“Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD.” Psalm 127:3 (CEV)

It struck me that if children are a blessing from the Lord, then God must actually be looking upon us as blessings too! Since we are “His children God is our Heavenly Father” God also views us as a blessing to Himself.

I know some days my children are blessings. Just recently, a simple “thank you” from our kindergartener made me smile. When she saw the impact her words had on me, she quickly asked, “Mommy, did that just lift your spirits up, up, up?”

There are many simple things that make my heart sing: I am blessed when our children, “brother and sisters” treat each other with Love and respect. I am blessed when they are kind to friends and neighbors. I am blessed when they share well. I am blessed when they remember good manners. I am blessed when they are thankful and not just consumed with their own needs. I am blessed when they are obedient. I am blessed when they learn and grow into new skills. In the same way, our Father in Heaven is blessed when we, His children, do these simple things.

Reflect:
Knowing that God loves you unconditionally, take a few moments and ask God to show you how you bless Him. How can I bless the heart of my Father today?

Prayer:
Dear Father, help me be a blessing to You and Your Kingdom. Help me love others and treat everyone with kindness and respect. Help me live a life that makes Your heart sing.

By Idelette McVicker
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• God’s Creation
• Be Blessed, Beloved Child
• No Child Ever Leaves God’s Sight\

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Please open your Bible and read Psalm 78:1-4.

Little six-year-old Timothy skipped home at a leisurely pace with his older brother. His elementary school was only a 5 minute walk from his house, but it took him a lot longer than that to arrive at home, much to his brother’s chagrin!

It was the first day of spring. The sun shone brightly. The wind whistled gently through the air, and it seemed as though the entire world was blooming … alive after its winter slumber. At seemingly every turn, the natural world around him aroused his amazement and wonder: a dancing butterfly, a fuzzy caterpillar, a colorful flower, all alive with growth and life and wonder!

Sometimes we’re almost like polar opposites of little Timothy when it comes to God. We get accustomed to God’s grace. Blind to His glory. Oblivious to His love. When there’s work, plus family, plus church, plus everything else, it’s easy if we’re not careful to become distracted.

When was the last time you were in awe of God? While must constantly strive to increase our knowledge and understanding of our Lord, we should never lose the sense of wonder at who He is and all He has done for us.

Jesus called the children around Him, “took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:16) Can you approach Jesus as a child, not with a childlike intellect (1 Corinthians 13:11) but with a childlike attitude? A childlike attitude will keep us humble as we continually are reminded of God’s high exaltation, our lowly place, and (despite of our lowly place) how God has lifted us up with Him when we put our trust in Him, so that He may even call us “friend”. (John 15:15)

“Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.” Psalm 113:2-3

Question: What do you admire most about the natural beauty around us, and have you stopped to really see it lately?

by Darren Hewer
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• In Awe and Wonder
• Stand in Awe
• Wandering and Wondering

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The post The Wonder of a Child can be found at Thoughts about God.

Cathy, our third daughter, was our shy one. When company came to the house, she’d run to the bedroom and hide. She wouldn’t stay in Sunday School class for half an hour unless I was with her.

Imagine my surprise then when during the closing ceremony of grade one, I saw my shy little girl walk on the stage, lift up her little face to the audience and sing a solo. To me it was nothing short of a miracle. How had it happened?

I remembered the teacher’s words to me that first day of school when I’d warned her of Cathy’s shyness, “Cathy will be just fine,” she’d said. This positive message had been repeated many times throughout the year. Gradually my daughter  had been able to believe the message and accept little challenges the teacher gave her to do until she was able to perform such a feat. As Cathy kept listening to the positive voice and reaching for her potential, her confidence grew until today she’s  a confident, assured young woman. Believing the right message about herself made all the difference.

The world bombards us with negative messages. “You’re a failure,  nobody could ever love you…”

When these negative messages come , change the channel. Pick up God’s word, the Bible, and hear what God says about you. “God so  loved you that he have his one and only Son, that if you believe in him you will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) God values you that much. When called upon to do a difficult task, listen to his recorded message in the Bible, “Christ in you the hope of glory (success). Nothing is impossible with God. With God’s help I can advance against a troop. With God’s help I can scale a wall (Psalm18:29) This is the truth about you. Read  it out loud.

Thank you, Lord, that you valued me enough to die for me. You love me just as I am for you created me. Today I will take freely of your resources. I will go forth in your strength and energy and I will succeed in your name.

By Helen Lescheid
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• 12 Ways to Love Your Wayward Child
• The ABC’s of Parenting Teens
•  Salvation Explained

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The post Speak Faith, not Fear into Your Children can be found at Thoughts about God.

Of all virtues, Jesus elevated meekness above the rest.

Why humility?

It is the door opener to grace, and no virtue enters our lives except that humility acknowledges our need and requests virtue to come. Without humility, we see no reason to change or appropriate future grace.

