Baby hope, an abandoned gift.

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

Recently baby hope was identified. Her name is Angelica Castillo. This was a child believed to have been 4 years old when she was sexually abused and killed. The police also have evidence that she suffered from malnutrition, tied to at table and denied water as well. In truth we really don't know the extent of the abuse. This happened over 20 years ago, but finally she was identified and the monster guilty of this heinous crime has been brought to justice.  There is much that needs to be said but the first thought that comes to mind is this precious life.

When Jesus was about the country of Judea he helped countless people and on one occasion there were several children that attempted to approach him. The disciples in their ignorance attempted to stop them. Perhaps they thought the master could not be bothered. But Jesus immediately corrected them and said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  (Matthew 19:14) These children had humility, submissiveness and a faith that is required to serve God.  Scripture also reveals that children are a great treasure. (Psalm 127:3, Proverbs 17:6)

Instead of being treated like the great gift that she was, Angelica Castillo was abandoned by her father and left in the hands of monsters.  How do we look upon our children now? Are they unwanted burdens, perhaps too costly for today's economy? Are they a nuisance that often get in the way of our more important endeavors?

Children are beautiful creations temporarily placed in our care by God almighty. They are souls that the kingdom of heaven anxiously watches over. They must be raised with love and care that they may grow to be strong faithful men and women of God.

As for those who do not share these sentiments concerning children I leave this warning. You will meet God's justice face to face, whether in this life or the next.

Getting Stronger!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

You can just hear the trainer at the gym, “Come on baby one more. You can do it yea! Can you feel the burn? You can feel those muscles growing. Great work out!” I am a firm believer in exercise and proper diet. God gave us legs, arms and muscles for a reason and it is no coincidence that the harder we push ourselves, the stronger we become. I believe we should get the most out of what God has given us and care for the Temple Of God which we are. It helps us to endure, grow stronger and be more productive.

But while we are considering our physical development, we cannot forget that we are more than muscle, bone and flesh. We are mind, spirit and soul. This is the stuff that when properly developed can give us the will to go on, the faith to always believe, the psychological stamina to overcome tragedy, the drive to finish and the strength to never give up. It’s what keeps our conscious whole and enables us to differentiate between right and wrong. It guides us in all that we do. If we neglect our spiritual life we can easily fall to temptation or be crippled by the many challenges presented in our lives.

There is real power in the spirit. The disciples came to Jesus and said to him “why could we not cast out this demon?’ Jesus who had come to their rescue and had with ease rebuked the Demon, told them that this one only comes out through prayer and fasting, the ultimate work out for the Christian (Matthew 17:14-21). When we build our spirit through prayer, we can do great things.

When Jesus had his encounter with the devil in the wilderness scripture reveals that he was filled with the spirit. He just didn’t have the spirit. He was filled with the spirit to capacity. The Devil didn’t have a chance. Jesus was also armed with the word and used it effectively to counter every suggestion/temptation of the devil (Luke 4:1-13). Jesus was the greatest example of spiritual fitness.

While we are at the Gym trying to run one more mile, we cannot forget that the spirit needs some exercise too. We must be spiritually fit, exercising with the word, prayer and fasting. That’s the real total workout.

For more devotionals go to my other blog at www.bibleaid.wordpress.com

You are not an afterthought

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” 1Samuel 16:10, 11

You ever felt like an afterthought? Like no one believes you are capable, right for the job or worth much? I got just the story for you, pull up a chair and enjoy.  Oh, by the way, it’s a true story.

All of Jesse’s boys were lined up, except for the youngest, David. One of them would be anointed to be the next King of Israel. The father knew David was just not the sort to be the next King; the thought was ridiculous!  He was only a shepherd boy and he was the youngest in the family.  He was not daddy’s pride and joy.  He would not inherit the mantle of leadership for the family.  He was meant to be a follower and therefore his presence was unnecessary.

The prophet came.  He was no ordinary man.  He had been the sole source of leadership and power in Israel for many years. He was the judge, high Priest of Israel and he was a king maker. He was God’s man and therefore one could argue still the true source of power in all of Israel.  For all of Samuel’s glory Jesse did not think it important for David to be present.  If you left it up to Jesse, his youngest son would miss perhaps one of the greatest events in Bethlehem’s history. Samuel, the prophet had come to town.

The present King had fallen out of favor with God and soon the kingdom would be taken away and given to another man.  But who would be that man?  This was the purpose for which Samuel found himself in this small town.  He was looking for a king.

One by one Jesse’s son came before Samuel, and each time, they were rejected by God. Soon Samuel and Jesse were out of Boys.  The great prophet turns to Jesse and says “Do you have another son.” Jesse responds that he is the youngest and that he is tending the sheep. Samuel is not dissuaded and demands the young boy’s presence. When David arrives immediately God tells Samuel, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” (1Samuel 16:12) This afterthought, unlikely candidate, became the greatest King in Israelite history; easily Israel’s greatest hero.

When self-doubt sets in and others would have you believe you’re not good enough, I think it’s best to remember that it’s not up to them or you, to decide who is not good enough. That’s God’s decision: the God who looks at the heart and sees the true nature of a person. He alone knows your true potential. Chances are it is greater than what you think!

For more devotionals go to http://bibleaid.wordpress.com