Like a child

Like a child

It’s kid week at our church.  Our Vacation Bible School is a big deal, reaching about 200 children – as we sing songs about God’s love, hear stories from the Bible, and just generally have fun! I love the organized chaos that fills the building. It’s not just about entertaining them for 3 hours each morning, though.  Our mission is to make sure that each one knows that there is a God who loves them, that they can know Christ Jesus and the full life only found in Him!  

 "Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:2-7, NLT)

Did you meet the Lord today with joy, expecting Him to be with you today?
Is your attitude like that a child who accepts each day as it is?

 Or, have you become so cool and sophisticated that you will not trust God for what this day holds?  A little girl approached me shyly yesterday in church with a hug. She was just offering affection. There was no calculation or manipulation – just a simple “I love you, Pastor Jerry.”  Oh that we would come to Him with that same child-like love.  Real security and deep serenity is the gift He returns when our hearts and minds are singularly focused on loving Him. He liberates us from the craving for approval of others that causes us to do so many things we come to regret.

One of the wonderful things about a little child is his readiness to live in this moment. The kids that I will hang out with this morning will not be staring at the clock. They will be largely ‘in the moment!’ Their reward will be delight as they explore the opportunities and possibilities that present themselves.  Let’s be child-like, ready to live in the moment! When you find yourself fretting, complaining; wishing you were somewhere other than where you are, or living as someone else than who you are – stop. Give the Spirit the opportunity to renew your joy in the moment. Humbly accept the day and let joy find you!

Here’s the word from the Word - "One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them." (Mark 10:13-16, NLT)

Abba, give us the faith of a child, the loving heart of a child, the ready acceptance of a child – 

so that we may receive ALL that you have prepared for us in this day. Amen.

____________________

Let me be a man

With a perfect heart,

Let me be a son

Who will please You, Father;

Let me be a child

Who reveals Your will

In all I do and say.

Fill me with Your Spirit,

Lord, I pray, that Jesus

Will be seen in all of my life;

Let me be a son

Who will please You, Father,

Let me be a man

With a perfect heart.

A Man With A Perfect Heart

Hayford, Jack

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