Yet, humility not only hosts the other virtues, it is also the life essence that sustains them. It is humility that recognizes when love is growing cold and humility that confesses our need for greater purity. Without humility, our virtues harden into lifeless statues; we are outwardly religious, but inwardly unable to change.

Humility is the taproot of true nobility. For it provides increase to wholeness, and life and maturity to all other virtues. It is the antidote to Pharisee-ism and the cure for a Jezebelian attitude.

A Child

Consider: when Jesus was asked by His disciples,

“Who then is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

He put a child in their midst. He said,

“Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mathew 18:1,4).

What a sublime wonder! In Heaven, the height of greatness is measured by the depth of one’s humility.

Consider Wuest’s Expanded Translation of Jesus’ statement:

“Therefore, he who is of such a nature as to humble himself like this little child, esteeming himself small inasmuch as he is so, thus thinking truly, and because truly, therefore humbly of himself, this person is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.“

Jesus came to establish Heaven in the lives of His followers. Thus, He introduces the realm of God to His disciples with the words,

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

Beloved, the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the “poor in spirit.” Who are these poor? They are people who “know their need” (Godspeed Translation). Beloved, there are people in Heaven who were sinners on Earth. The streets of God’s kingdom are filled with people who, at some time or another, failed and fell short. There are adulterers who’ve been washed and cleansed by Christ’s blood, ex-drug dealers and prostitutes whose hearts are filled with praise to God – all who came face to face with their need, repented and found forgiveness of their sins.

But there is not one proud individual in Heaven. There are no self-righteous beings in Heaven.

Here on earth we see the strutting pride – the air of self-importance – manifest in leaders and celebrities. Again, we behold the air of false superiority in our cultural prejudices. We see unrepentant pride in the conflicts that lead to divorce and the offspring of pride – envy and jealousy – in the inordinate desire of men to be glorified before other men.

Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the poor in spirit! Not the perfect, but the poor. Yes, we are called to standards of perfection, and strive we must toward that upward call. Yet, perfection in Heaven is measured, not in degrees of self-sufficiency, but in degrees of dependency and surrender. We can search for an eternity and we will observe truly: there dwells not one proud soul in all of Heaven.

Today, we cry for revival and pray for breakthroughs, and persevere we must. Yet the Lord’s eyes are upon a certain individual. He says,

“For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, ‘I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite‘” (Isaiah.57:15).

The disciples were arguing about who is greatest in the Kingdom. Jesus placed a child in their midst.

This is greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven: to possess a humble heart.

By Francis Frangipane
used be permission

Francis Frangipane
info@frangipane.org
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The post The Greatest in God’s Kingdom can be found at Thoughts about God.

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”  Luke 18:16-17

I know it’s not actually in the Bible, but I can picture the little drummer boy on the night Christ was born. There he was, peering around legs, sheep, and long robes. Maybe he heard the angels sing to the shepherds? Perhaps he was sleeping at the inn and awoke to the ruckus outside. Curious, he went to see what the fuss is all about. People were bringing gifts. Someone said this was the new king. The little drummer boy steps forward and offered his song, and the babe in the manger smiled at him. Barumpa, pum, pum.

Many people say Christmas is for children. We grown-ups are too harried, too conscious of the money, too cynical to get sucked into the whole thing. Christmas bonuses go to paying down bills, or buying gifts for the kids. It doesn’t matter. It’s all become too commercial anyway. Bah-humbug.

Yet Jesus invites us closer to the manger. “Don’t be anxious about material things,” He says. God loves and cares for us. Seek the kingdom first (Matthew 6:25-33). Draw near like a child with curiosity, openness, and faith. Embrace the season once again in its original joy.

Dearest Lord, invite us into your presence with the innocence of a child. Help us to adjust our faith-eyes to see you shining through the glitter and presents and parties. Then, in humility, let us bow down before your manager and once again declare you king over our lives. Amen.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by permission

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•  Christmas

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The post Christmas Is For Children can be found at Thoughts about God.

My children often show me the very basics of our humanness.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

My children often show me the very basics of our humanness. The not-yet-redeemed parts: how we are innately selfish, greedy and impatient. They also show me the heavenly parts: how to play and dream. How to move and make up stories. How to love and come in for a cuddle. Children are not afraid of intimacy and adventure. Their hearts are wide open, ready to love, happy to explore. Children are eager to learn; not yet set in their ways.

While most people love babies, not all people tolerate children. And yet, Jesus said: Let the children come. Children interrupt our ideas of perfection. How often I think of heaven as a perfect place where every duck is in a row. But Jesus said, Let the children come. In a way, I have come to think that He says, Come, let’s invite in the chaos. Let’s fling open the skies and let the noise come in. Let’s learn together and play, like the family I meant for us to be. It’ll be fun.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to come to You, like a child. Help me to learn from You, like a child. Help me to be more open to the chaos and noisiness of Life. Help me to see You in these moments. Amen.

By Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

Further Reading

• What is the Father Saying to You?

• Open My Eyes

•  Salvation Explained

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The post When Children Come can be found at Thoughts about God.

