The Key to The Treasure Part 1

Dedicated to all my family including the Barker family love you forever.

The Key to The Treasure

 

 

 

 

**Part 1: The Treasure of Faith and Community**

 

In the small, historic town of Willow Creek, hints of an unsolved mystery had lingered for decades. The story revolved around an old antique box that had captured the curiosity of residents and visitors alike. According to an aged newspaper article, the ornate box was discovered in the attic of the town's oldest mansion during a renovation in the early 1900s.

 

The box, crafted with stunning detail and adorned with beautiful art, was unlike anything the townspeople had ever seen. Its allure was heightened by the note, carefully wax-sealed underneath the box, which read: "This box must be opened with the key, kept in the small drawer of the old oak desk." Despite their best efforts, the owners of the mansion and subsequent treasure hunters never found the elusive key. The desk, which was also part of the mansion's antique collection, had been searched thoroughly, but the key has not been found.

 

One day months after reading about the mysterious treasure box, Emma and Liam were playing at the old wooden playground in Willow Creek, a place where they often built sandcastles and chased each other around. The playground was surrounded by tall oak trees, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The sun shone brightly, casting playful shadows on the ground as the children's laughter echoed across the park.

 

As they dug into the sand near the swings, Liam suddenly hit something hard and metallic. "Emma, come look at this!" he called out, his voice filled with excitement. Emma hurried over, her eyes wide with curiosity. Together, they carefully excavated the object and discovered an old, rusty key.

 

Emma: (holding the rusty key) "Liam, look at this! It's an old key. I wonder what it opens."

 

Liam: (examining the key) "Wow, it looks really ancient. Do you think it belongs to something important?"

 

Emma: "Maybe it opens a treasure chest! Or an old, secret door!"

 

Liam: "That would be so cool! But where do you think it came from?"

 

Emma: "I don’t know, do you think it could be from that old mansion everyone talks about?"

 

Liam: (thinking) "Hey, remember that newspaper article we saw at the library? The one about the antique box that no one could open because they needed the key?"

 

Emma: (excitedly) "You're right, wouldn't it be exciting if this is the key? It said the box had to be opened with a key that was supposed to be in an old desk, but they never found it!"

 

Liam: "Do you think this could be that key?"

 

Emma: "I don’t know but I sure hope it is!” We have to show this to Mom and Dad right away!"

 

Liam: "Let’s go! This could be the key to solving the town's greatest mystery!"

 

Excited by their find, Emma and Liam rushed home to show their parents. Their mother, a local historian, immediately recognized the key's significance. She explained that it might be the long-lost key to the mysterious antique box that had intrigued the townsfolk for generations. She emphasized the importance of honoring the original owner's wishes and respecting the value of the mystery the box held for the community, much like the Biblical principle of honoring one's heritage and the teachings of past generations (Proverbs 22:28).

 

With the key in hand, Emma, Liam, and their parents made their way to the town's museum. The curator, equally astonished by the discovery, allowed them to try the key on the box. With bated breath, they inserted the key into the lock and turned it. To everyone's amazement, the lock clicked open.

 

Inside the box, they found an assortment of treasures: an old diary, a collection of antique coins, and a beautifully crafted locket. They also found love letters from a husband to his beloved wife. Their marriage was founded on godliness and honor. He was away often, but his love was expressed through his beautiful writings. The letters and diary highlighted the importance of respecting and cherishing loved ones, even from afar, reflecting the Biblical truth of loving and honoring one another (Ephesians 5:25-33).

 

In one of the letters, the husband expressed his earnest desire for their children to be taught the values of trust and honesty. He urged his wife to teach them Biblical values and the way of salvation. He desired with all his heart that their eleven children would be saved, and he named them all in the letters, praying for each one individually. Their names were: Samuel, Grace, Benjamin, Faith, Daniel, Hope, Isaac, Joy, Luke, Patience, and Ruth. This profound expression of faith and love served as a powerful reminder of the importance of instilling godly values and the teachings of salvation in future generations.

 

In another letter, filled with sadness, the husband's commanding officer, Ed Worthy, informed his wife that he had died while fighting for his country. He described the skirmish of that day, detailing how her husband and his comrades had bravely faced the enemy to save many lives. Despite their efforts, her husband sacrificed his own life so that others could live. The letter was dated June 17, 1775, during the Battle of Bunker Hill in the American Revolutionary War. This poignant message underscored the ultimate act of love and self-sacrifice, reflecting the Biblical principle of laying down one's life for others (John 15:13).

 

"My dearest Mrs. Barker,

 

It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the passing of your beloved husband, Edward Winston Barker. He fought bravely on the battlefield, facing the enemy with unwavering courage and determination. On the fateful day of June 17, 1775, during the Battle of Bunker Hill, your husband's valor saved many lives, but alas, he sacrificed his own so that others might live.

 

Please know that his comrades and I hold his memory in the highest esteem. His actions were a testament to his character, embodying the principles of duty, honor, and sacrifice. Your husband shall forever be remembered as a hero, and his legacy shall live on in the hearts of those he saved.

 

He loved his family and he loved his country. May the Lord grant you strength and comfort during this difficult time.

 

With deepest condolences, Ed Worthy, Commanding Officer"

 

Inside the box, alongside the letters and treasures, were several old photographs. These pictures were not found inside the treasure box; instead, the museum had commissioned an artist to paint pictures of Edward and Gracelin Barker as they might have looked in that time. The photos were taken of the large paintings hanging in the museum, adding a touch of historical context and imagination to the display. The photographs captured moments of love and joy, including a family gathering around a grand oak tree, the husband and wife on their wedding day, and their children playing in the fields. Each picture told a story of a life well-lived, filled with love and cherished memories.

 

The diary revealed the story of a long-lost ancestor who had hidden these items as a keepsake for future generations. It detailed the ancestor's adventures and the love they had for their family and town, emphasizing the values of honor, respect, and dedication.

 

The discovery not only solved the mystery of the box but also connected Emma, Liam, and their family to their heritage in a profound way. The townsfolk celebrated the unearthing of the box's secrets, and it became a beloved tale that would be passed down through generations. It reminded everyone of the importance of history, family, respect, and the joy of discovery, echoing the Biblical principle of honoring one's past and living with integrity (Proverbs 20:7).

 

As the display of items found inside the treasure box became the talk of the town, the museum welcomed a steady stream of curious visitors. One day, a newspaper man arrived at the museum, intrigued by the story. He carefully examined the treasures, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

 

As he approached Emma and Liam, he spoke in a hushed tone, "You two must be the young adventurers who discovered the key."

 

Emma and Liam nodded eagerly.

 

The newspaper man leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper, "I've heard a rumor that the old mansion is haunted by Edward Barker. They say he's been searching for his beloved wife and children for centuries."

 

Emma's eyes widened in surprise, and Liam's jaw dropped. "Really?" Emma asked, her voice filled with both excitement and a hint of apprehension.

 

The newspaper man nodded solemnly. "That's what they say. If you listen closely, you might hear his footsteps echoing through the halls at night."

 

Liam glanced at Emma, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Do you think it's true?"

 

Emma shrugged, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. "I don't know, but I guess there's only one way to find out."

 

The children exchanged a determined look, their imaginations running wild with the possibilities of another adventure. As they left the museum, they couldn't help but wonder what secrets the old mansion still held and whether they were brave enough to uncover them.

 

And so, a new mystery began to unfold, waiting for Emma and Liam to explore.

### Devotional Reading: The Legacy of Love and Faith

 

**Scripture References (KJV 1611):**

- Proverbs 22:28: "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set."

- Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it."

- John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

- Proverbs 20:7: "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."

- 1 Corinthians 15:20: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."

 

In the enchanting story of Emma and Liam, we find a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of family heritage, love, and unwavering faith. The children's discovery of the rusty old key leads them on an adventure that uncovers the treasures of their ancestors, Edward Winston Barker and Gracelin Ann Barker. Through their journey, profound Biblical truths and lessons emerge, offering us a heartwarming reminder of the legacy of love and faith.

