Thursday, February 15, 2018

RESCUED

In John 8:31-32, we read: “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”

“I don’t believe you.” Jake’s face twisted as if he smelled something rotten.

“It’s the truth.” Timmy crossed his arms. “The water’s swift after the rains. The canoe might turn over.”

Jake stuck his hands under his armpits, flapped them. “Squawk, Squawk.”

“I’m not scared.”

“Prove it.”

An hour later, Timmy shoved off. “You steer with your paddle until we get out in the current...” But Jake dropped his paddle, grabbed the gunnels.

“I’m out of here.” Eyes wide, Jake jumped into the water. The canoe tipped, but didn’t swamp. Almost to the bank, Jake yelled. “Help. My foot’s caught.” Timmy steered the canoe back to the landing.

“Going for help, Jake. Be right back.” Timmy found Grandfather, explained what’d happened.

“Okay, Jake, I need you to stop thrashing. Let the water help you. Know you’re cold. We’re gonna get you out.” Grandfather’s voice soothed Jake, calmed him. “Hang on to this rope.” Grandfather clipped and cut the web of roots, pulled Jake free. He fell into Grandfather’s arms.

“Th-ank y-you,” Jake said, his teeth chattering. “This blanket feels good.” Grandfather patted his back. “I’m sorry.”

“Glad you weren’t hurt, Jake. Why’d you do this?”

“I wanted to prove I wasn’t scared.”

“It’s okay to be scared. It’s what we do with our fear that counts. Fear can cause us to ask for help. If we call out to the Lord Jesus, He comes, shows us the truth, sets us free.”

“He’ll do that for me?” Grandfather nodded. “All I have to do is ask Him?” Another nod. “Will you help me?” Grandfather smiled, put his arm around Jake, bowed his head.

Kingdom Thinking. How will I know the truth? I find it easy to be deceived. But the Lord Jesus who is truth has promised never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He offers the same to you. Do you need to be rescued? He waits for you.














Wednesday, February 14, 2018

A VALENTINE TALE - THE POWER OF A BOX OF CANDY


            “Teacher. Someone’s at the door.”  And there he stood, looking in the top half of the glass door. Before I could get to the door, he held up a huge red box of Valentine candy with a red rose on top.

            Turning it side to side, he wiggled his eyebrows to increase the effect. The eighth grade science class roared with laughter. My face matched the color of the rose.

            “Teacher has a boy friend,” they chanted. I opened the door, invited him. The class quieted as I introduced him.


            “Can you keep a secret?” Each student nodded, his voice infusing trust. “She is my valentine but not everyone knows…you are among the favored ones.” Every chin in the class tipped up, including mine. He held them in the palm of his hand, answered their questions about his flying, then shook everyone’s hand before he left. He’d won twenty five friends in a matter of minutes. And it all started with a box of candy.