Susanne Scheppmann
“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)
Have you ever considered if your life matters? . . . Or wondered what legacy you will leave behind? Those questions flit through my thoughts on occasion. However, when I baby-sit my “Grand Pumpkin,” I realize I have the potential to leave him a legacy of faith.
I nicknamed my grandson “Grand Pumpkin” because he’s my sweet pumpkin and just grand! However, I want him to live up to his given name - Michael. Not Mikey, or Mike, but Michael. I want him to grow into a mighty warrior for God. The biblical Michael is an archangel who fights for the Lord. So I ask myself, “As a grandmother, what can I do to increase my grandson’s faith?"
Fortunately, the Bible gives specific instructions about leaving a legacy for my children and my grandchildren. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the Lord do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren” (NLT). This verse cautions me not to forget the wonders the Lord has done in my life. In addition, I must share them with my children and grandchildren.
So, I intend to influence Michael’s faith by sharing the miracles of God every chance I am provided. The Lord has done a mighty work in our family. I will never run out of stories concerning the goodness of the Lord. There are enough to last a lifetime and beyond.
Will you join me in this endeavor to leave a legacy for our future generations? Let’s live out the truth of Psalm 145:3-4 (NIV).
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
Dear Lord, You have instructed me to share with my children and grandchildren the wonders You have done in my life. Give me words that will glorify You and will allow my grandchildren to witness Your miracles in their own lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
The Pocket Guide for Parents Raising Godly Kids
The Grandmother's Bible (NIV)
Birds in My Mustard Tree: For Those Who Struggle with Faith by Susanne Scheppmann
Application Steps:
Buy a journal and begin to write down your memories of what the Lord has done in your life and family. It doesn’t have to be chronological, just jot them down as He brings them to mind.
Pray for God to give you opportunities to share your memories with children in your life.
Reflections:
Do I hesitate when I speak about my faith with my children or grandchildren?
What type of legacy do I want to leave?
How can I make a difference in my family’s faith?
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 12:28, “Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord your God.” (NIV)
Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” (NIV)
Proverbs 17:6, “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.” (NLT)
“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)
Have you ever considered if your life matters? . . . Or wondered what legacy you will leave behind? Those questions flit through my thoughts on occasion. However, when I baby-sit my “Grand Pumpkin,” I realize I have the potential to leave him a legacy of faith.
I nicknamed my grandson “Grand Pumpkin” because he’s my sweet pumpkin and just grand! However, I want him to live up to his given name - Michael. Not Mikey, or Mike, but Michael. I want him to grow into a mighty warrior for God. The biblical Michael is an archangel who fights for the Lord. So I ask myself, “As a grandmother, what can I do to increase my grandson’s faith?"
Fortunately, the Bible gives specific instructions about leaving a legacy for my children and my grandchildren. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the Lord do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren” (NLT). This verse cautions me not to forget the wonders the Lord has done in my life. In addition, I must share them with my children and grandchildren.
So, I intend to influence Michael’s faith by sharing the miracles of God every chance I am provided. The Lord has done a mighty work in our family. I will never run out of stories concerning the goodness of the Lord. There are enough to last a lifetime and beyond.
Will you join me in this endeavor to leave a legacy for our future generations? Let’s live out the truth of Psalm 145:3-4 (NIV).
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
Dear Lord, You have instructed me to share with my children and grandchildren the wonders You have done in my life. Give me words that will glorify You and will allow my grandchildren to witness Your miracles in their own lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
The Pocket Guide for Parents Raising Godly Kids
The Grandmother's Bible (NIV)
Birds in My Mustard Tree: For Those Who Struggle with Faith by Susanne Scheppmann
Application Steps:
Buy a journal and begin to write down your memories of what the Lord has done in your life and family. It doesn’t have to be chronological, just jot them down as He brings them to mind.
Pray for God to give you opportunities to share your memories with children in your life.
Reflections:
Do I hesitate when I speak about my faith with my children or grandchildren?
What type of legacy do I want to leave?
How can I make a difference in my family’s faith?
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 12:28, “Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord your God.” (NIV)
Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” (NIV)
Proverbs 17:6, “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.” (NLT)
© 2008 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.
7 Comments:
This is great. I don't have children or grandchildren, yet, but i need to write the things the Lord has done for me, so i don't forget. It will be a great reference for sharing with friends and people i meet, as well. Perhaps one day, when and if i have children, i will have an entire book. :)
Thank you for the reminder...YES! They know our faith is real when we tell the stories of His faithfulness...even those where we look weak...perhaps especially those where we look weak. It makes it okay for our children/grandchildren to be real (not phoney) and that God is big enough to overcome our mistakes... or fears and doubts. Our God IS an AWESOME GOD!
Thank you. Today this message brought me peace. I usually feel a little uneasy on Halloween. not really sure about the day and I actually don't celebrate the holiday. It is challenging to figure out what to do for the kids, since the school usually has a celebration, and also my kids want to do fun stuff like their peers.Today's devotion reminded me that whatever I do or don't do today, is not as important as the daily choices I make as a parent ,to teach about God,s love and faithfulness,and also to demonstrate it in my life. I pray that Jesus shines through me today, the same as every other day.
Thank you. Today this message brought me peace. I usually feel a little uneasy on Halloween. not really sure about the day and I actually don't celebrate the holiday. It is challenging to figure out what to do for the kids, since the school usually has a celebration, and also my kids want to do fun stuff like their peers.Today's devotion reminded me that whatever I do or don't do today, is not as important as the daily choices I make as a parent ,to teach about God,s love and faithfulness,and also to demonstrate it in my life. I pray that Jesus shines through me today, the same as every other day.
Thank you. Today this message brought me peace. I usually feel a little uneasy on Halloween. not really sure about the day and I actually don't celebrate the holiday. It is challenging to figure out what to do for the kids, since the school usually has a celebration, and also my kids want to do fun stuff like their peers.Today's devotion reminded me that whatever I do or don't do today, is not as important as the daily choices I make as a parent ,to teach about God,s love and faithfulness,and also to demonstrate it in my life. I pray that Jesus shines through me today, the same as every other day.
Thank you. Today this message brought me peace. I usually feel a little uneasy on Halloween. not really sure about the day and I actually don't celebrate the holiday. It is challenging to figure out what to do for the kids, since the school usually has a celebration, and also my kids want to do fun stuff like their peers.Today's devotion reminded me that whatever I do or don't do today, is not as important as the daily choices I make as a parent ,to teach about God,s love and faithfulness,and also to demonstrate it in my life. I pray that Jesus shines through me today, the same as every other day.
Thank you for this encouragement for me as a grandmother. I need to do some writing. God has been very good to us and I want our family's faith in Him to be strengthened.
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