GOD'S WORD


41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, 

42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! 

but now they are hid from thine eyes. 

43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, 

and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, 

44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; 

and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

- Luke 19:41-44 KJV






▬ A Kind, but Playful Heart ▬

December 31, 2023

 
 

Reverend Danny Rhoades

My friends, have you ever been to a playground? Some of you may be familiar with the chain-link fences, the colorful slides, the hulking swings, and the squeaky seesaws. For many of us, our memories of the playground go back to our childhood. We recall running around with our friends, playing tag, and feeling a unique sense of joy and freedom.


Those of us who are parents now may even find ourselves taking our own children to the playground, and watching with love as they explore and discover the same things that we did as kids. But, what if our children were so serious that they never ran around, or laughed, or explored? What if they never had a chance to be playful?

 


This morning I want to talk about God's love for a kind, but playful heart. I believe that God is a God of joy, and He loves to see us enjoying His gifts. In Romans 12:12 it says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." God loves it when we are able to practice patience even in difficult times while still maintaining a sense of joy and gratitude.

We can also look to King David as an example of someone who had a kind and playful heart. The Book of Psalms is full of his joyful expressions of worship and praise for God. In Psalm 16:11 he writes, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” David understood that God's presence filled him with joy and that it was a pleasure to serve Him.

We can also learn a lot about how to develop a kind, but playful heart from the life of Jesus. He was gentle and compassionate with those around Him, but at the same time He was quick-witted and often used humor to make His points. In Luke 19:41-44 we read about how Jesus wept over Jerusalem when He knew that it was headed for destruction. But then He taught an important lesson by saying, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Jesus showed us that it is possible to be kind and gentle, but still playful and witty.

So today I want to challenge you to look at your own life and ask yourself if you are living with a kind, but playful heart. Are you able to enjoy the gifts God has given you while still showing kindness to others? Are you able to laugh and find joy in life while still being faithful and obedient to Him?

My Brothers and Sisters, God loves a kind, but playful heart. Not only does it make our lives more enjoyable, but it's also an expression of our love and gratitude for all that He has done for us. So, let's make sure that we don't forget how to be playful and enjoy the simple things in life - for that is where God's true joy lies.

If you want to experience true joy and contentment in life, then make sure your heart is both kind and playful - for God loves a heart that is both!

 



 
 
 


Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love of a kind, but playful heart. Thank You for creating me with a sense of humor and a zest for life. Thank You for the joy and laughter that You fill my days with. Lord, I pray that You would help me to always reflect Your kindness and playfulness to others. Help me to be a light in this dark world, a source of encouragement and hope. Help me to be generous and gracious, forgiving and faithful. Help me to be humble and gentle, respectful and honest. Lord, I pray that You would use my kind, but playful heart to glorify You and to bless others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 
 
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