SINGING AND EVERLASTING JOY? BECAUSE OF REDEMPTION!

“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.” Isaiah 51:11. (KJV).

“Have a surprise for you, Timmy. I’ve made reservations for us at the new restaurant.”

“All right.” He gave Grandfather a high five.

Upon arrival, the maître d’ escorted them to a choice table. The server suggested favorites on the menu. Orders given, they sat back to enjoy their iced tea. 

The server returned, chatted as he arranged their food. He stood silently while Grandfather blessed the food.

“Why do you do that?” he crossed his arms, frowning.

“I believed the Bible to be true…” Before Grandfather could finish, he interrupted. 

“I can read, and it makes no difference to me what the book says.” He cocked his head. “Why do you believe all that stuff?”

 “The Lord Jesus changed my life. He set me free,” Grandfather said softly.

“I can’t argue with that.” The server turned, left.

“Why was he mad, Grandfather? He didn’t know you.”

“The Lord Jesus gave me the opportunity to share what He has done in my life. It’s up to the young man to listen. But we can pray for the Lord Jesus to redeem him so he can obtain gladness and joy.

“On life's journey, we, the redeemed, are returning. With singing and everlasting joy. Many we encounter will be offended." He paused. "That’s okay. It’s not our job to save anyone--only to share the love of the Lord Jesus.”

“Never thought about it like that,” Timmy said. “All I have to do is allow the Lord Jesus to live through me?”

“Absolutely. We belong to the Lord Jesus. We are redeemed. Filled with everlasting joy.”

“Wow, now that's exciting.”

“Couldn't have said it better myself.” He gave his grandson a high five.

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

HEAR AND OBEY? HOW?

“If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh year he shall go out free and pay nothing...But if the servant plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever.” Exodus 21:2-6. (NKJV).

“Grandfather, do you have an earache?”

“No. Just touching my right earlobe. Want to check the hole.” 

Timmy frowned. “I don’t see a hole.” He looked closer. “Nope. Nothing there.” Grandfather chuckled.

“It’s important to know about the bondservant, son. The Lord Jesus sets us free. Free to choose Him.”

“Isn’t it just a story? Who wants to be a servant?” 

Grandfather leaned back in his chair.“You don’t want to be just anyone’s servant. You want to choose someone who loves you and will provide for you. That’s what the Lord Jesus did for me, for you.”

“How?”

“I wanted to be honorable. To love my neighbor. The more I tried, the more I failed. I was one miserable somebody.” Timmy smiled.

“But you’re good, Grandfather. Why’d you think you were bad?”

“Why do you say I’m good?”

“You treat folks nice and you're kind...”

“All because Jesus loves me. He paid for my sins, set me free. Like the servant, I love my Master, told Him I wanted to be His. 

“‘You’re sure?' He asked. Then He brought me to the door because He Is the Door. He pierced my ear with an awl, a permanent hole so I serve Him forever. Now I come and go where He sends me.”

“Why the ear?”

“Listening obedience--I hear and obey His voice.”

“I asked the Lord into my life.” Timmy touched his ear. “Do I have a hole?” 

“Absolutely, son. Absolutely.” Grandfather smiled as he pulled Timmy into a hug.

Kingdom Thinking. When I understood the Lord Jesus loves me with an everlasting love and promises never to leave nor forsake me, I sold out to Him. His forever. He offers the same to you. Won’t you choose Him?

A SPOONFUL OF GRACE!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9. (NKJV).

“Remember the song, ‘A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down...’” Grandfather wiggled his eyebrows.

Timmy shrugged. “Don't see how it helps me.”

Grandfather tilted his head. “Then let me insert another word for sugar. Grace. We all need a spoonful of grace. Even you, son.”

“But I don’t deserve it.”

“You’re right about that. None of us do. But it’s a gift from the Lord. A gift is always free. But...”

“I knew there’d be a catch.” He folded his arms. 

“You have to receive it, open it, and use it.” He put his arm around Timmy. “And the best part?  It’s like a river, that keeps on flowing, never-ending.

“But more than that, there’s plenty to share with those around us. You know, the ones we feel are out to get us?” Timmy’s head jerked up.

“Just a spoonful?”

