DECEIVED!

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadows of turning.”  James 1:16, 17. (NKJV).

“You’re not gonna be happy.” Timmy tossed his test paper on the kitchen table. 

Grandfather picked it up, frowned. “I thought you studied for the test. You needed to pull up your average.”

“Not my fault, Grandfather.” He crossed his arms across his chest.

“Really?”

“I studied the important stuff.” 

“The materials the teacher gave you?”

“Um, no. The sheet Dan gave me—his notes.”

“Let me see the notes.” He held out his hand.

“But, Grandfather. They’re private.”

“Private became null and void when you failed the test. The notes, please.”

Grandfather looked over his glasses. “You memorized these answers?” Timmy nodded. 

“You’ve been deceived. Someone wanted you to fail, big time. Hope you didn’t pay much for them.” Timmy dipped his chin then looked up, tears glistening.

“I thought he was my friend. I’ll take my own notes from now on—and study hard. I promise.”

“That’s the spirit. With that attitude, you’ll get it done. And I’m here to help.”

“You’ll help? After what I did?”

“Of course. You're my favorite grandson—"

"I'm your only grandson, Grandfather."

“True. Now. Let’s get to work.” 

A week later, Timmy ran in, waving a paper. “Look at this, Grandfather. We did it. I made a good grade.” 

“I knew you could.” 

“Thank you for taking the time to show me the easy way.” 

“That’s how my father helped me. One day, he found me discouraged about my algebra. He sat me down at my desk. ’Let me show you the easy way,’ he said. That made all the difference. I knew he believed…” 

“In you, like you believe in me, Grandfather?” 

He nodded. “Not just for math but for every part of life. Our Lord wants us to know the Truth, the Lord Jesus Christ, and show we’re His in our daily lives.”  

“Like you’re teaching me, Grandfather? So I won’t be deceived?” 

“Absolutely.” 

“Thank you, Grandfather, for showing me the answers to math but especially how much the Lord Jesus loves me. I trust Him to be Lord of my life.” 

“Amen.” With glistening eyes, he hugged his grandson.

Kingdom Thinking. Deceived? Me? Yes. The enemy bombards me with wrong answers, half-truths, then inserts fear and doubt. The Lord Jesus is Truth. He promises never to leave me and He loves me with an everlasting love. Have you been deceived? The Lord Jesus offers you good gifts. Gifts to prosper, not to fail. Won’t you come to Him?