Psalm 145:4 – One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. (NIV)

A generation is defined as the length of time when children are ready to take the place of their parents, often 30 years. So in my life of 83 years, I have seen three generations in the world — three generations of memories. Each generation has emphasized different things, developed different interests, and done things differently, but all of them tried to fit into a modern world.

As I look back over my life, I see a very different world today than my childhood world in Bermuda. I have many memories that certainly tell of God's mighty acts in my life. My childhood put a rock of faith in my soul that has given me the basis for my faith today. One such memory, which has stayed with me through the years, is of my dad sharing the gospel stories with children by way of a puppet show. As a deaconess, I used puppets often, and the children loved them. When I was ordained as a minister, I continued to hold children's church once a month with puppet shows depicting Bible stories. Here, many biblical truths were being passed on from generation to generation. Are we still finding new ways today to share Bible stories?

Jesus' mother, Mary, sang years ago, "His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation." (Luke 1:50 NIV) She knew that this baby of hers was special and would affect all people from generation to generation. She sang it, Scripture tells us.

As a child, my family gathered around the piano and sang joyfully of our Lord Whom we all loved. Singing strengthened our faith so that we could share it with oncoming generations. Our friends listened to our songs, and our love for Jesus touched their hearts. It isn't just a memory but a truth, as many in my family have sincerely worshipped God through the ages.

We need to put our faith to music, in new ways for a new generation, as has been done over the centuries, and sing Jesus' praises joyfully. Music attracts people to the faith, and gives us a way to share it with others.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we don't all sing Your praises, but as we listen, our souls are stirred in praise and love. May our hearts find an effective way to share our faith with oncoming generations. May our faith story take wings as we sing our love of Jesus. Thank You for loving us, Lord. Amen.

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