My New Year's Desire

How many of you have already made your New Years Resolution? I've been there---"Oh, this year I am going to loose all my baby weight" (hasn't happened yet) "We're going to get completely out of debt and have a party shredding credit cards" (hasn't happened yet) "I'm only going to eat chocolate one day a week" (definately hasn't happened yet even though I no longer buy Little Debbie Fudge Rounds -- my favorite knowing I'll devour them in one day) This year I am not making a New Years Resolution but I must be honest...after receiving my grandmothers Bible it has stirred me in such a way that I deeply desire to leave our girls a GODLY heritage. As we look at our world today and all the troubles we (as a whole) are facing----I think it is even of more importance, as Christian parents, to make sure we place special effort on giving our children a genuine GODLY heritage as our nation moves further and further away from the Lord.

I found this little article and this just goes to show what a difference a Godly influence can have upon an individual...and more importantly upon an entire family.

Max Jukes lived in New York. He did not believe in Christ or in Christian training. He refused to take his children to church, even when they asked to go. He has had 1,026 descendants; 300 were sent to prison for an average term of 13 years; 190 were public prostitutes; 680 were admitted alcoholics. His family, thus far, has cost the state in excess of $420,000. They made no contribution to society. Jonathan Edwards lived in the same state, at the same time as Jukes. He loved the Lord and saw that his children were in church every Sunday, as he served the Lord to the best of his ability. He has had 929 descendants, of these 430 were ministers; 86 became university professors; 13 became university presidents; 75 authored good books; 5 were elected to the United States Congress and 2 to the Senate. One was Vice President of his nation. His family never cost the state one cent but has contributed immeasurably to the life of plenty in this land today. From Family Happiness is Homemade, Sep, 1986, Vol. 10, No. 9., bulletin insert published by Family Concern, J. Allan Petersen, Editor.

After reading that, don't you believe being faithful to God's house, faithful in our DAILY walk with the Lord in personal devotions, being wise in every decision we make and seeking God's wisdom in every detail of our life is of great importance...not only upon our life but upon the generations to follow? May each of us desire this New Year (and each coming year) to give our best--with the Lord's help--to leave a GODLY heritage for those generations to follow.