 

**The Greatest Lesson: Salvation Through Christ**

 

At the heart of this tale is the parallel of salvation. Edward Barker's sacrificial love for his family and country reflects the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for our sins. As the commanding officer's letter reveals Edward's bravery and selflessness during the Battle of Bunker Hill, we are reminded of Jesus' words in John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Just as Edward gave his life to save others, Christ laid down His life for our salvation.

 

The love letters and diary writings further emphasize the importance of godly values and the teachings of salvation. Edward's earnest desire for his children to know Christ as their Savior echoes the Biblical truth of passing on faith to future generations. His prayers for his children, by name, remind us of the personal and intimate relationship we can have with our Heavenly Father through Christ.

 

**The Key to True Treasure: Jesus Christ**

 

As Emma and Liam discovered the rusty old key that unlocked the family treasures, we are reminded that Jesus Christ is the true key to the greatest treasure—eternal life. Just as the key opened the box revealing hidden treasures and stories of love, Jesus opens the door to salvation, revealing the abundant life He offers to all who believe. In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Through Christ, we gain access to the eternal treasures of God's kingdom.

 

**The Resurrection of Christ**

 

The story also highlights the hope we have in the resurrection of Christ. As Edward and Gracelin's love story unfolds, we see a reflection of God's love for us. Ephesians 5:25 reminds us, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." Just as Edward's love for his family transcended time and sacrifice, Christ's love for us conquered death and sin.

 

In 1 Corinthians 15:20, we are assured of the resurrection: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept." This resurrection promise gives us hope that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones who knew Christ as their Savior. The faith and love that Edward and Gracelin lived by remind us of the eternal bond we share with our family in Christ. It's comforting to know that Gracelin and her beloved husband are again together forevermore.

 

**The Love Story and God's Love for Us**

 

Edward and Gracelin's love story, captured in the artist's paintings and the treasures they left behind, beautifully mirrors God's love for us. Their commitment to each other, their family, and their faith serves as an enduring testament to the power of love rooted in godliness. Proverbs 20:7 reminds us, "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." Their legacy of love and faith is a blessing that continues to inspire and guide their descendants.

 

As Emma and Liam embark on their new mystery, they carry with them the lessons of honor, respect, and dedication. Their journey is a reflection of the greater adventure of faith we all undertake, guided by the love of Christ and the heritage of those who came before us.

 

May this story remind us of the importance of honoring our past, living with integrity, and embracing the salvation and love offered to us through Christ. As we journey through life, may we always remember the profound truth of John 15:13 and the hope of the resurrection that awaits us.

 

Author,

Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025©

                                                            These Photos Are for This Lesson 

                                                              And May Be Printed with this Lesson 

                                                            and not Separately.

Fictional 2025©

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

The Seeds of Influence

                                  

 The Seeds of Influence

 

Spring is here, and there is so much to do.  I look out my window and think, look at all the work I have to do!

In the Spring a lot of things that look like they are dead and gone, start growing.  We see the fruit from seeds that grow from last year.  We are not talking about oranges and grapes but about tulips, peonies, and multiple other perennials. This is something that happens normally in the spring. As we see the garden grow, we are seeing more and more of what it’s producing. 

Everything we do or don’t do in life is like planting seeds.  When we are dead and gone the seeds planted by our lives will continue to grow. 

My dad died when my youngest child was a baby.  My dad was a dedicated provider for his family.  He worked three jobs to provide for our family when I was a toddler.  He liked to rebuild engines and he had a lot of friends. My dad liked to listen to me sing. I loved both my mom and my dad. My dad died suddenly from a massive heart attack. He died at 57 yrs old while chopping wood. He was always working up to the day he died.  

