There are two passages assigned for today!

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 71
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. [Psalms 71:17]
David thinks back to his childhood days, and notes how God was with him and helping him then.
Part of his present day testimony is rooted in his reviewing the story of his life – he sees God’s hand through it.
Recently I worked with a group of emerging leaders to work through their personal timeline.
What began as an exercise became an experience, one that drew out emotions and appreciation for God’s presence and unfolding purpose in their lives.
Whether or not your family life was christian as a child, God was present and at work, teaching and guiding you.
I strongly encourage you to consider doing a personal timeline, you may be surprised at what you discover.

There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him. [Luke 2:40]
Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” [Luke 2:46-49]
We have only a few brief stories about Jesus’ childhood, but it seems obvious that God was a big part of His life.
God’s favour was on Him… I think everyone can say this to some extent.
Favour and grace are related concepts; no matter what your childhood was like, grace was a part of it.
Maybe you were not healthy and strong like Jesus, and maybe you were not filled with wisdom, but His favour was still present and at work in your life.
Being aware of God in our story is a big part of our present day testimony!

I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. [Psalms 71:17-18]
Jesus’ ministry as an adult was rooted in His experience as a child – how God had prepared and equipped Him to be the person that He was.
The same is true for me, for you, and for everyone.
God is at work in all of our lives, preparing us for the life He created us for.
Unfortunately, too many of us disregard this, too many of us fail to reflect on and appreciate how God has been at work in our lives, shaping and directing us for Him and His kingdom purpose.
And that is one reason why, when we are old and gray, our testimony seems to be limited.

I strongly encourage you to consider reviewing your life with God, and noting the golden thread of His loving hand and purpose leading you through it all, the good and the bad and the ugly.
Email me at nsennema@sympatico.ca if you want to know more about preparing a personal timeline, I can suggest a good resource to use.
Take the time to strengthen your testimony today by reviewing God’s favour in your life.
Like David, you will be able to constantly tell others about the wonderful things He has done.

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for giving me the opportunity to review my life with You. And I say it again – thank You, thank You, thank You for the amazing patience, mercy and grace You have shown to me in my less than wise childhood.