Leaving A Legacy Of Life

For Our Children and Our Children's Children

Leaving A Legacy Of Life

A Life Giving Series

• Building A Foundation For Life
  
• Growing A Richness Of Life
  
• Creating A Culture Of Life
  
• Leaving A Legacy Of Life

"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath."
Psalm 39:4

What will you do with the dash?

• Much in 21st century
  
• Length of dash = short
  
• A particular moment
• 1st date - born on
  
• 2nd - expiration date
  
• Final date - hereafter?

The bias of nature: The neglected heart, the life of crumbled walls, will soon be overrun by the world and chaos will prevail.
--- A.W.Tozer

Leaving a Legacy of Life
A Heart of Wisdom

• Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
  
• II Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

The family is the foundation for Godly seed, the demonstration of Divine agreement, and is sealed by blood covenant!

Kingdom Contrast

• Romans 14:17 "The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."
  
• The Kingdom is:
  
  • creative rather than destructive
    
  • has a spirit of abundance rather than of lack
    
  • is filled with generosity rather than selfishness

God has a calling for each of us,
a particular role to play!

• None of us has a commonplace life: we all have a part to play
  
• Humility is the touchstone of serving God.
  
• This is a willingness to be outshone while we shine for God!
  
• The Poppies in the Corn

Our days are numbered. One of the primary goals in our lives should be to prepare for our last day. The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. What preparations should we be making now? The greatest waste in all of our earth, which cannot be recycled or reclaimed, is our waste of the time that God has given us each day.
--- Billy Graham

Why I don't like Christians!

• Many have a judgmental spirit!
  
• They can be weird
  
• They can be hypocritical
  
• Christians can be needy
  
• Christians can be irresponsible
  
• Conclusion: We, therefore, are not living what we believe, not loving brothers in Christ and not loving non-Christians.

Traits Worth Considering

Giving the Praise They Crave: Are You an Affirming Parent?
Realistically praise what your child does, and show them that you notice, love, and value them.

Counting To Ten – Again: Are You a Patient Parent?
When frustrated, stay calm and cool and try to see the world from your child's viewpoint.

Hearing What They Don't Say: Are You an Attentive Parent?
Listen for the feelings, values and fears your child does not overtly express and find gentle and meaningful ways to let her know you understand.

Seeing a Picture of Their Future: Are You a Visionary Parent?
Treat your child's dreams seriously and foster a future that will help them actualize what they aspire to do and be.

Building a Better Bond: Are You a Connected Parent?
Create bonding experiences by intentionally fostering activities you both enjoy together.

Commemorating Milestones: Are You a Celebratory Parent?
Communicate a powerful message of love to your child by planning festivities to commemorate developmental signposts worth remembering.

Keeping Your Word: Are You an Authentic Parent?
Use everyday occurrences to "walk your talk" and show your child that you are deserving of their trust.

Creating the Safest Place on Earth: Are You a Comforting Parent?
Instill deep emotional security in your child by maintaining a non-anxious presence and reassuring them that you are always available to talk.

Instilling Wisdom: Are You an Insightful Parent?
Become an "emotional coach" for your child by accepting negative emotions as a fact of life and using them as opportunities to teach life lessons.

Practicing the Presence of God: Are You an Prayerful Parent?
Use opportune times to talk to God together with your child and discuss ways you can pray for each other.

The Sh'ma
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
"Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."