Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
—Matthew 19:13-15

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
—1 Peter 2:2-3

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
—Romans 8:14-17

~~~~~

The Child at Heart
By Jennifer Kane

I once thought that growing meant knowing it all,
That big folks stood tall and small folks stayed small.
But Jesus said, “Come—yes, come just like these,
The ones full of wonder, with grass-stained knees!”

So I tried to be wise, to plan and prepare,
But my heart felt too heavy with worry and care.
Then I heard a soft whisper that tickled my ear:
“Be little, be light—My child, I am near.”

I don’t need a crown or a robe or a throne,
I don’t need to figure it all out alone.
I just need to trust, to listen, obey,
To walk hand in hand with my Father each day.

To laugh like a child, to skip when I pray,
To shout “God is good!” at the start of my day.
To marvel at stars and to smile at the sun,
To know that with Jesus, the victory’s won.

So I’ll carry my Bible, not pride in my head,
I’ll follow His footsteps wherever they’ve led.
And though I grow older, I’ll choose to start
Each day with a small and childlike heart.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Matthew 19:13-15, 1 Peter 2:2-3, Romans 8:14-17

Jesus didn’t just welcome children—He blessed them. While the disciples saw children as distractions, Jesus saw them as examples. “Let the little children come to me,” He said, “for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). In a world that often rewards independence, ambition, and control, Jesus invites us to return to childlikeness.

But what does that look like as adults seeking to follow God?

It means craving pure spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2)—coming to God hungry and honest, trusting Him to feed our souls. It means approaching each day with curiosity and wonder, believing He is good. We lay aside our pride and pretense, and we let Him teach us again and again.

To be childlike isn’t to be childish—it’s to trust deeply, love freely, and obey quickly. It’s to run into the arms of our Abba, Father (Romans 8:15), knowing we belong. No matter how old we are, the Spirit reminds us: we are adopted, dearly loved, and called His children.

As His children, we are heirs—welcomed into His presence, invited into His work, and secured in His promises. Yes, we may suffer. Yes, obedience costs. But like Jesus, our older brother, we will also share in glory.

So today, take a breath. Let go of grown-up pride and burdens you were never meant to carry alone. Climb into the Father’s lap through prayer. Listen for His voice in His Word. Obey with joy, not fear. Be small before God—and watch His love grow big in you.

What childlike quality do you need to reclaim in your walk with God—trust, wonder, joy, dependence? Where are you trying to be self-sufficient instead of Spirit-led? How does knowing you are adopted and dearly loved affect your obedience?

Spend time this week praying simply and honestly, as a child would. Address God as “Father” or “Abba.” Ask Him to help you grow in childlike faith and mature obedience.

~~~~~

Abba Father, Thank You for calling me Your child. Thank You for the gentle invitation to come close, to trust You, and to rest in Your love. Strip away the pride and pressure I’ve picked up in adulthood. Teach me again how to be still, how to believe, and how to follow You with simple, joyful faith. Help me remember that I belong to You—not as a servant in fear, but as a child secure in love.  Let me never outgrow my need for You. And may my life reflect the beauty of being Yours—fully, freely, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

April 17 2025