Why We Need a Childlike Faith (Matthew 18:3)

October 08, 2026

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Today's Bible Verse: "And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'" — Matthew 18:3

What does it mean to have a childlike faith? Matthew 18:3 reminds us that following Jesus requires humility, trust, and a willingness to depend on God rather than ourselves. Childlike faith isn't about being immature or unquestioning—it means recognizing our need for God and trusting Him with the dependence and humility of a child.

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News.

The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides.
Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Meet Today’s Host: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel

🎙️ Listen to more daily devotionals with Jessica at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Rev. Jessica Van Roekel is a passionate Christian speaker, author, and worship pastor who shares how God brings beauty from brokenness. Her message centers on God’s power to rescue, restore, and renew, even after seasons of rejection or loss.

She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything, a guide to seeing God’s purpose in life’s disappointments.

Jessica and her husband are raising a vibrant family, with two adult daughters, a college-aged son, and a high school daughter. You can explore her teachings, devotionals, and resources at WelcomeGrace.com.

Let Scripture shape your heart today—begin with the Bible Verse of the Day on Biblestudytools.com

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Meet Your Hosts

Jennifer Slattery is a multi-published author, national speaker, and speaking coach passionate about helping God's children reach their full potential and live fully surrendered to Christ. She is a host on Your Daily Bible Verse and Faith Over Fear. Find her online at https://www.JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com

Joy A. Williams is a writer and speaker who is amazed her first name became her life’s mission. As life happens in ways that baffle us or bring us joy, she loves exploring how those moments can bring us closer to God. She is a member of the “First 5” writing team at Proverbs 31 ministries. As a licensed minister, she serves as a teacher for the Women’s Bible Study and the Married Couples Ministry at her church.

Joy is also a wife and mother and shares encouragement on the “Joy to the Soul” blog. Subscribe to receive the newest posts and updates at joyawilliams.com.

Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Get Joy’s 7-day Bible Reading Plans on YouVersion:
Live Your Joy Story
When Easy Doesn't Live Here: Living By Faith When Life Is Hard

The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. Rev. Norman has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.

Find more from Rev. Norman at revkylenorman.ca

Reverend Jessica Van Roekel is an author, speaker, and worship pastor. She loves to share God’s transformative power to rescue, restore, and renew and encourage you to say yes to Him every day. She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything.

Jessica and her husband have two adult daughters spreading their wings, a college-aged son, along with a daughter in high school who are fluttering their wings as they edge closer to the nest. She would love to connect with you at www.welcomegrace.com

Chaka Heinze is a writer, speaker, and lover of the Bible. She is actively involved in her local church on the Prayer and Healing team and mentors young women seeking deeper relationships with God.

After personally experiencing God's love and compassion following the loss of her eleven-year-old son, Landen, Chaka delights in testifying to others about God's unfathomable and transformative love that permeates even the most difficult circumstances.
Chaka and her husband of twenty-six years have five children ranging from adult age to preschool. Trained as an attorney, she’s had the privilege of mitigating sibling disputes for twenty-plus years.

Follow her on Chakaheinze.com.

Jennifer Dotzler is deeply committed to personal growth and spiritual development, with a genuine heart to help others thrive in their faith. She blends her love for Scripture with a compassionate, practical approach, guiding others through life's challenges and triumphs. With a strong desire to see people discipled and encouraged in their walk with Christ, Jennifer brings thoughtful, biblically grounded insights to every conversation. She is thrilled to join the YDBV team, where she hopes to inspire and empower listeners with meaningful discussions rooted in biblical truth.

Taura Sullivan is a devoted follower of Jesus and a licensed minister passionate about teaching the Bible and inspiring others to cultivate a genuine, personal relationship with God. She serves as the Minister of Christian Maturity at the Park Church in Charlotte, NC.

As an author, Taura wrote Wonder: Finding Light in Life's Interruptions, inviting readers to recognize God’s presence in their lives and deepen their relationship with Him through reflection. She is also the founder of LightBulb Experiences, where she curates content and organizes gatherings to foster growth in Christ.

When she’s not engaged in ministry, you might find Taura reading, journaling, traveling, or enjoying life with family and friends. She embraces a life of laughter and adventure with her loving husband, Joseph Sullivan, her “good and perfect gift."

Grace Fox is the award-winning author of 16 books whose passion is to inspire hope, courage, and personal transformation through God’s Word – with a dash of adventure.

She’s a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries) and a regular contributor to Mornings with Jesus, an annual 365-day devotional published by Guideposts. She’s also the author of the award-winning devotional Bible study series – Names of God: Living Unafraid, Names of God: Knowing Peace, and Names of God: Growing Strong.

Find Grace’s 7-day YouVersion devotional reading plan “Growing Strong to Go On” here: https://tbibles.com/P4w6i

Subscribe to Grace’s devotional updates here: https://www.gracefox.com/grace-fox-newsletter/

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