May 31 – A Memory

“For the living know that they shall die; but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” Ecclesiastes 9:5

NEVER forget the sacrifices that were necessary to preserve the freedom of the citizens of the United States of America and of all other democracies in the world. Honor the men and women who died in former wars, remembering the price they paid for what you enjoy today.

Remember also those heroes of the past who laid the groundwork for religious freedom, such as the Apostle Paul and Martin Luther . . . and the missionaries to foreign lands who helped bring the Gospel to hungry souls, such as Hudson Taylor and David Livingstone. “The memory of the righteous will be a blessing. . .

(Proverbs 1O:7a, NIV)

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross ensures spiritual freedom and is what prompted these men and women to give up their lives for others. There is a price for freedom! Actually, each Lord’s Day should be a Memorial Day to remind you of God’s mercies. A forgetful heart soon becomes a foolish heart. An ungrateful attitude soon becomes a highway to ungodly living. Remember: “. . . it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3b)

Pray:
“Thank You, Lord, for the miracle of creation, the gift of salvation, and the promise of eternal life.  I will remember your warriors on life’s battleground today.  Amen.”

May 30 – Bridging the Generation Gap – II

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.”Deuteronomy 32:7

Moses was keenly aware of the importance of passing down information and blessings to children of the next generation. How do you keep the lines of communication open to do this? Here are some guidelines:

1) Advance, do not withdraw. Do not assume children are not listening and watching you. Just continue input into their lives.

2) Recognize the value of your daily lifestyle. Be sure that you “practice what you preach.”

3) Take an interest in the interests of the younger. What you respect, you will attract.

4) Demonstrate unconditional love. Love the sinner but not the sin. It is when they stumble that they need you the most. (See Proverbs 17:17a.)

5) Allow room for mistakes. Lessons in life are often learned by trial and error. (YOU did not arrive at perfection overnight.)

6) Recognize the power of your prayers. Timothy’s mother and grandmother’s faith helped him.

7) Be generous with your resources. You cannot take it with you to the grave. Bless your family while you can, especially at times of crises.

Remember, it is never too late to begin again. Work at BRIDGING THE GAP! It is worth the effort!

PRAY:
“God of all generations, help me to remain an open vessel of communication with young people even when it seems a bit awkward.  Allow me to learn from them too. Amen.”

May 29 – Bridging the Generation Gap – 1

“Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren: The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.” I Timothy 5:1-2

Today there is a painful disregard for authority, as well as disrespect for the elderly. As a result, you see a lot of misunderstanding, fear, and rejection on both sides— young and old.

The Bible teaches respect for the wisdom that comes with years. Leviticus 19:32a (NIV) commands: “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” King Solomon added his thoughts in Proverbs 16:31 (NIV):“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.”

More than ever, we live in a time when parents and grandparents must be bold in offering counsel and correction to the younger. Do not withdraw from your children or grandchildren because of their seeming “lack of interest.” You have the God-given ability and responsibility to give godly direction to the younger generation!

The devil tries hard to keep generations apart. If he can succeed in breaking up homes, he can succeed in seducing whole nations. Pray for James Dobson’s ministry (Focus on the Family) and others like it who are BRIDGING THE GAP.

PRAY:
“Father, You were the Originator of the family structure.  I pray You will intervene quickly to save homes. Show me where I can help.  Bless my family today.  I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”