“The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are his children.” 1 John 3:1 (NCV)

Let me tell you who you are. In fact, let me proclaim who you are.
You are an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
You are eternal, like an angel (Luke 20:36).
You have a crown that will last forever (1 Corinthians 9:25).
You are a holy priest (1 Peter 2:5), a treasured possession
(Exodus 19:5)….

But more than any of the above–more significant than any title or position–is the simple fact that you are God’s child.
“We really are his children.”

As a result, if something is important to you, it’s important to God.

Max Lucado
From: He Still Moves Stones
Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:    
http://maxlucado.com/about/

The post God’s Child can be found at Thoughts about God.

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” Luke 18:16

Sherry and Jimmie met at a hard rock Black Sabbath concert.
Both were serious substance abusers.
Sherry became pregnant and a few months later, they got married.  But it was awful!
A divorce ended years of abuse.
Strangely enough, God drew them back together.  He had a plan for this family!
What did God use?
Little three-year-old Jason told the pastor, “I want Jesus to bring my daddy home.”

Months later, the couple asked the pastor to marry them.
He agreed if Jimmie would receive Jesus into his life as Sherry had done previously.
So Jimmie said yes.
Now he says,
“Jesus invaded our world that night.  We got up from there and were completely different.”

Now Sherry and blues artist Jimmie Bratcher are sharing Christ’s life-changing story with others.

Friend, your experience might be less dramatic, but God WILL change your life!

By Vonette Bright

~~~~~~~

If you don’t know God and his forgiveness and would like to start living a life where he is at your centre, you can start that journey today with a prayer:

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to trust you from now on. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person You want me to be. Thank you for enabling me to trust you in these uncertain times. Amen.

~ ~ ~ ~

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I was lying on the floor looking at a newspaper. My grandson, beaming with an irresistible smile, came over and laid next to me.  He said nothing but looked up at me and then at the news paper, up at me a second time and at the newspaper.

In perfect imitation, he put his little finger to his lips and then to the corner of the department store ads as he began flipping the pages as I had been doing with the newspaper. I was tickled with his imitation but also with the pure joy he seemed to have in the process. He can’t read and was not really interested in the ads but was interested in doing what I was doing. Wow, was that fun to see. I will never read the Ephesians 5:1 again without this image coming to mind…

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children…” Just before this command Paul says, “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

What does it mean to imitate God? First of all, it means taking the time “to lie next to God” and “observe Him” Daniel 11:32 says, “the people who know their God display strength and take action.” This word “know” means more than just observation, though.  It carries the idea of intimacy and closeness, as a man “knows” a woman.

We get to know God in at least two ways. First, we have his Word. Some would say we only know about God from the study of His Word. That can be true if we stop there. The second step is action. True knowledge of God means being intimately aware and involved in the principles we see in God’s word and by faith taking action that mimics God’s action toward us.

My grandson may not have understood why I was doing what I was doing but he did want to imitate me. Sometimes we may not really understand why we should do what God has said but in doing it we do begin to understand as we experience God’s faithfulness, wisdom and love.

Today and each day spend some time with God in his Word. Then think about how to joyfully imitate God/Jesus in your world. I’m sure God will be pleased…

Someone has sad, “Imitation is the best compliment.”

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When we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, he also adopts us. Through a dramatic series of events, we go from condemned orphans with no hope to adopted children with no fear. Here is how it happens. You come before the judgment seat of God full of rebellion and mistakes. Because of his justice he cannot dismiss your sin, but because of his love he cannot dismiss you. So, in an act which stunned the heavens, he punished himself on the cross for your sins. God’s justice and love are equally honored. And you, God’s creation, are forgiven. But the story doesn’t end with God’s forgiveness.

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God.â€? (Romans 8:15–16, NASB).

“But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons “(Galatians 4:4–5, NASB).

It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more. He gives you his name. It would be enough if God just set you free, but he does more. He takes you home. He takes you home to the Great House of God.

Adoptive parents understand this more than anyone. I certainly don’t mean to offend any biological parents – I’m one myself. We biological parents know well the earnest longing to have a child. But in many cases our cribs were filled easily. We decided to have a child and a child came. In fact, sometimes the child came with no decision. I’ve heard of unplanned pregnancies, but I’ve never heard of an unplanned adoption.

That’s why adoptive parents understand God’s passion to adopt us. They know what it means to feel an empty space inside. They know what it means to hunt, to set out on a mission, and take responsibility for a child with a spotted past and a dubious future. If anybody understands God’s ardor for his children, it’s someone who has rescued an orphan from despair, for that is what God has done for us.

God has adopted you. God sought you, found you, signed the papers and took you home.

Question: How does God show you that you are part of His adopted family?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2009/10/23/ml_adoption/

*****************************************************************

Max Lucado
From: The Great House of God
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 1997)
Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://www.maxlucado.com/about/

The post God’s Mission: Adoption can be found at Thoughts about God.