A RAKE, A WHEELBARROW AND A PRESENT!

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,' says my soul. 'Therefore I hope in Him!’" Lamentations 3:22-24. (NKJV).

“You refused a gift from Mrs. Carrie? Why?” Grandfather's eyebrows raised.

“She doesn’t have much money.” Timmy tilted his head. “Did I do wrong?”

“Have a seat son.” Grandfather chewed on his bottom lip. “Remember how you felt when you made your first cake?” Timmy laughed.

“Thought you’d done a great job until you jerked the pan out of the oven and added the sugar.” Grandfather’s laugh started deep, rumbled and bubbled up.

“Forgot to add it to the batter. It didn’t turn out too good, did it? Soggy in the middle.” Timmy wiggled his eyebrows.  

Grandfather laughed, his face red. “Sad describes it better.”

Timmy snorted. “You ate a piece anyway.”

“Yep. Considered it a potion from my favorite grandson.”

“I’m your only grandson, Grandfather.”

“True and our Lord is faithful. He takes the mess of our lives and uses it to His glory. Just like the cake you baked or—half-baked.” Grandfather chuckled. “His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. A new day is a present. Waiting to be opened."

“Grandfather, I’ll be back.” He grabbed his baseball cap as he went to the door. “May I borrow your rake and wheelbarrow?”

“Sure but where're you going?” 

“To deliver a present. Mrs. Carrie’s yard is covered with leaves.” 

Grandfather smiled. “Good thinking, son. She’ll appreciate it.” 

Kingdom Thinking. I’m here because of the Lord’s mercies. He promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. His compassions are new every morning—a present from Him. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?

CRIPPLED IN BOTH FEET!

“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 a still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.’” 2 Samuel 9:3. (NKJV).

“Life isn’t fair.” Timmy slumped on the sofa.

“You’re not the first to think so.” Grandfather leaned back. 

“Mephibosheth’s father was Prince Jonathan and his grandfather, King Saul.”

“Bet he had a cushy life.” 

“Maybe for a while as heir to the throne. But King Saul and Jonathan died in battle and David was anointed king. Because of Saul’s hatred for David, everyone fled. As the nursemaid ran with Mephibosheth, she dropped him, causing him to be crippled. 

“They fled to Lo Debar in the desert and he had a steady diet of ‘Hate David—kill him before he kills you.’

“One day the watch-out yelled. ‘Someone’s coming.’ A speck of dust grew into a cloud. Riders—coming to Lo Debar, the place of nothing.

“‘We come for Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan. King David’s orders.’ 

“In the king’s presence, he threw down his crutches, fell on his face.

“‘Mephibosheth,’ the king said. ‘Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather.’

“‘Why? I am nothing.’

“‘As for Mephibosheth,’ said the king, ‘he shall eat at my table like one of my sons.’ So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem and ate at the king’s table. And he was lame in both feet.”

“Grandfather, Mephibosheth hated David. How could he be kind to him?” Grandfather smiled.

“He showed undeserved kindness—the kindness of God, son. Shouldn’t we do the same?”

“Not sure. That'd be tough. Especially if I'd ended up poor and crippled.” He tilted his head. “I'd be mad.”

“You sound human. But the kindness of God remembers His promises and Who paid for our sins. When we give our lives to the Lord, He counts us as one of His and are precious to Him.”

“Like David took Mephibosheth, returned his inheritance and gave him a place of honor at his table?”

“A picture of the same, to be sure.”

“Was Mephibosheth thankful to David?”

“Not always. If you read further, you’ll find he turned against David.”

“Did David kick him out?”

“No. He remembered his promise to Jonathan, not to Mephibosheth. Remember he told him he would always have a place at his table.” 

“And that's what the Lord Jesus did for me, for us? I’m crippled, too?”

“Afraid so.”

“Grandfather, when you put it like that, how could I not love the Lord Jesus?”

“Indeed, son. I agree.” He pulled his grandson into a hug.

Kingdom thinking. I’m crippled. My feet take me places I don’t want to go, yet you, Lord,  invite me to sit at your table? How marvelous to know God, the Father, accepts me because of what His Son, the Lord Jesus (my Jonathan), has done. He also loves you and promises never to forsake you. Won’t you come?

SECOND CHANCES!

“So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down before you?” And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind. Genesis 37:10. (NKJV).

 

“How would you like to bow down to Sam, Timmy?”

“That’s not fair. Sam thinks he’s smarter than I am. Always has money and...” 

Have a long list of his wrongs, huh?”

