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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: End Times (02/27/14)
That 5x7 card taped in the ticket booth window told us all we needed to know. The time was written boldly with a black marker, easily read by passing parents dropping off their kids for a night of movie magic. My dad was always quick to declare the time written on the card out loud, for all to hear.

“10:35, okay, I’ll be here to pick you up at 10:35!”

With that, I’d hop out of the car, joining my friends, who were acting out similar scenarios in their own family sedans and station wagons. We’d all fall in line for our tickets, making one last mental note of the time posted in the window. Up close, you could see the card completely, with the words “Show Ends” written in small letters just above the large time filling up the majority of the card.

You see, that card served as our insurance of keeping in good graces with our folks. My dad was going to be lined up with other parents on Main Street, between Second and First Streets, to pick me up at the time announced on that card...and I’d better be standing outside that Fox Theater.

Now, it really wouldn’t have been a problem at all, and it wasn’t, on the nights we actually stayed for the movies. But those nights that we got adventurous and took off for, say, the roller rink four blocks over and two blocks up, or down to Boone’s for some curly fries and a Cherry Coke...those were the nights that the time written on that card was so vital to our well being.

The Bible isn’t as clear as that little card in the window of my hometown theater was...there’s no posted time when Christ shall return for His church. But in Luke’s Gospel we are warned:

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.” (Luke 21:34, NKJV)

I suppose if there were a time and date posted for the Lord’s return, the human nature of many would simply put off living a Godly life for Christ until such time came to pass. But I don’t think that’s why God hasn’t revealed more on the subject.

I believe the Father wants in us a constant abidance, a steady readiness, simply out of love for Him. In the Bible, expressions of love on God’s part are usually followed by an action. For instance, John 3:16 tells us that because God so loved the world, He gave. We are to follow God’s example. For instance, after His resurrection, Jesus asks Peter if he loved Him. After Peter states adamantly his love for Christ, Jesus tells him to feed His sheep. Love, followed by action.

Our lives are to be lived out in reflection of the great love God has shone down upon us. We can’t possibly repay the amount of love that we’ve received. But, we can stay in God’s walk for our lives, better than I stayed in that movie theater of my youth, and stay ready for the Savior to come pick us up.

I Welcome Constructive Red Ink Critiques
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Toni Hammer
03/08/14
This is a well-written and straight forward devotional. The opening story was the perfect beginning.

My only red ink comment is the use of "For instance" used twice in the second to last paragraph. Maybe one could be switched to "Another comparison would be..." or "An example of this is..." Just a thought.

I thoroughly enjoyed this message--especially the sweetness of the title. I'm looking forward to that ride.
Graham Insley
03/08/14
I really enjoyed this devotional; and it's value was evidenced by the way it spoke to my heart. I was convicted of my need for a more constant abidance.

My red ink is about word choices and sentence structure.

You picked some very good words; my favorite phrase was "...a constant abidance, a steady readiness, simply out of love for Him." But the way they were put together made me stumble a few times.

Take that entire sentence from the phrase above for example. "I believe the Father wants in us a constant abidance, a steady readiness, simply out of love for Him."

I stumbled over the 'in us' part a few times. Maybe written as "I believe the Father wants us to live in a constant..." It's just smoother.

Another example is in the opening line 'told us all' could read as 'told all of us' and therefore does not run smooth. Maybe 'told us everything we needed to know' would clarify it. I think this would also strengthen your hook.

That being said, the important thing is that your devotional works. It sounds sincere, contains content straight from the heart and makes a very valid truth clear.

Blessings.

LaVonne Wood
03/08/14
I enjoy your devotional. I never would have even thought to do something like that as a kid. I like how you related it to our walk with the Lord.

The only red ink I have that isn't already covered is this line - The Bible isn't as clear as that little card on my hometown theater. (leave off 'was').
Good job!
lynn gipson 
03/08/14
Well written with a powerful message. I enjoyed this.
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
03/09/14
Very well written, and a nice take on the topic . . .
Linda Buskirk
03/11/14
Your opening story was a very good lead into the lesson because it's something most people can relate to. Capturing attention and using the ordinary to help someone understand a more important lesson are two important skills reflected in this piece.
C D Swanson 
03/11/14
First of all thank you for bringing me down "memory lane" of yesteryear times of innocence and fun. I saw that "little card" in my mind's eye telling the beginning of the movie and the ending! And, my dad always was the dad elected to drive us, because he was so well loved!

Now, the story itself, a wonderful message and a powerful way to bring the topic forward. Excellent job! I loved it!

God bless~
Mar
03/11/14
Great devotional, a powerful message! Blessings!
Bea Edwards 
03/13/14
I thought your introduction was creative and memorable.

It made for a smooth transition into your compelling devotional message.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/14/14
Congratulations on ranking 8th in your level and 30 overall.