Generations of Grace

Ohh how this passage has captured me…

Dear LORD, Thank you!!  Please give me insight that I may better understand Your ways! 

The beginning of the story is told in the book of Ruth, chapters 1-3. 

Ruth 4 continues, 

13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.

14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 

15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 

16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. 

17 And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

18 Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, 

19 Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab,

20  Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 

21 Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, 

22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

Ruth 4, ESV

It encourages me to read in scripture how God redeemed Naomi, and gave to her the valuable presence and influence of a family, and the care of a grandmother to Obed.  

Of greater value is the way God brought His salvation through many generations!    We see this thread of His redemption running throughout scripture to many generations. 

“A son has been born to Naomi.”…?  

Though Obed was not of Naomi’s biological DNA, the LORD still gave to her a heritage, by way of a grandson!  

“Children are a heritage of the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3).

Love and honor came to her via the marriage of her DiL to Boaz.  As mother in law to Ruth, she was given the privilege and renown of being Obed’s grandmother.  Boaz could have possessively overruled his new bride and told her his own right, but he didn’t.  Instead he knew God, he trusted and understood God’s blessing of authority (Exodus 20:12), he considered responsibly the role God called him to as Naomi’s kin, and he claimed the kinsman redeemer’s rite of honor.  His memory and influence was telling to generations to come how God would give them the greater Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who would one day bring eternal salvation to those who would by grace believe and be redeemed from their sin by faith. 

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

What a gift!!  

I am thankful He redeemed me! 

What a story!!  It’s one of my favorites, and gives me soo much encouragement to read of God’s redeeming love to save His people from their sin.  Even when circumstances are besetting and bitter, God redeems and uses what He wills to write a story to accomplish His purpose.  He did this through the ages for generations of unlikely families.  He tells us this story about a low, poor widow whose husband and sons died, but by His mercy and grace, her DiL stayed with her.  God redeemed her life through a marriage and a babe to make her a  grandmother who did not lose all hope in Her God! 

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

Psalm 145:4

Photos: 

One of my favorite photos of our baby daughter meeting her maternal Great Grannie Cleland, her Poppy’s mother. I treasure the smiles on their faces! 

Another photo taken recently at the gravesite of Poppy, on the 2nd anniversary of his departure.  Taken with Meme, his wife.  We are four generations of Poppy’s girls.  Poppy was faithful to tell his children about Jesus, his Redeemer. 

May the LORD’s fame, might, and wonders continue to be told to many generations to come, to children yet unborn.  I pray our children will arise and tell their children so they may set their hope in God! 

Ohh LORD, this is my desire and earnest prayer! 

5

Felicity’s Counsel

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalm 32:8
 

Cross Life

 

“Dearest Betty,

I charge you in the name of our Unfailing Friend, do away with all waverings, bewilderment, and wonder.  You have bargained for a cross.  Overcome anything in the confidence of your union with Him, so that contemplating trial, enduring persecution or loneliness, you may know the blessings of the ‘joy set before’.  ‘We are the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.’  And what are sheep doing going into the gate?  What is their purpose inside those courts?  To bleat melodies and enjoy the company of the flock?  No. Those sheep were destined for the altar.  Their pasture feeding had been for one purpose, to test them and fatten them for bloody sacrifice.  Give Him thanks, then, that you have been counted worthy of His altars.  Enter into the work with praise.”

Jim Elliot, from a letter to Elisabeth Howard.          January 18, 1949

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 

And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, … .

Hebrews 5:7-9, ESV

Photo:

An unusually bright display of a cross on a summer night sky; June 13, 2022, 10:48 p.m.

Joy Bearing Days

God...made childhood joyous, full of life, bubbling over with laughter, playful, bright and sunny. We should put into their childhood days just as much sunshine and gladness, just as much cheerful pleasure as possible. 

Pour in the sunshine about them in youth. Let them be happy, encourage all innocent joy, provide pleasant games for them, romp and play with them; be a child again among them. Then God's blessing will come upon your home, and your children will grow up sunny-hearted, gentle, affectionate, joyous themselves and joy-bearers to the world.

