It’s About… the Inmate

Thoughts from an inmate and the people who love them.

Every day, I wake up with a simple prayer:

Every day, I wake up with a simple prayer: “Lord, show me where You’re moving—and let me join You there.” I don’t want to run ahead of Him. I don’t want to move without His hand guiding me. And the more I pray, the more clearly I see that He is moving right here—in a community so desperately in need. I don’t know if you’ve ever looked into the eyes of someone who’s lost all hope while serving time behind bars. But God! He’s showing up in the dark corners of His people. He’s using us to reach the ones the world has written off. We’re not the heroes of this story—Jesus is. We’re simply the hands and feet of a God who never gives up on anyone.

It is our desire to give you access to this dark world:

By knowing our brothers and sisters more intimately, the ones behind bars and their families, we can actually submit our prayers to the Father on their behalf. And the truth is—not everyone is called to be in the trenches. Not everyone can serve on the streets or in the jail cells or inside the homes we step into. But your offer to help in prayer is exactly what we need. In my honest opinion, this is exactly what the Father wants of us more than anything. A prayer to see more and more of Him doing what He does. I guess for those who don’t know Him this may seem off. However, for those of us who know He is alive. This is exactly what is needed.

Blessings,

Pastor Matt

THE INMATE

I’m a new creation in you God. The deep scarlet stains have been washed white as snow. Your light penetrates the darkest of darks. You are jealous God. You despise sin. You refuse to turn aside and let us continue to wander recklessly without you, I will never choose righteousness. I’m a sheep that needs a Good Shepherd. A Shepherd that will lead me towards the plans wrote for me. A Shepherd who will provide for all my needs.

The Good Shepherd cares for me and wants to cast my anxieties onto Him. He leads me out of destruction and towards a better way. Your glory doesn’t escape me. Even as I was through a storm of consequences, you are always near.

Oh Lord my God, thank you for choosing me. For being my Father. For disciplining me. For pruning me so that I may reap fruits from the seeds of despair.

You promise good in all things. No matter how for I go astray, you have a plan to bring good upon the evil in my heart. You are the God of second chances and for that I praise you without messing.

Your Servant,

Luke

THE INMATE

Lord, who am I to doubt your love for me? Who am I to put myself above you? Who am I to doubt that your Grace is sufficient? To believe that you have forgotten me in a pit of despair? My eyes are heavy, my spirit is broken. I’m consumed with sadness.

Will you restore me? Will I be remembered? Is there a greater purpose in the pain? Despite my unrighteousness, will I be given another opportunity to glorify you?

I long to feel your love and presence. My hope is in you. I seek you Father despite the pain. For you are “I AM.” You are God of the universe. Before there was, you were there.

I can love you because you loved me from the beginning. I know my tears will be seen by you. You see the hurt. You have Your arms open for me, giving me the choice to be comforted in your might.

Lord, it’s time I choose you over me. For you are God, you are eternal. My life is a fleeting moment. In the monemts I have, Lord use me to honor you. Use me to spread your kingdom. Use me to love others the way you love me.

Your servant,

Luke