Every one of us will leave a legacy behind when we die.  So the question is not "Will I leave a legacy?" But rather, "What kind of legacy will I leave?"  Psalm 1 is consider by many to be the gatekeeper or the entry into the psalms in both wisdom and theology. Wisdom comes from the experiences, reflections and redemption of the past. God wants us to be happy, but we pursue a different kind of happiness that is short term and self-absorbed. In Psalm 1 we encounter a wisdom that speaks of something deeper and more sustaining.   It is only when the legacy of Christ changes our character that we can begin to live and leave a lasting legacy. READ Psalm 1

I will teach you hidden lessons from our past— stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. – Psalm 78:2-4

A good life gets passed on to the grandchildren; ill-gotten wealth ends up with good people. Pr 13:22 (Msg) Happiness is a Spiritual CHOICE “Blessed is the one who does…” Happiness is not circumstantial but a spiritual PURSUIT “When the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” Matt 19:22 Happiness is ROOTED in JESUS Is it based on deeply held CONVICTIONS, backed by serious COMMITMENT, and demonstrated by CONDUCT “You planted eternity in the human hearts” Eccl 3:11 Living Water – the truth that God’s love and help are in Jesus Happiness is a BY-PRODUCT of your Calling Calling is living God’s way and joining God’s mission. Calling elevates your life from a series of random events to a purposeful life. Is it challenging, meaningful, costly, other-oriented? “Aim for heaven and you will get earth thrown in, Aim for earth and you will get neither.” CS Lewis  But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Galatians 5:22-23 (Msg) Sermon Notes: Sermon Notes 01.25.15 Legacy III Sermon Audio: Legacy 3 Pursuit of Happiness 1.25.15E Legacy 3 Pursuit of Happiness 1.25.15L Sermon Slides http://www.slideshare.net/steve4040/leaving-a-lasting-legacy