Timmy’s mouth tightened.

“Saying you wouldn’t like it?”

“I’d hate it.”

“Timmy. You described Joseph’s brothers. His fancy-colored coat flapped in their faces showing his importance to his father, Jacob. Jealous, they made fun of him. But when he told them his dreams of how they’d bow down to him? That did it.”

“So they sold him into slavery?”

“They did. For twenty shekels of silver. Under the going price.”

“You think they felt bad about selling their brother?”

 Grandfather shrugged.

“They lied about it. They killed a kid of a goat, dipped Joseph's fancy coat in its blood, and brought it to their father.

“‘Look what we found.’ Of course, their father recognized it, thought a wild animal had killed Joseph.”

“They never told his father what they’d done?”

“Not until years later—when they had no other choice. I believe their fear kept them silent—hostage, really.”

“Would they get a second chance?”

“Our Gracious God is a God of second chances.” Grandfather smiled. “A Great and Good God always gives second chances.”

“What about the dreams?”

“All in God’s timing, Timmy. What appears delayed to us, is God’s perfect timing.”

“Guess Sam’s okay.” He shrugged. “He does make better grades.”

“I agree. Second chances are always a good thing.”  Grandfather hugged him.  

“Not talking about deserving them but the Gracious gifts of our Merciful Lord.”

“Like forgiving me when I look at Sam’s stuff instead of being thankful for what I have?”

“Exactly, son.” He gave his grandson a hug.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus is always on time, never in a rush, and gives me second chances and third and more. He loves me with an everlasting love and promises never to leave me. He offers you second chances, too. Come to Him. He loves you.

FAITHFUL AND JUST! ALWAYS!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. (NKJV).

“But you don’t understand what I’ve done. God can't forgive me.” They'd met one of Grandfather’s childhood friends at a campground.

“You’re right. I don’t know, James, but I know what God’s Word promises.
“I think you’ve confused sonship with fellowship.” James’ head snapped up.

“What do you mean? There's a difference?” Hope laced his voice.

“You better believe it. Do you have a son?” James nodded. “How long will he be your son?”

James reared back. “He’ll always be my son.”

“Where is he now?” Grandfather said, his voice soft.

“I-I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in several years.” James dipped his head. “We had words and he left.”

“He’ll always be your son. That’s sonship. Our Heavenly Father promises if we confess our sins, He forgives our sins oand cleanses us from all unrighteousness. But when we’re separated because of anger or deliberate sin, we break fellowship and don’t feel like God loves us.”

“It sounds so easy. What can I do?” James said, pain lines deep on his face.

“Want me to pray with you?” At his nod, Grandfather put his hand on James’ shoulder. He asked the Lord to restore James’ fellowship and to show him how to find his son.” 

At home, Timmy asked. “Will Mr. James let us know when he finds his son?” 

“I believe he will, son.” Grandfather said, smiling.

“Just think. The Lord is faithful and forgiving and always wants me to come back to Him. Amazing.” 

“Amazing, indeed.” He gave his grandson a hug.

Kingdom Thinking. When I realize the Lord Jesus paid for my sins by dying on the cross for me, I’m overwhelmed. Then He forgave me and cleansed me and  promised to love me with an everlasting love and never forsake me. He offers this to you. Won’t you come to Him?

AH! THE T FACTOR!

 “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3. (NKJV).

Lightning flashed. A clap of thunder shook the house. Timmy inched closer to Grandfather on the sofa. 

“Why aren't you scared?”  

“Look at this.” In his Bible, he'd nestled a picture of a mother bird on her nest. Lightning brightened the sky, rain pelted her. Head tucked under her wing, she slept.

“Why do you think she can sleep through the storm?”

“Her nest doesn’t look safe.” Timmy squinted at the picture. 

“It’s all about trust. Her nest is secure and she’ll be able to protect her chicks.”

“But Grandfather, how if the nest falls?”

“She trusts it won’t.”

“But how if lightning strikes the tree? How if—?” Grandfather held up his hand.

“Trusting is difficult. Impossible, really.” Timmy blinked. “Unless you realize the T factor,” Grandfather said.

“The T factor?” his eyebrows tilted.

“When you were a little fellow, you’d climb to the top of the slide in the swimming pool's deep end. ‘Come on, Timmy, I’ll catch you.’ Down you'd come and with you in my arms, we’d go under and come up laughing. Remember?”

“I knew you would catch me, Grandfather.” 

 “How if I dropped you?”

“But you didn't 'cause you love me.”

