Sovereign

Revelation 4:11 - You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.

Oh how we can take all of creation for granted sometimes. I find it hard to believe someone could look at something in nature and not think of God. He created all things. All of His attributes are displayed for us to see: creativeness, power, beauty, perfect timing. When we look at these things do we thank Him for creating them?

He is a sovereign God. Everything exists just because He is! We are having this knowledge seared into our hearts in our study on Revelation. It is a reminder of who holds the world in His hands, who is in control AND who we should look to in times of trouble, trusting in Him alone. These are a few sentences from our study through Bible Fellowship Study, Lesson 10:

As Creator, God is worthy of all glory, honor and power. God's sovereign rule and creative work are inseparable. Because God made this world, He is sovereign over it. No human government or kingdom could ever rival that claim. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all creation. He established the universe; He holds it together; and He will bring it to consummation according to His purposes. (Psalm 33:3-9, 136:4-9; Ephesians 1:9-10)

It goes on to remind us of the totality of God. He was, is and is to come. He has always been and will always be. He is eternal. Who else can make that claim? We have a beginning and an end. Plants, trees and animals have beginnings and ends. But in Christ we become eternal. Eternal.

Why not want to know this God? Why be afraid of Him or His sovereignty? He makes one realize the inferiority of one's self. Being human some can't stand that. I have finally found the comfort in knowing there is One greater who holds my life in His hands, who cares so much, shows me daily, even just through nature, but not solely, who He is. So how can we sometimes fail to see it? I

There isn't a day I don't recognize Him. Maybe it's why I take so many photos. It's like wanting to cling to the things He has created. It's kind of silly. I will still wake up tomorrow and His creation will still be there. But for me every time I look I see something different. It's like seeing a new side to Him. It's absolutely endless. (This goes for His Word too!)

This is what He does. It's who He is. He longs for everyone to see, know, recognize, worship and submit to Him. Like we (sometimes) admire and respect others for something they have done (especially those who have done something worthwhile, like veterans) we should be doing the same for God. He is, after all, greater than all people. 

Here are just a few more words from our lesson: 

Everything exists in heaven and on earth because God made it; everything continues to exist because of God's sustaining provision. ...Throughout history, mankind's refusal to recognize God as Creator and Sustainer reveals a deliberate Declaration of Independence and self-rule. This song [Revelation 4:11 above] of creation intentionally assaults opposing views by showing God orders every detail in the world He has created. 

How do I convey the idea that He is to be worshiped and received, that He is holy and sovereign over all, even over you? Think this world is in trouble? He's still sovereign. He knows. Fearful about it? He's sovereign. He knows. Afraid to give in to Him? He's still sovereign. He knows. One day every knee will bow before Him. All on earth will see His sovereignty. I so look forward to that day. 

There are times when I long to feel with much emotion. I have to remind myself, or maybe He is, that it's not just about an emotional feeling. He may be appreciative of just these words I write because they come from a heart who wishes others could share the excitement, the thoughts and sometimes excitement, I have for God. 

We have a God who loves us and wants us to know Him. Not in our heads but in our hearts. We just don't get how much. And when we turn away from Him and give no credit to Him or do not acknowledge Him daily, He is grieved. He created us way back in Genesis for His good pleasure. And we turn our backs on Him to suit our own lifestyles. 

We've all been rejected by someone. We've all been hurt by someone. How have we responded? Have we put up walls around our hearts vowing never again to let anyone hurt us? Have we kept everyone, even those closest to us, at arm's length so if they, in their human weakness hurt us, we will not let it bother us? Yet it still does. In turn we can treat God the same way. Don't let Him near; He may turn on me too. NOT!

We have a God who is greater than all those hurts who wants to heal us of them. But we have to turn to Him, not run from Him. I don't get running from Him. I did it and looking back I don't know why I did. I think it's that self-righteousness we carry. Or maybe a fear that He couldn't love me. Or who needs Him? We want what we want. We don't want to have to rethink or relearn our lives. We don't want to know how wrong we've been. 