Rev. J.R. Miller

Photos:

1-Playing blocks with Grandpapa before it was time to return home.  Felicity’s  daddy played with the same blocks when he was her age. 🥰

2-While having fun together with 

Play-doh, I said, “Let’s send a picture to Daddy at work.”

Felicity replied, “This is my smiley face.”😬😂

3-When I took her upstairs to take a nap, she looked down at the rug and said, “That’s a hexagon.”  😂

The rug was made for me by my Grannie Thelma when I was a young girl.  That makes Grannie Thelma Felicity’s Great, Great Grannie. 

With fondest memories of my 

Grannie Thelma Louise Blocker Boren Harley, 

June 14, 1918-July 30, 2001

❤️

God is at Work!

Today I attended a baby shower for two special young ladies the LORD has placed in my life and by His gracious providence, has used to encourage my faith.  

Sabiana is a dear friend who is carrying her sixth baby, a girl, whose little beating heart has captured mine.  Sabiana is due to deliver in late October.  I cannot wait to hold Anne Marie. 

Caroline is our daughter in love whose husband is our firstborn son, Mark Stephen. She is expecting her second baby, our third grandchild, a boy, whose name is Harrison Dane.  Caroline is due in just a few short weeks.  The months and weeks have passed quickly since Felicity surprised us at Christmas by making a card to tell us she is going to be a Big Sister! We can hardly wait to meet Harrison, LORD willing, very soon. 

I was asked to share a devotion, by request of Sabiana.  I’ve included it here for a record, and a prayer, …

“Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD:”

Psalm 102:18, ESV

❤️

Before I began, my Mother Dear prayed for me, and for the pregnant moms as they anticipate their labors and deliveries in the weeks to come.  It was a priceless gift to me that she could attend and participate in the occasion.

She is the Great Grandmother of baby boy, Harrison Dane, on the way. 

❤️

How weighty the charge of Asaph in Psalm 78 to tell the next generation of God's steadfast mercy and faithfulness!  

This and all the psalms were used for corporate worship, for singing, for telling the hearing ears of ALL, old and young alike!  

I pray this text will be a blessing to you this morn.  

The first few verses of Psalm 78 read...

1

“Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;

incline your ears to the words of my mouth!  

2

I will open my mouth in a parable;

I will utter dark sayings from of old,

3

things that we have heard and known,

that our fathers have told us.

4

We will not hide them from their children,

but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord,

and his might, and the wonders that He has done.

5

He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel,

which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,

6

that the next generation might know them,

the children yet unborn,

and arise and tell them to their children,

7

so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, 

but keep his commandments;

8

and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious 

generation, whose heart was not steadfast,

whose spirit was not faithful to God.”

...

I want our hearts to linger with these thoughts... 

The ESV translation I just read says,

"...tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord,

and His might, and the wonders that He has done."

I grew up reading the KJV translation, which I still enjoy, 

and it says,

 "...showing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, 

and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done."

This telling was not to be hidden, but perpetual, never ending or changing!  

This showing was to occur repeatedly, uninterrupted, frequent 

so as to seem endless... 

Vs. 6 says, 

"...that the next generation might know them,

the children yet unborn,

and arise and tell them to their children, ..."

That our children may know is not something we control.

We can do our best to obey to tell our children God's works and ways, 

but the WORK of penetrating the hearts of our children 

belongs to the LORD.  We obey and pray while He works.  

Is there any doubt that this teaching, this telling, this showing was (and continues to be) of GREAT value and importance to Asaph?

He knew from what he'd been taught that this charge originated from the LORD when he gave Moses the Shema in Deuteronomy 6-

“Hear, O Israel:  the LORD our God is one LORD:

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart;

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, 

and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,

and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,

and when thou rises up.”

Deuternomy 6:4-7, KJV

This should be of great value and hope to us as Moms today! 

That God has a plan, and we are His instruments to accomplish His work!  

Why is this important?

Vs. 7

"so that they should set their hope in God and NOT forget 

the works of God, ..."

Both of you, Caroline and Sabiana, by God's grace through faith,

have set your hope in God.  

Both of you have experienced challenges recently in your pregnancies, 

some of which has caused you to feel overwhelmed, 

and discouraged...  

But God... by your circumstances, 

has shown you His steadfast love and faithfulness!  

