Sunday Words of Encouragement May 9, 2021

I was happy to be in church today without a mask. We were given a baby bottle to use as a “change” bottle, collecting donations for the local pregnancy crisis center. Pastor also announced that our first “Kid’s night” for the community reached more than 25 children who are not members of our church. We hope to double that in June!

Pastor continued his series, It Matters, with a message to fit Mother’s Day. What is your legacy? How we live impacts children, co-workers, our community and our world. Have we made a difference? Each mother has had a huge part. But the relationship that matters most is the relationship with Jesus.

One’s legacy doesn't stop with DNA. What we leave behind, what we are known for, matters.
Hebrews Chapter 11 is known as the “Hall of Faith”. Rahab, a prostitute, (Joshua 2) was not a woman one might expect in the Hall of Faith. There is also Hannah who is remembered although you might not recall her husband’s name.

1 Samuel 1:9-18 tells of Hannah’s despair at being barren and then she prays for a son whom she promises to give back to God. God answered Hannah’s prayer and in time she returned Samuel to the priest. 1 Samuel 1:24-28. Hannah didn't know the extent of her legacy as she couldn’t know how important Samuel would be in God’s plans.

The Point: The legacy we leave matters.

You are observed by children, students, neighbors, bosses, employees, and each person you come into contact with.
A tree is identified by its fruit – good or not. See Luke 6:43-45.
Our behavior should reflect Jesus’ place in our life. Have we been obedient to God's direction and call? Do others see your relationship with Jesus? That is a legacy worth leaving.

Pastor shared this song for all mothers and everyone: Talking to Jesus.
I added this to my song file a few weeks ago! God is so amazing!

Verses for Today:
Luke 6:43-45 (NIV)
A Tree and Its Fruit
43 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Lord, I pray that my legacy leads others to You.