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Today's scripture passage was written by Asaph, one of King David's temple musicians, to introduce a long song he composed. He wants us to know that he wrote it as a memory aid. Singing it would help the Jewish nation grasp and retain key lessons from its history. His introduction stresses a truth as valid now as then: Our children cannot be expected to assimilate our faith unless we make an effort to articulate it to them.

Psalm 78:4-8

1. What characteristics of our generation—and those that preceded ours—do we want to spare our children from (v. 8)?
2. If they are to be spared from repeating the same mistakes previous generations made, what is required of their parents (vv. 4-5)?
3. How might the truths of God's Word that we treasure remain "hidden" from the perspective of our children?
4. What positive results can we expect when we succeed in communicating our faith to our children (v. 7)?
5. What deliberate steps are you taking to convey God's requirements and your own faith to the next generation?

Name any sins you are aware of to God so that in spite of His holiness He can forgive you on the basis of Jesus' sacrificial death, and restore your fellowship with Him.

4 We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD. We will tell of his power and the mighty miracles he did. 5 For he issued his decree to Jacob; he gave his law to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, 6 so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—that they in turn might teach their children.

7 So each generation can set its hope anew on God, remembering his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. 8 Then they will not be like their ancestors—stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to stay connected with the children you've entrusted to me, and to steer them away from the dangers they'll encounter.

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