My mother and my stepfather died about a year ago. I miss them both and think about them every day,

My mother was an excellent cook and consistently had meals on the table.  She was a good housekeeper and could do any craft.  She was a very gifted manager and a hard worker.  I looked up to her for all her good qualities.  My mother always used endearing words, like, Sweetheart, Honey, and Baby.  

 

 My stepfather was a very hard worker and consistently took care of their property.  He took his mother with him to his work and she ran her little crafting/ flee market business up until she was in her 90s.  They died at the same time.  Their funerals were at the same time. They both worked up until the day they died. 

-------------

Just recently, three people died that impacted my life. My Son In-laws mother died.  She was only 9 years older than me. She was the other grandmother to my grandchildren. She was a sweet Christian, a beautiful person.  She has been an influence on my grandchildren and my daughter.  She has planted some good seeds and those seeds will continue to grow in our hearts and the hearts of so many. 

This past week two other great people died, Patch the Pirate and also Charles Stanley, both these men, through their ministries, impacted my life and also my family’s life.  As a young mother, I started listening to Charles Stanley and also Patch the Pirate.  I often sang Patch the Pirate songs as I reminded my children to be good and to have a better attitude.  I didn’t really have a stable home life in my youth, my mother left us. My dad had his own life. I quit school after my mother left and no one was there to encourage me otherwise.  Eventually, I did take the GED test.  When I was a teenager, I sought God even though I didn’t always make good decisions. I attended church and Sunday School consistently. The people of my church picked me up every Wednesday and Sunday for all services.  

I made a profession of faith at seven years old and was baptized with my mother.  I made sure of my salvation and I was re-baptized just after turning 15 years old. I was saved in an Independent F Baptist Church. I met my husband and married at 23 years old.  We've been married for 36 years.  

I did not know how to raise children and looked for that counsel through Charles Stanley’s Radio Ministry.  Patch the Pirate and also Focus on The Family’s Odyssey Audio Ministry was the biggest influence in raising our children in a way that would please God. I asked God to help me each day and I still ask God to help me each day.  He helped me through good people and their influence.  

-------

You will always be an influence in our lives.  We miss you more each day and appreciate you more and more.  Your influence will be the flowers that grow in our hearts and lives and the strength that helps us to stand.  Love you Forever.

God uses our influence when we think our influence is done. 

Susan Y Nikitenko

April 24, 2023 ©

 

2 Corinthians 9:6 

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Coloring Page

Heart and Flowers Hand Drawn Susan Nikitenko 2023

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Christ Is Our Forever - Teen to Adult

Each day we can rejoice in our hope.  The hope of Christ and the promise of his return.  The hope of heaven where Jesus will brush our last tears away. For, we shall never cry again. We will then know more joy than we've ever known.

Christ is Our Forever

As we hear of the devastating horrific things that happen in this world.  Our hearts feel saddened and disheartened.  Some are traumatized and troubled over the violence and cruelty that happens in this world. 

 

We who truly know Christ, we have a home that awaits us where angels sing and rejoice night and day.

Where sweetness of spirit always persists, and the true love of Christ dwells.  No hate or hurt, no unwelcoming judgment, no violence, no death only peace eternal.

 

All those that perish in their rejection of Christ will weep evermore within the torments of hell.

We warn people as the Lord has commanded but the world goes on as if there is no God. 

 

Our peace and our hope is Christ for he will carry us away one day to our home awaiting us.

We do not rejoice over the terrible things that happen in life.  We rejoice because we have a Father in heaven to hold us and comfort us through our tears.  We rejoice that this life is temporal and the only

“Forever Home” is heaven.

 

Every day there is something to cry about.  Someone killed people, people died. Marriages break up, someone committed suicide.  A bomb went off people died on the streets. We could talk forever about the hurt of children or people who die of cancer. These things will happen and our hearts would be consumed

if we let it.

 

Christ is our forever.  This world will pass away and all of these things will end for us when we enter glory.  God tells us to comfort each other with these things.  We have a place awaiting, that Jesus has prepared.  A place where Godly love is real and shall never be broken.   We will see the most beautiful wave of Christians from all over the world. Every color, singing and worshipping across the golden streets of heaven.  We will see them singing.  We will see them worshiping. We shall do so together in praise of our Father, God Almighty. 

