THE MESSAGE

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, we read: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

“How if He doesn’t love me? I understand why he loves you. Your Grandfather loves you and--“

Grandfather walked out on the porch. “Having an important conversation?”

“Ask Grandfather if you don’t believe me.”

“Is Timmy right? Does God love me?”

“He’s right, Ethan. But why do you think He doesn’t love you?” Ethan dipped his head, sighed.

“Because they say I’m no good. Can’t be trusted.”

“Well, Ethan. I know for a fact the most important person in the universe loves you.”

“Really?” His eyes wide, he said, "You’re not teasing?”

“A long time ago, the Lord looked down and saw folks thought only of themselves. They lied, fought, tricked one another. In fact, He didn’t see anyone who was good. They needed a savior.

“You, too, Grandfather?” Timmy's left eyebrow tilted.

“Absolutely. At the perfect time, Jesus came. As a little baby. His mother fed Him, took care of Him. King Herod heard about a new king and sent his soldiers to kill him, but an angel appeared in a dream and they fled to Egypt.”

“But God could’ve stopped King Herod.”

“Could have but didn’t. His Son, the Lord Jesus, was treated like any other human being.”

“Why?” Ethan shook his head.

“Would you believe a message from a king you didn’t know or one who told the truth.”

“The one I can trust but will He love me forever?” At Grandfather’s nod, with bright eyes, he said, “I believe. Thank you for the message the Lord Jesus loves me. Will you pray with me?” Grandfather put his hand on Ethan’s shoulder, bowed his head.

Kingdom Thinking. The Greatest Love Story of all time: The Lord Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, was crucified, died, buried, but rose again to bring sons into glory. He is Love. He promises never to leave us. Won’t you come to Him?

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM!

In Matthew 2:1-2, we read: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”

“What story tonight, Grandfather? Hope it’s exciting.” Grandfather tilted his head.

“Belteshazzar reported a large star to his colleagues, the Magi. The ancient sacred book revealed the promise of a coming King to the Hebrews. This must be His Star. He couldn’t leave his dying father but promised to follow, the star still shining bright. Months later, he started out, his fortune invested in three gifts for the King. An emerald, a ruby and a pearl--gems of great price.

“Weeping assaulted him as he neared Bethlehem. Soldiers moved from house to house, killing the baby boys, two years and under.”

Timmy sat upright. “Why...?” Grandfather held up his hand.

“He opened the door to a home. A mother clung to her baby, her eyes wide in terror.  Finger to his lips,  he closed the door, leaned against it. A Roman soldier walked up to him.

“Step aside. All baby boys must...” He gasped as Belteshazzar opened his hand, the brilliance of the ruby dancing in the morning light. He grabbed the gem, moved on.

“Years passed in his search. He found a man beaten and left for dead. He put him on his donkey, carried him to an inn. ‘Take care of him.’  Thee innkeeper’s frown turned to a smile when he snatched the emerald for payment.

“The pearl satisfied a greedy tax collector instead of evicting a family from their home.

“He entered Jerusalem, heart hurting, hands empty. Caught up in the jostling crowd, he looked up to see three crosses. A sign on the middle cross read: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. He’d failed. He returned to Jerusalem, shoulders slumped, and stood by a building in the eerie darkness. The ground shook, buildings tumbled. Hit by a slab of roof, he fell to his knees. Then he heard the voice: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord’”

“Grandfather? The voice was the Lord Jesus?” At Grandfather’s nod, he took a deep breath. “Awesome, but why did He always miss the Lord. Seems like he was always a few steps behind.”

“Things are not as they seem, Timmy. We seek the King. He arranges the path.”

Kingdom Thinking. Like Belteshazzar, we are pilgrims, seeking the King. He promises never to leave nor forsake us. He loves us with an everlasting love. Have you seen His Star? He waits for you.


Retelling of The Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke.

OOH, THOSE TANGLES!

In Galatians 5:1, we read: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

“Ouch. That hurts.” Cing shut her eyes.

“Sit still. I declare. I don’t know how one little girl can have so many tangles in her hair.” Aunt Janie gently pulled the brush through her hair, beginning at the ends and working her way up. “That better?”

Cing sniffed. She'd sat on the stool in front of the mirror for ever. “Why does my hair get so tangled, Aunt Janie?”

“It's a part of life. Shows you are alive even when you’re asleep.” Cing giggled.

“I don’t understand, Aunt Janie? How do the tangles get there? All I did was sleep.”

“You dream and twist and turn...”

“Does my hair dream and twist, too?” Cing’s blue eyes searched her aunt's face in the mirror.

“Your naturally curly hair does what it wants--just like a little girl I love. But it looks pretty now.” She put the brush down.

“In life, our human nature gets us in trouble. We don’t tell the truth or do what we’re supposed to. Our life becomes tangled. The more we try to untangle it, the messier it gets.”

“You untangled my hair. Thank you.” Aunt Janie smiled.

“You’re welcome. But you let me do it...”

“And it didn’t hurt too much,” Cing poked out her bottom lip causing Aunt Janie to laugh.

“Ah, tangles can hurt. But the secret is to allow someone who loves you to untangle them.”

“Like you, Aunt Janie.” She turned, hugged her aunt.

Kingdom Thinking. My life, filled with tangles, became worst as I tried to untangle them. Then the Lord Jesus came. He untangled me--set me free. He loves me with an everlasting love and promises never to leave nor forsake me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?

HUMBLE PIE

         

In Matthew 25:40, we read: “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” 

“Wow.” My daughter inspected the gingerbread house on top of a large sheet cake. “Great job, Mom. Love the cookie walk.”

            “You really think so? I want it to be special.” She gave me a thumbs up.

            “They’ll love it and get to eat it, too. What could be better?”

            “Let’s take our four-foot artificial tree, too. They can trim it as they want.” She nodded her approval.

            The next day we went  to the village to share our Christmas treats. Excited we laughed and talked. Until we turned onto the grass street. The door and windows open, they waited for us, huge grins on their faces, the children and women. Banana trees edged the area in front of the home creating a patio. Colored paper chains draped from tree to tree in festive designs. Absolutely stunning. 

            After our time of singing and Bible study, we gave them the cake and the tree to decorate. They thanked us, then invited us to their back patio. 

             “Come,” she waved for us to enter. 

            Tables made from boards on sawhorses held a holiday feast. Arroz-con-pollo, a national specialty of chicken and rice, along with other special dishes covered the table. At our stunned silence, the children giggled and danced around. At their insistence, we sat and were served--humbled and grateful.

