I love participating in the blog party "Thankful Thursday" each week because it teaches us to be intentional about giving praise. Today's topic, Rescue, was chosen by this month's hostess Iris at Grace Alone.She was sharing how grateful she was that the Lord rescues us from sin. I'm certainly grateful He does, too!
I was thinking, too, that not only am I grateful for that, but I'm glad He rescues whole families out of the pits of sin.
My great-grandfather became a Christian as a young man of 26. Here is what is written in his obituary: " In the year 1883 God's Holy Spirit opened his heart that he attended unto the things spoken from the Lord. Saying the time fulfilled the kingdom of God's at hand repent ye and believe the gospel having given himself to the Lord now gives himself to the Lord's people casting his lot with them in the Missionary Baptist Church (near his home town)."
I know I have written about this before, but I find it so beautiful!
I can't help but think that because God rescued my great-grandfather, who undoubtedly prayed for his children and grandchildren, He also saw fit to draw us to Himself. I base this belief on this scripture: "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."(Deut. 7:9)
Not every member of my family has chosen to walk with the Lord (so far) but I feel that the Holy Spirit keeps drawing them because of my great grandfather.
There's a lot of history of alcoholism on the other side of my family, and sadly some have followed in that lifestyle. But God is greater than any addiction, and I know that the prayers of faith that have gone on before reach beyond the grave and remind Him of His promises.
I'm thankful for Christian ancestors. Their example and prayers have made the difference - more than I'll every comprehend.
Now it is time to do my part: be a living example of Christ's redeeming love and to prayerfully plead for my children and grandchildren (and great grandchildren...) to be rescued!
This is a great reminder to all of us every day to be certain that our actions and words speak the truth of the love of Christ that lives within us. Those around us are observing all the time. We're rarely aware of just how much the testimony of our lives affect the lives of so many others.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteMy bible study this week was on Deuteronomy!
Blessings
Robin
I have had a long line of christians in my family as well many of these helped to shape me into who I am and now many look to me for advice etc...
ReplyDeleteBeing rescued from generational sin is such an awesome blessing!
ReplyDeleteJerri,
ReplyDeleteWow, what an absolutely powerful post. it just testifies how our legacy really matters.
God bless you and may the Lord be forever in the generations of your family.
Loved this post. Thank you.
Well, Miss Jerri...I am so glad I found your blog! We have a few similarities in our lives...I have been married 32 years also, raised three sons, and have a rich Christian heritage from my Granddaddies...
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post and will be back to visit....
That is beautiful. Thank you for sharing this reminder. Many blessings to you!
ReplyDeletejust a week or maybe two weeks ago, a friend from church told me this, "ms. pia, thank you for being our inspiration." i didn't understand what he was talking about, what he was thanking me for. then he said, "you may not be aware of it but so many of us here are inspired by your walk with God and how you value your marriage." that hit me. people are indeed watching us and we should live a good example for them.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, jerri
God bless your dear heart.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thankful post. Bless you this weekend.
ReplyDelete