If I Only Had a Heart

Sermon Notes: Sunday, October 20, 2019

This Sunday during both Worship Services, we are celebrating Children's Sabbath, which will highlight ALL the amazing ministries GFUMC does with and for children - Children's Church, Sunday School, Wednesday Worship, the Nursery, the Early Learning Center, Striplin Elementary School, and the CLICK After-School Program. Children will serve and lead in worship, they will sing in the Traditions Service, and we will take up a special offering to support our two Children's Mission Ministries, Striplin and CLICK. It will be a very meaningful time of worship you won't want to miss!
"People were bringing even infants to him [Jesus], that He might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."" Luke 18:15-17

In this passage, Jesus shows us that he was not too important for children, therefore neither should we be. Jesus was often busy at work healing the sick, feeding the hungry, teaching the inquiring, yet he made room i n His heart and time in His schedule to be with children. He did so to remind us of a child's value, but also to reveal to us their wisdom.

All too often, we "grownups" get caught up in the demands of this world, losing sight of its wonders. However, young children rarely miss the wonder of a moment. They are delighted by every color, movement and detail they see. When we take the time and opportunity to remember and see the world through the eyes of a child, priorities change, barriers break, and simple joys emerge.

Children also have an amazing capacity to trust. Without a thought, my children reach for me, run to me, dive into my arms. It doesn't even occur to them to doubt whether I will be there to hold them or hug them or catch them. Even though the Bible - not to mention our lives - are packed full of examples of God's great Faithfulness, we all too often doubt whether God will be there to hold us or hug us or catch us.

"If We Only Had a Heart" like a child to see the wonder in God's World and to trust God as freely and wholeheartedly as they do. Join us Sunday, and perhaps the hearts of our children will help you discover a new depth in your heart for God.

Carrie Jones
Associate Pastor of Children & Families