“Ah. The T factor. You trusted me because you knew I loved you. Our Lord’s more trustworthy than I. He’ll catch you, son. Every time.”

“How do you know?”

"He promises in His word He loves us with an everlasting love...”

“Maybe for you. I'm scared.” 

“Trust Him, son.”

“How?” 

“Turn to Him. Lift your arms. He’ll pick you up—every time.”

“Even in the storm?”

“Especially in the storm. It's easy to trust when all is calm but in a storm? We need His strong arms around us.”

“Like now, with you?”

“Exactly.” He hugged his grandson a little tighter.

Kingdom Thinking. When I have trouble trusting my Lord, I remember He promises never to leave nor forsake me and to love me with an everlasting love. He catches me—every time. He offers the same to you. He’ll catch you—every time, too. Won’t you trust Him?

WHERE ARE YOU?

 

“Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?' So he said, ‘I heard Your voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.’ And He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?’” Genesis 3:9-11.  (NKJV).

“Timmy?” Grandfather called his grandson.

 Silence. 

He searched his favorite places. Eyebrows furrowed, he walked into the guest bedroom.

Did the bed skirt move? 

He got down on his knees, lifted it.

“Why're you hiding, son?” Timmy scooted to the other side of the bed, large blue eyes glistening, his lips trembling.

“Cause I’m bad. And. And I’m scared.”

On his stomach, Grandfather wiggled under the bed, joined Timmy. He looked around. “Good hiding place, huh? Kind of dark.” Timmy nodded.

“Want to tell me why you think you’re bad and scared?”

“’Cause he said so.”

“Who told you that you were bad?” Grandfather touched Timmy’s hand. “It’s okay, son. Tell me.” 

"Mr. Sims. Said I'd ruined his flowers."

“Did you?”

Timmy shook his head. "I didn’t, Grandfather.” Tears streaked his cheeks. Grandfather nodded, hugged him.

Later, Grandfather pulled Timmy beside him on the sofa. "Son, we need to talk. You know I love you?”  Timmy nodded. “The Lord Jesus loves you more and promises to be with you—“ 

“Me?” He put his hand over his heart. “Even when I'm scared and hide?” 

"Always and forever. The problem is we have an enemy who doesn't want us to believe God. He tells us we're bad and not good enough for God to love. So—we hide.” Timmy nodded.

“But the good news is God loves us so much He comes to find us—“ 

“Like you did, Grandfather?” Timmy sat up, a smile brightening his face.

“Yes, son. The Lord Jesus loves His children and wants us to know He'll never leave us.” Timmy leaned against his grandfather, smiled.

“I'm so glad.” 

“Me, too, son. Me, too.”

“And you know what?” 

“What’s that?” 

“I’m so glad you told me how much the Lord Jesus loves me. If He’s anything like you, He loves me a whole lot.” 

Tears glistening, he pulled his grandson into a hug.

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

REDEEMED FROM THE CURSE?

 “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?” 

“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 aren't bad. The problem? 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 redeemed.”

“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 trust Him, and practice a lot.” Timmy grinned. Grandfather chuckled, gave him a high five.

“That's the spirit. Proud of you, son.” 

Another high five then a hug from his grandson.

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. 

PAIN, JOY, & MEMORIES!

 

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”  Philippians 1:3-6.  (NKJV).

“Timmy. Time to get to work.” 

“Coming, Grandfather.”  The squeaky wheel of the wheelbarrow loaded with hedge clippers and supplies announced his arrival. “Got the rake, too.” 

"Doing a great job, son. The boxwood hedges look fantastic.” Honeysuckle vines and weeds filled the wheelbarrow. “Huh. Those weeds were taking over.”

“You missed that vine growing up the side of the potting shed, Grandfather. Want me to pull it?” 

“Naw. I'll get it. A big tug'll bring it out of the ground— 

“Oh, no! Run, Timmy, run.” 

A hornet led the swarm. Fire radiated in the area above his thumb. Another on his forehead. Attacked by angry bald-faced hornets for invasion of territory.

Timmy whizzed past, not having to be told twice. By the time Grandfather made it to the back porch, Timmy held a basin of ice water for his battle wounds.

“Man, Grandfather. You almost passed me.” 

“Had a great incentive, Timmy. A painful attack can do that.” Timmy nodded. “Thank you for the ice. It helps.” 

“What about the wheelbarrow? Leaving it out by the shed?” 

“You better believe it. We'll wait 'til those hornets calm down, return to their nest.” He tilted his head.

