Focus

Breathe in clear thoughts of peace and reflection as you prepare to hear God speak to you through the scripture and the writer. Put aside all the things the world says you have to accomplish today and use this time to rest in God’s presence.

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Read

Psalm 78:1-8 (NRSV)

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.

He established a decree in Jacob,
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach to their children;
that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and rise up and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God,
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their ancestors,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
whose spirit was not faithful to God.

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Reflect

Mary (my wife) and I recently took a trip to England and Scotland. Before leaving, we had our wills updated, and tried to prepare our two young adult sons for what to do if we didn’t make it back. They thought we were being morbid; we were trying to be responsible.

In the process, I had several thoughts about what I have and have not taught my sons about life, about God, and about who they are. Like the author of Psalm 78, I want them to know and love God and to share the faith that has been so important to mine and Mary’s lives. How do we pass along to the next generation what is of utmost importance to us?

I don’t know that I have any answers to that question, but it is one that becomes more important to me with each passing day. Life is not forever. I hope that I do all I can, both by teaching and by example, to teach my children, and if I am lucky enough to have them, my grandchildren, to set their hope in God.

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Pray

God of all generations, we give thanks today for the children and grandchildren with which you bless us. Even those of us who do not have children of our own have children through your Church. Keep us faithful to them as we seek to tell the coming generations your glorious deeds; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go with God.