Debris and lots of ashes. That was all that was left after heavy
equipment demolished the remains of the home of Tony and Juanita Taylor
in Luther, Oklahoma, after it was destroyed by a fire in December of
2016. The greatest loss was the life of Tony, Juanita's 48-year-old
husband.
In March 2017, a group of teens and chaperones from the
Hartsville Pike Church of Christ in Gallatin, Tennessee, spent their
spring break serving the community of Luther. One of the projects was to
help clean up Juanita Taylor's property.
At least 2 loaded
dumpsters of debris had been hauled away, but the group kept sifting
through the debris to find any remaining valuable items for Juanita.
12-year-old Libby Rominger was digging through a pile of cookbooks
that were mostly intact, when she spotted a plastic baggie in good
condition with something in it. "We were told ahead of time there might
be money in the house but no one had been able to find it," said Libby.
She couldn't believe it when she spotted the baggie and what appeared to
be a stack of cash inside.
The youth group also uncovered a Bible
in good condition. The Bible and the baggie filled with money,
approximately $4,500 were presented to a grateful and tearful Juanita.
Out of the ashes, treasures were found. One treasure that will help
pay the bills left after a devastating fire and the loss of a dear loved
one; another treasure that serves as the guide to an eternal home.
"Jesus told a brief parable to remind us of what is truly valuable: 'Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field,
which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all
that he has and buys that field.'" (Matthew 13:44).
The Greatest
Treasure of all is to know Christ as our King and to be in His Kingdom!
For in Christ's kingdom, we have great spiritual and eternal blessings
(Ephesians 1:3). "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians
1:7). "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined
according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the
counsel of His will." (Ephesians 1:11).
God will save and add to
His kingdom those who place their faith and trust in Christ (Acts
16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess
Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into
Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue to
cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1
John 1:7).
Out of the ashes, true treasures can be found. Out of
the grave, Jesus came bursting forth to reign from heaven over His
eternal kingdom, the kingdom to which He desires to add YOU, if you will
only submit to His rule today.
Won't YOU?
David A. Sargent
Out of the Ashes
Today's Bible Verse:
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field,
which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all
that he has and buys that field." (Matthew 13:44).
Out of the Ashes
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