“it's amazing, isn't it?”

“What is?” 

“I thought I was doing a great job. Just clipping and cleaning. Until I disturbed the hornets. At that point, all I could do was run and call to the Lord for help.” 

“You know what, Grandfather?” Timmy grinned.

 “Tell me.” 

“Every time I pick up hedge clippers or trim a hedge, I'll remember today. Might even tell everybody at the next family reunion.” 

Grandfather chuckled. “Like the scripture. 'I thank my God for every remembrance of you.' God is working in all that we do. Even when we disturb bald-faced hornets. We serve an awesome God.” 

“It’s amazing, isn’t it? The Lord takes funny things and uses them for our good. You know—to teach us stuff.” 

“Not very funny.” 

“Still hurting?” 

“Yep, easing up a bit.” He hugged his grandson. “Thanks for your help.” He received a hug in return.

Kingdom Thinking. This life journey is filled with joys and sorrows. I'm confident of the fellowship for the Lord Jesus promises He'll never leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He began the work and He will complete it. He'll do the same for you. Won’t you trust Him?

PRAY, PUSH, AND PRAISE!

“He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:3. (NKJV).

“Grandfather. We need to get going.”

“Couldn’t go without these.” He handed Timmy his binoculars, slipped into the driver's seat of his truck. “I want Vera and Tom to see our beautiful waterways here in the lowcountry in a way they’ll never forget.”

“Grew up here with you, remember?” Tom chuckled. “But I’m lookiing forward to this.”

Launched, the Blue Jay, a sixteen-footer, zipped along the channel. Timmy leaned back to enjoy the ride. Gulls soared, a blue heron flew out of the marsh, croaking his raspy disapproval. 

The boat lurched to a stop, showers of pluff mud pelted them with machine-gun intensity.

“What happened?” Vera covered her head.

Grandfather cut the motor. “My fault. Should’ve watched the channel markers. The tide's covered a swarth of pluff mud under a few inches of water."

“Don’t worry, Grandfather. I’ll get out and push.” Timmy jumped out, sunk up to his armpits. He pushed, the boat wobbled in a circle. Grandfather and Tom got out to help—same circle. Stuck in the pluff mud.

“We need your help, my dear,” Tom said to Vera.

“But I have on my new white bathing suit.” Sigh. 

“Okay. Eww. Something's touching my legs in this oozy stuff and it stinks.” Her lips trembled. “We’re trapped. The pluff mud has won.”

“Let’s pray,” Grandfather bowed his head.

“Not much use,” Tom commented. “Tide’s going out. We'll be here for hours.”

As Grandfather prayed a strong breeze rippled across the water offering encouragement as it caressed their sweaty faces.

“Push,” Timmy yelled. Working together, the boat slipped off the mudflat and into the channel. He pumped his arm in the air. “All right!”

“You’ve done it,” Tom said. “I’ve seen these waterways in a way I’ll never forget—pray and push.” 

“Don’t forget to praise,” Timmy said.

“Pray, push, and praise our Lord.” 

“Amen,” the other three chorused.

Kingdom Thinking. When life uses a shiny exterior to disguise objects below the surface, I get stuck in the muck. Not my God. He knows I need to see Him at work—to know He keeps His promises—to never leave me and to love me forever. Therefore He gets the glory and puts a new song of praise in my mouth. He offers the same promises to you. Won’t you come to Him?

BELLOWS, SQUEAKS AND LEMONADE!

“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.’" Matthew 9:37,38. (NKJV).

Won't be long before I’ll harvest this patch of watermelons. Blue ribbons lined the wall in his study. He turned a melon over, then another. His eyes narrowed.

He sucked in a deep breath.

“Timmy!” At his bellow, his grandson came running, screeched to a halt when he saw his face.

“You called, Grandfather?” his voice squeaked.

“Know anything about this?” He pointed to the melon. A neat triangular plug protruded from the underside. Jaw taunt, he waited.

“Well.” Timmy dipped his head, dug his toe in the dirt. "Um…Sam and I thought we’d check the watermelons for you. You know, to see if they were ready to pick. The first one wasn’t so we plugged it to ripen...”

“You checked all of them?” Timmy bit his lip.

“No sir. We didn’t get to ones in the back of the patch. We wanted to help you.” 

Grandfather massaged his forehead with his fingers.

“You read from the Bible that workers were needed for the harvest so I thought...”

“Understood,” Grandfather took a deep breath, whooshed 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.”

