Category: Teachers/Parents – Monthly Encouragement

Children’s ministry teachers and volunteers are special people with unique gifts and a heart for Jesus. There is also no children’s ministry without the partnership of church parents. About every month, the children’s pastor tries to send out an email to encourage, equip, and empower servants and parents. You can find those emails here.

Thank God He Said “NO”

In this season of Thanksgiving, we often thank God for all His many blessings in the form of human relationships, prosperity, property, and other opportunities. It’s not hard to see the people and the things that God has blessed us with. When God answers our prayers the way we hope, we easily rejoice. Praise flows much easier.

But, what about the times when God seems to say “no” to us when relationships don’t work out, when jobs are lost, or when we lose a family member? It’s much harder to praise God. However, in our loss, we can see that God’s blessings are still there if we realize that God still hears our prayers and He is still in control.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

When I was still single, I tried to ask several women to go on a date with me. Most of them said “no”. If there was a relationship, it didn’t work out. God said “no” many times.

I worked for one telephone/media company for 23 years before joining the ACC staff. I was laid off twice during that time. The first time was in 1999 when they reduced our department from 14 to 7 employees. The other time was in 2015 when our department had to reduce staff because people no longer use telephone books/yellow pages. God said “no” twice.

My mom died in Feb., 2018. On Thanksgiving weekend of 2017, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had already spread to her brain. My mom declined to have surgery or treatment. The doctors gave her 3 months to live. She died almost 3 months later. God said “no”.

Throughout these many disappointments in life, it was easy to feel sad and “drown in my sorrows”. But, over time, I learned that some mysteries of God can only be understood when He rejects certain things that our hearts desire because He has something better. God says “no” because He is saying “yes” to something better.

When I see my wonderful wife, Ming, and how unique she is to me, I am very thankful. Both of us grew up in Spain and our families know each other. Not just our parents, but our aunts and uncles know each other. I can count very few people in this world that share the similar life experiences that my wife and I share, even before we met. While we are not compatible in everything, God answered my prayers for an extended family that gets along well. We both enjoy trying food from all over the world. We enjoy travelling and have many similarities. She is the opposite of me in many ways that compliment my personality and temperament.

All of this would not have been possible if the women I met in the past had said “yes” to me or I held on to relationships that were not what God had intended for my life. It was hard to be rejected and to struggle in singleness well into my mid-30s. But, I look back now and I am very thankful for the family that I have.

When I got laid off in 1999, I had only worked for 3 years after college. My future was still uncertain and my job skills were not very career-specific with a Communication/Advertising degree. I was happy with my first job, but what would I do after my layoff? It turns out, I was able to find a new job in the same company in a different building and department. 

The new job required me to 1) train people, 2) write training manuals and 3) understand the software in the new department. I had no prior experience in any of those 3 areas. There were much more qualified candidates for the new job. I didn’t have any social network with the company to have someone help me get this new job. Also, I got a raise and the new work building was closer to my home and the church where I was also serving at the time. The new job turned out to be a huge improvement in every way as I learned new skills that I still use today as a children’s pastor. Praise God!

When I got laid off in 2015, I was able to find another job in the same company. While my salary was significantly reduced, I was able to learn the internet business and how to manage websites. I am now able to update the Children’s Ministry pages on ACC’s website. God said “no” in my career many other times, but He always has a greater plan in mind.

My family and I were very sad when my mother passed away in 2018. My mom never complained in her final 3 months and was very grateful for her full life. She was happy for me and my siblings because we are all married and have children. She kept praising my dad for being such a great helper when she was in hospice. God kept us together as we continued to trust Him. He reminded me that my mother accepted Christ almost a year before she passed away. That reminder gave me tremendous peace and I realized that she would be in a much better place with no more suffering after she passed away.

In the 1990s, there was a popular Country song called “Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks. The chorus goes like this:

Sometimes I thank God 
For unanswered prayers 
Remember when you’re talkin’ 
To the man upstairs 
That just because he doesn’t answer 
Doesn’t mean he don’t care 
‘Cause some of God’s greatest gifts
Are unanswered prayers

The song lyrics aren’t completely accurate. God always answers prayers, but He doesn’t always say “Yes”. A lot of times He says “No”. But, the heart of the song is that God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want Him to. Although we may be disappointed in God’s answer to our prayers at first, I hope we can all eventually see that God has a better plan and purpose for us even if our prayers are often short-sighted. We must be patient to allow God to work in our lives.

