Recently I was in Japan for two weeks ministering to children and adults, sharing with them about intimacy with Jesus. God was so faithful to open hearts and minds, and the people of Japan accepted His love and tender touch with eagerness and joy. It was amazing to see these folks who had so recently been affected by horrible tragedy fall into Daddy’s arms and receive healing and encouragement.
There are so many times in their little lives that children are told “No, you can’t do that, you are too young – no, you can’t, no, you can’t”. When it came time to title my first book, it was very obvious to me what God would want to say to children around the world in whatever situation they were in – “YES! KIDS CAN”!
Through our ministry, Fire For the Nations, we’ve been to 13 countries so far, and though I love traveling to different cultures and learning new things, several countries are etched in my heart forever – like the Philippines! I love the heart of the people there for Jesus!
I love how God sometimes zeros in on us. He can be so incredibly specific and show us the most amazing things! I especially love it when He shows us things and confirms it through others, or gets so right on the money with us that we can’t ignore it! That’s way cool!
I love watching children “come into their own”, but often that doesn’t seem to be the case. Many times the little ones are told they are “too little” for something and cannot do things until they are “bigger” or until they “grow up”. I know I slipped into that myself sometimes when my two daughters were small. It was just easier to tell them that when I wanted to do the task myself and not use the situation to make it a teachable moment for them.
Matthew 28:19 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (NASB). I do not see in any translation where Jesus indicated this was to be an "adults-only" club! Because we are to raise our kids “in the way they should go” (Prov 22:6), it seems to me that missions ought to be included.
Recently one Sunday I was taking my turn in Children’s Ministry, and the Lord had me take the kids through a visionary prayer time. We had music playing, turned down the lights, thanked Jesus for specific things, praised Him for awhile, then just asked Him to come into the room and show us pictures and take us to new places. Even though there were only a few children present that day, God’s amazing presence showed up, and the room was filled with His glory once again!
Kids are like rubber bands - you can stretch them and stretch them and they don't break! They love to take in new ideas, new thoughts and concepts - if presented right. Most children are pretty smart. They can achieve so much if given the right mix of education and encouragement coupled with knowing which learning "buttons" to push and what their specialty is!
Most of you know what soaking prayer is, although it's still a relatively new concept to mainline Christianity. Taking the time in prayer to listen for God's voice is essential in a believers life. That connection between you and God is the lifeline to your faith, encouraging and fulfilling you every time you sense His presence and hear Him speak words of love and direction.
Children are so cool! They all have different personalities, are all sizes, shapes, colors and varieties, but I totally believe God has a unique and special calling on every child's life. One thing I've always wondered, though. Why do we wait until they get older before we begin to feed and use those anointings?