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

Grandfather sighed. “No, but maybe we can both learn from this. It’s not what we say but what people hear us say. You heard worker and harvest so you thought you'd help.”

“I messed up. I’m sorry, Grandfather.”

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

“Yes sir and I'll listen from now on. I promise." Grandfather put his arm around his grandson's shoulder, gave it a squeeze. 

“Listen. How about a glass of lemonade? Did you hear me?” 

“Loud and clear, Grandfather.” 

They headed for the house. A tall glass of lemonade sounded mighty fine on this hot day.

Kingdom Thinking. Too many times I’ve heard part of what was said which caused 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?

A REASON TO CELEBRATE!

 “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20,21. (NKJV).

“Look, Mama,” the seven-year-old said, bouncing on tiptoe. “I see the American Flag. It's dancing in the wind.”

The family watched as the wind furled and snaped the beautiful Star-bangled Banner in the brilliant sunshine, a sight to behold. 

The Fourth of July Celebration at the American Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, Central America. The family had lived in San Jose for six months while attending language school. Now they'd been invited to join the other Americans to celebrate this special holiday.

For a while, they'd stand on a little piece of American soil and eat hot dogs, hamburgers, and all things American. Citizens of the United States of America living in a land, not their final home.

“Grandfather, was this when your family lived there?”

“It was. When I look back it was a time I learned what home is all about.”

“What do you mean?”

“As we live on this earth daily, we're being prepared for our eternal home, where we're citizens.”

“Don't understand.”

“Well, son. Our citizenship is in Heaven. A gift from our Heavenly Father who arranges for us to remain on earth in training—a type of boot camp. 

“This program with the ups and downs in life helps to develop spiritual muscles needed in this world to share hope with those around us. Do we have Pain? Yes. Gain? Yes. Great joy? Absolutely!”

“Wow. That's why we go through so much stuff?”

“I believe so. Once in a while, I get a glimpse, a surge of joy. Like when you accepted the Lord Jesus as your savior.”

Timmy stared at Grandfather. “So all this stuff we go through He’s using to teach us?” 

Grandfather smiled. “He’s teaching us to depend on Him. To trust Him now and in the future.”

“Then why don't we celebrate all the time?” 

“Good question.” 

“Let's celebrate now!” He grabbed his grandfather's arm, did a little jig, then ended with a hug.

Kingdom Thinking. In this world, it appears I have dual citizenship. For now, I live in boot camp. One day, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, will transform this boot camp body into a glorious body like His. He promises this, not only to me, but to you. Won't you choose Him?

WHO’S YOUR DADDY?

“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." Isaiah 63:16. (NKJV).

Your mama wanted to take I Want A Word, an English class taught by Dr. Havilah Babcock.  She climbed the stairs to his office, tapped on the door. His secretary looked up.

“May I help you?”

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

“I'm sorry. That class fills a semester ahead of time,” his secretary said, with a tilt of her head. 

“Thank you.” Shoulders slumped, she turned to leave. 

A gentleman in the adjoining office walked around his desk, leaned against it. 

“Just a minute. Where’re you from?”

“Mayesville, South Carolina.” 

“Who’s your daddy?” 

She answered. 

“Sign her up,” he said. “I know her Daddy. Hunt with him. He has good bird dogs.” 

“So. Mama took his class?” Timmy said.

“Yes and loved every minute of it.” Grandfather caught Timmy's eye. “What would've happened if Dr. Babcock didn't know her father?”

 “She couldn't take the class?” Grandfather grinned.  “Wait. You're her daddy.” 

“Smart fellow. Knew you'd catch up. 

“Knowing our father's name is important but knowing our Heavenly Father? He is our Father, our Redeemer from Everlasting is His name.” 

“Wow,” Timmy shook his head. “Some coincidence. She couldn’t have planned it better.”

“You really think it was a coincidence?” 

“Don’t you, Grandfather?”

“Our Heavenly Father knows everything about us and has a plan for our lives.” He held up his hand. “Doesn’t mean I have to understand. But one thing I do know. He is my Heavenly Father and I put my trust in Him.” 

“For me, too?” 

“Absolutely!” 

“What an awesome God we serve.” 

“Awesome, indeed.” Grandfather pulled his grandson into a hug.

KINGDOM THINKING. The Lord Jesus is in control of my life with even the smallest details that add flavor to each day. The Lord God is my father. He loves me and promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves you, too. Is He your Father? His arms are outstretched. 

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?

GRACE! A GIFT THAT ENDURES FOREVER!

 “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.” Romans 11:6 (NKJV).

