Have a legacy? Create one through Christ!

Well, Good morning everyone! God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Yesterday, the info written was about King David and eye-candy (Bathsheba). We all fall prey to this type of temptation, some act, some don't. But let's go back into 2 Samuel 7:18, 19 - this is prior to Bathsheba, David speaks to God: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? (19) And now, Sovereign LORD, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign LORD?"

What is happening? David wanted to erect a building for the Ark. God spoke to Nathan, a prophet, who took God's words to David. These words told David not to build a building for the Ark, God said he did not want nor ask for a beautiful cedar house. But he did tell David more.

God, through Nathan, told David that: he took him from tending sheep to be leader of His people Israel; He destroyed the enemies before his eyes; God will make David's name as famous as anyone who ever lived on earth; give him rest from enemies; give him a dynasty of kings; and will raise up one of your descendants will make his kingdom strong and your house and kingdom will continue before me for all time. AND, your throne will be secure forever.

Check it out, Solomon came, a man of great wisdom, but who else came from David? Yep, you got it, Jesus Christ. Salvation comes through David's lineage by the birth of the Messiah. Now, can you boast of this type of adventure? No, but listen.

What you do is important! 1 Peter 2:21 "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps."

We may suffer for many reasons. Some suffering is a direct result of our own sin and some is the result of living in a fallen world. Peter is writing about suffering that comes as a result of doing good. Christ never sinned, Christ suffered, Christ set us free! We, the followers of Christ, will suffer in one way or another and we must be prepared. Our goal should be to face suffering with patience, calmness, and confidence that God is in control of the future.

Where will your legacy lie, where will your dynasty be? It will be at the bema seat when God declares judgment on us and what we have done in HIS name will be revealed. This comes from the seeds you plant in your family, with friends, and with enemies. Wait no longer my friend, go forth and declare the truth, the word of God to any who will listen. At least invite someone to church---do something for the God who saved you! Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny