Focus

Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.

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Read

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 (NRSV)

I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you,
and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall laud your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
…

The LORD is just in all his ways,
and kind in all his doings.
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of all who fear him;
he also hears their cry, and saves them.
The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

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Reflect

The psalmist assumed that one generation would effectively pass on to succeeding generations what Peter would later describe as the “reason for the hope that lies in us (1 Peter 3:15). It is a sacred trust given to parents especially, but to all adults generally.

No task can be more challenging than faith-sharing in the home as well as in the community. The social constructs in the United States that in past times were supportive of, or at least not hostile toward, matters of faith are nearly obsolete. For instance, schools and sports teams don’t hesitate to schedule events on Wednesday evenings or even Sunday mornings.

Christians who live in other countries have never enjoyed such social support. Little wonder, then, that Christian parents in those places devote much more attention to sharing their faith with their children. After all, without their faithful witness, Christianity could cease to exist.

We have much to learn from our fellow believers in maintaining and growing faith among the young. What a great opportunity awaits willing learners!

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Pray

Lord, empower us to care faithfully for the children you have entrusted to us. Amen.

Go with God.