It's not so hard to look to Him. He gives us grace to make mistakes and balk sometimes at the changes He wants to make. He's only trying to improve us, not rip us apart. He disciplines out of love. He sanctifies us. He gives us His righteousness. Foreign words? Think you're good enough as you are? Without the Lord, you are nothing! A hard word? Yes. But it's biblical. Turn to Him and He'll cause you to think differently and it won't hurt. It's why Jesus says, And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ‭‭(John‬ ‭8:32‬) 

God is amazing. Our future will be in His hands no matter what we decide. It's beneficial, though, to be on His side. I coined a phrase years ago when I began to suspect God was trying to get us to get the world's attention: Something's brewing in God's atmosphere. It truly is. We see it daily. Who would have guessed five years ago we'd be where we are today? How about just the past few months? If we have received and know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we have nothing to fear. It won't always be easy, but you'll be secure. Have you confessed Him? Have you allowed Him access to your heart and do you learn about Him...on your own, letting the truth of God's Word permeate you? Do you meditate on Him? Do you even think of Him......

We cling to things in this world and they become idols. They become our lives. God wants to become our life. He alone is worthy of our praise and attention. None of these idols have an eternal purpose, but He does. While there are scriptures of admonition, there are also scriptures of peace, love, hope and assurance. He asks us to search for Him who offers eternal life in Christ. But it means letting go of the things that hinder us from knowing Him. What keeps you from seeking Him? You know there's something! 

Acts‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭- ...“Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them...”

Worthy!

Revelation‬ ‭5:11-13‬ ‭- Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

Thanksgiving. Perfect timing, as someone said about our study on the Book of Revelation, that we hear about who we should be most thankful for. I read an article or post by someone saying something like, while for most people it's a day off work, stuffing faces and football, some look at it as a time, like Christmas, as a time to be thankful for our God. So here goes.

What I am thankful for:

First and foremost for a loving God who called me to Himself and saved me, redeemed me, called me His child. I am thankful for assurance, even in these days, of my future because of Him. He has shown me, and continues to do so, what is important: His Word and promises to those He calls His own, and the privilege to share about Him.

I am in the beginning of a study on the Book of Revelation. The first weeks have been showing us in great detail, driven into our spirits like the nails in His hands, that “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation‬ ‭5:12‬) Amen! He is Creator of ALL things and He is in control; no man, whether self, ruler or clergy. He alone. He is seated in the center of heaven on His throne and should be the center of our lives.

I'm thankful for my husband, my family, friends, and church family. I'm thankful for all He has created as a means to show Himself and His glorious attributes to the world and I'm thankful He doesn't stop revealing Himself in this world and that anyone who responds to His call He will receive as His own. He is so willing to give all spiritual blessings and promises to anyone who seeks Him.

I am thankful for those I know who honor Him and for those who will. All praise and honor and glory are His!

It all starts with Him. Everything else falls into place after that. That's all there is to say. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 
‭‭(2Corinthians‬ ‭9:15‬, James‬ ‭1:17)

Which Way?

Matthew 7:13-14 - Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Wow. this is as I have said before...bear with me as I share my thoughts on ways, paths, roads, freeways and expressways! And since this has been sitting in my iPad Notes for several days, I can add a few choice nuggets from my Pastor's sermon yesterday. And then something from a message I listened to later in the day regarding journeying with Christ. I am amazed.

This comes from our Bible Study Fellowship Notes, Lesson 7 of Revelation. In the beginning of time Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden and sin entered the world. Eventually they had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain, you will recall, killed Abel...more sin! This was in the notes: Humanity was divided into two distinct camps along with the two sons of Adam and Eve: those who followed God and those who pursued their own way. To this day the majority of people reject God completely or believe they can satisfy God by their own efforts and agenda.

Until we know Jesus, we all wander that wide road to destruction, like an expressway, believing we can, as the lesson states, satisfy God by our own efforts. We can think we are basically good people, who are content to just know Jesus in our minds, not in our hearts, believing our good works here on earth will provide eternal life without Christ, without church, without studying His Word, without fellowship with other believers. That, my friends, is that wide road. We want it our way and we want it now.

Jesus says He is the Way and He is a narrow way. Too narrow, as some point out. The word way is defined as a journey. I equate a journey as a long time of travel, not get-to-your-destination-quick. We can wander the narrow backroad with Jesus or zoom right along on the wide expressways with all the others bent on getting to where they need to be quickly without taking the time to take anything in. With Jesus on the narrow road we learn a lot because it is slow going, an ever-learning way. Nothing zooms right by.

