Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Stepping Stones: Be a Kid

Transformational Tip
The most rewarding memories I have as a father were when one of my daughters would come to me with a problem. Still to this day, a call from one of my children needing help or guidance evokes in me such a sense of urgency...it becomes my highest priority. Those requests and opportunities generate such a sense of wellbeing in me for a number of reasons; it tells me they know I love them, tells me that they love me, and finally, it tells me they trust me. As children, we all believe our father has super-human power to tackle and solve any problem, and our mother can soothe and comfort any pain or suffering. Magical thinking and willingness to suspend reality and believe the impossible is possible...that limitations don't apply to our parents...that they can read our minds and make our dreams come true...a young child's mind, not yet fully contaminated by the world's hurts, failures, and letdowns, has the perfect perspective on how to view God.
Maybe this is the reason scripture tells us over and again that being "childlike" is so very important. It's more than important; it's a requirement to enter the kingdom of God. God as our supreme Father loves us beyond our human comprehension...and doesn't a loving father want only the best for his children? Satan uses our parents and the world's failures to douse the child-like supernatural expectation, understanding, and belief that God instilled and wants to see in us. God's ways are mysterious to an adult, but to a child, they make perfect sense.
Today, begin receiving the kingdom of God like a little child. Suspend your cynicism and distrust...don't put God in a box with sides determined by your past hurts, letdowns, and imperfect authority figures. Turn to your Father and ask for his help. Show him that you love and trust Him...acknowledge your awareness that He loves you. Show child-like adoration, trust, belief, and expectation. Then results happen!

Prayer
Dear Father,
You are such a loving and generous Father. Thank You Lord. All glory to You Father. Like a child turns to their earthly father, I turn to You for love, wisdom, guidance... protection for all things that may bring me harm. I place my trust in Your Father...I trust You completely. With You I feel safe. Help me today and everyday to keep Your truths before me...to keep You before me always. Fill me with Your Spirit my heavenly Father so that I may grasp the magnitude of Your love for me. I pray that all those who are part of the Stepping Stones community grasp the enormity of Your love for them, Your children. I pray to You in the sacred name of my brother, Your Son Jesus Christ - AMEN!

The Truth
"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Luke 18:17
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:32
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4