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Topic: Start (01/16/06)
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TITLE: In Response | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gena Killen
01/18/06 -
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The Holy Spirit had pulled at her heart long enough without her response and she could not deny Him. A part of her had to die. A part of her had to heal. All of her had to start over.
“Read Phillipians”.
The Holy Spirit spoke. It was clear and she couldn’t deny His power. Almost without choice she found herself walking towards her Bible and turning to Paul’s directions and there is was in verse 9 through 11 of the first chapter.
“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.”
Then just as boldly, the Lord drew her eyes straight to chapter two verses 14 through16:
“Do everything readily and cheerfully--no bickering, no second-guessing allowed Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.”
God wanted her to choose to love better. God wanted to use her again. She knew she had not been able to witness in her present state. God was ready, He had been patient and now it was time.
As she closed the Message, she felt a weight being pulled off of her. She felt her old self peeling away and her tears fell uncontrolled. She managed to write a note to be read that morning after worship. She wanted power from prayer. She craved forgiveness of the sin resentment. She could imagine the arms of God wrapping around her welcoming her heart back home.
As she started down the isle, she felt a rush of excitement, embarrassment and fulfillment all at once. She was greeted with open arms and suddenly others surrounded. She was not alone. Her friends and family came and were seated with their hand on her. Anywhere they could reach, they came just to touch her and release to her the message of forgiveness and love. She embraced them. Their touch meant to her she wasn’t alone. Her heart was overjoyed and she accepted the joy in Christ that was always offered to her. She surrendered to a fresh start.
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I love these words. They remind me of the moment I surrendered to the Lord. They also remind me of moments of growth through the years as I have walked with the Lord. Thanks for sharing.