YOUR ACTIONS TODAY AFFECT YOUR CHILDREN & FUTURE GENERATIONS TOMORROW Written by Mindy Schuman As I was reflecting on some circumstances recently, the Lord reminded me how much each of our actions will affect and influence our children, grandchildren and future generations. We know that our actions can most importantly affect our fellowship with God, but how much do we consider that our actions can greatly affect those around us, specifically our children. Our children can be greatly influenced by how we live day to day, the level of humility we walk in before God and others, and how submitted and surrendered we are to God and his word. Scripture tells us to honor our parents so that it will go well with us (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1) and as parents we are also instructed not to provoke our children (Ephesians 6:4). I would contend also that, as parents, it will also go well for us if we are honorable towards our children, young and old in age. We honor our children by being submitted to God, by living a life where all the fruits of the spirit are in operation within our homes and by treating them with love…

THE JOY OF THE LORD WILL BE YOUR STRENGTH Written by Mindy Schuman When walking through circumstances and seasons that are are difficult, sometimes we will have to choose to walk in the joy of the Lord. Walking in the joy of the Lord will need to be an intentional choice within us, a choice to walk by faith and not by sight. We will have to choose this sometimes because scripture tells us that the joy of the Lord will be our strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and our feelings and thoughts might not always line up with this truth. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:9-10 In Nehemiah Chapter 8 above, we see…