by Tony Johnson
Too sore and too tired to run, the Elf walked at a brisk pace on the path to Serendale. When he caught the faint smell of smoke, still lingering from the smolders of burned buildings, he knew something was wrong.
“No!” he said aloud to himself, finding the strength to run up the hill and look over its precipice. Just like the other heroes, his heart sank as he saw the haunting remains of the destroyed city.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to my editor, Jennifer S. Burrows, JSB Writing, LLC. and Kasey Connors-Beron through www.upwork.com.
Thank you to my cover artist through crowdspring.com, Besmir Paparisto.
More than anyone, thank you to God. Thank you for sending your son to die for me and take the penalty of my sins. Thank you for allowing me to realize that you are the true purpose and meaning of life. Help me to honor you by trying my best to obey your commands and make the right choices. This world is growing darker every day. Help me to shine with your light, that through me, people may see the beacon of hope they have in your son, Jesus Christ (John 8:12).
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? – 1 Corinthians 6:9
For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
– Romans 3:23
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. – John 3:16
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
– 1 John 1:9
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again.” – John 3:3
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be born again. – Romans 10:9
