Passing on our faith is our most valuable legacy....

That is the 'thought of the day' for a devotional that I picked up while going through some papers yesterday up here in North Carolina. Then I turned on Dr. Charles Stanley this morning, and his message was about the same thing: Making an impact in the world for Jesus. Again I thought... the Lord is hitting me over the head~~ so I began to really think about the way I live my life, and if I were to die suddenly, how would people look back at me and my actions during my lifetime? What would my legacy be?

Have you ever attended a memorial service or funeral for someone you know and listen to testimonies from people you have never met, attesting to the dearly departed's strong faith and kindness. You may have always known they were a "good" person, but you never really realized the depth of their Christian faith. I believe that unless you make your faith evident to those around you and let your "light" shine before all men, they will never know that you love the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart and soul. You have to "SHINE" for Jesus.

Matthew 5:13-16 says


"You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is not longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven."

Doesn't salt make a meal more tasty? Just a little dash and everything tastes better! In the same way God wants to use those of us who belong to him to flavor the world. He doesn't want us to fall into sinfulness and let the world trample out our salt and flavor.

Dr. Stanley says it is the "will of God that believers have a responsibility to impact the lives of people in our life." I believe that is true. I want my light to shine. I don't want to put it under a bowl. Remember that great Sunday School song. "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine." I want that to be me. I want people to look at me and say, "There's something different about her, I don't know what it is, but I want what she has."

What I have is to be blessed with tremendous peace in the midst of any radical and crazy circumstances that are thrown my way. Life can get nuts, we all know that~~~ things just happen. Just when you think everything has settled down, something else will come up.

When things seem to be falling apart all around me, I lean on the only one who can truly help me; my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to earth over 2,000 years ago, born of the Virgin Mary, was persecuted and died for me, for you and for all of humanity. He shed his blood on that cross so that we may truly live and have forgiveness. He saved me then and he saves me now every time situations aren't what I expected them to be by giving me His peace that surpasses all understanding. It's something you can't get from the world, or from another person. It can only come from the Lord.

I have a dear friend who is battling leukemia. It's been up and down for her for the past 1 1/2 years since her diagnosis. I have been praying for her all along and encouraging her to stand strong. I got a message the other day from her best friend who has been going through this with her, right by her side all the way. What a great lady, Linda is. She told me,  'Stacey really wanted to make sure you know about this next visit to MD Anderson in Houston, so you can pray. She says you have a direct pipeline to God.'

Wow, I almost fell off my chair. I never thought of myself that way, and I was humbled and thankful. I want people to see my faith in action. I want everyone in my life to see Jesus in me. I want them to see my peace in the midst of trauma. I want my faith to be my legacy, and that made me know I was making an impact on someone else's life. Thank you Jesus! 

Philippians 4:6-7 says

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, and with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all human understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."


Anyone can have that peace. It's available to everyone who draws a breath. Just surrender your life to Jesus and let him be the Lord of your life and you will have it. Confess your sins, ask for his forgiveness and he will make you whole. He did it with me, and he will do it with you too. It's a promise, and God, the Creator of the Universe, doesn't break his promises.

With all my soul, I want my legacy to be my strong Christian faith. I want my husband, my children, my family and friends to be able to see God's love and peace in me. I want them to look at me now and remember me after I'm gone and say "She stood strong for Jesus. Even when times got really tough, she never gave up her hope or her faith in the Lord. She always lived her life for God."

                                                                 My family, fall 2010 in NC                     


My verses for today are above in red.

My prayer for today:

Dear Lord Jesus:

Help me to let my light shine before all men. Give me the courage and strength to witness for you and tell others about your tremendous peace and love. Help me to give salt to the world and flavor it everyday and in every way for you.

In Jesus Name,
Amen