Joy: 37-Day DevotionalSample

I wrote their treasured names in my Bible. The family of faith who lit the path to my redemption. Among those are my grandmother, aunts and uncles, a friend of my mom, my future husband and his family, and most especially my Aunt Bobbie. She shared the Light of the World when I was in the darkest of dark, life-shattering place in my life. Two days after we buried my dad, I trusted Jesus as my Savior. Head knowledge shifted to soul saving, heart transformation. Jesus pierced my darkness and gave me Hope. It was the culmination of so many who lived their faith before me.

Before my husband and I were married, we dedicated our lives to the service of the Lord. We promised to lead purposeful, missional lives in our home and beyond. How we live out the Biblical standard for raising a family and using every opportunity has been exciting and challenging at the same time. It is of greatest consequence to shape future generations to know, love, and serve the Lord.

So, when we were newly married and in seminary, we began praying for our future children. We wrote out our prayers as we grew spiritually in our walk with Him. We desired to leave a legacy of faith by giving every child, their spouses, and grandchildren a Bible of ours: well-loved and worn thin. Each documents our faith journey. We’ve underlined, written notations and journaled in each. Each Bible includes prayers specifically for each child and notes left at particular Scripture passages. Our hearts are laid bare in places. Now, we entrust our children to continue to be the light in their homes and to further His kingdom.

Today, how are you personally shining your light for Him?

Father, Thank You for the faithful ones who shared Jesus with me. Humbly, I ask that you continue to use our family to glorify You as we seek to shine Your light in our homes and beyond our doors. May these dear sisters in Christ seek Your will to build a legacy of faith for their own families.