Today’s scripture: Matthew 18:1-5 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Terri Brown):
Sunday was World Mission’s Day at LifeJourney Church. Today, we are praying for the women and girl’s of South Sudan.
The word “welcome” is also synonymous with “heaven sent”. How appropriate this term is with today’s verse – Matthew 18:1-5. This is also appropriate with how LifeJourney implements its Global missions program; welcoming to all people from all background.
South Sudan Women and Girl’s school program that LifeJourney Church missions supports with our partner New Community Project, is far reaching. We have helped to build schools for girl’s education and we have funded and supported economic projects to help women provide for themselves and their families.
LifeJourney Church invests time, resources, people and funds toward these programs which will enable young people to gain knowledge, skills, training and jobs which will enhance their ability to develop and flourish in an environment which there was once small chance of survival and a future for girls and women.
Jesus tells us that “whoever takes the lowly position of a child in my name welcomes me.”
We are to humble ourselves and not only help the children but to be like these children in so many ways. We can be like children in yearning to be next to God and one day enter the gates of heaven. But we all can be inspired to be helpful in supporting all children; all people, young or old, who can learn and be educated or trained to advance themselves.
We are not only called on to be like children with the innocence and naiveté that comes with being a child, more able to accept all people, welcome diversity and respond to others with childlike virtue, but we are also given the responsibility of caring for those in need and providing opportunities for enriching and improving the lives of those we can help.
This appears to apply to any childlike person we encounter as the women and children in South Sudan, and the other people we serve. At LifeJourney Church we can easily apply the principle that Jesus is describing by becoming like children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. We can support the missions outreach program through participation in several ways. Today, let that be a prayer for the girl’s and women of Sudan – that they know how much we love and support them, and that God’s love is working through all of us to give them a chance at a better way of life.
Thought for the day: Pray for the women and girl’s of South Sudan today.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.