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Praise God during the Thanksgiving holiday for all His many blessings, including the times He says “no” to us.

Here’s a great article about teaching our children to have gratitude:
10 Ways to Build Gratitude Into Our Children’s Hearts

Happy Thanksgiving to all and please stay safe! Have a blessed holiday.

Teacher Francisco

The Lockdown in Genesis

On Easter Sunday, Pastor Jason spoke about the “Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday” and what the disciples must have gone through as they mourned the death of Jesus before He was resurrected. PJ said that we are going through a similar “Saturday” period right now during the coronavirus pandemic.

As I reflected on his message, I was reminded of another time in the Bible where a family was in lockdown for an extended period of time.

Genesis 6-9

God told Noah to build the ark. Once Noah, his family, and all the animals entered the ark, God “shut him in”. 

Gen. 7:15-16 (ESV)

15 They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life. 16 And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the Lord shut him in. 

It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Then the waters lasted another 150 days. A couple of months would pass before the mountaintops would appear again. There was another 40 days that passed along with several weeks of letting birds out and having them return. In all, many estimate the length of time that Noah and the animals remained locked in to be around 364 to 371 days based on the calendar system of the time. Basically, Noah and his family were in the ark for about a year.

Sources
https://creation.com/how-long-was-noah-on-the-ark
https://answersingenesis.org/bible-timeline/biblical-overview-of-the-flood-timeline/
https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_739.cfm

Other than sending out different birds to see how much the water had receded, little is known about what Noah and his family did while they were stuck in the ark for a year.

So, what did Noah and his family do during “shelter-in-place” in the ark?

While it’s not completely clear, a further study into Genesis will reveal more.

1. Noah worshiped God
In chapter 6, it says that Noah was righteous, blameless, and he walked with God. Based on that description, I’m pretty sure Noah continued to worship God in the ark. So, we should keep worshiping God while we are at home. Walk with Him.

Gen. 6:9 (ESV)

… Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.

2. Noah took care of the ark’s inhabitants
Noah was instructed to store up food for the extended stay. The food that Noah collected was plants… to be used to feed his family and all of the animals. Noah and his family spent time caring for the animals’ needs like cleaning them and nursing any possible injuries. And think of all the animal waste they had to dispose of. This was not a cruise ship with several hundred crew members to handle every need. There were only 8 of them. They had plenty of work to do to ensure that the last of every male and female of every species survived. And there were possibly babies of the animals that were born in the ark.

Gen. 6:19-22 (ESV)

19 And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive. 21 Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them.” 22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.

3. Noah and his family anticipated a new beginning
When the waters over the earth started to recede, the ark settled on the mountains of Ararat. Noah would release a raven and a dove at separate times to see if they would return. If they did not return, it meant that they found a place to settle over dry land.

Before boarding the ark, God told Noah that He would destroy every living thing on the earth with the flood waters. So, Noah anticipated a new beginning as they were about to end their confinement in the ark.

Gen. 8:6-7, 12 (ESV)

6 At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made 7 and sent forth a raven. It went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. 12 Then he waited another seven days and sent forth the dove, and she did not return to him anymore.

Gen. 7:4-5 (ESV)

4 For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” 5 And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him.

4. Noah commemorated God’s protection 
Altars were built in the Old Testament for animal sacrifices, to commemorate an event by God, or as a memorial to God’s provision or protection.

Gen. 8:20 (ESV)

Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

So, what should we do during our stay-at-home orders?

While Texas is slowly opening up again, schools will remain closed and some businesses will not be fully opened yet. Let’s look to Noah’s example while he was in the ark for a year on what we can do. And be thankful that we could still leave our homes during the pandemic.

1. Noah worshiped God 
– Continue to worship our Almighty God
– Spend time with Him in prayer and in the Bible
– Sing praises to God

2. Noah took care of the ark’s inhabitants
– Take care of yourself and members of your household (and pets)
– Be patient and kind to each other- Worship God together

3. Noah and his family anticipated a new beginning
– God knew this pandemic was going to happen before it happened, so there is a purpose for this
– Use this time to reflect on what God wants you to learn about yourself
– Ask God how you can use these lessons for His glory

4. Noah commemorated God’s protection
– We don’t have to build an altar, but we should be thankful for God’s provision and protection during the pandemic
– Remember how He took care of you during this time
– Ask God how you can help others who are struggling during the pandemic


Thanks again for your faithfulness to God. I miss seeing all of you and partnering to serve the children together. 