 Grandfather chuckled. “A great way to begin. You don’t want to overdose.” 

Timmy laughed. “Okay if I go to Sam’s?” He looked in the mirror. “My eye is gonna be a beaut, huh?”

“The Lord helps us share His grace in many ways. What were you fighting about?” Timmy rubbed his neck.

“Nothing worth a black eye. You should see Sam's--guess he needs a dose of grace, too.” Wrapping his arms around Grandfather's waist, he said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” 

Grandfather smiled. “Welcome, welcome, welcome.”

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord is gracious and loving. He promises never to leave nor forsake us. We live in a troubled world--a world in need of grace. Would you like to receive this grace so you can share it with others?

AWESOME POINT OF VIEW!

“Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves.” Psalms 66:5,7. (NKJV).

“Watch your step, son. That’s a deep drop-off.” Grandfather put down his walking stick. “Let’s take a break, check out the scenery.”

He leaned against the steep rock wall. “See the eagle? Watch him glide on the thermals. He has tremendous eyesight. Like your binoculars.”

Timmy lifted them, adjusted them to see the eagle. “He’s beautiful and flying free. I feel I can reach out and touch him.”

“Turn the glasses around. Look through the big end. Now what do you see?”

“Everything is tiny.”

“Changes your point of view, doesn’t it? Same binoculars, same view. All changed because of the way you hold the glasses.”

Grandfather chuckled. “Just think, Timmy. The Lord showed us an amazing principle. He is all-seeing, all-knowing. He sees the big picture, but still, He sees the tiny details.”

“Awesome. Like my life?”

“Good way to put it. The Lord is awesome in all that He does.” Arm around Timmy’s shoulders, he said. “He cares about every detail of our life and lets us enjoy His mighty works.

“We must be careful when viewing life. If we look through God's eyepiece, everything’s magnified and we see the large picture. He’s in control. But if we look through the wrong lens at life, we fret, tend to become narrow, maybe bitter.”

“So I chooose?”

“Indeed you do. Many times during the day.”

Timmy's brow furrowed. “I want to use God's eyepiece.”

“Good choice. You'll never regret it.” He hugged his grandson.

Kingdom Thinking. I chose to look through the correct eyepiece on life’s binoculars. Otherwise my focus on life is all about me. The Lord promises never to leave me and loves me with an everlasting love. Let Him hold life’s binoculars for you so you can see His Works. He is awesome.

MY STORY? HIS GIFT! HIS MERCY!

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11,12.  (NKJV).


“I'm dirty, Grandfather. Do you love me like this?” He sat on the bottom porch step.

Grandfather grinned. “Want me to count the ways?” His grandson nodded.

“One,” he pressed his right forefinger to his left pinkie. “You’re a right handsome fellow. Two, you’re smart. Three, you have a dirty face and hands.”

“Wait, Grandfather. You’re explaining how I look.” He tilted his head.

“Why do you love me?”

Grandfather scooped up his grandson in his arms. “Son, I love you because you’re mine. You belong to me.”

“Forever?” Grandfather nodded. “Forever and ever. Don’t forget that.” His grandson held on tight. 

“Now,” Grandfather said. “Let’s get your bath. Then you’ll have time before bedtime to go outside.”

“But I’ll get dirty and have to take another bath.”

“Well. Here's an important lesson. All we need to wash will be your hands and feet.” Grandfather winked at his grandson. “All the dirt went down the drain--your dirt disposal, never to be seen again.

“When the Lord Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He rose from the dead, left the tomb empty. He defeated the enemy and rose victoriously--for you and me. 

“When I turned to the Lord, battered and broken by the world's lies, He scooped me up, washed away my sins, and showed me His great mercy. Then He dumped my guilt and shame in His mercy disposal, never to be seen again.”

“Like when you scooped me up and washed me clean, Grandfather?”

“Exactly, Timmy. He offers us His gift of Mercy”

“Me, too?”

“Absolutely, son. Absolutely.” He hugged his grandson.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus offers the same to you. He knows your hurts and pain. He promises never to leave you and loves you with an everlasting love. What is your story? Won’t you come to Him?

HONOR IN THE KINGDOM!

“Then the king said, ‘Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?’ And Ziba said to the king, ’There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.’ So the king said to him, ‘Where is he?’ And Ziba said to the king, ‘Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.’ Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar.” 2 Samuel 9:3,4. (NKJV).

“Once a covenant is made, it can't be broken?" 

 "A promise made is a promise kept." Grandfather smiled. "Back to our story.

“King Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle. Afraid King David would kill Saul’s family, everyone fled. The nurse grabbed little Prince Mephibosheth. As she ran, she dropped him, crippling him in both feet. They fled to the back side of the desert, hiding in Lo Debar.”

“But wasn’t King David the good guy?”

Grandfather lifted his hand. “Imagine you're on the back side of the desert, hiding from the new king. You see a speck of dust grow into a battalion of soldiers, who command, ‘The King demands Mephibosheth come with us.’ This was it. No hope. When Mephibosheth came before David, he fell on his face, thinking, ‘I’m a dead man.’”

“King David said, ‘Don’t be afraid, I want to show you kindness for Jonathan, your father’s sake. I restore all the land of your grandfather Saul.’

“Mephibosheth couldn’t believe it. ‘Why? I’m nothing but a dead dog.’

“David announced, ‘Mephibosheth will eat at my table continually like one of my sons.’”

“Wait, Grandfather, why did David do this?”

“When David looked at Mephibosheth, he remembered his covenant with Jonathan. Everything Jonathan owned now belonged to Mephibosheth and his sons. 

“His choice? He could believe David and live in the palace as a prince, or go back to Lo Debar which literally means a ‘place of nothing.’ 

“Which would you choose?” 

“Duh. I'd rather live like a prince.” Timmy tilted his head. “What are you telling me?”

“Glad you asked, son. The Lord Jesus offers us a new life if we believe in Him. He restores us with His love and power. When God, the Father looks at me, He sees the Lord Jesus who died and rose again in my place.”

“So He gives me a place of honor when I don't deserve it?”

“Absolutely.”

He grabbed Grandfather's arm. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

“You're welcome. My honor.”

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus declares me a child of the King. He promises never to leave me and loves me with an everlasting love. But I have to choose Him. He offers the same to you. A place of honor in the kingdom. Won’t you come to Him?

CURSE OF THE LAW!

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13,14. (NKJV).

“Here’s your sandwich. What’s wrong?” Timmy plopped down at the kitchen table.

“Not hungry.” He shoved the plate away. 

“Want to talk about it?” His fist clenched.

“I’ll never amount to anything, Grandfather.” His head dipped. “Sam yelled it when I struck out. With the bases loaded.”

“Ouch. Can’t help you there. But I can tell you one thing. We all fail. Guess you got caught in the curse of the law.”

Timmy's head snapped up. “What?” 

“Have rules in baseball?” He nodded. “Do they apply to everyone or just you?” Timmy bit his lip.

“Son, we have laws to follow. The laws are not bad. Problem is? We can’t follow them all--we mess up.”

“What should we do?”

“When we fail, we’re separated. Sometimes deserve to die, or hang on a tree. But the Lord Jesus came. He died on the cross for me. For you. He took my curse on Himself so I might be blessed.”

“What’s that got to do with baseball?”

“Plan to play another game?” Timmy nodded. “But you said you’d never amount to anything.”

Timmy's brow furrowed. "I was pretty mad."

"So? What will you do about it?"

“If the Lord took my curse--I’ll try again and practice a lot.” Timmy grinned. Grandfather chuckled, gave him a high five.

"That's the spirit. Proud of you, son."

Kingdom Thinking. According to the law, I’m required to live a perfect life. I failed. Big time. But the Lord Jesus came, died on the cross, so I could receive the promise of the Spirit, be set free. He loves me and promises never to leave me. He offers the same to you. 

WHat A MESS!

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

“No time to lose, Timmy. Your suitcase?” Grandfather tossed it in the back seat. “What’s in it? Rocks? Only be gone for the weekend.

“Check the house again. Don’t want to leave anything important.” He waggled his eyebrows. Timmy grinned.

“Got your shaving kit." He lifted it. "Not like last year.”  

“Okay then.” Buckled up, Timmy bounced. “Excited, are you? Expecting a great time with your cousins at the beach? Let’s have our traveling prayer.” After Amen, Grandfather winked. 

“And away we go.” He turned the key.

Click. Click.

“What’s wrong?” Grandfather rested both hands on the steering wheel, eyed Timmy.

“Battery’s dead. Have you...?” 

Timmy bit his bottom lip. “Guess I left the radio on when I washed the truck.” His lip trembled. “We won’t be able to go and it’s my fault.”

“What a mess!” Grandfather slapped the steering wheel. “And it’s not stopping us. Hand me my cell. AAA will have us on the road in no time.” He hugged his grandson. “And next time? Turn off the radio?” 

Timmy's eyebrows furrowed. “You're not mad? You don't blame me? But like our Scripture this morning? Jesus took my sin on Him so I could be His.”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself. Don't get me wrong. Sin is wrong, destructive. Has to be dealt with. The Lord Jesus did that for you--for me at Calvary. Now, we're His.”

Timmy tilted his head. "So because I'm yours, you're there for me--loving me? Amazing."He reached over to his grandfather, fist-bumped his shoulder. "You're the best ever."

"Absolutely." He glanced in his rearview mirror. "Here comes the AAA truck. Right on time."

Kingdom Thinking. Like Grandfather's truck, I found myself loaded, ready to go--and powerless. To the world, all appeared well while I was a mess. Then the Lord Jesus offered me new life, His righteousness and power in me. He promises to love me and never forsake me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?

THE PLAN!

“Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.’”  Genesis 50:19-20. (NKJV).

“It wasn't fair.” Timmy sat at the table, chin propped on his hand. “Joseph could have thrown the whole bunch into prison.”

“Could have,” Grandfather said. “But remember, Joseph had the dreams from God and he trusted Him to fulfill them. He knew God had a plan.”

“Plan?”

“Yes. The Lord always has a plan. His plan is for His Glory and my good. He wants me to trust Him. My problem is I want to help Him.”

“Like the watermelon patch? I’m sorry.” Grandfather chuckled.

“Yep. Good example. I was puzzled to see the melons dying on the vine. When I checked them a few days before, they looked fine. I found the answer when I turned them over.”

“I thought I would help you. I cut out a plug. Not ripe--stuck it back in so it could keep on growing. I got tired after a while so I quit.”

“I’m glad. At least we’ll have a few melons to enjoy. The melons take time to ripen.” He cocked his head. "Think about Joseph. God gave him a dream many years before. Now he was second in command to Pharaoh. God put him in a place at the right time so he could help save God’s people.”

“Grandfather, I know Joseph understood the plan at the end of the story. What about the time he was sold by his brothers? Or thrown in prison for something he didn’t do? It's hard to trust then.”

“You’re right. It is hard to trust when things go wrong. I must choose to trust God when things don’t make sense. I know He has a plan, for you and for me. He loves you, son.”

"Loves me?" He tilted his head. 

"Now let me get this straight. God Loves me and has a plan. My job is to trust Him all the time. Through good and bad?"

"Let's change the wording here. Instead of bad times let's call it testing time. His Word tells us He loves us and will never leave us."

"So trusting Him--that's my job?"

"Sums it up nicely." Grandfather chuckled. Timmy grinned.

Kingdom Thinking. I choose to trust God. A conscious effort on my part because He promises to love me with an everlasting love and never leave nor forsake me. That's the plan. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?

ARE YOU WILLING?

“And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, ’I am willing; be cleansed.’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew 8:2,3. (NKJV).

“Listen, Timmy, then decide.” Grandfather sat in his chair.

"Eli came from the field, holding his arm against his chest. He brushed off his wife's concern.

"‘I bruised it, Naomi. Nothing to worry about.’ The next morning, in pain, he insisted he complete his work. Another night of sleeplessness. Something had to be done. 'I’ll go to the priest.’

“The priest took one look. ‘Leprosy. Go--to the leper’s cave.'

“‘Please, let me tell my wife and children goodbye.’ The priest pointed in the direction of the cave. Shoulders slumped, Eli walked away. To live a life of painful exile.

“Naomi and the children brought food, left it on the rock by the cave. The children grew up, married, left home. Still, Naomi came.

