Scripture Reading: Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 18:1-6, Matthew 19:14, Matthew 21:14-16, Romans 8:15-17, Psalms 8:2, Psalm 103:13-14
There were three small bedrooms in our yellow house. I was eight years old when we moved in, and a few weeks later our family of four multiplied into a family of nine when our cousins arrived from the Philippines to have a fresh start in a new country. We made room by giving our cousins the third bedroom to share. All five of them, four children and my aunt, shared one full size bed and one twin bed. We hosted a giant sleepover for the next nine months, sharing rooms, meals, and one working bathroom. Daily we exchanged customs and words and phrases from both cultures. We tried new food like champorado, chocolate rice. They saw snow for the first time. Together we worked to build more room for them in our unfinished basement. In the crowded craziness, we shared lots of laughter, tears, and stories as we gave them the opportunity to begin a new life.
A new life. Isn’t that the message of the gospel?
Jesus says in Mark 10:14, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them.” He spoke their language and embraced them. The lessons Jesus taught by example in welcoming the children are the same methods He used to reach out to all seeking Him. Jesus welcomes us to new life in His home with the same hospitality. He invites us to eat together at His table, to discover threads of familiar language and stories and memories to create and share.
When we invite children into the opportunity to experience new life by inviting them into our home, it doesn’t matter if we have enough beds or towels or food on the table. It may be for a snack, for a meal, for a sleepover, or for a short-term stay. We welcome children into the kingdom when we welcome them into our space. Maybe Jesus’s love looks like warm chocolate chip cookies or painting rocks on the porch or reading a book out loud together or skipping rocks. Jesus was interactive with those around him, reaching out to them right where they were. He invites us to run to Him, to Abba, Father, a Father who welcomes us with open arms and will squeeze us close to his chest in his embrace.
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
—Mark 10:15
Written by Vina Mogg
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15 thoughts on "Making Room for Children"
A story to share about my 11 year old grandson, the one who had a biopsy this week. When he was younger, just old enough to ride a bike on his own, he was on a bike ride with his parents. They came upon an ambulance outside a neighbor’s home. The ambulance was picking up an infant. My grandson was concerned. His dad told him all we can do is pray. My young grandson got off his bike, put his hands together and began to pray, right there in the middle of the street. No praying when they got home, no praying in silence, but right in the middle of where prayer was needed. Oh, to have the faith of a child. Thank you for your prayers this week. Preliminary results are looking good. But God!
Pondering what trait(s) of a child that Jesus is asking that we have to enter the Kingdom.
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Dependency
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Teachable
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Trust
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What do you think?
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SHERRY – praying you and your grandson have peace as you both wait for your biopsy results.
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Praying for those travelers today.
My husband and I are heading to VA for Thanksgiving with my mom, step-dad, brother, and his family. Pray I will apply God’s wisdom to the gathering.
I was pondering the same thing Kelly and made a list: humble, kind, open-hearted, trusting, faithful, loyal, innocent, accepting of others, honest, loving. They are not malicious and do not have ulterior motives or a hidden agenda.
I’m thinking I need to see my 6th grade students in a different light today and follow Jesus’s example of welcoming all of the children (even the ones who get under my skin:) Safe travels! Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes Tami and Kelly, your lists got me thinking what are the qualities of a child. I thought humble as well. Innocent is a good one and I think about how do we have innocence when approaching God.
Kelly joining you in praying how to apply what we’re learning as we gather with family. I too am praying how to show love while also remaining to get healthy in the family dynamics. Challenging But God will be with us.
Timely topic as the house is quiet this morning for the first time this week … no wrestling matches or Lego wars, no tattling of he did this or that or where’s my ______ ? Without children of our own, it’s been a learning experience as we have stepped in over the years when needed (or allowed) to help with our sibling’s children and grandchildren, plenty of missteps and a lot of joy.
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In reading and thinking about Christ’s words this morning, to come to Him as a little child, to humble ourselves as a child – I thought about how trusting little children are, how eager they are to learn, how their minds absorb information like a sponge, how quick they are to love and forgive, how they will call you out for not doing/saying as you tell them to do/say. Good lessons for me.
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Praying for our sisters (and myself) with an empty chair(s) at the table tomorrow for those celebrating Thanksgiving, for our sisters who are caregivers and things look different or are more isolated than in the past, for those unable to be with family for countless reasons. I am thankful for each of you as we study together and strengthen faith.
As a quick flashback to yesterday, if you have the study guide, don’t miss the chart on pages 52-53!! No way to wiggle out of loving everyone – all made in the image of God!!
Father, give us Your heart to love all we encounter, stranger or family/friend!
I heard a story on Saturday of a young friend in her thirties, unmarried, who lost her best friend to cancer earlier this year. Her best friend had three little children. You know what she has done?
She has moved heaven and earth and has recently adopted them!
I have tears. I have not seen Lydia for a couple of years now, but,, my God, if this is not what the above title means, then someone explain to me what does!
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I have known Lydia for nearly fifteen years. A beautiful young lady whose father was a stand up member of our church. She loves Jesus! When she was 10 she came home from school to find her mama in the garden, having had a heart attack and died..
I absolutely know her heart.. The journey of losing a mama at a young age has spurred her on to make this beautiful decision to make room for these little people who face life without their birth mama…
Lord I do pray your hand be over the changed dynamics for the children and Lydia.I am so very thankful Lydia has been in the children’s lives since birth, and that they have known her all their lives.. It reminds me of the words in Esther 4:14..'”.. And who knows you have come to your royal position for such a time as this… ” I pray you are with them each day, in Grace and love and wisdom.. Provide, Lord God all they need and I pray Lord God, the children’s hearts will know peace and that Lydias arms will be opened wide in those moments of sadness..
Father God, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray ..
AMEN.
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BUT GOD..
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Happy Wednesday, dear hearts, covered in much love, and wrapped in prayers..❤
Amen and hugs for this new family
What an honor for Lydia to be trusted by the Lord and the courts to care for and raise up these children! How blessed both she and the children are – her friend’s memory will stay fresh because Lydia will see her in the children, and she will be able to keep the children’s memories of their birth mom alive with memories of her own as time passes … remember when … ?
What a beautiful story❣️
Would appreciate prayers for my youngest son (6years). He fell and hit his mouth on a rock yesterday. Thankfully, no damage to the teeth (except his baby teeth may fall out sooner). He has an underbite now. The dentist didn’t seem that concerned, but said to come back in 6 months if it is still a problem. Please pray. The injury and the underbite is causing it very hard for him to eat. Thankfully, other than the initial shock, he has been able to be in a pretty good mood and get on with it. I am still shaken up by it. He looks pretty bad, I don’t know how to not make it a big deal myself as I feel queasy. Also, I know this isn’t about me, but his healing.
I was very thankful to God to get the news his teeth were actually ok. Please thank God for that. Thank you.
A. Walton.
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Breathe..
Breathe..
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It is well.
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Will pray for your mama heart.. I get it. I truly do! My son, now 43, when he was four, slipped on the outside stairs and his top teeth embedded themselves into his bottom lip.. My neighbours had to sort him out as I was in a corner shaking with ‘mama heart’s fear! He still has the scar.. ❤
I’ll be praying A Walton. Praying for peace for your mama heart and that your little’s teeth will be fine.
Joining Tina & Tricia in prayer for your son, A WALTON, for quick healing and that you receive a good report at the 6 month check up. Thankful his teeth are ok!
Praying for you and your son. ❤️