the need to receive the kingdom like a little child

[marie glen]

I've become more and more convinced we must receive the kingdom of God (within us and one day everywhere) in simplicity. A small child fully trusts. We have to open our heart and mind to Him, in order to hear His guidance, etc.

If we're running around with a chip on our shoulder toward God the Father (being tormented by the question "why is life like it is?") that chip (resentment, root of bitterness) surely(?) will prevent our drawing close to and hearing a lot from the Father.

Maybe that's the root and sustenance of that strange "eternal torment or annihilation" belief! Everybody loves Jesus.. praise the Lord! But is there a lack of knowing the Father? I think there is.. But doesn't that prevent some/a lot of God's Spirit of truth from shining unto them? ...thus too.. the danger of eventually becoming more bitter? And in danger of missing His guidance when a nation is about to be judged, their wickedness (error) unveiled. Thus sheep can find theirselves caught in the fire of Yahweh's "jealousy and correction"? (Earthly judgment that is.) Hence Jesus' words to receive our Father as a little child...?
:Peace2: Hope all have a great sunday!

[Dandelion]

I do so agree.....we must accept the Kingdom of God, with a child's trust and innocence. Not the innocence that comes from not sinning, but the innocence that tries to focus on God, alone, and not this materialistic world. Another way to say it is that we must walk in the Spirit, not in our carnal nature.

That is, what I believe to be, one of the main reasons that Christians endure persecution in this life. When you are 'childlike' you are a target for this world, because the things that are honored here are contradictory to being 'childlike'. Also, you are considered naive, or just plain stupid. People think you are 'clueless' and therefore they try to take advantage of you. Also, because of a kind heart, they often mislead and openly lie and try to manipulate you. If you don't challenge others, argue with them, or threaten them, they tend to think that is an invitation to see how far they can push you and get away with it.

It is not easy being 'childlike' in this world. Certainly not in Queens, New York, where I live. Born and raised in the city, and lived all of my life in the city or its surburbs, it can be very challenging. But, I also have some wonderful friends, who make the walk less 'dangerous' and easier to travel. And, the truth of the matter is, there are people with kind hearts, everywhere. Sometimes we find them in the most unlikely places.

So, yes, in simplicity, trust, and kindness...... and, willing to 'go out on a limb' for even strangers, sometimes. Keeping our eyes forever on the prize, the pearl of great price, the Kingdom of God. And, let's not forget about forgiving and turning the other cheek, too. That usually drives some people especially crazy. Hahaha.

As grandpa said, "Kill them with a smile!".            :ghaha:

D.                     

[Ross]

Hi Marie;
That "chip" on the shoulder could well be because of the ignorance of what God is ACTUALLY doing. That ignorance stimulated by the incorrect teachings of many "leaders" claiming to be ministers of righteousness- ergo deceiving many.
Jesus made harsh statements against the scribes and Pharisees, not the people.
Prophecies speak of shepherds leading astray the flock.

Then the  simplicity of the gospel was indeed the point Paul made in;
1 Cor 1;21-24  " For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom,
                         God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of what we preach.
                         For Jews demand signs, and Greeks are looking for wisdom,
                         but we preach Christ crucified.
                         A stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.
                        Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks,
                         Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God."

The simplicity of the Gospel, yet a strong statement, not a request.
As you point out, children just accept and move on- ergo a child FULLY trusts.
That trust governs every action we take since it is the basis of conviction towards a greater power which loves us and leads us on the right path to true love.
Indeed, have a nice day. H.A.N.D

[Dandelion]

Young's Literal Translation
At that time Jesus answering said, 'I do confess to Thee, Father, Lord of the heavens and of the earth, that thou didst hide these things from wise and understanding ones, and didst reveal them to babes.

Matthew 11:25

D.

[Ross]

G'day Dandelion;
Good post.
We KNOW we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren.
Children do cute stuff in their actions of love.
We are children of God In Christ.
Ergo we do some cute stuff.
Might make mistakes, but we do not lose our position, just need to learn from those mistakes.
We are told not to be conformed by the things of this age, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds;
Hence we might be spiritual babes even though we are old in physical terms.
Great development program.

[rosered]

 :HeartThrob:   :dsunny:   :HeartThrob:

Children of the DAY !! AND LIGHT OF THE WORLD, HIS SWORD OF THE SPIRIT  AND HOLY  POWER IS WORKING IN You and through you ..

1Thess Berean Study Bible
The Day of the Lord
(Zephaniah 1:7-18; 2 Peter 3:8-13)


1Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you.

2For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.


3While people are saying, "Peace and security," destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.


5For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day;


we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.


6So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.


7For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.

9For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. 11Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

Christian Living
12But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you,

who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction.

13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

15Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

16Rejoice at all times.


17Pray without ceasing.

18Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

19Do not extinguish the Spirit.

20Do not treat prophecies with contempt,


21but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.


22Abstain from every form of evil.

Final Blessings

23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

25Brothers, pray for us as well.

26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

28May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you  all .............

[marie glen]

Amen! great posts guys!

...And, let's not forget about forgiving and turning the other cheek, too. That usually drives some people especially crazy. Hahaha.                   

:ghaha:

Great development program.

:sohappy:

:HeartThrob:   :dsunny:   :HeartThrob:

Children of the DAY !! AND LIGHT OF THE WORLD, HIS SWORD OF THE SPIRIT  AND HOLY  POWER IS WORKING IN You and through you ..

23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

28May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you  all .............

:sohappy: