Why Legacy?

We only have One Life - One Legacy that we can leave behind. We will live one life and by our actions provide the written material for our legacy. However, it will truly be written and interpreted by others after we have left this world.

So I ask myself, and I ask you, what is the legacy which you desire to leave behind?What did you write today in the chapter entitled "today"? Did you advance toward your desired legacy, or did you retreat? What you will become is who you were today.

As I write this blog I will be simultaneously challenging myself, and I trust challenging my readers to leave a legacy that matters. One that challenges and changes those you encounter daily and on your journey in life. You have One Life - One Legacy - make it count!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Pray First

Pray First!


A core value each leader should adopt is "Prayer must initiate and cover everything I do!" To lead without prayer is to lead down a bumpy road at best and tragedy at worst. Let's learn from today's teaching how to be a person of prayer!


"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (1:11)
• Stop looking back - Look forward! (As a leader I should never try to reinvent the past but pursue the heart of God for the future!)

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (1:12-14)
Pray in preparation for the filling of the Holy Spirit.

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
Be devoted to prayer.

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. Acts 3:1
Spirit filled leaders have personal disciplines of prayer.

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.... And now, O lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power, may miraculous signs and wonders be done though the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:24, 29-30
  • Courage is the fruit of a praying leader.

“and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." Acts 6:4

Leaders lead by prioritizing prayer over other things.

“and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.” Acts 10:31
Spirit filled prayers grab God's attention!

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23
  • Leaders are commissioned through prayer and fasting.

Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. Acts 16:16
  • Spirit filled leaders will encounter spiritual opposition.

His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8
  • Spirit filled people are open to spirit led opportunity

Application: Choose today to "Pray First" as you lead!

1 comment:

  1. Dwight, Thank you for your teachings! They are most encouraging and a great reminder me! Many blessings, Lisa C.
    coxfamilyupdates.blogspot.com

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