The Child

Tuesday, November 10, 2020
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Psalm 139:13-14 – For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (NIV)

Our congregation consists of fifteen to eighteen worshippers, the majority seventy years and older. Two of our members, however, are only one and three years of age. They can be loud at times and somewhat disruptive, yet no one seems to mind, and they are always spoken to and welcomed and made to feel special. In fact, they are so special that every week, there is a children's song, just for the three-year-old, a time when she is allowed to stand on the little platform at the front, facing the congregation, while the pastor leads her in an age-appropriate worship song. Not only the pastor sings, however, as all the congregation joins in, complete with actions. She is then praised for her good singing as she goes back to her seat.

As her grandmother, I am very pleased that our congregation makes and takes the time to include her in our time of worship this way. But somehow, I think that God is even more pleased that such a wonderful example of His love is being shown by this congregation in regard to a single child.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)

Jesus died for each and every single one of us, because each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. When even one little child is honoured and included in our services of worship, we are displaying the same kind of love that God has displayed to us through His Son, Jesus — a love that has the opportunity to bring children to the knowledge and acceptance of Christ as their own Saviour and Lord as they grow in stature and understanding.

Children are important to God, honoured and precious in His sight. But He does not stop with children, for all people of all ages are important to God, because He has made each and every one of us. As our Father, He longs for a relationship with us through the saving power of Jesus Christ, who reached out in love to us and now calls us to do likewise to others, one individual at a time.

So today, may we each remember these truths and make and take the time to display His love to any and all individuals He brings our way, that they, too, might have opportunity to know and love the One who created their inmost being, the One who knit them together in their mother's womb. Perhaps they may even come to praise Him because they have discovered, through our loving actions, just how fearfully and wonderfully made they truly are.

Prayer: Father God, thank You that we are fearfully and wonderful made, and that Christ died for each one of us. May our actions toward others this day and every day exhibit both of these truths, that as many as possible may have opportunity to know and love You. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    How beautiful! Thank you for sharing this with us.


    Thanks, Lynne for a different theme but so lovely.


    A wonderful story, Lynne. May God continue to bless you and your family!


    Loved, loved this message my friend. God bless you. I can picture your granddaughter singing.


    Thank you, Lynne, for sharing this touching devotional with us… and a little child shall lead them. Blessings.


    Thanks Lynne! Major problem why congregations are struggling… small kids or babies are not welcomed? Blessings.


    Thank you yet again, Lynn for a vivid word picture of the truth you experience. What a delight these two little ones must be. Love to you today.


    Hi Lynne,
    Such a lovely message, and how wonderful that the children are given their own time to be a part of the service!
    Blessings.


    Thanks, Lynne. My church is also comprised mainly of senior citizens, but our young pastor has 2 boys. Every Sunday has given a children’s sermon just for them… but we probably get more out of it than they do!


    Good morning Lynn,
    As happens so often, a devotional will bring back memories of some kind. We always took our children to church. Its so great that children are accepted in church although in the churches I have been involved in here in this area it is not the case except for a few here or there.
    Thank you for another good devotional.
    Blessings.


    Dear Lynne
    I am so delighted your granddaughter is made to feel so special as she is invited forward on Sunday morning to sing with the Pastor a children’s song. I always used to invite any children we had in church up to sit with me and have a chat about Jesus and we would have a song and a prayer. They looked forward to this week by week. It was their time with their Pastor, and it showed how much Jesus cares for them. When I introduced doing this to the Church Council and the congregation I reminded them of when Jesus took a little child in his arms and had them sit on his knee and told the disciples not to forbid the children but we all must come as little children to him.
    Blessings upon you and your granddaughter.


    Loved your devotion today. I also believe that children should be included in the service. Maybe with this Covid it isn’t possible, but if you ask a young person to take up the offering, or give out the service and announcement sheets, or sing, or play the piano if they take lessons. Maybe as special music. Most of the time they are thrilled to be asked.
    Another lady and I led the Young People’s group for years and we would have them do a service for Thanksgiving and Good Friday every year. Most of them were musical and could sing, so they would read parts and then we would have a song that fit in with that reading etc.
    It also teaches them to get up in front of people. Enough churches do not ask the children to take part in the service at all. Almost every young person we had in our group still comes to church.
    Thanks again.

 



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