“You’re talking in circles, Grandfather.” Timmy rested his chin in his hand.

“Are you standing or sitting?”

 Timmy rolled his eyes. “Sitting.”

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

“Guess so.”

“All I’m saying is you can’t have both. If we saved by grace, we’re saved by grace...”

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

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

Timmy whispered. “If it's a gift, why don’t we let it shine through us?”

“Because when I'm stubborn or unforgiving, I shove grace to the side, clog His flowing spring. Try to work it out myself—”

“Don’t allow His grace to work?” He frowned. “Where is it then?” 

Grandfather chuckled. “Good point. It’s not lost…

“Remember how we clean the artesian well? It gets clogged with leaves and stuff. No fault of the spring. For His spring of grace, I confess my sins to Him. He cleans the spring so I can use the gift in my life. Life is easier when I do.”

“You don't have to do the work? He does the cleaning?”

“Absolutely. It all about Him.”

“He'll clean my spring, too?”

Grandfather nodded. “His grace is a gift to you. You do have to open it. Know what the note says inside the gift?”

“My gift of grace to you, Timmy. The more you use it, the more you have. Use liberally.”

“Wow, Grandfather. For me? A special gift from God?" He tilted his head. “You know what?”

“What's that?”

“I'm gonna use it over and over.” He hugged his grandfather and received a big hug.

Kingdom Thinking. I confess I need His grace—every minute of the day. I don't deserve it. It's a gift. 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 to Him?

TRICKED!

  “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7. (NKJV).

“What do you have there, son?” Timmy stuffed something into his pocket.

“Nothing.” He held out empty hands.

“Nothing is bulging in your pocket. Let's see.” He pulled out a plastic bag. “Seeds?”

“Not just any seeds. Magic beans. See them moving? Sam gave me five. A magician gave them to him.”

Grandfather’s left eyebrow quirked. “And they cost you how much?”

“Oh, they didn't cost me money.” He grinned. “I traded my knife.” 

“One with the pearl handle?” He nodded. “Son. You've been deceived.”

“What do you mean, Grandfather?” 

“Tricked. Taken advantage of. Hopefully, you'll learn treasure doesn't come cheap. Someone has to pay the price.” 

Grandfather opened one of the seeds with his knife. “Here's your magic. A larvae hatches from an egg a moth lays. When the beans get warm, the larvae jumps to get to a cooler spot, and finally makes his way out.” He tilted his head, looked closer.

“The bean with the open end reminds me of the empty tomb. The enemy thought he'd won. The Lord Jesus was crucified, dead, and buried, all according to God's plan. On the third day, He rose from the dead. He paid the price for all sin—“ 

“All sin? Why?” 

“Because of His Amazing Love for us. He knows we mess up. So He took my place.” 

“My place, too? Why would He do that?” 

“We can’t seem to get things right. He came to make things right when we put our trust in Him. Remember when the twins were visiting?” 

“They made the biggest mess of things without even trying. Then I had to clean up their mess.” He stood still. “The same way the Lord Jesus cleans up my mess and gives me new life?” He put his hand over his mouth.

“Grandfather, that’s hard to understand.” 

“I know. That’s why we trust Him and thank Him for loving us.” 

“Wow. Grandfather, can I go and tell Sam about the empty tomb? These beans helped me to see a miracle.”

“You surely can, son. That's a great way to show God is not mocked.” 

Kingdom Thinking. In this world, we’re bombarded with information. Some true, half-true, or totally false. The Lord Jesus knows what's going on. He uses all of the mockery and deceit to teach me truth. He promises to love me and never leave me. He offers the same to you. Won't you come?

THE SILVER CHISEL!

“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?” Micah 6:8. (NKJV).

“Listen to this, Timmy.” 

The preacher read the verse from the prophet Micah. Jake shook his head, and stared at his feet. Shame suffocated him.

As a child, he thought himself smart. He'd sneak into the kitchen and sample cookies Mother told him not to touch. He swiped change from Daddy’s dresser. 

In adulthood, his dishonesty escalated. Money from the benevolent fund at work, short-changing a client. Not a lot—just enough to aid his lifestyle. Now reality hit full force. A crust of hardness encased his heart. Hopelessness filled his soul.

“What have I done?” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Justice and mercy? What a joke.” He swiped his eyes. No hope. 

“Wait. What did the preacher say?”

He tilted his head, listened to the rest of the story. A story that no man, rich or poor, could meet God's requirements. 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.

"For someone like me?"

