Childlike Faith

I am coaching an Upward soccer team this year, 7 and 8 year olds.  In the middle of each practice we 'huddle up' and have a devotional.  Tonight's devotional was the Gospel presentation.  As I shared the gospel with them, they all interjected at random points with only the passion and joy that such little hearts can have that they had accepted Jesus into their hearts.  We talked about what this meant, and as we had our heads bowed in prayer, I asked that they raise their hands if they would like to talk to me more about Jesus or if they had any questions about what we had been talking about in our devotionals each week.  One of the girls raised her hand, so I pulled her aside at the end of practice.  I wondered with great anticipation what her question might be.  Her question was this: if God knew that Satan was bad, why did He create him in the first place?  In all honesty, I was a little shocked.  This sweet girl, who spends more time chasing butterflies and naming cloud shapes than playing soccer, had the most focused look on her face that I have ever seen.  The other coach and I talked with her about Satan and about choices, but I feel that I learned more from the conversation than she did.

I think sometimes we put kids in a box.  We think we have so much to teach them.  I have even been guilty of wondering if the kids on my team really, truly understood what they believed.  But what I realized is that they don't have to know why Satan exists, whether or not they believe in the gap theory, or if Adam and Eve had a belly button.  They truly accept by faith.  And through faith alone we are saved.  What a joy it is to see their hearts so full of love for God, knowing little in theology but much in faith and love.


"Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." - Mark 10:15

Good News

On salvation:

"Never preach the experience; preach the great thought of God behind.  When we preach we are not proclaiming how man can be saved from hell and be made moral and pure; we are conveying good news about God."  - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Oswald Chambers' daily devotional has been so powerful, and I've only been reading for a little over a week!  He draws from scripture, creating a symphony of words, and in so doing lends a new perch for us to sit and contemplate his perspective.  I strongly encourage a daily dose!

Grace

When I journey with the winds of the world, even if for a moment, Grace finds me and tucks me back in to my Father’s arms.  At times this is of highest comfort.  Yet there are days when I feel the overwhelming darkness of my human heart and before I allow myself to be covered in Grace, I long to bring a sacrifice to His feet.  I search the depths of the sea in hopes of finding a worthy sacrifice to atone for a blatant disregard for the One Most High.  I itch and I squirm trying to break free from Grace, for I have searched my own heart and know that I am not worthy.  I love Him with such passion that my heart aches with pain as I approach, empty handed and tear stained.  I have nothing worthy enough for you my Lord.  I am a bit taken aback when He looks neither surprised nor angry.  He already knows.  He’s always known.  He reminds me of the cross, of His love.  He reminds me that He sent His Son, not to demand perfection but to cover with His blood imperfection.  And though my heart is full of imperfections, He loves me so.  Exhausted from the fight, I draw near to Him, reminded by my recent travels how Great He truly is.