3/14- Declaring God’s Glory - Caring for Children- Jeremiah 7:5-7

 ⁵ If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, ⁶ if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, ⁷ then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever. (Jer. 7:5-7)

Thoughts: Who really cares for the orphans?  In many places orphans roam the streets because there is no government that is urged by the population to care.  I have seen small children sleeping in doorways by themselves where there are few churches to show care.  Christians are called to care because little children who are not being productive are valuable to God.  People that society thinks have no chance, are still valuable to their Creator who made them in His image.  When no one else cares for children, the church is compelled to care and to welcome.
     Thornwell Home for Children is an example of a missionary venture for children.  It began as a way to care for orphans from the American Civil War by a Christian minister.  Christians also started Carolina Children's Home, Epworth Home for Children in our state of South Carolina.  But our call today is to care for the children who are uncared for- abused, neglected, or left to fend for themselves. Part of our devotion to God is to care beyond ourselves- seeing the needs of others around us. When we show love for the least of these- not only do we stand out from the rest but God's power and glory are declared. 

Prayer: So help me Lord to see the children left out, and to do something about these children. 

3/6- Declaring God’s Glory in Helping the Children Grow in Faith- Deuteronomy 6:6-9

3/6- Declaring God’s Glory in Helping the Children Grow in Faith- Deuteronomy 6:6-9

⁶ “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

¹⁴ But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” ¹⁵ And He laid His hands on them... (Mt. 19:14)

Thoughts: God is concerned that the next generation not simply learn how to hold a job,play a game or learn, but how to have meaning, strength, and hope for eternity.  There is so much more than the shallow things of life.  So children are to be taught the things of God.  The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it."  The way is ultimately the way of God.  The commandments and teachings of God are not secondary things in life- second to sports and math- but primary- for our souls live on when our bodies and minds fail us.
    In the Old Testament community- it took a village to raise a child.  Everyone played a role.  So today we are all called to care about children.  We are not to forbid them, but instead are encouraged to teach children the things that last. 

Prayer: Soften my heart, O Lord, to care for children.  Give me a vision to play a role to teach the next generation the important things that last. 

Jesus teaching children