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 hurried down front, fell to his knees. 

"I want to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with the Lord," he said to the preacher.

With his arm around Jake, the preacher listened, then prayed with him. He turned to the congregation.

"This is Jake, our new brother. Please welcome him to the family.”

“Grandfather, is that my Uncle Jake? Aunt Mary’s husband?”

“The same.” 

“But, Grandfather. My Uncle Jake is a missionary in South America. He’s good and kind…” 

“And changed by the Mercy and Grace of the Lord Jesus when he gave his life to Him.” 

“So The Lord shows us what is good?” 

“Not only shows us, but He comes into our lives and guides and directs us as we live daily for Him…” 

“He completes our requirements ’cause we can’t? We depend on Him. He brings us new life, His Life, as we go?” 

“Absolutely.” 

“Wow. He just chisels away the bad stuff and fills us with the good stuff?” 

“A good way to put it.” He hugged his grandson.

Kingdom Thinking. In the darkest moments of my life, the light of the Lord Jesus shines brightly. Why? Because 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? 

THE WORK IN THE GARDEN!

 “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5,6. (NKJV).

“We’re planting, aren’t we, Aunt Janie?” Cing handed her another plant.

‘Yes, we are. Be careful with the little plant. Maybe, if you’re a good helper,  we can make you a garden. Would you like that?”

“Oh, yes.” five-year-old cing’s big blue eyes sparkled as she bounced. “Now? Can we do it now?”

“Let’s finish these plants then we’ll begin your garden.” She handed her aunt another plant.

A week passed. Aunt Janie’s plants were looking good and her seeds had sprouted, but not Cing’s. In tears, she asked, “What happened?”

Aunt Janie smiled. “How many times did you dig up your seeds?”

“I dug to see if they were growing.” She dipped his head. “Every day.”

“Here’s what I want you to do. Plant these new seed. Pat the soil nice and easy. Water them every day but—don’t dig them up. Understand?” She nodded.

Days later, Cing, bursting with joy, announced. “I have plants. Come see.”

"Excellent!” Aunt Janie patted her shoulder. "Good job. I’m proud of you.” 

"You sowed the seed, nurtured it, but trusted they’d sprout. That's the way it is with God's love."

"I don't understand."

"We pray, even weep over the ones we love, but we don't pester them.” 

“Like I pestered my seed by digging them up?” 

Aunt Janie chuckled. “But that’s okay. You’re leaning how to plant.

In God's generous Love, He allows us to participate in His Plan. Then we come to Him, rejoicing, bringing our sheaves with us.”

“May I call mine flowers?”

“Absolutely.”

“Wow. That’s amazing. I can wait to tell Maggie about my flowers. She’ll love them.”

“She will,  indeed!” 

Kingdom Thinking. How wonderful is our God? Our Lord Jesus allows us to plant His seeds. Yes, there will be weeping, but our tears of sorrow shall turn to tears of joy. He promises never to leave nor forsake us. He loves us with an everlasting love. Won’t you accept Him? 

THE BONDSERVANT!

“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, have an earache?”

“No. Just checking my right earlobe. Has a hole in it.” 

Timmy leaned closer. “Don’t see it.”

"It's invisible." Grandfather winked.

“Know about the bondservant, son? 

“Just a story. Why would anyone want to be a servant?” 

“Depends on your master—one who'll love you and provide for you. The Lord Jesus did that for me, for you.”

“How?” 

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

“But you’re good, Grandfather.”

“Why do you say I’m good?”

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

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

‘You’re sure?' He said. Then He brought me to the door because He is the Door. He pierced my ear with an awl, a permanent hole so anytime I don’t want to serve, I reach up, touch my ear. Ah, I remember. I’m in service to my King. I am His. 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?” 

Grandfather smiled. “Better believe it and It's invisible…to us, not our Master.” 

“So I am His and He is my King?” 

“Correct.” 

“When will it get easy? When I’m old like you?”

“Ah, son. We’re in training. He’s the Master, we’re the servants. We don’t have all the answers but one thing I’m sure of—“ 

“We can trust our Master and King?”

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

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 bondservant forever. He offers the same to you. Won’t you choose Him?

SHADOWS! DISTORTED AND REAL!

“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.” Hebrews 10:1. (NKJV).

Eight year-old Timmy folded his arms across his chest. “I want to see Jesus. Then I’ll believe He’s real.”

Grandfather tilted his head. “Let me show you something, son. Stay here on the couch. Okay?”

