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“……for the Kingdom of God is already among you.” (Luke 17:21 NLT)
“Did you see that? Can you feel His love?” Spellbound by an emotion-filled melody, God’s hand literally reached out to me that day.
One quick glance around the room revealed passionless spectators, unaware of the miracle. “Are you people blind?” I wanted to shout. “The hand in that painting just popped off of its canvas! Open your eyes, God is here – He is alive!”
I could barely breathe as my feet carried me forward. A transformation unfolded before me. Jesus stood with arms wide open, calling me by name. Overwhelmed by His tender embrace I felt safe, loved…protected. On this very day I was awakened to the Kingdom of God.
I recalled a verse from childhood: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. (Rev. 3:20 NLT)
In what seemed like an instant later, I was driving around the city, pouring my heart out to the One who cared enough to stand at my door. I thanked Him for calling out my name. I admitted my guilt and pleaded for forgiveness.
Jesus seemed to be everywhere. I began to recognize Him wherever I went. He was at the grocery store, the doctor’s office, my school and yes, even in the new church I began attending. I wondered why I had never noticed Him before when it seemed so obvious that He had been present all along. I began to understand that I had been conscious of His existence; I just hadn’t wanted any part of Him.
On that memorable day, April 18th, 1982 – I invited Jesus into my heart. Eternity became an important part of my thinking. My heart and mind refocused on a quest for godly things. Jesus drew me to Him.
A simple lyric from the musical ‘Wicked’ continues to play through my mind: Because I knew you…I have been changed for good. This is how it is with Jesus. Knowing Him will change your life…for good. But before you know Him, you must answer the door and invite Him in.
Without any hesitation I proclaim that the Kingdom of God exists right here and right now. For God is the King over all the earth... (Ps.47:7 NLT) The question I must ask is this; “are you a citizen of the kingdom?”
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