Our legacy

And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don't need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the One who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.
(1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 NLT)

When you think about that special person in your life who meant more to you at a particular time than others think about what made them stand out from the crowd. I would be willing to say it was because of one or more of these three things: faith, love, and hope. Not only that they had those things but they took time to share them with you in your time of need because these things mean more than gifts the world can give.

As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 1:3 NLT)

Remember this as we take time to give this Christmas money can bring temporary happiness but these things bring an everlasting joy regardless of our financial situation. You can’t use them up because the more you give away the more you get in return. A thief cannot steal them, for they are given freely, they do not break down after time has gone by because their source is eternal, and it does not matter who you are or what you have done because when Jesus, God’s Son, came to die He died for all, especially those who recognize their need for Him but there is an enemy and this enemy will use the spiritually weak to try and take these gifts of God from you so be on guard by keeping your eyes on your Heavenly Father and being sensitive to the moving of His Holy Spirit. As David was pursued unjustly so will you be as you push back the darkness from people’s lives but like David we have a Protector and Provider who leads us with purpose and light.

I did them no wrong, but they laid a trap for me. I did them no wrong, but they dug a pit to catch me. So let sudden ruin come upon them! Let them be caught in the trap they set for me! Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me. Then I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be glad because He rescues me. With every bone in my body I will praise Him: "LORD, who can compare with You? Who else rescues the helpless from the strong? Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?"
(Psalms 35:7-10 NLT)

Don’t be confused, those who come against you are not as they appear. Those who try to trip you up are not the ones that ordered the attack but merely pawns who for the most part are unaware of what they are doing. No, the enemy is not after you but the one who lives inside of you and through the Holy Spirit you have been given spiritual eyes to see, if you don’t allow your flesh to rule your soul. Why would you not be attacked as you spread the good news of Jesus Christ who defeated the enemy and opened the door for people to return to their Creator so that they could once again have communion with Him? For you are taking back territory that enemy has stolen and he is enraged. Who said being a Christian is for the weak?

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(Ephesians 6:12 MKJV)

So be encouraged, be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is with you! Give away what you have been given because of the work He has done but be aware there is an enemy who has set himself against the Holy Spirit living within you. Don’t be caught off guard lest you stumble and fall. Above all remember God’s grace is sufficient and He loves you beyond your understanding, think before acting, and listen before speaking and then your life will be a pleasing sacrifice to your Heavenly Father and you will have left a legacy for those lives you have touched.