God bless you all!

Teacher Francisco

“He has risen; he is not here.”

Hi ACC Parents,

Imagine bringing flowers to a gravesite to remember a loved one who has passed. Upon arrival, you see a huge pile of dirt beside a large hole on the ground. You check the tombstone or grave marker to make sure you are in the right place. You are! In your shock, you walk up to look inside the hole to find that the casket where your loved one was laid to rest is now open and empty! You look around wondering who took your loved one’s body. Your mind is racing and you are throttled with the mixed emotions of confusion, fear, anger, and sadness. You may be wondering “WHO WOULD DO THIS??”.

A little over 2000 years ago, a similar scene occurred when several women went to visit the tomb of their beloved teacher. They may have experienced the same confusion and emotions mentioned above. But, in this particular case, they were given the assurance that their Teacher is now alive.

Mark 16:6 (ESV)

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.

(Also Matt. 28:6)

Their Teacher, the Son of God, the Christ Jesus, rose from the grave to deliver all people from sin so that all can have a relationship with God the Father. But, that’s not all. He now sits at the right hand of God and prays on our behalf. It is no wonder that this amazing story of love and redemption has been called “The Greatest Story Ever Told”. But, these events are not just part of a story. It actually happened. JESUS IS ALIVE!

Romans 8:34 (ESV)

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

(Also Col. 3:1)

John 3:16 (ESV) 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Teacher Francisco

Fear Not; We Have Overcome The World

Hi ACC Parents,

If you have been following the news recently, you are aware that many people in the DFW area have been stocking up on supplies. Due to fear and uncertainty, some have been hoarding up toilet paper and other basic necessities. 

The Bible reminds us that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control. Also, if we believe and trust God, then we are His children and we have overcome the world. We need not fear the coronavirus and lose faith. Trust that God will get us through this epidemic.

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) 

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

1 John 5: 2-5 (ESV)

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

I pray that every family will be safe from COVID-19 and that God will bless your extended family time together. Bless you all!

Teacher Francisco

New Year Reminders of New Things

Hi Faithful Teachers and Volunteers,

Another new year has come, both western and lunar calendars, and I wish you all a great 2020.

As I thought about what to look towards for the new year, a few “new” things that the Bible mentions are great reminders for us as Christians and as teachers of God’s Word.

A. God Made A New Covenant Through Jesus
B. The Lord’s Mercies Are New Every Morning
C. We Are A New Creation & Ambassadors

GOD MADE A NEW COVENANT THROUGH JESUS

Hebrews 9: 13-15 (ESV)

13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. 15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

(See also Hebrews 8)

Praise God that we no longer follow the old covenant of sacrificing the blood of goats and bulls by a high priest for our sins. Jesus fulfilled the law as our High Priest and our Sacrifice once for all. And He rose again! This is the Gospel message. So, what do we do with this message?

2 Corinthians 3: 5-6 (ESV)

5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

God has made us “sufficient to be ministers” to share the Gospel message of the new covenant. We didn’t earn anything to be sufficient. God made us sufficient when He sent His only Son to die on the cross and we believed. Every week, you teach the kids about the new covenant of Jesus. Praise the Lord for using you all!

THE LORD’S MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY MORNING

Lamentations 3: 22-24 (ESV)

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; 
his mercies never come to an end; 
23 they are new every morning; 
great is your faithfulness. 
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, 
“therefore I will hope in him.”

What is “Mercy”? Merriam-Webster defines it as “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power”. We are sinners and God showed His mercy not just when Jesus died on the cross for us, but His mercies are new every morning… every single day. Rejoice in knowing that God saved us and is daily cleansing us.

WE ARE A NEW CREATION & AMBASSADORS

2 Corinthians 5: 17-21 (ESV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

The New Covenant brought forth New Mercies every morning so that we can be a New Creation. We are no longer defined by our old sinful selves, but we are a new creation because Jesus’ blood covers us. We are adopted into God’s Kingdom. We are children of the Living God. And God has given us an assignment to be His ambassadors to share this Good News.


