Generational Curse?

By George M Stahnke 06/25/2018

This morning in my PBJ devotional time I read the following verse. . .

You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me. Exodus 20:5 (ESV)

I was reminded of the many people that have talked to me over the years, wondering, fearful that they were under some kind of “generational curse.”  If you are that persuasion I want to submit the following except for your consideration.  

“This does not mean God punishes people directly for the sins of their ancestors. The important words are of those who hate Me. If the descendants love God, they will not have the iniquity of the fathers visited on them.

i. “‘This necessarily implies – IF the children walk in the steps of their fathers; for no man can be condemned by Divine justice for a crime of which he was never guilty.” (Clarke)

ii. “Children who repeat the sins of their father evidence it in personally hating god; hence they too are punished like their fathers.” (Kaiser)

vs. 6 But showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.  It’s possible for everyone to receive God’s mercy; if they will only turn to Him in love and obedience.”   --David Guzik, www.blueletterbible.org

Take heart my beloved brother/sister. If you are in a life-giving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, the curses of previous generations are broken over you! You now have the opportunity to establish a new legacy, where you and future generations can prosper spiritually.

Confession and Prosperity of the Soul

Confession and Prosperity of the Soul

By George M Stahnke, 06/2018

As a worshiper and warrior, I want to live an authentic Christian life that is free from dominating sin, guilt and shame.  The challenge for me, is one of transparency, being honest with God, myself and others. Confessing to God is one thing, confessing to another person is entirely different, and it has never been easy!

The apostle James wrote: Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins). (James 5:16a AMPC) Humble confession is essential because it leads to a more profound sense of conviction and godly sorrow which in turn produces meaningful repentance and changed behavior. (2 Corinthians 7:10)

You may be thinking “You have to be kidding! Who does that? After all, we all have our secrets, right?” If we are serious about prospering our souls, then YES, we must confess. The writer of Proverbs wrote, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 ESV, see Psalm 32:5)

James goes on to say in 5:16: “and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart].” (AMPC) I believe that James is referring to spiritual healing from the devastating effects of sin. The path to healing begins when we humble ourselves to others, bringing our wrong thoughts, words, and actions done in the shadows into the light of confession.

The message for us is clear. If we continue to protect ourselves, refusing to be transparent, confessing, renouncing, and abandoning our sins, we will not prosper. Worse yet we will forfeit God’s mercy. That is a price I am not willing to pay!

You may be thinking, “Wait a minute, I know someone who lives like the devil and is living a great life.” May I submit to you that the prosperity mentioned in Proverbs 28:13 is not position, prestige, or the size of a bank account. Instead, it is the prosperity of the human soul! 

For the serious Christian, what could be more important than knowing that our sins are forgiven, that we are living a life free from guilt and shame? That my friend is real prosperity. (see Psalm 32:1-5) There is nothing that compares to the soul that has grown healthy and strong through walking in the truth and power of God's Word and the Spirit! Submission to God and transparency with others is vital.

Heavenly Father, thank you for continually dealing with my stubborn pride and encouraging me to be honest with you and others. Thank you for trusted friends, “blood-stained allies” that have heard my confessions and lovingly ministered to me in prayer. In this, I have found forgiveness, healing and true friendship.