Don't we know that Christianity is becoming a contentious point these days? There may be some who would rather not go that route...too dangerous. Steer clear of the controversy. And yet in the end being secure in Christ is the safest place to be. 

Y-e-a-r-s ago I used to do a lot of bicycling. It took time to build up strength and distance. But after awhile I was ready to bike with the big kids! Hour trips turned into two, which turned into half day, then all day, then weekend days back to back and eventually a week, two, to three and even (one) seven-week long trips. What I remember most was how slowly the scenery went by on a bicycle. Sometimes it seemed like forever but other times those mountains we could see in the distance for hours, not minutes, eventually loomed ahead or alongside us. We definitely experienced our trip. We were right in the middle of it all.

Following Christ is like that. He is along side us. As we walk with Him we are in the midst of life in Christ. He shows us new things and it never grows tiring. Life doesn't just zip right by and we never think we've arrived. Each day is new. As Pastor Terry Fischer said yesterday in his sermon, Walking With God: Walking with God means we are going someplace with the Lord; jogging with God is not so enjoyable...how often do you see a smiling jogger?! I'm sure you get the point!

A wide road offers nothing that lasts long enough. Paths are about taking everything in. A walk with the Lord is like a walk in nature...Pastor added: There is simplicity in it, it's peaceful and our minds, being focused on God, can be stimulated. 

Jesus, the narrow Way. Take Him in. Take in His words. Take in His promises. Learn of Him. Know what future you can have with Him. The wide road offers no opportunity to take Him in. Life will just fly on by with not many rewards on that wide road to get to that next destination fast. Slow down, take in the life He offers on His narrow road.

Look at Moses as He led Israel through the desert. God kept them secure under His pillar of cloud or fire. They moved when He directed in the perfect direction He wanted for them. It may have taken 40 years for all their grumbling, but He still provided for them along the way. Had they gone off in their own direction, He would not have been there. The narrow way or the wide road? 

The BSF Lesson 7 notes go on to say: Since the beginning of time, God's people are the people of faith, whom God chose, redeemed and lovingly preserves for eternity. We must maintain a closeness with the Lord for this to happen in our lives. Walk with the Way on the narrow path. Let Him show how He provides. Let our faith be strengthened. The wide road offers none of this. Whatever we seek on the wide road slips through our fingers leaving us still unsatisfied, longing for more. 

I remember biking alongside, through and over parts of the Alps. It took days. The scenery never got tired. Every bend in the road offered another breathtaking sight. Jesus does this too. Having faith in Him is amazing. He doesn't fail. I'd rather be on the path with Him, maybe stumble a time or two just to have Him lift me back up, than crash on the wide road. 

One more quote from Lesson 7: The letters to the seven churches in Revelation are love letters. They are designed to encourage, build up and take people off the wrong path and get them onto the right path. The seven letters to the seven churches listed in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 each contained a word of warning or praise. The love came in the way of 
Jesus showing them their ways and how they could improve upon some of them through repentance and turning back to Him. The whole Bible is our great love letter from Jesus showing us how we are basically not good people but people who have strayed and how He wishes for us to return to Him. 

He uses ordinary people, like the twelve ordinary men of His day, to draw people to Him, to share the truth of His Word, to steer them onto the right path, the narrow road. Which road do you think you are on? The highway referred to next are roads that Jesus puts us on. They are His high ways. His ways are higher. He lifts us up and plants us on a higher, better way. 

A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray.

(‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35:8‬)

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

‭‭(Psalms ‭16:11‬)

Mark‬ ‭15:34‬ ‭- And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

‭‭

As I was walking this morning I decided to listen to a few songs from a CD I have by Michael Card. The song is Love Crucified Arose. (See all the lyrics here.) Or listen to the song here.

I have listened to this song many times but I was so taken by just this part: 

At last the time to love and die

The dark appointed day

That one forsaken moment when

Your Father turned His face away

The Father turned His face away. I wondered about that. Did He turn away out of disgust because Jesus bore all the sins of the world upon Him? He cannot abhor sin and cannot be in the presence of it, we are told.

