Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 15

Help for Understanding Old Testament Narrative

The Bible is literature. But we cannot read and understand all its individual books the same way. We must consider the specific literary “genre” or artistic style. Just as we read and respond to a biography differently than we do science fiction, we must learn how to handle the Bible’s various literary genres appropriately.

Depending on how it’s broken down, the Bible includes roughly six to eight different literary genres. To make it even more interesting, while each book has a primary literary style, many also include smaller sections of other genre types within them. (See also “How Biblical Genre Impacts Our Understanding.”)

About 40% of the Old Testament is narrative. It relates historical story. (Although the New Testament contains some narrative, the Gospels and Acts also possess some elements that make them distinct.) “Story” is a powerful teacher. We learn so much through the stories of the Old Testament. (See also “8 Tips to Help You Understand the Epistles” and “4 Tips to Help You Understand the Prophets.”)

For instance, we see how God relates to mankind. And, we learn how God works through the events of history and the lives of people to fulfill His divine purposes.

4 Tips for Interpreting Old Testament NarrativeNarrative is descriptive, not prescriptive – Story tells us what happened, not necessarily what should have happened. It tells us what the characters did but not necessarily what we should do. Gideon’s story is an example (Judges 6:36-40). Gideon repeatedly laid out a fleece to test God’s Word. While God patiently confirmed His Word to Gideon, it does not mean we should do the same.God is the hero of every story – Look for what the story teaches about God’s character, nature, and ways. Even in stories that don’t specifically mention God, He is the main character. For instance, God is never explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther. But His handiwork is clearly evident.The teaching in narrative is often indirect – Look for the implicit meaning in the story. Consider Noah and the ark. When we read his story, we don’t run out and build a big boat. But, there are powerful lessons in Noah’s story. For instance, Noah obeyed God even when God’s commands didn’t make sense to him. That’s a good principle to follow!Every story connects to God’s big story – All the individual stories and books of the Bible join together to tell one big story (referred to as the “meta-narrative” of Scripture). The Bible tells the story of God’s rule, reign, and redemptive purposes. As you read and work to understand Old Testament narrative, keep in mind that no individual story will contradict God’s Big Story. Also ask, “where does this story fit and what does it teach us about God’s rule, reign, and redemption?”3 Cautions when reading NarrativeDon’t treat it allegorically – Scripture does contain some allegory. Jesus’ parables are allegorical by the nature of a parable’s genre. And there are cases where other biblical writers give allegorical meaning to historical events under the inspiration of God. For instance, in Galatians 4:22-26, Paul gives allegorical meaning to Abraham’s two sons Isaac and Ishmael (two covenants). BUT, we don’t have the authority to see allegory wherever we choose in Scripture. Old Testament narratives are historical events and should be treated that way.Don’t make assumptions – The stories don’t always give us all the information we’d like to have. God doesn’t tell us everything. But we cannot “fill in the gaps.” Sometimes we have to accept that we just don’t know.Don’t use it as a primary source for doctrine – Yes, we will learn a lot about God and His ways through the stories. But other parts of Scripture are better primary sources for developing our system of belief. For instance, the book of Romans is a systematic treatise of our salvation. However, God’s rescue of His people from slavery in Egypt is a beautiful physical demonstration of His role as Savior that can enhance our understanding.

What’s your favorite story in the Old Testament? Will these tips and cautions change how you understand it?

A few other posts you may find helpful:

How Literary Context Helps You Understand the Bible 4 Tips to Help You Understand the Bible 10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study Learn more about the Plot in Narrative from The Bible Project

 

 

 

 

Help for Understanding Old Testament Narrative by Kathy Howard.

15-Day Thanksgiving Guide

Thanksgiving is almost here. It’s that time of year when we put greater emphasis on being grateful. When we contemplate all God has done and provided.

But many of us are still recovering from everything 2020 threw at us. And 2021 has brought trouble of its own.

Although you may just want to skip Thanksgiving this year, it’s more important than ever that we give God our praise and gratitude. (Keep reading for a 15-day guide that will give you 15 things for which we can all thank God.)