 

Each day we can rejoice in our hope.  The hope of Christ and the promise of his return.  The hope of heaven where Jesus will brush our last tears away. For, we shall never cry again. We will then know more joy than we've ever known.  

 

Jesus is in our hearts and He will be with us always.  He is our helper, our friend, and our comforter. 

 

1Thesalonians 4:16-18

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (Referring to verses 16 and 17)

 

1 Corinthians 15:52

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Revelations 21:4

 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

(KJV)

 

Susan Y Nikitenko

January 10^th 2023 ©

Follow Here - How To Be Saved

Jesus In Our hearts

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Carol Sue - Older Children and Up

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Blood Bought With Audio

Acts 20:28 

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Two Songs, - Love Led The Way - He Is With Us Always

John 3:16  

For God so loved the world, that he gave

 his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him 

should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Luke 1:46-47-48

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: 

for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

 Galatians 4:5 

To redeem them that were under the law, 

that we might receive the adoption of sons.

 2 Samuel  22:19 

They prevented me in the day of my calamity: 

but the LORD was my stay.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Warnings -

Youth - Adult

Warnings

Life Is Filled With Warnings

We were asleep in our beds and an alarm sounded across the sky.  A tornado was forming across our surrounding area.  We turned on the news and we were warned that our lives were in danger.  We were told to find a safe place away from the windows.  We were told how to protect ourselves and we took heed to that warning. 

We were stunned by the news of this deadly virus flu that endangers the weak and elderly.  We were warned that a great multitude of people will die.  We were told how to protect ourselves and our families.  We have tried to heed those warnings.

When our children are small we warn them not to touch anything that will hurt them.  We warn them of a stove that is hot, not to touch it.  We warn them to stay away from poisonous plants. We teach them what these plants look like and teach them how to protect themselves.  We teach them what will happen if they disobey those rules. 

Our bodies have warning signals that tell us something is wrong.  If we have a fever. that is a warning, If we are dizzy or faint, they are warnings. Pain in the place of a vital organ and the list goes on the numerous ways our body warns us. We pay attention to these warnings to prevent a more serious problem in the future.  We are told how to protect ourselves and how to maintain our health. We need to heed the advice of those who want us to stay healthy.  We have been given warnings and we should not ignore the warnings.

We have laws set in place for driving safely.  These laws are to protect ourselves and others from harm or death.  When we ignore the warnings, we are putting ourselves and others in danger.   

Life is filled with warnings.  Life is filled with rules for the safety of others and ourselves.  The day that Adam and Eve sinned in the garden they were given one rule.  They were warned that they would die. They started to grow old each day after.  They would have stayed young forever had they not sinned.

The Bible Is Full Of Warnings

God teaches us to send out a warning, a warning of death everlasting.  He tells us to teach people how to escape that danger.  It is greater than any other danger that we have mentioned prior to this because it is something that has no end.   Eternal death is what happens to someone when they do not accept eternal life.  ----- to be continued

Ezekiel  3:20
Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Susan Y Nikitenko, April 9th, 2020

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Richard - Story of a Young Teen

Richard

Story Of A Young Teen

Richard was just like any other little boy.  He could run and jump and play. Richard was raised mostly by a single mother who loved him and took care of him. When Richard was in his early teens something changed his whole life.  He didn't know it would happen to him. He wasn't expecting it to happen to him. 

Richard's friend's church had a youth activity planned for the evening and I'm sure Richard was looking forward to spending some time with his friend. When they did get together, I'm sure like most teens they were laughing and having a great time kidding and joking around like teenagers normally do. His friend's sister was with them and his friend's dad was driving.

What Richard and his friends didn't know was that there was a young suicidal mother of four children driving on the wrong side of the road and coming at them at an alarming speed. The mother had drugged all four of her children and went on a suicidal mission. 

