I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only. O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. Psalm 71:16-18 NKJV

President Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” [1]

I think that belief in the Lord God is also “never more than one generation away from extinction.”

The Lord often told His followers to tell what He had done and to teach others so that they would know that He is the LORD. He specifically addressed that charge to parents in Exodus 10:1, 2; Deuteronomy 4:9, 10; 6:6, 7; 11:19, and other passages.

Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” Deuteronomy 4:10 NIV

Is it a guarantee that our children will follow the Lord? Sadly, I think not.

If it was a guarantee, than the descendants of Jacob (Israel) would have all gone into the Promised Land instead of wandering in the desert for forty years. Their repeated rebellion against God brought punishment in the captivities into Babylon and Assyria. Finally, in their misery, the people would turn to the Lord, and He would deliver them and free them from captivity.

We all know of prodigals who faithfully attended Sunday School and heard God’s Word at home, but didn’t keep on God’s path. I pray that yours (if that applies) and mine will come home to God again. Each of us has a free will to choose Jesus.

We are charged to tell everyone, including our children and grandchildren, about the LORD. How can any come to know Jesus Christ unless they are told? How can they turn again to God unless they learn of Him in the first place?

Sometimes it seems easier to share Christ on a mission field than at home or with friends. On a short term mission trip, I knew that was why I was in the country. Witnessing at home and in my circle of friends can be scary. I let my fear of not knowing what to say stop me from doing what is of the greatest importance — sharing Jesus.

Something my missionary leader told me helps me talk about God. He said, “Share what you know. Share what God has done in your life.”

Let’s share what God has done in our own lives with our families and friends. Your details are different than mine. What is the same is that the Lord works in our lives in wonderful ways, and that He loves us, our children, and others.

Choose someone to tell about Jesus this week. Pray about who it is, and make that commitment. Let’s not let belief in the Lord God become extinct in our generation.

Lord, please give me boldness. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. (Psalm 71:16 NIV) Amen.

[1] Ronald Reagan quote. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/13915-freedom-is-never-more-than-one-generation-away-from-extinction

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Thank you for joining me and for reading my devotional blogs. I hope and pray that you will be touched by God in a special way each time you visit. Blogs usually post every other Thursday. Past devotionals are archived for your convenience.