Following is my third letter to Timothy Ross, Jr., a fellow-Christian inmate, who is serving time at Pelican Bay State Prison; it addresses his concern that God has abandoned him. It is an apt read for anyone who may feel the same way, regardless of whether incarcerated or otherwise:
See Second Prison Letter Response: Prayers borne of true faith never go unanswered to read the letter addressed by the above. Search for prison to read similar letters and their respective answers.
The three spiritual purposes served by letter-writing
This letter was written as a work of repentance, in that is better to do (and not just say), "I'm sorry." I've done nothing in particular that I haven't done before, but that would be plenty be sorry for. I am thankful that, as usual, I've offended God only, and no man in particular, because I know He is where forgiveness lives.
A note about works of repentance
Repentance means not only acknowledging an offense against God...
Finally, it is a form of worship. I have not found a loyal and true congregation in and around my area as of yet, at least not one that meets the criteria specified in Is Your Church a Real Church? Are you a World Aware Christian? So, until I do, I will do just like John when he was imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos: I will worship in the spirit. I spent an entire Sunday on this letter.
The Third Letter to Timothy Ross Jr. by James Alan Bush on Scribd
See Second Prison Letter Response: Prayers borne of true faith never go unanswered to read the letter addressed by the above. Search for prison to read similar letters and their respective answers.
The three spiritual purposes served by letter-writing
This letter was written as a work of repentance, in that is better to do (and not just say), "I'm sorry." I've done nothing in particular that I haven't done before, but that would be plenty be sorry for. I am thankful that, as usual, I've offended God only, and no man in particular, because I know He is where forgiveness lives.
A note about works of repentance
Repentance means not only acknowledging an offense against God...
Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more.
...but also undergoing a course of action that demonstrates your willingness to bear any consequences of your wrongdoing and to remain ever mindful to avoid repeating it:
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.
— Matthew 3:8 KJVAny action, of course, would be the kind of work that is most meaningful to God, and that is fruitful to you, as well as others:
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].
It is also an offering of thanksgiving, and, in particular, for the good outcome of a long-term problem described in DOUBLE FOR MY TROUBLE | Stanford doctor doubles testosterone regimen.
Finally, it is a form of worship. I have not found a loyal and true congregation in and around my area as of yet, at least not one that meets the criteria specified in Is Your Church a Real Church? Are you a World Aware Christian? So, until I do, I will do just like John when he was imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos: I will worship in the spirit. I spent an entire Sunday on this letter.