Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. --Deuteronomy 7:9

“It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents—except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up across the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies)….”

So begins Edward George Bulwer-Lytton’s Paul Clifford, a novel containing what is widely considered one of the worst opening lines ever penned. So bad, in fact, that the English department at San Jose State University sponsors a whimsical competition every year challenging those who enter to write the worst novel opening possible!

Despite Bulwer-Lytton’s shortcomings as an author, did you know he coined several phrases still used today? Phrases like “the almighty dollar” and “the pen is mightier than the sword.” He also served as Interior Secretary of Canada, and a town in British Columbia bears his name. But unfortunately, he is most famous for that “dark and stormy night” opening line to his novel!

What about you? What legacy will you leave one day? When your family and friends think of you, what will come to mind?

The book of Deuteronomy gives us a sober warning that the consequences of our sin will affect those who come after us. But in the verse above, it also promises that God will keep His covenant of love for thousands of generations for those who love him and keep His commandments.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to enable you to leave a lasting legacy for Him.