I wrote this blog 10yrs ago. Its still True 10yrs later.  Enjoy!

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God’s strategy to reach the world is through Godly homes and the children that come out of those homes. God works through generations.

Anointing, influence, power, prosperity and authority gains speed from generation to generation.

Look at Joseph. He was the 4th generation after Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Joseph stood on his father’s shoulders. God entrusted to him not only the welfare of his family but of the whole nation and region.

God represents himself as Father- Son. The Son responds to his Father’s heart. The Holy Spirit responds to Jesus which pleases the Father.  The Father gives to Jesus, Jesus gives to the Holy Spirit, and we are what in that chain? The 4th generation, if you will. I know this is simple and we are not God but there is something to God passing things on to  the next in line.

Jesus said “The Son can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does” Jn 5:19b-20.

Jesus said, “He (the Holy Spirit) will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears…He will bring glory to me (Jesus) by taking from what is mine and making it known to you” John 16:13-14.

Each 1st generation Christian has a spiritual heritage and lineage to build from as the 4th generation. Even if their family growing up was un-Godly. Look at D.L. Moody, son of an alcoholic, father of a pastor and college president. Not to mention the souls that gained eternal life through his life. Gideon was the son of a scared half-hearted follower of God to become the deliverer of a nation. Allowing God to Father him and define him. Winston Churchill was the son of shallow socialites. Yet He became of man of character and bravery for England in the face of Hitler’s evil. Josh McDowell was the son of an alcoholic. Yet He became a voice of truth and a spiritual father to many. God says, I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” (2Cor 6:18). This is regardless of your family of origin.

What about 2nd & 3rd generation Christians.? Who built the temple David designed under God’s divine plan? His son, Solomon. David Wilkerson heard his Father groan and cry to God on behalf of his sons “Don’t take your hands off my boys, don’t let go of my sons”. Loren Cunningham’s parents ate the Great Commission for breakfast. His parents were so captured by the missions call, Loren as a boy dreamed of putting John 3:16 on the Moon so the world would know. God placed a call on Loren, that started with his parents to reach the nations and YWAM was born. His parents traveled to 100 countries preaching the gospel. Loren preached in every nation on earth by his 80th birthday.

You can’t go into Focus on the Family without passing a statue of James Dobson’s dad. You don’t listen to James Dobson for too long before you hear another story about his dad. James made family his priority because his Dad made his family a priority over the ministry when James was going astray. 

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Two more recent examples is 

Jonathan David Helser’s received a great inheritance from his dad, Ken Helser. Ken was a musician, story-teller, preacher, and  professional artist. In fact, he supported his ministry through his art. I can see how Ken paved the way for Cageless Birds to fund their ministry through creative arts .   You can listen to Ken’s amazing story about parenting in the kindling fire podcast episode FAMILY Part 1 and Part 2. Shawn Bolz talks a lot about his happy, balanced childhood. He links his emotional health and love based approach to the prophetic to his Mom and Dad. Particularly their approach to family and ministry.

God is looking for men and women to start a legacy with or build on their inheritance.  

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” 2 Chron 16:9

About the Author

I am a fierce Jesus follower, husband of 1 beautiful wife , father of 4 amazing people & a restless creative. Former hardcore punk singer, youth pastor, busker, drug counselor, train hopper, long boarder, exotic fruit farmer, missionary, hitchhiker & Seminarian. Current blogger, podcaster, and corporate cubicle farm dweller in marketing.

Leave a Reply 2 comments

Annalisa Evelyn Arnold - 5 years ago Reply

Thank you for This. Meant the world.

JoAnn Camplin - 5 years ago Reply

Very, very, very true. We look to the ones that have gone before us. There was a generational gap but I believe God has turned the hearts of the father’s back. I believe women also father young in the ministry. God used a donkey. Whatever will cry out and proclaim Him in the land. I feel we have 1 more chance to push. MUSH

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