Dear Lord, help me be intentional today to share with my children, and others in my life, all of the truth You have set to work in my heart. Help me make the most of the message You have given me and pass Your Word on to the next generation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

What's Your Message?
Lynn Cowell

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

My heart breaks as I see my girls struggle. Navigating the waters of school, I watch as waves of rejection slam against the boats of their hearts.

Often, I feel like I'm in the storm with them. Why do I feel vulnerable when I see the tears in their eyes?

Perhaps memories of my own turbulent teen years are not far gone. Painful remembrances of growing up come to the surface: confusion, a boy's brush-off, constant over-analyzing myself.

Yet my girls' struggles also bring thankfulness to my heart. I'm so grateful God sent amazing friends into my life when I was a young woman. I'll never forget friends who helped me discover that no man - be it a dad, boyfriend or even a husband one day - could fill the love gap in my heart. Only Jesus can fill what He created.

I am also thankful God placed me here, in my girls' lives, to share with them this same truth. You see, when Jesus showed me He was the only one who can fill the emptiness of my heart, He didn't just give that truth for me!

Jesus gave me His truth so I can pass His radical love onto my kids and hopefully my grandkids one day.

As today's key verse tells us, "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." (Deut. 4:9) We have opportunity and influence in the lives of your children and others.

What is one truth God has revealed that you can pass on to your children, your children's children or young people in your world? Are there revelations or treasures from His Word, glimpses into His heart that He's given to you? If so, they are not just for your benefit, but also for the benefit of your family and those in your sphere of influence.

Has the Lord given you a clear understanding of forgiveness? Teach your child the process of working through a grudge.

Have you experienced the Lord's healing? Come alongside those in your life as they mend.

Do you cling to hope because God has lifted your spirits? Share that with another who's in the middle of grim circumstances.

Let's not take for granted all the Lord has done in our lives. Instead, let's intentionally ask God to show us our message so we can naturally share it with others, passing on the truth and stories of God's faithfulness for generations to come