Seventh-Day Adventist Church Devotional For Children: “True Worship from the Heart”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Title: True Worship from the Heart

Then the Lord said to me, Do not pray for the well-being of this people. Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague. But I said, Alas, Sovereign Lord! The prophets keep telling them, You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place. Jeremiah 14:11-13

Today, let’s talk about something really important—true worship. In the Bible, Jeremiah 14:11-13 shows us a conversation between God and Jeremiah about worship that comes from the heart.

God said to Jeremiah, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people.” Imagine that! God was telling Jeremiah not to pray for the people because their hearts were not truly focused on Him. Even though they were going through the motions of fasting and offering sacrifices, their hearts were far from God.

God said, “Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them.” Why? Because true worship isn’t just about going through rituals or saying the right words. It’s about having a heart that truly loves and follows God.
Instead, God warned that He would bring destruction upon the people through sword, famine, and plague. But Jeremiah, being a caring person, was upset by this. He pleaded with God, saying, “But Lord, the prophets keep telling them everything will be okay. They say there will be peace.” Jeremiah was asking God to act for His own name’s sake, to show His love and power to restore the people. Jeremiah’s prayers were heartfelt and sincere. He acknowledged the sins of the people and begged God not to spurn them. He cried out, “Are there any gods of the nations that can bring rain? You are our hope, O Lord our God!”

But God’s response might seem harsh. He said to Jeremiah, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my heart would not turn toward this people.” God was unyielding in His decision to bring judgment upon the people. God’s response is a lesson for all of us. He knows our hearts better than anyone. He sees when we’re just going through the motions and when our worship is sincere. God wants us to worship Him with our whole hearts, not just with words or rituals.

So, what can we learn from this?

• Heartfelt Worship: God wants us to worship Him with our hearts, not just with actions or words. When we pray or sing, He wants us to mean it.
• Honesty with God: Jeremiah admitted the sins of the people and asked for forgiveness. We can do the same, knowing that God is loving and forgiving. It’s okay to be honest with God, just like Jeremiah was. We can talk to God about how we feel, even when we’re confused or upset.
• True Peace: The prophets were promising peace, but true peace comes from a genuine relationship with God. When we truly worship Him, we find lasting peace. Even when God’s answer seems harsh, we can trust that He has a plan and knows what’s best.
  Remember, God loves it when we worship Him sincerely. So, let’s pray, sing, and talk to Him with hearts full of love and honesty! Thought for Reflection:
  True worship isn’t just about going through the motions; it’s about our hearts being sincere and focused on God. When we pray, sing, or talk to God, He wants us to do it with genuine love and honesty. Let’s reflect on our own worship—is it from the heart? Life Application:
• Heartfelt Worship: Take time to truly connect with God in your prayers and songs. Let your words and actions come from a place of genuine love and gratitude.
• Honesty with God: If you’re feeling confused, upset, or even joyful, Share it with God knowing that He listens and cares. He wants to hear all our emotions, just like Jeremiah did.
• Acknowledging Our Sins: Just like Jeremiah, we can admit our mistakes and sins to God. It’s important to seek forgiveness and strive to live in a way that honors Him.
• Focus on True Peace: Remember that true peace comes from knowing and worshipping God sincerely. Seek His presence and trust Him for lasting peace in your life.
• Trusting God’s Plan: When God’s answers seem different from what we expect, remember that He has a plan for our lives. Trust in His wisdom and love.
  Additional Activity:
• Heartfelt Journaling: Take a moment to write a letter or journal entry to God. Pour out your thoughts and feelings honestly, just like Jeremiah did. It’s a way to connect with God from the heart.
• Worship Playlist: Create a playlist of songs that help you connect with God deeply. Listen to these songs when you pray, study the Bible, or simply want to worship with sincerity. Song
  What a friend we have in Jesus,
  All our sins and griefs to bear!
  What a privilege to carry
  Everything to God in prayer!
  Oh, what peace we often forfeit;
  Oh, what needless pain we bear
  All because we do not carry
  Everything to God in prayer! Prayer :
  “Dear God, thank You for teaching us about true worship. Help us to come to You with sincere hearts, not just going through the motions. We admit our mistakes and sins to You, asking for Your forgiveness and guidance. We want to worship You with honesty and love. When we’re confused or upset, or face challenges and uncertainties, give us the courage to share our feelings with You and faith to trust in Your plan, knowing that You are always with us. Teach us to be honest with You and help us find true peace that comes from knowing and worshipping You. Thank You for loving us always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”