*Psalms 145:4*

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. 

 

We are always only one generation away from a failure to pass on the faith. I’m thankful that over 2,000 years ago the Lord Jesus passed it on to His disciples, who passed it on to the next generation, who passed it on to the next, and so on until the present day. 

 

Every generation has to take on a “pioneering” spirit and be willing to make sacrifices and take risks to give the next generation the gospel. The sacrifices of former generations of believers have given us such a comfortable environment to hear and believe, that we are in danger of living according to a “settler” mindset.

 

*A “pioneering” or “settler" mindset?* 

 

1. Pioneers: They risk everything to go into the unknown. They just go out by faith. 

 

2. Settlers: They wait for the way to be more established before joining the move. They don't pay the cost that the pioneers do to live in a new and wonderful place. 

 

The pioneer mindset, has the *first-generation* faith and the settler mindset, *second generation* faith. 

 

 

1. First generation does *whatever it takes*. Second generation does *only what I’m asked to do*.

2. First generation assumes personal responsibility. Second generation assumes someone else will do it.

3. First generation expects personal sacrifice. Second generation expects personal comfort.

4. First generation sees problems and seeks solutions. Second generation sees problems and complains.

5. First generation sees possibilities and dreams about what could be. Second generation sees barriers and reasons to quit.

6. First generation hears the voice of God firsthand and owns the vision. Second generation inherits the vision secondhand and questions every decision.

6. First generation steps out with bold, reckless trust in God. Second generation sits satisfied in the stability of the institution.

6. First generation fears holding anything back from God. Second generation fears commitment.

7. First generation feels privileged to be a part of the movement. Second generation feels entitled to the benefits of the institution.”

 

Based on the list, which mindset best describes you? If you answered, “Second generation. I’m more of a settler.” Are you willing to let God change your mindset to a *first generation*, pioneering kind of thinking?

 

God has called every generation to rise up and answer the call to make disciples. Let’s not be like the generation that followed the one that took the Promised Land:

 

Judges 2:10

After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.

*Prayer Points*

1. Father, grant us the courage of pioneers, to step out in faith, embracing the unknown and trusting in Your guidance. Help us to do 'whatever it takes' to do exploits, not just what we are asked to do."

 

2. Father, put in us a sense of personal responsibility for our life's purpose. May we not wait for others to act but see ourselves as workers in Your vineyard, 

 

3. Pray that God will grant us the wisdom and creativity to see problems as opportunities for solutions.

 

4. Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to us directly, making us first-generation followers who hear God's voice firsthand and own the vision with clarity and passion. 

 

5. Father, put in us a bold, reckless trust that dares to step out beyond the safety of any institution. Help us to rely on Your strength and provision, not just the established structures we find comfort in.

 

6.  Pray that God will steer our hearts from fearing commitment to fearing holding anything back from Him.  Phillipians 4:6