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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Minute(s) (as in time) (03/03/11)
If time was the currency that I presented to the King,
I cringe at the pittance I laid before Him.

My Sovereign generously endowes me with a daily allowance of 24 dollar coins crafted from the finest gold. He places my fortune in my hands and allows me the privilege to exercise my personal discretion in the spending of my treasure. Clearly he is a generous and loving King, yet requests I give a modest portion back to him as any obedient steward should want to do. Even with this this request of a tithe, He offers further blessings - He promises to multiply my offering and make up for my sacrifice. I don’t understand His logic of turning something out of nothing, but I, a lowly servant, dare not question the Almighty King.

I know I should not doubt my Lord who has a solid reputation for being fair and truthful in all matters. However, I cannot convince my head of what my heart knows to be truth. Instead of following His command, I squander my treasure in obligations and indulgences leaving Him my crumbs. My plan is always to manage a surplus at the day’s end, but plans are only intentions and we know where even the best of those lead.

To add to my challenge, I am plundered in my sleep and find my riches spent on daily essentials, but I cannot complain any more than others in His kingdom. We all receive the same allotment by our Sovereign.

On this particular day, I entered through the familiar gateway that always leads me to Him. Double doors closed down over the visual noise of the day. My mind needed a moment to adjust to the absence of light. Distractions slowly melted away as I focused on His Majesty sitting patient on His throne. An immeasurably long aisle carpeted in crimson led to my Lord. As my heart opened to receive Him, the aisle compressed so that with only a few steps I was brought to His presence.

In the magnitude of the space I was afraid to speak and hear my small voice echo off the walls. I dropped to my knees, bowed with a most Holy reverence and let His presence wash over me. I was in awe. I was at peace. I was home.

“My Lord -,” I said attempting to find just the right note of respect in my tone. I struggled to recall what I needed to say, what I wanted to say, and how I would work in my many requests. I wanted to praise Him and thank Him. With so much on my mind, I froze. My eyes were focused on the ground partially out of reverence and partially in hopes that I could hide my failings from Him.

I laid down my offering meekly.

“I am so glad you are here.” He said reading my thoughts. “You don’t need to say anything. I know your thoughts and wishes. I know your heart. Just sit with me for as long as you can.”

I gazed lovingly at Him and began to realize with heartbreak that I did not plan accordingly. Indistinct voices started to murmur outside the doors. A dog began to bark in the distance and a telephone rang out. A force drawing me away seemed impossible to fight against. Beams of light cut into the room and I struggled to keep the double doors shut and my eyes on Him. The room started to blur and the quietness dissolved as chatter filled the void. The voices of my everyday life, the people and things pulled me back out like a vacuum. I was being drawn down the aisle as the doors opened to my reality.

The pittance I gave to my Lord seemed like more of an insult than an offering. Tomorrow, I vow, my offering will be more befitting for the King. He will not receive pocket change. I will start my day pouring a fortune at his feet; for today I merely offered pennies.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Nancy Bucca
03/11/11
You make a really good point with this one. Giving only pennies - something to ponder. Reminds me of Malachi.
Helen Carr
03/12/11
This is very clever. I really enjoyed reading this piece and quite challenged.
diana kay
03/12/11
this is good and cleverly written. it would have done as well for the 24 hours theme as well. Thanks for giving "pennies for thought" provoking :-) golden nuggets indeed!
Cheryl von Drehle
03/13/11
Yes, I echo others' comments here...a clever and well put together metaphor upon which to meditate (if I can find the pennies!)
Bonnie Bowden 
03/13/11
Unfortunately, I can relate so well to the servant in this story. Too many times in my life I've given Him crumbs.

Thank you for challenging me to be more faithful in giving God my time and offerings.
Leola Ogle
03/13/11
This brought tears to my eyes with the conviction that I offer my Lord so little when He gave so much for me! Thanks for this well-written piece. God bless!
Helen Carr
03/17/11
Sandra, well done on coming second in the challenge!