A Message in a Bottle

I recently bought a book called "500 Writing Prompts." The first page challenged me to write a "message in a bottle" and I found myself surprised by what I had written. Truthfully I think I might send out a message in a bottle one day. I might write a message and send it forth to be found in the hands of another person that I have never met, and probably never will.

I've decided to share what I wrote on here. Enjoy!

"Dearly beloved, I pray that this message finds you well. If not, know that all nights end and all winters come to a close. I have written you this letter, though I know you not. If you are reading this, then it is by the hand of God that it has reached you in this moment. I have lived a hard yet fulfilling life. I have given all that I can for the benefit of others, even to the point of self-deprivation. 

"My friend, it is a beautiful and noble thing to live in sacrifice and service to others. You will never find something more fulfilling. But learn from my mistakes and don't forget to love yourself. Lift others up, but do not push yourself down. 

"There is Light...there is always Light. Do not let yourself become distracted by the oncoming shadows for they cannot have victory unless you give it. Sure, there is more darkness in life, but it will never be strong enough to overcome the Light. 

"I hurt, but I endure. I am alone, but I continue to love despite the pain of rejection. May strength flood you bones, and life fill your veins. 

"I bless you in the name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

With Great  Love,

Stephen D Green II

Grace and Peace. 

I Wanna Quit!

Everyone who claims Christ has had one of those days where they wake and say "Eff this! I quit!" or "Gah, I don't wanna be a Christian today." It's not something Christians like to admit, but come on; be honest. You have felt that way right? I know that I frappin' have!

In fact I had one of those days just this past week! It wasn't that I had doubts. It was that I didn't want to submit my flesh to the will of God rather than the temptations and selfish desires that are sown into the fabric of my imperfect soul. It's an unpleasant reality that we are not yet redeemed fully from our sin natures and boy does it suck!

So, you might ask how I make it through those days when I don't want to serve or seek God...

I don't have a clear answer to that.

Christianity is not fully of cookie-cutter answers or quick fixes. Would be a hellalot nicer if it were. There is no secret cheat code or magic formula for success. It's the real and the raw. It's a pain in the King Jimmy Donkey and it doesn't just go away over time.

The Bible says that righteous man falls 7 times and picks himself back up. The "RIGHTEOUS MAN" falls! What the frapp?!

God laid it right out in front of us in His Holy Writ. NO ONE IS HOLY! Even the most renowned spiritual hero of the faith frapped up! David fornicated with a woman and the murdered her respectable, honorable, and loyal husband! Moses doubted, acted the coward, and then gave in to pride! Elijah ran for his life instead of trusting, Peter denied Christ, Judas betrayed Christ, Jonah ran and then got angry at God for His mercy, etc etc etc.

"And having done everything you can to stand...stand!" --Bible, Somewhere in there...Paul said it...I think...You get the point

There may not be a quick fix, but there is a God who loves you and loves me. How did I make it through that day and continue to serve? God helped me to fight. He didn't just take away the struggle, but He did give me the grace to choose not to give in and the strength to endure all adversity and evil desire. Christ is our strong hold. He grants us victory but He still expects us to endure and to experience the struggle of reaching for holiness; to find ourselves more and more like our Creator.

So when you feel like giving up and you feel like the temptation is just too great, remember your Christ and remember your God. Remember His love for you and His ultimate desire for your healthy, growth, and success (not money and wealth...success). and having done all you can to stand...stand. 

Grace and Peace,

Stephen