Short Story: Impoverished!

The rich man feasted sumptuously, eating the feast that was set before him. He was glad that he could find food of all varieties at his feasting table. What a way to live, he was rich, he had all he needed. Yet, he ignored Lazarus, a beggar, who sat outside his house, who had nothing to eat.  Why should he care for someone who was a stranger to him? He had guests who came to his feast who he needed to entertain. There was no food to be spared for the beggar. The rich man gave Lazarus nothing. One day, the rich man died. His soul was taken by the angels to hell, where he was suffering and had nothing. He longed for a drop of water, just a drop. Yet, he could not have that. He was impoverished.

Lazarus’ stomach groaned again in hunger. It had been days since he had something to eat. He was starving, he was hungry, he desired nothing but to feed on the leftovers of the rich man’s food. Yet, even that was deprived from him. Lazarus was a beggar, and when he knocked on the rich man’s door, there was no food to be spared for him. Lazarus died of starvation one night. He was impoverished.

His soul was taken by the angels to heaven, where food was plenty and he was provided with abundant provisions. The Lord deemed him faithful in his walk with the Lord and rewarded him. Lazarus was one happy soul! He was not so impoverished, after-all.

Short Story: Glad to be persecuted for His sake

 Alice sighed as she stared at the note, slipped into her locker in her dormitory. Jesus Freak. It was the same note, everyday, and she even knew who had slipped it into her locker. Alex and his gang of atheists, who mocked everyone who believed in Jesus.

At the history lesson in class, professor Tom declared that Christianity was soon to become an outdated religion as there was no historical proof of the existence of Jesus Christ.
“Anyone dared to disagree that Jesus was but a myth?” Professor Tom said, smugly.
Alice raised up her hand.
“Jesus is not a myth. He exists, His disciples are willing to die for their beliefs in Him. If He is not who He claimed to be, why will the disciples of Jesus die for their beliefs in Jesus?” Alice said.
“You are just one blinded fool, following the religion of your parents.” the professor exclaimed. “Sit down and stop arguing with me.”
“Jesus Freak!” Alex laughed out loud.
Alice left the class, feeling a bit discouraged that no one shared her belief in Jesus. Was she the only Christian in class? Should she even speak up for the Lord anymore?
Lord. Why should I be persecuted for my faith in you? Is there even a purpose in it? Alice whispered in prayer to Jesus.
At lunchtime, Sarah walked up to her.
“You are very brave,” Sarah replied. “There are many of us, Christians, in this class. But none of us dare to stand up for Jesus like the way you did. I felt very encouraged by your faith.”
Alice smiled. The Lord had answered her prayer. If she managed to encourage even one Christian brother or sister, her persecution was worth the price. Alice was glad to be persecuted for Jesus!