“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Mark 10:15

 If you have grandchildren, you know what a blessing they are in your life. They are inquisitive, wanting to know everything you know, want to mimic what you do, and most of all love to see you and spend quality time with you. As a grandparent, you do your best to accommodate their every need and request, sometimes spoiling them with hugs, kisses, giving them treats and buying them gifts you know they’ll enjoy. I am richly blessed with 5 beautiful grandchildren and I absolutely love it when we can get together.

 In today’s verse, Jesus welcomed the children to come to Him, to receive His love and attention. He made a profound statement that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a child will by no means enter it. If you have grandchildren, you understand His statement, and the enthusiasm a child has for you. Do you have that same enthusiasm for the Lord? Do you desire to please Jesus in your every day life and follow His example by how He lived during His brief 33 years on earth?

 At this stage in life (seasoned in age), you probably wain in your enthusiasm for the Lord. Life has somehow extinguished some of the joy you once experienced when you accepted Christ. You check the boxes of your relationship with Jesus, but there is something missing and you can’t put your finger on it. If that is you, you need some revival of the soul (which we all need). May I offer several scriptures to restore that joy, so your enthusiasm for the kingdom of God will be the centerpiece of your heart.

 Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18. I believe one of the reasons we lose that enthusiastic spirit is because we stop communicating with God through prayer and thanking Him for His blessings. If you stopped seeing your grandchildren, you’ll soon lose touch with their wants and needs. Same is true in your relationship with God.

 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11. Somewhere along the way, you probably lost connection with God in the busyness of life. Prayer, bible reading, and worshipping God are ways of experiencing His presence. These actions bring you closer to Him and you begin to see Him working in your life, and witness even the smallest of blessings.

 Take some time to ponder the enthusiasm of your grandchildren, then ask God to restore that kind of joy that’s been missing in your life. God will honor your request, and through it your heart will be enthusiastic about the relationship you have with your Savior, Jesus Christ. God bless!