Thanking God in Hard Times

Trials, difficulty, and persecution filled the apostle Paul’s life. Yet he not only purposefully practiced thanksgiving he also called the church to a constant attitude of gratitude even in times of difficulty. For instance, when the church in Thessalonica suffered persecution, Paul wrote:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

And from prison in Rome, Paul encouraged the Philippians:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

Paul knew that even when our physical circumstances are dire, God is present and God is working for our good and His glory. Purposefully focusing on giving Him thanks opens the door to joy and peace even in the midst of heartache and struggle. (See “Thankful Even Now.”)

Why Should We be Thankful?

Several Hebrew and Greek words are translated as “thank,” “thanks,” and “thanksgiving” in the Bible. However, they all reflect the truth that our good God deserves the gratitude and praise of His people. Thankfulness is the right response to God and His grace in our lives.

God wants our thanksgiving and commands us to be thankful. He doesn’t need anything from us but He does expect us to respond to who He is and what He does with gratitude.

I don’t need the bulls you sacrifice; I don’t need the blood of goats. What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. Psalm 50:13-15, NLT

We don’t deserve anything, yet God provides. We don’t deserve forgiveness or salvation, yet God extends it. Every good thing in our lives is an act of grace from our loving and merciful heavenly Father. Even strength and endurance in times of difficulty are grace gifts from God.

Giving thanks to God for His mercy and kindness is a blessing and a privilege. It shifts our attitude and makes us more aware of God’s activity in our lives. It humbles us and allows us to see just how truly great our God is! (See “God is Good Even in Loss.”)

A Thanksgiving Guide

We may all feel a little rusty when it comes to thanking and praising God. So, I’ve put together a 15-day Thanksgiving Guide. It will take you from today through the end of November. Use the Scriptures and prompts to thank God for what He provides and how He works in your life and the world. The day’s Scripture passage can be read before you pray or as part of your prayer. Pray quietly by yourself, with your family, or both!

Download the 15-Day Thanksgiving Guide Printable

Let’s give each other some prompts for thanksgiving now! Share something to praise or thank God for in the comments!

15-Day Thanksgiving Guide by Kathy Howard.

How Literary Context Helps You Understand the Bible

Have you ever watched an hour and a half of a movie by yourself then someone else joined you part-way through? They may have begun asking lots of questions like “Who is that?” or “Why are they so upset?” Your response may have been something like “You really need to see the whole thing…”

We all know we can’t start in the middle of a movie and really understand it. And yet, we often try to do that with the Bible. For instance, it is so tempting to pull a verse we like out by itself then examine it. But when we do, it’s easy to misunderstand it and thus misapply it.

Philippians 4:13 is one of the most-loved, but sadly most misused, verse in all of the Bible. Often, when it’s pulled out of context, it’s used as a proof text to say “I can do big and great things for God because He will strengthen me to do it.” But, in the surrounding passage Paul recounts how he learned to be content whether he had enough to sustain his physical needs or not. He found contentment in every circumstance because Jesus gave his strength. This actual meaning is far different than the popular, misguided understanding. (Also see “Do You Misuse Philippians 4:13?“)

Circle of Biblical Context

In order to correctly understand the Bible, no matter how large or small the passage, we must keep it in the right context. (Also see “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context” and “4 R Bible Study Method.”) Each verse is part of a larger passage. Each passage is part of a book. And each book is part of the whole Bible. Here is this expanding “circle of context:”

The surrounding passageThe whole bookOther books by the same authorThe same TestamentThe whole Bible

Just like the surrounding passage shapes the meaning of one verse, the whole book shapes the meaning of each passage. Books, particularly the New Testament epistles, contain running arguments, consistent themes, and repeated literary devices. For instance, the book of Galatians has one major running theme – “Follow the Spirit, not the Law” – that helps us better understand individual pieces of the letter.

It also helps to consider other books by the same author. Their doctrinal views will be consistent from book to book. So, for instance, if we’re struggling with the topic of grace in Romans, we can also read Paul’s writings on the topic in Ephesians. (See also, “Who Wrote the Bible and Why Does it Matter?“)

Amazingly, although the Bible was written by more than 40 different God-inspired authors over roughly 1,500 years, both Testaments and the whole Bible contain one, consistent message. All the individual books and stories within the Bible join together to tell one big story: the rule, reign, and redemptive purposes of God. This big story is also known as the meta-narrative.

