Qualifying The Called

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Qualifying The Called

Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

God uses the least likely people to do His work in fulfilling His plans. Rather than calling the qualified, God qualifies those He calls.

In similar discussions, we typically turn to Moses- the murderer with a speech impediment, yet, he was used to liberate the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. David was an adulterer AND a murderer, though he was one of the greatest kings of Israel. Peter was impulsive and brash, yet Jesus used him in the foundation of the church, and to take the Gospel to the Gentiles.

These men were amongst many throughout the Bible with flaws and shortcomings. And though each person that God used to fulfill His plans and purpose was not qualified by our standards, most had a heart posture bent towards the Lord, qualifying them to be used by Him.

Today’s message takes an unexpected turn, as we discuss God qualifying those we seldom consider: children.

Story Time…

Last week, the FEBC-Korea Children’s Choir traveled to the United States from their home country of South Korea, ministering to my church this past Saturday and Sunday. This auditioned choir consisted of fifty children between the ages of 7 and 13, who eagerly serve God with their gifts of praise and dance. I’ve seen many children’s choirs in my lifetime, but this hit differently.

If adults had ministered similar praise and dance, it would not have had the same impact on me. The children’s ministering stirred my heart and spirit to depths that few others could reach. It’s because of who they were as children that moved me, serving Christ by serving others with their innocence, obedience, their faithfulness, and youthful energy. It’s a glimpse of how God looks at us, His dear beloved children, when we give praise and worship to Him.

The choir’s program brochure is right:

God’s presence, power, and joy flowed from those small surrendered vessels, much like a mighty outpouring of nourishment coming from one boy’s meager lunch to feed over five thousand people. In sacrifice and obedience, the boy said, “This is what I have. It’s not much. But it’s all that I have. And I give it to you, Lord Jesus.” 

The Son of God used this small bit of food to perform a huge miracle. The point wasn’t only to feed and take care of the people’s physical needs, but to show that God can use what little you have when you give in faith, no matter how small or ordinary, to produce abundantly more (John 6:8-13).

But Children?

Adults may erroneously think, “What can a child possibly do for the Kingdom?” 

Plenty! God can use each child uniquely, for work that adults cannot do effectively to fulfill His plans and purpose. Sometimes it’s not the will of the Lord that uplifting scripture be given to us. Nor a prayer spoken for healing, restoration, or peace. But His will may simply be for you and me to receive that which one has and can do with a humbled heart- a small voice lifted, making a joyful noise in praise, bodies moving to bring glory to God, and little arms to gift us with a warm and gentle hug. 

This is all God wants- to give what we have. Not to try and give with what others have. 

And if you have children, don’t treat them as if they are incapable of contributing to Kingdom work, because of their tender age and limited experience. Involve them with missions, community outreach with your church, and visiting nursing homes. There are many opportunities. Pray over the special work God may have for your child- now- and for what’s to come. Pray with your child in this, and have him or her be interactive in praying over this too with you. 

We can mistakingly believe we are merely children, with nothing to offer in the way of serving the Lord. We don’t know scripture, or we don’t feel comfortable at corporate prayer or praying aloud over another. And while we should strive to grow into these areas, God can use what we have today. Right now. Everyone has something, no matter how small it seems to us. 

That One Child

The children of the choir streamed off stage and into the congregation to give us hugs. One small boy with glasses, probably the youngest at 7 years old, approached me. I remember him most, for he was the first child who hugged me, but it was also because of who he was. He was the smallest. He didn’t look to fit in with this spectacular praise and dance ministry. And yet, he was the most memorable to me, for I was touched by what he had to give.

Like the boy with two fish and five loaves of bread, this young Korean boy is helping to feed the hearts and spirits of five thousand and beyond. And not with fish and bread, but with the Word of God and the light of Christ that shines from within him.

Don’t underestimate a child’s work for the Kingdom.

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:15

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Health

Paper Coffee Cups: A Dangerous Brew

It may be your favorite daily ritual to drop by the coffee shop, and order a hot brew or tea to get your morning started. Or, you may need a caffeine boost to power through your day.

Paper cups can seem convenient, especially when you’re on the go, but consider the health hazards of consuming hot beverages in paper cups.

A Cup of Chemicals and Microplastics

Drinking hot beverages from paper cups can pose significant health risks due to the leaching of microplastics, heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals from the cup's inner lining. These substances can enter your beverage when exposed to high heat and may cause health problems with long-term exposure. 

Microplastic Contamination

• Release of microplastics: Most disposable paper cups are lined with a thin plastic film, typically polyethylene (PE), to make them waterproof. Studies show that hot liquids can cause this plastic lining to degrade within minutes, releasing thousands of microscopic plastic particles into the beverage.

• Impact of heat and time: One study found that hot water (at 85–90°C or 185 to 194°F) sitting in a paper cup for just 15 minutes released approximately 25,000 microplastic particles into 100 ml of liquid. Another found that heat is a major factor, with hot drinks releasing significantly more microplastics than cold beverages.

• Health concerns: While the full extent of microplastic effects on human health is still being researched, studies suggest that ingesting these particles can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and harm the gut microbiome. Microplastics have been found to accumulate in human tissues, including the brain. 

Leaching of Heavy Metals and Chemicals

• Presence of heavy metals: Scientific analysis of the plastic linings in paper cups has detected toxic heavy metals, including lead, chromium, and cadmium.

• Heavy metals in beverages: When exposed to hot liquids, these heavy metals can leach into your beverage. Regular ingestion can pose potential health risks over time.

• Other chemicals: Beyond heavy metals, other harmful substances can also migrate from the cup's lining into your beverage. These include bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors linked to various health problems. 

Health Effects of Long-Term Exposure

Consuming these leached substances regularly over time can contribute to a range of potential health issues. 

• Hormonal disruption: Chemicals like BPA and phthalates can interfere with hormone balances.

• Toxicity and inflammation: Regular ingestion of these contaminants can lead to systemic toxicity, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress.

• Organ damage: Microplastic particles can travel through the bloodstream and accumulate in organs over time, which may lead to organ damage.

• Reproductive issues: Some research has suggested a possible link between this contamination and reproductive issues. 

Safer Alternatives

To minimize these risks, experts recommend using reusable cups made from safer materials. 

• Stainless steel: Durable, provides good heat retention, and does not leach chemicals into your drink.

• Ceramic and glass: Non-reactive materials that are safe for hot beverages, though they may be more fragile.

• Food-grade silicone: While often used for lids and sleeves, silicone cups are flexible and heat-resistant.

• PLA-coated paper: Some eco-friendly paper cups are coated with plant-based polylactic acid (PLA), which is biodegradable. However, some studies also indicate a potential for microparticle release from PLA-coated cups, and proper industrial composting is required for them to break down. 

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}