(Mark 10:13 - 16) Receive the kingdom of God as a child. What a wonderful thought, in a world full of distractions, chaos and distrust. I believe Jesus desired that this thought become reality. Most children have a trust for their parents to provide their every need. They do not wake up in the morning worrying, saying "What shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, what shall we wear?" (Matthew 6:31). I believe Jesus desires for us to receive the Kingdom of God as a little child (i.e. -With total abandonment and dependency on God-AKA-FAITH) for a reason. As Hebrews 4:10 informs us "he (or you and I) who has entered into His rest (or has surrendered to God's will entering into His Kingdom) has himself also ceased from his works (or our own agenda and merits for our own salvation). The reason is because where the Kingdom is, with all of its resources; there will be our King and Heavenly Father ready and willing to provide all of our need to do His will here on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9, 10). It also says that "they" or "people", most likely the parents or some other family member, brought the little children to Jesus that he may touch them. I believe as a pastor one of my privileged responsibilities is to bring God's children (From infant to mature adulthood) to Jesus so he can touch them or attach himself to them. We all need a touch from God on a regular basis. Our Heavenly Father simply desires for us to enter in to His Kingdom with childlike faith, so He can continually train us to live a productive full life that He has predestined for us. A lifestyle that will not only benefit and bless us, but others as well. God desires for us to grow in our childlike faith to a place where we can be wise in what is good, yet still simple and innocent concerning evil (Romans 16:19). You may ask "So how does someone like me who's been lied to and hurt for all these years, come to a place of abandonment or childlike faith in God?" We must be mindful that Jesus can totally relate to our weaknesses and desires to come to our aid (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15). Through time spent with Him He will develop a track record of His faithfulness so our trust in Him will grow (Psalm 37:3). Whether it be through prayer, studying and meditating upon His word or fellowshipping with like believers, through everyday affairs a childlike faith and dependency will increase and develop daily as He embraces us in His loving arms, laying His hand upon us and blessing us. Then no matter what circumstances or situation arises, or even what others may say or do, we can confidently sing "Jesus loves me this I know."

Receive the kingdom of God as a little child