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Thursday, August 11, 2005

"Nothing Else Matters"

"Generations come and generations go" (Ecclesiastes 1:4). "A time to be born and a time to die" (Ecclesiastes 3:2).

Today I will be going out to Oklahoma for a family reunion on my Mom's side of the family. My older brother and I will accompany our 84 year old Mom, who is now the oldest living member of the Steincross family. My other brother and younger sister will also be there, along with many other relatives, the descendants of my grandparents, George Washington and Nellie Mae Steincross.

Based upon the forty-year generation cycle there have been some 75 generations that have come and gone since King Solomon wrote the words of our daily text.  Actually in most cultures there have been even more.  Indeed generations come and go.  When you're young you think you'll never get old, when you're middle-aged, as I am now, you know better.  And I suspect when you're old you realize just how fast life has gone by.

Reunions are beneficial for a number of reasons. They're a reminder of how temporary life really is, how fast it goes by, and the need to place a focus on what really matters.  My dad passed away seven years ago and Brooksyne's parents died in the past five years. At the death of a parent you stare your own physical mortality head on.

Today I encourage you to examine your roots and your destination.  Generations come and generations go.  You have come and you are most certainly going. We are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (see James 4:14).   The vital question for all of us is where are we going and are we ready?

One of my favorite writers is Max Lucado. In his book, "When Christ Comes", he describes a perspective of what happens when the Lord returns.  It ends with a grand vision of the Lord's return and an emphasis that in light of that event "Nothing else matters."  Let us stay faithful today to that which really does matter!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's note: Over the past 125 years, by God's grace, my family has been a part of a godly generation.  I serve the God of great grandfather Isaac, grandfather Elbert, and father Brooklyn Sherrell.  And now I seek to raise my daughter to be the fifth generation to call upon the one true God.  None of my ancestors were rich in material things, but a man's wealth is not determined by the treasures he holds here on earth.  His wealth is determined by the treasures he holds in heaven.  

Prayer:  "O God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, your mercy endures to all generations.  Your truths are timeless and Your provisions are abundant to those who call upon your name.  Help us to declare Your faithfulness to our generation and the generations that follow.  Thank you that my great-grandfather, Isaac, proclaimed the faithfulness of God to His children.   And I now have the blessing and responsibility to proclaim your faithfulness to my child.   Generation by generation we proclaim the salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Amen."

Photo of baby chicks
A friend of mine raises broilers. They just got in a new batch of chicks, all hatched the very morning they are delivered. Initially when you walk into the chicken house the tiny chicks will come running to you due to an instinct to be near the mother hen. But within a day or two the same chicks will run away from anyone coming into the chicken house! The photo is of Ester and Stan, the farmer and also her youth group leader.

Administrative note: Due to the lack of Internet access at the state park resort where I'll be staying in Oklahoma I will not be able to prepare an encouragement for tomorrow (Friday, August 12). I hope to resume this series on Monday, August 15.

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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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