Every part of the Scripture fits within God’s big story. Keeping this in mind helps us understand the Bible and all the parts. We can ask: “Where does this fit in the Big Story? What does this teach us about God’s rule, reign, and redemption? No individual story will contradict the Big Story.

A Few Practical TipsIf possible, read the entire book in one sitting, particularly the New Testament letters.Remember that chapter and verse divisions were added later and sometimes interrupt the natural flow of the author’s thought.No matter where you start – one verse or a larger passage – pull back and consider the larger context.Look for big themes and running arguments that impact the way we should understand the individual pieces of a book.Don’t forget the meta-narrative. Does your understanding of a verse or passage agree with the big story of Scripture?

Have you ever misunderstood a Bible verse or passage because you didn’t consider the literary context?

How Literary Context Helps You Understand the Bible by Kathy Howard.

10 Practical Ways to Build a Faith Legacy

The ways and values of this world constantly work to pull our children away from real faith in God. But a strong faith legacy can help keep them anchored, protecting them from being swept away by this cultural tide. Our job as parents, grandparents, and spiritual mentors is to foster their love for Jesus and develop their spiritual well-being. Although we cannot believe for them, we can guide them to find God’s plan for their life, and to encourage them to follow it. (Read more about the Scriptural foundation for leaving a faith legacy.)

A Valuable Faith Legacy Must be Intentional

But a faith legacy doesn’t happen by accident. We must be intentional. The following suggestions are some practical ways we can point our children to Jesus. We can’t do all of them all the time. But we can choose a few and with God’s help use them as tools to not only encourage our children’s faith today, but also build a lasting legacy of faith. (Find more stories of faith and even more legacy tips in Kathy’s new devotional book “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith.” or check it out on Amazon.)

5 Ways to Develop Their Relationship with GodFoster an attitude of gratitude – Develop a family “gratitude prompt” by deciding together what everyday sight or sound will remind you to thank God for His many gifts. Also set a regular time for your family – perhaps dinner time – to recount the Lord’s wondrous works. (Read more about a gratitude prompt.)Hide His Word – Memorize Scripture as a family. Choose verses or passages based on your children’s ages. Take advantage of daily moments to practice together, such as car commutes. Keep track of everyone’s progress with charts and stickers. Reward your children’s success with something that motivates them.Do spiritual “checkups” – Establish a regular time to talk individually with your children about their relationship with God. Ask them to honestly share their struggles, then think of specific ways you can help or encourage them spiritually. One may need wise counsel for a difficult decision. Another may need help breaking a harmful habit.Establish some “spiritual markers” – Memorialize a mighty work of God in your family by connecting the story to a unique physical object. Use this spiritual marker as an opportunity to relate the story to your family and friends. For instance, if God miraculously protected you during an international mission trip, bring home an item from that country.Build an unshakeable faith – Tough times can shake our faith. Make a list of biblical truths to keep on hand for the difficult days when you and your family will need them. Include Scriptures about God’s power, sovereignty, love, and concern for all your needs. Also add passages about how God uses trials to grow a Christian’s faith.5 Ways to Help Them Live Out Their FaithTeach them to give – Through word and example, teach your children what the Bible says about giving to the church and people in need. Show them how to set aside, then give, a portion of their allowances, cash gifts, and paychecks.Point to God’s purposes – Talk about the gifts and talents God has given them. Include their life experiences, education, and skills. Then help your kids brainstorm how God might want to use all this to honor Jesus and bless others.Focus on missions – Find resources that describe mission work in different countries or check with your denomination for information. Regularly pray for specific missionaries’ needs and set aside money to support them. If possible, go on a mission trip as a family.Foster servant hearts – As a family, identify some physical needs in your community. Brainstorm ways you could meet one or more of them together. Prayerfully decide where to start, then act. For instance, you might volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food pantry, adopt a needy family for Christmas, or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor.Equip for evangelism – Teach your children how to share the Good News of God’s salvation with others. Help them memorize or mark key verses in their Bibles. Guide them to prepare their own salvation story and help them practice.

Which of these 10 practical tips could you implement now? What are some intentional things you do to build a faith legacy for your family?

“ Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith ”  tells stories of the past that will impact our faith today. These 52 heart-felt reflections  reveal the seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to today. Heirloom  weaves these stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Through these stories of persevering faith you’ll discover the potential your story has to impact future generations. (See “ Heirloom” on Amazon .)

 

10 Practical Ways to Build a Faith Legacy by Kathy Howard.

4 Principles for Building a Valuable Spiritual Legacy

I’m fascinated by the stories of my ancestors. I want to know where they came from, what they were like, and if they lived in a way to leave a valuable spiritual legacy. Their stories help me understand how I got to be “me.” Maybe you feel the same way.

The Bible places great value on knowing our family history, specifically our faith roots. The stories of those who have come before us can strengthen our faith today and encourage us to build a valuable spiritual legacy. As we live intentionally for God, we lay a foundation of faith for those who come after us.

When our three children were growing up, my husband and I worked to encourage their faith. In hindsight, I see some gaps in our discipling. We could have been more purposeful in some areas. Looking toward the future, I want to take advantage of every opportunity God give us with our grandchildren. (If you want to hear some stories of faith and discover some practical ways to build a spiritual legacy, check out my new devotional book “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith.“)

What legacy do you want to leave your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren? For other members of your extended family? The most valuable heirloom we can pass down is a legacy of faith. Plus, it’s a God-given responsibility. (See also “God’s Design for Spiritual Legacy.“) While we can’t believe for any of our loved ones, we can teach them about our great God and create an atmosphere in our homes where trust in Him can flourish. The following four principles from Scripture are a solid place to start building your own valuable spiritual legacy.

Be intentional about teaching God’s Word

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 ESV

Timothy “caught” the faith of his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). They paved the way for his salvation by faithfully teaching him the Old Testament Scriptures. We can do the same for our children and grandchildren. Depending on their age, we can do things like read bedtime Bible stories, have family devotions, make a game out of Scripture memory, and hold a yearly Grandkid camp! Those suggestions are just the beginning.

Model a life of faith founded on God’s Word

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes in Israel. Ezra 7:10 ESV

Ezra, a leader during the post-exilic period, didn’t just teach God’s Word. First, he set his heart to obey it. What we do always speaks louder than our words. Telling children to base their lives on God’s Word is far easier than showing them how to do it, day after day. But if we long for our families to experience the joy and blessing of living a life that pleases God, they need a real-life model. They need someone to show them how it’s done.

Before we can effectively teach God’s Word to our children, we must live it. And before we can live it, we must know it. When we make reading and studying God’s Word a priority, our children will notice. When they see us open our Bible and watch us obediently follow God, they’ll know we aren’t all talk.

Encourage a mindset of faith

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV

Valuable legacy building is a way of life. We invest in it as we go through our day. Yes, we must be purposeful and intentional, but as we faithfully continue in that commitment to instill a love for God in our children, it also becomes a natural part of the flow of our days. For instance, when we spot a rainbow during the commute to school, we will remind our children of God’s promises. When we learn a friend is sick, we stop and pray for them together.Help them remember what God has done

And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’” Joshua 4:21-22 ESV

When God pushed back the rushing waters of the Jordan River so His people could cross into the Promised Land, God commanded Joshua to set up 12 large stones gathered from the dry river bed. These stones were to be set up by the river as memorial stones, a long-lasting reminder of God’s mighty deed. And, they served as a great conversation starter with their children.

These stones were a spiritual marker. They memorialized God’s great activity and provided concrete opportunity for one generation to tell the next. Create your own opportunities to tell your family’s God stories by establishing spiritual markers. Connect a God story to a physical item in your home, then make sure your children know the story. (For more on spiritual markers see “That’ll Leave a Mark.”)

“I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” 3 John 1:4, NLT

In what ways do you purposefully work to build a lasting and valuable spiritual legacy?

I’d be honored if you’d consider “Heirloom” as a resource for your legacy building!

“Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith” tells stories of the past that will impact our faith today. These 52 heart-felt reflections reveal the seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to today. Heirloom weaves these stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Through these stories of persevering faith you’ll discover the potential your story has to impact future generations. (See “Heirloom” on Amazon.)