She struck the van by surprise when the tragedy took place. That very sad day all four children died that were in the car and everyone died that were riding in the van except one, Richard. The young mother lived and Richard lived. 

Richard was covered by his best friends blood and he was aware that his friend was dead and had been thrown through the back of the vehicle and the van landed on top of him. He said he could smell death all around him.

 Richard recalled a young red-headed man who came to his aid to comfort him while trapped inside the vehicle. The young man managed to get his hand into the van and laid his hand upon him and prayed.  Richard said He became concerned for the man because he was shaking very hard. He prayed for the man even though his own life was in jeopardy and he had lost his dear friends.  

Rescue workers told Richard's mother that there was no possible way anyone could have been able to get their hand into Richard. Witnesses said that they saw no one with red hair near the vehicle at any time.  Richards mother on more than one occasion had made a request that the man come forward during television interviews.  She wanted to thank him but no one responded.  To this day Richard and his mother wonder if God had sent Richard an angel.

He was rescued but was told by doctors that he would never walk again. Richard's body was terribly mangled and twisted. His arm hung by tenants and had to be reinforced by metal stakes. He spent around six months at a children's hospital and was a roommate to a burn victim.  My husband collects pop tabs along with people from his work for burned children. Richard said he thinks about that boy every time he opens a pop can. 

Now I know God doesn't always work this way, but after a time God had allowed a new bone to grow in Richards' leg.  Richards left femur was shattered but out of one of the broken pieces another bone grew and wrapped around the other broken pieces and became a complete bone. The doctor said it was miraculous. God put all the broken pieces together and it became a complete bone. He walks slightly different still to this day.  He kind of reminds me of my dad who also walked differently because of having polio in his early childhood, only Richard's limp is not as noticeable.  Anyway, for some reason, God had provided Richard with a new bone. Maybe we will never really know why, but for some reason, God wanted to do it that way.

Doctors have been able to provide artificial limbs for many people who would not be able to walk otherwise. God sometimes provides his miracles through doctors who have devoted their lives to provide a way for a disabled person to live a heather happier life. No matter how it is provided God has his hand in the details of each of our lives and has been merciful in allowing us to find a way for people with a disability to survive independently. 

Richard had to grieve the loss of his precious friends. He probably wondered why he was the only survivor from the van. It took him a long time to get through the knowledge that the mother of the four children lived when she caused the death of her own children and his friends.

I will be back soon to give you an update on forgiveness.

If you have any information concerning this story please send it to susannikitenko@gmail.com as soon as possible. Thanks.   If you have anything to ask Richard yourself, please send your questions as well.

True Story: Susan Nikitenko

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

He Didn't Die For Nothing

He Didn't Die For Nothing

Did you know that you are more valuable than great riches;

More valuable than all of earth's gain?

The day that you found Jesus you became a child of God;

You became worthy, in Jesus name.

Don't tell me you're worthless, because  it is the devil's lie;

You are unique and one of a kind.

Jesus paid the price at Calv'ry, because He loves us so.

We are loved and always on His mind.

He didn't die for the angels in the heavenly realm.

He didn't die for houses and lands.

He didn't die for the planets or the galaxies;

Though He is holding them in His hands.

He didn't die for the animal kingdom, no, no, no;

He didn't die for the stars above.

He didn't die for fishes in the deep blue sea;

He didn't die for nothing,  It was all about love.

Jesus died for people, people just like you and me.

What He did, makes the worthless worthy.

We are somebody when we look at ourselves through God's eyes. 

Praise God!  He's a God, who loves mercy.

He didn't die for the angels in the heavenly realm.

He didn't die for houses and lands.

He didn't die for the planets or the galaxies;

Though He is holding them in His hands.

He didn't die for the animal kingdom, no, no, no;

He didn't die for the stars above.

He didn't die for fishes in the deep blue sea;

He didn't die for nothing, It was all about love.

Jesus died for people, people just like you and me.
What He did, makes the worthless worthy.
We are somebody when we look at ourselves through God's eyes.
Praise God! Jesus loves people, people like you and me.

