A Child In The Kingdom

SCRIPTURE: Matt. 19:13-14 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."

OBSERVATION: What does it mean to be like children in the Kingdom of Heaven. A few ideas: they don't worry, they trust their parents to provide, they believe in a simple and uncomplicated way, "if mom and dad say it, I believe it." They know how to have joy just to be around their family (think of the joy that is expressed with "daddy's home!!"). They have a terrific sense of living in the moment, unconcerned about the future; they are able to find all the joy in the simple things (a box, a stick of gum, a hot pancake) of the moment.

We would do well to do the same. The Kingdom belongs to us if we trust God--simply believing Him, enjoying His presence and finding joy in all of the moment by moment blessings He gives us.

APPLICATION/CONFESSION: I find it so easy for me to get complicated in my believing--too often listening to Satan as he always says; "Has God really said . . ." . I am not a little child in that way--but I want to be. Not that I shouldn't engage my mind, but I should approach belief from the point of view that I have already seen so many times that God has come through for me and blessed me. It only makes sense to continue to trust Him--like a little child.

PRAYER: Lord--You are such a good God. I love You as my father and provider. Thank You that I can trust You as a precious and loved child would trust their earthly father--You are even better than that!! Thank you for all You have done for me and for the confidence I have that You will never let me down.