May 2009

(10 Things God Uses to Enlarge Your Legacy)

Okay, take your mark.  You’re about to take off on a marathon.  Your coach is the Lord Jesus, the Author of your faith.  Under His direction, you’ve cast aside any weights that may hinder you.  At His instruction, you clear your way of any sin that might entangle you.  At His signal, you’re off!  And following His wise counsel, you have focused your attention on him, because he’s the Finisher of your faith as well.

You lengthen your stride and settle in.  You know this is no sprint; you’re in it for the long run.  Before long your body, mind, will, and emotions, begin signaling you, this won’t be easy.  But about the time you reach your first obstacle, God has a surprise for you.  You are not alone! You’re surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses! And they’re “in the grandstands” cheering you on.

These aren’t just spectators.  They’re your “friends in high places” – people who have run the same race and faced the same obstacles you face.  In this greatness are models of faith and perseverance who

by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment (Hebrews 11:33-37).

These aren’t just dead figures from the past.  Their faith – and witness – live on.  They’re watching you.  Pulling for you.  Believing in you.  Teaching you.  They’re here to testify – that’s what witnesses do – that you, too, can influence a new generation.  They also testify of the tools our Father uses to deepen your message, and enlarge your influence.  Here are a few: [click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }