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Blogs by Minister Judy A. Mays
Generation NeXt to the Y 10/17/2011 6:44:34 AM
Raising children to trust in God We will not hide them from our children; we will tell the next genration the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and the wonders he has done... so the next generation will know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they will put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep His commands. - Psalms 78: 4; 6-7 NIV
If a young person were to ask you about your innermost thoughts at this time in history, what would be your response? Would it reflect fear or faith, doubt and frustration or perhaps even anger? The pressures and challenges to raise a family, the constant threat and reality of war, natural and economic disaster, the many challenges youth face are as much a part of our daily living as the air we breathe! Yet we have a Redeemer,a deliverer who is Faithful and True!
The book of Isaiah, chapter 61 and verse 3 records that we may receive beauty for ashes. As caregivers to our families there were undoubtedly times when our lives seemed to be no more than a heap of ashes, smoldering from the pain and turmoil that life can bring.
I am daily reminded that according to Romans 8:28 " And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose." No, not all things are good, yet, even in the ash heap the beauty of God's purpose for our good will ultimately be manifested in our lives.
We must teach and then remind our children of this. Often they look at us and see the strain of frustration and disappointment. We must proclaim,"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and fortress, my God, in Him will I trust. Psalm 91: 1-2 NKJV
So, what is your testimony and when is the last time you shared it with your children, grandchildren or for that matter anyone's child telling them of the ggodness God has given to your life?
Here's a poem that you can share:
Though the ashes of pain and discord may enter my life
God is my Source and delivers me from strife
Always willing to show how much He cares
Everytime I need Him, His faithful to be right there
He gave to me beauty and moments of great peace
Even when the storms did rage and problems did not cease
Then there were times in prayer a word came to light
And God would reassure me that everything would be all right
Dear one, He placed you in my life and with this instruction I'm told
Teach your children the ways of the Lord
And to serve Me in their youth and as they grow old
I know you've seen my tears at times and even though they may fall
The tears are but a cleansing means, God answers when I call
Trust in God my children, for He will never fail
His promises will be delivered and so I gladly tell
That our God is a good God, He is with us all the way
And for the spirit of heaviness, He gives the garment of praise
He'll turn your sorrow into joy- on that you can depend
So my child remember this word: "Always trust in Him."
