Hello!

Hello Brenda, this is Jesus.

(a long pause)

Jesus who?

Jesus Christ, the One who went to Calvary’s cross on your behalf.

Okay, I’ll play along. What can I do for you Jesus?

I called to talk to you about your sins.

What sin?

Are you asking Me which one we need to talk about specifically or all the sins you have committed in your lifetime?

Jesus, shouldn’t you be calling those in prison or those who aren’t very nice to other people? I went to church this morning and I graciously gave my tith …. $20. I would have given more but You know my situation. I was nice to everyone at church and even shook a few hands. That was generous wasn’t it? I’m not a big sinner, I just mess up sometimes but I make up for it when I do things for others.

I can see we need to talk about your sinful nature.

Well, I really don’t consider myself to have a sinful nature. An occasional white lie is not really that bad – is it? I’m sure You committed a little white lie that wasn’t recorded in the Bible…didn’t You?

No. Not one. The Bible was transcribed perfectly. There was nothing omitted and nothing embellished. It is what It is. No mistakes.

Then why would You call me? What do You want with a person who sins occasionally?

Brenda, you sin all the time!

Jesus, did you dial the right number? I know of other people who really aren’t very nice people. Maybe you meant to call someone else named Brenda.

No, I’ve been watching you and thought maybe you could use a listening ear. You seem troubled so here I am! Let’s talk about what’s going on in your heart.

Excuse me for asking but if You’re truly Jesus, don’t You already know what’s in my heart?

Now you’re talking! I do know all, but I offer peace when you talk to Me about it. Try it!

I can’t think of anything right now. Perhaps You could call back another time. In the meantime I’ll make a list of the things I consider sinful; things that I would want to talk to You about.

Well, I’m in no hurry and since you have nothing else to do, why don’t you sit down, right where you are, and make a list of the sins you have committed. We can discuss them as you write. Go ahead, I promise you’ll feel so much better after you do. And by the way Brenda, I already know all of them so don’t be afraid to write down the ones that you are particularly ashamed of, we can talk about those whenever you’re ready.

Jesus? Do you know about the time I….?

Yes I do. Do you want to start there?

Yes, yes I do.

Written by Brenda Bates – August 2006

Prayer to the Father:
Abba…Father, thanks for calling me. Too often I forget how important it is for me to talk to You. I didn’t start my day in prayer and then wondered why everything seemed to fall apart. I need You to be a part of everything I do in each moment of every day. I need Your guidance, Your comfort, and Your forgiveness. I often forget that sin is sin and the punishment is death. I rest assured knowing that because of Your love and Calvary’s Cross, I am forgiven. I am loved! I can be whole again. I am purified, justified, and cleansed by Your sacrificial blood. I often forget that You want me to come to You in prayer, confession, and humility. I know there is nothing about my thoughts, actions, or deeds that You don’t already know. I try to make confession so hard but in reality, it is without confessing, that I close the door that brings me closer to You. I understand that You hate sin, but You love me…the sinner. Thank You Jesus for speaking to my heart and thank You for loving me enough to be Your vessel here on earth. It is my joy to remind others that forgiveness is offered for ALL to receive. I pray that it is within the words that You’ve given me that others will find the same comfort in Your generous Gift of Grace and loving arms.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

My Personal Thoughts:
If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, what holds you back? Is it the sin you committed or the fear that it won’t be forgiven? He already knows everything about you; He wants you to talk to Him. He wants to hear how much you love Him and need Him in your life. Jesus loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you.

Think about it. You have nothing to lose and eternity to gain. Try it! Your life will never be the same.

Scripture:
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven.
Luke 1:76-78 (NIV)