            “Mama,” my daughter whispered. “Where’s their chicken?” Not to be seen, I realized we were eating it.

            I thought I did well giving up our Christmas tree and making the special cake but as I looked around the table, saw my friends joyfully serving us, I knew I gave out of my plenty. They gave of themselves. Another slice of  humble pie, please.

Kingdom Thinking. I often forget I am one of the least of these, chosen by the King. The Lord Jesus, the Giver of Gifts, loves me and will never leave me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?

            

            

            

THE REASON FOR GIVING THANKS!

In Isaiah 43:10, we read: “‘For you are my witnesses,’ says the Lord, And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.”

“You really believe all that stuff? The part about God loving us?” The sneer, evident in the boy’s voice, revealed anger.

The old gentleman looked at him. Was that me before I met the Master? Help me, Lord, to be the  witness who will reach this young man. 

“Would you listen to a story about a friend of mine?” The boy nodded.

"This young man wanted excitement in his life. A great athlete, he won a full scholarship to play football in college. Before long, he got in with the wrong crowd, thought himself privileged to drive for them. Too late, he realized he was in over his head. Arrested for driving the get-away car for a bank robbery, the friends witnessed against him--claimed he was the brains behind the operation.

“Sentenced to prison, his friends went free. While there, someone gave him a Bible. He read it and for the first time in his life, he realized he was lost. He needed a Savior. He fell to his knees, gave his life to the Lord Jesus and became His witness.”

The boy tilted his head. “Were you that guy?” The old gentleman nodded, a smile on his face.

“Why are you telling me this? I don’t believe it.”

“I can’t make you believe,”he said. “Really that’s not up to me. It’s between you and the lord. I've told my story.” The young man frowned.

"Sounds too easy,” he said. “You are telling me that I can be set free? At no cost?”

“There’s cost involved. Someone paid for your sins and mine with His blood. But know this. I’m a witness, not the prosecutor. My question is, “Whose witness are you?”

“You think He could love me?” he said, his eyes pleading. The gentleman smiled.

“No doubt about it.” He put his hand on the young man’s shoulder. “None at all."

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus loves me with an everlasting love. I don’t reach out to others alone for He has promised never to leave nor forsake me. This is a reason for giving thanks. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come to Him?

BELONG TO WHO?

In John 14:16-18, we read: “And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever--the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”


“You never felt you belonged?”

“No,” Aunt Sadie said, staring over Timmy’s left shoulder like she was seeing another time.

“I was five years old when Mama died and Aunt and Uncle took me in. I guess in their own way they loved me but I never felt like I belonged. Their children came first. I, an orphan, could never measure up to them."

Aunt Sadie looked up, tears in her eyes. She brushed them away, tightened her jaw to hide the quiver of her chin.”

“That’s not the way I remember it,” Grandfather said, walking into the den. “I always thought of you as a special member of the family. I taught you to drive...”

“I remember,” she grinned. “I’ll never forget the way you clutched the car seat--like a dying man clinging to a life preserver. You’d have thought we would going into the river.” Timmy chuckled.

“I also remember being the guinea pig when you learned to cook.” Grandfather crossed his arms.

“You lived to talk about it,” she declared, her voice softening. “We did have some good times, didn’t we?” Grandfather gave her a hug.

“You’ll always be special to me, Sadie. You are a member of our family.

“I have to remember emotions can deceive and leave us feeling alone, unloved and hopeless. Remember whose you are, Sadie. A daughter of the King and my sister.” She smiled up at him.

Kingdom Thinking. I choose to remember His promises and wipe away the tears of self pity and let the tears of joy stream forth and wash away the lies of the enemy. The Lord Jesus loves me with an everlasting love and promises never to leave me. He promises the same to you. He’ll never leave us as orphans. Won’t you come to Him?

THE HEART OF A LITTLE CHILD

In Psalm 119:30-32, we read: “I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart.”

“Grandfather. Does Aunt Sue ever smile?”

“She’s been like that most of her life.” He shook his head, squinting. “Wades through life miserable and uncaring.” He tilted his head. “I have to admit she excels at it, too.”

The front door slammed. “Uh oh, Grandfather said. "I think she heard us.” Color drained from Timmy’s face. They watched from the window as she made a bee line for the park.

“I’ll wait a minute, then go and apologize.”

Sue stomped to a park bench, plopped down. How could her brother treat her so? She fumed as different scenarios ran through her mind. Her problems, all of the hurts she’d endured. Nobody understood or cared.

“Are you dying?” a little boy whispered as he stood by her. He clutched his teddy bear, one with a large red heart on the chest.“You can hug my bear. He helps take my pain away.”

Startled she stared at the boy. Maybe five years old, his complexion pale with circles under his eyes. He thought she was dying?

“Mercy me,” she said, tears pooling. She accepted the bear’s hug, returned it to its owner. “Thank you, I’m all better. What’s your name?”

“Barney,” he grinned. “I knew Chester could help you.”

“What are you going to be when you grow up, Barney?” He shrugged his shoulders.

“I know one thing.” He tilted his head. “You are an encourager.”

“Is that a good?” He said, forehead furrowed.

“The best,” she chuckled. He grinned and ran toward the swings.

Humph. Guess I do look at the obstacles in my life as problems instead of opportunities. That little fellow, bless his heart. She listened to the bird song. How beautiful! I’d better get home and apologize to my brother.

Kingdom Thinking. I choose the way of truth. I stumble at the obstacles and problems but the Lord promises He will not put me to shame. He loves me and promises never to leave me. He enlarged my heart--for Him. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come to Him?

PLUMS AND SANDCASTLES

In Amos 7:7-9, we read: “Thus He showed me: Behold, the Lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. And the Lord said to me, ‘Amos, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘A plumb line.’ Then the Lord said: ‘Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore.’”


“Can I help, Grandad?”

“Sure, Timmy.” Grandfather held up his hand. “You must follow directions.”

“Why? What’s special about this?"

“This set of plans is for the new garden shed.” Spread on the table, he explained about the foundation, walls, etc. “If we follow them, it’ll be sturdy, solid.  And we’re using a plumb line.”

“A plumb line? I love plums especially Grandmother's plum preserves. They’re great!”

“Agreed but this is a different kind of plumb. By using it, I’ll make sure the walls are straight.” He held up the plumb line, the weight dangled at the bottom. “If it lines up from top to bottom, the wall is straight.” Arm around Timmy’s shoulders, he lowered his voice.

“Remember the sand castle we built at the beach last summer?” he chuckled. "We dug a moat, packed the sand in the center to make our castle walls, and--”

“One big wave took it down.” Timmy grinned.