4 Principles for Building a Valuable Spiritual Legacy by Kathy Howard.

A Master Violinist Inspired a Spiritual Legacy

This post about honoring God with our talents is adapted from “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith,” Kathy Howard’s new, unique devotional that combines stories of faith with practical tips for spiritual legacy and helps for genealogy research.

He may be the most famous artist you’ve never heard of. The master craftsman Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesú ranks among history’s greatest violin makers. Though the Stradivarius is more well known, many great virtuosos prefer the robust sound of a Guarneris.

Giuseppe Guarneri was born into a family of violin makers in Cremona, Italy in 1698. His grandfather, Andrea Guarneri, apprenticed alongside Stradivari under the master luthier Nicola Amati. Although Giuseppe learned his craft from his family, he worked to develop his own unique style, creating instruments that are worth millions of dollars today.

Its powerful tone is not the only feature that makes a Guarneris violin unique. In 1731, shortly after the death of his father, Giuseppe began inserting an emblem to identify his work. Although using labels with the name of the head of the household was the customary practice, Guarneri’s label featured a monogram formed from three Greek letters. This “nomina sacra” represented the phrase “Jesus Savior of Man.”

Giuseppe’s Spiritual Legacy

Guarneri committed both his life and his life’s work to his Savior. Guarneri recognized that the Master he loved had formed him with the talent and ability to create a masterpiece. The violin maker’s purposeful intent to give God the glory earned him the nickname “del Gesú,” which means “of Jesus.” Yes, the man who dedicated his work to Jesus, was himself fully dedicated to his Lord.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17, ESV

Joanne – one of Giuseppe’s descendants – shared his story with me. His desire to glorify God inspired Joanne, also a musician, to dedicate everything she does to the Lord. Like “del Gesú,” she knows that God gifts each person uniquely and calls them to serve Him with these gifts. God calls all His children – from master violin makers and church pianists to CEOs and homemakers – to do everything in the name of Jesus, committed to bringing glory to our Master Craftsman.

Practical Legacy Tip

Our children might not be gifted violinists, but God has a unique purpose for each of them. Let’s help our children, grandchildren and loved ones recognize the spiritual gifts, talents, and life experiences God has given them. Then together, we can brainstorm about how God might want to use all these to serve others and glorify Him.

“Heirloom” Officially Launches Tomorrow!

It’s almost time! October 19th is the official launch date for “Heirloom.” If you want to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged to live out and leave a spiritual legacy for your family, preorder a copy of “Heirloom” today. OR… order a copy from Amazon tomorrow! TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19th is POWER PURCHASE DAY! Buying a copy on launch day will help get “Heirloom” noticed by pushing it up in the rankings. THANK YOU for your support!

Here’s a little more about this unique devotional book:

“Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith” tells stories of the past that will impact our faith today. These 52 heart-felt reflections reveal the seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to today. Heirloom weaves these stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Through these stories of persevering faith you’ll discover the potential your story has to impact future generations. (See “Heirloom” on Amazon.)

A Master Violinist Inspired a Spiritual Legacy by Kathy Howard.

The Gratitude Whistle Stop

This post about gratitude is adapted from “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith,” Kathy Howard’s new, unique devotional that combines stories of faith with practical tips for spiritual legacy and helps for genealogy research.

A train whistle always stops Lloyd in his tracks. No matter where he is or what he’s doing, when he hears the whistle blow, Lloyd pauses to thank God. Sometimes, his prayer is a simple “Thank You, Lord.” Other times, he pauses longer to praise God and thank Him for specific acts of mercy and grace in his life.

The seed for Lloyd’s “gratitude prompt” was planted long ago during happy childhood days spent on his grandfather’s Arkansas farm. One of Lloyd’s most vivid memories of that time was the sound of the logging train that regularly chugged across the property. Thankfulness filled those days. Thankfulness for his strong, gentle grandfather and his example of love and family devotion. Lloyd naturally connected those feelings of gratitude with the sound of the train.

Now, decades later, there’s another train that cuts a path across Lloyd’s Wyoming ranch in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. Everyone that visits the ranch hears the story of the train, its whistle, and the reminder it provides to stop and thank God. From family and friends to neighbors and the Wounded Warrior veterans Lloyd often hosts, everyone pauses to thank God when the whistle blows.

