May 11 devotion

You can watch today's devotion here.



It was brought to my attention that people were only able to sign up for communion in half hour increments.  That was a mistake.  I fixed it so you can now sign up in 15 minute increments, which doubles how many slots are available.  I apologize for the error.  You can sign up here.

The Christian Family…Children Are The Gifts That Last

Psalm 127:3

5/11/20

Pastor John C. Berg

Indeed, children are a heritage from the LORD.  The fruit of the womb is a reward from him.

This is your daily devotion for May 11^th.  We continue our series on the Christian family.  Yesterday was Mother’s Day.  A lot of you moms probably received some gifts like my wife did.  Flowers and plants are a great Mother’s Day gift because it’s spring.  They’re an expression of love for our mothers.

I think most moms didn’t spend yesterday thinking about themselves and how awesome they are for the sacrifices they make for their children.  No, they thought about their children and grandchildren.  The flowers and bushes they received yesterday will all die, some in just a few months.  The greatest physical gift they ever received was their children.  Psalm 127 says “Indeed, children are a heritage from the LORD.  The fruit of the womb is a reward from him.” 

Not all of us receive this particular gift, but those of us who do marvel at the fact that our children are the one physical blessing we can also enjoy in heaven.  That’s what really matters to a Christian mother or father.  We of course want physical health, happiness and success for our kids.  But more than anything we want them to be in heaven with us someday.  How wonderful it will be the first time we see our children physically embraced by Jesus!  

Are you worried about your child’s relationship with Jesus now that she can’t be in church, Sunday School or Christian Day School?  While that presents challenges it also presents opportunities.  You have a bigger impact on your child’s faith than I or any teacher ever will.  Your children may be spending more time with you at home than at any time since infancy.  Let them see how important God and his Word are to you.  Have them watch these devotions with you.  At the very least let them see you watching them.  Sit down with them on Sunday to watch worship.  Try to make it a regular time so they see it as a priority.  Read a children’s Bible to them, pray with them, sing a hymn.

Also…relax and trust their Heavenly Father.  Your children’s entrance into heaven does not depend on you.  It depends on Jesus.  He redeemed them and loves them fiercely.  Put their souls and eternity in his hands and enjoy them as great gifts from God. 

We pray: Dear Jesus, you said, Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Lord, we brought them to you in baptism.  We bring them to you now in prayer.  Help us to bring them to you in family worship.  Amen.