Today’s post is a simple “I’m grateful” observation in light of the fact that the heart of the ministry of our church speaks so eloquently to the vibrant life that is always possible because of Jesus.
Vacation Bible School never fails to be a joy and a hoot, no matter how many children are involved. Here at WFPC we just happen to be privileged to host a dynamic children’s ministry and – in consequence – we get to enjoy the controlled chaos of 150 or so carbonated children.
It’s like somebody shakes them up, pops the lid off, and then they effervesce all over the place. Or, as the dictionary puts it, our children “issue forth in bubbles, showing enthusiasm, excitement, liveliness, and verve.”
Gotta love verve. And there was certainly a lot of it around the CLC (Christian Life Center) this week.
So, read today’s scripture, ask God to bless your life with more contact with children (and bless more children through your witness to life), and then enjoy a few photos from the event.
People were bringing even infants to him 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)
That’s right, even the disciples found themselves hamstrung by the rules and regulations that defined life under the law, as it was understood by the norms of their culture. But Jesus intervenes – like he always does – and points out that his invitation moves beyond the boundaries of contemporary understanding; Jesus rewrites the history of God’s relationship to people, says “I am the gate,” opens it wide, and leaves everyone nervous, and breathless….
William Barkley said this (thanks to my good and wise friend Gail Owens): “Sin is not breaking God’s law, it’s breaking God’s heart.”
Don’t go breaking God’s heart. In love, and because of love – DEREK
Loved the pictures….and the neat thing about kids: they always bring surprises:)