Thursday, March 2, 2023

          One day, you will be gone.  Your life will end on this earth.  Either you will pass away, or the Lord will come for you when He comes to gather His people (I Thessalonians 4:17).  But you will not live indefinitely in the earthly realm.  We often make plans for that time when we are gone.  We write wills, make estate plans, discuss our wishes with those we love and trust and try to cover all the essential bases.  Psalm 45 teaches us about some plans we might wish to make.  The Bible says, “Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.  I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever” (Psalm 45:16-17).  One aspect of planning for the future is investing in the lives of the next generation.
            We want to be actively investing in the spiritual well-being of our children and grandchildren.  We want to make a difference in the lives of the children who are entrusted to us as family, class members, students and players.  Teach them the ways of the Lord.  Share your faith.  Help them to grow in their understanding of the gospel message.  God gives us opportunities to sow seeds into the lives of children and teens who share our lives with us.  Make the most of every opportunity or occasion.  David gave us some lessons to consider in Psalm 45.
            First, remember the day will come when sons take the place of fathers.  And daughters will replace mothers.  What are you doing to prepare your children or grandchildren with the truth of Scripture?  Are you helping them to grow in their faith so they will have the necessary compass for navigating the trials and challenges of life?  Read Scripture with your kids.  Talk about the great stories of the Bible.  Pray for your children and for spiritual maturity.  Get them ready to be influential servants of Christ and proclaimers of the gospel.  There is a clergy shortage in America now.  What does the future look like if young people are not encouraged to consider serving the Lord vocationally?
            Second, sharpen the memory of your children.  Help them to know why we worship.  Help them to know why you read the Bible and to know those special verses or promises that mean the world to you.  Children cannot remember what they do not know.  Make a point to sow the seeds of truth and God’s Word into their lives as often and as consistently as you can.  There are places and ways you can shape memories as you serve with children in the life of the church.  You can teach, train, witness, serve alongside and encourage them in their faith.  Find a few kids to complete a simple mission project together.
            Third, pray for youth and college students.  Send them a message letting them know that you are praying for them and ask if they have specific ways you could pray.  Be willing to listen to them.  Offer an open heart and an inclined ear to them if they have struggles or even joys to share with you.  You could well be a surrogate parent or grandparent to a student who could use someone praying for them and listening to them. 
            Passing along our faith is more important than any wealth, assets or possessions we might leave behind.  And make no mistake, we will leave everything behind.  We will take nothing with us.  But you can leave a legacy that touches generations to come.  Your first priority is blessing and training your own children and grandchildren.  God has given them to you, and they are gifts from Him.  Share your faith with them.  Say what needs to be said.  Encourage and bless with grace and patience.  If you passed away today, have you left your children enough of a legacy or example for them to continue or press on with unflinching faith and trust in the Lord?  If not, then the good news is you have time to make a difference.  Have a great Thursday!  Remember to pray for a large group of women from our church enjoying their retreat to the coast this weekend.  And remember our Sunday worship can be found and shared any time at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.