“‘Have you heard, Eli? The rabbi is coming. They say he heals the sick, even raises the dead. Let’s go hear him,’ Naomi said.

“‘I can’t be near healthy people.' How if? Could he take the chance? In the company of the excited people, they didn’t notice him.

"Eli ran to the rabbi, fell down, and worshiped Him. ‘If you are willing, Lord, you can make me clean.' The Lord Jesus touched him. ‘I’m willing. Be cleansed.'

"Grandfather? Did the Lord Jesus heal him?"

"Yes. He was willing." Grandfather's brow wrinkled. "Son, we have the leprosy of sin. Maybe our festering sores of unforgiveness, jealousy, and, you fill in the blank, aren't evident to others but the Lord Jesus knows and He comes. He says, 'I'm willing. I'll take your place. Only the healing power of My blood can wash you clean, make you new.'

"Me, too, Grandfather? I'm willing."

"Absolutely, son. Absolutely." He hugged his grandson.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus stood before me and offered His everlasting love and forgiveness. He cleansed me and made me whole. Are you willing? He is. You decide.

THE SECRET OF WAITING!

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 41:31. (NKJV).

“I need to rest, Grandfather. We've come a long way.” Timmy dropped his backpack.

“Not far enough, but we can sit for a few minutes, catch our breath.” He looked out over the cliff. “A long way to the bottom, huh?”

“A long way,” Timmy echoed. “Will we sleep in a log  cabin tonight?” 

“Absolutely. Okay, enough rest. Let’s be on our way.” He picked up his pack. 

“See that eagle?” Grandfather pointed to the bald eagle riding the thermals. "Looks like he’s working but he’s not.”

“If he’s not working, why isn’t he falling out of the sky?”

“He’s learned the secret of waiting.” Timmy made a face.

“How can an eagle learn a secret? Who taught him?” 

“The Lord gave him the instinct to know how to glide. He uses the thermals to boost him up.”

“Wish I could do that.”

“But you rest in other ways. Take swimming. When you tire, you flip on your back and float. You rest, let the water hold you up.”

“Never thought about it like that. Guess I take a lot for granted.” 

“God’s Word tells us when we're weary or feel faint, we need to wait on Him or to put it another way--rest in Him. He gives us His rest.”

“Sounds easy. Then why don’t we?” 

“We think we have to trust in ourselves, our strength. But we get tired, sometimes quit.”

Timmy's brow furrowed. "I've been taught all my life to learn to be independent. You know, tie my own shoes, think for myself--"

"Which is necessary. May be why we find it difficult to wait on the Lord." He chuckled. "Waiting doesn't mean we're doing nothing. Waiting can be an exercise in trusting and believing God is in control and will lift us up on the thermals of His love and power."

"How's that work?"

"You've proved it in these last few minutes. Did you learn anything? Did you sit and do nothing?"

"Timmy grinned. "Got it, Grandfather. You've taught me an important lesson. This entire time we've been resting. As we wait on God, He loves me and is teaching me to listen and learn." 

He hugged Grandfather. "Thank you."

"Welcome."

Timmy picked up his pack. “Let’s go. The rest was what I needed.” Grandfather grinned.

"Both you and me." He gave his grandson a high five.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. His strength and love renews me. He offers the same to you. 

A MIGHTY SWORD!

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. (NKJV).

“Grandfather?" Timmy poked his shoulder. "Are you awake?” 

“I am now.” He snapped on his light. “Bad dream?”

“A scary one. Can I sleep in your room? I brought my pillow and sleeping bag.” Pallet made, Timmy crawled in.

“Grandfather?"

"Yes?"

" I can’t go to sleep.”

“Have you used your sword?”

Timmy sat up. “I don’t have a sword.”

“Remember when you asked the Lord Jesus to come into your heart at camp?”

“Yessir.”

“Then you have a sword. Timmy, the Lord Jesus is a mighty warrior. He is the One who protects us.”

“Then why do I have bad dreams, get so scared?”

“Stand up.” Grandfather put his shirt on Timmy, then his jacket, hat, and shoes. “Now, march.”

“I can’t stand up straight. This stuff of yours is heavy.”

