Tuesday, June 12, 1973
JoJo got up at his usual 12 o'clock time for the summer. His family was eating lunch, and he quickly decided to join them. The Hot Dogs, slaw, and fries were like manna from heaven to JoJo.
Dan spoke up, "JoJo, how did everything go at Tommy's house last night?"
"Praise God!!! Fire...I mean Mr. Wildfire got saved!"
Silence All Smiths knew Fire well, including Remi. None of them moved...except for JoJo.
"Mom, this is delicious! Especially that third Hot Dog!"
Dan broke the silence (besides JoJo), "Repeat that about Fire, JoJo..."
"It was awesome, Y'all! After supper, we went into the Living Room. I prayed, Tommy talked and God did the rest."
Dan needed the conclusion repeated, "And..."
"FIRE GOT SAVED!"
Alice said, "That is wonderful!"
Remi parroted her mother, "Yea, that is wonderful!"
Meanwhile, Dan was having an inner-battle. He KNEW he should praise God for the salvation of Fire. God said all things are possible with Him, but...Fire?? He honestly felt begrudged to feel appreciation. After all, Fire had made fun of Dan's beliefs since---as long as he could remember.
Now, in 1 night he is saved!!?? Dan was thinking like a man, not like God. First, God wants all people saved---no matter what they have done! Next, Dan did not realize ALL the prayers that had been lifted to Heaven for Fire's Salvation. There were probably thousands, but none more important than the handful Fire's own son, Tommy had lifted.
"Dad, aren't you happy that Fire, I mean Mr. Wildfire is saved?"
"Yea, Papa. Don't you want everybody to go to heaven?" Remi joined in.
Dan paused, "Of course this is wonderful, but somehow I am not as happy as I should be."
Alice's wisdom spilled out. "Honey, Fire has dogged you about being a Christian for decades. It may take time to sink in...the gravity of the situation. I suggest you pray."
Dan knew Alice was right. "Thank you, Hon. I must pray. Guys, excuse me."
Dan got in his car. He went for a Prayer Ride. There he could shout to God!
First, he told God it wasn't fair. He quickly knew in his spirit that no-one was born again because they deserved it. Next, Dan told God that he couldn't forgive Fire. Immediately, he remembered Jesus' words after He taught His disciples the Lord's Prayer. If you don't forgive others, your Father in Heaven won't forgive you. Finally, he began to cry. Weep was a more accurate word.
Dan asked God to forgive him for his lack of appreciation for his own salvation, and his hardness of heart toward Fire. Finally, he said, "Thank you God for forgiving my Brother Fire."
With that, Dan went back to the Smiths' residence.
Later that night, the phone rang at the Smiths' house. JoJo picked it up in 1.7 seconds...just in case it was a girl. However, it was Mr. Wildfire.
"Yessir. He's here. Hold on just a minute."
Dan asked who was calling. When JoJo told him it was Fire, he paused to say a short prayer.
"Hey, Fire."
"Hello, Dan!"
Dan thought immediately Fire's voice is different!
"JoJo told me the fantastic news!"
"Dan, I know it probably is difficult for you to believe, but I am saved!"
"I admit that it took it a while to sink in, but I rejoice with all of heaven."
"Dan, I need 2 favors."
"I'll certainly try, Fire."
"First, I am sorry for the way I have treated you all of these years. Can you please forgive me?'
Dan started crying.."Sure, Fire! We are brothers now. I forgive you as God has forgiven me!"
Fire almost shouted, "Thank you, Dan. I have to admit...it was tough to humble myself to ask your forgiveness, but the guilt was much heavier. I feel light..."
"Amen, what was the other thing, Fire?"
"Now that I am a Christian, I really need help figuring everything out. Would you help me?"
Dan knew that took everything in Fire to ask for help. "Anytime! As a matter of fact, you can call me day or night, but I would like for us to set up a regular meeting. We can study the Bible together during our meeting time."
Mrs. Wildfire got on the phone. "Dan, thank you so much! My Sweety is crying so hard out of appreciation that he couldn't talk! We'll plan to call back tomorrow."
Now Alice was on the phone, "Denise, my man is crying like a baby...Praise God! We will talk tomorrow ."
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