by Paula Mowery
Her hands flew to her mouth. He whipped out a small box from his pocket. He popped it open to reveal a diamond ring. A shiver ran down her spine. Tears pricked her eyes. She nodded. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He slid the ring onto her finger and kissed it lightly. Suddenly the restaurant erupted in applause. Charlie glanced around. All eyes stared at them with approving smiles. She returned her gaze to Colton. He shrugged and stood. She jumped to her feet and flung herself into his arms. He lifted her just a bit off the floor and swung her legs. Their audience still applauded. Colton covered her mouth with his and eased her to the floor. He stepped back, gazing at her, and they laughed.
TWENTY
The months passed faster than Charlie thought they would. Today she would marry Colton Thomas. How she wished her parents were here to experience this day with her.
“What are you thinking?” Alyssa said.
“Just about my mom and dad. I don’t have any family here.”
Alyssa quirked an eyebrow. “Oh, yes you do. We’re your family. Me and Jordan and the kids. Marshall and Emma and those two to come.” Alyssa draped her arm around Charlie’s shoulders. “Don’t think for a moment that you have no family here. We might be more than you bargain for.”
Charlie’s chest warmed that Alyssa would consider her in that way.
She stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror. No frills. Just a white, tea-length dress for the occasion. Her hair was swept up in a fancy bunch on her head with swirled tendrils by her face, thanks to Alyssa. Little baby’s breath peeked out on the top of her head.
Charlie slipped to her place at the back of the church and waited. The music crescendo began and the doors opened. Her heart pounded. Her gazed locked with Colton’s and a tingle moved through every nerve in her body. His expression of admiration made her feel like a queen. Though she had promised not be become too emotional, she quickly broke her promise when tears welled in her eyes.
She waltzed down the aisle as she had practiced the night before. At the altar, Colton reached his hand toward her and she clasped it. That was the first of tears that slipped down her cheeks. The flow continued and her voice cracked, even as she recited the vows.
Colton sealed those vows with a kiss Charlie didn’t want to end. But they had forever to kiss now.
They whisked to Jordan and Alyssa’s for an informal reception. Alyssa guided them into the dining room. A three-tier cake with cascading flowers covered one end of the table.
Charlie pulled Alyssa into a hug. “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”
“You’re quite welcome. Now, you two get over there and cut it.” She grinned wide.
Colton wrapped one arm around her waist and slid her close. They clutched the knife and smiled for a photograph then scooped two pieces of cake onto two plates.
“Time to feed each other,” Alyssa announced.
Colton’s brows wiggled.
Charlie eyed him and pointed her finger at him. “Now, be nice.”
“Of course.” His high pitch tone belied his words.
She braced herself as he picked up a chunk of cake and moved toward her mouth. He held it just at her lips and allowed her to take a bite.
“See? I was nice.”
She offered him a bite and he nibbled a small corner. His arm suddenly flew up and he smeared a dollop of icing on her nose.
She jumped back. The small group of onlookers burst into laughter. Charlie dipped her finger into the icing and swiped it on Colton’s chin. Instead of grabbing a napkin, the groom grabbed her and pressed his lips to hers, mashing the icing onto her chin. He pulled back and chuckled.
“Uh, oh.”
Charlie’s head whipped around toward the exclamation.
Emma sat in a dining room chair in the corner panting, her eyes wide and wild. “Sorry.”
Charlie rushed to her side and knelt next to her. “Are you okay?”
Emma let out two deep panting breaths. “I think I need to go to the hospital.”
Charlie jumped up. “Oh! Colton, Jordan, Alyssa!”
She rubbed Emma’s arm while looking at the others. “We gotta get her to the hospital.”
Emma took proffered hands to pull her up. “Charlie, you and Colton stay. You just got married for goodness sakes.”
“No, we’ll all go. We’re family.” Charlie’s eyes met Alyssa’s.
By the time the group arrived at the hospital, Emma’s pains were consistent and close together. Emma and Marshall were whisked to a birthing room. She and Colton, along with Alyssa and Jordan, paced a nearby waiting room. Soon, Marshall emerged, still clad in green scrubs. They rushed up to him.
Marshall’s smile nearly split his face. “One girl and one boy. And, Emma’s great.”
Colton rapped him lightly on his back. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks. I’ll be right back to get you so you can meet them.” Marshall whirled about and disappeared down the hallway at a quick clip.
Charlie let out a heavy breath. “Whew, thank the Lord we got her here in time.”
Everyone nodded vigorously in agreement.
Marshall returned. “Okay, gang. Come meet the twins.”
Alyssa stepped forward. “Are you sure we need to pile in on Emma?”
“She wants you all to come in for a few minutes.” Marshall led the way to the hospital room.
Everyone seemed to tiptoe in. The lighting was low, but the two faces peeking from inside their blankets glowed. Emma held one in each elbow. She smiled proudly.
“Oh, my goodness.” Alyssa scooted closer.
Colton’s arm wrapped around Charlie’s waist. “I’m glad we were here.”
