Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Guard Your Heart (06/08/12)
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TITLE: Affluent Revelation | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sandra Renee Hicks
06/12/12 -
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The Lord interrupted that potential plan of action.
“Stay in Washington, My son. I have rewards for you here.”
Franklin fully trusts God. “Lord, I believe that You always know what’s best.”
“Thank you, Franklin. You won’t regret your choice to stay.”
He smiles, looks up and blows a kiss to the Lord.
Franklin isn’t depressed about living in a shelter. Regularly, he shares about Jesus and sings one of his favorite songs, “I’m a Soldier in the Army of God.”
Cedric, Franklin’s dedicated antagonist, approaches.
Frowning, Cedric sharply declares, “Franklin, you run your mouth too much. I’m sick of you mouthing off about God.”
Franklin is mindful to guard his heart.
Gently, he says, “Cedric, I suspect that if I were running my mouth about what you like, you wouldn’t have an issue with my communication. As a soldier of God, I must run my mouth about the gospel of His kingdom. The only time that I don’t run my mouth, Cedric, is when God instructs me to be silent. I’m in love with the Lord and aim to please Him above all else. I love you, though, dude.”
Cedric angrily points. “I don’t need your love.” He puts his hand up. “Talk to the hand, Franklin.” He walks off in a huff.
Softly, Franklin sings, “A guarded heart delights my Savior.”
Resident Sterling, a fervent Christian, has been at Eagle Station for three months. He’s much impressed with the consistently godly demeanor of Franklin.
The next morning at breakfast Sterling sits next to Franklin. Lenox, also a Christian, is seated on the other side of Franklin. Lenox and Franklin have a fond connection and enjoy their regular fellowship. The two welcome Sterling and are delighted to know that he too loves the Lord. This morning seals the trio and they grow together as friends and fellow Christ followers.
Cedric saunters by the trio. He jeers. “Look at the collection of Jesus freaks.”
Franklin pleasantly greets Cedric. “Good morning, Cedric.”
In a venomous tone, Cedric remarks, “What’s good about it?”
Calmly, Franklin responds, “We’re all breathing God’s air.”
Sterling and Lenox nod in agreement.
Cedric waves them off and sits down to eat. He thinks, “I’ll be glad when I get another job so I can be up outta here. These Jesus freaks are getting on my last nerve.”
Three weeks later, with eye-sparkling glee, Sterling goes to Franklin.
“I have a secret to share with you.”
Franklin notices the glow transmitting from Sterling.
Excitement rises in Franklin. “What, man?!”
“The Lord sent me here to help.”
Itching for the secret revelation, Franklin exclaims, “Come on, Sterling, help how?!”
“I’m an affluent business owner, Franklin. My purpose for being here is to give aid to three residents. The aid includes jobs and free rent for a year. One main condition is that the three men who are chosen agree to regularly do volunteer work in the community where my business is located.
Franklin’s heart pace quickens; he’s speechless.
Sterling continues. “You’re one of the chosen, Franklin. And the Lord shared with me to tell you to select the other two chosen men.”
Delighted that God has rewarded his loving and guarded heart, in robust gratitude, Franklin thanks the Lord. He happily grabs Sterling. “Man, this is a trip. Thank you!”
“I need to pray about whom to choose, Sterling.”
Sterling smiles understandably.
The Lord reveals to Franklin the other two chosen.
Cedric sees Franklin headed his way. He rolls his eyes at the sight of the man who loves God.
Franklin isn’t fazed. He’s on a mission from God. He tells Cedric what Sterling shared.
Surprise registers on Cedric’s face; he then wonders why Franklin is telling him.
Joyfully, Franklin shares, “I choose you, Cedric.”
Cedric is “blown away.” "What?! After all I did against you?”
“God commands that His people love our enemies and do good to them.”
Cedric blinks in astonishment.
Franklin makes him an offer that he can’t refuse.
Lenox is the other chosen one.
In a matter of months, the men who abide in Jesus succeeded in loving the hell out of Cedric. He’s now a soldier in the army of God.
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