Another song from the Watoto Children’s Choir is featured at the end of this devotion.

Scripture
The next day we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food. He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. Acts 21:8-9

Observation
Philip was a headline evangelist. His scrapbook was filled with yellowed clippings from his heady revival days. But none of the faded images of the revival in Samaria or the framed picture of Philip with the Treasurer of Ethiopia compared with his family album. In the end his the Bible, Philip was not remembered for a great church or events but for his four kids who honored the Lord.

It is so like Dr. Luke to include this snippet story about Philip in his history. Luke had a particular interest in how women fared in the early church, and while the inveterate researcher stayed at Philip’s house he would have quizzed him long into the night about the early days.

In a world focused on the achievements of men, Philip is a rare exception of a man who developed the hidden potential of his daughters. They were more than domestic backfill, these were women who could speak up and speak out for God. Their greatest achievement was their ability to hear God’s voice and to communicate his voice. What a legacy for a man to leave behind him!

I watched every moment of the funeral of the late Ruth Bell Graham. Billy was seated in the front row. His jet black hair and angular features were now whitened and rounded with age. What was most memorable to me from the funeral was the very last event. Dr. Graham was ushered out and his five children were strategically positioned at the exits of the church to speak to the guests who had come to honor their mother. Billy Graham has spoken in person to more people on the planet than any other Christian and quite likely than any other human being. Yet in the end what is remembered is family.

Application
What matters most in my life is not what can be recorded on a resume but only in a photo album. If I lead my life well what will matter most are not churches, sermons, or even changed lives but my children.

Prayer
Father, help me to actively and passively make a difference in the lives of my children today. Amen.