Sharing God's Wisdom (Psalm 71:18)

Today's scripture: Psalm 71:18

A week ago, I wrote about how, even though I've reached the half-century mark, I don't really feel old. Maybe it's because I'm not grayheaded ... yes, I do have a smattering of gray here and there, but so far, so good!

However, there is one very positive aspect to growing older: I am growing wiser, and God often allows me to speak truth and wisdom into the lives of those "to come." I am so very blessed to have younger people in my life, many of whom I call "children of my heart." Often, one of them will ask me for counsel or encouragement, and I'm privileged to "declare [God's] strength" to her.

I can share of how God never left my side even though I turned my back on Him. I can tell of how He blesses me through difficult times. I can affirm how He uses all things for His glory and my good (Romans 8:28). I can confidently state that He is loving and good.

Often, I have experienced similar situations as my "kids" have, so I can relate to their pain ... or to their joy.

Yes, getting older has its share of frustrations, but it also brings many positives. Frankly, I'll take the good over the bad every day.

If you're of a "certain age," thank God that He has brought you this far, and ask Him to bring those "to come" people into your life, so that you can share your God-given wisdom with them.

A Legacy of Faith (Psalm 145:4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 145:4

One of the greatest things a Christian can do is leave a legacy of faith for the next generation.

I'm very blessed to have had godly grandparents who modeled Christ to me. I think especially of my maternal grandfather. Grandpa Hess loved Jesus and praised Him throughout his life. He had a gentleness of spirit and a genuine compassion for others.

For many years, he was a chaplain at the Los Angeles Rescue Mission, and he worked with countless "least of these." I remember the times my siblings and I would join him for services. We would sing. He would speak. And every time, I would see him offer love and compassion to men whom much of society would shun.

I also have a mom who loves God and who has also been a huge influence to my own faith. I know when I went through my lengthy rebellion against that faith, she prayed for me. Never did she point a finger or lecture me. She just loved me with a Christ-like, unconditional love.

I know beyond doubt that it was the quiet love I felt from my mom and grandparents and their examples of faith—and regular prayer—that brought me back to my own relationship with God.

And now, I pray I'm influencing the next generation to know and love God. To praise Him. To tell of His love and "mighty acts."

Whom in the next generation are you influencing for Christ? Your children? Your grandchildren? Other young people God is bringing into your life?

Leave a legacy of faith.