Thank you all for your commitment to serve and teach the ACC Kids on Sundays and Fridays. Your love and faith in God shines through and I pray that you experience God more and more as you work with the children.

Teacher Francisco

Share Christ During Christmas

Hi ACC Teachers and Volunteers,

When I think about all of the non-believers I used to work with over the 20+ years in my old company, I wonder how many of them I could have shared more seriously about the true meaning of Christmas. Some grew up in the church and fell away, while others have a very negative view of Christianity or religion. Some would make fun of Christians in general, while others were respectful of all religious beliefs. 

On some occasions when I would share a bit about my faith, I learned that I worked with quite a few Christians. I used to sit by a Youth Pastor. Others viewed themselves as Jesus’ Light at the workplace. I used to be a part of a Bible study at work on Wednesdays during lunch breaks in the early 2000s. At one point, we had around 20 people in and out of our meetings. If I ever visited a cube and saw a scripture verse on their wall, I would point it out and we’d have conversations about faith and the Bible. Many times people would ask me to pray for them… and some former co-workers still do!

Other times, people would be more challenging by disputing the Truth of God’s Word by using worldly logic and histories to try to disprove the Bible. Others actually viewed themselves as god-like. And others just needed proof that God was real.

No matter who I encountered in the old workplace, God was always real to me. He was the One constant Rock in my days and weeks and years at work. If I was more aware, I would pray to be useful to God on my way to work. Some days, I think I touched some lives. He allowed me to be patient when I had no patience. He allowed me to be encouraging when I didn’t feel encouraged. He allowed me to be helpful when I didn’t feel like helping others. God is AMAZING!!

This same AMAZING GOD sent His Son to Earth as a little baby over 2000 years ago to change the world… to turn traditions, culture, values, and laws upside down. He transformed lives by touching them, speaking life into them, and dying for them… and FOR US. 

As you celebrate Christmas with your families this year, celebrate Christ our Savior and marvel at His humble beginnings. Celebrate Him and when you go back to work or back to your regular lives, be His Light and share Christ and His Love with others. God can and will use you. Pray that God will use you in the workplace, in the marketplace, in the grocery stores, in the gas stations, at birthday parties, at funerals… wherever you go.

Merry Christmas to you all and be safe.

See you all next year!

Teacher Francisco

Season of Thanksgiving

Hi ACC Teachers & Volunteers,

During this season of thanksgiving, I’m reminded to be thankful no matter how easy or difficult life is. I am thankful for my family and my extended family.

I’m also thankful for the opportunity to serve at ACC with all of you on Sundays and Awana Fridays. It’s an extreme blessing to have faithful coworkers serving in God’s Kingdom together. You all make sacrifices of time and energy in your preparations and service to be away from your families and your personal time. God is made known because of you and I believe that He is pleased.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

The scripture above reminds me of 4 things:

1. Find ways to have joy in life no matter the circumstances.
2. Talk to God all day long and share your thoughts, successes and failures with Him.
3. Be thankful about everything… the successes and that failures are learning opportunities.
4. If you are not sure of what God’s will is in your life, start with these 3 things.

The following scripture verses from Ephesians are my prayer for each of you as well as an encouragement to you. Pray this over your loved ones and the children that you serve at ACC. Re-read it at least 3 times to let this scripture really sink in. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you.

Ephesians 1: 15-21 (ESV)

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Thank you all and God bless you richly…

Teacher Francisco

Bible Study With Jesus

Hi beloved teachers of children,

I was reading out of the book of Luke this morning and wanted to share what I learned today…

In Luke 24, Jesus joins two disciples heading towards a village called Emmaus. Jesus had just been resurrected and news was spreading across the town to all of the disciples. The two disciples were discussing what happened when Jesus walked up to them, but they did not recognize Jesus because He had caused their eyes to not be able to identify who He was.

In thinking that Jesus was a visitor to Jerusalem, the disciples explained the recent events to Him. In Luke 24: 25-27, Jesus tells them that the prophets of old had spoken about the Christ and his sufferings. Jesus then proceeds to have an Old Testament study with the two disciples connecting the prophecies with the fulfilled events.

