For the LORD is good; his mercy iseverlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100:5)

Several years ago, my wife and I stayed in a rustic bed-and-breakfast in the remote Yorkshire Dales of England. We were there with four other couples, all British, whom we had never met before. Sitting in the living room with our after-dinner coffees, the conversation turned to occupations with the question “What do you do?” At the time I was serving as the president of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and I assumed that no one there knew of MBI or its founder, D. L. Moody. When I mentioned the name of the school, their response was immediate and surprising. “Of Moody and Sankey . . . that Moody?” Another guest added, “We have a Sankey hymnal and our family often gathers around the piano to sing from it.” I was amazed! The evangelist Dwight Moody and his musician Ira Sankey had held meetings in the British Isles more than 120 years ago, and their influence was still being felt.

I left the room that night thinking of the ways our lives can cast long shadows of influence for God—a praying mother’s influence on her children, an encouraging coworker’s words, the support and challenge of a teacher or a mentor, the loving but corrective words of a friend. It’s a high privilege to play a role in the wonderful promise that “His love . . . endureth to all generations” (Ps. 100:5).

Lord, help us to remember that while our lives are short, what we do for You now can have an impact long after we are home with You. Lead me today to invest in the lives of others. Amen.

I recently read this and it made me think, never take advantage of the influence you can make on those you come across for Christ in this life. Even in times when you think your not making a difference, be confident in knowing that God’s word will not return void but it will accomplish that for which He sent it. Be the messenger and allow Him to do the rest. What’s done for Christ will last.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 100