A Love Story

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah the beautyof God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God forHis beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me.He asked me, "Do you love me?"I answered, "Of course, I'm the highest of your creation!"Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still loveme?"I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my bodyand wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do, the things that Itook for granted. And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I wouldstill love You."Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought ofall the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God andHis creation. So I answered, "Its hard to think of it, but I would stilllove you."The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to myword?"How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening toGod's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, "Itwould be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants usto sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like.And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, wegive God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, "Though I couldnot physically sing, I would still praise Your Name.And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I loveYou because You are the One and true God!"I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?"I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect.""THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMESOF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?"No answers. Only tears.The Lord continued: "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seekMe only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things sounfaithfully?"The tears continued to roll down my cheeks."Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the Good News? Whyin times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cryon? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give."You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I haveblessed you with talents to serve Me, but youcontinue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gainin knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shownMy blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent youservants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard yourprayers and I have answered them all.""DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME?"I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had noexcuse. What could I say to this? When I my heart had cried out and thetears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Yourchild."The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?"Then God the Father answered, " Because you are My highest creation. Youare becoming my child ONLY after accepting my begotten Son that I sent tothe world! And therefore I will never abandon nor forsake you. Whenknocking the door of blessing it's always open for youWhen you cry, I will have compassionWhen you shout with joy, I will laugh with youWhen you are down, I will encourage youWhen you fall, I will raise you upWhen you are tired, I will carry youand MOST OF ALL ''MY HOLY SPIRIT WILL COME TO YOU WHEN YOU SINCERELY OPENYOUR HEART/MIND and HUMBLY SAYING 'FORGIVE ME FOR MY SINS I NEED YOU TOCOME TO MY HEART RIGHT NOW FILL MY LIFE WITH YOUR JOY & TRUTH HELP ME TOFOLLOW YOU & BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS ''Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? Howcould I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You loveme?"The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I boweddown at the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time I experiencedthe LOVE OF GOD.

source: forwarded email