Susan Y Nikitenko

(Song)

April 21, 2018

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Light and Life - Lesson 4

Light and Life

Creation and The New Birth

 At the creation of the world, God moved upon the face of the deep.  The earth had no form or void.  It was desolate.  It was dead and in complete darkness.   There was  no birds, no flowers, no land to dwell upon, no human life, no life at all, just darkness upon the face of the deep.  It sounds as though it was just one big ball of water, because God calls it the deep.  Just imagine a place of complete darkness with no life. Out of silence rings forth a booming voice of power.   "Let there be light!" 

Without light nothing can live, nothing can grow.  Light is vital for a living world.  When God said, "Let there be light!", there was light.  God spoke and it existed that moment.  God, soon after, separated the waters from the dry land.  All could be seen, for the light shined in the darkness.  A desert place without life, only dry ground.  God spoke at once all greenery, trees and flowering plants spread across the dry land.  Making the most beautiful place, a place never seen by human eyes until the forming of Adam from the dust of the ground.  He awoke to the most striking view of beauty ever known to the human eye, a fresh new world full of light and life full of amazing things of all kinds to discover.   

Throughout scripture we are given stories and examples of how God deals in the heart of man.  The creation of the world is another way to describe the condition of a person's heart towards God without Him.  The earth would have never known light had God not said let there be light.  The earth would not ever had known life had God not spoke it into existence. 

God could of just said, there is no way this earth could ever be anything special.  He could have said " why bother,  this place is worthless," but he didn't.  He worked countless numbers of miracles upon one dead lifeless form.  

God mentions light and life throughout scripture especially in talking about the heart of man.  It tells us that Jesus is the light and the life.  As light brings life to the earth,  Jesus is the light that brings life to the heart.  The bible teaches us that without Christ we are dead while we live and we walk in darkness.  Our heart is compared to a desert land that has no life and needs salvation.  That's why we say people without Christ need saved. 

Adam and Eves disobedience, eating of the forbidden fruit , brought death upon the whole human race.  The biblical account of Adam and Eve is a perfect example why it is important to obey God.  God blesses those that obey Him.  We miss out on blessings and instead have to eat the fruit of our sins, when we disobey Him.  Adam and Eve had to leave the that garden God had made them and would know a life that included suffering and death.  There are consequences for our rebellion towards God.  Their sin didn't just hurt themselves but their children and all of mankind.

God warned Adam and Eve ahead of time what would happen, but they chose to believe a lie rather that the Word of God.  This happens today by false teachers teaching false teachings that confuse people into believing a lie, rather than God's Holy Word.  People who do not believe God and the true teaching of Christ, are in darkness are dead while they live.

The bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world.  In John Chapter one talks about Jesus being light.  The chapter starts out in the same words as Genesis 1: 1 " In The Beginning was".   John 1:1 speaks about the Light , Jesus that shine in the hearts of men.  God's desire is that all people come to repentance and faith in what Christ did at the cross.  He paid the price for you and me.  When we believe and trust Him as our personal Saviour.  Then is when the light of God arises in our heart and we become alive to God,  just as the earth was brought to life at God's speaking. 

Jesus and what He did at Calvary made it possible for people to be saved from the punishment of hell eternal.  Upon belief and the receiving Christ.  The blood He shed then becomes a permanent covering for our sins.  God leaves that decision up to you. 

Father God, If there is anyone here today that would like to know Christ as their Saviour, I pray they will desire to know you and trust you as their own personal Saviour and friend.  I pray they will understand the teaching of John 1:1.  I pray they will come alive to you in the name of Christ and His precious shed blood.   The Word of God is the power of God unto Salvation.  Believe His Word, He loves you and wants you to became saved today.

Genesis 1:1 - The creation of the earth

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

 The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. {comprehended: or, did not admit, or, receive}

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Possible Hymn To Sing:
The Light Of The World

Lesson 1 - The Missing Piece

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.