Jesus loves the little children

Remember that song Jesus loves the little children?

Here is a selection from Matthew 18, it is verses 2-7, “2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!”

God wants us to be childlike in nature, innocent, trusting in Him.

But we are told by society we need to, “Be a man”. What does that mean to so many? Always be tough, show no fear, have no emotions outside of anger and stubbornness, enjoy violence, get the biggest and best of everything, “have” the most women. If you see anyone who is caring, sensitive or doesn’t like the stereotypical “Man” things, then ridicule and belittle them.  Call them a “Man Child”

I am proud that I strive for innocence and compassion. I enjoy my childlike qualities. I still read children’s books, watch children’s shows and movies. It’s certainly better than reading and watching things that are evil in God’s eyes.

Look at children in Church, many are so excited to hear about God’s word or act out plays. They trust what they are being told and believe in God.

However many adults don’t act that way, we grumble, complain, doubt God and don’t realize how truly blessed we are. Living in America is a giant blessing in itself, yet so many of us are so miserable.

Even worse many children grow up and lose their faith because of their parents or others around them who have harmed them and made them resentful to God.

Woe to those people.

I hope and pray to God in my imperfections that I never cause any of the little ones to stumble.

The truth is being one or the other is equally bad. You have to hold true to both qualities, Jesus did. He was compassionate, caring and merciful, He loved everyone. He was also brave, tough and strong. He suffered immensely for us and will rule strongly over His Kingdom in the next age.

Let’s all follow His example.

Have a blessed week,
-Chris

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A2-7&version=NIV

Hating the World vs. Loving the World Part 2

We can love God’s World, the true World.

Marvel at his creation. I was just spending a day with the wife at our apartment’s community pool. I was floating looking up at the clouds and a tree that overhangs the pool.

Wow. Something so simple that we take for granted is beautiful when you actually take the time to look at it.

Think about God’s creation. It’s not just the beauty of it all. Everything serves a purpose, from the smallest to the largest. That tree in all its splendor helps us breath as well. It’s a home for an animal. Cut down and it would be used for so many things we use on a day to day basis.

God’s creation is stunning.

We too have our purpose. Don’t let someone tell you that you don’t matter, that you are a small insignificant person in a giant universe. You matter, you serve a purpose. Every day you do something that someone else doesn’t. They’re people who love you and care about you. Most importantly God cares about you.

The creator of it all cares about you.

His creation is amazing and he is still creating.

Love the things Jesus loved to do when he was on Earth. Love spending time with your family, friends, enjoy a good meal together. Love wholesome things. Go to a party or two. Love helping others and doing the work your Father wants you to do.

God loves us. He wants us to be happy. Love the good things, if it doesn’t involve sin, enjoy it.
Hate the sinful, bad things of the World. Hate injustice, evil and things that go against God.

God loves mercy, compassion and kindness.

God loves the whole World, love is the key to everything. Love God, love yourself, and love your neighbor. Love is stronger than hate. Let’s trounce what we are called to hate with the overwhelming love of God.

Have a blessed week.
-Chris.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-justice/

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/mercy-bible-verses/

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/love-bible-verses/

Hating the World vs. Loving the World Part 1

1 John 2:15-17, “15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. 17The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God remains forever.”

That verse is often quoted but it doesn’t mean you should hate your time on Earth.

It’s important to know the context of the verse. We must not love the World society has created. Society has created their own rules, regulations and boarders. They tell us what is right and wrong. We are told what is moral and immoral. The path to happiness is laid out but it is really the path to destruction.

More money, material things, bigger house, nicer cars, keep consuming. But what happens? You covet.

You see the neighbors, their house, their car, their stuff. You start to think about how much money they make. Maybe you even look at their wife.

Soon you aren’t just tossing away objects for the newer and better. Now you are finding flaws in people you love.

Soon they become disposable too.

Society tells you what you need. But that is not society’s job.

That is God’s, His laws, His rules, His path to happiness is far easier and more fulfilling to follow.

You may be in situations that go against your morals or things are happening God wouldn’t approve of. Remember Jesus said we are the light of the World. So shine bright. If you’re at a wild party, be the one who doesn’t engage in the sinful behavior. Maybe someone will follow you instead of the crowd. Maybe someone who did engage in the sinful behavior will seek you out tomorrow in their shame or pain and you can bring them to Christ.

Remember even if you hate the World. You must also love the World. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

It’s the most quoted verse for a reason. God is so patient. He wants us all to be saved. Let’s help God save the World.

Next week I will be writing about how to love the World.

I hope this helped those who read it.

Have a blessed week.
-Chris

The Importance of Knowing the Bible

I watched a video once of a group of Atheists tricking Christians to attempt to “open their eyes” to show how horrible God is. In reality the goal really seemed to just humilate these people and gain viewership in order to make money.

The trick was they told the unsuspecting Christians to read a verse from the Koran but in reality it was a verse from the Bible.

The wanted to show God in a horrible light. Many in the video were shocked by the truth.

I was very angry with the Atheists but then I realized God will take care of them. They’re just being foolish.

Forgive them Father for they don’t know what they’re doing.

Truth is shame on those Christians. They didn’t know the Word.

Shame on me. At the time I was just as ignorant as them if not more. I still have so much to learn.

And shame on me for even watching the video and giving them more views.

We must know the Word and understand it.

They were just taking selected verses out of context to manipulate scripture.

But aren’t us Christians guilty of that too? How often do we take a verse out of the Bible and run with it to fit an argument or belief? How often do you see a person take one verse and speculate on it to justify their own actions or beliefs?

You have to read the entire Bible. The whole Word and pray to understand it.

When someone tells me God is judgmental, cruel and unfair. I point out how he waited hundreds of years to punish nations who were immersed in sin. And all they needed to do was repent and He would have relented.

Try breaking one law and just tell the police that you’re sorry and see what happens. After you’re in jail, the same people that call God judgmental, cruel and unfair would tell you that you got what you deserved.

That’s just one example.

The Word of God is your armor, don’t leave yourself vunerable.

Remember satan quoted scripture to Jesus in the desert. Even the enemy knows the Word of God.

If you need a quick answer I would suggest Bible Study Tools.
https://www.biblestudytools.com

For example, want a scripture on the immigration debate? See what God says by looking it up in the search and you will find out what the Bible says.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-immigration/

Easy just like that 30 verses about Immigration.

Are you up to the challenge to live in the Word? It won’t be easy. Many are so focused on changing others but reading the Bible might force you to change your own view points. Your views may differ from God’s.

Get in the Word and see what happens.

If you not only know God’s word but follow it, your life will be so fulfilled.
Have a blessed week,
Chris.