“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1,2. (NKJV).
“Timmy, need your help.”
“Where are you, Grandfather?”
“Here. Behind the camellias.” He lifted his pruners.
“We need to cut away these vines or they'll choke the camellias.”
“The camellias look good to me--they're blooming.” He shrugged.
“They look strong and healthy but if not tended, they’ll soon be covered with vines.” He pointed to a smilax vine.
“See the tiny tentacles? As the plant grows, they tighten and damage the plants.”
“What can I do?”
“Clip the vines. I’ll dig the vine’s roots." He tilted his head. "Hmm. Sort of like us. You think the camellia’s condemned because the vine attaches itself to it?”
“No. It’s not the camellia's fault, is it?”
Grandfather shook his head.
“When I gave my life to the Lord Jesus, He lifted me up and put me into His garden. He cuts away the sin in my life. He makes me free from the law of sin and death with the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.”
"What do you mean?"
"I was born in a different garden. One filled with weeds, briars, and hurtful things. When I asked the Lord Jesus into my life, He transplanted me into His Garden. He cleaned me up, removed the vines of sin that strangled and bent me with its weight. My nourishment comes from the new soil in his garden. Now I grow tall in Him and my fruit--peace, love joy--"
"The fruits of the Spirit?"
"Correct. They're the fruit I produce because my nourishment is from His soil, His power."
"Which garden am I in?" He bit his lip.
"You asked the Lord Jesus to come into your life, right?" He nodded. "That's when He took you to the new garden."
Timmy's eyes flared. "Oh. I'm in His forever garden."
"You got that right, son. Now come on and help this poor camellia."
Kingdom Thinking. Once I lived in a garden out of control. Then the Lord Jesus, the Master Gardener, came. He tenderly transplanted me. He promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me. Would you like to live in His garden? The gate is open. Come on in!