Devotions

Faith like a Child

by Jody Sackman

“Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “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.”    Luke 18:16-17 NLT

After what seemed like the most difficult year of my life, I’m reflecting on the goodness of our God. He was patient, gentle, kind and loving.  Best of all, He showed me it was certainly OK to become that little child.  My prayers were simple.  “God, help!”  It’s truly all I had, and to our Good Father that was exactly enough.  In reflection, that is all that is required of us…to approach the Kingdom of Heaven like a child.

 I learned to:

*accept God at His Word

*approach the Kingdom as a child

*simple prayers matter

*to come as we are…broken and without big fancy words

*He will see us through

*it’s OK to tiptoe into the next day

*rely on our Good Shepherd

In the broken and in the messes of life, if we allow Him, He will use it all. In it all, I’ve learned that simplicity is truly key.  He provides us our daily bread, just enough for today.  He hides us in the shelter of His wing to keep us from harm and danger. He is who He says He is: our provider and our first love. He knows everything about us, yet loves us in spite of it all!  It’s truly OK to come as a child in all seasons, especially the ‘hard’. God is ready with open arms to accept us just as we are!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of being able to come to You with the trust and openness of a child, knowing that You always listen and love us unconditionally, no matter what we bring to You. Amen.

SEEK FIRST HIS FACE

by Danielle Hanstad

"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 

2 Chronicles 7:14

When was the last time you sat in the presence of the Almighty and yearned to know Him more deeply? Too often we lift our eyes to heaven only when we are reaching for His helping hand, instead of seeking a glimpse of His face. Picture a father who gives his child a big gift for their birthday; instead of the child embracing the father with thanksgiving - the child turns without pausing and asks for more. The father’s heart then sinks in disappointment as he was longing for a warm embrace, not another demand. Our hearts must be postured in love, not continual demands. Our eyes must be fixated on walking in step with the Holy Spirit, and knowing Him as a Person. Scripture tells us that if we seek Him first, we will have everything we need (Matt.6:33). Just like a loving, earthly father, our heavenly Father wants to help us in our broken world. When we seek God’s face - we seek His character, truth and presence. And, in the manifestation of His presence there is healing, deliverance, restoration and transformation. Your breakthrough is on the other side of intimacy with your heavenly Father.

SCRIPTURES: Psalm 34:4-5, Psalm 145:18-20, 1 Chronicles 6:11, Psalm 105:3-4, Proverbs 8:17, Deuteronomy 4:29, Luke 11:9-10, Jeremiah 29:13, Psalm 107:13-14

ACTION STEP: Devote a time and place everyday to sit in the presence of God and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you in new ways.

PRAY: Father, thank You for being such a loving God who desires a close relationship with me. I ask for spiritual discipline, to prioritize my time to seek Your face above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen!