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Some years ago I noticed an obituary in a prominent Terrier magazine. It read, "He was a good dog man". While this statement seemed highly complimentary to many in the dog show fancy, it left me feeling empty. I thought, "This is ALL a man's entire life comes down to?" While I must admit to some enjoyment and success in exhibiting champion showdogs over the last 37+ years, it saddens me to realize that showing, winning, judging, power and fame can be life's all-consuming passion for many in our fancy. The showdog has become their god....
My kennel name, "Legacy", was chosen from a song of the same name by Benny Hester. We will all leave a legacy when we are gone, but rarely do we stop to think about what that remembrance might be. I KNOW what I would like others to remember about me...and it has nothing to do with breeding or showing dogs. It is my deepest desire that everyone see past my many flaws and failures to a heart that wants them to have the same Peace, Joy and Hope that I enjoy despite worldly circumstances. No matter what this life brings, I am SURE of a future free from pain, tears, sadness, fear, sickness and turmoil. Oh, what comfort that knowledge brings! From Whom does this comfort come?
On December 14, 1980, at 9:09 pm, I became convinced, without a shadow of a doubt, that God loved me and offered me His free gift of Salvation. I accepted that free gift, not out of "blind faith", but because of the countless, infallible proofs in The Bible, archaeology in Israel and the evidence of changed lives. I saw my need for Him. It wasn't until I came to the end of myself that I looked up and found the beginning of Him. I finally realized and admitted that I was a sinner and that I could not do anything to make myself "good enough" for Him. But God, in His mercy, provided for my forgiveness. He took upon Himself the form of human flesh and walked among men. This sinless, Galilean carpenter changed eternal history through fulfilling Jewish prophesies, teaching sacrificial love, preaching the Good News of Salvation and being beaten, whipped and crucified as the final sacrifice; the true Passover Lamb of God. It was my sin and your sin that brutally nailed Jesus to that wooden cross. His blood poured down from His wounds to wash our sins away. He willingly endured doubt, betrayal, jealousy, hatred and the cruelest of sufferings purely out of love for you and me.
When we are forgiven, we are able to enjoy the fellowship He intended to have with us from eternity past through eternity future. This gift is free to us but it cost Him EVERYTHING. How can we reject so great a Salvation as this? I suspect that each of us might be willing to die in place of someone we love, but would we willingly do so for one who hated, betrayed, ridiculed and so savagely treated us? The Only, True and Living God of Israel did exactly that for each of us. God's LEGACY to us is Love, Mercy, Grace and Forgiveness. After many years of studying scripture and visiting archaeological sites in Israel myself, I am more convinced than ever that The Bible is The Word of God, our manual for life. I consider it a privilege and my life's purpose to share His message as my "Legacy" to you. Everyone has a god. Who or what is yours? Won't you commit your life to Him?
"For by grace (a gift you don't deserve) are you saved through faith (trust in Jesus); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works (anything you can do), lest any man should boast (brag)." Ephesians 2:8-9 (Parentheses mine)
He said He would rise again. The tomb was empty. "He is not here: for He is risen,..." (Matthew 28:6)
He said he will come again. He is "... Faithful and True..." (Revelation 19:11) Links-If you have questions, check out these sites: The Gift
Bible Topics
10 Reasons To Believe
The Resurrection
The Bible, Cults and FAQ
A Different Gospel
Promise Keeper's
Focus on the family with Dr. James Dobson
Christian Marriage & Family Home Page
Archaeology in Israel
Zola Levitt Presents
Jews for Jesus
Calvary Chapel Bible College
