The outcome of each situation was worth every trip he had made into hell.
The audience stood and stared in awe as the beautiful bride marched with timely rhythm to the traditional wedding march. She clung to her father with her gloved hand but stared at the awaiting groom.
The two eagerly approached the altar after her father released her. He nodded approvingly as he gave her to the one who would be responsible for her from that day forward.
David had insisted on writing his own vows. He said he had things to acknowledge to the Lord. He was not afraid to speak vows before God and man. He knew God would enable him to keep those vows.
“I, David Jonathan Edwards, promise before God and all these witnesses to love you Rose Marie as Christ loved the church. I know that I have a lot of growing to do in order to achieve that promise. I know that I may never love you the exact way that Christ does, but I vow to spend the rest of my life trying. As you have been presented to me today, a beautiful woman, I present myself to you though I know I am not flawless. As you look to me for protection, I will look to Christ, as you look to me for provision, I will look to Christ, as you look to me for understanding, I will look to Christ and if you should ever look to me for forgiveness, I will look to Christ. Christ has become my model. I will look to him daily in order to view my image in his mirror. As time goes by, should God grant us any precious seed, I promise to nurture the seed in the ways of the Lord without sacrificing my promises to you to fulfill your needs. These are the promises I make to God first, to you second and finally before the witnesses of this assembly, so help me God.”
Rose fought back the tears as she held his hand. Somehow she knew in her heart that not one of these words would fall to the ground. They were being permanently branded in his heart as well as hers and she would never forget them.
One week after the wedding, the chase was on. David dreamed demons were running all over the place. He overheard an argument that had developed between Satan and the demons.
As it turns out, neither the Smiths nor the McCains were the real target. Satan announced that he was really after the children, the seed of man, the fruit of God. Yet, since his demons failed to get the parents, he would have a terrible time getting to the children. There was no one in line to be sacrificed. At least no one that David knew. Yet every direction he turned, he could hear the demons taking flight. They were actually running and confused.
He woke up and grinned. For the first time in his dream, he was the aggressor. The enemy was actually running from him. They were afraid of the power he exercised through prayer.
No one was beside him. Where was Rose? The clock showed five a.m. She was probably in the bathroom, he reasoned. As he entered his prayer room he was pleasantly surprised to find her there. She had one hand on the horn of the altar. Then she looked up, gave him a smile and extended the other hand to her husband.
The End
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandra Thompson Williams is a native of Saint Louis, Missouri. Raised in a Christian home, she received her bachelor’s degree in Communication from St. Louis University and worked more than 15 years in public relations for educational institutions. She also worked in several capacities for St. Louis County Library.
In addition to “Eating the Fruit of Lies,” she has written two other novels, “The Invocation,” and “The Last Three Tickets to Heaven.” She has also authored a devotional, “Even Better than Aunt Harvey’s Greens,” and co-wrote a biography titled, “Ye Shall Receive Power: The Spiritual Life of Vera Boykin.” She also has a Bible study publication titled, “Seven Miracles of Prevailing Praise.”
A praise and worship leader at her local church, Sandra enjoys the music that reaches the heart of the Father. In 2012, she released her first CD titled Songs of Deliverance.
A licensed missionary through her local assembly, she is also a dedicated Sunday School teacher.
In addition to writing, Sandra enjoys singing, traveling and discovering hidden truths in the Bible. She resides in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Eating the Fruit of Lies Page 14