Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 9, 2023
Matthew 19:13-15
13 Some people brought children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded them. 14 “Allow the children to come to me,” Jesus said. “Don’t forbid them because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children.” 15 Then he blessed the children and went away from there.
Good Morning, Jesus loves the little children!
If you enter most local churches and ask the members what they lack, the answer is often young families with children. Of course, as members become older, they recognize that they need younger people to keep the church moving forward.
The funny thing is that as much as members say they want young families, they don’t always welcome them. After all, children can be annoying when they spill things, break things, make messes, and even cry during the service. We want children, but we don’t always like what having children among us implies. Maybe we have more in common with the disciples scolding the parents than we wish to consider.
Having children and youth in our church is a great blessing, but having them requires concessions from the adults. Welcoming young families means that we might have to let go of our “perfect” decor in our classrooms and make kid-friendly materials, including Bibles, available in our sanctuaries and classrooms.
Jesus welcomes all to come! Let’s consider how to make our young families feel truly welcome.
Everpresent God, We thank you! Once again, we recognize our imperfections. Help us focus on what is good so that we might welcome all who come to You. Again, we Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God’s love is boundless.
Invite the children to come! Pastor Liz
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