So this week I read something in the book of Judges that caught me off guard:

After a while the people of Joshua’s generation died, and the next generation did not know the LORD or any of the things he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10 CEV

How is it possible that a whole generation did not know anything about God or what he had done? Up until that point in the lives of the Israelites it had been one miracle after another. The most  incredible stories in the bible are seen in the redemption of Israel from slavery and settling them in the promised land. From angelic visitations, burning bushes, golden snakes, the ten plaques,  pillars of fire, light and darkness happening simultaneously in the sky, seas parting so people could walk on dry land, walls falling at the sound of trumpets, to mention a few…. I mean how could these stories get lost and a whole generation did not know about them?

As I reflected on this, I had the opportunity to examine my life. I realized that I almost never talk to my kids about the awesome things that God is doing in our lives. My husband and I share these wonderful stories between us and spend time thanking God  for his many benefits but we never include our young kids in these discussions or offer them the opportunity to join us to thank God. I know they are very young and probably would not understand any of it and perhaps that is what the Israelite parents thought too and before long a whole generation did not know God! This week I have come to see why it is important to include them so early in their formative years so it becomes a part of them. This scripture still holds true:

And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:7-9 BSB

This week I challenge you to talk to your kids about the things you are appreciating God for and encourage them to join you in thanking God. If you don’t have kids, I encourage you to include a total stranger in your praise break. Together lets be intentional in raising a generation that knows God or at the very least has heard of His awesomeness!

Yours Truly.