“Exactly. Not what we want for the shed. We'll store our lawnmower and other garden tools in it.” Timmy nodded, looked at the plumb line. “You know, son, God has a plumb line.” He frowned, Grandfather had his attention.

"The Bible teaches us about the laws God put in place to show us when we don’t match up. He sent the prophets to tell us about His love. And you know what?” Timmy shook his head.

“We still made crooked walls of our lives.” His shoulders dipped.

"So in an outpouring of His love, the Lord Jesus came and gave His life as a sacrifice so we could live. The cross is God’s plumb line and He's the only One who can live a 'plumbed life'”

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord gave the law and the prophets but I couldn't keep the law or love enough. So the Lord Jesus came and showed me the plumb line of Life. He died, rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven. He loves me and promises never to leave nor forsake me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?

WHAT A GUARANTEE!

In Ephesians 1:13-14, we read: “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

“Did you really do that, Grandad?” He grinned, leaning against the kitchen counter.

“Do you want to hear how we met, Janie?” Grandmother glanced at him. He winked.

“The summer after graduation, we worked at an orthopedic camp for underprivileged children. At first, I didn’t believe we’d both just graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in Biology and grew up ten miles apart.”

“Really? You’d never seen him?” He wiggled his eyebrows at Janie, making her giggle. 

“No,” Grandmother smiled. “But soon we were good friends.” She tilted her head. “And soon he’d be leaving to study at the Medical University of South Carolina, and I’d be left behind.

“Separated by a hundred miles, he’d study medicine for four years while I remained to teach eighth grade science. 

“He came to say goodbye, his car packed and ready for the trip. ‘Will you take a ride with me?’ He drove into town, parked at the jewelry store. He held my hand as we entered. 

“Will you marry me?” He said, at the counter displaying rings. “I don’t know the date yet. But I want to spend my life with you.”

“The ring selected, he slipped it on my finger. Now engaged, when I began to wonder, I looked at my treasure. ‘No, it isn’t a dream. He’s coming back.’ I wore the guarantee on my left hand.” She wiggled her ring finger. The diamond glittered.

“That’s so romantic,” Janie sighed. Granddad winked at Grandmother.

Kingdom Thinking. The Bible tells us after we heard the truth and believed, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, the guarantee of our inheritance. The Greek word for guarantee can indicate an engagement ring. A gift from the Lord Jesus, our bridegroom, to us, the bride. 

The Lord promises never to leave nor forsake me and loves me with an everlasting love. He sealed me with the Holy Spirit of promise. When doubts come, I remember His promises and praise Him. The Lord offers the same to you. Won’t you come?  

THE POWER SOURCE

In Psalm 68:35, we read: “O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people."

“Grandfather. That’s what I call a car.” Grandfather turned. He and Timmy watched the new red sports car roll to a stop at the neighboring pump at the gas station.

The amazing low slung car, built to hug the curves, exuded power. In short order several spectators oohed and aahed, maybe even drooled.

“Come on, Grandfather. I want to see inside.” Grandfather replaced the nozzle and they ambled over,  “That’s the kind of car I want when I grow up.”

“No doubt about it, huh?” Grandfather chuckled.

“Let’s look under the hood,” one gentleman suggested.

“In a minute,” the owner said. "First look at the safety precautions. Check out these special tires, the reinforced roll bar...”

“How many horses?” someone wanted to know but was ignored.

"Let’s see under the hood.” The owner shrugged, popped the hood.

They gasped. A clean engine gleamed but no battery? No power source for the car with all the safety features imaginable?

“How’d you get the car here? I saw you drive up,” Timmy said.

The owner grinned. “Rolled down the hill and glided in as pretty as you please.” He pointed to a van parked across the street. “Cameras rolling as we speak. If you agree, you can be on the evening news.” All clamored to give their consent.  Who wanted to miss their five minutes of fame?

“Changed my mind,” Timmy said. “I want a car with power.” Grandfather chuckled.

 Kingdom Thinking.  I was like that car, the outside shiny with a great paint job. To the world all was well but under my hood, the power of life was missing. Then the Lord Jesus offered me new life. He took the emptiness and pain--all my unrighteousness--and nailed it to the cross. In His Power, He filled me with His Love, and created a new spirit in me.  He declared me righteous in Him.

 He promises never to forsake me and loves me with an everlasting love. He is my Power source. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?

THE SILVER BASKET

In Proverbs 16:16, we read: “How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

Janie twisted the silver basket one way, then the other. Humph. Take forever to clean this old thing.  It’s black. She squirted dish soap on a cloth, scrubbed. When she rinsed it, she stared. For goodness sakes. She’d never get this thing clean. Feeling someone watching her, she peeped up.

Leaning against the kitchen door, arms crossed, Grandfather grinned. “What are you doing?

She tossed her hands in the air, soapy water spattering. “Trying to clean this thing. Grandmother wants to put flowers it.”

“First, let’s get this soap off your nose.” He dabbed it with his handkerchief. “Know what’s happened to this basket?” She tilted her head, waiting for him to tell her.

“Underneath this tarnish, the silver’s the same as the day the basket was made.  Over time the tarnish built up because the basket wasn’t cleaned or put to good use.

“The pollutants in the air caused the problem. The basket couldn’t do a thing about it--and along came Janie.” She giggled. He got silver polish from the pantry.

“I’ll help you. We need the right polish so put on these gloves and let’s get to work.”

“Wow. That looks great, Grandfather. Thanks for helping me. Grandmother will think this is a new basket.”

“You know, Janie, we’re a lot like the basket. We’re tarnished by living in this world--all kinds of pollutants be they physical, spiritual or emotional. We try all kind of cleansers but nothing seems to work. We need someone who is willing and able to cleanse us and buff us when necessary.

“The Lord Jesus?” she said.

“Yes, He made us and knows exactly how to clean us. He allowed sinful, tarnished man to nail Him to the tree. He took all the tarnish on Himself so we can be clean, like new.

Kingdom Thinking. No matter how deep the stain, He nailed it to the cross so I could come to Him. He wants to clean my live so I reflect Him. He loves me with an everlasting love. Do you want to be cleansed and loved for eternity? He waits for you.

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU SAY BUT WHAT THEY HEAR YOU SAY!

In Matthew 9:37-38, we read: “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The Harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’"


 Won't be long before I’ll harvest this patch of watermelons. He always won a prize. He had the blue ribbons framed on the wall in his study to prove it. He turned a melon over, then another.

“What’s going on?” He sucked in a deep breath.

