There is a vast difference between a legacy and an inheritance. An inheritance is a collection of “things” that are passed on from one generation to another. It is usually considered to be wealth or the things that can be bought with money or negotiated by “deals” between individuals or sometimes items that are “traded.”

A “legacy” is much different. It is composed of the opinions and observations of others who watch us as we make our way through life. It is a result of what we do, the things we say, and how well we serve or do not serve others and our attitudes about the material things and temporal things in life. Unfortunately, for most, it is more important to leave an inheritance for others than a legacy that inspires and challenges others. Most want to be remembered for the balance sheet of life than the good they do for God and others.

“For riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations,” wrote the wisest and one of the wealthiest men of history. His net worth exceeded one hundred-sixty billion dollars. Obviously, he knew how to “make a dollar” but was wise enough to know that it was impossible to keep.

Now, as we look at his-story we see what he “left behind” that has meaning and enduring value was not his wealth, but his legacy. Year after year and century after century people look to his writings for God’s wisdom and guidance, God’s insights and promises, God’s values and the blessings that come from honoring Him.

Prayer: Lord, grant us Your insight, wisdom and courage to leave a legacy of service to others as You did. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 27:24 for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.

Can you remember a time in your life when you thought, “God has abandoned me! I can’t find Him anywhere! When I pray, my words bounce back from the sky and when I cry God won’t wipe away the tears. What did I do to deserve this?”

Often in our journey to become disciples of Christ we resent the discipline that comes with our calling. We want the journey to be sunshine and flowers and not showers and lightening. Yet in the midst of those times of drought we do indeed wonder. No doubt that’s why the Psalmist gave us some choice words of comfort: “The Lord will not abandon or reject His people, He will never forsake His inheritance.”

The Bible tells us of two men who “went out from the presence of the Lord.” One was Cain and the other Jonah. When Cain went out, the Lord left Him alone. He chose not to go after him and bring him back into His presence. But when Jonah went out, the Lord did not choose to leave him alone. Why the difference? Cain was not one of the Lord’s - but Jonah was.

Jonah was disobedient to the calling of God but was willing to accept God’s discipline. He had a terrible time surrendering to God but God never left him because he did want God’s will for his life. God stayed with him and disciplined him because he accepted God’s plan for his life. Cain was different. He refused to honor God and do what was right. And God rejected him because he would not give God his best.

Prayer:  Father, may our hearts always be open to hear Your voice and answer You in sincerity and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 94:14 For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.