Leaving a Legacy

My parents were outstanding examples of two people in love with the Lord. They became active in their church and served together for 30 years until their health gave out. They left our family the legacy of their personal commitment and faithful service to the Lord.

Their devotion to the Lord came later in life. I grew up attending church on a not-so-regular basis. If my memory is correct, the church taught that if you became a member and took communion twice a year, you would go to heaven. Our family did the minimum; we wanted to make it into heaven. Unfortunately, our church was lifeless. My heart ached for more.

My mom, too, longed for more. She’d watch Billy Graham Crusades on television and share with me what she learned. We both decided we needed to search for the truth. We started attending a small church in our neighborhood. Friendly people welcomed us, and services were lively. We heard about accepting the Lord into our hearts and lives and developing a relationship with Him. We found Christ!

A year later, my dad accepted the Lord into his life. Our motto changed from, “Let’s just get into heaven” to, “What else can we do for our Lord?” My parents and I became involved and supported the church with our finances.

Years later, after moving 500 miles away, my husband and I stayed in my parents’ home when we visited. Their faithfulness touched my heart as I’d listen to them pray at their kitchen table and call out the names of their children, grandchildren, and former foster children to the Lord. They asked God to take care of their family and draw them close to Him.

I, too, wish to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren. I want others to remember me as a person of faith who walked in the Spirit of Christ; a woman who loved the Lord with all her heart and found joy in worshipping Him and bringing Him glory; and a follower of Christ who loved her family, prayed for them and others daily, and believed God would move on their behalf with blessing upon blessing.

Who inspired you? A relative, pastor, Bible teacher, or someone else? What legacy are you hoping to leave?

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:20-21, ESV

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Images of Heaven

How often do you think about heaven? On recent hikes, I’ve noticed several creatures and their habits. Birds flitter away when we approach their resting branch. Lizards scurry, beavers dive, and coyotes slink into the brush. How will these animals interact with us in heaven?

On my walk one morning, I imagined birds remaining on their perches nearby and entertaining me with their songs. Lizards running alongside of me instead of hiding in the grass. Beavers standing on their hind legs and waving their front paws. And coyotes with their tails wagging while waiting for a rub behind their ears.

Besides the animals, I envisioned plush green meadows overflowing with flowers of various colors. Tall stately trees with no broken limbs cluttering my way. Peace and contentment no matter which path I take, and although there are animals aplenty, no stepping into dog or horse poop.

My husband and I sometimes hear church bells on our hikes ringing Amazing Grace. That adds to my excitement for heaven. Worshipping the Lord wherever we are. Beautiful music and singing all around us.

I imagine heaven will be a haven of beauty and filled with a sense of calm. There will be a peaceful river meandering through it along with overflowing waterfalls. Lots of waterfalls.

And the people there? We’ll enjoy a grand family reunion with believers from every time period and every nation as we celebrate our Messiah together as one body. We will see our Lord and worship Him.

Dear friends, now we are children of God,
and what we will be has not yet been made known.
But we know that when Christ appears,
we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3:2, NIV

I don’t know how much of what I’ve written is biblical, but I love to imagine what life will be like in heaven. A few things I believe, based upon scripture, are the creation of a new heaven and new earth as found in Revelation 21 and 22. And in 2 Peter 3:13, we’re told this will be a place where righteousness dwells. The presence of God will be our light.

Walls of jasper will surround us, and we’ll walk on streets of gold. We’ll experience a river with the water of life as clear as crystal and the tree of life with various fruits. Does that sound like the Garden of Eden to you—an oasis of exceeding beauty?

The wolf and the lamb will feed together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox,
and dust will be the serpent’s food.
Isaiah 65:25, NIV

Perhaps that means I’ll meet a tail-wagging coyote desiring a rub behind his ear. And if a beaver waves at me, I plan to wave back!

But the best moments will be our times of rejoicing as we worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords—Christ Jesus.

What are your thoughts about heaven?

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Acknowledge His Greatness

Have you praised the Lord today and acknowledged His greatness? He blesses us beyond our comprehension, and for that, He deserves our praise.

I’ve prayed for months for a miracle of reconciliation between two members of my family. The repair of their relationship didn’t look promising in the natural, but when God intervenes, all things are possible. The first step to harmony between two people I love took place this past week. I serve an awesome God!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every
spiritual blessing in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3, NIV

Perhaps you can recall a time when God answered your prayer for a special need—a new job, a financial miracle, or the mending of a broken relationship. He’s still in the miracle working business.

Ephesians Chapter 1 tells us God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Why? Because we are followers of Christ. He chose us to be holy and without blame as we walk in His love. We belong to Him, and He has given us grace and accepted us as His children. His love and kindness for us are so great, that He bought our freedom with the blood of Christ and forgave our sins.

He’s united us with Him, and He’s working everything according to His plan. We are His own, and we know this by the gift of His Holy Spirit, who is God’s promise to us that we have eternal life. The Holy Spirit in us brings spiritual blessings through God’s gift of grace. His purpose for us is to bring Him praise and glory.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14, NIV

We are to praise and worship Him, not only for what He has done for us, but for who He is and for His excellence. One way to bring Him glory is to acknowledge His greatness as we surrender ourselves in obedience. He is holy, faithful, merciful, and offers us His love and grace. He gives to all who seek Him. Even in the bleakest of circumstances, He knows, and He cares. Tell Him what you need. The answer to your prayers may take months as mine did, but He’s listening and working.

Thank you, Father, for Your spiritual blessings. I’m grateful You hear my cries for help as I pray for matters that concern myself and others. Your love knows no boundaries. I praise You and acknowledge Your greatness, power, and authority as I surrender myself in obedience to Your Word. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

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Hit Hard

Have you ever been hit hard with something you weren’t at all expecting? Terrible news of some sort you never thought would affect you or those you love? Perhaps the unexpected death of a loved one, divorce of a family member, a personal job loss, a tragic accident, or an unforeseen diagnosis?

Even in those times, God is working on our behalf and will never leave us. He’s our hope and help. He comforts us when we’re weary, provides peace when we’re stressed, and gives us joy in our sorrow.

My husband and I went on a hike two weeks ago and returned home to devastating news. We notified family and friends and called upon them to pray over this situation. Their support and understanding brought comfort to our troubled hearts.

Two days later, during my quiet time with the Lord, I read Romans Chapter 8. When I finished, I reread verse 28.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I said, “Yes, Lord. You are working for our good in this circumstance, and I thank You.”

Within a few hours, another hit came, which made what happened earlier even more devastating. That’s when Romans 8:26-27 came to life as I cried out to the Lord.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Later that day, my husband quoted Romans 8:28 unaware I’d read that same scripture twice that morning. And that evening, as we streamed our mid-week service, our pastor shared the same verse. God was speaking to my heart and telling me that He was in control and working, even though I felt uncertain. How do I know this? His Word declares it. I love Him and He has called me, so He is working for good in my life and in others affected by this news.

Be encouraged knowing that even in our struggles, God is with us. He works even when we can’t see what He is doing. That’s where faith comes in. Faith to believe God is at work in our situation to fulfill his purpose in us.

We walk in faith and hope knowing God is at work. Even when we’re hit hard, He is with us because the Holy Spirit is in us. The Spirit pleads for me and He pleads for you. If you are struggling or hurting, please know God is working in all things.

Father, many of us have been hit hard with trials. But You, Lord, are at work in each of our situations and for this I thank You. I’m also grateful for the Holy Spirit who pleads for my needs according to Your will. I love you, Lord, and thank you for loving me. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

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All scripture is from the New International Version (NIV).

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