It is sort of strange to think that most of our peers have a very weak concept of who they are and what they want to do. In the meantime, we take random jobs, settle in friendships and relationships rather than striving for them, and live without thinking about the overall impact of our choices.
This message was meant to be coupled with some journaling and prayer time, but due to the heat, we cancelled that! But what I asked is to search your heart and pray about what parts of our character people remember, what type of family we have, what type of physical body of work we leave, and what we stories are told about us. These all play into our legacy.
When we look at Abraham's Character, his faith is echoed through out both testaments. He gained this faith through God's reminders, and his close relationship with God and knowing his voice. You can also see his tendency for mercy and compassion, especially when he pled with God over Sodom and Gomorrah.
When we look at the body of work Abraham left behind. Even though he never saw the fruits of his faith, he eventually opened the door for Jesus to exist. The twelve tribes of Israel came from his grandson, Jacob. The covenant is his body of work. Also, the fact that he had Isaac is a testament to the grace of God, because the fact that his 90 year old wife gave birth is a miracle unto itself!
When we look at the family he left behind, the twelve tribes speak for themselves. Jesus speaks for himself. His family changed the course of the world.
As for the stories, with exception to giving his wife to Pharoah to save his face, most of the stories are positive reflections. The faith that he had in being willing to give up Isaac is tremendous. Most parents would never think of this, but it is because he knew and trusted the fathers will, he was willing to do it.
So when we look at Abraham in Gen 12:9, 15:1-7,17:15-21, it is apparent that a lot of time has passed and the fulfillment has not come. But Abraham remained faithful and pursued the Lord.
My hope is that we remain faithful for God's call on our lives, and that we pursue him to find our destiny. Even if you are old, know that the Lord can and will use you.
So in closing, if you were to either die today or move away from everyone that you know, how would you be remembered? Would it be good or bad?
Union Mission-
Yesterday, a group of five of us went to the Union Mission in Norfolk to help less fortunate people. We handed out clothes, worked in the kitchen and washed/cared for feet.
I will be honest with you, cleaning other peoples feet was a little bit different to me. I volunteered to do it because I felt that it was something that needed to be done. I had no problem with it, but just spending time with the people was interesting. I am so fortunate to be where I am, and to be doing what I am doing.
But when it came to handing out clothes and food, that was simple. I had no problem doing that! I have worked in the clothing and food industries, so it was second nature to me! Especially with the clothes, I felt like I was back at work =) Well, except it was outside in the 90 degree weather. Good thing is that no one passed out!!!
Honestly, I am glad that we went. It would have been nice to have a bit more of a schedule to work with, but all in all, we were there for the people. As I told my team, just be flexible and know that we are hear to meet needs. So it was a great experience, and I think that we all walked away from it feeling like we accomplished something, and had a little fun along the way. Plus the free meal never hurt!
I will do my best to post a few more lessons at a time from weeks past.
