A True story –                          Life with Jesus

            When I was younger, I had to leave my abusive home to survive. From the world’s vantage point I could have seemed like a loser with no hope or future. Where I ended up was living 250 miles away from my hometown. I knew no one and the culture was very different than I was used to. I was internally in turmoil so I had trouble holding down a job. But the Lord Jesus Christ met with me at every turn. Because I was saved by Jesus’ Blood Atonement a few years earlier, I had been reading His Word aloud to myself nightly, and been praying (talking and listening to Jesus) all the time about the details of my daily life (my coming and going) I had learned to recognize the sound of my Master’s Voice. (John 10:1-18).

Whenever I started looking at myself from an “outsider’s” viewpoint, I began to feel condemned, worthless, useless, unappreciated, and worse. But each time the Lord God Almighty would grab hold of my heart telling me (in thoughts to my heart) “I am here. I am with you. I am the King of Kings and I see you and cherish you. You are not alone. You are not abandoned. I am watching you and loving you just as you are and where you are. I am eagerly looking at you for you are clean and great in My sight. I love and cherish you. Focus on Me and My Love and do look elsewhere.” Jesus would show me that He was with me with very clear demonstrations in my daily life. (See His Words)

            For example – I rented a small apartment for myself in the city. It was cheap and clean, but that was all. That first night I could not stay there since I had to go back where I had been staying. When I went to leave, I noticed that the lock on the door was broken. I spoke with the superintendent and he said he could not fix it, but would give me a new one the next day. I explained to him that I had just bought myself my first piece of property, a twin sized bed. It was very expensive for me and I cannot afford to get another one. He said there was nothing he could do, and left. So there I was, in my new apartment, with my broken lock, fearing my bed would be stolen. Well, in my suspicions, I decided to put my white clock radio and other hardware items in a “hidden” place so they would be out of sight in case someone did come to break in. Before I left for the night, I asked my Lord Jesus Christ to watch over my apartment and not let anything happen to it. I did not sense any confirmation from Him. But I left because I had committed to be elsewhere that night.

            The next morning I went upstairs to my apartment. The door was ajar and I could see that the overhead light was on. I was alarmed. I went in carefully to look at the other two small rooms and no one was there. My bed was not there either! I then shut the door and looked in my hiding place for the items I tried to protect. They were there! I contacted the superintendent and he assured me he did not steal it and didn’t know where my bed was. I registered the theft with the police. And that was all I could do in the natural. 

            When everyone was gone, and I was alone in my small apartment, I stopped and thought with the Lord (prayed). While I had prayed with Him the whole day, now I wanted a serious talk with Him. I was upset. While I was not fearful for my safety, while I was not afraid I would be destitute by buying another bed, while I was not without peace in my heart, I was concerned because my God said He would fully supply all my needs and I needed my bed. (Philippians 4:19) (Editor’s note- Each of our personal needs are viewed with God’s eyes of wisdom. What happens here may not be what you need. But God will meet you at your point of need just as closely when you belong to Him.)  

            I spoke aloud to the Lord Jesus. “Lord, you know what happened here last night. You saw it and You let it happen.” (I was not blaming but just stating that I knew God was sovereign and in control and that I trusted those facts.)

“I need a bed. I don’t want to sleep on the floor and I don’t want to spend another bunch of money to get another bed. I don’t want to waste my money in paying for the bed someone else stole from me. Lord God, will you please bring my bed back? You are my Father.”

– Then I got the sense, “Yes I am, I know you and love you. Tell me more.” I got tickled inside to hear that. I giggled aloud with glee. Here I may not have a bed, but I have the God of the universe’s attention. How humbling and sweet!! I just loved Him all the more with great delight!!!