“Timmy!” His voice brought his grandson on the run, but he braked when he saw his face.

“You called, Grandfather?” his voice squeaked.

“Know anything about this?” He pointed to the melon. A neat triangular plug dangled from the melon. Fisted hands on his hips, eyebrows furrowed, he waited.

“Well.” Timmy dug his toe in the dirt. "Sam and I thought we’d check the watermelons for you--to see if they were ready to pick. The first one wasn’t so we put the plug back so it could ripen...”

“And you checked all of them?” Timmy bit his lip, nodded.

“We wanted to help you.” Grandfather massaged his forehead with his fingers. “And you read from the Bible that workers were needed for the harvest...”

“Understand,” Grandfather took a deep breath, let it out. “Come here, son.

“When the Bible tells us to pray the Lord will send out laborers, He’s telling us to share His message of love with others. Many people don’t realize God loves them.”

“Oh. Didn’t have anything to do with the watermelon patch, huh?” Grandfather smiled.

“No, but maybe we can both learn from this. Sometimes when we say something, only part of what we say is heard. So it’s not what we say but what people hear us say.”

“I’m sorry, Grandfather.”

“Me, too. Maybe next year you can help me plant and tend the watermelons. Would you like that?”

“Yessir.” Grandfather put his arm around his grandson as they walked back to the house. “How about a glass of lemonade?”

Kingdom Thinking. Too many times I’ve heard part of what was said which causes problems. Hear what the Lord Jesus says. He promises to love me with an everlasting love and never to leave nor forsake me. He promises the same to you. Do you hear Him?

THE LIGHT BURDEN

In Matthew 11:28-30, we read: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”


“Look, Daddy,” she said. “The oxen are pulling the cart filled with coffee beans.” She frowned. “Is it too heavy for them?”

Her father knelt so they were eye level. “It’s not heavy if the load is distributed. The weight has to be shared so neither animal carries too much of the burden. But,” he added. “The animals must work together so they share the load.”

“Are the owners kind? Do they take care of the animals?”

“Of course. If the yoke doesn’t fit properly, the animals can develop sores. If they’re hurting, they don’t work well together. That’s not good for the owner or the animals.”

“How do the animals work together?” She looked at her father. “Is one stronger than the other?”

“Possibly,” he said. “Or one may be the dominant one or the leader. Then the other follows.” He pointed to the two pulling the red cart. “See how those two are working together?”

“They make it seem easy. Look at their feet. They’re dancing.”

“As it should be,” her dad gave her a hug.

So many times in my life, I tried to be the leader and do things my way--a streak of rebellion I inherited from Mother Eve. I could never get things right. I was tired of it all--so tired.

Then the Lord Jesus came. “Come to Me. I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. I’ll teach you with gentleness. My yoke is easy. My burden is light.” I agreed with Him. My back wasn’t made for the burdens I’d shouldered. Now He is leading. He is in control. The yoke fits.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus says the same to you. He promises never to unyoke Himself from you. He'll never leave nor forsake you. And love? His love is everlasting. Are you tired and burdened? If you are, come to Jesus. He waits for you.

ON A SECRET MISSION!

In Matthew 25:37-40, we read: “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the lest of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

In a booth at the Waffle House Grandfather sipped his coffee as Honey, his granddaughter, finished her waffle.

“Look, Honey."

An old model station wagon chugged into the parking lot towing a U-Haul trailer. It stopped, steam escaping from under the hood. The driver’s door opened. A man got out, opened the back door and out tumbled several children. He reached in, took a little girl in his arms, a little girl with leg braces. She reached up and patted his face. He stood by the vehicle, waited for his wife. She joined him, a baby in her arms. They came into the restaurant, chose a booth away from the other diners.

“Honey, would you like to do something fun?” She glanced up from her waffle, grinned.

He signaled for the waitress. “Could you do me a favor?” She gave a quick nod. “I’d like to pay for the family seated over there.” He motioned with his head.

“I don’t know if that’s allowed. I’ll get my supervisor.” They watched as she whispered to her superior.

“Is there a problem?” the supervisor said, her eyebrows furrowed. Grandfather explained. "Sure we can do it. I’ll bring you the bill as soon as they’ve ordered.”

Grandfather paid the bill and they left, much to Honey’s disappointment. “I wanted to see what they did.”

“No,” Grandfather said. “We’re sharing with those who have not. Maybe someday, they will pass it on. Kindness goes a long way.”

“Oh, like it’s a secret mission.” Honey’s eye’s sparkled. Grandfather chuckled.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus lets us know no deed done in His Name goes unnoticed. To me, that’s exciting. He is my supplier, my source of life, love and joy. Now I’m privileged to share as He directs. He promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come to Him?

SURPRISED BY A FELINE!

In John 14:20-21, we read: “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”


He trudged in, plopped into the kitchen chair. Chin in his hands, he watched her place his dinner before him. A dinner worth waiting for--steak, baked potato, hot rolls, with a green salad on the side.

“Umm, looks wonderful,” he looked at his  wife. “Thank you.” She smiled, placed a cup of coffee by his plate, and joined him. He blessed his food, but before he could pick up his fork and knife, the atmosphere changed.

A streak of orange fur zipped under his right elbow and snagged his steak, beating a hasty retreat. Stunned for a nano-second, he leaped to his feet, overturning the chair, and took out after the cat. The feline made it to the now closed door. Uh-oh!

He strode into the kitchen the steak dangling between thumb and forefinger, and threw it into the garbage. “My steak. And he thought he could get away from me!”

“I haven’t seen you move,” his wife snickered, “so fast in years,” She swiped at tears then peals of laughter erupted. The kids came running to see the cause of the commotion and joined in as did her steak-less husband.

“Who would have thought a cat could stir up this much laughter? Guess it was in there all the time,” he chuckled.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus said, “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” When I asked the Lord Jesus into my life, I didn’t hear bells or whistles. But He was at work in me. Little did I know He had a plan. To quote C. S. Lewis. Surprised By Joy.

His plan? He promises to love me with an everlasting love and to never leave nor forsake me. Not only the Lord Jesus, but His Father loves me, too, and The Lord lives in me! He will be there, always. In times of trouble. In times of gladness. He promises the same to you. Won’t you come to Him?

THE SILVER CHISEL

In Micah 6:8, we read: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”


The preacher read the verse from the prophet Micah. Jake's heart sank. He shook his head. Staring at a spot over the preacher’s head, he felt shame, his faults spotlighted in his memory.

