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Monday, August 8, 2005

"Inter- Generational Blessings"

"I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus" (Philemom 1:9).

In my view a healthy church has representatives of all ages. Yesterday we had two young couples sitting in front of us, each with a baby looking back our way tempting us to distraction and very much succeeding at times! Right behind us was a faithful old couple sitting in the very same pew they've used since we started attending our church 4 ½ years ago and no telling how many years before that.

Among the many faddish trends is a tendency among some to see value in a church setting where we only associate with those of similar age. Perhaps you've heard the phrase "gen x church". Supposedly this is a good thing and some claim it is the only way to reach this generation. But as for me I sure prefer a fellowship where I can associate with believers of all ages!

The transmission of spiritual truths takes place in a variety of ways. The younger are blessed by the experiences, the steadiness, and maturity of the older and the older are blessed by the enthusiasm, creativity, and energy of the younger. We really do need each other.

Paul's conversion on the Damascus road began a long life of service for Christ.  He took off running and began to serve the Lord. He went through a lot but kept pressing on. His circle of influence was young and old and of course through his writings he has impacted throughout the many generations of the church and continues to do so.

Later in his life he writes to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave, and identifies himself as an "old man" (the KJV reads "the aged").  Paul did not let external conditions hinder his ministry.  While in prison and unable to go about establishing churches he wrote letters.  When he was old he didn't retire but continued to serve in appropriate ways as God enabled him.  In fact it seems he wrote right up to near his time of death.  In 2 Timothy he expresses the awareness that "the time has come for my departure" (4:6).

Regardless of what age you are, God has a purpose for your life. God is always ready to use you and is never finished with you. Keep on serving!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's Prayer:  "Father, how grateful we are for those who've gone before us showing us the way.  They not only instructed us in the ways of the Lord but they lived exemplary lives so that we could see faith in action.  We're grateful for their positive examples in our spiritual journey.  We even pause to think of those who have taken a wrong direction only to turn away from all they held dear at one time.  Would You remind us of the serious consequences of their sinful choices when we're tempted to do the same.  We lift those people before You asking the Holy Spirit to convict and guide them back to the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Keep us faithful to the very end so that as time unfolds we can declare with the apostle Paul, 'Now I am old and praise be to God I am by His grace a prisoner of Christ Jesus, my Redeemer!'  In Jesus' Name, Amen."

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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