            “Lord, what do I have to do to get my bed back?” I sensed, “Nothing. You are totally incapable and unable to. It is impossible and beyond your control for you to get it back.” I tried to think of things. I came up empty. So I said the one thing that I could do – Ask God with a right motive. (You do not have, because you do not ask God. James 4:2-3)

            “Lord Jesus Christ, would you please bring my bed back? I would really like that. But it is up to You. If you want me to get another one, I will do that.” I rested and waited in the Lord. I sat leaning against the bay window gazing at the parking lot in the back of my apartment building. I was just resting in His presence and was not concerned one way or the other. I enjoyed the peace of the Lord. After a number of minutes, the silence was broken by this thought in my mind, “I will bring your bed back tomorrow.”

I looked and said joyfully said, “What? Really? So soon?” and then I paused, pondering if I really heard right. Maybe I was just making that up in my mind. Maybe it was just wishful thinking.

So I inquired again. “Was that You Lord Jesus? Was that You?” And then I sensed a smile with strength. That response was not mine. It couldn’t be me. I am much too weak for that strength and all knowing-ness. I said, “If that is the case, then I want to know for sure.” I paused. I pondered. I was insecure about my decision in trusting the Word of the Lord. I now stood gazing at the cloudy, drizzly, dull parking lot.  

Then the Lord God said, “Go around to the back of the building.” I said quizzically, “What?” I thought to myself. Here I am gazing at the parking lot for about 45 minutes. Why does He want me to do this? So I looked out my window more carefully. I peered through the corners seeking to find something that I missed before. But there was nothing special to see. There were sparsely parked cars, no people, and an occasional squirrel dashing around. I looked puzzled. Yet the idea was clear. I asked to be reminded again, and the thought came, “Drive to the back of the apartment building.” I then looked at my watch and realized that it was time for me to go again. God was even keeping me on time!

So, feeling quite uncomfortable, for I knew I was truly walking out of the apartment building (with a new lock on my door) and purposefully going into my car in order to drive to the back parking lot that I had been gazing at for almost an hour. It seemed bizarre in my natural mind, but very sure and good in my spirit-heart.

I decided to increase my faith and talk to God aloud. I said to Him, “Lord, here I go. I’m driving to the back of the apartment building because You asked me to.” I started the car’s engine. I then thought, “How do I get there? I don’t want to get lost, for then I’ll never find out what God wants to show me!” I found the turn to take, and I pulled into the road, and then into the driveway to the lot. It looked the same as it did from my apartment window. I laughed out loud amused. “Well Lord, here we are.” I waited in the Lord’s Presence. I was pleased and in His Peace.

I felt the rain drizzling on the roof of the car. I heard the gentle pitter patter. I soaked in the atmosphere of the quiet and motionless oyster-shelled parking lot. I enjoyed the peace and stillness. The lack of activity in this city was refreshing. I basked until joy bubbled up in the peace of God’s presence and surroundings. Then the silence was broken. I “heard’ the Lord say, “Look at the stairwell on the left side of your apartment building.” I did. I couldn’t see it very well since I was on the back side, but I understood where God wanted me to look. I strained to see steps, but I couldn’t from my angle. I saw that adjacent to my building was a path to the next building that had a low wall in the form of a triangle, which must border the steps of that adjacent building. Then I asked in my mind, “Is that the right stairwell I am looking at?” I then saw a bright light like a broad luminescent ray beaming up and down within that stairwell. I gasped! I gaped! I said “Lord! I see the stairwell! That is the one!” and wondered if that was a big angel I was looking at or just a light. The Lord Jesus said, “I will put your bed in that stairwell. Your bed will be returned to you tomorrow.” I said, Lord, that’s wonderful!! Oh, I am so glad! I feel sooo loved!! Thank you so very much!!”

Then I continued, “But Lord, its raining. I want my bed to be dry and clean and with no dirt on it at all! I want to be able to use it and not feel violated when I sleep in it.” I paused concerned that I might just be “talking into my hat”. I got discouraged.

Then I heard (this hearing is like having thoughts in your mind that are Truer than your own. Each thought must be tested by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit and never counter the Truth of God's Word. Also, never act out of these thoughts but wait to watch them unfold without your manipulation. If they do play out as God said, then God gets the glory. If not, then realign yourself more closely to God and be careful about the pockets of sin in your heart/life/ that causes you to “pretend” your desires and will over God’s Truth.)