As a child, he thought himself smart. He'd sneak into the kitchen. Seeing no one he'd sample cookies Mother told him not to touch. He swiped change from Daddy’s dresser. He felt important as he got away with his mischief.

Gradually little things grew. Money from the benevolent fund at work, short changing a client. He didn’t take a lot--just enough to aid his lifestyle. Now reality hit full force. He’d created a crust of hardness around his heart and hopelessness for his soul

“What have I done?” he swallowed the lump in his throat. “Justice and mercy? What a joke.” He slumped in the pew, his eyes tearing. “Wait. What did the preacher say?”

He tilted his head, listened to the rest of the story. A story that no man whether rich or poor, could meet the requirements God had put into place. A story of God the Father, sending God the Son, into the world to fulfill the requirements of good, to take the place of sinners for only God is Good. A story of hope and forgiveness and love.

He listened and as he did, God’s Silver Chisel chipped away the hardness around his heart and tenderized it with His redeeming love. He went down front, fell to his knees. He wanted to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with the Lord.

Kingdom Thinking. In the darkest moments of my life, the light of the Lord Jesus shines brightly. Not only to reveal my savior, but to spotlight the cross where my sins belong. The Lord Jesus fulfilled the requirements. With His Silver Chisel, He chips away the hardness of sin and unbelief. He promises never to forsake me. His arms are open wide. Won’t you come to Him? He loves you.

WHO’S YOUR FATHER?

 In Isaiah 63:16, we read: “Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.

She climbed the stairs to Dr. Havilah Babcock’s office. She’d heard so much about I Want A Word, an English class he taught. She registered early this semester hoping for an available space.

She tapped on the door. The secretary invited her to enter, glanced up from the stack of papers on her desk.

“May I help you?”

“Yes ma’am. I would like to sign up for “I Want A Word.”

“Oh. Not possible. That class fills a semester ahead of time,” the secretary said, with a shake of her head. “I’m sorry.”

Her shoulders slumped. “Thank you,” she said, her smile almost real and turned to leave. Eyes downcast, she didn’t notice a gentleman seated at his desk in the adjoining office.

He stood, walked around the desk, then leaned against it. Arms crossed, his head tilted as smoke wreathed it from the cigarette dangling from his mouth.

“Where’re you from?” He said.

“Mayesville, South Carolina.”

“Who’s your daddy?”

 “Joe Blackwell.”

“Sign her up for my class,” he said to his secretary. “I know her daddy. Like to hunt with him. His dogs are highly trained.”

Kingdom Thinking. The One who loves me most is in control of my life, a fact I often forget. The Lord God is my father and He promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me--even when I’m unlovable and mess up.

The Lord Jesus loves you and wants you to know His Forever Love. He promises never to leave nor forsake his children. Are you one of His? Is He your Father? His arms are outstretched. Won’t you come?

A BATH WITH THE RIGHT SOAP

In 1 John 9, we read: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

She visited him in the hospital, his frail body a shell of his former self. He recognized her, his eyes softening, then showing fear. “Never thought I'd be like this,” he said with a shake of his head.

“What can I do for you.” She pulled up a chair. “Would you like me to pray with you?”

“Been reading this.” He picked up the Bible. “Maybe it offers hope for some but not me.” He closed his eyes. A tear trickled down his cheek.

“You read the hard part of the Book. Did you read about the precious gift Our Lord Jesus gives us? The gift of forgiveness and love?”

"Didn’t see that.” But hope flickered in his eyes.

“There’s no way He could love me.” He looked away.

“Because of something you did? You could tell Him you’re sorry.” He dipped his head.

“I have no right to ask Him for anything. After all...”

“Are you proud of it?” She tilted her head.

“Of course not.”

“Then what you need is a good bath.” His eyebrows arched. “With God’s bar of soap.” She smiled.

“He promises if we confess our sins, He’ll forgive us. That’s not all. He’ll cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He also says if we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar...”

“I couldn’t call God a liar,” his eyes flared. "What can I do? Will you pray for me?”

“Tell you what. I’ll begin. You repeat.” She began but he took over, confessing his sins and asking the Lord Jesus to come into his life, to make him a new person. His eyes snapped open, now shining.

“Thank you for coming.” She gave him a hug.

“I’ll be back. We’re in the same family now.” He grinned.

Kingdom Thinking. I’ve been there. Feeling as if there is no hope because of actions or words. But The Lord Jesus promises if I confess my sins to Him, not only will He forgive me but cleanse me. How about you? Do you need His cleansing?

SMELL LIKE A SNICKERDOODLE?

In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, we read: “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.”

She ran up the steps, across the back porch and into the kitchen. She stood still, eyes closed, and inhaled deeply. Ahhh. Cinnamon, gloves, vanilla--must be what Heaven smells like.

“Come on, dumpling,” Grandmother hugged her, a smile in her voice. “Get your apron on. We’ve a lot of work to do.”

Cing’s tongue poked out of the side of her mouth, her brows furrowed. She rolled the dough in a circle. Well, almost a circle.

“Looking good, dear.” Her grandmother patted her shoulder. “Your cookies will be the best.”

She shivered as excitement zipped through her, her hazel eyes sparkling. “I love working with you, Grandmother. You make it fun.” She rolled the dough then cut out the cookies.

Work was in full swing when Grandfather walked into the kitchen. He didn’t mind the floured hands that snaked around his neck, giving him a big hug.

“Ummm, Cing,” he said. “You smell like a snickerdoodle, my favorite.” 

She giggled, then went back to her happy work with Grandmother. They would have plenty of cookies to share with neighbors and friends.

We share the aroma of our lives. As the Lord Jesus lives through us, his sweet smelling aroma of love penetrates, touching others around us. A sweet perfume to those who love or will love Him but the stench of death to those that reject Him.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus came at the darkest time in history to bring Light and Hope. The Son of God chose to be born in a lowly stable, not a sweet smelling place, with rumors flying about his birth. He understands my pain and disappointment and offers His everlasting love. Forsaken at the cross, He promises never to forsake me. He offers His sweet-smelling balm to you. Won’t you come to Him.

THE FACTS OF LIFE! YOUR CHOICE!

In Joshua 24:15, we read: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the god of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

The children watched as the teacher placed three cups on a beautiful silver tray. A delicate white china cup and saucer decorated with gold, a white mug decorated with blue flowers and a battered tin cup. She held up each one for them to see the outside. Then she poured clean water from a crystal pitcher into each cup.

“Now. Each of you choose the cup you would like for today. We’ll vote by secret ballot.” She handed out slips for multiple choice. The slips were retrieved and tallied.

