Thursday, February 12, 2015

THE BOX OF CANDY

In 2 Timothy1:6-7, we read: “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

“Teacher, somebody is at the door.” Through the top half of the schoolroom door which was glass, she could see him. Standing there. Grinning like a cheshire cat.

She could feel the blood rushing to her face turning it beet-red. Before she could get to the door, he held up a large heart-shaped box of candy for everyone to see. A huge red rose clung to the top of the box.

The eighth-grade science class took his cue, clapping and laughing as they sing-songed: “Teacher has a boy friend.” Somehow she managed to open the door, invite him in, and introduce him to the class. The class quieted as he entertained them with one of his escapades of near death while flying his F-86 fighter jet. From that time on, he was a welcome guest by her students.

In my life-box of candy there are all shapes and sizes, mostly “oops.” (“Oops” are the imperfect pieces of candy or discards. At the candy factory, I always like to buy the oops. They taste great, just don’t look perfect. They’ve been redeemed.)

So many times in my life,  I have been stirred up for wrong. Anger, disappointment, fear. All the “what if’s” that bring indecision and heartache. But our Lord Jesus reminds us through the Apostle Paul that we need to stir up the gift that God has given to us. The gift of power and of love and of a sound mind. Godly gifts that enable us to trust in the Lord Jesus and not in ourselves.

Kingdom Thinking. You have a choice. You, too, can receive the spirit of power and of love and a sound mind. But how, you ask? By confessing your sin, admitting your need for a Savior, and asking The Lord Jesus to come into your life. He loves you and is waiting for you. Won’t you come?