Little Child in Abba's Lap

The Lord gave me a revelation of Himself as Abba when I was facing a fear in my life, He showed me that I need to come to Him as a little child.  Jesus said it this way, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 18:3-4)  The Holy Spirit further showed me this through John 1:12 "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name..."  I was struck by the reality that it does not say we were given the right to become adult children of God but simply children of God.  We live in a world system that pushes kids to grow up so fast, that doesn't value kids in their innocence, dependence, or trusting stage.  The Holy Spirit was showing me that I still try to be adult and strong at times and this is part of why I don't receive the comfort or strength from Him because I am relying on my own.  You give a kid a gift and they jump for joy, give an adult a gift and they are quickly trying to figure out your motive.  Kids are genuinely better receivers than adults.  I am realizing a huge key in this journey of grace is learning how to receive from my Abba, since under Law we attempt to earn something as a reward for obedience or right behavior.  This all sounds like a contrast from what is said in 1 Corinthians 13:11, "When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I  became a man, I did away with childish things."  I am continually amazed by God because through His Word He can bring truth in two things that seem paradoxical.  These child like things the Holy Spirit is referring to in this passage are fleshly ways, not the wonderful qualities God put in children.  These are things they developed to get their needs met in selfish ways, like blaming other instead of taking responsibility for your choices.  My point is that I believe we have failed to see children through God's eyes and because of this we have failed to see part of who we are.  There is freedom to be vulnerable, weak, and trusting when we realize these are qualities that draw the Spirit of God.  Our adult facades are often covering over our childlike insecurities, fears, or needs.  There is something about people who have the freedom to be a little boy or girl in their Big Daddy's lap, there is an innocence and vulnerability in these children.  It is amazing that Jesus said to become greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven we need to humble ourselves and become like a child.  When I look at my children I don't see worry on their faces that they will get a meal, have clothes, get taken to school, or get love.  I believe they have a lot to show me about the Kingdom of God, yes I have things to teach them but it goes both ways.  I pray this video at top will give you a renewed picture of our Abba and the freedom of living as a little child in His arms, Leif Hetland is like a big kid.

In Abba's Arms,
Bret