Thursday, July 21, 2022
From time to time I am given a special little gift from a child: a drawing, a craft, a special toy, or a simple letter to tell me something that really touches my heart. These little gifts are a treasure. They are a reminder of the tender, loving heart of a child.
Last week we helped out with a VBS in Orville, Washington. I had the privilege of being the Bible teacher for all three age groups. What a fantastic week we had. I believe God really spoke to many of the children’s hearts through His Word and through the topic, Ocean Commotion (Noah and the flood). One morning, toward the end of the week, I was in the play yard watching the children before VBS was to start when one of the older girls came up to me and told me she liked my class the best, over crafts and play time. We talked for a bit and it was encouraging to hear that God is working in her heart.
It reminds me of the verse, Luke 18:16, “But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Children are so important to God. What a blessing and encouragement to see a church really dedicated to reaching out to the children of the area, including those who are not church attendees.
After one children’s meeting (not last weeks VBS), a little girl came up to me and handed me a dime.
“Why don’t you put that in the missionary offering?” I asked her.
Her response, “Because it’s for you!”
That dime meant the world to me because it showed that even the small ones of this world can give with a sincere heart. The seed of love is sewn in the heart of the young. Children can often be a great example to us, how we should be towards one another.
Still, there is an even greater example of love, and that was the Lord Jesus when He took the punishment you and I deserve by dying on the cross for us. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He paid the ultimate price, He is the greatest example!
The Greatest Example by Mari Dekle
In a world where everything
is mine, mine, mine,
The true definition of love
is difficult to find.
Everything is “give me”
or what is best for me,
But this is only a love of self,
not others, don’t you see.
The greatest commandment
in the Bible we find,
Is love the Lord your God
with body, soul and mind.
To love my neighbor as myself
is not something we readily seek,
For how can I love others
when my love for God is so weak.
Love is not an idea,
or things as a substitute for time,
For love is expressed in giving
sacrificially of our time.
Love is like a sunbeam
to a darkened soul all alone,
Compassion and understanding
are seeds needed to be sown.
The greatest example of love
was God sending His only Son,
For our sins He died and rose again,
yes, each and every one.
Love will last forever
if we carry God’s love in our heart,
In devotion and obedience
we must be willing to do our part.
Jesus, when asked what the greatest commandment was, replied in Mark 12:30-31, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” It is essential now, more than ever, that we be that example of God’s love to a world so crazy and messed up in lifestyle and values.
If we don’t show the love of Christ in these difficult times, who will?
Blessings, Mari
Thank you, Mari! Children are definitely my favorite kind of people. I see many different child-like responses in the Story Barn when I try not to lose my train of thought while looking into their faces. Unforgettable.