He is at work to help you.  

Tell your children this truth!

I am thankful you are members of this church body of SGBC 

that lifts your arms, and helps you stay the course that 

God has called you to... 

You carry unborn babes He created and placed within your wombs, 

One day soon, LORD willing, you will tell them with your 

other children,   

"God is your Creator.  You are His wonderful work!!  

He does not make mistakes!  He is loving and wise.  

He created you on purpose, for His telling, to show His mercy.  

He will accomplish His purpose through you, for His glory."   

Mark oft tells me, "God is at work!"  

I need this reminder often to "recalibrate" my heart! 

I would say calibrate, which means to first set to the standard, 

but I confess, many mornings I wake up doubting His mercies are new every morning!  

My heart must be RE-calibrated, Re-set, Re-stored to the standard of 

God's Word, and His ways!  

My thoughts and desires, my efforts as a Mom at any task, are vain unless I first seek to begin my day with the LORD, believing He is at work!!  

It is His work, not mine to accomplish, for His purpose and His glory!   

I'm thankful my husband tells me this often!  

My "Mother Dear" is here today.  I am thankful!!  She has always encouraged me, with Proverbs 3:5-6...

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; 

and lean not unto your own understanding.  

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."  

The LORD continues to use her in my life to encourage my faith, 

my focus, by her trust in the LORD, by her leaning not on her own understanding as she now RE-calibrates her heart and mind to the purpose God has called her to as a widow (after 65 years of marriage). 

Verse 7 continues, 

"Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and depart from evil."

I am thankful for my mom!  I am thankful She and Dad took seriously this truth in Psalm 78, to open their mouths and simply tell, read, and show us by their disciplines what they considered to be of most value in their home.  

We knew God's word was the standard by which their lives were calibrated. 

I am so very thankful the LORD drew me to Himself by their example and teaching, by His grace.  

Praise the LORD!  This is His wondrous work!   

In the verses that follow, Psalm 78 goes on to tell of a generation of fathers who were stubborn, rebellious, "a generation that set not their heart aright and whose spirit was not steadfast with God."  

Psalm 106 expounds more about this, ...verse 8 says, 

"Nevertheless He saved them for His names' sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known."

I encourage you to take time to read the rest of this psalm.  It is a very moving, and convicting chapter that tells of God's enduring mercy and faithfulness.  

Verse 35-38 says, "And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their Redeemer.  Nevertheless they did flatter Him with their mouth, and they lied unto Him with their tongues.  For their heart was not right with Him, 

neither were they steadfast in His covenant.  But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not:  yea, many a time turned He His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath."

I encourage you to read this to your children.  

Show and Tell them God's works and wonders in scripture.  

We must take time to draw from this passage and many more what the LORD desires to tell... 

Our Father has given us Himself in the person of Jesus Christ, who came to redeem us from being a stubborn and rebellious people whose hearts are not steadfast, whose spirits are not faithful to God.  

I pray the LORD will use these Truths to encourage you as Moms. 

I pray He will quicken the hearts of our children, young and old, that they would see Jesus in our telling to them the wonderful works and praises of God's steadfast love and faithfulness to ALL generations!  

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and 

for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

Psalm 107:31

Father,

Thank you for being our very LIFE and testimony of praise. Please help us to tell our children Your story, Your wonderful works!  

Please find us faithful to tell and show the generations to come Your wondrous, steadfast love that sacrifices to save.  May our telling become a song of praise.  

Please set us apart from the world and sanctify us this day for Your praise and glory. 

Amen.  

Song:

The Steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,

His mercies never come to an end,

They are new every morning, 

New every morning, 

Great is thy faithfulness Oh LORD

Great is thy faithfulness.  

I am thankful for the delightful participation of these young ladies …

Daughters of Sabiana: Nia and Lorna

Daughter of Caroline: Felicity

Video recording credited to my niece, Joanna.

Photo credit of Meme praying: AHW

Believing Hope

 

I believe I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Psalm 27:13 

“There is nothing like the believing hope of eternal life, the foresights of that glory, and foretastes of those pleasures, to keep us from fainting under all the calamities of this present time.”

-Matthew Henry