WEDNESDAY 18TH JULY 2018 MORNING PRAYER DEVOTION
SCRIPTURE READING:- LUKE 7:1-10
TOPIC:- WHAT LEGACY ARE YOU LEAVING
TEXT:- LUKE 7:5
A legacy is a gift by will especially of money or other personal property, transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or parents.
The following legacies can be practiced:
1. Legacy of joy in the midst of difficulty: In this life, we are going to have troubles even when we aren’t the instigators of it. Rather than attempting to live a trouble-free life, it’s much better to expect bumps in the road and dig deep in our spirit to find joy in the midst of it. There’s joy that comes from knowing that God is in control of every single situation in our lives. See James 1:2-3.
2. Legacy of encouraging and inspiring others towards greatness: There’s always something to bring people down. A discouraging word, a disapproving look, or disrespectful actions. Sometimes we have to bring the joy with us when we show up in the home, work, church, or community. Great personal joy happens within us when other people are inspired by our words and actions. See Hebrews 3:13.
3. Legacy of giving my time, treasures, and energy for kingdom work: As believers in Christ Jesus, our legacy should be one of incredible generosity of our time, money, and energy. We are promised by God that He will supply all our needs and grant our desires according to His will. Our legacy is bolstered when we live unhindered by selfish ambition or hoarding earthly treasures for ourselves. See 2 Corinthians 8:7.
4. Legacy of modeling forgiveness: It’s much easier to talk and think about forgiving others than actually doing it. However, God gives an incredible freedom to those who choose to forgive those who’ve offended them. Christ’s sacrifice at the cross is most modeled when we forgive as He has forgiven us. See Ephesians 4:32.
5. Legacy of unconditional love for my family and friends: Many of us grew up believing that people love us when we do something worthy of their affection. However God has called us to love unconditionally as He has loved us. Through His grace, the legacy of agape love can reach throughout many generations of family and friends. See 1 Peters 4:8.
6. Legacy of leading and disciplining people to Christ: It’s easy to take for granted the amazing gift of salvation given from God the father through Jesus Christ. Yet every time we share the gospel and witness a transformed life, we’re more determined to reach out to the lost. It takes time and effort to disciple people in Christ, but God gives us the wisdom and strength when we trust in His direction. See 1Thessalonians 2:8.
7. Legacy of hearing and doing God’s word: If I could choose, I would rather leave a legacy of doing God’s word rather than just sitting around accruing knowledge about it. God’s word is a powerful motivator to get us moving in the right direction. However it’s only possible when I surrender my inability in the flesh and trust the Lord to give me what I need to follow through. See James 1:22.
Some Biblical Examples Of Good Legacy:
1. Abel, being the first man to give sacrifice/offering to God. See Genesis 4:1-15.
2. Abraham, being the first person to give tithe. See Genesis 14:13-20. Note verse 20.
3. Moses, being the first man to fast, even for 40 days. See Exodus 34:28.
4. Elijah was the first person to call fire down from heaven. See 1kings 18:20-40. Note verse 38.
5. John the Baptist was the first man to baptize people by water immersion. See Mathew 3:1-17. Note verse 11.
6. A centurion/military man built temple for the Lord personally. See Luke 7:1-10. Note verse 5.
7. Stephen, being the first martyr on earth, and to see the Lord while dying. See Acts 7:54-60.
Prayer points:-
1. Oh Lord my God! Let me enjoy your love and to lay a good legacy of love for people to imitate, in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. Help me oh Lord my God, to maintain my good relationship with you and others, in the name of Jesus Christ.
3. I command every power militating against me to be taken as a prey, what are you waiting for, die by fire now, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Beautiful Mid-Week!