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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Postcards (08/29/05)
Frustrated that her tax return hadn’t come in today, Clarissa sulked in disappointment, staring at the anonymous postcard. When she had arrived at her mailbox, in eager anticipation of receiving her tax return, she opened the box to find that there was just a postcard inside, and a blank one at that. When Clarissa had turned the postcard over to see if the picture would give any indication as to who had sent it, she was surprised to see a detailed illustration of the crucifixion of Christ.

Tossing the postcard on the counter, Clarissa opened the microwave door and popped in her gourmet meal, nuking it for four minutes and forty-five seconds. Clarissa grabbed herself some utensils and sat down on her bar stool. When she turned on the TV, she caught Ray Comfort at the conclusion of a very passionate sermon.

“We’re sinners,” he was saying. Can’t argue with that one, Clarissa thought. “and we are separated from God. We deserve hell, but God doesn’t want us to go there. He loves us so much that He came to earth, as a man, lived a perfect life, and died to pay the price for our sins on the cross. Thus God provided a way for us to get to heaven; away from eternal punishment in hell, which we deserve, and to eternity with Him in heaven, which we don’t deserve. God commands all men everywhere to repent, for He has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness. So turn from your sin and give your life to Christ. Trust in Jesus as you would trust in a parachute to save you.”

As Ray Comfort wrapped up his sermon, Clarissa heard her TV dinner done in the microwave. A little antsy from the sermon, Clarissa turned the channel to a Country music station she liked. On her way to the microwave, Clarissa happened to glance at the anonymous postcard on the counter. What she saw was not what she expected.

There, on the once-blank side of the postcard, clear as day were the words: Be of good cheer, it is I, do not be afraid; in big bold letters. It was a verse from the Bible she knew, but how it got there was the question. Clarissa’s hunger was just about to get the best of her curiosity when those words faded away, and a letter slowly started to appear, rolling off the postcard after she had read that part. The postcard read:

Clarissa,

I have upheld you since you were conceived, and have carried you since your birth. I have made you and I will rescue you. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

You have sinned against Me Clarissa, and have fallen short of My glory. Your iniquities have separated you from Me, and your sins have hidden My face from you. For I will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil, but I am rich in mercy, and have demonstrated My love toward you in that while you were yet a sinner, I died for you. By this you know My love, that I gave My life for you.

So repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Everybody, including you, will have to give an account on Judgment Day for every careless word they have spoken. And not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons and perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them, "depart from Me, you evildoers!” If you believe in Me, you will have everlasting life, but if you do not believe in Me, you shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on you.

As many as have received Me, to them I have given the right to become My children, to those who believe in My name and are born again. Most assuredly I say to you, Clarissa, unless you are born again, you will not go to heaven.

Behold, I stand here, at the door of your heart, and am knocking; if you hear My voice and open the door, I will come into you and dine with you, and you with Me.

In love,
Jesus
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Brandi Roberts
09/06/05
Great story! Although the ending is a little much to have written on a postcard. Creative! Thanks for sharing!
Jan Ackerson
09/07/05
I'd like to know how Clarissa responded--although it's hard to imagine anyone not responding positively to a supernatural postcard!
Phyllis Inniss 
09/12/05
Creative idea, although a lot of writing for a postcard. But we can't reason with the supernatural.
B Brenton
09/29/05
I know, the message would have worked better if it was not on a postcard - but for the sake of the challenge, eh.
It's a good message and you write well, it's just this was a bit of a stretch for the topic. But we're both beginners, so "hey!" thumbs up!
Tisha Martin
10/03/05
Awesome twist to the subject! Great job - and I'd be suprised if anyone could shy away from this eternal salvation gift. =)