Luke 24: 25-27 (ESV)

25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

I don’t think I ever remember this particular scripture this way… that Jesus had a Bible study with some disciples. I marveled at this and said to myself “It would be really neat to have Bible study with Jesus.” Besides, Jesus can explain everything in the Bible. Who better to teach the Bible than our Lord!

However, I also realized that when Jesus went back up to Heaven and God gave us His Holy Spirit, we still have access to Jesus during our Bible study time through His Holy Spirit. Call it “Bible Study With Jesus” or “Bible Study With The Holy Spirit”. Regardless, if you are a believer, Jesus is with us when we study His Word!!

1 Thessalonians 4:8 (ESV) 

Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

John 14: 26 (ESV)

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

2 Peter 1:21 (ESV) 

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

John 10: 25-30 (ESV)

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

I hope this encouraged you! Have a great week…

Thanks and God bless you all for your great service to Him and the children.

Teacher Francisco

Worship in Spirit and Truth with Reverence and Awe

Hi Summer Teachers,

Thank you all so much for stepping up and stepping in to serve the precious kids at ACC. While some of you will move on to other areas of Children’s Ministry, others will take on other responsibilities outside of kids ministry. Regardless of where you serve, may God richly bless you, your family and the ministries where you serve. I hope you will return to serve in Children’s Ministry next year.

I want to share this message as I pray that you enjoy your walk with the Lord for all the days of your life.:

John 4: 23 – 24 (ESV)

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

Hebrews 12: 28 – 29 (ESV)

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

In Spirit – Jesus is speaking with the Samaritan woman who says that “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus tells her that we do not worship God in a specific physical place, but by His Holy Spirit because God is spirit.

In Truth – We can only worship the One True God who is found in scripture. We cannot worship Him if we do not know Him.

With Reverence – Showing honor and respect toward God. Do you stand or bow humbly before Him?

With Awe – Are you still in awe of God and His majesty and holiness?

After a while, especially during the difficulties in life, we feel like we are just barely getting by spiritually. You may feel like you are simply maintaining, or even surviving, each day. The thought of God during the day is fleeting and He only pops in your mind when you see the Jesus fish on the back of a car.

But, God is right there wooing us back to Him. He’s ready to remind us how important we are to Him and that He wants us to live a life full of purpose for His Glory, not just survive it. He wants us to be in wonder and awe of Him like we were when we first met Him. He wants us to worship Him as He intended for us… in spirit and truth… with reverence and awe.

He wants us to worship Him in these ways because He is worthy, because He rescued us from our sins, and so that the children we teach and the people we see on a daily basis can see that our God is worthy of praise and honor and glory.

Enjoy your last Summer Sunday with your class. May God use you to magnify Him this week.

Thanks!!

Teacher Francisco

“Let the little children come to me…”

This month, I want to focus on the statement that Jesus made to his disciples when they rebuked the people and the children that were brought to Jesus to be touched and prayed over.

Matthew 19:14 (ESV)

but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

When we spend time with God in studying His Word, praying, singing praises, etc., we become more like Christ and bear the fruits of His Spirit. When the disciples rebuked the children, Jesus reminded them that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the little ones.

I’ve met a lot of people in my life who didn’t know what to do with little children… how to communicate, play, or interact with them. They didn’t even try. Some are even professed Christians who have no ability to connect with kids. I understand that not all have the gift to work with children, but like the disciples, they really didn’t want anything to do with them. 

To be fair, there’s no explanation as to why the disciples rebuked the children. Jesus had been teaching and the disciples may have wanted to learn more from their Rabbi. Maybe they needed to move on to another place and it was getting late. After all, they had to walk everywhere they went.

However, Jesus took the time to show how important children are to Him. He even went on to say in the book of Mark that children are the key to showing us how to enter God’s Kingdom.

Mark 10:15 (ESV)

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. 

I honestly believe that someone who has no experience with kids can still learn to love children and interact with them. They need to allow themselves to be transformed by God through spending time with Him. Jesus never rejected a child and neither should we if we are Christ-like.

To everyone of you, I am thankful that you have not rejected the kids, but have embraced them by teaching them God’s Word each Sunday and praying for them. You are precious in God’s eyes because you let the children come to you.

Love you all. Have a blessed weekend with the kids!!

Teacher Francisco