Daily Devotional for January 14, 2015

Luke 8:15-17
People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. “Let these children alone. Don’t get between them and me. These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”
 
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
One of Timothy’s first books was called Inside Noah’s Ark* by Charles Reasoner.  My mom bought this “board book” for him, and it didn’t take long for Timothy to learn the rhyming phrases on each page.  “Load the animals, two by two – here on Noah’s floating zoo”, the first lines say…and we “loaded” the ark countless times. I read other “God books” to Timothy…simple prayers for children, Bible stories, and a particularly special book that explored the question, “Where is God?”
 
I have always marveled at Timothy’s acceptance of God.  He has asked a few insightful questions about why we cannot see God…and where is He, really?...but he readily accepts that God is everywhere – that He lives in our hearts and is with us at all times.  I believe he truly loves God as much as any five-year-old can.  He is learning about the importance of living in a way that pleases God…and it appears to be important to him to do this.  We’ve read stories about Jonah and others who did not obey God and suffered the consequences.  I feel like Timothy and his siblings are developing a very good grasp of just how much God loves them…and they are developing a desire to honor and obey Him.
 
The question seems to be…when do we lose this innocence and purity of heart?  At what age/life stage do we start to really question God’s authenticity…and His presence?  More importantly, WHY do we do this? There are dozens of answers, ranging from the development of an intellect that causes us to question everything to peer pressure to a heightened sense of ego and self-sufficiency that can often lead to rebellion…or some catastrophic event that kicks us in the gut and leaves us feeling “punished” or abandoned by God.
 
Regardless of the causes, the bottom line is that we need to return to “child-like faith” and trust God more readily.  It’s okay to have questions…God welcomes them, and He will provide the answers if/when we are willing to seek His guidance.  It’s okay to be confident and believe in yourself – to a point.  But rather than criticize or demean those who seem to rely on God and follow His lead with something akin to “wild abandon,” we would do well to “let go and let God” a little more and adapt their approach.
 
Sometimes, reverting to your childhood can be a good thing…and when it comes to your faith in God and the attitudes of your heart, it’s most definitely good to be a kid again.  Are you ready to trust God with the simplicity of a child?  Will this be the day that you begin?
 
©2015 Debbie Robus
 
*http://www.amazon.com/dp/0843148853/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=ICIIN9FURNLT&coliid=I1AX4856YA4WRD

Daily Devotional for January 11, 2015

John 14:6
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
 
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
It’s an icy day in Arkansas.  Freezing rain has spread across much of the state, and many local churches canceled services to keep people off of slick roadways, sidewalks and parking lots. Better safe than sorry…I don’t think God takes any pleasure in one of his children suffering an injury – or worse – while trying to get to a Sunday church service!
 
A friend of mine whose church services were canceled for today posted this comment on Facebook…”Since we didn't have church this morning.....thought for the day: John 17 tells of Jesus's prayer for His disciples as He's about to leave them. What three things would you pray for your children if you knew you would die in 24 hours?”
 
I had already formulated some thoughts in my head, but they were confirmed when I read John 14:6.  My first prayer would be that my “children” – and other loved ones – know Jesus.  I mean, really KNOW Him!  My second prayer would be that their every word, thought, deed and action would be guided by God…that they would be so in tune with Him through prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship that He directs their every breath.  My third prayer would be that they always love others as Jesus loves them…that they would be tolerant, accepting, gracious, merciful, compassionate, and forgiving…without exception.
 
I do not fear death – nor leaving others behind.  I anticipate that they will join me in heaven someday.  But if I knew that these three prayers would be accomplished in those I hold near and dear, I would have full confidence and peace in my departure.  With this thought in mind, I am making it my goal to demonstrate these prayers in my own life…to model this Christian faithfulness and discipleship to those in my midst – whether I am here for one more minute or dozens of years.  What about you?
 
©2015 Debbie Robus