King David Practiced Gratitude

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!  1 Chronicles 16:8-9, ESV

After King David triumphantly brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, he encouraged the people of God to express their gratitude. He urged Israel to remember everything God had done and to thank Him for all His wondrous works. Like David, Lloyd knows that continuous gratitude fosters a deeper awareness of God and greater joy in the worshipper’s heart.

A Gratitude Prompt for Our Family

God still deserves our praise and gratitude. David’s and Lloyd’s examples encourage us not only to stop and thank God for His marvelous works and good blessings, but to also encourage our loved ones to express gratitude to God. Develop a “gratitude prompt” for your own family by identifying an everyday sight or sound as a reminder to thank God for His many gifts. You could also set a regular time for our family – perhaps around the dinner table – to share these “wondrous works” with each other.

Although thanking God is not hard, Lloyd knows how easy it is to forget. “People don’t take time to stop and thank God for all He’s done. We all need a little reminder.” Lloyd’s reminder is as faithful as the train.

Let’s Talk: What do you do in order to be intentional about gratitude? What are some ways you also encourage your family to express thanksgiving to God?

More about “Heirloom”

“ Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith ”  tells stories of the past that will impact our faith today. These 52 heart-felt reflections  reveal the seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to today. Heirloom  weaves these stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Through these stories of persevering faith you’ll discover the potential your story has to impact future generations. “Heirloom” officially releases October 19th but is available now for pre-order. (See “ Heirloom” on Amazon .) 

The Gratitude Whistle Stop by Kathy Howard.

The Spiritual Legacy of My Great-Great-Grandmother

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It began with a discovery. The discovery prompted a blog post. The blog post caught the eye of an editor. The result is my soon-to-be-released devotional book, “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith.” The following post is adapted from “Heirloom.” It describes that century-old letter and prayer that challenged me to be purposeful about spiritual legacy.

Heirloom Day One

I found the treasure while cleaning out a desk at my parents’ home. Stuffed in an old metal box, it shared the space with a pair of delicate, wire-rimmed spectacles and a small ledger that recorded regular savings of twenty-five cents a week. The letter, yellowed and fragile with age, was dated March 26, 1914. I struggled to read the faded ink. Addressed to Howell Adam Shouse, my great-grandfather on my mother’s side, it was written by his mother, Mary Dozier Shouse, more than a century ago.

Much of the news was what you’d expect—who’d been sick, who’d gotten married, who’d been to visit, and how she longed to see her “dear son.” But one particular paragraph brought me to tears:

Oh, how much I do pray for you every single morning and night. I pray mightily to the Lord that you Howell and your children may be convicted and converted and sanctified. Never a day do I miss. May God hear and answer my prayers.

In the apostle Paul’s letter to the Christians in Philippi, he recorded a similar prayer for their spiritual well-being. Paul loved these “spiritual children” and prayed for them constantly.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10, niv

Like Paul, Mary Dozier faithfully interceded on behalf of her descendants. This discovery thrilled me because I knew her prayers covered me too. Long before I was born, my great-great-grandmother prayed for me to have a saving, growing relationship with Jesus. The letter also challenged me to not just pray for the physical welfare of my loved ones, but to also faithfully lift prayers that matter for eternity.

Yes, I pray for the physical circumstances of my family. But I also pray for their spiritual needs and struggles. Maybe one day my great-great-granddaughter will find my prayer journal and be blessed when she discovers that I prayed for her.

Why a Book about Spiritual Legacy?

The Bible places great value on knowing our family history, specifically our spiritual roots. The stories of those who’ve come before us can strengthen and encourage our faith today. And by living intentionally for God today, we lay a spiritual foundation for those who come after us. (See also “God’s Design for Spiritual Legacy.”)

When our three children were growing up, my husband and I worked to encourage their faith. In hindsight, I see some gaps. We could have been more purposeful in some areas. Looking forward, I want to take advantage of every opportunity God give us with our grandchildren.

What legacy do you want to leave your children, grandchildren, and their children? The most valuable heirloom we can pass down is a legacy of faith. While we can’t believe for our children, we can teach them about our great God and create an atmosphere in our homes where trust in Him can flourish. We can tell our own stories, share God’s Word, and point them to Jesus.

