All are our children - part 3

- others -

What others? Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, adoptees, foster children, neighbors, students and add-ons can depend upon us to fill in for biological parents. It can occasionally occur with kids we don't even know, for example, a lost child at the supermarket.

These children are usually not related to us, and with the exception of adoptees, any relationship we may have is temporary. A youngster may merely need someone to supply short-term emotional support. Regardless of the circumstances, if you become a kid's "hero," you MUST live up to the image! He (or she) must be more protected with you, than even would be the case with the natural parents. At the same time, you must be a padded cage, invisible to the child, that separates that child from you, as well as from any potential harmful elements. The kid's safety MUST be PARAMOUNT!

Our society does not make this easy. It seems that abusing children has become the accepted norm in this evil world. You cannot stop all of it, but you can help to insulate the ones in your care from such abuse. Keep being the hero! God is counting on you!

Jesus told us, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (MAT 19:14) KJV

If we do not help protect all children from all harm, then we are no better than those who intend to do them harm!

Remember, they are all our children! Every last one belongs to, and is precious to, our Lord.

With your help, we'll get to see them all again, in Paradise!

Mr Mike

Joseph

As another Christmas season fades from most people's memories, I am reminded of all the usual things for which we thank God; families, friends, health and homes. Christians also add their thanks for the incredible gift that is Jesus, and our salvation, which He made possible. We understand the honor with which Mary was gifted. To be the mother of the Savior is a blessing which has gone forth from Mary and touches all women everywhere.

But I stand in absolute awe of Joseph! Imagine being accepted by God to be a suitable substitute father for His Son! You see, I love kids. I wish I'd been blessed with dozens. It was not to be, but God substituted something just as wonderful. Many children have opened their hearts to me, several have even "adopted" me to be a substitute grandfather. Knowing how I feel about all of them helps me to better identify with Joseph, the foster-father of the Son of God!

Lord, I thank You for all of Your gifts!

Nobody

Young people today really have it tough. Morals, politics, public policies, family life and social values have all gone downhill drastically in the last hundred years. The prince of lies has had thousands of years to perfect his techniques, and it shows in every aspect of our daily lives.

Satan knows the future of Christ's church depends on our conveying God's message to, and through, our young people.

What does God's word say?

"...and who should be coming down the road but the Treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, and was now returning in his chariot, reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and walk along beside the chariot." Philip ran over and heard what he was reading and asked, "Do you understand it?" "Of course not!" the man replied. "How can I when there is no one to instruct me?"" Acts 8:27-31 (TLB)

Without our aid, care, concern, love and instruction, young people today will hear only Satan's message, and never begin to understand God's.

Who is there to instruct them?

Nobody but us!

Mr Mike