressed you, once you let them in through the gate of your mind, and then the door of your heart, there is little I can do about them, and you will again find yourself suffering the consequences—both in your mind and in your life—of letting these bad guests in.

The key is to fill your life with My Spirit—the things that are good, that are lovely, that are honest, that are just, that are of good report, that are of virtue, that fill your heart with thankfulness and praise (Philippians 4:8).

The more of My good guests you let into your heart and life, the less the old bad guests will feel like coming around.

You know what these old guests made of your life, the mess they made in your heart, the turmoil you were filled with in not knowing how to get rid of them‚ or where you could go to find a moment of perfect rest, peace, and quiet.

Now you have found these answers‚ and the old guests have been banished. Now they will put on their sweetest faces and most appealing clothes, trying to get back in. But the handle to the door is in your hand. It is within your power to refuse them or to give in to them. But be careful, because once you let these old habits and thoughts and ways back in, they will be much more difficult to get rid of the second time around.

In choosing Me and the peace, love, joy, and purpose of life I offered you, at the same time you rejected everything of the past that had kept these very things from you. Try to keep it this way by remembering what these things did to you, and most of all‚ by remembering what I have done for you, and realizing that the more room you leave in your heart for Me to work, the more I can do to fix the damage these previous bad guests have done, and complete the work of transforming your life into what you asked Me to make of it.

A changing power

I lit a flame in your heart through the change I made in your life. I gave you something more in life to look forward to, because you have Me—Someone to wake up in the morning to, Someone to talk with, an ever–present friend and companion, Someone Who will never let you down. I made this difference in your life, and I want you to pass it on to others as well.

There are others who need to hear about Me, so I ask that you reach out to them too. Tell them of the change of heart and spirit that I have brought about in your life‚ and as they witness the sample of what I've done for you, they too will want to get to know Me and learn about Me. I've given you a special gift in My love, and this gift is to be shared with others; for as it's shared, it grows and becomes more powerful and real.

My Spirit is a changing power; it moves and it effects change—positive change. So if I have made a difference in your life, don't you want others to experience the same change in their life too? Then tell them about Me. Tell them about what I've done for you. Pray and ask Me how you can reach out to one of your friends, or someone who you know needs Me, and I will show you.

Let Me shine

I have not chosen the mighty, but the weak things to confound the wise. First Corinthians 1:27 says, "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."

If you are meek and loving, going forth in My Spirit‚ and not your own, I will turn the hearts of those around you toward you. It might not be the warden I turn toward you, but maybe it will be the one he shows favoritism toward. Or maybe it will be the warden. Or maybe it will be the hearts of the other prisoners‚ which will result in greater safety and better treatment for you. The point is, be meek and close to Me. Let Me shine, and I will give you peace in the midst of your adversaries. I promise it. No evil can overtake one who has drawn nigh unto Me and rests in My love.1

You'll find as you follow My Words to you that others will respect you more and more, and you will win the honor due only to those of My Kingdom, My prophets who advocate My cause. For you will then truly be a prophet—one who obeys My Word, who shows My love—a prophet of My love. In being this, you will win great reward, even amongst your peers there—the reward of safety and respect.

A special place for My special friends

My dear friend, when I was there on Earth, I told those I loved that I was going before them to prepare a place for them‚ that where I am‚ they may be also. Since that time I've been preparing a city for those who love Me to come to and live with Me. Since this place is for My special friends‚ I wanted it to be the best and most wonderful place there ever was, so I have created it to be perfect in every way. I have also made beautiful homes, mansions for each of My dear friends to live in, so they can be as comfortable as possible and have everything that their hearts could desire.1

Because you are one of My special friends, I have such a place for you. I have reserved a corner of Heaven just for you, a place where all your dreams will come true, where everything you've ever wanted will be right at your fingertips, where all those you love will be near you and you will be totally happy. This is a surprise that I have waiting for you, My dear friend, for when you finish your job there on Earth. I'm waiting eagerly for you. I want to show you all that I've made for you. I want to see your face when I show you these things. I want to see the smile on your face and feel the joy radiating from you.

I know that you might feel you don't deserve these things. You might feel like you haven't done much for Me. You may have only just met Me, or you may have not had the time or the freedom to tell others about Me and live as you would like to for Me. But don't worry about all that. Because of your love for Me, because I see your heart‚ and more importantly because I love you more than you could possibly know or understand, these things are My gift to you. It's like when you give a gift to a loved one—for a birthday, for Christmas, or for any reason—you don't give it to them only because of all they do for you‚ or because they deserve it. You give it to them because you love them‚ and that's how I feel about you.

Do you want to hear about something else, which is almost more exciting than Heaven? You know this terrible world that you've had to experience so much of, that has made you so disillusioned and discouraged? One of these days soon, My beautiful paradise, Heaven, that City that I have prepared for those I love, will come down to this Earth, and I personally will rule over the Earth. This is not something fictional or from a sci-fi script. No, this is reality—something foretold thousands of years ago, set in stone—that is going to happen. "And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:2). So when this Earth gets too bad to go on, I will step in and take over and root out all that is bad and corrupt and evil and perverse. I will set up a new government, one whose only law is love.

So, My dear friend, when things get rough and you feel you can't go on, and you look at things around you and despair begins to set in, remember these things. Remember the special place that I have waiting for you that no one can take away‚ and remember what will soon happen to this old world. It will give you the strength and the courage you need to go on.