Truly Yours Historical Collection December 2014
Page 62
The bell pealed, the sound rolling across the prairie. People began moving toward the church steps. Megan hurried to Jesse’s side to help greet everyone as they entered. After they were all seated, Samuel Duncan led them in several songs. In the past months he’d lost his awkwardness and embarrassment. Now he led the singing with an enthusiasm that often brought people to their feet.
Stepping up to the podium, Jesse gazed out over the congregation. He’d come to know and love these people. They welcomed him and Megan, eager to have a place to truly worship Jesus. Although not everyone agreed with every word he said, they agreed on the essentials of the gospel. The one thing he appreciated was that they were willing to talk with him about their disagreements rather than gossiping among themselves.
“I’d like for you to look in the book of Malachi with me, chapter 3, verses 16 through 18.” Jesse waited for a minute until the sound of turning pages ceased. Not everyone had a Bible or knew how to read, but he encouraged those who could to bring their Bibles and follow along with him.
“ ‘Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.’ ”
Every eye watched him. Jesse took a deep breath and began. “Every one of us has something precious that we value above our other possessions. I have my wife, Megan, our baby, and Seana. They are priceless to me. Today, I want to encourage each of you to remember that to God, you are a precious jewel. When you listen to what God has to say to you, and when you speak to one another of those things, when you fear Him and seek His will, then you will become one of God’s gems. He can take what to others appears to be an ordinary rock and make something very special. I would like to see a whole church full to overflowing with jewels dedicated to following Jesus Christ.”
As Jesse glanced down at his Bible, he couldn’t help re-membering how he’d run from God’s call, yet Jesus had been faithful to draw him back. He could see Megan’s shining face; and feeling the peace in his heart, he knew he was right where God wanted him.
About the Author
Nancy J. Farrier resides in Arizona. She is married and the mother of one son and four daughters. She is the author of numerous articles and short stories. She homeschools her three youngest daughters and writes in the evenings. Nancy enjoys sharing her faith through her writing.
Dedication
For Hunter, my grandson. He is so precious to me.
A note from the author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Nancy J. Farrier
Author Relations
PO Box 719
Uhrichsville, OH 44683