Then I heard, “I know it’s raining. I made it to rain. Of course I know.” I chuckled, quite humbled. “It will be clean and without even a tiny spot.” The Lord communicated to me. I was grateful and overwhelmed internally. I told no one about this at all. I thanked the Lord Jesus Christ and praised Him on my ride to my destination. I also treaded quietly with these thoughts in my mind. I did not build my hopes up on them. I even managed to forget the interaction for a time. I ate my dinner, went to sleep, got up in the morning, and not until I was almost at the apartment building did I get a little bit excited to see what might happen. I knew it was faith in God I was trusting in. That vision of the bright light in the stairwell was a big encouragement to me. 

When I arrived at the building I parked at my usual spot on the street. I went into the building’s entrance and was immediately greeted by the superintendent who had evidently been waiting and looking for me. He called my name loudly and brightly twice. “What is it?” I asked teeming inside with excitement. ”We found your bed!” I wanted to ask, “Did you find it in the stairwell of the building next to us?” but I couldn’t do that. I knew I was supposed to have the scenario play out as God wanted and not to be proud. So I asked politely, “Where did you find it?” “Come, let me show you.” He said excitedly. “Come this way.” So as we walked along the long corridor, I asked, “Was it, or is it wet or dirty at all?” “No, it’s perfect clean and dry. Not a spot on it! So is the box spring.” he exclaimed! It was almost as if he cared at least as much as I did when just two days ago he couldn’t have cared less.

I rejoiced in God my Savior! I beamed inside trying not to shine too brightly to reveal God’s awesome intimacy with me. The Lord Jesus Christ even saves my sleep! Soon we were at the bed and the box spring which were mine. I looked at them both closely to check for marks. Both were impeccable, just as when I bought them. Dry and clean and with no spot of any sort.

Then the superintendent said, “Let me show you where we found them.” Sure enough, he took me to the end of the corridor and opened the heavy metal door. There was a path to the next apartment building and he took me there. Then he brought me to the foot of the steps of the stairwell and pointed to the steps. “Here is where we found your bed. I gasped, prayed, and worshiped the Lord God in my heart. I was overwhelmed inside. I had really heard the Lord God Almighty! I really trusted Him! I was sooo glad, grateful and humbled!! I said nothing about it to anyone. But I reveled in the trust God had in me to relate with me personally!! I was soooo grateful!! I was not alone! And I am still not alone!! And neither is anyone who puts there whole life and trust in the living Lord Jesus Christ!    

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." Psalm 31:14

LORD my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me, Psalm 7:1O

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:10

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD. Psalm 4:5

In You, O LORD, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame. Psalm 71:1

It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works. Psalm 73:28

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7  

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These words are what the Lord Jesus Christ said to me in my heart’s ear, even before I “knew” Bible verses. This is a true testimony that Jesus Christ is the Word.

Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Psalm 119:89

I am watching you and all around you Proverbs 15:3

I will Never leave or forsake you Deuteronomy 31:8

I will never forget you Isaiah 49:15

I have good plans for you Jeremiah 29:11

I will not leave as an orphan, I will come to you  John 14:18

I am the Father to you, fatherless Psalm 68:5

I lavish My love on you 1 John 3:1

You are My child John 1:1-2; John 1:14; John 1:29; John 1:10-13

Do not Worry, Care about Me  Matthew 6:19-34

I will protect you  Psalm 12:5, Psalm 37:28, Psalm 91:14, Psalm 116:6

No eye, ear, or mind knows what I have prepared for you 1 Corinthians 2:9

I work good for you Romans 8:28

You are not condemned  Romans 8:1-4 

You are clean in My sight Psalm 18:20-32

Fix your eyes on Me Hebrews 12:2, 2 Corinthians 4:18

Testimony Psalm 34

     Door to More 

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