You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, and hold Your tongue when the wicked devours a person more righteous than he? (Habakkuk‬ ‭1:13‬)

I believe God, the Father, turned His face away because it grieved Him that He had to allow this to happen to His Son, although this is why Jesus came into the world and that He would be resurrected. But, still, in the end...it so grieved Him. For that short moment in time He had to look away...

I did some research on this and found out Jesus never called His Father God. It is suggested that He spoke these words (My God, My God...) which come from Psalm 22 as a reference that the Jews might one day see that His death had been prophesied...that they might know Him, whom they crucified. Oh, people, it's not just for them, it's for everyone. God so wants all of us to see the truth of Jesus, to know Him, to be reconciled through Him to the Father.

God loved His Son so much. Jesus loved His Father also. They both love us. Jesus only did the will of His Father, knowing at some time in His life He would be the sacrificial Lamb like the one before the exodus from Egypt. The one then that would save God's people. The One today who saves "whosoever" will believe in Jesus and learn and believe all these great accounts throughout the Bible that so prophesy about a Savior come to this world to die for us. 

This same Father must turn His face upon each of us until we recognize His only Son, the One who died on the cross...the One whom His Father had to turn away from in grief because of all the sin He bore. We bear this sin. We are dead until we receive Christ. God cannot be in our presence because of our sin, which we all have, and we are separated from Him. When we bow before the Lord and ask for forgiveness and receive His gift of salvation that we might be resurrected as Christ, He will resurrect us, like His Son. Oh, why are there so many whose pride prevents them from doing this?

Listen to these final words. They are so familiar in the Gospel accounts. They are truth. And God hears when we earnestly, honestly call out to Him.

Psalms 22:1,8,16-19,24 - “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning?"

He [Jesus] trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!

"For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look 
and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots. But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me!"

For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him; but when He cried to Him, He heard.

Oh, That Power

Acts 1:8 - But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

‭

I'm going to share briefly what occurred when I received Christ. 

Having been raised in the Lutheran church I'd always heard about the Holy Ghost, as it was called then, and still today by some. I had no clue about the responsibility of this Holy Ghost. I remember it was part of the Trinity, whatever that was...as I thought then...and I remember seeing pictures and hearing how the disciples and others were filled with this Spirit and tongues like flames of fire came upon them. Pictures depicted the little cloven flames above their heads. 

So one day, April 18, 1999 I was in a church. The pastor spoke some words that felt as though they were meant only for me. I know now they probably were not but they so touched deep within me I couldn't ignore them. 

The pastor asked if we wanted what this Man, Jesus, had to offer. And without a moment of hesitation I wanted it! What seemed like several minutes was probably only seconds. Like slow motion in my mind even today I see it all.

As I was determined to receive what the pastor said Jesus was offering, and he asked those who wanted to receive to raise their hands, mine went up very fast. It actually felt like someone had grabbed it and yanked it up. I couldn't make this up if I tried. Remember, I had no clue about anything that was happening.

When my hand was raised, when it was as high as it would go, I literally felt something I could only then call a force, entered through my fingertips, run down my arm and fill my body. How could I make something like this up when I had no clue? About two weeks later in a Bible study I was beginning I had a chance to explain that Sunday morning's occurrences. When I explained about "the force," it was explained to me it was the Holy Spirit!

Okayyyy, I still didn't really understand. I didn't know that the Holy Spirit is God's power that He gives to new believers, like He did in the upper room on the day of Pentecost when a small group of disciples and followers were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit...and Paul preached the Gospel and three thousand more people were converted.

That's what the Holy Spirit does. His job is to empower believers. Simply put, He makes understanding the Bible easier. He opens hearts and minds to receive the things of God. He gives a desire to know more about God. When we learn who Jesus is, what He commands us to do, what He loves and abhors, He will give us the power to share.  

Let me just add, because this came up in a discussion one morning...just because I felt that at that moment doesn't mean it is always an experiential thing. It can be a thought that comes to mind or discernment about something, or even a word you feel led to speak to someone; it's not always a "force," but might be a gentle prompting. I believe this initial sensation was God's way of letting me know He had me! I was now His. It was for that moment. 

