Jesus at the kids table

During this holiday season, I’m sure you will be familiar with setting up a tiny little plastic table, paper cups and forks for the little ones at your gathering.

This is the place that has messes, spills, and is a wonderful location for all sorts of funny kid conversations - so that the adults can be talking about politics, the news, and all sorts of other adulty things at the big person table.

During the time of Jesus, many of his disciples thought that He would be too busy to hang out with children - they thought He would be more concerned with daily politics, being the next ruler, and other “important” matters of state.

But they were wrong:

Luke 9:46 looks back to what had occurred earlier that day stating, “An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest.”

But in a surprising turn of events, “He (a man from the crowd) brought a little child to Jesus' side. Then Jesusop9 i said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭47‬-‭48‬ ‭NLT‬‬

His disciples were shocked, how could such a great man of God want to hang out with children, and be okay with interrupting His day?

Imagine Jesus is invited to your holiday dinner- you give Him the place of honor- The head seat.

 Some time after talking about “adult stuff” you turn to look and Jesus is gone.

Jesus is at the kid's table- making silly faces, drawing on the napkins, making funny noises, and just giving high-fives to everyone.

This Christmas, let’s remember the wonder, the childlike, faith, and love that our savior brings into the world.

Let’s invite people into the simplicity of the gospel, pursuing peace, and returning to the roots of the season.

Will you partner with our ministry

This year has been one of continuously stretching the vision that God laid on my heart over 14 years ago.  We have empowered many and confidently assisted others because of generous giving by those who believe God's vision brings provision to those who step out by faith to blindly serve.

Our Giving Tuesday Fundraiser Kickoff is that opportunity for you and others to help us manifest the more God wants to bring to His people.   We are excited about our Kingdom focus in 2025 and need your support to stretch out His plan for our household, community and nation.We will continue this call to action until we meet up at our final event on December 2, 2024, Christmas: A Gift Given, A World Change. 

Please send your finances in the many ways listed and help us make the year end glorious and victorious for the kingdom of God!  Cindy DennisFounder and President of Cindy Dennis Ministries

Give now! www.cindydennis.org/give

Healthy in Body and strong in Spirit

I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." (3 John 1:2) 

Healthy in body and strong in spirit. How vital it is to aim for both! Yet when there are unavoidable "body" challenges, how much more important is it to be strong in spirit - and teach our kids to be the same?  

I know many of you have navigated these challenges. We have, too. Some of you know our family's story, of a devastating type of epilepsy erupting in my son Luke as he was turning 11 years old. It upended the trajectory of his life, as the processing issues in his brain meant he had to learn how to read again, struggle to make friends, and spend hours on schoolwork he used to complete in minutes. It broke my heart as a mom. 

When these issues arise, we long for our children, our family members, or ourselves to be physically healed. But sometimes, God instead says "wait." And He forges a resilience and depth in our spirits that we never would have known otherwise.

That's what happened with Luke. He pressed through challenges that would have caused grown adults to crumble, and never lost hope. He had to learn true trust in God - so today he is indeed "strong in the spirit." 

The Apostle John's greeting to his dear friend Gaius reflects the heart of God toward all of us as His dear children. Both physical health and strength of spirit matter to Him. 

This simple little devotional can help lead you and your kids into a deeper understanding of who God is as our creator, physician, provider, protector, and comforter. Each day focuses on a different aspect of God's care for us. These are such important concepts for children to grasp. All children. Thank you for all you are doing to bring these aspects of God's great love to children through Compassion, as well! 

taken from this devotional https://www.compassion.com/get-involved/strong-spirit-devotional-sign-up.htm?utm_source=dedicated-email&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=dedicated-email_consideration_strong-spirit-devo_cc2608&utm_content=momco&utm_creative_format=email&utm_marketing_tactic=lead-gen&referer=680096