Daily Devotional

RECEIVING AND LOVING CHILDREN AND RECEIVING GOD

July 22

eloved in Christ, there is a good reason that the Lord Jesus said, "Whosoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 18:4) The presentation of the children to the Lord Jesus makes a powerful and joyful statement about your own heart in the presence of God! If you are too busy for your own children, to show them enjoyment, shared time and patience, then something is seriously wrong with your spiritual walk with God in Heaven, and you should have red flags waving and alarm bells going off all over the place concerning the evil which has overtaken you and is working destruction in your life! Is that statement serious enough to get your attention from the Lord God? One of the great purposes of children in your life is to teach you simplicity, humility, grace, kindness, love, mercy and blessings in their simplest forms. If these qualities are missing or poor in your life, then you are in big trouble with God and it is no wonder that you can be accused of being callous, cold, unfeeling and uncaring. Wake up! And confess and sincerely admit that you have not seen the holy purposes surrounding little babies and children in your life! These are strong words from heaven to you, beloved! "But who shall receive one such little child in my name receives me." (Matthew 18:5) Beloved, our Father in Heaven takes it very personally when you love and bless or when you curse and abuse one of His little ones. It is a wonderful thing to know God in such a way as to please Him in dealing well and lovingly with one of His babies. There you have it! Here is a good confession for you: "Father, I have not loved and received your little children on the deepest level that I should have! I pray for grace, mercy and sincere forgiveness toward me. I ask for you to release me from being too “grown-up” and not seeing and loving these little ones that you have given me."

Prayer

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Father, the children are a blessing from heaven. Help me to love them, bless them and truly rise and become involved in their lives with love, consideration and care. Forgive me where I have offended any one of them. (This can happen through wrongfully divorcing a spouse and leaving the children to their own circumstances). I repent, and commit myself to be restored by your Holy Spirit in whatever way you choose for me Father, in Jesus' name, amen!