“The china cup decorated with gold is the winner. Everyone voted for it,” she said. The class clapped.

“Umm. Take a look.” She lowered the cup and saucer. Mud covered the bottom of the cup polluting the clean water. Gasps from the students and some covered their mouths.

She showed them the blue-flowered mug. Coffee grounds stuck to the sides and tainted the water.

Last she presented the battered tin cup, filled with sparkling clean water.

“Yes, Johnny?” She acknowledged his raised hand.

“May I change my vote?” She smiled.

Choice is a way of life. When I don’t choose to accomplish a task, I've made a choice. For years, I played the buffet game, choosing the part of the Christian life that proved comfortable for me. Church attendance, Bible reading, etc. All good things but done for the wrong reasons. I tried so hard but something was missing.

Then the Lord Jesus came. In a nanosecond, He spotlighted my life. He held my life cup down so I could see inside. Not a pretty sight, I can tell you and I had no power to clean it. I looked into His Face and saw His everlasting love for me, one most unworthy. He cleaned my cup so He could fill me with Living Water, His gift. My choice. Now I belong to Him.

Kingdom Thinking. In this journey of life, we are bombarded with choices. But the most important choice for now and eternity is to choose the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is worthy and able to be your lord. He will never leave nor forsake you. He loves you. Won’t you come to Him?

A NICKEL A DAY--LONG TERM!

In Matthew 25:14-15, we read: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.”

“I have to think of a way to get them interested in church.” She nibbled her lower lip as she watched her nieces and nephews flip through comic books, laughing and talking. Behind the counter at the family drug store, she stood, her brow furrowed. Suddenly she beamed. Ah. It just might work, too.

“Who would like to earn a nickel a day?”

All heads swiveled to her. “I would,” they chorused. Some raised their hands.

“What do we have to do?” David asked, doubt laced his voice. “Clean out the back room?” He wrinkled his nose.

“No,” she said, her periwinkle blue eyes twinkling. “But that would be great.” She tilted her head. “I’ll give you a nickel a day if--she had their attention--you go to Sunday School with me every Sunday.”

“That’s all? Huh. I can do that,” David said. He turned to the others. “How about y'all?” Everyone nodded.

The kids kept their word. They met at her home each Sunday morning and accompanied her to Sunday School. After several Sundays, they sat with her in church.

She thought this a minor thing but her investment paid off. A Godly mother, a faithful father, a minister and a missionary came from her little group.

Many times we don’t realize the far reaching effect our small deeds have on others. With prayer to our Lord Jesus to guide us as we share His Love, only He knows the blessings that will come.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus blesses us with different talents. But more than that, He allows us to use them in His Kingdom for His Glory and our good. He loves us with an everlasting love and He never leaves nor forsakes us. Won’t you choose Him? He loves you.

SOMERSAULTS OF JOY

In Third John 4, we read: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”


Unbeknown to her four-year-old grandson, she came to pick him up from preschool. She stood for a minute, signing him out, talking with a friend without him noticing. He was busy at play with his classmates.


His teacher called him. He ignored her, his selective hearing sharp. After a couple of attempts, he looked up at her. Then his glance slid to his grandmother standing there, a smile covering her face.

His large blue eyes grew in size. Within a blink of eye, he went from a gasp to a grin, but instead of running to her, he began to somersault, over and over again.

By now everyone in the room stared as he continued his show of joy.

“Hope someone loves me that much,” one of the teachers quipped.

His teacher caught up with him, slowed him down. He hopped up, ran over to the half door where his grandmother stood, waiting.

“Hold on. You need your coat and backpack.” He accepted help from the teacher, hopping from foot to foot, then blurted.

“Did you see me, Mema? I did somersaults just for you!” All she could do was nod, and swallow the lump of love that threatened to choke her.

Let's get real here. My grandson didn’t think twice about demonstrating his love for me. In fact, he did for me what he loved to do best. Somersaults. But me? So many times, I lag behind in showing the Lord Jesus how much I love Him. Someone might criticize, tell me I fell into the deep end of the pool--with no life preserver.

But I know the truth. The one I love, walks on water so why should I fear the deep end? I’m convinced I don’t demonstrate my love for the Lord Jesus like He does for me. If I could ever catch a glimpse of His empowering Love, I’d be a force to reckon with as He lives through me.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus promises to love me with an everlasting love and to never leave nor forsake me. How about you? Do you know Him? He knows you so come on. Join me as we somersault with joy!

HE KEEPS ME SINGING

In Isaiah 51:11, we read: “Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.”

The restaurant came highly recommended, reservations required. Upon arrival, the maitre d’ escorted the couple to a choice table. The server suggested some of the favorites on the menu. Finally, their orders given, they sat back to enjoy their iced tea. The server returned, chatted with them amiably as he served their food.

“Is there anything else I can bring you?”

“Thank you, no.” The husband said, reached over, took his wife’s hand. Heads bowed, he blessed the food.

“Why do you do that?” the server asked. He stood, arms crossed, as the gentleman explained the Bible admonishes us to give thanks. “I can read and it makes no difference to me what that book says,” he interrupted.

“And you?” He turned to the wife. “Why do you believe that-that stuff?”

 “He changed my life. The Lord Jesus set me free,” she answered softly.

“I can’t argue with that,” he said, turned, and left them to finish their meal.

We never know when we get the opportunity to share what the Lord Jesus has done in our lives. Our daily lives portray more than we think as we continue to share with gladness and joy.

Through this journey we call life, we, the redeemed, are returning. With singing and everlasting joy. Many we encounter will be offended. That’s all right. It’s not our job to save anyone...only to share the love of the Lord Jesus.

Kingdom Thinking. Everlasting joy shall be upon our heads. Because of redemption. Because the Lord Jesus paid the price. Sorrow and mourning shall flee away as we follow our Lord. Won’t you join the redeemed? The Lord Jesus waits for you.

DO YOU TRUST YOUR PILOT?

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.’”


“Flying at night will allow us another day in the Islands."  Trained in the US Air Force as a fighter pilot, my husband now flew a Cessna 172. His plan sounded like a good one so it was put into motion.

On the appointed evening, we took off, heading for the Bahamas. Another couple accompanied us, the guys seated up front, ladies in back.

It didn’t take long for the hum of the engines to lull me to sleep.

My husband’s voice, requesting to land and refuel, pulled me from sleep. Next leg of the journey would be out over the Atlantic.

The tower gave the coordinates but I sat up when I heard his tight voice asking them to check as the lighted runway was not the one requested. Finally different runway lights flashed on, the former ones winked out. He landed safely, refueled and we were on our way.

