Like Grandfather, like Grandson!#

An ageing farmer lived in remote regions raising his young grandson. Together they would while away countless fishing hours from the farm's stream. There was simply the two of them. They loved each other beyond words.

Each morning, very early, grandpa sat at the kitchen table reading his Bible. His grandson would rise later to always see grandpa's eyes on his Bible.

This grandson longed to be like grandad. With much so love in his heart he would imitate 'gramps' in every way feasible.

One day the grandson asked, "grandpa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close it. What good does reading the Bible do?"

His grandfather quietly turned from the coal stove he was tending and replied, "take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."

The boy did just as he was told. But, all the water leaked out before he had returned.

His grandfather's eyes smiled as he explained, "you'll have to move a little faster next time". He sent him again back to the river's edge.

This time the boy ran back faster, but as previously the basket quickly emptied. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, so he spun around to fetch a bucket.

Grandad gently teased, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough". Then he stepped out the door to watch the boy's next attempt.

At this point, although the boy well knew the task was impossible he was now intent to prove his point.

Yet again he dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was as empty as every other attempt. Panting he exhaled, "see grandpa, I told you - it's useless!"

The time for the grandson's lesson had now arrived.

"So you think it is useless? Look at the basket."

The boy gazed into the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket to be now clean, inside and out.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, But, when you read it you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Jesus' Word in our lives."#

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)

You do not have your concert first then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all in harmony with Him. ~ Hudson Taylor

God's Word is never hollow, nor is it idle - it is your very life! (See also Deuteronomy 32:46-47)

Today's Soul Snippet:

"The Cross shows God's disapproval of sin, but screams His undiluted love."

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#This anonymous story does contain SoulSupply edits.