Bless the Children
Jesus says in Mark 10 (NLT) “Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them! For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then He took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them.
It was not that long ago that I mentioned this scripture to you. As I had prepared “Childlike Joy” I felt God ministering to me and that there was more to be said.In this scripture the parents are bringing the children to Jesus to have Him lay His hands on them.
I want you to do something for me. Close your eyes. Picture a moment from your childhood where you were filled with joy and happiness. Keep that image in your mind. Wouldn’t Jesus lay His hands on that little child to pray for them and bless them? That little boy or girl filled with such innocence and purity. Of course Jesus would! That child is still somewhere inside of you! And you know, Jesus still wants to bless!
Matthew 5:3-12 (NLT), “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
My friend, this should encourage you! You are still a child of God!
1 John 3:1 (NIV), See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!...
God desires to have a relationship with you. He knows you already. Psalm 139:1-6 (NLT), O LORD, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! But my question is this, do you know God? Do you know the love He has for you, the blessings He wants to give you? Do you desire to know Him as He knows you?
Let me share this with you. I hope this encourages you. The more time I take with God, the better I get to know Him, the more I realize how much He loves me. And to be honest, when you take that time with Him, it gives Him opportunity to speak to you. It gives you opportunity to know Him more intimately than you ever knew Him before.
Let me end with this scripture. Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT), Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself.
Let’s try it this way…I am going to write this again with my name in it. There is power in speaking scripture over yourself. Just as I am doing, I pray you will do the same.
Long ago the LORD said to Leslie: “I have loved Leslie, My Leslie with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself.
Even now as I type this, tears begin to come to my eyes. Why? Because that is how much God loves me and more. That is how much God loves you and more!
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