On my spiritual journey I need a pilot I can trust. One that is faithful and trustworthy. One that knows when I’m landing in the wrong place. As I looked out of the window of the plane that night, the landing lights looked right to me. But not to the eye of the experienced pilot with instrument rating.

Our Lord Jesus promises if I abide in His word, I will be His disciple. But more than that--I will know the truth because He who is truth abides in me. He will pilot me. He will bring me home safely.

Kingdom Thinking. Perhaps like me, you have been deceived and believed the wrong coordinates for your life journey. The Good News? The Lord Jesus will pilot you. He loves you with an everlasting love and will never leave nor forsake you. Won’t you come to Him? He is a pilot you can trust.

TO FEAR OR NOT TO FEAR

In Isaiah 43:1, we read: “But now, this says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine.’”


She, as everyone else in the small town, was on edge. A teenage girl had disappeared.

She jumped at the slightest noise and found it difficult to concentrate at school even though her dad told her she was safe. She slept fitfully, woke at the slightest noise even though Buddy, her Boston Bull terrier, slept on the floor close to her.

One night, her eyes popped open, snatching her out of a restless sleep. In the dark, she lay fozen, terrified. A hand stroked her right cheek. How if...?

“Daddy!” She yelled at top volume. The hand didn’t hesitate. Was this person deaf? She heard Daddy's feet pounding, then he clicked on the light.

His head jerked, eyebrows raised. His face split into a grin, then he roared with laughter. Mama came in. She covered her mouth, snickering.

Daddy walked over to her bed and gently lifted her left arm which was curved over her head on the pillow. Her arm was numb, gone to sleep, her fingers acting on their own.

“It’s okay. I’m here,” he said as he pulled her into his arms.

Repeated constantly through the Scriptures, the Lord Jesus reminds us, “Fear Not.” When I realize  He created me and redeemed me, I stand amazed. But more than that, the Scriptures tell me He calls me by my name and declares I am His! This is too wondrous to comprehend. All I can do is praise Him and thank Him.


Kingdom thinking. Life constantly presents me with choices--to believe the promises of the Scriptures or believe the shadows that plague me. The Lord Jesus promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He knows me by name. He knows you, too. His arms are open. Won’t you come to Him?

THE COVENANT

In 1 Samuel 18:3-4, we read: “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.”

“Grandfather, why would Jonathan do that? If his father is King Saul, wouldn't he become the next king?” Grandfather removed his glasses, placed them on his Bible.

“You’re right, Timmy. Prince Jonathan, King Saul’s son, would be next in line. But we see a picture here when Jonathan and David entered into a covenant, an unbreakable agreement. In a way, they were exchanging places.

First, they exchanged robes, the robe representing the person. Next, they offered their armor, belt and sword saying: If you need help, call on me. I’ll fight for you..."

“Whoa, Grandfather. I wouldn’t give my sword away.” Grandfather tilted his head.


“You’d have to be sure the person is trustworthy. These instruments of power and protection were usually surrendered to the enemy. But Jonathan gave them to David gladly, as he transferred his royal power from Saul’s family to David.”

“That doesn’t make any sense. Why would he do that?”

“Jonathan knew David would be the next king.” Grandfather held up his hand. “I don’t know how he knew. Maybe Samuel, the prophet told him. But he trusted David to make the right decisions and knew The Lord God was with him.”

“That’s really important?” Grandfather looked Timmy in the eye, said.

“The most important thing we'll ever learn is the great love the Lord Jesus has for us. He is our Jonathan. He willingly left His place in Heaven to come to earth and exchange places with us.

There was no way I could be in the royal family. Then the Lord Jesus came with his invitation of forgiveness, grace and love.”

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus promises the same to you. He loves you with an everlasting love and He promises never to leave nor forsake you. Won’t you come to Him? 

THE BROWN BUNDLE MYSTERY

In John 6:8-9, we read: “One of the disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, ‘There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?’”

“The Brown Bundle Mystery,” Timmy read the title, snuggled under the covers. “Sounds exciting.” Grandfather put on his glasses and began to read.

“‘Mother,’ Jacob ran into the house. ‘A great crowd's gathered to hear the Teacher. May I go? I’ve done my chores.’

“‘Alone?’ Mother turned from her work.

“‘Rueben’s waiting for me by the gate.’

“‘Not so fast, son. Here’s your lunch. Enough to share with Rueben,’ she handed him a brown bundle.

“‘Thanks, Mother. We’d better hurry. Don’t want to miss something exciting.’

“‘Wow. What a crowd. Let’s get close to the hillside where the Teacher sits. We’ll hear better there.’ Jacob motioned to a spot, Rueben followed.

“In the late afternoon. Rueben leaned close to Jacob. ‘My stomach’s growling. Where is the lunch?’ Jacob pulled the brown bundle out, unwrapping it. “Umm. Bread and fish.”

“‘You brought food? Good.’ A big man stood behind Jacob. ‘I’m Andrew. Come. The Teacher needs you.’ The boys ran to keep up with his long strides.

“‘Why should the Teacher need us? We’re two boys with nothing to offer.’ Andrew grinned as he brought them to Jesus.


“The Teacher smiled. ‘This is all I have,’ Jacob said, as he placed the bundle in His hands. He nodded, lifted His voice, gave thanks and began to distribute the food to His disciples and the disciples to those sitting down, as much as they wanted. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.”

“Wait, Grandfather. The Teacher fed five thousand with five loaves and two fish? Big loaves?”

“No. About the size of dinner rolls. But when we give what we hold in our hands to the Teacher, He uses it and multiples it for the good of others. Little is much when blessed by the Lord, even a brown bundle.”

“Is that the mystery?” Grandfather smiled.

“Partly, but the greatest mystery? The Lord Jesus loves us and uses us in mighty ways no matter who we are, when we give our all to Him.” Timmy nodded.

Kingdom Thinking. When I keep my hands fisted, I miss out. But open, the things in my hands become gifts to Him. He multiples them for my good and His glory. He promises to love me with an everlasting love and never leave nor forsake me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?

RATS AND OTHER MISINFORMATION

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.’”


“They snarled, ferocious long yellow teeth and red eyes...and big?” Grandfather shivered, measured three feet with his hands. "To get to our bedroom, we had to past that room at the top of the stairs.” Timmy’s eyes wide, he asked.

“What did you do?”

“We sneaked up the stairs, raced to our room at the end of the hall and slammed the door.”

“How old were you guys?” Timmy said.

