In Point Man, Steve Farrar tells the story of George McCluskey. When McCluskey married and started a family, he decided to invest one hour a day in prayer, because he wanted his kids to follow Christ. After a time, he expanded his prayers to include his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every day between 11 a.m. and noon, he prayed for the next three generations.
As the years went by, his two daughters committed their lives to Christ and married men who went into full-time ministry. The two couples produced four girls and one boy. Each of the girls married a minister, and the boy became a pastor. The first two children born to this generation were both boys. Upon graduation from high school, the two cousins chose the same college and became roommates.
During their sophomore year, one boy decided to go into the ministry. The other didn't. He undoubtedly felt some pressure to continue the family legacy, but he chose instead to pursue his interest in psychology. He earned his doctorate and eventually wrote books for parents that became bestsellers. He started a radio program heard on more than a thousand stations each day. The man's name was James Dobson. Through his prayers, George McCluskey affected far more than one family.
May you be blessed with powerful prayers for your family this day....
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Last Sunday we heard "I want to leave a Legacy" sung during the offetory. That's exactly what this man did and what all of us should aspire to do in our lives for Jesus Christ. Our impact on our families, especially our sons and daughters, cannot be overstated. Did you know (Barna survey results coming) that 74% of daughters who watch their fathers pray marry Christian men? Did you know that 72% of children with devout Christian parents become Christians themselves? Or that the percentage drops as parental involvement lessens? Only a Christian father, 43%; only a Christian mother, 27%; no parental Christians, 6%. See the impact that we have on our children?
We all need a private place to pray for our families (and other issues) but we also need to pray WITH our families so that they understand our hearts and our desires for them and the world. Be open and transparent with your kids in prayer, holding nothing back in your desire to gain the heart (and ear) of God. If you have the chance to pray at extended family gatherings, be sure that the unchurched/unsaved hear your honest desires for their salvation and safety.
Leave a legacy today, in your family, in your friends, in strangers that you meet, in those who just see your conduct in passing. Let them see the love of Jesus Christ reflected in, and through, you. Let them know that they are thought of and prayed for constantly, that you are concerned with their eternal salvation. Most of all, teach them that God loves them dearly and wants to have a relationship with them.
Oh God, how we love you and so desire to be your servants, the hands to your will, on this earth. Bless each and every one of your servants with the opportunity to leave a legacy for you in, and through, their lives.
Love God, love people. It can't be said any clearer or succinctly.
Jon
BTW, Jonah's x-ray and bloodwork came back normal/fine so we wait for another month to see if surgery is necessary. Next appointment is late afternoon on December 14th. Thanks for your prayers. JLM
Post a Comment