Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 3, 2024
Matthew 18:1-5
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then he called a little child over to sit among the disciples, 3 and said, “I assure you that if you don’t turn your lives around and become like this little child, you will definitely not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Those who humble themselves like this little child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Good Morning! Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world!
It is fascinating to watch a group of young children. They are not distracted by how other children sound or look. They might not speak the same language, but that doesn’t get in the way of them enjoying each other’s company. They join in the game without a long discussion of the rules. They just play!
Children see everyone as a friend. Of course, this can lead to problems when they are approached by someone with ill intent, so we teach them about “stranger danger.” As necessary as this is, it is a sad rite of passage when they must learn to “be safe.”
As we age, judging the motives of others becomes routine. We can’t even have a simple conversation without first setting the ground rules. Thus, the grouping and judging of others takes over, and we subconsciously assess everyone we meet.
Happy are those who look at others and see the possibilities of a new friend! When we look for faults and evil, we will find them, but when we focus on goodness, that will set the tone of all our encounters.
Encouraging God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We are in such a hurry to grow up and know things, yet to find you; we must allow ourselves to put all that aside and be like children. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Accept others with childlike openness.
Look and See through the eyes of a child! Pastor Liz
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