Foolish Hearts

"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

I love kids and I love interacting with them. Perhaps that's why I have taught VBS for the past 5 years. Who knows? God knows.

Kids have an innocence about them that seems to fade with age. And that is the topic of today's story.

When Jesus said, "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these," He was referring to the children gathered around Him. It's their innocence that caused Jesus to say that IMO. Innocence compared to us - the backsliders, doubting Thomases, and the lukewarm. We become tainted by the world because we live in it day after day.

Children grow up and their innocence fades. Is rhere anything we can do to keep from fading away in our faith?

"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” - Isaiah 40:8

And there's the answer. We can immerse ourselves in God's Word. Our love for God must be complete. 100% And how do we get there? Pray, read, study, surrender, worship, and quit wallowing in a world that tells us to do the opposite.

We need the heart of a child. Not one that is foolish and perishing.

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" - Jeremiah 17:9

"I've been wrong before, don't be wrong anymore." - Steve Perry

Foolish Heart - Steve Perry

The Innocent Man

It's hard to imagine what it will be like, to stand before the judgement seat of God. We know that we have sinned and that "the wages of sin is death." But when will it sink in?

Will the line be long to receive our sentence? Or will it happen in an instant, like someone snapping their fingers?

It is written that whosoever believes in God shall have eternal life. But where? Heavwn of hell? So many questions. But that initial moment, that initial moment . . . when we realize that we actually have made it. What will that be like?

I imagine that there will be a lot of singing going on - thanking God, praising Jesus for His sacrifice.

The chorus from one of Billy Joel's hits comes to mind . . . 

"I aaaam, an innocent man!!! Oh, yes, I am!!!"

How could anyone not be excited about what Jesus has done for us? But then there's this from that same song . . . This could be Jesus singing to many who do not believe in His name.

I know you don't wanna hear what I say.
I know you're gonna keep turning away.

That's a choice they have made. And it has eternal consequences.

"But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins." - Romans 3:21-24

"I aaaam, an innocent man!!! Oh, yes, I am!!!"

(through faith in Jesus.)

The Innocent Man - Billy Joel

Need A Hug?

Hugs are great! Nothing beats a hug to express love or to lift someone up. I love giving and receiving hugs. Don't you? 

I noticed a couple of things about this week's hugs though that has led me to write this story. The first one is this - hug conversations.

Have you had any conversations whilst hugging lately? That is, talking WHILE you're hugging. They are wonderful! Always short and to the point. Here's a sampling of mine this week.

"Love you, brother."

"Love you too."

"How are you feeling?"

"You mean right now? Great!"

"It's been too long."

"I know!"

A second characteristic about hugs is their duration and intensity. I had one intense hug this week that was, well, let's just say that I will NOT have to visit a chiropractor anytime soon. I'm not complaining! My back feels great!!

Then there's the duration of the hug. According to the psychologists at the University of London, the most effective hugs last between five and ten seconds. Psychology Today suggests 20-second hugs are the most therapeutic.

Whatever the duration or intensity of our hugs, the most important thing is the giving and receiving of them.

You see, we all have a "personal space." Anytime someone enters that space without permission, we feel uneasy and tend to back away.

But whenever someone allows us to enter, or offers to share their personal space with us in a compassionate gesture, that truly is special. Be grateful. And keep those people close.

I watched our granddaughter give out hugs this weekend. Is there anything more innocent and representative of love than hugs from a child? She reminded me of these words from Jesus.

“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them." - Mark 10:14-16

The Apostle Paul tells us several times in his letters to the churches to "Great each other with a holy kiss."

Maybe that was their way of hugging back in the day. In today's world though, I think I'll just stick to the hugs.

The Innocence of a Child

I could look at this picture for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. It's a picture of my granddaughter. The photo was taken by my daughter at Roche-a-Cri State Park.

For me, my personal connection is enough reason to love this picture, but this picture also tells a wonderful story, which is for everyone.

Children are amazing little humans. So innocent at times. Brutally honest too. There is much to be learned from our kids.

Innocence. Once lost, it can be a very difficult thing to regain. Yet, the Bible tells us we are supposed to be innocent when we stand in front of Jesus one day. That's the way I read this verse from His very lips.

"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

When we grow older we lose that innocence and replace it with responsibility and guilt. That's not a good thing. Oh, to have that precious innocence again, and to live a guilt-free life. It is possible, through Christ.

"Narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:14

Look at that picture again. My granddaughter doesn't have a care in the world. She is surrounded by prickly weeds and nasty bugs but she doesn't care. She is running toward her destination - full of confidence. What an example for us older humans!

May each of us have that same confidence when we come before Jesus one day. Not being summoned before Him in fear, but running towards Him with the innocence of a child.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." - John 14:27

What Child Is This? - Vince Gill and Michael McDonald