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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Thanksgiving (04/18/05)
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Day

Last night as I slept, I saw myself running across meadows of green, long-bladed grass. The hills rolled out before me in endless harmony. In the distance I could see a low profile, white railed fence row. I slowed my pace and carefully climbed over the crossbar.

Instantly, the atmosphere took on an unearthly feel. The air no longer captivated the moisture of the evaporating dew. It was dry and perfectly comfortable. The meadow had changed into a well-groomed lawn; lush, greenish-blue and manicured. Up ahead a winding path came into view and I hurried on.

What is this place? I wondered, pirouetting to take in the beauty of it all. I danced my way to the edge of the path – I was anxious to see where the road would lead.
The surface of the walkway was not as one would expect; not a single stone could be found. It was mysteriously smooth and held a glassy golden glow. It mirrored the light that shone around me on all sides, but I could see no sun. I hurried on, as I surmised this path had to lead somewhere very special.

It wasn’t long before my eyes caught a glimpse of something large shimmering in the distance. My hurried gait quickly turned into a full-fledged run.

As I approached what looked to be a walled city, I was awestruck by the immensity of it all. The great walls loomed high above my head...I felt like a grasshopper standing next to it. As I looked upward, I could see a glowing light rising up high above the premise. The fortress was built with beauty as no man has ever seen... beautiful shimmering stones; green emeralds, golden topaz, brilliant red rubies, jewels my eyes have never before beheld. I took a moment to revel in its brilliance.

I made my way along the wall until I reached the entrance. It was a massive doorway made of opalescent pearl. As I stood with my mouth agape, I could hear sounds coming from with in the fortified enclosure. I pressed my ear up against the cool beauty of the stones and strained to hear the voices inside.

At first I heard only music...beautiful, melodious pieces played wonderfully with various stringed instruments. Then trumpets and horns sounded above it all and as they quieted the voices began to sing. First they sang softly, then gradually the volume increased. I could hear them singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty...”

It was then that I knew for certain I was standing at the entrance of the Holy City of God. Just then the Pearl Gate began to open...the brilliant light shot forth with great force, enveloping my whole being with its healing warmth.

Effervescent joy instantly filled my heart as I sucked in the awesomeness of my surroundings. I could not contain the overwhelming, overpowering sense of a Holy Presence. I fell faint to the ground as I knew I had entered the City of our God and King.

Two men clothed in radiant white came and gently lifted me up and I was immediately surrounded by throngs of people also dressed in white. They were all rejoicing, singing songs of praise and thanksgiving to the King; the One who had ransomed them and transported them here, into His Holy Presence. I found myself joining in as we all cried out in unison.... “All honor, glory, praise and thanks, be to Him who sits on the throne of Heaven, forever and ever, Amen.”

The King of Glory was there, sitting on the throne; brilliant lights, flashing out from within Him. The train of his robe filled the temple and He welcomed me into the city. Here I was experiencing the ultimate day of Thanksgiving... the only one I have to die for!
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Member Comments
Member
Date
deborah nelson
04/25/05
Very beautifully written, great images. You write well. Yes, it will be wonderful when we see God in his heaven--the New Jerusalem. I've recently fallen in love with Jesus anew because he spoke to me through the words of the book, Heaven, by Randy Alcorn. You should read it. God has a wonderful plan for our future.
Helga Doermer
04/26/05
Reads like a dream . . .
The story flows well from beginning to end.
Delores Baber
04/26/05
Beautiful desciption of the New Jerusalem. It truly is a city to die for. But it takes 2 deaths. Jesus died the first one so we could join Him there. Thanks for painting such a glorious word picture.
Kathy Cartee
04/29/05
This is simply beautiful . I loved every word. very well written .

Kathy
Suzanne R
05/01/05
This piece, I absolutely love! Your choice of words is fantastic. The picture it painted in my mind is very vivid and colourful. And your final line about dying for this ultimate thanksgiving day is perfect. Well done.