Charlie looked up into his eyes. “Me too. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”
“What a day of celebration this will be. Our anniversary and the twins’ birthday.” He caressed her cheek. “I love you. You know that, right?”
“Yes. I never thought it could happen for me. I was so resistant, but God pursued me, and He has worked my life into something good.”
Colton pulled her closer. Charlie glanced at each face. She would hold onto her husband and her new family. And, she would hold on to God. No, not everything that happened was good, but God could work things for her good. She would never doubt His love again.
Please read on to enjoy a Bible study focusing on some of the verses that nudged Jordan and how to apply them in your own Christian walk.
For Our Good Study
In For Our Good it is believed that someone in the Grace Community Church is responsible for supplying drugs, specifically to the local high school. Jordan finds this repulsive as well as surprising.
* Why do you think this surprises Jordan? Would you be surprised to learn that a drug trafficker was a member of your church?
Alyssa, Jordan’s wife, shares some scriptures with him. These verses prove that there will be people who will feign their Christianity.
2 Timothy 3:1-9 NIV
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth – men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
*What stood out to you in this passage?
Look back at the list of the types of people in the last days. You could probably identify people for each category.
At the end of the list, it is stated that these people have a form of godliness but deny its power. One way to interpret this is that these people fake their godliness or Christianity for their own personal gain. Believers are warned here to be careful not to be fooled by these that oppose truth. Ultimately, these people who feign godliness will be found out.
So, how do we resist the urge to become one of these depraved people? What is the antidote?
2 Timothy 3:14-17
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
*What truths stand out for you in this passage?
The answer is to continue in what you have learned through your spiritual education.
*How did you come to Christ? Explain your salvation experience.
*Do you notice some key people in this decision? Who was instrumental in your conversion?
Don’t stop learning. These verses explain in the end that Scripture is inspired by God and useful in every situation. It holds the truth by which you can combat the lies of the deceiver.
*How are you continuing your spiritual education? Do you have a designated Bible study time? Do you attend worship services as well as small group studies?
Jordan is led from the one main scripture, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, to others that support it. Another passage in 1 Timothy 4:1-2 expresses some of the same caution.
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Satan works to pull Christians away from God, and some fall prey to his lies. These people are then used to lead still others astray.
What’s a believer to do in this situation? Read this passage.
1 Timothy 4:6-16
If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
*Did something stand out to you in these two First Timothy passages?
This passage was originally written from Paul to Timothy but could just as easily be written to each believer in Christ.
This passage gives instruction on how to resist being pulled into Satan’s traps and being pulled away from God. We must continue our pursuit of godliness, training through His Word.
But, we not only should train ourselves. We need to teach others in the truths of God. One way is to be an example.
*What is one way you feel you serve as an example to other believers? Do you faithfully attend church? Do people see you praying? Do people see you honoring and loving your spouse and children? Does your speech project Christ?
In addition to being an example, we are to teach others, using our specific spiritual gifts.
*In what ways are you passing on the truths of God to others? Do you teach? Do you visit? Do you use the gifts God has given you to further the cause of Christ?
Lastly, the passage encourages Christians to be diligent and persevere. It can be hard to follow Christ. Satan would prefer you give in to the world’s taunting and give up living a godly life and sharing with others about it. But, just as the eighth verse says, this godliness pursuit holds “promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
2 Peter 3:3 says, “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.”
A scoffer is one who mocks, jeers, or taunts. This scripture seems to imply that there will be those people who will give in to sinful desires and then taunt others for remaining true to their godly beliefs.
What is the job of a Christian in this situation? Follow the directives in 2 Peter 3:14, 17-18 which says, “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
“This” that is spoken of in the first verse is when Jesus returns and we have a home in heaven. But so much will happen before that day. Some people will fall away and try to lead others away from the faith. Christians are warned to be blameless and spotless and at peace with God. The verse says, “make every effort.”
Being a Christian isn’t just about becoming saved. If this were all there was, we would immediately “beam up” to heaven when we accepted Christ. No, we are here to grow in our salvation, learning more about what God would have us do to serve Him. We are to build our relationship with Him through His Word and prayer.
By staying in the Bible and conversing with God, we put up our guard against those who would trick us into believing false doctrines or who might pull us into sin.
*What would you say you are doing to grow and put up your guard? Are you making every effort to grow in grace and knowledge as the verse says?
1 John 2:18-19
Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.
Some people we thought were Christians might only have been in name only. Unfortunately, there are people who join churches for what they can gain. They might never have experienced a true salvation. When these people wander from the church, others might be confused. But, as the verse shows, these people might not have belonged to us in the first place.
How do we deal with this? How can we know the real Christians from the imposters as well as guard ourselves?
1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:20-29
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist – he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the
Son has the Father. See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us – even eternal life. I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit – just as it has taught you, remain in him. And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that his is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right have been born of him.
1 John 3:9
No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
1 John 4:1-6
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
*List any verses or truths that stood out to you in these verses from first John.
*What are your priorities? Before you answer or list, honestly consider what you hold as most important. We can say God is most important, but is there proof? And does our family God has gifted to us fall below our career or our things? Honestly list your priorities.
