Leave a legacy

SCRIPTURE Psalms 112 1-6
1Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.
2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man
5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.

OBSERVATION
This psalm gives us two keys to a blessed life. Is it really this simple? There have been hundreds of books written on having an abundant life. Motivational speakers charge you extraordinary amounts of money to come and hear them talk about being successful in life. God's favor towards people who fear him is very generous. The man who genuinely respects God, delights in his Word and follows his commandments will have wealth and riches in his home. What is the secret to finding God's favor? I believe God makes it simple to serve with a joyful heart. Find joy in following commands not just reading about them. Cheerful obedience is the only acceptable obedience. I want to serve God out of joy not grudgingly. I want to praise God because of who he is! I want to be a person who is remembered as someone who delighted in serving God with a joyful heart.
APPLICATION
I believe that studying the commandments is a good thing, but it is a great thing when we actually follow them. Self righteous men praise themselves, but the person who has been made righteous by the Lord's grace and goodness gives all praise to the Lord. I want my children to be strong leaders and influential in our community. I want them to be blessed and to remember God's favor is upon them because their father delighted in God's commandments. Even though the world is getting darker, God's light will shine upon us because we belong to him and we serve him with all our heart, mind and strength.

PRAYER
Lord teach us how to fear you and follow your commandments. Give us a joyful and obedient heart. I know you have promised us your favor, and I ask for you to bless us and our children. There are no riches that can rival your love. Prosperity and peace we pray will be poured out on those who serve you with cheerful hearts. Guide us in doing right and help us to be righteous. Lord help me to leave a legacy that will glorify you.