“Ten years old. We'd heard about the rat room all our lives.” Grandfather continued, voice low. “The door stayed closed. No one went in.” He leaned close. “One day we decided to find out if the story was true.

“Rain kept us inside and we were ready. We waited until the grownups were downstairs in the den. “'On the count of three,' John said. I opened the door and we tiptoed into the room.

“The door slammed causing us to jump. Drawn shades kept the room in shadows except for the flashes of lightning followed by growls of thunder. Old furniture covered with sheets and boxes were shoved against the walls and a trunk was tucked in the corner. On the trunk sat a large cage.”

“A cage of rats?” Timmy whispered.

“Nope. Empty. With a sign of relief, we thought we’d slip out and nobody would know we’d been there. John opened the door and stopped so quick I slammed into him. Grandpa leaned against the wall, his arms crossed.

“'Find anything interesting?' He said, then grinned. 'Know how the room got its name? Aunt Betty received a gift of white mice from her boyfriend. They escaped from their cage one time too many so she gave them back,' he said, lips twitching."

“But Grandfather, I thought...”

“I know. I wanted to show you how incorrect information affects us. John and I nearly broke our necks running by the rat room before we learned the truth. We must know the truth. Only then can we be free. That’s what our Lord tells us in His word.”

Kingdom Thinking. As a follower of the Lord Jesus, He promises me truth for He is Truth. He loves me with an everlasting love and will never leave nor forsake me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?

THE PUZZLE

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we read: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”


“Here it is, Grandfather. I have the puzzle pieces on the table. Let’s get started.” Grandfather sat in his chair, began to sort.

“Okay. First, find the corners, complete the edges and then fill it in.” Timmy chewed on his bottom lip as he searched.

“This is a hard puzzle with 550 pieces but I like  the American flag in the background and the American Eagle.” He propped the box to reveal the picture.

“That’s enough for tonight." Grandfather said. “We’ve been working on this for over two hours. We can continue tomorrow.” Timmy’s shoulders slumped.

Finally, the puzzle was almost finished. “Grandfather, all the pieces aren't here. I don’t see the colors for the eagle’s eye.”

“You’re right. That’s a puzzle, isn’t it?” Timmy shook his head.

“You’re funny, Grandfather.” Timmy shook the box, then searched around the table. “Now we won’t be able to see the whole picture.”

“Amazing, isn’t it, son? You trusted the maker of the puzzle to have the parts included.” Timmy tilted his head at Grandfather, nodded. “But we find it difficult to trust in the Lord.”

“But I can see the puzzle, touch the pieces,” Timmy answered. Grandfather smiled.

“That’s where trust comes in, son. Trust is when I make a conscious choice to believe the Lord and not try to understand His ways. I’ll admit it’s not easy.

"We put the puzzle together, had to do it correctly.” He winked at Timmy. “Not like when you were a little guy and tried to force pieces where they didn’t fit.

“By the way. Is this what you were looking for?” He pulled something from his shirt pocket.

“The eye pieces.” Timmy grinned. “Just when we need them.” Grandfather chuckled.

Kingdom Thinking. Like Timmy, I want to see the Lord working. But He’s the Creator and He knows all the parts of my life. To Him, there’s no puzzle. He wants me to trust Him because He loves me and will never leave me. He loves you, too. Won’t you come to Him?

LEAVEN. LITTLE BUT SNEAKY!

In 1 Corinthians 5:8, we read: “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump.”

“What are you making, Grandmother?"

“I’m making rolls, Cing. Want to help?” She dragged a stool to the kitchen counter, said.

“Wait for me.” She eyed the mixing bowl, along with the ingredients, gathered on the counter.

Grandmother measured the ingredients, handed them to Cing who dumped them into the bowl.

“Grandmother, why do the rolls get big when we put them in the oven?”

“See this bowl?” Cing nodded. “It’s yeast with a little sugar and water added or its other name is leaven.”

“It’s bubbling.”

“That’s how it works. We mix it into our bread mixture, then the yeast feeds off the sugar, multiplies, gives off the byproducts of carbon dioxide and alcohol. As the bread cooks, the heat kills the yeast, leaving tiny holes in the bread while the alcohol evaporates.”

Cing looked at Grandmother. “The rolls get infected with that stuff? I don’t understand but I like your rolls. They’re delicious.” Grandmother smiled.

“The Bible calls sin in our lives, leaven. We can see the results of it but it works undercover. A lot of times we’re not aware of its power and don’t remember allowing it into our lives.”

“I watched you put the leaven in the mixture.” She tilted her head, a frown on her forehead.

“Yes,” she nodded. “But really you saw the bubbling and knew it was working. You never saw the leaven itself. The Bible instructs us to purge out the old leaven--half truths, bad attitudes...”

 “Not being nice to my bother?” Cing added. Grandmother smiled.

“Instead of giving up, I turn to the Lord, ask His forgiveness. He washes away the leaven--the infection of sin.”

“Will he wash mine away, too?” She nodded, hugged her granddaughter.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He will remove the leaven from your life and restore you to wholeness. Won’t you come?

GRACE. AN UNFATHOMABLE, UNDERSERVED GIFT.

In Romans 11:6, we read: “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”

“You’re talking in circles, Grandfather.” Timmy plopped in the kitchen chair, chin resting in his hand.

“Are you standing or sitting?” Timmy rolled his eyes.

“I’m sitting.”

“Right. But if you stand up, you’re no longer sitting. One or the other, right?”

“Guess so.” Tmmy grinned. “Never thought about it like that.”

“You know, son, we make things awfully hard to understand. All I’m pointing out is you can’t have both grace and works. If we saved by grace, we’re save by grace...”

“I can’t work for it?” Grandfather shook his head. “I can’t steal it?” Another head shake. “I can’t buy and I can't sell it?” He picked up the cadence as Timmy tapped his fingers on the table.

“We certainly don’t deserve it.” His face shone with delight and wonder. "It’s a never ending spring-- a gift. Paid for by the Lord Jesus Christ.”

As Timmy watched the glowing face of his grandfather, he whispered. “If’s it a gift, why don’t we let it shine through us all the time?”

“Because when I become stubborn or unforgiving, I shove grace to the side, slow down His flowing spring. I think I can work it out for myself...”

“It’s not allowing His grace to work.” He frowned. “Where is it then?” Grandfather chuckled.

“Good point. I haven’t lost it but clogged up His spring. I confess it to Him, He cleans the spring so I can use the gift in all areas of my life. It’s much easier for me when I do.”

Kingdom Thinking. I confess I need His grace. Every minute of the day. He loves me with an everlasting love and will never leave nor forsake me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come to Him?