He gave a quick nod, chin up. Grandfather walked out of the room into the hall. The lights in the hall brightened. That’s when he saw it. A looming shadow.

“Grandfather,” he called. “Help. A big shadow's coming to get me.”

“I’m here, Timmy,” Grandfather said, as he walked into the room.

He leaped into his grandfather’s arms, put his hands on both sides of his face. “You were the shadow?”

“Yes. The light shone behind me. You saw my shadow. You couldn’t tell how I looked, could you?” Jake shook his head. ”Now I’m in the light...out of the shadows.”

“And now I know you.” 

“Right. The Bible tells us the law is a shadow of the good things to come. A shadow can distort the truth and leave much to the imagination.” He shrugged. “ We just fill in the blanks.” 

“Like I did.” 

“Even though you know me, you didn’t recognize me.” 

“I was scared.” 

“What happened when I walked into the room and said, ’I’m here.'” 

“I was so happy, I jumped into your arms.” 

“Why didn’t you jump into the shadow’s arms?”

“’Cause that wasn’t really you—just your shadow.” 

“But now I’m here—“

“And I’m safe in your arms.” 

“Before the Lord Jesus was born on earth, we had the law that told us how to live. But we broke the law. So the Lord Jesus came, lived a perfect life and fulfilled the law. Now we believe in Him and He abides in us…”

“I still want to see Jesus.”

“I understand what you’re saying. That time will come.”

“It will?” 

“Yep. Until that time comes, we trust in Him and live every day with His joy and love in us.” 

“And I’ll be able to see Him?” Grandfather nodded.

“That’s something special to look forward to.” He chewed his lip. “Think He’ll come before Christmas?” 

Grandfather chuckled. “Nobody knows. Only the Heavenly Father.” 

“I can’t wait to see Him, Grandfather.”  

Grandfather smiled, gave him a hug.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus gave us the law. But much more than the law, He fulfilled the law and now gives us the chance to know Him. He loves us with an everlasting love. He promises never to leave nor forsake us. Won’t you come out of the shadows and into His light? He waits for you.

BRIDGE CROSSING—A LESSON IN TRUST!

 “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. Proverbs 3: 5, 6. (NKJV).

“Grandfather, got a  letter from Aunt Mary. Let’s see what’s happening.”

Grandfather opened it, read.

Dear Brother,

“Out family decided to take a trip to the coast. Friends told us about this quaint island. A get-away—a special vacation. We did well until we got to the river.

“You’ve got to be kidding!” I peered at the chasm. A lazy river snaked its way to the Caribbean. Not quite as deep as the Grand Canyon, but might as well be.

My husband pulled over to the side of the highway. The bridge wasn’t completed. 

“Guess we’ll have to make the trip to the island another time,” I said.

A jeep pulled up. The driver got out, pulled some boards from the side of the road, placed them across the unfinished section. He lined his tires with the boards, and drove across the bridge.

“If that guy can do it, so can we.”

“No way. This old Buick across those boards? The weight will cause the boards to...” In the backseat of the car, our four children, eyes wide, looked from their dad to me.

“You drive," he said "I’ll walk across the boards to the finished part, and direct you. Pay attention to my hands.” My husband turned to the children. “Y’all need to sit on the floor and be quiet so your mama can concentrate."

Really? My observation told me the builders of the bridge considered some people would try to cross the bridge before completion. At the edge of the highway, a gap, then a completed part, another gap, to the road on the other side. 

I don’t remember much about the crossing and most of our visit on the island blurs due to my fretting about our return trip—same bridge, same boards. My family insists we had a great time. 

Okay. Let’s just agree it was a trip to remember. I believe the Lord Jesus is teaching me to trust Him. I’m so glad He was with us every turn of the wheel and every step of the way. Hope you’re well. 

Please continue to pray for us as we go, sharing the Good News that the Lord loves us and promises never to leave nor forsake us.

Love, Mary

“Grandfather, I’m glad I wasn’t in that car. How if it—“

“It didn’t.” 

“Do all missionaries have scary stories?”

“Probably, but the main thing we should learn from this—“

“We can depend on Jesus no matter what kind of bridge we’re crossing? He’ll always be with us. He promised.”

“Absolutely, son. Without a doubt.” He hugged his grandson.

Kingdom Thinking. Trusting in the Lord with all my heart is difficult, at times seems impossible. So the Lord Jesus promises never to leave me and loves me with an everlasting love. No matter what bridge I'm crossing, He'll be with me. You can trust Him, too. He’ll direct your paths if you let Him—even across your life's bridges.