{legacy}

today marked week one of the new "legacy" series at forest hill church and it was JUST the start that i needed to this new year.  here's what I took from the sermon today that I thought was worth sharing with all of you.

"we are all leaving a LEGACY... every single one of us.  

the question is... what kind of LEGACY are we leaving?"

::your legacy is tied directly to the decisions you make today::

::you are the sum total of your life choices:: 

::in order to make the best decisions for your life, one needs knowledge 

and then wisdom to know how to apply that knowledge::

   ::this in turn means that a good legacy is directly connected to 

wisdom in the decisions we make day to day::

"if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" - James 1:5

in 1 kings 3:3-10 God gave Solomon to opportunity to ask God for whatever he wanted and Solomon asked for wisdom and God was pleased.  don't be afraid to ask God for wisdom of how to live your best life that honors Him!

here are the 10 truths/wise teachings written 

by Solomon for us to live by each day!

1. Put God First Always

::the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, 

but fools despise wisdom & discipline:: -proverbs 1:7

::trust in the Lord with all your heart & lean not 

on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight:: - proverbs 3:5-6

2. Choose Your Friends Wisely

::become wise by walking with the wise; hang out 

with fools and watch your life fall to pieces:: - proverbs 3:20

3. Manage God's Money Wisely

::honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part 

of everything you produce.  then your barns with grain and 

your vats will overflow with good wine:: - proverbs 3:9-10

::just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower

 is servant to the lender:: - proverbs 22:7

4. Use Your Words Wisely

::words kill; words give life;  they're either 

poison or fruit -- you choose:: - proverbs 18:21

5. Manage Your Anger Wisely

::people with understanding control their anger; 

a hot temper shows great foolishness:: - proverbs 14:29

::a gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh 

words make tempers flare:: - proverbs 15:1

6. Always Work Hard

::as a door swings back in forth on its hinges, so the 

lazy person turns over in bed:: - proverbs 26:14

7. Resist Pride and Seek Humility

::before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but 

humility comes before honor:: -proverbs 18:12

8. Always Protect Your Name

::a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be 

esteemed is better than silver or gold:: -proverbs 22:1

9. Avoid Envy

::a peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy 

is like cancer in the bones:: -proverbs 14:30

10. Always Prioritize the Poor

::he who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,

but whoever is kind to the needy honors God:: -proverbs 14:31

i was really hit hard by 1 and 6.  i'm praying for wisdom that God would show me the best way to put Him first in everything that I do and also that i would always work hard.  as i look forward in gaining more knowledge in photography, i'm going to remember one thing david said today "success is hard work.  avoid being lazy at all costs."  laziness is one of my biggest struggles and i'm learning that it's a choice.  i have to actively choose NOT to be lazy.  here's to an amazing 2010 and i hope these 10 wonderful bits of wisdom are a great way for you to start your year off on the right foot. 

what are your favorite "words of wisdom" to live by??

{happy.sunday}

aw

::p.s. - you can watch this sermon by going to 
www.foresthill.org & clicking on the video message tab::