He gives the power, however, when we ask to receive, strength for the day, in the time of trouble, even greater understanding. It is the power of God. But it's just what one needs, the strength, the understanding, the discernment. While it's not always felt in what we would call powerful ways, it is there. In the New Testament the word power in Greek is translated dunamis. One meaning is: inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth. An inherent power given by God, by virtue of His nature, something He puts forth. Dunamis is where the word dynamite comes from. 

Imagine...His power can reside in us. It happens when we choose to receive Him, follow Him, trust Him, obey Him. His power...in us. Receive Christ, receive His power. 

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

‭‭‬‭(Ezekiel‬ ‭36:26-27, Romans‬ ‭8:9, Acts‬ ‭2:38‬)

Fearfully Made

Psalm 139:14 - I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

‭

I awoke this morning at 2:45. In my head this verse came to mind. I couldn't sleep. I got up to get my thoughts down. 

The word fearfully here, besides the obvious, means: to reverence, honour, respect; cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe; to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe. (Strong's Concordance). We are to have a reverent fear of God. 

In Sunday school last week we talked a little about DNA and the incredible amount of just.one.molecule of our DNA. I couldn't find the exact article our teacher was getting his information, but here are two that similarly back up the amazing details. If you look you will see just how detailed we are...fearfully and wonderfully made! One article even brings this verse up! It's evidence of intelligent design over evolution. 

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/origin-of-life.html

http://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/dna-the-tiny-code-thats-toppling-evolution

This is one amazingly intelligent Divine Designer. This Designer is the same One who spoke all things into existence. Spoke. No flourish, just "And God said..." 

Try to wrap your mind around this. Besides our looking pretty small in this world when we think we're so great, He loves us all. He has a unique plan for each one of us with a unique way of doing it. If we would so choose to do it His way, what amazing things we could be. 

Yet He still loves us all because He created each of us. He orchestrated our development. His design. And the purpose for this? So He could have a personal relationship with each one of us so we might commune with Him...the Creator of the universe. If we could but understand this. 

Imagine. It's hard, isn't it? He longs for this. He sent His only Son from His throne in heaven down to this sinful earth just to die for so that we, sinful man, could be reconciled to Himself. Plan A from the beginning of time. Never a Plan B. 

He loves YOU. You were created for His own purpose which He will reveal if you allow Him.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. Psalms‬ ‭139:16‬ ‭

...just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love... Ephesians‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭

Not only were we known before the beginning of time, He knows all about us. We cannot hide from Him. Our thoughts are not our own. He knows them all. 

I urge you to read what He put into the heart of King David in all of Psalm 139. He's talking about you. He has done this to and for you. Does this change your idea about how big this God is and His love for you? He wants you to know Him intimately. We will never be able to know all things in this life but I believe in our death, if we have humbly received Christ as our Lord and Savior and are assured of eternal life, when we die a day will come when He will reveal if not all, but a very lot more, than we could ever imagine. 

O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.

You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. 

You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it. 

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. 

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You. 

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. 

My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. 

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You. 

Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God! Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men. For they speak against You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain. Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalms‬ ‭139:1-24‬)

Shouldn't we be pondering all this? Shouldn't we respond to this God? And, yes, we can respond to Him. As great and awesome a God that He is, He wants us to come to Him. He wants us to come as little children. He wants direct communication with us. He wants intimacy with us. Why do some fear Him so much when He loves us more than we can know? 

When we humbly open our hearts and minds to receive Him, He responds. It's what He desires more than anything else. Just Him. No man or church can do this. Just God. And the only fear we should have is the fear of not knowing Him personally and choosing to live for Him.

Little Children

Jesus can touch the hearts of little children. Do not forbid them to come to Him. He can also touch the hearts of those who will come to Him AS a little child. Do not think that you are too old to be as a child to learn of Christ. He loves children of any age! 

...Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭18:3,5‬)

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭19:13-14‬)

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

‭‭(Mark‬ ‭10:13-16‬)

Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

‭‭(Luke‬ ‭18:15-17‬)

When God wants to make a point, He brings it up more than once. In His eyes we will always be little children. But we are either children of the world or children of God. He has said He loves all. He loved all so much that He gave His own and only Son to die that we might be made His children and have eternal life. Come as a child...receive Christ.