Christian Daily Devotionals

by Marilyn Ehle

“…whoever takes a humble place - becoming like this child - is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:4

Many years ago I taught a Sunday school class for young children called the Beginners Class. (More often today they are known as preschoolers.)  I still recall their wide eyes and eager faces as I tried to make Bible stories come alive. With crayons clutched in small fingers, they colored simple pictures to illustrate the day’s lesson. Their questions were simple and from the heart: “Will there be cowboys in heaven??”

I have followed Jesus over fifty years. I have learned much in my walk with him. Brilliant flashes of insight as well as torturous paths of struggle with truth have been my experience. But all along the way I have been - and continue to be - a beginner. God reveals a new discipline he asks me to practice, a new risk he lovingly dares me to take, a new truth he wants me to believe

As we grow toward spiritual maturity, as we are being transformed through the renewing of our minds and obedience to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, may we always have the fresh attitude of beginning. Again.

Thank you, Father, for not only accepting me by grace but also for giving me the privilege of new beginnings.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/01/07/me_beginning/

by Max Lucado

“The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are his children.” 1 John 3:1 (NCV)

Let me tell you who you are. In fact, let me proclaim who you are.
You are an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
You are eternal, like an angel (Luke 20:36).
You have a crown that will last forever (1 Corinthians 9:25).
You are a holy priest (1 Peter 2:5), a treasured possession
(Exodus 19:5)....

But more than any of the above--more significant than any title or position--is the simple fact that you are God's child.
"We really are his children."

As a result, if something is important to you, it's important to God.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/01/07/ml_gods-child/

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Max Lucado
From: He Still Moves Stones
Copyright (Word Publishing, 1993)

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://www.maxlucado.com/info/view/about_max_lucado/

by Dr. Bill Bright

"Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security"
Proverbs 14:26

Mary, the daughter of African missionaries, recalled how her father - the leader of a large missionary thrust - would on occasion call the family together and share something in his life that he felt was not pleasing to God, which he would confess both to the Lord and to his family whenever they happened to be involved.

This he did for at least two reasons: (1) he had a reverential fear of God, a fear that he might grieve or quench the Spirit by acts of disobedience, and (2) he wanted to be an example to his wife and children, not parading as one who was perfect. Like them, he needed to breathe spiritually, exhaling and confessing his sins whenever he became aware of them and inhaling and appropriating the fullness of God's Holy Spirit by faith so that he could keep walking in the light as God is in the light.

He would then ask other members of the family if they wanted to share anything in their lives that was grieving or quenching the Spirit, so that together they might pray for each other. This, Mary said, was such an encouragement to her and to other members of the family, helping her to have a greater sense of security and feeling of refuge, knowing that her father was a man of God who was honest with the Lord and with his family.

The example of her father and mother had played an important role in inspiring her to become a missionary, and now God is using her in a marvelous way for His glory.

In a day when children and young people lack a feeling of security, perhaps more than at any other time in history, it behooves Christian parents to cooperate with God in helping to provide for their families such a sense of security and refuge.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 14:15-21

Today's Action Point:
I will begin to pray regularly that God will grant to me an understanding of His attributes as I study His Word so that I will learn to reverence God and thereby provide refuge and security to those who look to me for leadership.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/12/29/bb_security/

by Idelette McVicker

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

My children often show me the very basics of our humanness. The not-yet-redeemed parts: how we are innately selfish, greedy and impatient. They also show me the heavenly parts: how to play and dream. How to move and make up stories. How to love and come in for a cuddle. Children are not afraid of intimacy and adventure. Their hearts are wide open, ready to love, happy to explore. Children are eager to learn; not yet set in their ways.

While most people love babies, not all people tolerate children. And yet, Jesus said: Let the children come. Children interrupt our ideas of perfection. How often I think of heaven as a perfect place where every duck is in a row. But Jesus said, Let the children come. In a way, I have come to think that He says, Come, let’s invite in the chaos. Let’s fling open the skies and let the noise come in. Let’s learn together and play, like the family I meant for us to be. It’ll be fun.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to come to You, like a child. Help me to learn from You, like a child. Help me to be more open to the chaos and noisiness of Life. Help me to see You in these moments. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/12/29/im_children/