The Gift of Today: Salvation Series

By Stephanie Barrington

Church and family go hand in hand.  In this story, two families come together as one whilst the story progresses.  They have no knowledge of the lives soon molded together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Barrington
• Release date: Oct 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201849573

Book preview

Chapter I  Jesus Is Calling

By: Stephanie M. Neel Barrington

(An encouragement for salvation)

The Opportunity

We have the opportunity to be saved and yet we do nothing about it.  Why not, at His feet, do we sit?

It is our soul, He wants us to offer.  Because if we don’t do that, we suffer.

Your all is what God asks of you.  We give to the world so why is that so hard to do?

Why not take the opportunity you have?  Accept Jesus, on your behalf.

Abruptly, Angela wakes to see the sun shine bright.  She walks over to the window of her room.  She wanted to see what the weather feels like outside.  So, she peers through the radiance of the light shining on her portrait ever clear.  What beauty it is to see the blanket of snow enveloping the landscape.  The sun’s rays bounce off of it like a vision in a mirror.  She opens the windows to feel the brisk breeze of the winter’s day rushing over her.  In unison, hope fills her every longings and she knows the promise that has been foretold.  With long, flowing golden locks, she is dressed in a white, silken gown.  She goes to investigate her appearance.  Beauty exudes her dainty stature.  With a spry bounce in her step, she goes to the kitchen.  She sits quietly in the light of the room. 

At the table, she opens her Bible to read what God has for her today.  Looking through God’s Word in wonder, she bows her head to pray.

There are none that are holy.  How can I speak to idle tongues?  They know not what they should say and I should not hear their counsel.  They don’t believe you have power over them.  How is it then that they seem to prosper?  How can I bring your light in this dark, dying world?  I know, as a woman, it is not my place to do anything about this folly but

I want to just follow your will.  Please enlighten me on what that might be.

In a few moments, she felt something tug at her heart.  A tingling, if you will.  It spoke volumes to her. 

"Go out and show who I am through     you.  Teach my Word, clarify who I   am.  Even through this worldly desecration, boldly show you are my child.  I will be here with you the   whole time.  Just don’t fear."

After her devotion, Angela stands to conquer what she had been told to do.  Closing the Bible, she prays for the words to say to anyone she meets. 

And God says, "You have my Words and they are on your heart.  Trust you will know what to say when that time comes."

With a sense of relief, she goes to her room to get ready for the day.  If there was no other sign of God, the sunlight itself speaks volumes of the wonders and majesty of the living God.  As she searches her dimly lit closet, she finds a long sleeve pink dress that her mom, Angelica had just bought for her.      "Oh, this is nice.  Maybe I   should wear this."

While she slips into the dress, she begins to sing a hymn that is on her heart.  God is amazing!

––––––––

Amazing grace, how sweet the        sound that saved a wretch like           me I once was lost but now am           found Was blind but now I see

As she slightly opens the window, with petite lips, she smiles as she looks into the heavens and takes a breath of the cool, fresh air.  Then she speaks loudly unto the Lord,

"Thank you so much for giving me confidence to present you to the world.  Though it’s not my place to teach your name as a preacher, I can show you through me by my actions.  I am a preacher, none the less."  She continues to sing:

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,   And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

Angela goes back in the kitchen for breakfast.  As she reaches in the cupboard for a coffee cup, her mother touches her shoulder.  Her mom, Angelica was more heavenly than Angela could ever imagine.  With her graceful smile and warm touch.  Her petite body, blonde hair, blue eyes, and angelic appearance poised her name.

After Angela had gotten her coffee and cream perfected, as she had wished, she placed it on the table as she scurried off to prepare her bagel with strawberry cream cheese.  The thoughts of the breakfast made her tongue salivate.  After sitting to eat the breakfast, she continued to sing the hymn she had began because it was not yet finished.

Thru many dangers,

Toils and snares I have already come.

‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus       far, And grace will lead me home.

Touching her daughter’s shoulder, "Angela, good morning sweetie!  I love that new dress.  It looks more delicate on you than it did on the hangar, in the store."

Thank you mom.  I love it.  Pink is my favorite color and it shows the grace it represents.  It’s sort of like you, mom.  I couldn’t want to be like anyone greater than you.  Your devotion to Christ is enough of a reason to desire your likeness.  I am so blessed to be your daughter and be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

"Oh sweetie, thank you for thinking that but I’m humble enough to know that I don’t do anything on my own.  It’s only through Jesus

Christ that I function.  I give all of the glory to   Him."

Excited by the sound of that, Angela said, "Let’s pray!"

Good idea!  Angelica said.

As Angela cried unto the Lord with excitement in her voice, happy tears streamed down her face.  Thank you Lord for blessing us this day.

(singing continues) 

The Lord has promised good to me.

His Word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

Last week, Angela’s dad, the minister of New Haven Baptist Church had passed from a heart attack. The depression of the loss of one of the greatest men Angela knew was so extreme, when she thought about it.  So, it was all she could do to find distracting venues.

(Angela sings) 

When we’ve been there forever        more, Bright shining as the sun

We’ve no less days to sing          God’s praise Than when we’d first         begun.

Angela’s mother loved to hear her daughter’s voice.  It was as beautiful as she was.  As she and her mother sit in the parsonage, their home until further arrangements are made, they hear a crowd outside shouting harsh words toward their church, their God, and her dad.  The two of them scurry to the door to meet a vengeful crowd.

In tears, Angela asks, "Mom, what is this and why are they attacking us?"

A crowd yells, Leave this house, leave this place.  You don’t belong.

Sweetie, it’s a religious battle and they are trying to make it physical.  Do you remember your dad when he was alive?

Of course I do.  I looked up to him so much.  He was a true saint.  He was the preacher of this small community church that we have lived by my entire life.  He only died last week and technically, he is still living in heaven.

Angelica slumped in her seat with tears welling up in her eyes.  She was so pleased to hear Angela’s perception of God and heaven.  How did you get so smart?

With a smile on Angela’s