The Marvelous Message

 It is a joyful thing to see your children eager to pray or bless a meal. The words they speak are often simple, even at times off kilter, yet they are full of faith. For us learned and cynical adults, we cannot help but marvel, when we examine the heart of hope in a child. For example, out of all the public prayers that I have heard over the years, one in particular stands out above the rest. It is from my middle child, Elliot. Obviously, since I am his dad, I am thrilled that he chooses to pray sometimes before we have a family meal, but it is the content of his prayer that intrigues me the most. I have heard some children belt out a lyrical rhyme before a meal, others will bless every living thing before blessing the meal, and then there are some who will say a few incoherent words and then silently look at an adult, seeking a nod of approval to end the prayer. Strangely enough, I don’t remember teaching Elliot exactly what to say when he prays over food. All I remember is th...

Just a couple weeks ago, my daughter  pulled my heart strings  and convicted me over my desire for God. It started when my family and I were getting ready to eat supper. I asked who wanted to pray for the meal and talk to God. Elliot, my middle child, volunteered. After his prayer, the supper conversation transitioned into talking about the time both of my sons asked Jesus to save them. It wasn’t long though that Eliana, my three year old daughter, began to cry. All of us around the table quickly asked her what was wrong. She wailed, “Jesus isn’t in my heart! He’s in  their’s  heart but not in my heart!” My wife and I tried to console her and tell her how Jesus loved her and He hears the cry of those who want Him. Some may say that I should have gotten into the deep discussion of how she already bears childlike faith and is not at an “age of accountability,” but lest I cause much confusion, I simply reiterated the love of Christ and the promise that all who calls up...