It may have been the only Bible storybook in that child's library. But I prayed that the sing-songy words would forever leave a seed of knowledge of the existence of God in that child's heart.
The child grew, the library content changed, and the book was passed back.
Three more children, with a library full of Bible stories, read and enjoyed the same rhythm and rhyme. I again prayed that seeds would be planted in their hearts upon hearing the stories of God's faithfulness, healing, and power. Eventually, those three children also grew, their library content changed and their Bible storybooks turned into Bibles.
And the Bible storybook in rhythm and rhyme was passed on.
It was donated to the preschool class where many children over the years have enjoyed the rhythms and truths of the stories. And the prayers for each child in these classes was still the same.
God bless these children today. May your words plant seeds in their hearts and may they feel your love in this place.
Last Sunday a little girl picked up that very same book. She sat on my lap and asked if I would read her a story. We read about Noah, David, Esther, Jesus, and then the filling of the Holy Spirit.
The story ended with the words, "We are full of God's great power, and he will fill you too! Yes! God can fill you too."
Those big brown eyes looked up at me and asked, "Can God really do that?"
Oh yes sweet girl He really can! We talked about people in her life that God has filled.
"How does God do that?" was the next question.
We talked about prayer. We just have to ask God to fill us and He will.
"THEN YOU HAVE TO PRAY FOR ME RIGHT NOW," she bid.
Oh, child! It would be my privilege..
With that child wrapped in my arms I prayed that God would fill her with Himself, with His son, with his Spirit.
And a seed was planted.
"And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21
I know that little girl's story. It is not void of sadness, insecurity, and brokenness. And in many ways resembles my own story at such a young age.. But I also know this: GOD IS IN THE BUSINESS OF FILLING
Living a life of fullness in Him goes beyond the assurance of salvation. It is being full of whatever we need from the Lord for that moment.
Last night I had one of those fear paralyzing nightmares. In his arms my Phil prayed that I would be filled with peace. I needed that in the moment.
David said in Psalm 16:11 "...you will fill me with joy in your presence."
There are many moments each day where I need that too.
In Deuteronomy when Moses laid hands on Joshua he was filled with a spirit of wisdom.
In raising three kids I often need a filling of wisdom.,
In Exodus when God had a project for His people to do here on earth He filled them "with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts." Exodus 31:3
God fills. His Word fills. His Spirit fills. When we embrace the 3 in 1 we are filled.
What is it that needs to be filled for you today, in this moment? Reading His Word, praying and being wrapped in His arms is the best way to receive your filling.
I am still praying for that child from 22 years ago. I am praying for my own three hearts entrusted to my care for the moment, and I will continue to pray for the little one who so desperately needed some filling that moment on Sunday. Prayer releases the flow of living water that empowers those seeds to take root.
So pray with me that the seeds that need watering in our own hearts and in those we love would take root today!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13