WELCOME TO THE TURNAROUND!
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to day 44 of the Turnaround’s 52 Days of Prayer. As believers in Christ, we need to proclaim the name of the Lord to future generations. If we don’t then who will? As we get into this devotional let’s take a deeper look as to how we can live out this mission.
INSIGHT
Our words and actions will affect generations to come. Before we dive in, go ahead and take a moment to reflect on how you talk when you are around people. Do you talk down on others or always find something to complain about? Or do you encourage the people around you and look for joy in every situation?
In the beginning of Psalm 22 King David cries out to the Lord feeling extremely heavy and complaining about the situation he was in. However, after confessing the trials he was facing he then spoke to the Lord saying, “Yet you are holy.” . What a beautiful heart posture.
A misconception many people have is that once they surrender their life to God then life will be easy. That could not be more wrong. Jesus Himself tells us that we will face trials as we follow Him. You might be thinking, “Well if my life is going to be hard either way then why should I believe in God?” Here is why. We all fall short, everyone makes mistakes, and everyone faces trials to some degree. The difference is as a believer in Christ you no longer have to experience those things alone. He waits for us with open arms, forgiving and championing those who believe in Him and call on His name. A life with Jesus is not easy but it is worth it. The gift of salvation is open to everyone. We just have to allow ourselves to receive it.
Surrendering your life to Jesus is the ending of your old life and beginning of your new life. As believers in Jesus, we are called to fulfill the Great Commission. Which is to preach the gospel, make disciples, and baptize in the holy spirit. It is our mission to tell people about Jesus and show them how to live in relationship with him. What better way to do that than with rising generations? A big difference between children and adults is that most adults already have their own perceived images of who God is which makes it harder for them to see God for who He truly is. With kids it is different because they are still forming their own thoughts and beliefs, and these thoughts and beliefs are formed through the words and actions they witness throughout their lives. You do not have to “feel” called to preach the gospel to future generations. You ARE called.
If knowing your call to preach the gospel is not enough for you to put in action, then let me take you back to a time when a generation did not speak of the Lord.
Judges 2: 10 – “And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that He had done for Israel.”
God had delivered the Israelites out of Egypt where they had been enslaved for centuries. However, after this had been done the people did not speak about who God was and what He did in their lives to the coming generation, which then resulted in an entire generation to not know the One who created and delivered them. This is why it is crucial for believers to proclaim God’s name and the works He has done in our lives. How will anyone know what He has done if no one tells them? Stop waiting for someone else to do it. YOU are loved, and YOU are called. Your salvation alone is a testimony. Go tell someone.
TURNAROUND QUESTION
As we reflect on Psalms 22 take a moment to ponder these next few questions:
What has God done in your life?
God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt. How has He delivered you? How can you communicate that to your friends, kids, co-workers, etc.?
We cannot make the same mistakes the Israelites made. We want this generation and generations after to know God. How are you actively telling this next generation about God and His righteousness?
Prayer
Jesus thank you for giving me the free gift of salvation through the sacrifice You made on the cross. I pray for courage to go out into the world and tell everyone how you have delivered me. Remind us that you have declared that children are a blessing and we are to proclaim Your righteousness to them. Stir our hearts for this generation and the importance to steward their hearts for the next generation. In your precious name I pray, Amen.
