Each response post should be at least 200 words in length.
Reply 1:
For this weeks discussion I chose chapter 13, Building for the Future, in Courageous Faith. 3 key ideas I got from the chapter was how to build a future. We all have turning points during hard times, but you can get a plan of action during the turning point. You work hard and try to accomplish your goals. The second thing I learned is to be kind to others because you never know what they are going through. Kindness goes a long way and you never know if you will be someone turning point. And the third idea I got was work hard and enjoy life. Set goals for yourself and push through to accomplish those goals. But at the same time take the time out to smell the roses. Life can pass you up fast.
Two things I learned in this chapter was selfish people dont think about the future (Hindson, pg. 193). Until I read this chapter, I had always had a mindset of selfish people always got ahead and never stopped to think that selfish people live for right now. They think they must have all the nice things now. Some will put their self in debt in the world today cloths, cars and other expensive things come with a cost. Love and happiness are not bought, and you cant by the Lord. Material things in life make people lose track of the things that are so much more important in life such as God, Jesus, love, happiness, hope and faith. It is never too late for God. Live for your future not for now.
The other thing I learned was I need to look at myself and see my own legacy I am leaving behind. However, while reading the chapter I realized I have already started a change in my life towards God and my legacy. I have come a long ways the last 8 years. I found God after getting out of a toxic relationship and went back to school twice now and I have since found someone who shares my faith and I am much happier to have a great legacy started.
One way I can use what I learned in this chapter would be to continue to live my life for God and continue to make goals for myself. I went back to school the first time to get my IT certifications and have opened up so many doors for myself. I am working on my Information Technology degree so that I can take on more managerial roles. I have learned in life that you must commit, be motivated, make decisions, and set goals. If you do not have these then you will lose interest and leave projects unfinished. Have a positive attitude and a plan of action and you can accomplish anything.
References
Hindson & Caner. (2008). The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics. Eugene, OR. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Reply 2:
Intentional planning and strategic goal setting set the stage for leaving a positive legacy. Living for today doesn’t prepare us well for tomorrow (Hindson, p. 192). Honorable legacy building involves sacrifice, discipline, commitment and saying no to instant gratification and short-term pleasure. While saying no to fleshly desires is indeed counterculture, it produces rewards for generations to come. Making a difference in the lives around us not only leaves a mark in the worldly but in the heavenly. But most of all, we need to leave behind a testimony of Gods grace in our lives (Hindson, p. 194).
The legacy of living out faith-filled lives is of eternal significance. Every time God uses us to touch someone else, we are reaping dividends that have eternal significance. We are building a legacy of faith that can be transmitted from one generation to another (Hindson, p. 196). The seeds we plant today will either reap hope or despair. A godless generation is one without purpose, hope or direction. One of the most important legacy building tools I can utilize as a mother is instilling Christian values and wisdom into my children, leading by a Godly example and living out a Godly marriage foundational to that of the Bible. The impact I have on my children in living out a prayerful, God-driven life will affect generations to come and reap eternal rewards. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life (Galatians 6:8 ESV).
Nehemiah was paramount in giving Jerusalem a better future. The Lord used him and his vision to build a wall around the defenseless, vulnerable city. Nehemiah, unimpressed by local opposition or fear tactics, stayed focused on Gods vision for the rebuilding of the city walls, knowing the viability of the city lay in his hands. Through the obedience of Nehemiah to Gods calling, One persons vision stirred an entire nation to action. Jerusalem would once again be a viable city with a hope and a future (Hindson, p. 199).
2 things you learned from this weeks reading.
Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtielis the very one who led the Jews to return and rebuild the temple seventy-five years before Nehemiah arrived to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Hindson, p. 199). Through the legacy of Zerubbabel, the messianic lineage had its place in Jerusalem once again.
The Feast of Tabernacles celebrated the new return to the Promised Land through the skillful and focused leadership of Nehemiah. The Israelites professed their sins and cried out to the Lord in repentance after Ezras reading of the Book of the Law. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10 ESV). After their renewed covenant with God, the Israelites rejoiced and praised Him.
1 way you can use what you have read this week.
The story of Ed Hindson and his friend, Herman, really touched me. Years later, Herman told me that my simple invitation to dinner saved his life (Hindson, p. 195, italics added for emphasis). The busyness of routines, packed calendars and the distractions around us can hinder our ability to see those divine appointments the Holy Spirit is guiding us to. One way I can use what I’ve read this week is to have intentional prayer time to ask the Spirit who in my life may need that simple invitation. The legacy Im aiming to leave involves impacting lives around me through the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.