“Ah, they weren’t made for you, were they?” Timmy shook his head. “Just as I’m removing the extra clothing from you, the Lord Jesus removes the things that wear us down, make us afraid. But we have to agree with Him, ask Him. So He gives us a sword, His Word, His promises.”

“Like 2 Timothy 1:7? That verse can be my sword?”

“Absolutely. Hide it in your heart. Use it when needed. The Lord knows we’ll add extra stuff to our lives. Stuff that hurts, weighs us down. The Bible calls it sin. His sword cuts it away.”

“Thank you, Grandfather,” Timmy said. “I’ll keep my sword where I can reach it.”

"Be careful. The Sword is mighty sharp." 

"Yessir." He yawned. "Night, Grandfather. Love you."

"Night, son. Love you more."

Kingdom Thinking. I need power, love, and a sound mind to live in this world. The Lord Jesus gives me His Word, filled with His promises. He promises He’ll never leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?

TRUST AND TRUTH!

“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. Ephesians 1:13,14. (NKJV).

"Another long story?" Timmy leaned back on the sofa, hands behind his head.

"You can call a halt anytime." Grandfather chuckled.

"They were great friends. Now their friendship had grown into something more. Soon he would be leaving.  

"Years before he'd get his degree, she understood that. It didn’t keep the sadness from her heart. He came to say goodbye, his car packed and ready for the trip.

“'Walk with me in the garden?' They followed the winding path and crossed the bridge. He stopped, knelt. He opened a white box. Nestled inside, a diamond solitaire sparkled in the sunlight.

“'Will you marry me?' he said. 'I don’t know the exact date but I want to spend my life with you.'

"The ring fit perfectly. Now engaged to be married, every time she began to wonder, she'd look at her treasure. 

"'No, not a dream. He is coming back for me.' She wore the guarantee on her left hand.

"Was that you?" Timmy swung his feet to the floor.

Grandfather grinned. "I had to make sure your grandmother knew I was serious." He bit his lip. "Reminds me of how the Lord lets us know He's coming back."

"What do you mean?"

"He tells us in the Word after we hear the truth, and believe, He seals us with the Holy Spirit of promise. He is 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. All to the praise of His glory.

"Grandfather, how can I be sure I have the guarantee?"

"You heard the truth of how you were saved by grace because you're a sinner?" Timmy nodded. "You believe the Lord Jesus died in your place and is the Truth?" 

"With all my heart." He placed his hand on his chest.

"Then, son. You have received His Seal of the Holy Spirit."

Timmy stood, hugged his grandfather. "I'm so glad."

"As am I." He squeezed him tight.

Kingdom Thinking. 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 for His goodness. He loves you, too. His arms are open to receive you. Won't you come?

TUNNEL VISION!

 “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:20, 21. (NKJV).

“Remember, Cing. When we finish our shopping you'll get to choose one thing.” Her three-year-old granddaughter sat in the shopping cart swinging her legs, waiting for Grandmother to check the items off the list. Finally she chose.

“Love my gift, Grandmother. I’ll work in the garden with you.” She clutched a set of miniature gardening tools in her chubby hands and sang her song.   

      “A gardening we shall go, a gardening we shall go, hi ho 
     the cheerio, a gardening we shall...”

Folks smiled at the happy child commenting on her sweet nature and smiling face.

At the check-out counter, Cing stopped in the middle of the chorus.

“Reese’s,” she said. She tossed the garden tools to the side. “I want Reese’s.” She pointed to the beautiful display of her favorite candy--Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on her eye level. Her waterfall of tears didn’t help.

“I’m sorry but we have to leave,” Grandmother told the lady working the register. “There are no perishables.” She lifted Cing and pushed the buggy out of the way.

The lady looked at her, smiled. “No problem. I’ll be happy to replace the merchandise.”

On their way out, a shocked Cing cut off the waterworks. “I’ll be good.”

“We’ll return again--another day,” Grandmother promised."

 She nodded, hiccuped. 

"I want the very best for you, Cing."

"'Cause you love me?"

"The most in the world." She knelt, opened her arms.

 Cing's lip trembled into a smile as she snuggled in--safe and secure.

