Tell your children about it, let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.
(Joel 1:3)
Here is a word covering four generations, from us to our children, to our grandchildren, to our great-grandchildren. It is a blessed word showing how the truth of God’s Word can remain in a family for a long, long time.
In Deuteronomy 5:9, Moses stated that the sins of the fathers would be passed down through the family to the third and fourth generation. This verse in Joel is a positive assurance that the blessing of the Lord will also reach to the fourth generation.
It might be that very few people who read this message are great-grandparents. (My wife and I don’t even come that close.) However, despite our age or situation, there is a resident truth in Joel 1:3 for each of us.
Your Family is Included
The truth is that our family is included in the promises of salvation. Again and again we read in Scripture the familiar phrase, “you and all your household.” Truth resident in one’s life has the potential for spreading through a family, and even through a whole family tree.
If you happen to be the only one in your family serving the Lord, rejoice! The Lord has chosen you to introduce salvation to all your loved ones. A little leaven leavens the whole lump (Gal. 5:9). You will live to see your entire family serving the Lord.
It’s just a matter of time!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.