Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: JESUS (09/07/23)
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TITLE: Makeover | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donna Martelli
09/14/23 -
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What is the point? What am I, Alan, supposed to be doing? I call up my friend, Jim. He is one of those optimistic guys, always encouraging everyone. He is a bit much sometimes, but today, I want to listen to his stuff. His phone is ringing.
I greet him casually, “Hey, Jim, how are you? What are you doing?”
“Hey, Alan,” he answers enthusiastically, “God showed me this machine that will lighten the workload of companies worldwide, and I am starting to make it.”
Me, the skeptic: “That is incredible, man, but how can God show you things like that? How does He even care about that?”
Jim responds, “God created people in His own image. What do you think that means?”
I am puzzled, “I don’t know. Are we gods?”
Jim answers, “Well, not exactly, but we are creative like He is. We can learn and retain knowledge and we have a spirit that can communicate with Him.”
Me, still skeptical, “That sounds like sci-fi, man. I have never heard from God.”
Jim, the Bible answer man: “That is because your soul needs a makeover.”
I am momentarily speechless and then tell him, “Jim, I have felt that I need a reboot for a while. I see no point in my life, and I know I am not contributing anything to anyone.”
He agrees. “Yes, I think a reboot is exactly what you need. Have you ever done anything that would not please God?”
I feel indignant as I answer, “I don’t think so. I have never murdered anyone, and I have never stolen or committed adultery.”
“That is good,” he responds, “but Jesus said if you do those things in your heart, you have done them.”
I am astonished to hear that. “Does that mean when I have lustful thoughts for Monica that it is just as bad as committing the act? Guilty as charged!”
Jim’s tone is tender: “You are right. We are all guilty: you, me, even the pastor. We must be restored to a life that is right before God.”
I feel hopeless as I ask him, “So tell me, how in the world is that possible?”
Jim asks another weird question: "Have you heard of Jesus?”
“Of course,” is my obvious answer.
Jim explains it very clearly. “He never did anything wrong. When He died, He died in your place and mine, but he rose from death to give us a new life that is right with God. The problem is that not everyone believes and receives that free gift of life that He paid for. Have you ever heard of John 3:16?”
“I have, from you,” I remind him.
He asks, “What does it say?”
I try to remember. “Something about God loving the world and sending His Son and that whoever believes in Him will live forever, right?”
“Not bad! Do you believe that?” His tone is earnest now.
Me, “I do.”
Jim continues, “Then why don’t you ask Him to forgive you and give you that new, eternal life? Would you like to do that? We can pray.”
Now, I am embarrassed. “Yikes, I don’t know how to pray.”
“It’s okay,“ Jim says comfortingly, “I will help you. If this is in your heart, you can pray with me: ”Jesus, I have messed up my life by living without you and doing things that are not pleasing to You. You paid for that. I believe it. I accept it. Jesus, take my life and restore it to a new life with you. Thank you so much. Help me live for You. Amen.”
Jim’s voice is happy and excited. “Okay, man, that is your true reboot. I will call you in a week to see how you are doing. Congrats! Bye for now.”
Me, “bye.”
I sit there stunned but amazingly alive. I no longer feel bored and isolated as a warm love caresses me. I know deep down that I am fully restored, and I am right with God because of Jesus. I am ready for this exciting new life with Him.
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