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Encouragement for Today - June 24, 2009
June 24, 2009
Childlike Wonder
“Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest.” Luke 9:48 (NIV)
Devotion:
"Look grandma, this makes super-duper bubbles!" my grandson squealed. The new bubble gun I bought him at Cracker Barrel was indeed a marvel at propelling hundreds of soapy spheres at the touch of a button. He entertained himself for hours, shooting bubbles then chasing them across the yard.
At some point he decided catching them in his mouth might be fun, to which I warned it might make him sick. Grandpa chimed in, "That bubble might go down in your tummy and get bigger and bigger!" Matt stopped in his tracks, fixated on my husband, and replied, "Is that what happened to you grandpa?" This four-year old comment made me chuckle and then ponder.
What does God see when He looks at me? Does He see a wide-eyed child who simply believes Him? I'm afraid that innocent, uncomplicated girl got lost. And I don't think I'm alone in this. Simple faith is a rare find.
In this information age, the journey for knowledge has become the driving force in our society. As Dragnet's Sgt. Joe Friday always said, "Just the facts, ma'am." Faith gets pushed aside in exchange for internet wisdom. If you haven't been bitten by the know-it-all mentality, you simply haven't let your fingers do the walking across your keyboard! Do you want to find out how to build a house, take apart an engine, or stay up on the latest news? Google it. You can instantly become an expert in almost in field! So if God tells me to, "Go," my first instinct is to research the web for direction, instead of trusting His voice.
During a concert performance recently, our church choir wore costumes from Bible times. It struck me as I watched and saw only their faces showing, how each one had a childlike image. No one out-dressed the other. No one was thinner or heavier. No hair was perfectly styled. They all had rosy cheeks, bright smiles and joy in their eyes. The prevailing trait we find in children - innocence - shone through. I found myself wondering if that is what God sees when He looks at us, simple children.
When we come to Jesus it is critical to come like a child, innocent and amazed. My grandson simply believed his grandpa. When was the last time you simply believed God? No analyzing the situation. No studying alternative theories. Plain and simple, childlike trust in the One who created the heavens, the earth and you.
Today, I want to focus on coming to Him as a child. I want to stop the grown-up worry and gaze lovingly into His Word. Today, I want to enjoy being "the least among you all" so I can spend time with the greatest, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, You made the heavens and the earth and all that is in it, even the brilliant minds that created computers and the Internet. Yet none can match Your wisdom and splendor! No one has the knowledge that You possess. So I lay down my quest for seeking answers from this world and exchange it for Your simple and glorious truth. Impress Your words on my heart today I pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear by Max Lucado
Fresh Grounded Faith: Devotions to Awaken Your Spirit by Jennifer Rothschild
Visit with Luann on her blog
Application Steps:
Find quiet time today. Turn off the computer, the radio, and television. Silence your phone and go into a room with no noise at all. Speak out loud to the Lord. Then read His Word to hear Him answer.
Reflections:
What pulls me away from simple faith?
Will I trust my grown-up life to an Almighty God who loves me as His child?
Power Verses:
Matthew 11:25-26, "At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.’" (NIV)
Isaiah 54:10, "’Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (NIV)
© 2009 by Luann Prater. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