Kingdom Thinking. Like Cing, I suffer from tunnel vision. I stand at the checkout counter of the world where a multitude of choices are visible. Good things promising to satisfy as well as obstacles--Cancer, disease, hurting people. The Lord Jesus gives me understanding He is the One True God. He loves me. He says, “Keep yourself from idols, child.” Sometimes He removes the situation but other times He takes me aside to wait for His Perfect Timing. How about you? Do you know He loves you? 

PLANTING=FERTILIZING AND TENDING!

“He also spoke this parable: ‘A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then said he to the keeper of his vineyard, Look, for three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground? But he answered and said unto him, Sir, let it alone this year also, until I shall dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’” Luke 13:6-9. (NKJV).

“Grandfather. The story? Let's finish it.” He smiled, lifted the book.

“‘He’ll never amount to anything. Look at his history,' the sheriff said.

“‘No. I’ll never give up.’ His mother lifted her chin. She'd never believe her son was no good. She'd read The Parable of the Fig Tree.

“When the owner of the vineyard demanded the tree be cut down, the keeper of the vineyard asked for more time. ‘Let me work the soil, fertilize it, tend it,’ he said.

“She would do the same for her boy. He was worth more than a million fig trees. She’d dedicated him to the Lord when he was a young child. Was she not his keeper?

“She fell to her knees, asked the Lord for wisdom and guidance, and wept as she prayed. ‘You can do anything, Lord.’ 

“Her friend when asked for prayer support, said. ‘What if He doesn’t answer your prayer?’

“‘He will, but if He doesn’t answer as I ask, I know with confidence He knows best. I trust Him.’” Grandfather looked up.

“What happened?” Timmy's eyebrows dipped. Grandfather shrugged.

“We’re not told the end of the story but our Lord Jesus knows I need to get down to business. It’s not enough to chat with the Owner of the Vineyard. He knows me and wants me to see what He can do when I trust Him.” 

Timmy tilted his head. “What about digging around the tree?”

Grandfather smiled. “Ahh. That's me, on my knees, pouring out my heart in prayer--tending and fertilizing.”

Timmy grinned, hugged his grandfather. “Love you.” Grandfather hugged him tight.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus promises never to leave nor forsake me even when I'm the most pitiful tree in the vineyard. His love for me, the most powerful ingredient, is the secret of bearing fruit as I am tended. He offers His love to you. Think about that!

THE BLOSSOMING ROSE!

“The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing.” Isaiah 35:1. (NKJV).

“Look, Grandfather. A Cherokee Rose. On the side of the road.”

“You’re right, Cing. Your grandmother will love it. It grows wild in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Beautiful, isn’t it?” Grandfather dug a small root of the rose. “A gift for my bride.” He winked.

“Ouch! It may be beautiful but these thorns hurt.”

Grandfather chuckled. “Even with these gloves.”

Back home, Grandfather selected a spot beside the garden shed, an oak tree nearby. “Let’s get this rose planted. Hold it steady.”

“Will it bloom soon?”

“Hope so. We’ll tend it, give it plenty of TLC.”

Years passed. Healthy leaves. No blooms. Until a hurricane hit the lowcountry, bringing down several trees. Still, the rose clung to the oak tree by the shed.

The following spring, Cing called. “Grandfather, come quick. You’re not going to believe this.”

She ran ahead. “Look.”                                                          

On the edge of the garden shed, entwined in the oak limbs, 

the Cherokee Rose bloomed.

“Amazing.” He looked at the space created by the downed trees. 

“Why did it wait so long to bloom, Grandfather?”

“Didn't have enough sunlight to nourish it properly.”

Cing chewed on her lip. “You're saying we need hurricanes to make room for our rose to bloom?” She placed her hand over her heart.

“Couldn't have put it better, Cing. Or maybe I'll change your name to Rose. What do you think?”

“I think I'll go fetch your bride.” She chuckled as Grandfather grinned.

“You do that!”

Kingdom Thinking. When storms come, I look at the damage and clean up. But storms bring changes that let the light shine in. Changes that allow me to see the Lord Jesus loves me with an everlasting love. He promises never to leave nor forsake me, especially in the storms of life. He promises the same to you. Won’t you come to Him?