Monday, September 16, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Picking Up Where He Left Off

Exodus 20:6 But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations.

Almost 20 years ago, Jeffrey Allen's earthly father went home to be with the Lord when Jeffrey was only three-years-old.   His father John Allen was a phenomenal, loving Pastor, and his calling was passed down to his son.

Yesterday, at 22-years-old, Jeffrey was ordained into the ministry! Since he has always worked diligently, faithfully and selflessly to share God's love with all he encountered, his ordination came as no surprise.

Jeffrey's first sermon as an ordained minister (based on the sermon that his father preached on the day he died) left few dry eyes in the sanctuary.

Midway through his sermon, Jeffrey shared that he has planned and prepared for six years to preach this particular sermon...his father's last sermon...on the day he was to be ordained.  He said, "This is where my father left off and where I will begin in ministry."

Although Jeffrey never really had the opportunity to get to know his father, there were generational blessings and an anointing that had been passed on to Jeffrey....which he accepted and chose to walk in.

Spiritually and physically, we inherit many traits from the generations before us. While some of those traits may be undesirable, the Bible says in Numbers 14:18 that curses can extend to the third and fourth generations. On the other hand, today's verse declares that blessings are available for a thousand generations!!

I challenge you today to recognize your inherited blessings. If there have been blessings or callings that have laid dormant for years in your family, pick up where the generations before have left off! Keep the honorable memory of those you love by blazing an even greater path.

Additionally, if you recognize troubling areas in your lineage, break the cycle today! Purpose in your heart to set a new example for the generations to follow...an example producing millennial size blessings. We often focus on the negative aspects of our family tree when we have the power through Christ to prune off sickness, addiction, and various strongholds that have plagued our families. 

2 Timothy 1:10 declares that Jesus Christ "abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." His Word provides the keys to walking in freedom on this earth regardless of your family history.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the many blessings that the generations before me have worked diligently to provide. Help me identify areas in my family that need to improve and start that process through ME!

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Please lift PASTOR Jeffrey Allen up in your prayers as he pursues his God-given destiny!