Our Children's Children - Pt 1

As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. (Psalm 103:15-19 ESV). I have a confession to make today. For the first time in a very long time, I don’t know which direction to go with Morning Devotionals. So, I have decided to take you along with me on this part of the journey that God has begun on my life. It has been exciting the past few months to say the least. Almost a year and a half ago Kyle told me that he would likely be looking for another position apart from the research position at Vanderbilt. There were very good reason for this, of which none are really important to my journey. The short story of this event is that it ultimately led him to a decision to move back to Ft. Worth, Texas, very near where we have called home. Most of the family still lives in the area for both he and Brandy. As has been the case in my life, I was faced with my own decisions to make. Do we stay in Tennessee? Do we move back to Texas? What about the church I pastor? What will happen with the ministry we have started here through Grace Restoration Ministries? Swirling in my mind were so many questions that I forgot the most important principle in life. I had forgotten how to silence the noise around me and listen to the voice of God within me. Fortunately that didn’t last long. I was reminded of the Psalm of David which is our reading today: But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. I will talk more about this psalm tomorrow; but, today I want you to concentrate on one key truth. The steadfast love and righteousness of the Lord is passed through us to our children and their children as we keep his covenant and do his commandments. At first glance that is a harsh, discouraging word. Who of us can really keep God’s covenant and do his commandments. There is not a day that passes that I don’t succumb to the press of the world, the flesh, or the devil in some way. I simply cannot be perfect. At that moment grace breaks into my desire to do the works of grace and reminds me of the work of Christ, who has already done all of these works on my behalf. That’s the covenant I keep. I have come to him for forgiveness of sin and he has eternally given me that restoration. I had nothing to give him but my failure; he has nothing to give me but his love and acceptance. That gave me the first step to take in the newest part of the journey! Perhaps that’s where you are today. Take the step for your children’s children!