The children are a special treasure in Your eyes. What is it Father that we adults lack? Do we lack the forthright nature of a child? Their innocence is genuine, not contrived. Their faith in Your love and the love of those around them is not like our faith as we mature. Our faith in other adults is usually conditional, based on how things are going at the moment
What does it mean to strain at a gnat and swallow a camel?
Jesus, these verses remind us of the phrase “you strain at a gnat and swallow a camel” wherein we focus on obedience in some small matter, in almost a compulsive way, believing that such obedience earns us points with You.
Sure, heaven is going to be great…but this is awful!
Father, Peter tells us a very important fact. We have been given a “living hope”. Yes, heaven awaits, but here we learn that our hope, made evident here and now, by our faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Savior, is a present reality.
God wills that all men live forever. Are you chosen?
Father, it could not be more clear. You chose us for salvation. We see that we are sanctified by the Spirit, as we decide to accept Your Son, Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and when we demonstrate our belief in that truth. And what is the truth but Your Holy word. That, Father, is the Good News in a nutshell. Your Spirit, and our spirit, becomes as one and the process of sanctification ensues.
An innocent child…the perfect example of faith.
When we observe the purity and innocence of a child, You tell us that these children and their innocence are a representation of persons who will inhabit Your kingdom. How, Jesus, can we ever achieve that kind of innocence? The answer comes from You. “I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”
Are wisdom and prudence the greatest gifts?
Jesus, being wise and prudent would seem to be a very good thing. How is it that here You say that Your teachings are hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed to babes? We know the answer from Your word. Prudence and wisdom, of which Solomon had abundance, did not necessarily always lead to a closer walk with You.
Depraved, disappointed, disconnected; that is not God’s will.
When we yield our hearts to You, the abundant life is guaranteed to follow. We know, Jesus, that abundance here does not mean material things, although You bless us in so many ways. The abundance You provide is both eternal and right now. Your presence is our comfort, our assurance of Your love.
The Law, in stone, now carved upon our hearts.
You have told us that the truth is written on the hearts of Gentile believers. We, unlike Israel, who were given the truth by the law, have been given it in an indelible way; it is written upon our hearts.
So, how dangerous, in the eyes of God, is it to offend a child?
Jesus, Your love and protection of our children could not be made more clear. You have assigned an angel to each one and that angel comes from the presence of the Father, to comfort and counsel every child. We know from experience, Jesus, that our children are imperfect. But, it is not their perfect behavior that protects them; they reside in Your righteousness.
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Jesus, how could we attend church, give offerings, sing in the choir, and pray without You “knowing” us? The answer is in Your word. “Works” or the performance of duties, customs and rituals, if they could save us, would make the Act of the Cross, of zero importance.