This devotional book is designed to help you purposefully live today in ways that will leave a legacy of faith for your descendants. Heirloom ties the past to the future. Within these pages are fifty-two stories of people who’ve gone before us, how they lived, and who they worshiped. These stories, which come from families, history, and the Bible, reveal the seeds of our faith. The seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to touch our lives today.

These stories of persevering faith exemplify biblical principles of spiritual legacy. Each devotion includes Scripture, questions for personal reflection, a prayer, and a practical legacy tip to help you build a spiritual heirloom your family will treasure. And for those of you who love digging into the stories of your own family’s past, there’s a bonus genealogy research tip.

Let’s Talk: Today you’re reading your ancestors’ stories. Tomorrow, your descendants will be reading your story. What will you write? What do you want your life to exhibit for future generations?

 “ Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith ” officially releases on October 19th, but is available for preorder now. See “ Heirloom” on Amazon .

The Spiritual Legacy of My Great-Great-Grandmother by Kathy Howard.

God’s Design for Spiritual Legacy

Want your children and grandchildren to love God and follow Him? God wants that too. That’s why He calls each generation to pass our faith to the next. Although we cannot believe for our descendants, we can create an atmosphere in our homes where faith can flourish. We can live out and leave a spiritual legacy.

God’s Spiritual Legacy Design in Scripture

We see God’s design scattered all throughout Scripture. The most familiar passage is probably Deuteronomy 6:4-9. (For more on this passage see this post.) God tells His people to teach His Words diligently to our children. To talk about them when we sit at home, when we go out, when we rise, and when we lie down. His Word should be woven into the fabric of our family.

Timothy’s spiritual heritage is my favorite New Testament example. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he highlighted the younger man’s “sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice” (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy’s mother and grandmother faithfully taught him God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:14-15) and modeled godly lives.

Faith Legacy in the Psalms

Even in the Psalms we find God’s design for His people to pass faith to the next generation. Not long ago, I “discovered” a prescription for spiritual legacy in Psalm 78:1-8:

My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
3 things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.
5 He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children,
6 so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.
7 Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
8 They would not be like their ancestors— a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.

“Do this… So that…”

I noticed a “do this… so that…” format in the psalm. If we as parents follow God’s design for passing down our faith, then our children will be impacted in these ways. Here’s what I found in the passage:

“Do this…”

Teach our children God’s lawEncourage our children to obey GodTell our children about the hope we have in the LordTell our children about God’s mighty works

“So that…”

Our children will know God’s commandsOur children will obey God’s commandsOur children will have hope in GodOur children will be steadfast and faithful to God

We don’t have to merely hope that our children will claim God as their own. We can take purposeful action to encourage them to find their eternal hope in Him.

Want to know more about spiritual legacy?

My new devotional book, “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith” releases October 19th! “Heirloom” tells stories of the past that reveal the seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to touch our lives today. Heirloom weaves these stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Find out more about “Heirloom.” Preorder now on Amazon.

I could use your help with Heirloom!

I have a brand new devotional book coming out in October filled with stories of faith and practical tips for living and leaving a spiritual legacy. But it truly takes a village to get the word out. I need people on my launch team to help. The team will only be active for 4 weeks and you will be given everything you need to share. It will be easy and won’t require a lot of time. PLUS, you will get some perks! Here are a few:

Advance PDF of “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith“Scripture art cardGuide to writing your faith story for your familyChances to win weekly Amazon gift cardsFun and community in the teamMy gratitude!APPLY TO LAUNCH TEAM

Let’s Talk: What are some ways you’ve seen in Scripture that we can instill a spiritual heritage in our children?

God’s Design for Spiritual Legacy by Kathy Howard.

The “Delight” and “Desire” of Psalm 37:4

“Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

How many times have you heard this verse quoted or even quoted it yourself? Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? By itself, that one statement seemingly holds great promise. “If we delight in, love God, and find joy in Him, He will fill our lives with all the things we enjoy and value.”

Just one problem. That “interpretation” is taken out of context and totally self-focused. In order to understand the original meaning, let’s step back and consider the greater context of the verse – Psalm 37 – so we can better grasp the meaning of verse 4. (If you have time, read Psalm 37:1-9 now.)

