My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
It has been too long since my last update letter, far too long. And I apologize. I'll be doing better in future, as I have regained the habit of consistent letter-writing. My last update that I sent was eaten by an air-whale monster. *nods* Cupcakes to all of you who get the reference.
Soo … I am writing again, and since I cannot recall all that I wrote last time, I'll just do a whole new update.
Thank you abundantly for the continual stream (and sometimes flood!) of letters! Every day I eagerly await the mail walk-through, looking for letters from you, my friends. I thank God for each and every one of them as a treasure, and I give a special time of prayer for the sender when I get one, in addition to my regular, unceasing prayers for all of you. I am never bored in the slightest by your letters, however rambly they are. (Especially not yours, Bethy.) I am here to listen, and my heart is open to you. Do not be afraid to burden me with your troubles or by what is important to you and on your mind. I am eager to bear them with you in my heart and prayers. When I get a chance, I will reply, especially to you dear faithfuls who write so consistently and often. I cannot wait to return and spend more time with all of you!
But above and beyond even your letters, your prayers are my most treasured blessing and joy. My spirit is strong and lifted high in God's grace, and I attribute it to your prayers. I am full of joy and love and faith, because of your prayers. My prayers are growing in righteous strength, fervency, and boldness, because of your prayers. I am supported, strengthened, and buoyed by your prayers. I am a witness and a light here because your prayers have opened the doors of God's blessings to me. And so with tears I thank you and God. Never let up! God is using all of you mightily as well as me in this, and by your prayers He is making each of you new. You know, I wonder if one of the reasons trials are so good for us, is that people tend to divert more prayers at those in trials! If that is so, I almost do not want to leave. *grins* But I know that God is far from done with me when I get out, so I trust that the prayers will not cease, but increase, as mine for you will.
Recently God granted me a challenge and a calling in my prayer life. To learn the life of faith-filled, boldly audacious, answered prayers. Like Hudson Taylor, George Muller, or the other great men of God. Yet … in here it is impossible to live a life practical faith in the “normal” ways – surviving paryer-to-mouth as they did. All my needs are constantly provided whether I pray or not, so all I can do is thank God in faith and do what I am already doing, living in the Spirit each moment of each day in victory over sin and trusting Him with my life in the big and little things, seeking His Kingdom and righteousness. But more is required of me, and I didn't know what to do. Then God pointed out something I am not doing: faith-empowered intercessory prayer. I lift others up to God and pray for change in their lives, but very rarely do I have the faith to find the power necessary for those prayers to be fully fulfilled. Nor do I have the persistence to “pray through” to success when I do. I have found great victories in those times I do, and God shows me great mercy and often blesses my prayers even when I fail, but He wants more from me. He wants to transform many lives and hearts through my prayers, and make me a conduit for His Glory. But I am not ready … so far from it. The more I seek Him the more I find my inability. Yet this gives me heart, for it is not me, but Him. So I pray and trust Him to transform and teach me to do His will. Brothers and sisters, pray for me in this. That His righteousness, fervency, and faith will be united in me to avail much for His Kingdom. That His love and will would flood and pour through me unhindered by pride or doubt or self. That He would find the greatest victory and liberty possible in my life. This is my heart's passionate cry, the thing I hunger and thirst most after.
Pray also with me for reconciliation, unity, and forgiveness between me and those who are alienated from me because my past and/or miscommunications in the present. Pray that God's mercy and truth will win out, and that our hearts will be turned together again. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” This is God's desire and will, regardless of what stands between. Let us pray together in faith for God to work in hearts to give the humility, wisdom, and love needed on all sides, both mine and theirs, so that His will be done. He will be victorious in this and healing, wholeness, and reconciliation will be found. I have His promise. Let us seek and claim it.
And of course pray also with me for opportunity to be given me for my ministries to all of you by liberty from the constraints of prison, jail, or probation. That we will soon be able to serve God together again in freedom and not be hampered. That I will not be led into temptation or be put under subjection to ungodly counsel. That God's glory and will would have free course. No one can stand against united, faith-full prayer for God's will. Miracles will happen! Let us allow this time of waiting for victory to purify and cleanse us from sin and doubt: “let patience have her perfect work.”
Thank you all for your love and loyalty and kindness towards me and each other in this trial. God is with us, truly.
May our Beloved Abba be yielded to in all things, and may we see His presence and love toward us ever more. May He give us faith and strength in each of our needs.
In the name and love of Christ, crucified and risen and glorified.
Jay Lauser – Sir Emeth Mimetes
p.s. God is good, always. Keep smiling and crying.