Does #Ps37:4 mean what you think it does? #Delight #Desire
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The context of Psalm 37:4

In this psalm, David – the shepherd boy God made king – contemplates an age-old dilemma. Often, evil people prosper while those who faithfully follow God struggle to pay the bills and provide for their families. It’s tempting to envy “evil” people who enjoy wealth and all the things the world offers. We may even wonder what’s the use of following God? Maybe we should just do things the world’s way?

Things really haven’t changed throughout history. Since the fall, people have acquired wealth through deception. Innocent people have gone hungry. Evil people enjoy luxury while righteous people suffer great need. The wicked gain at the expense of the godly. The ways of the wicked both tempt us and harm us.

David saw this plight in his own day. He knew this earthly life is not fair. But as horrible as the situation was and is, he knew it was temporary. He wrote Psalm 37 to encourage God’s people to see things through an eternal lens. To realize that the spiritual far outweighs the physical.

The wicked and their wealth will one day perish (Psalm 37:20), but the spiritual inheritance of the godly will “endure forever” (Psalm 37:18). The things of this world are fleeting and temporary. The things that only God can give will remain for eternity.

A Better Understanding of Psalm 37:4

Now that we’ve looked briefly at the larger context, let’s reconsider verse 4. “Delight” means to be “soft, pliable” and to “pamper oneself.” We are tempted to “delight” ourselves in the world, to be molded by it and to lose ourselves in its offerings. But God calls us to yield ourselves to Him, to be soft and pliable in His hand so He can shape us into His image.

In the surrounding verses, David helps the reader understand what it means to “delight yourself in the Lord.” Here are three ways David encourages us to do this:

Trust in God through active obedience (Psalm 37:3).“Commit” our way to Him by living under submission to His will (Psalm 37:5).Wait patiently for God to act on our behalf (Psalm 37:7).

A Christian who “delights herself in the LORD” will be pliable in God’s transforming hand because she trusts in, submits to, and waits on Him.

3 characteristics of #delight in God #Ps37:4
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But what about the “desires of your heart?” The context helps us understand this as well. God’s people saw the seeming success and prosperity of the wicked, even at the expense of the righteous. The purpose of the psalm is to encourage those who trust in God that the wicked will not win. If God’s people will continue to “trust in, submit to, and wait on” God, their “desire” (request and petition) for righteousness to prevail will be satisfied.

5 Ways the LORD Will Fulfill the Desires of the RighteousJustice will be done. The wicked will be punished (Psalm 37:2, 13, 17, 35-36, 38).The Lord will protect His children and give them strength in times of difficulty (Psalm 37:15-17, 24, 39-40).The righteous will receive an eternal inheritance (Psalm 37:18, 29, 37).The Lord will sustain them in times of need (Psalm 37:19).The righteous will experience the Lord’s love and faithfulness (Psalm 37:28).

When we patiently trust in God and submit ourselves to His care and protection, He will be faithful to sustain, protect, and provide. And we will see His justice carried out in His time. The wicked will not prevail.

Do you see this verse from a different perspective? How has your understanding changed?

Other posts you might like: The Real Promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13 Do You Misuse Philippians 4:13? Proverbs 22:6 is NOT a Promise Some upcoming events you might be interested in:

Oct 1-2: Enjoy God’s Word Women’s Online Bible Study Conference – This 4th annual conference organized by Katie Orr is a huge encouragement for all women who want to get more out of God’s Word every day. Dozens of solid Bible teachers share their experience and heart. I’m honored to get to share here too! The $49 ticket gets you lifetime access to the recorded teachings. Find out more.

Oct 4-29: “Heirloom” Book Launch Team – I need your help to introduce my upcoming devotional book about spiritual legacy to the world. The book launch team is also a lot of fun! And you get a few goodies! Who’s in?? Apply now. Find out more about “Heirloom.”

Sept 23-25: Falling in Love with Jesus Online Retreat – Another great online opportunity for women to be encouraged through God’s Word. I am honored to be teaching here. And the proceeds from this event benefit Mercy’s Light Family, a maternity home and transformation housing for girls/young women in Kenya. Find out more.

The “Delight” and “Desire” of Psalm 37:4 by Kathy Howard.